“What kinda fucking shit is that? I’m not a full member, but I gotta obey full rules?” I should have known that Rondy wouldn’t back down. I could see him facing three of them.
The reply came from someone older with a deeper voice. “You want to keep your fucked up head on your shoulders, you’ll do what you’re told. Word is the Riots got hold of you, but you look good as new, not a scratch. You throwin’ our shit on the hood?”
How could the guy not notice the discoloration from bruises on the kid’s face? Then I realized it was dark and the idiot probably couldn’t see them.
Rondy took a step closer to the guy doing the talking and his voice rose. “You callin’ me a traitor?”
“You ain’t dead and word is that several Riots are. You helpin’ another gang we don’t know about?” A hard push to Rondy’s chest coincided with the words.
He stumbled back at the same time his hand came out and slapped the other guy’s arm away. “Fuck you. I’ll talk to Sheck, but I ain’t spillin’ my biz to you motherfuckers.”
The guy laughed and I figured it was a good time to cause a little commotion. I was about twenty-five feet away covered by dense foliage. The roar I let out wasn’t pretty. Keeping one feline eye on the group, I watched them practically jump out of their skins, including Rondy. My cat thought that was funny, but I kept her in check.
“What the fuck was that?” the guy who pushed Rondy asked while casting nervous glances into the trees.
“I’m not stayin’ around to find out,” one of the others said.
“You’re comin’ with us.” The bigger guy took a step toward Rondy and tried to grab his arm.
“Fuck you.” Rondy took off running straight toward me.
I let out another roar and the others took off in the opposite direction. I didn’t wait for Rondy. I needed my clothes and we needed to get out of here. Humans made a lot of noise and I could hear him running behind me. I could also hear him laughing between breaths. Crazy kid.
I shifted and had my pants on by the time Rondy cut through the trees and found me.
“Thanks,” he said while gasping for air.
“Those your friends?” I asked sarcastically.
“Kinda,” he answered, acting like he didn’t notice my tone.
“Your enemies try to kill you and your friends bully you. I think you need to sit down and re-evaluate this gang life you live.” I almost laughed at myself. Who was I to give him pointers on friends and gangs? I destroyed the friendship I had with my clan. They would search for me because they had to, not because they wanted me back.
Rondy’s fists clenched. “I can handle those pieces of shit. They weren’t going to hurt me, they just think they have more power than I do.”
“Humph,” I grumbled.
“What’s got your panties in a twist?” He rolled his eyes. “I said thanks.”
I couldn’t believe he’d lasted as long as he had. His smart mouth should have been the end of him long ago. I also didn’t understand why I liked him so much. He felt like pack, which was stupid. He was human. It was quite pathetic that I needed someone so badly I’d latch onto a human kid. And it was way past time for me to leave.
I pulled my shirt over my head and gazed up. Rondy was watching. He had the strangest look on his face as he took a step closer to me. I’m not sure why I stepped away. My back hit a tree and Rondy continued walking closer until he invaded my space. He lifted his hand and skimmed my cheek. I was so surprised, I didn’t stop him. He leaned in and his lips touched mine. My ability to think returned in a flash and I shoved him away. “What the hell are you doing?”
He took a few steps back and looked down at the ground, not answering.
“Rondy, why would you do that?”
He finally lifted his head. “You’re a girl and I’m a guy.”
Of all the stupid things he could say. “You’re a boy and I’m a woman. You’re too young for me.”
Stubbornness entered his voice. “I don’t think I am.”
Shit! This should never have happened. I had no feelings like that for him. He was a friend and still a kid even if his eyes were old. It struck me that this was exactly what I did to Dmitri. I threw myself at him and thought he should reciprocate. All my angst drained away and I scrambled for the right words, “I’m sorry, Rondy, but that kind of relationship between us won’t work. I can’t explain it to you, but I promise if you try to kiss me again I’ll remove a few of your teeth.” I hoped he heeded my warning, because I couldn’t back it up. He was my friend and I would never hurt him.
From the look on his face, he suffered a different kind of hurt—the pain of rejection, which I knew so well. I needed to get out of the state, but the thought of actually leaving him made my stomach flip flop. I was so pathetic; we’d only known each other for a week. But I craved the friendship Rondy offered. I didn’t want to be alone. I wanted to be part of a pack even if there were only the two of us.
Rondy turned and began walking back to the apartment and I followed. We stayed unnaturally quiet the entire way. My leg felt a hundred times better and though the two mice were barely a snack, it felt good to allow my wild side to take over. And miracle of miracles, no one died. Sad that I could count this as a good day. If it wasn’t for Rondy ruining it by trying to kiss me it would be the perfect day.
Rondy stayed lost in thought. I knew I’d hurt him, but there was nothing I could do but hope this didn’t end our friendship. I also knew he was hiding more than he let on. That was a human for you. Couldn’t trust them and couldn’t eat them. Truly worthless in the scheme of things. I sighed quietly because I didn’t believe Rondy was worthless at all. I stayed lost in thoughts of where I’d be now if I hadn’t seen him in that alley.
“Our food’s almost out.” He finally spoke when we arrived at his building.
“You got any ideas?” I asked because I could definitely eat and I was glad he was speaking again.
“Yeah, but you might not like it.”
That meant I wouldn’t like it. “What?”
“The lady at the food bank. She’ll feed us.”
“You don’t need me to get another food box. Just go without me.” I could use some time alone to work on my plans to leave. It would be easier if Rondy wasn’t around. Maybe I needed distance instead of latching onto him.
“No, she’ll cook for us, but her house is a long ways away and it’s not real safe to travel there. I think if we go now, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“She lives in Teo’s territory doesn’t she? Is that where you were coming from the night I found you?”
I had no trouble seeing in the dark and watched his cheeks turn pink.
He ignored my question. “Yes or no?”
“I don’t want to kill anyone.” I didn’t need any added chances that Dmitri would hear about it.
Rondy shook his head. “It won’t be safe if we don’t hurry. Are you in or out?”
Hell yeah I was in. I could only hope this lady was a better cook than Rondy. I didn’t want to complain, because he tried. If he owned spices, he didn’t know how to use them, but he turned me down when I offered to cook. I let him have his way because quite possibly I was worse at it.
We started walking again.
Chapter Seven
Talya
We continued at a fast clip toward the alley where I first found Rondy. Then we walked another thirty minutes. The sun was just coming up when we entered a slightly nicer section of town. Rondy unlatched a gate attached to a white picket fence. I followed him to a small enclosed porch that was unlocked. He slipped his shoes off and gave me a look that implied I needed to do the same.
He knocked on the door and we waited. It couldn’t be much after five in the morning and even I knew just showing up somewhere at this time was rude.
The woman who opened the door surprised me. She was old. Very old and fully dressed with her hair pulled back in a tight bun and pearls at her throat. Having her hair back accent
ed her round face and her smile showed slightly yellowed teeth, but it was still a pleasant grin. She wore a dress that fell to her knees, and everything about her was plump. Beastkind didn’t do plump. Our metabolism inhibited anything but possibly being too skinny if we didn’t get enough protein. She glanced at me before her smile turned to Rondy.
His face was bright red.
“Well don’t stand out on the porch, come in and bring your friend. It’ll take me a few minutes to get some food started. I’m surprised you’re up this early. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Sorry, ma’am. We’re hungry and almost out of food.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll feed you a big breakfast and send you home with some extras. I’ll be at the FB tomorrow, so come by and I’ll get you another box.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Rondy’s entire persona had changed since the door opened. No cursing, and he addressed this woman respectfully. I didn’t know he had it in him.
“Do you plan on introducing me to your friend?” She stopped walking, half turned, and now her inquisitive eyes rested on me. Her smile remained in place, but I didn’t quite trust it. Nothing was free.
“This is Talya. She’s staying with me while my mom’s out of town,” Rondy added quickly.
I was delegated to babysitter, but I didn’t mind. I saw her eyes shift to where my arm should be and her lips tightened. I didn’t want pity. Surprisingly, none showed in her eyes.
“Nice to meet you, Talya. You may call me Cecily, if you like. I can’t get this young gentleman to call me anything but ma’am.” She placed her hand out.
I stared at it for a moment, feeling weird for some unknown reason. I finally placed my hand in hers and she shook it with a surprisingly strong grip. My entire body relaxed at her touch. Cecily turned around and we followed her into the kitchen.
“Have a seat while I cook. Rondy knows I don’t like anyone in my space while I’m preparing food. I’m liable to clock you with a frying pan,” she said with a pleasant laugh as she buzzed around the kitchen pulling out pans and food. And thankfully spices.
“Talya eats a lot,” Rondy said to my embarrassment.
Cecily never stopped moving. “She won’t leave here hungry, don’t worry.”
She puttered around talking the entire time about what was happening at the food bank. Rondy obviously knew who the people she spoke of were. He remained respectful, but I had a problem keeping a straight face through some of it.
“And Mrs. Carson dropped an entire bag of rice on the floor. It spilled everywhere and we were all trying not to slip and hand out food at the same time. You know Mrs. Carson always wears high heels, so she was having a harder time than the rest of us. Tennis shoes, that’s what I wear and just for accidents like that. Some rice stuck inside the tread though, and it took me a while to pry all of it out once I was home.”
Rondy was nodding his head and offering an “uh huh” here and there. I looked down and noticed short socks on her feet along with tennis shoes. The lady was on the funny side of crazy but since she shook my hand I felt totally at ease. As she continued talking, an incredible smell began permeating the kitchen and my stomach growled.
Cecily missed nothing. “We’ll have that belly of yours full in a few minutes, honey. Here, take these if you don’t mind and set the table. Rondy will help you.” She passed me the plates and utensils.
I handed Rondy the plates because I had no idea where Cecily sat at the long table. I followed behind him and placed the silverware down. The entire experience felt natural. About ten minutes later, Cecily sat a large bowl of eggs, followed by hash browns, large slabs of ham, and a bowl of biscuits on the table. My stomach growled again and she smiled.
“Grace first and then you can eat, dear. Rondy will you do the honors?”
His cheeks pinkened again, but he surprised me when he lowered his head. “Lord, thank you for the food we are about to eat and thank you for bringing Talya into my life. Amen.”
What? Did I hear him correctly? He prayed for me. My adopted clan mostly believed in the Goddess, but respected deities of all religions. I don’t think anyone in my life actually prayed for me before. This too felt right and it was almost as if a calming energy floated around the room.
Cecily unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap. “Thank you Rondy, that was nice. Now it’s time to enjoy this food.”
I wasn’t sure what to do. Rondy handed me the bowl of eggs while he immediately grabbed the plate of biscuits. I scooped out eggs and took the biscuits from him after he took two. I followed his lead. Cecily handed Rondy the ham. We filled our plates and began eating. The food was incredible and something about sitting at this table reminded me of clan breakfasts when I was first with Nicolas and Zenya. Meals were important family moments to them and it seemed Cecily felt the same way.
No one spoke as we chowed down half our food. Cecily eventually broke the silence. “So, Rondy, what about school? Have you thought about going back?”
He kept his head down, looking at his plate, but he didn’t lift his fork. “Yes, ma’am.”
“This means you’re going?” Cecily smiled full out.
Rondy’s face revealed his answer. “No, ma’am.”
It surprised me that her smile stayed in place. She gave a small sigh and the warmth in her voice remained. “I see. Well hopefully someday you’ll see the positive side of receiving an education. Everything has a time and place. You’re smart and if you apply yourself you will go far. The world is patient, though, and you’re young. I know there will come a time when school won’t seem foreign and the walls fearful.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He still wasn’t eating.
“Eat up or the food will grow cold.” She turned her gaze in my direction, letting Rondy off the hook. “What about you? Do you value an education?”
“Umm, I… well… I was home schooled.” Not until my teen years because that’s when Vorlyk, a vampire, rescued me from the cat clan. His mate, Madayah, insisted we study and learn. It made no sense to me, but the schoolwork came easy and gave me something to do on their boring mountain in South America. When Nicolas and Zenya took us from the mountain, our new pack—a combination of wolves and female cats—was formed. Zenya had the same stupid ideas about education. She forced me to study American history, mathematics, and science.
“Do you enjoy reading?”
My tongue froze. It wasn’t a hard question, but the answer made me sad. I must have looked panicked, because Cecily’s hand extended and rested gently on mine.
“I’m sorry, dear. I don’t mean to pry. Eat up or Rondy will take seconds and we won’t get anymore.” Her words were soft and soothing as were her eyes.
It was strange because calm spread through me at her touch. I took another bite and then another. We all enjoyed seconds, though Cecily only put a small amount on her plate. I still out-ate Rondy, but it didn’t seem to faze Cecily at all. When we finished, Rondy stood and began clearing the table. I helped carry things into the kitchen where Cecily began washing pots and pans. She continued chatting about the food bank as Rondy and I dried dishes with soft drying cloths she handed us.
I looked around the kitchen and saw a home. A real home. It was small, though tidy, with shelves on the walls holding figurines and knickknacks. I wanted a home like this. A home and a family. It hit me hard and I swallowed back my emotions.
It wasn’t until Rondy and I left that I realized what else I wanted. Cecily had a calmness about her. A strength. I wanted that. I didn’t want to be Talya the clan wrecker.
Chapter Eight
Talya
I was still at Rondy’s apartment three days later. The first twenty-four hours after “the kiss” was strange, but then things went back to semi-normal. Every once in a while, I caught him looking at me with something more than friendship, but I ignored it. I taught him to play chess on an old boxed checkerboard/chess set with plastic pieces that he dug out from a closet. He caught on fast a
nd I realized Cecily was right, he was intelligent.
“So why don’t you go to school?” It had bugged me since our breakfast with Cecily.
His eyes snapped up to mine. “The school’s in Teo’s territory. It’s filled with Riots. I stopped going when they killed my brother.”
We’d had a lot of conversations about the rival gangs, though Rondy rarely mentioned his brother. I had to ask, “How did they get your brother?”
He looked away and his voice filled with pain. “He tried helping my mother on one of her many drug binges. She was staying at a Riot’s drug house and we heard they weren’t letting her leave.” I watched Rondy’s fists clench tightly and the muscles on his skinny arms stand out. “My brother interfered and he died. It happens all the time on these streets. Nothing even hit the news. Another gangbanger dead. Almost a reason to celebrate.”
I gave him a moment before asking my next question. “So why do you want to be a member of Sheck’s gang?”
He didn’t hesitate. “I want to belong.”
The words punched me in the gut. It’s what I wanted. It’s what I threw away. I was good at pushing aside the ache that was always there. I’d been thinking about my next statement since we came back from Cecily’s house. It was crazy, but the thought wouldn’t go away. “I need to leave here and get out of Colorado. Do you want to come with me?”
Rondy looked at me for a long moment and then his eyes traveled slowly around the apartment. His gaze came back to me. “Where are you going?”
“I have no idea. Away. As far away as I can run.”
Rondy’s expression changed. “I’ve never been to the beach. What about you?”
I kind of liked the cooler temperatures of the mountains and I didn’t want anything to remind me of the sweltering heat of the jungle. But the beach. I’d never thought about the ocean. “I could do that.” My heartbeat accelerated because he was actually considering going with me.
Fang Chronicles: Ivan Page 4