Chapter 64
LEAH Movement from somewhere brought me back to the present as my eyes flew open. My entire body was stiff, which made me stretch out my arms and move slightly while I let my eyes adjust to my surroundings. Looking around, I soon realized that I was in my father’s empty room. Every part of my body ached, which only made me realize it was my fault for falling asleep like I did. Who knew sleeping sitting up would make you that stiff? I sure as hell didn’t. My eyes went back to see what Tala was doing, which was sleeping. Her snores echoed in my head, making me wonder what she was dreaming about, but also where the hell do I go from here? Looking back, I heard a creak coming from the stairs. That creak gave everything away, especially to my father when I was a child. It was the indication that I was awake and coming downstairs. Many Christmases were like that. He would run to the bottom of the stairs to make sure he was ready for when I came down the stairs to see what I had gotten. I never understood why he did that, but now I do. He wanted to see my face when I would take everything in that he did as a father to make my Christmas special for me. He would go all out on the whole thing, even if it meant he would go without. I only noticed that happening as I got older. He would make sure he saved for whatever was coming up for us to do, or closer to the time. He never made a deal about it, which made me feel sad suddenly. Knowing my father always put me first, that I knew, but looking back now, I knew I could have done more than a daughter. I didn’t have to do any sport I wanted or if I wanted a new outfit. I could have done it myself by getting a job. 1 I had a job babysitting when I was younger. Lucy and I would look after the smaller kids in the street or people in town. We all knew each other in some way by someone close by, which was handy. Another creak on the stairs made me look toward the door and stare. A scent wafted toward me, which made me know it was Josh. When we were downstairs, Tala explained something about the scents every wolf had and Josh was like my mum’s somehow. It was sweet, but not enough for me to go crazy over. I stilled as the footsteps came toward the door and stopped. My eyes stayed on him, but keeping my breath even. I didn’t want him to come in here, not yet at least. I wanted some time alone, and those two were never going to let it be. Last night they found out I’m a wolf, just like them, and even met Tala. Part of me wondered if they had told my mum about us. Even if I told them not to tell her, it would be a dick move if they did, especially coming from these two. My eyes stayed on the door when I heard a light tap on it and the door being opened. Josh’s head appeared around it and looked around until he stopped on me. The corners of his lips curled up slightly into a smile. “Hey,” he murmured, pushing the door open. He stepped inside the doorway. “Lucian has gone to get some breakfast.” I said nothing but just kept staring at him. His eyes lingered on me for a moment, but sighed. “Leah,” he murmured. “I know you are still—” “There’s nothing wrong,” I blurted out, cutting him off. “I have not long woken up.” Josh nodded but moved from one foot to the other. He seemed anxious, or something. Why? “He’s not used to this,” Tala murmured in my head. “When the hell did you wake up?” I asked, keeping my eyes on Josh. “A while,” she said, moving slightly. “I pretended to sleep when you looked in on me.” I frowned, which didn’t go unnoticed by Josh. “What’s wrong?” he asked, stepping further into the room, but I shook my head. “Nothing,” I muttered. “Tala being Tala, I guess.” Josh stared at me and gave me a nod. The mere mention of Tala settled, which was odd. Before either of us could say anything, a door downstairs opened, which made Josh look over his shoulder before he looked back at me with a smile. “It seems your uncle is back,” he said, moving backward toward the door, but stopped to speak again. “Oh, I wanted to let you know I spoke to your mum,” he said, which made me tense slightly. Not knowing whether I should hear this or not as he continued. “She knows you are safe.” I gave him a nod but stared at him. What he didn’t tell her about us being a werewolf like her? Josh stared at me for a moment and went to leave, but I couldn’t contain myself. I wanted to know. “You didn’t tell her about Tala and me,” I blurted out, which made him stop and look over his shoulder at me. He shook his head before he spoke. “No,” he murmured. “I know you don’t trust me, but I would never go back on my word, and neither will Lucian.” I stared at him, trying to believe him, but it was hard too. “I have never lied to your mum before,” he blurted out, which made my eyes widen slightly. “So, once we know more about what is going on back at the pack, we can tell her then, or when you are ready.” I stared at him, wondering what to say. Josh stared for a moment and went to leave. “Thank you,” I blurted out, which made him stop, but he didn’t look at me. Josh said nothing and walked away, leaving me to ponder over what he had just said. My father was someone who kept my secrets, especially ever since mum left, but knowing what Josh said has made me feel slightly relieved but also a little off. I didn’t want him to lie to mum, but knowing he had made me wonder if he would be on my side when it came to going back there. Part of me was having a minor panic attack of even thinking about going back there, but the other seemed curious to see everyone.