by S. L. Hess
“Thanks Hali,” Laney called to her retreating back. Hali gave a backwards wave.
Laney shifted in her seat so she was facing Devan. He stuck a spoonful of ice cream in his mouth his attention out the window. Laney checked out the view and saw Jarrod staring their way with a very unpleasant expression on his face. Laney was going to ignore him as long as he wasn’t bothering them.
“You really didn’t want to go out there, did you?” Laney asked, spooning up a small bite.
“What do you mean?” Devan asked distractedly.
“You’re not the only one who can see things about a person.” Devan’s head swung back in Laney’s direction and his head was cocked questioningly. Good; she had his attention. “You were quite relieved that you didn’t have to leave the jeep and possibly socialize with anyone.” Laney licked off some strawberry syrup that got caught on her lip.
“I’m not a crowd person.” Devan retorted in an inexplicably deeper voice. “They make me feel claustrophobic. The noise and smells become overwhelming.”
Devan’s response made Laney feel selfish. She’d only been thinking of herself when she’d dragged him here; wanting to spend more time with him.
“Why did that make you sad?” Devan asked.
Not surprised at his astuteness Laney focused on her cup of ice cream, stabbing it apathetically. “I feel terrible, making you come here. I was trying to do something nice for you and it turns out you hate it.”
Looking up Laney saw Devan reform his facial lines into bogus pleasantness. “What are you talking about; I’m having a good time.” He stuffed a heaping scoop of ice cream into his mouth.
Laney couldn’t help the small grin at his attempt to make her feel better. “Liar, you’d probably rather face that wolf again.”
“I might not want to be here.” Devan pointed out the window with his spoon. “But I do want to be here.” He redirected the spoon to the inside of the vehicle.
Laney smiled at the sentiment. “Really?”
“Really.” He answered gruffly.
They stared at each other and hopefully the smile on her face wasn’t too goofy.
“How can you bare going to school?” Laney asked.
Devan sighed. “The classrooms aren’t that bad, it’s the hallways that get unbearable at times; everyone yelling and the scent of multiple bodies in one place.”
“I’m surprised you even go to school; you’re obviously smart enough not to and you could pass for eighteen. Why even bother?”
“Brett believes it will help me to become better acclimated to the world.” Devan’s gaze was roaming the parking lot again. She’d already took note that he was always alert to his surroundings.
Laney looked around and observed all of the heads turned in their direction. “We seem to be drawing a lot of attention.”
“Well, you did kill a wolf this morning.” Devan remarked with a twitched to his lips.
Laney scowled. “Yeah, right. Well; you’re the new kid.” She threw back, smiling darkly.
“I’m sure they all have an infinite number of questions for you.” Devan said austerely.
Laney couldn’t believe it; Devan was teasing her. He was usually so serious all the time. She narrowed her eyes. “And I’m sure they’re waiting for me to introduce you to them all.”
He looked horrified. “You win.” He consented quickly.
Laney acknowledged her victory with a nod and a small smirk. “Don’t mess with the bull; you’ll get the horns.”
Devan cocked his head. “Is that an idiom referring to cautiousness?”
Laney laughed. “Yes; beware sharp tongued women.”
“You’re very sure of yourself.” Devan smiled.
“I’m a teenager, so of course I think I know everything; although, you probably have more of a claim to that statement than I do. You seem more knowledgeable than the average teenager, or adult.” Laney reclined back against the door and scrapped the last of her ice cream from the bottom of her cup. Devan was doing the same to the humongous cup he’d gotten. The boy could eat.
“My physical makeup wasn’t the only thing altered.” Devan remarked soberly looking back out the window.
Laney felt like crap at having brought the mood down again. She reached her hand over and touched his arm not wanting him to be distressed about anything he revealed to her. “You know that you can tell me anything and I won’t think less of you because of it.”
Devan didn’t say anything just looked out the window.
She hated to see him looking so solemn. “I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised at the arrogance of men. The degree to how far men will go to play God…I’m just glad that He watches over the arrogance of men’s hands.”
His gaze lanced her way. “You’re referring to your Christian God?”
Laney smiled at his technical terminology. “Yes.”
“And you believe your God was in some way watching over my construction?” He asked skeptically.
Laney could understand his unbelief. “I can understand why you don’t believe in God. Your entire upbringing has been focused on everything science and combat. But yes; I do believe God had His eye on your conception and formation.”
“So from you viewpoint I’m here because He allowed it?”
Devan’s question was voiced impersonally, like this was a theory or hypothesis he was conjecturing.
“I believe the only reason any of us are here is because He allows it.” Laney answered frankly.
Devan frowned. “But why me, and not the other’s before me?”
Laney gulped at that question, and at the faint touch of feeling attached to it. He was affected by that thought. “How many experiments came before you?”
“One thousand and twelve.”
She swallowed again in astonishment. To think of that many human embryos being experimented on was kind of sickening. Her attention wandered to the surrounding parking lot. “I wondered the same thing about my mother. Why her? But only He knows what the future holds and what events will shape our lives. My mother’s death brought about a change in me that will affect my entire future, and in correlation those I interact with.” Laney returned her attention back to Devan. “Your existence, I can positively say, has impacted my life; then there’s Johnny’s life and I’m sure Brett’s has been affected.” Laney grinned sardonically. “Jarrod has even been influence by your presence. And when I say impacted I’m not just talking about saving mine and Johnny’s life; meeting and getting to know you…you’re incredible, and it’s not because of your DNA.” Laney’s skin heated at her confession, but he needed to know he was amazing.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Devan’s eyes connected with hers and time in the jeep seemed to stand still. The look in her eyes was no longer sad, but timid, with a touch of something else he couldn’t identify. Whatever it was he felt immersed in it and the emerald green depths of her eyes.
The commotion continued outside of the vehicle, but Devan barely registered it. What he did register was that a heady fragrance was beginning to saturate the air around them. Breathing in deeply he felt the blood in his veins speed up and the pumping of his heart quicken in tempo. A flame ignited in the center of Devan’s abdomen spreading swiftly. His entire body warmed significantly… and instantly, causing the empty cup in his hands to become in danger of slipping from his suddenly slick palms.
Devan recognized the scent; he’d smelled it previously in her presence, and he now admitted to himself what it was…pheromones.
The animal in him was responding instinctively to it. The human part of him was confused and alarmed by it.
The abrupt silence that had descended on the jeep and the internal struggle warring inside of him were both broken by Laney’s breathless voice.
“How about I take care of our cups and then we can go check out your, slash, my kill.” She reached out and grabbed his empty cup, stumbling out the jeep hurriedly.
Devan watched her walk away in shock.
This whole time he had been deluding himself that the only relationship he sought with Laney was one of friendship. The animal in him wanted something much more―which wasn’t at all possible.
Laney reach the trash can, but she hadn’t made it there alone; several of her peers surrounded her. She had left the door to the jeep ajar so Devan was able to easily hear the bombardment of questions.
“Laney, you have to tell us what happen?”
“I saw that wolf jump through the window, it was crazy.”
“It’s amazing that you weren’t hurt.”
“Is it true you killed it?”
Devan observed this with conflicted emotions. He was sorry that she had to answer all the questions by herself, but he was at the same time grateful he wasn’t in the middle of it.
She seemed to be handling it tolerably; although, her smile did appear strained.
“Hey, too many questions at once.” She laughed. “I’ve already told the story a million times and I would rather not go through it again. Anyway, I’m sure you’ve already heard the story from others. It couldn’t have been far from what I would tell you.”
They continued, ignoring her request.
“It’s just so hard to believe you were able to kill it. I saw it when they brought it out, it was huge.” A red headed female commented.
“Yeah, being in the same room with that wolf would have put me in hysterics,” reported another of the females.
“I definitely would have been screaming my head off,” another added.
“So, what’s with the new guy?” The change in topics came from a different female, a brunette, also around the same age.
All heads turned his way as they waited for her answer. Devan looked in the opposite direction.
“I came across him as I was out on the trails and I thought I would show him the local diner.” She shrugged her shoulders as though this was something she would do for anyone.
Devan felt that twinge in his stomach at the idea of her thinking of him as she did everyone else. He was pleased she regarded him the same as any normal peer, but a deeper part desired separate feelings from those she felt toward everyone else. It was illogical and Devan wasn’t at ease with illogical.
“What’s he like?” The red head again. He might not being looking their way but he’d already catalogued the tone of each voice.
His ears perked up wanting to hear what she thought.
“He’s a really great guy; quiet, but a good guy.” She revealed.
“He looks hot, especially wearing those glasses all the time. A bit dark and mysterious, you know.” The redhead continued.
To his disappointment Laney’s reply was interrupted by Hali walking into the assembly. “You vulture’s, give this woman some breathing space for pity’s sake.” Hali began dispersing everyone with authority, they left with obvious reluctance. It was remarkable, the control she had over others, especially in one so small.
Hali began pulling Laney back over to the jeep. “We need to get you back to your…”
“Hali!” Laney interrupted. She was looking in his direction and her face was anxious and pink.
This reminded Devan that he hadn’t received an explanation as to why she had been getting anxious earlier. But he was diverted from this again as a police cruiser drove by. This wouldn’t have overly concerned him but he watched it continue down the street and stop in front of the vet’s house.
By the time the girls reached the jeep Devan had it started and in gear. Laney gave him a quizzical look.
“We have to get going.” He said.
“That sounds promising,” Hali remarked.
Laney didn’t ask any questions just gave Hali another hug and hopped in. Devan reversed out of the parking spot. He noted Jarrod’s gaze following them all the way out, with notable hostility. It left an unpleasant feeling of foreboding in his stomach.
“What’s up?” Laney asked.
“I’m not sure; the police just turned into the vet’s.”
Driving past the house Devan executed a u-turn, and then parked across the street. Looking down the driveway he could see a woman and a male police officer conversing in front of the clinic’s open door. Their conversation left no doubt that someone had broken in.
“What do you think happened?” Laney whispered, as though afraid someone might hear.
“Someone broke in.” Devan didn’t whisper, but he did say it quietly. His thoughts were inundated with possibilities.
“You can hear them?” She breathed quietly.
Devan gave a nod of concurrence.
Laney leaned in his direction, as though being closer to his window might allow her to hear the exchange better. Her loose hair brushed against his hand; it was as soft as he thought it would be. The voices across the street refocused his attention.
“I came home and it was just gone. The door broken in, the place trashed, and the animal gone.” The vet cried in disbelief. “Who would do this?”
“I have no idea Wilma, but we’ll find out.” The officer promised, patting her on the shoulder. Devan had to wonder if he should really guarantee such a thing, statistically most thefts were never solved.
Laney poked him in my arm. “What’s going on?” she whispered impatiently; realizing no matter how far she leaned over she still wasn’t going to be able to hear.
“The wolf’s body has been stolen and the clinic trashed.” He quoted.
“Who would have done that?” She breathed in amazement.
As if answering Laney’s question Wilma put forth an inquiry. “You don’t think the Brown’s were involved do you?”
“We’ll look into it, but I don’t see them doing this. They like their own kills.” The officer replied, taking down some notes.
“This doesn’t make any sense.” Wilma walked furiously back into the clinic and the officer followed her.
“Who are the Brown’s?” Devan turned to Laney whose face was extremely close.
She jerked back. “The Brown’s?” She repeated with a frown.
“They mentioned the Brown’s might have had a hand in this.”
Her expression lit up with comprehension. “The Brown’s are our local poacher’s. Is that who they think did this?”
“The vet asked, but the officer was doubtful.” Devan relayed. “Do they poach for food or for pelts?”
“I’ve heard they use all parts of the animal. They’re a family that lives off the land for most of their needs. They come into town about twice a year to sell their wares and to stock up on supplies. I can’t think how they would have heard about what happen today.” She commented uncertainly.
“It’s possible they have a police scanner, but would they come all the way into town to pick up a dead wolf. And why would they destroy the vet’s clinic?” Devan mused aloud.
“You want to get in there, don’t you?”
Her question didn’t surprise Devan this time. He was good at adapting and it seemed he had adapted to her out of the blue comments, and her insightfulness of his character.
He gave her an affirmative nod mixed with an apologetic expression. “I only need a few minute.”
A small grin crossed her face. “I can get you that,” she pledged readily.
Suspicion and apprehension flooded him at her eagerness. “Oh really. What’s your plan?”
“Merely to distract while you sneak in and get a look,” she assured artlessly.
Her innocent expression had him even more worried. “How are you going to do to distract them?”
“I’m going to go up and talk to them,” she slowly articulated, as if he were slow. She was smiling so he didn’t get too offended by her words. She continued, “I’ll draw them away from the building so you can get in and out without detection.”
He couldn’t find fault with her logic. It was simple. Not a lot could go wrong with simple. “That’s a good plan.”
She jumped from the vehicle before he had a chance to stop her and headed for the d
riveway. Devan growled at her impetuousness but followed suit. Dashing up to the house he went around back waiting for her to draw them out.
Devan faltered as he reached the back yard, catching the familiar scent of the wolves lingering heavily in the air. He hadn’t caught it out front because the wind was blowing in an easterly direction.
Why would they have been here? They should have been far from town with all the commotion in the woods from people out looking for them.
Devan shifted these thoughts to the back of his mind for later scrutiny when he heard Laney call out. Darting to the shadowy corner near the back fence he waited.
“Ms. Wilma,” Laney had stationed herself in the middle of the driveway so that when they came out they would have to come to her. Very smart and calculated on her part.
The vet and the officer stepped from the building their faces at first displaying suspicion, but this was dispelled as they recognized Laney.
“Laney, what are you doing here?” Wilma asked, stepping from the building.
“I saw the police car and wondered what was going on?”
“Wilma had a break in Laney.” The officer stated. It figured the cop knew her as well. Everyone was on first name bases around these parts.
“Wilma, are you alright? You didn’t get hurt or anything did you?” Laney put just enough distress in her tone to cause both adults to surge forward in response.
“No honey, I’m fine. It happened when I was out.” Wilma responded in a motherly type of attitude.
When they had both walked far enough away from the building Devan slipped in behind them. Laney glanced his way briefly before redirecting it toward the duo walking toward her.
Slipping silently in through the open doorway Devan was immediately overwhelmed by the scent of canine lupus. There were of course other scents he couldn’t identify, but the fact that the pack’s scent was everywhere excessively disturbing.
The interior of the clinic was turned upside down. Everything that had once been on the counters was now on the floor either ripped apart or in shattered pieces. The cold storage area that had housed the body of the dead wolf was indeed empty, with the exception of the tarp it had been lying on. Scrutinizing the cement, Devan found faint streak marks indicating that something had been dragged from the room. Even fainter were the paw prints alongside those marks.