Upstairs, Simone’s bedroom served as my changing room as I tried on my new bathing suit. It wasn’t revealing at all and it fit me perfectly. It was a cute pink, white, and black two-piece number that left everything to the imagination. Even though it wasn’t skimpy, I still felt self-conscious about wearing just the bathing suit. I was contemplating whether or not I should wear shorts along with it when a knock on the door startled me. I dashed toward the bed to grab a towel and covered my lower body when the door opened and Simone stepped in.
“Well, look at you. You look beautiful.”
“Um…thanks.” Though Simone didn’t appear to be judging me, I still felt a little uncomfortable.
She smiled at me. “What’s the towel for? Are you cold?”
“No. Just a little self-conscious.”
She seemed utterly surprised by my words. “I have a hard time believing that. You have nothing to feel insecure about.”
“I just…” What could I say?
“Come on, everyone is already waiting by the pool.”
Stepping into my flip-flops, I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around my waist as I followed Simone down the hall and down the stairs. As we walked, I noticed she moved very comfortably even though she was wearing nothing but her bathing suit, and I wished I could do the same. It was obvious she didn’t feel any self-consciousness like I did.
Once we reached the door that led to the indoor pool, I hesitated. I was suddenly very nervous and completely apprehensive. My heart raced as I tried to picture Kyran’s face when he finally caught sight of me.
Before going in, I unwrapped the towel from around my waist and tossed it over my shoulder. Forcing a smile, I strolled inside as Simone opened the door. I spied Kyran and Alexis standing next to a small waterslide, which was surprising and impressive. They actually had a waterslide inside their house!
The moment I entered the room, Kyran and Alexis stopped their playful banter and stared at me. If I was feeling uncomfortable before, I was now even more so when I caught them openly gawking at me. Even from a distance, I could see Kyran’s eyes turn from silver to gray in a split second. I wanted to look away but I was having trouble breaking eye contact with him. Alexis murmured something to Kyran that I couldn’t hear because of the distance, and without taking his eyes off of me, Kyran nodded.
Not wanting them to see how nervous their stares made me, I turned to a bench at a corner of the pool and placed my towel on it. I took off my flip-flops and placed them underneath the bench to prevent them from getting wet. Realizing I had avoided them as much as possible up to that point, I turned toward Kyran and Alexis and caught them still staring at me. Their irises were no longer a light shade of silver but a dark shade of gray.
“What? Haven’t you guys ever seen a girl in a bathing suit before?”
Simone laughed as Alexis caught himself and turned to jump, cannonball-style, into the pool. He caused a big splash of cold water that unfortunately landed on me, soaking my body from the neck down. The water caused my bathing suit to stick to me like a second skin. He surfaced a few seconds later, coughing out water. He removed his long, thick hair from his face with one hand, and grinned as he caught sight of me, wet. He did that on purpose, and Kyran was enjoying the view just as much as he was.
“Thanks, Alexis.”
He laughed and began to swim away.
Kyran smiled and approach me as I stood there soaking wet and shivering. “Care to join me in the pool?” He extended his hand toward me and I placed my small hand in his large one.
“It’s not like I have much choice now.”
The door opened and Gage, Josephine, and Marquis stepped into the room.
“The food is ready, so whenever you guys want to eat just let us know,” Marquis said as he removed his shirt before plunging head first into the pool after Simone. I heard her squeal in the background as Marquis reached her and pulled her under the water.
“Ready?” Kyran asked, his eyes roaming over my wet figure.
“Sure. Just stop staring at me like that.”
A surprised look crossed Kyran’s face before he replaced it with a smile. “Sorry. I was just admiring the view.”
Oh, and he looked amazing wearing nothing but black swimming trunks. “Thanks, you’re looking pretty hot yourself.” Damn, did I just say that out loud? Judging by his broad smile, I guess I did.
“Let’s just get in the pool.” He chuckled softly as he pulled me toward the edge of the pool.
As I placed a foot on one of the marble steps leading into it, Alexis surprised me with another summersault that ended up soaking me from head to toe. I shrieked and jumped back.
“Alexis, you jerk!”
“You’re going to get wet anyway, princess.” He laughed and I glared at his retreating form as he swam away.
Not wanting to give Alexis another opportunity to splash me again, I hurried into the cold water until nothing but my neck and head were above the water. Kyran turn toward me with a smile, and placing both hands on my hips, he pulled me close.
“Kyran…”
No one seemed to notice our close proximity, as they were all tumbling and playfully shoving each other in and out of the water in another corner of the pool. I wrapped my arms around his neck and closed my eyes as our foreheads touched so I could relish our closeness as much as possible. I could hear laughter and friendly banter in the background as the rest of the Rousseau’s enjoyed a special family bonding moment. Even though I was completely aware of the other people in the pool with us, it still felt as if Kyran and I were the only two people there.
Kyran’s strong arms encircled my waist and for several long seconds we stood facing each other, our eyes closed, our hearts beating at a rapid pace, our bodies touching. Kyran leaned forward to plant a quick peck on my lips. Had we been together under any other circumstance the kiss would have lasted longer, but with his entire family present, a quick kiss was all that was allowed. But I savored it just the same.
“Are you two lovebirds planning on standing there all day?” Gage shouted from across the pool. Kyran and I looked up to catch the rest of the Rousseau’s gazing at us.
Feeling a little embarrassed, I started to step away but Kyran’s arms stopped me.
“If you don’t mind,” Kyran yelled back. “We’ll join you soon.”
Gage smiled and the rest of the family resumed their playful activities.
“You plan on having us stand here all day long?” I asked Kyran when our foreheads touched again.
“I plan to hold you like this for a little while longer. For as long as I’m able to contain the monster inside of me, I wish to touch you like this. I want to enjoy every breathing moment I have with you where the beast is momentarily compressed inside my body,” he whispered in my ear.
“Then let’s savor this time we have together,” I whispered back.
For several minutes, Kyran and I just held each other. We kissed occasionally, but mostly we enjoyed that moment of pure happiness and comfortableness that we had together where he didn’t have to fight to keep control of his hunger and where the rest of the world was momentarily forgotten.
About ten minutes later our growling stomachs reminded us we hadn’t eaten anything since early morning. We separated and called out to Marquis to inform him we were more than ready to eat. As Gage and Marquis left to reheat the food, Kyran and I joined the rest of the Rousseau’s to play a game of pool volleyball. I was paired with Kyran, while Josephine and Alexis played against us. Simone served as the referee.
“Take it easy on me. I don’t want anyone breaking my head with that ball,” I said, suddenly fearful that someone would hit the ball a little too hard and I would end up with a concussion.
They all laughed humorously.
“That’s right, guys, don’t get too competitive,” Simone said while eyeing Alexis.
“What?” he said, shrugging his shoulders.
I laughed at the innocent look he tossed Simone.
>
“Watch out for Alexis, he’s a big cheat,” Kyran whispered.
“Am not,” Alexis protested.
“Are too. Now shut up and let’s start the game,” Kyran retorted.
Alexis complied by being the first to toss the ball. The game turned out to be very enjoyable and extremely interesting. It also served as a learning experience for me. The one thing I could happily provide feedback on was how much Kyran seemed to enjoy himself. I’d never seen him laugh as much or let his guard down as much as he did then. Every time Alexis tried to cheat but was caught, Kyran would laugh his head off and make fun of him. Alexis only smiled and continued playing.
Trying to play volleyball in the water was proving to be a harder experience for me than for the Rousseau’s. They did better than I did, but considering they were werewolves and their reflexes were better than mine, I concluded the comparison was uncalled for. However, at the very last moment, I was able to hit the ball hard enough for it to pass in between Josephine and Alexis before they could get to it, thereby winning the game.
“How did that happen?” Alexis asked as he stared after the ball.
“See what you did?” Josephine protested while giving him a playful shove.
“Me? You didn’t get it either.”
Kyran laughed at the stunned look on his twin’s face.
“Better luck next time,” I said. I couldn’t help but gloat.
“Sorry, but you lost.” Simone grabbed the ball and waved it above her head.
Marquis chose that moment to open the door and peek inside. “Food is ready,” he announced.
Within minutes, we were dashing upstairs to change back into our casual wear so that we would all be nice and dry at the dinner table.
CHAPTER TWENTY
The dinner experience with the Rousseau’s was calm and pleasant. They were all in high spirits despite all the work they’d been forced into since the unknown pack of bloodthirsty werewolves were after me. I was even beginning to feel optimistic that the Rousseau’s would catch them soon and my life would get back to normal. At least I was hoping that would be the case. At any rate, I just had to wait it out and hope for the best.
After dinner, Kyran kissed me goodbye and promised to call me later. Gage drove me home that night since Alexis and Simone were supposed to keep watch over my house. I arrived promptly, thanking Gage for the meal and the drive home. I ran upstairs, took a long and relaxing bubble bath, then readied myself for bed. I made sure to wear long pajama bottoms and a long-sleeved T-shirt instead of a tank top in case Alexis slipped into my bedroom at night to watch me as I slept.
That day pretty much set the pattern for many days afterward. Kyran and I would spend many hours together watching movies, playing video games, swimming in the indoor pool. Whenever we swam in the pool, the rest of the Rousseau’s would pretty much leave us alone. However, as soon as Kyran kissed me, someone would come barging in, which was incredibly frustrating to say the least.
Kyran couldn’t go back to school but we still studied together every now and then in the privacy of his bedroom. I discovered that Kyran was incredibly knowledgeable about many things. It pleased me to see that not only was he gorgeous but that he possessed an incredible amount of knowledge about the world. It was a damn shame that he had to be locked in his house every day like a prisoner. But I knew it could’ve been worse.
Whenever Kyran and I were together, Alexis avoided us as much as possible. Wherever Kyran couldn’t go, Alexis was there with me. Alexis was soon becoming the best male friend I’d ever had. It surprised me to see how different Kyran and Alexis were, despite being identical twins. They were total opposites, like yin and yang, like black and white, like fire and ice. Where Kyran was always serious and moody, Alexis was always happy and smiling. Where Kyran preferred solitude and privacy, Alexis loved to have company and was very social, especially if there were girls around.
Pretty soon my life revolved around the Rousseau’s. Partly because I considered them to be like family despite the short amount of time I’d known them. Why the rogue ones needed me, or exactly what they needed me for, was a mystery that remained out of reach, because they knew about the Rousseau’s and kept in hiding somewhere where they wouldn’t be found.
All the atrocities these rogues had committed only served to fuel my already overloaded mind with worry of what was to come. I felt rather than knew that something was going to happen, and soon. I just didn’t know what. I kept those feelings to myself. The Rousseau’s were already working overtime. What with hunting for the rogue ones, taking care of Kyran, and protecting me, they had their work cut out for them.
However, something kept nagging at me. I had a suspicion that the rogues were conveniently biding their time for a reason. They hadn’t disappeared into thin air; they were hiding and waiting, waiting for the right moment to strike. I just wished I knew who they were.
A week had passed since that little incident between Alexis and Kyran in the Rousseau household and things had calmed down considerably. I was beginning to relax and let my guard down, which wasn’t a good thing, but I figured that as long as the rogue ones were still far away I could afford the luxury of some relaxation.
Friday morning as I arrived at school, my group of friends immediately approached Alexis and me. By the expressions on their faces, I knew they were excited about something.
“Good morning!” Tracy greeted us.
“What do you want?”
“God, what’s with the attitude? Alexis, what did you do to her?” Tracy winked at me and I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her.
“I’ve done nothing. I swear I’ve been a perfect little angel, haven’t I?” Alexis draped his heavy arm around my shoulders and pulled me tight against his body.
“Of course. Perfect angel.” I stifled a smile with the back of my hand. As annoying as Alexis could be sometimes, his good humor did have a way to cheer me up.
He grinned.
“So what’s going on? Why are you so excited?” I asked Tracy.
“You know my aunt Lisa who owns The Shack on Clearview Road?”
Of course, the local bar and grill, place of preference for anyone looking to get drunk. “Yeah, so?”
“Well, she’s having a big smash for my cousin’s bachelorette party. It’s a private event but we’re all invited.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me.
“Wait! I’m not sure I like this whole bachelorette party thing.” Alexis made a face that caused me to laugh.
“Calm down, lover boy, it’s not what you think. Believe it or not it’s going to be a very tasteful party since my cousin despises strippers. There’s not even going to be any alcoholic beverages at this event.”
“Damn, if that’s the case then why would I want to go to this party?” Claire asked while raising a hand as if she was asking a teacher a question.
“Aunt Lisa knows we’re under twenty-one, so she won’t serve us alcoholic beverages.”
“But no one would know.” Claire whined.
“She would know.” Tracy shrugged. “And her husband is a cop, so…”
“Why are we invited? I mean, I’ve only seen your cousin once and that was in high school.” I asked.
“It’s my aunt’s place. She always invites me to her parties. And since you girls are my friends, I’m dragging you along with me.” She smiled.
“I don’t feel like crashing a party,” Claire protested.
“My aunt and cousin know you’re coming and they’re okay with it.”
“Can I come?” Miguel asked.
“Sorry, darling, but you’re not invited.” Rosa ran her hand down Miguel’s cheek. “It’s a girls-only party.”
“Aw, that’s a shame! Hey, I could be the stripper if you want. Hell, I’ll even do it for free,” Alexis offered.
I looked up at Alexis and pinched his ribcage. He yelped in surprise and then rewarded me with one of his wicked grins. Everyone started laughing, including me.
“Don�
��t tempt me into hiring you, Alexis. I don’t think Marjie would like that very much.”
“Sorry, Alexis, but it looks like I’m going out with the girls alone and you’ll just have to stay home and wait for me to call you afterwards.” I winked at him and, as always, he grinned.
“Oh well, looks like I’ll have to stay home and wallow in my misery.” He pouted as if seriously regretting the fact that he wouldn’t be spending time with me.
“I guess we have no choice but to find something else to do, bro.” Miguel and Alexis headed inside the school ahead of us. The girls and I just laughed as we followed them inside.
As we marched toward the doors, I felt a sudden awareness hit me. My body became instantly alert as it detected something abnormal in the atmosphere. For a fleeting second, I could have sworn I was being watched. The hairs at the back of my neck stood up and I felt tingly all over. I stopped walking and turned to observe the parking lot. There were a few people still standing next to their cars talking, but no one was watching me. Because of the oncoming traffic behind me rushing to get inside, I had to step aside. Still, as I scanned my surroundings I didn’t see anyone that stood out but I could have sworn I was being watched.
The parking lot was nearly empty when I finally noticed a solitary figure amongst the cars. From a distance, I could make out a very tall man dressed all in black, with the hood of his sweatshirt draped over his head. My heart skipped a. I was pretty confident that I’d seen the man before. Just like that time at the restaurant, his head was lowered into his chest. I knew he was aware that I was watching him.
Marjorie… A voice coming from no particular place or person called to me.
My nerves were on high alert. I turned left and right, searching for the source of it, but I saw no one standing beside me.
Marjorie…
The voice came again, this time closer and louder.
Then it hit me—the voice was coming from him. From the solitary figure standing completely still.
“Marjie, what’s wrong?” Tracy’s voice startled me so much I jumped. I turned to face her for a moment before turning back to the area where the man had been standing. He was gone.
Secrets of the Moon Page 34