He must have heard something in my one syllable answer because he paused and looked up at me with a frown. “Is that all right?”
I shrugged. “I guess. I was just expecting Wyatt.”
Abraham snorted as he passed me by and opened his office door. “Last week you were mad that I couldn’t take you, and this week you don’t want me to take you. Which is it, Callista?”
I rolled my eyes and brushed past him. “Whatever, Abey. Let’s just go.”
He mumbled something about wishing he’d had brothers instead of sisters, but I ignored him as I shuffled down the staircase and out to his truck. We loaded up my things and made the drive down to Asheville in mostly silence. I knew he could tell there was something wrong, but thankfully he didn’t ask, and I didn’t offer an explanation.
“Give me a call when you’re done and I’ll be back to pick you up,” he said as he dropped off the last load of sample racks in the lab room.
“Okay. Thanks, Abey.” My brother turned to leave when more words came tumbling out of my mouth. “Is everything okay with Wyatt?”
He spun around slowly and eyed me. “I think so. Why?”
I toed the linoleum beneath my sneaker as I worked to avoid my brother’s inquisitive gaze. “He had to rush off last Wednesday and I haven’t seen him all week, so I was just wondering.”
My brother was quiet for so long that I looked up and caught his blue eyes watching me. It looked like he wanted to say something but then he turned away and cleared his throat. “I don’t think it was anything serious. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
I opened my mouth to argue further but bit my tongue before I could. If I pressed this, Abey would know something was up, and the very last thing I wanted to do was make him suspicious. My brother was nosier than any of my sisters, and when he knew a secret was being kept from him, he was relentless. It was better to let this go for now and try to find out more on my own.
“Okay. I’ll give you a call in a little while.”
My brother nodded and turned to leave. “I’m checking out some property down here, so I won’t be far.”
I waved him off and tried to push thoughts of Wyatt out of my head so I could concentrate on my work. That proved difficult, but I did my best to use my lab time wisely and not obsess too much about the werewolf that had been suspiciously missing lately.
***
Another two weeks went by without a single Wyatt sighting, and the only thing stopping me from marching down to his house was the fact that there was a full moon tonight and he had to show up. Unfortunately, that did nothing to make the hours go any faster.
“Callista, if you don’t stop bouncin’ your leg, I’m gonna sit on it.”
I ignored Del and shot another glance around the kitchen, hoping for the hundredth time that Wyatt would decide to get lunch at the lodge for a change.
“That’s it,” my sister said before standing up and walking over to me.
I looked up at her with narrow eyes. “Don’t you dare.”
Del smirked and slid onto the bench next to me, placing a firm hand on my knee. “I know it’s the full moon tonight, but jeez, you’re wound tight.”
I shrugged and shoved her hand off my leg. “I just need to run it off.”
“I hope that’s all it is. You’ve been a pain in the ass for weeks.”
I shot her a glare before looking around again.
“You expectin’ someone?”
I froze in place for a second before focusing on my plate. “Nope. Are you?”
“No, but I’m not the one actin’ all weird.”
“I’m not acting weird.”
“Who’s actin’ weird?” Evey said as she arrived at our table and set down her plate. Bea was right behind her and I winced internally. Now I had all three of them to contend with.
“Callie is,” Del answered.
“What’s up, Callie?” Bea asked.
I shrugged, my eyes glued to my plate. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“She’s been actin’ weird for weeks. Haven’t you all noticed?” Del asked our sisters.
Evey narrowed her eyes as she shoved a forkful of food into her mouth. “Now that you mention it,” she said around her half-chewed food.
I shook my head. “Evey. Wait until you’ve swallowed to talk.”
She rolled her eyes and made of show of swallowing before loading her fork up once again. “You have been more on edge lately, Callie. What’s up with that?”
“Again, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I glanced around the table and noticed each sister wore a different look of suspicion, all aimed at me and knew I needed to divert their attention or face an inquisition.
“Besides, shouldn’t we be talking about Del and how she hasn’t been home the past two nights?”
As I’d hoped, their eyes swung toward my colorful sister, who looked unimpressed. “So?”
“So, where have you been?”
“None of your business.”
Okay, now I was curious. Del usually had no problem kissing and telling, so if she was being secretive, there was a reason for it. “Of course it’s our business. We’re your sisters.”
Del shrugged and took a dainty sip of her water. “It ain’t. All you three need to know is I was havin’ fun and I’m home in time for the full moon.”
Bea, Evey, and I exchanged glances before I spoke up again. “Don’t tell me you were with another human guy.”
She hesitated, which was basically like she’d tattooed the answer across her forehead. Evey gasped and Bea ground her teeth as I watched Del carefully.
“Why don’t you mind you and yours, Callista McCoy?”
“Del, what are you doin’ hangin’ around human men?”
Del shot our youngest sister a look before shrugging a single shoulder and focusing on the liquid in her cup. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Abey wouldn’t agree with that,” Bea added.
Del glared at her before letting loose a long, loud sigh and leaning over to place both elbows on the table. “All right, look, since you three can’t keep your noses outta my business, I’ll tell you. I was with a human man the past couple nights, but that’s all it was. Some fun and now we’re done. Happy?”
“So, you’re not going to see any more human men?” Bea asked carefully.
The corner of Del’s lips turned into a smirk as she shrugged again. “Well, not that one, at least.”
Evey snickered from across the table as Bea and I shook our heads. “You know that’s dangerous, Delilah. What are you thinking?” I chastised.
She blew out another big breath. “I’m thinkin’ I don’t want all the strings that come attached to seein’ a werewolf. First of all, half of ‘em are just lookin’ for a mate and I’m movin’ so far in the opposite direction, it’s like we’re in different counties. And the ones not lookin’ for a mate are always up in my business. Wantin’ to know who I am and what pack I’m in. Soon as they find out I’m the alpha’s sister, they’re talkin’ about bringin’ me home to meet their mamas.” She stopped to sneer before continuing. “Count me the hell out. I’m just lookin’ for a little fun and human guys are where it’s at.”
“But what if you shifted in front of them?” Evey asked quietly.
Del tsked and flipped a lock of her pink-streaked hair behind her. “I’m not thirteen anymore, Evey. I can keep it contained long enough to have a little fun and then I’m gone. No harm, no foul.”
“Until there is,” Bea muttered.
Del shot her another glare before folding her arms across her chest. “Y’all are just jealous that I’m gettin’ some and none of you are. When’s the last time any of you even had a date?”
I could feel the color rising in my cheeks because my thoughts automatically turned to Wyatt. But that was stupid. I’d been adamant about our lunch not being a date. So, why were my palms sweating and my heart pounding just thinking about it?
At the thought of the missing werewolf, I glanced around the room again, hoping to catch sight of him. When a loud laugh erupted from the other end of the kitchen, my heart stopped in my chest. That sound was so familiar, I’d recognize it anywhere, even though I’d only heard it a handful of times.
When I found the source of the boisterous laugh, my shoulders slumped as I realized it wasn’t Wyatt, but his brother, Wes. I scanned the crowd around him, hoping I’d catch sight of the Carter brother I was looking for but came up empty. The dejected feeling trudged through my veins as my sisters continued to bicker. But then an idea came to me.
I swung my legs around and stood from the bench before I was stopped by my curious younger sister. “Where you goin’?” Evey asked around another mouthful of food.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” I said absentmindedly.
She growled softly and swallowed before speaking again. “Well?”
I glanced at her and then back toward Wes, who was loading up a plate of food and chatting with Ms. Elsie.
“I’m going to get something to eat.”
Evey glanced at the plate I’d already finished and back at me. “Didn’t you already eat?”
I swiped my dish off the table and shrugged. “Need to carb load for the full moon. Be right back.”
With that, I left before any more questions could be hurled at me. I dropped my dirty plate off with Aubrey at the sink before cautiously approaching Wes. He was still talking to Ms. Elsie and neither of them noticed when I grabbed a clean plate and started filling it.
I worried my lip between my teeth as I tried to figure out how to cut into their conversation and broach the subject I was there to talk about. Finally, when there was a short lull, I took my opportunity.
“Could you pass me a roll?”
Wes turned to look at me, his lips curling into a carefree smile. “Sure.” He grabbed a dinner roll off the mountain of bread and placed it on my plate.
“Thanks, Wes.” I bit my lip once more as he turned around and continued to pile food onto his plate. Before I lost the nerve, I opened my mouth and let the words rush out. “Is Wyatt around?”
Wes slowly turned back around, his face almost comically curious. “Wyatt?”
“Yeah. Your brother. I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“Have you been looking for him?”
I glanced away, focusing on spooning mashed potatoes onto my plate so he couldn’t read the truth in my eyes. That I’d spent every day of the past two weeks looking for him and I was done waiting. Finally, I shrugged and set the serving spoon down. “Last time I saw him he had to run off and I wanted to make sure everything was okay.”
I could feel Wes’ gaze on me, but I focused on carefully pouring the perfect amount of brown gravy on my mountain of potatoes.
Finally, after what felt like forever, he spoke. “Yeah, he’s fine. You want me to tell him you’re lookin’ for him?”
My heart skipped a beat before racing full steam ahead. “Um. No. That’s fine. I’ll just see him tonight during the full moon.”
I could still feel Wes’ gaze on me, so I dropped the gravy ladle and got the heck out of there. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of glancing at Ms. Elsie before I did and found a small grin on her weathered face. I chose to ignore it and instead walked back to my sisters with my shoulders so tense they nearly reached my ears.
I had no doubt Wes would tell Wyatt I’d been asking about him. What I questioned was whether that was a good thing or not. Did I want him to know I’d been thinking about him? Asking about him?
Is that something a concerned packmate would do? Because I needed to stay firmly on this side of that line. I couldn’t afford to think of Wyatt in any other way, and I definitely didn’t have room for anything more.
It was that thought that I let run on repeat in my head as I stuffed mashed potatoes in my mouth and watched the sun slowly move across the sky outside.
Chapter 11
Wyatt
“Will you quit fussin’ over me?”
I held in a sigh and continued to steep my mom’s tea. I knew she could do it herself, but I wanted to make her life as easy as possible. She hadn’t been doing great the past few weeks and it had me and Wes worried.
To make matters worse, tonight was the full moon and we wouldn’t be there to help her if she needed it. We weren’t going far of course, and one of us would stay near the house, but we wouldn’t have opposable thumbs for about twelve hours, so I was determined to do everything I could for her before the sun set.
“I’m just making you a cup of tea.”
“I can make my own damn tea.”
I just barely held back another sigh. “I know, Ma. I’m just doing what I can before I have to leave for the night.”
She shuffled up to the kitchen counter and took the mug and tea bag from my hands. “And I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself for one night. You boys worry too much.”
Maybe that was true. But neither one of us was willing to find out what would happen if we stopped worrying about her. She was the only parent we had left, and we were going to do whatever it took to keep her around as long as possible.
The front door opened, and my brother’s unmistakable scent of cedar hit my nose.
“What’s up, fuck face?”
My lips quirked into a smile as Mom reached out and slapped the back of Wes’ head. “Don’t talk like that!”
He shrugged, his grin not moving an inch. “Hey, Ma. How you doin’ today?”
She tried to keep the disapproving look on her face, but she’d always had trouble staying mad at her youngest son. He was like a big dumb puppy. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes and shake your head at his antics.
“I’m fine, Wes. But if you could get your brother to quit bothering me, I’d feel even better.”
Wes slung an arm around her frail shoulders, careful to make the action look carefree while also being extra gentle with her. “Ma, he’s just trying to help. You know we’ll be gone for a while tonight and won’t be able to help you if you need something.”
She shot him a sideways look and ducked out from underneath his thick arm. “Not you too.”
He smiled wide at her and I watched the annoyance fade from her face almost immediately. He had that effect on everyone, which is why he hadn’t had his ass kicked more often in his life.
“We just want to make sure you’re all set before we have to leave for the night.”
She rolled her eyes, but her lips slowly curled into a smile. “All right, all right. Fuss if you want. I’ll be in my room.”
My jaw fell open as I watched her slowly make her way out of the kitchen. “I said the same exact shit!”
“Watch your mouth,” she called over her shoulder.
I snapped my jaw shut and shook my head as I filled up the teakettle and wiped down the counter. “Unbelievable,” I muttered.
Wes laughed loudly and punched me in the arm. “It’s because it came from your ugly face. When I say it, it’s coming from a much more visually pleasing source and she doesn’t mind as much.”
“Oh, fuck off.”
“I said watch your mouth!” my mother called from the back of the house.
I lowered my voice, my head drooping with it. “How the hell did she hear that?”
Wes shrugged, a stupid smile still on his stupid face. “Mom magic, man.”
I rolled my eyes as I hung up the dishrag and turned to my twin. “So, you’re staying near the house tonight?”
“Yeah, I’ll keep an eye on the place.” I turned to leave when his voice stopped me. “How much longer we gonna do this?”
I sighed and faced my brother. “Are you a hundred percent comfortable with everyone in the pack?”
“I don’t even think I’ve met everyone in the pack yet.”
“Then, there’s your answer.” I spun around to leave when his voice stopped me again.
“I did have the pleasure of talking to one of
our packmates in particular tonight.”
I frowned at the wall ahead of me, wondering where he was going with this. “Okay…” I said slowly.
“They were asking about you, actually.”
My heart rate picked up and I swallowed. “Oh yeah?” I was still turned away from him, knowing if he saw my face, I’d give away how desperate I was to hear him say it was one packmate in particular. “Who was it?”
“One of the alpha’s sisters. I think her name is Kaylee or something.”
I closed my eyes and worked to slow my pounding heart before it gave me away. If it hadn’t already. “Callie,” I forced past my stiff lips.
“Huh?”
I took a deep breath and turned to face my brother, knowing that avoiding his eyes was doing more harm than good at this point. “Her name is Callie.”
“That’s right. She’s the weird one.”
A sudden burst of anger shot through my chest, taking me by surprise. “She’s not weird.”
Wes narrowed his eyes. “Isn’t she the one who’s always got her nose stuck in a book?”
I folded my arms across my chest and leaned against the counter beside me. “Just because she knows how to read and you don’t doesn’t make her weird.”
My brother tipped his head back and laughed loudly, breaking the tense spell between us. I wiped my damp forehead with my sleeve while he wasn’t looking and hoped I could make it out of this conversation unscathed.
“Anyway,” he said, and I bit back a groan knowing we weren’t done with this talk yet. “She said last time she saw you, you had to run off and she was worried.”
My heart took off at a gallop again and there was not a damn thing I could do about it.
Callie was worried about me.
Callie was asking about me.
Callie was thinking about me.
“Wy?”
I glanced up at the questioning look my brother was giving me. “Yeah?”
He narrowed his eyes and it was almost as if I could feel them piercing my paper-thin façade. “What was she talking about? When were you with the alpha’s sister?”
Thankfully, that was an easy question to answer. “I took her downtown for him once. Remember? I borrowed your truck.”
Chasing Callie (Southern Werewolf Sisters Book 1) Page 9