SNAKE

by Leal, Samantha

  “Come on,” she said, touching Jonah’s arm kindly. “I’ll show you to your room.”

  ***

  Jonah woke up late that night, startled by the nightmarishly familiar features of his childhood bedroom. It had been so long since he’d visited home that actually being there felt more like a dream, especially when he was only half awake.

  He got up and walked through the house and out to the back porch, grabbing a bottle of his favorite wine that just happened to be sitting in the kitchen and his cell phone on the way out. The moon was big and round, and Jonah gazed at it, lowering himself onto the porch steps. The wolf was feeling restless, obsessing over the woman that Jonah was refusing to allow it to claim. How had he managed to let Betsy talk him into taking a trip with the first woman he had ever felt so strongly toward? It was not only alarming, it was all wrong. He had to keep the wolf at bay. No matter what.

  Jonah was a Navy SEAL. He couldn’t let himself get caught up in a relationship with a woman who was probably going to just distract him from the mission at hand. It was far too important for him to make sure he was able to gather information about the bear shifters. If he was able to get an idea of how bad the situation with the Serah Stone was, then he would be able to work out a strategy to address it.

  The shrill sound of Jonah’s cell phone rang through the air and he answered it quickly.

  “Yeah?”

  “Lucas. We have a lead. I’m going to send you and Nichols the coordinates. Meet there tomorrow night, 2100.”

  “Yes, sir,” Jonah said. It was strange to hear the Lieutenant’s voice here of all places; especially so soon after waking and just getting his bearings.

  “The Stonybrooke Council has some information that should help you. That’s all I can say.”

  Before Jonah could reply, Gregors had already hung up.

  Jonah sighed heavily and headed back upstairs, his mind reeling. No matter how distracting his sister’s beautiful friend happened to be, he was just going to have to make sure he didn’t lose focus. There was a far greater mission he had to stay focused on. He couldn’t let being at home tear his focus from his job. If he did, there wouldn’t be any home left to come back to.

  4.

  Lyla’s chest tightened when she saw the familiar gate for the Lucas family’s property. She crept up the driveway in her car, the gravel crunching under her tires as she tried to calm herself. So she was going to spend the afternoon with a very handsome man who seemed to be able to see right through her, into her innermost thoughts and desires. That wasn’t such a big deal.

  The more she tried to calm herself, the more worked up she became. Lyla did her best to straighten her hair as she headed to the door, doing her best to remain calm. There was just something about him. Something that told her getting close to him might not be the mistake her brain was telling her it would be. Her track record with men had been disastrous, though. Why would she put herself through another meaningless relationship? Especially, when it could cost her the most valuable friendship she had ever had?

  Lyla pushed all thoughts of relationships out of her mind and got out of the car for the first time extremely nervous, when she knocked on the front door of the Lucas home.

  The door opened abruptly and through the screen door, she could see the tall, imposing figure of Betsy’s brother.

  “Good morning, Jonah.”

  Jonah blinked at Lyla for a moment before finally seeming to find his words. They never came, which hardly surprised her. He had made it clear the night before that he used his words wisely.

  Jonah nodded his greeting at her and pushed his way through the screen door, letting it swing shut behind him. He handed her the small parcel from Betsy containing the promises for donations from the local shops and continued along on his way, carrying the small stack of boxes to put said donations in, without another word. Strong and silent.

  Lyla shook the thought away. She couldn’t let herself be swayed. Not only was it just a bad time for her – she was trying to find her roots and cope with her grandfather’s death, after all…not exactly the time to be thinking about dating–but wasn’t it strange to be interested in her best friend’s brother? No matter how kind and caring Betsy was, it didn’t mean she would be comfortable with the idea of her best friend being interested in her brother. It was a remarkably ridiculous situation, and one she didn’t plan to put Betsy through.

  “So, how do you know Douglas?” Lyla asked as they walked to her car.

  “We were best friends in high school. Played football together.”

  “Ah,” Lyla said. “That’s probably why he’s coaching now.”

  “I didn’t realize that,” Jonah said. “I don’t even know what kind of business he owns.”

  “You’ll see. Then the two of you can catch up a bit while I run some errands, if that’s all right. I don’t want to rush you.”

  Although she wasn’t a full-blooded shifter, she could sense his relief, despite how well he tried to hide his emotions. Still, all he did was nod silently at her and they continued to the car.

  They drove in complete silence, both of them reluctant to break it until they arrived at the square. Without a word, Lyla showed Jonah the way to his friend’s store and stepped inside with him.

  “No way,” Douglas exclaimed from behind the counter. He fumbled to get to the door and gripped Jonah’s hand tightly in his own. Lyla was shocked by the brilliance of Jonah’s broad smile. If he let his pleasure show on his face more often, would anybody ever be able to say no to that man?

  “Good to see you, man,” Jonah said, slapping Douglas on his shoulder. “Nice place you’ve got here!”

  “Yeah, it’s exactly what I wanted,” Douglas said.

  Jonah took a look around and let out a low whistle. “I can see that.”

  The entire store was football related. Douglas sold gear, cleats, memorabilia, and even things like umbrellas and jackets for the people who were left sitting outside on the bleachers, rain or shine. Douglas had promised to donate some items for the auction that Betsy was holding on behalf of her organization, Shifters United, which held a monthly food drive and auction to raise money.

  There were several shifters who came down to Stonybrooke with nothing, just because they had heard about a good settlement for wolves. Every once in a while, a new person or family would show up, hoping to make a life for themselves in a place where they wouldn’t be persecuted by humans or bear shifters, and Betsy had done her best to make a home for them.

  Lyla had volunteered for Betsy’s organization when she had first moved to Stonybrooke. Since then, she and Betsy had grown very close, and she’d landed a paying position at Shifters United. That’s why it was her job to head up to see Douglas and gather donations from local businesses to help those in need. That’s how she had gotten stuck spending the afternoon with a man who made her forget which side was up.

  “I’m going to let the two of you catch up,” Lyla said. It would be better to get some space. Fresh air would probably do her good, and Jonah was probably feeling crowded with some human girl hanging on his arm while he spoke to his old friend. Besides, she had work to do. Lyla began to back toward the door, relieved to be parting ways.

  Jonah looked back at her quickly, his eyes flashing. Did he not want her to leave? No, that was silly. Why would he even care? She was probably just projecting her own feelings onto him, as inappropriate as they were. That was all the more reason for her to leave.

  “I’ll be back in about an hour,” Lyla said, grabbing one of Douglas’ business cards and scribbling her cell number on it. “If you’d like to join me or can’t find me, just call and we’ll meet somewhere.”

  “Sure,” Jonah said, taking the paper from her and holding it out away from his body, almost as if he didn’t want to look too closely at it. The man was handsome, but he was strange. It was better to give herself some space and clear her head, anyway. It was a good thing that other shops in the square had voluntee
red things for the auction. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know what to do with herself right now.

  “See you, Lyla,” Douglas said.

  Lyla waved and left the shop quickly, taking a deep breath of fresh air before walking briskly to the next place on her list, a hair salon she normally did everything possible to avoid. Not only did all of the fumes from the hair care products give her a headache, but it was also owned by Stonybrooke’s most obnoxious woman.

  “Lyla!” Cameron Davis exclaimed, her shrill voice ringing out through the wide walls of her salon.

  Lyla winced. She had been in Stonybrooke all of ten minutes by the time Cameron Davis had already informed half of the shifters there that somebody new had arrived, and that she smelled human and probably had some kind of scandalous history that needed immediate attention. But only behind Lyla’s back.

  In fact, when Lyla had arrived at the inn, the man in charge had reluctantly rented her a room, informing her that he had already heard all about her and that if she didn’t follow the list of rules he gave her, she would be kicked out immediately. Some places in Stonybrooke seemed prejudiced against humans, despite many great strides taken by active members of the community to make peace between shifters and humans throughout the country.

  “Hey, Cameron,” Lyla said, trying to hide her annoyance. Cameron seemed to enjoy getting under other people’s skin, so it would only serve her interests if Lyla let it show on her face just how unpleasant it was to deal with Cameron.

  “Who is that handsome man you’re hanging around town with?” Cameron exclaimed. “I might just have to get you to give me his phone number!”

  Lyla pursed her lips as patiently as she could manage and smiled tightly.

  “His name is Jonah. I just brought him up to see Douglas.”

  “You’re kidding!” Cameron squealed. Her green eyes flashed and Lyla immediately regretted speaking. “You mean he’s back?! Jonah Lucas?!”

  “That’s the one,” Lyla said, a smile frozen on her face. “Betsy thought it would be nice for me to bring him up while I collect the donations.”

  Hopefully, steering the conversation back to the original purpose for Lyla’s visit would be enough to get Cameron out of gossip mode. It was worth a shot anyway.

  “Oh, the donations…”

  Cameron’s smile faltered and for the first time since seeing her, Lyla’s smile became real. Cameron was a notorious penny pincher. Everybody knew the only reason she had agreed to help Betsy’s drive was to look good. But the actual act of parting with her merchandise was clearly paining her.

  “Yeah. Greg said they would be ready today.”

  “Right, of course…”

  Cameron disappeared into the back and Lyla sat down, knowing it was going to be quite a long time before Cameron figured out what it was she was going to be willing to part with. Betsy had worked with Cameron once before, so Lyla was familiar with what to expect. Instead of feeling hurt or agitated by it though, Lyla took a chance to get off her feet.

  The day before, not only had she helped Betsy to get her feast on the table, but she had been walking all over Stonybrooke asking for pledges and donations, and handing out invitations to the event that Betsy was hosting that weekend. It was a lot of work, but there weren’t a lot of other people who were willing to do it. And it was a worthy cause.

  Finally, Cameron emerged with a small basket filled with samplers of shampoos and conditioners and other odds and ends. Lyla took the basket graciously from Cameron, who looked as if she was expecting a medal, and smiled.

  “Thank you, Cameron. I hope to see you this weekend.”

  “Of course!” Cameron exclaimed. “I can’t wait to see what my donation will raise for the needy.”

  Lyla did her best to bow out gracefully and continue the rest of her rounds. By the time she had visited the other stores at the square, her legs were tired and her trunk was full of donations for the auction. She sat down in the driver’s seat and closed her eyes, and before she knew it, she had slipped into a light sleep.

  Lyla woke suddenly, startled out of sleep by the feeling of being watched. She looked around groggily and found herself electrified by Jonah’s eyes looking intently at her from in front of the car. He raised an eyebrow and a look, almost like a smile but not quite, lightened his face.

  “Are you ready to go?” he asked. He didn’t move, but she could hear his deep voice as clear as day from the open window.

  “Yeah. Are you all set?”

  Jonah nodded, and he got into the car, closing her in with his rugged, masculine scent.

  Lyla closed her eyes one last time, trying to calm her nerves. It had been startling to wake up like that, with this handsome but brooding man staring at her. She could tell the wolf in him was strong but tightly controlled. She often encountered men who had very little control over the beast within them, but there was something different about Jonah. Something very disciplined.

  “Tired, huh?” Jonah said, unable to hide the amusement from his voice, despite the stoicism in his handsome face.

  “Exhausted, actually,” Lyla said. Her stomach growled loudly and this time, a small laugh escaped Jonah’s lips. Deep. Hearty.

  “I could go for some lunch,” he said, stretching casually. Was he starting to loosen up around her? She could only wish. He seemed like a strikingly confident man. He was probably comfortable anywhere.

  “Great,” Lyla said, though inwardly, her stomach was knotting. “Is there anywhere you would prefer to eat?”

  “Is Maurice still in business?” Jonah asked. She could tell by the way he said it that nowhere else would do for him. Fortunately, Maurice had been busy feeding Stonybrooke for the past twenty years and counting, at least.

  “Of course,” Lyla said. “He has the best fries for miles.”

  “Amen to that,” Jonah agreed.

  Lyla couldn’t help but smile as she made a U-turn. It was just a casual lunch. Nothing special. Whether she was attracted to Jonah or not, she just couldn’t let herself think too deeply into it. It wouldn’t work out.

  “Maurice’s it is,” Lyla said.

  5.

  As soon as he walked through the door, Jonah was stricken by the incredible scent of Maurice’s cooking. Because of their heightened senses, shifter cuisine was top-notch, and Maurice had managed to perfect it in a simple way that even humans could enjoy.

  “Jonah?”

  The sound of Maurice’s voice struck Jonah hard. It had been a long time, and Maurice was one of those guys who managed to make it feel like he truly cared about you, no matter what you’d gone through. When Jonah had lost his parents, he had spent a lot of time with Maurice, who seemed to act unofficially as a mentor for young shifters with troubled backgrounds. He was a great man, in Jonah’s opinion. An unsung hero.

  “Maurice,” Jonah said, smiling broadly.

  “I can’t believe it! You’ve grown so much! And your power…”

  Jonah shook his head modestly. That kind of attention always made him feel a little uncomfortable. That was partly why he was so comfortable in the SEALs. It was work he could do well but do without credit. Behind the scenes was his ideal; being the center of attention just wasn’t the kind of thing that he enjoyed.

  “How have you been, Maurice?”

  “Not bad,” Maurice said, his blue eyes glittering as he led Jonah and Lyla to a booth. “Have a seat. What are you drinking?”

  Jonah glanced at Lyla, and she smiled shyly. “Just water for me, please.”

  “And let me guess. Jonah will have the apple juice.”

  “Damn right.”

  Lyla laughed, a sudden musical sound that made Jonah’s heart pang despite itself. There was something beautiful about her voice, whether speaking or laughing. But it wouldn’t do him any good to focus on that. He turned his attention back on Maurice.

  “Here are a few menus,” he said, giving Jonah a wink. “I’ll be back soon to take your order.”

  Jonah held the menu in
his hands and gazed around the familiar establishment. The booths were the same as he remembered, but some of the interior was different. The tile behind the counter was red now, not brown, and the pictures hanging on the walls had multiplied in number. A few he remembered were missing. How strange that a place could be so similar, and yet so different. It felt surreal, in a way, to be home after all this time, holding the familiar laminated menus with Maurice’s name splashed over the cover.

  “Are you all right over there?”

  Lyla’s voice reached him and the sudden vulnerability he felt was shocking. But he wasn’t the kind of man who talked about how he felt. He would rather die than say he was feeling nostalgic.

  “It’s just weird to be home,” Jonah said. “That’s all.”

  “I understand,” Lyla said with a light laugh. “It’s so weird for me to be home that I moved here.”

  “I didn’t think you were a native,” Jonah said, though there was something about her that seemed very much at home in Stonybrooke. Whether she was human or not, she seemed to fit right in. That was rare. Especially, when it came to Cameron Davis and her welcoming party. Any human who moved to Stonybrooke without already having a claim to a native shifter, as far as Cameron was concerned, anyway, didn’t belong there and she was adamant about making that much clear.

  “No, not at all. Though, my grandfather was. And considering he practically raised me when my parents were out of the picture, too caught up in their own lives, I was raised as a shifter. But I know I’m not, not really.”

  Jonah scoffed. He had encountered many purists out there who felt as if anybody who couldn’t shapeshift may as well not have shifter blood within them.

  “That’s a pretty close-minded view. Don’t let other people tell you who you are or which part of your identity to value more. All right?”

  “Right,” Lyla said, a pink flush coloring her cheeks. Jonah gazed at her for a moment, the wolf ready to go right across the table, to make her his, but he shook the urge away. There was no way he could possibly allow himself to give in to the wolf. Not this time.