The Pull

by Amber Lynn

  “I figured you would. So, are you washing or drying? We probably have three minutes before she tries to pull into my drive, but is stopped by your truck.”

  “I’ll go start washing, while you open the front door for her, unless she has a key to let herself in. I locked it when I went out earlier.”

  “I’m not that crazy, but she can walk around to the back of the house and come in that door.”

  Jack picked up my bowl, putting it on top of his plate, and headed for the sink. I hurried to follow behind. He hadn’t made any noises when he found all the various items he used to get breakfast ready, so I was curious just how familiar he’d made himself with my kitchen.

  He started filling the right side of it up with water and soap. As small as the kitchen was, he fit in it well. Getting us both in it was a little bit questionable.

  “How attached are you to this place?”

  I had grabbed a towel and was standing off to the side as he worked around the kitchen, collecting pans and knives he’d used to stick in the water. It was easy to get caught up in watching his movements. They were so fluid they reminded me of a dance.

  “I’m sure I don’t want to know why you decided to ask that, but I’m used to moving around, so I try not to get too attached. What’s a werewolf’s lifespan?”

  “It can depend, but usually a couple hundred years. I’m not exactly sure how that’s going to match up with you, but I’m still in my twenties, so we have tons of time to get to know each other.”

  A loud banging on the front door stopped me from revealing how old I was. I didn’t have a good handle on how long I’d live, since I supposedly didn’t know what I was.

  Jack handed me a plate to dry. Neither one of us called out to Abbie to tell her to come around to the back of the house. She’d figure it out on her own eventually.

  “How do you feel about dating older women?”

  “If she’s as beautiful as you, I don’t mind one bit.”

  The doorknob on the back door turned, and without knocking Abbie walked into the small entry area. I didn’t bother looking over as Jack handed me a frying pan.

  “Oh god, you’re both wearing the same things you did yesterday. He spent the night.”

  She made it sound like the world was coming to an end. I wanted to laugh, but I kept focused on my task and pretended she hadn’t stormed in to disturb our morning.

  “Technically, I wasn’t wearing this apron yesterday,” Jack pointed out.

  I could see a smile spread across his face. The apron was kind of cute, but I thought it looked better on me.

  Jack handed me the silverware he’d used and I finished drying and putting them away. The whole process took less than five minutes – much less time than it took me when I had to do everything myself.

  “Oh god, he’s being all cute about it. You didn’t sleep with him, right? I mean you’re wearing clothes and not pajamas.”

  “Does she start every sentence with those words?”

  Jack had a lot to learn about my best friend. If I couldn’t scare him away, I was pretty sure Abbie would do her best.

  “It depends on the day. Friday is definitely an ‘oh god’ day. If we continue the conversation we were having, I’m sure eventually she’ll disappear.”

  Two mornings with Abbie in a row was unusual. I had no problem getting up around seven to start my day, but she usually slept in since she didn’t have to report to work.

  “We were originally talking about how this kitchen isn’t big enough for us and I was wondering how long it’d be before you were ready to move into something a little roomier.”

  I held back a laugh as I heard Abbie growl behind me. If she thought she was going to scare a werewolf with her very sad attempt, she had a lot of practicing to do.

  “So that’s where the talk about how attached I was to the place was going. Where exactly do you live? We’ve already established that I find you a very comfortable pillow.”

  I didn’t plan on rehashing the whole conversation we’d had, but riling Abbie up was something I rarely got to do, and I was enjoying myself. I hadn’t even looked to see how red her face turned from realizing we were talking about moving in together.

  “As lame as it sounds, I live out at my sister’s place. She’s got acres of land out there, and a house big enough for ten families. I don’t expect you’ll want to live with her ever-growing family, so maybe we’ll build a house of our own.”

  I couldn’t help seeing how Abbie took that news. I knew Jack wasn’t joking, but I knew the oddity of him suggesting we build a house together after knowing each other for a day was more than Abbie could take.

  She hadn’t fainted, but I could tell oxygen was having trouble getting to her brain. It seemed to all get stuck at her eyes, which were bulging out just a tad.

  Unlike Jack and me, she’d managed to find some clean clothes. Her green dress was still fancier than her usual attire, making me wonder if she’d read some more cards and still found love in the air for her.

  “Isn’t that sweet, Abbie? He’s already planning for our future.”

  “He’s some kind of witch, is what he is. You hate anyone with an appendage hanging between their legs, and most females. You have your house warded so people you don’t like can’t get within two blocks of it. How in the world is him being here okay?”

  I knew Jack wasn’t exactly an average werewolf based on the conversation I’d had with him and his sister, but I didn’t think he was a witch, or that he was using magic over me to convince me I liked him.

  “It’s not like I’m shouting from rooftops that I’m in love with him. I can’t speak for him, but we’re still getting to know each other.”

  “So you aren’t planning on moving in with him?”

  She took a few deep breaths and calmed herself down. It wasn’t fun knowing that the person you consider your closest friend thought that you falling in love with someone was the end of the world.

  “Not today, and probably not tomorrow if we have to have a house built. How long do you think it’d take you and your brother-in-laws to get it done?”

  I looked back at Jack, who had taken a place directly behind me. The furnace of heat coming off him made the small kitchen feel like a sauna.

  “You’re giving us a little too much credit. I could make us a lovely mud hut relatively fast, but the house I envision you living in will probably take a month or so, and the building would be by professionals.”

  “See, we aren’t rushing into anything at all. I am happy you reminded me about my perimeter. I’m guessing that’s why we weren’t attacked during the eight to nine hours I was sleeping on top of you.”

  Abbie didn’t seem satisfied when I looked in her direction. I knew she’d warned me that werewolves stink and all that hogwash, but spending time with Jack wasn’t as scary as she made it out to be.

  “Tell me you at least did a reading for yourself last night. I tried again this morning, and you’re still a blank slate.”

  I hadn’t gotten around to reading Jack, so turning my ability on myself was never really in my plans.

  “You know I hate looking at myself and what the future holds. Did you read Jack? I’m sure he’s a fun read.”

  She shook her head and lifted her hands up to her hips. “I tried him and his friend Harry, but got nothing. I assume that’s because wolves aren’t in my wheelhouse for some reason, but that doesn’t explain you going off radar.”

  For a second I wondered if I would’ve been successful trying to read him. I’d already been able to pick up information, so I assumed it was just Abbie’s lack of power.

  “If I was to ask you the same question I did when we met, what would your answer be?”

  The question came from Jack, and he seemed hesitant to ask it. I had to turn around to see him in order to answer, so I found myself like a spinning top once more as my bare feet pirouetted on the floor. Eventually I’d have to figure out when my shoes had gone missing. They seeme
d to be doing that a lot.

  “Do you honestly think anything has changed? You didn’t explain why you were satisfied with my response. Most guys like to hear they’re going to have kids. At least I assume they do, I haven’t had a ton of people come ask me.”

  “Just answer the question.”

  In hopes of getting him to clarify his response, I went ahead and opened up. It would give me practice for when his family showed up.

  It only took a second for my brain to expand out and connect with his. I didn’t usually have any troubles, but it was a little easier with him. I imagined that was because of how open he was for me.

  The first time it was easy to see there weren’t any kids in his future. The second time I immediately started getting images of children. Three little boys and two girls, who all shared Jack’s black hair and green eyes flashed before my eyes.

  “How’s that possible? Nothing should’ve changed the number overnight.”

  Before I could say anything else, Jack’s phone was at his ear. I hadn’t seen him take it out, or him hit any buttons.

  “How soon can you get here?”

  “Good morning, Jack. I noticed you didn’t make it home last night.”

  “I don’t have time to be cute, Nikki. How long will it take you to pack up the crew and get over here?”

  “What happened? I know he didn’t attack you. I verified her protections were good myself.”

  I wanted to know what had happened too, but Jack didn’t look like he wanted to hear anything other than his sister telling him she was on her way.

  “She says I’m going to have kids. I’m only coming up with one reason why that would be, and I need you here to tell me there’s another reason.”

  “I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

  I didn’t think Nikki was going to say anything else, not that she could if she wanted to. Jack ended the call and put the phone in his pocket.

  “Are you going to explain what that fit was about?”

  I thought the words, but Abbie was the one who said them.

  “It doesn’t concern you.”

  Jack continued to stare at me. I’d seen the little flecks of gold in his eyes, and he’d warned me that they could change. Knowing it could happen didn’t prepare you for when his eyes turned a solid gold color.

  “But it does concern me, and whatever it is has made your eyes turn gold. I’m guessing that means you’re angry, and I’d like to know why hearing that you’re going to have kids pisses you off.”

  “It’d be better if you wait for Nikki to get here and explain things. Something has changed and I’m not ready to accept it.”

  “You’re not passing it off this time. I can stand here in this kitchen all day waiting for you to tell me what’s going on. If I don’t get some kind of answer within a minute, I have other ways to find out what you’re hiding.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest to prove I meant business. He talked about not being afraid of me, and we were going to find out just how much he worried about me dropping my barriers and using my magic at full strength.

  He shook his head and closed his eyes. “I’ll tell you why it upsets me, but you’re not going to like where I limit the explanation. You’ll probably want your friend to take a little walk for this.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. You’ll have to physically remove me if you think I’m not going to hear what in the world has you about ready to sprout fur.”

  Jack opened his eyes and looked hopefully at me. There was something he didn’t like about Abbie, and I had a feeling it had to do with her not being magical enough for him.

  “Just tell me what the problem is.”

  “Fine. You and I can’t have kids together, so if you saw a future where I had rugrats running around, it more than likely means you’re dead.”

  Chapter Eleven

  No one said a thing for at least a minute. I was stunned stupid, Jack was waiting to figure out my reaction and who knew what Abbie was up to. I was surprised she didn’t start right in on something.

  “See why I thought it was better to wait to say anything. I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but I have it on good authority that you and I can’t have kids together. I heard Abbie mention she wasn’t able to read you last night, and thought it was a fluke, but hearing it again today made me consider other possibilities.”

  “And you don’t think the change means you lost interest in me?”

  Hearing someone predict your death was unnerving. There had to be another reason why his future would change.

  “I don’t see that happening. Can you read your own future right now? Nikki’s on her way, and I’m sure either her or someone with her will be able to figure out what’s going on, but I’d feel a lot better if you could reassure me until then.”

  “Can I ask who Nikki is? I haven’t heard of any witches in the area using that name.”

  Abbie finally found her tongue, only to ask a question that didn’t move the conversation forward. I was sure she’d been around when Nikki had been brought up, so I didn’t feel the need to jog her memory.

  “I can try to do a reading. Depending on how much I have to push for answers, it could mean I can’t read whoever you wanted me to read later today.”

  The same trepidation I felt about reading the wolves reflected on myself. I didn’t purposefully look to my future, even though I got glimpses every once in a while. As locked up as I kept myself, getting through to see where things lead wore me out just thinking about it.

  “That’s what I was afraid of,” Jack said as he nodded his head. “I can wait ten minutes for them to get here.”

  “Who’s Nikki?”

  We both ignored Abbie and I asked my own question.

  “Are you worried about anyone getting in their way? He can’t get in the perimeter, but he may stop others from trying.”

  Jack snorted. “I don’t care how powerful he is, there’s no way Nikki won’t make it through. You met her, so you know how she is. I almost feel sorry for the guy if he tried to get in her way.”

  “Her husband is the same way, right? I know how strong she is, but I’d feel better knowing there were two strong forces, just in case.”

  I worried about the kids I assumed they were still bringing along. A tornado picking up their SUV and crashing it down in the street couldn’t be healthy for little ones.

  “Who is Nikki?” Abbie asked again, sounding more persistent.

  “I’m Nikki. It sounds like my reputation is again proceeding me.”

  I didn’t feel her, or any of the seven other people standing next to her in the doorway to the living room. They were like ghosts, which was hard for my mind to process. Nikki stood with a huge man with blond hair on one side and a slightly smaller brunette man on the other.

  The wall of adults blocked out what was hiding behind them. I could feel Jack’s partner in the mix, which was a little surprising since he’d indicated he wouldn’t be there.

  “How’d you do that?” At least Abbie had found something else to ask.

  Before the question was answered, the mask keeping me from feeling my visitors was lifted, and the power behind it about knocked me on the ground. I knew Nikki was strong, but there was someone in her group even stronger, and I didn’t think it was either of the men standing by her.

  “It’s just a little trick I picked up. How much have you told her, Jack?”

  Nikki dismissed Abbie’s presence and focused in on her brother. The dismissal wasn’t going to sit well with Abbie, but there were more important things to think about. Like my impending death.

  “Only what I had to, since she wouldn’t wait.”

  “And knowing you, that means you told her she was going to die any second.”

  Nikki stepped into the room, leaving a hole so I could get a look at the little girls who had been standing behind their mother. It looked like Harry was stuck holding the baby, because neither of the other adults had one in their hands.


  The little girl with blond hair intrigued me a little more than her sister, who looked exactly like her mother. There was something about the knowing expression on the fair-haired girl’s face that made me think she was the power source in the room.

  “She’s even stronger than I thought,” the tiny girl said as she studied me. For seven, she probably wasn’t that tiny, but she was a little smaller than her sister. “You guys haven’t let me get close enough to really gauge her power before.”

  “And it seems everyone has been hiding you from me. What’s your name?”

  I couldn’t believe she’d been living anywhere near me, let alone frequently visiting a restaurant less than a mile from my house.

  “I’m Selina. This is my sister Sierra,” she said, pulling her sister as she stepped forward. “Our two little brothers are in the back there. Jakob doesn’t talk much, but Niklaus will talk your ear off if you let him.”

  It was hard not to smile at Selina. I could tell she was trying to calm the room down. She couldn’t move far into the space because of the adults already filling up the kitchen.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Selina, Sierra, Niklaus and Jakob. I assume you’re Vik and you’re Paul, since you’re the only one who could’ve provided Selina with her honey locks.”

  The men nodded as I pointed in their directions. Everyone in the group looked more put together than I would’ve after speeding across town. I assumed if they lived on an acreage, it had to be outside the town proper.

  I’d turned around to face the guests, and Jack moved behind me, placing his hands on my hips. I wasn’t sure he should show possession like that when I was just meeting his family. It made me afraid of how they viewed me.

  I heard a male chuckle, but I wasn’t sure which one it was. All I knew was it didn’t come from behind me.

  “You haven’t spent too much time with werewolves if you’re worried about how Uncle Jack acts. Mom told me why we had to rush over here. Something has changed and he’s afraid you’re going to die,” Selina said.

  “That’s what he claims. Do you think the guy he’s trying to protect me from could kill me? Or do you think it’s something further into my future that’s my demise?”