Chapter 22

I was almost finished my work for English class and I was pretty proud of what I had wrote so far. I
didn't have anything to do after Jake left so I go stuck right in. I hadn't heard from him but I hoped
everything was okay. School was almost over so I knew Alanna would be here soon.

Saving my work I closed my laptop and got to my feet. Staying home sick from school seemed like a
good idea this morning but I was climbing the walls.

I was bored.

Boiling the kettle I made myself a coffee. The dark nights were coming in. It wasn't even half four and it
was already pitch black. I didn't like the cold but I loved winter. I loved the freshness of the air and how
it smelled.

Hearing my phone ping I made my way back into the living room. I was hoping it was Alanna telling me
she was on her way.

'Sorry honey running later than expected. There's money behind the fridge use it to buy dinner. I hope
you're feeling better'

I wanted to know what it was she was getting up to and where she was going. She was never home
anymore, I wasn't getting to see her as much as what I used to.

My phone started to ring.

Alanna was calling.

"Hello".

"Hey are you home? I'm just about to pull up".



"Yes I'm home just come in when you get here".

"I'll see you soon".

The tv was on but I wasn't really watching it. It was more just for some background noise. I was
scrolling through Facebook when she arrived.

"Brought you a little something". She grinned handing me a paper bag. I could already smell the
chocolaty goodness. She had brought me mini cookies and I couldn't wait to eat them all. "A little thank
you for making training a little easier this morning".

Taking a bite I frowned at her. Why was she thanking me? I didn't do anything. And training? What was
she training for?

"Whatever you said to Jake changed his mood completely. Wait has he been here today?". She asked.

"I asked him to go for coffee".

"You went on a date?". She grinned.

"No he came over for coffee. I took your advice about getting to know him". I shrugged.

"And?".

"It was nice Alanna, he's nice. It's weird because when I'm with him I feel safe. He makes me feel
things I've never felt before". I felt a bit embarrassed because I didn't really know him. How can I feel
this way about someone I knew nothing about. I couldn't understand exactly what it was that I felt.

"So you like him?".

I could feel my cheeks get warm.



"We'll see". I smiled.

"You so do, you like my brother". Making a face she went into her bag and pulled out a folder. "This is
from Mr Robinson. I went about your other classes but they didn't have anything for you".

I bet Mr Robinson only gave me work because I missed detention. Rolling my eyes I bit my lip as I took
it from her. "What about Mr Gallagher?". I was convinced he really didn't like me at all.

"He said he'll speak to you personally tomorrow". My stomach dropped. Of course he did. I wasn't
looking forward to that. "Whatever that means. So are you seeing him again?".

"Have you got plans for dinner?". I asked changing the subject. I didn't want to order takeout for one.

"Moms cooking". She sighed. "Family dinners so I have to go. Do you want to come?".

"Oh it's okay you-..."

"You're not eating alone. Go get changed I'll text my mom and tell her you're coming. She'll be thrilled
when she hears about you and Jake". She winked.

"Alanna". I warned getting to my feet. "We only had coffee stop making a big deal out of something
when it's nothing".

"Yet". She replied as I went to get ready.

I pulled on some clean jeans and a jumper. Brushing out my hair I pulled it back into a messy bun. That
would do, I was only going across the street. Reaching the bottom of the stairs I slipped my feet into my
UGG boots.

"How come I didn't know you wore glasses?". She asked handing me my coat.



"Because I don't wear them all the time". Putting my jacket on I went about making sure I had switched
everything off. "But I really should".

"Good to go?".

"Yes". Turning off the living room light I followed her outside. Making sure I locked the door and it was
secure. "Will Jake be here?". I asked as we walked the short distance to her moms house.

"Missing him already?". She smirked.

"No, he didn't seem in a good mood when he left earlier". I shrugged "And I haven't heard from him
since".

"He might be I'm not sure". Crossing the street I froze when I heard it. "What was that?". I panicked. It
sounded like the mournful howl or a cry.

"It'll be nothing". She brushed me off and pulled on my arm. "Come on". That was definitely not nothing
and then I remembered the conversation I had when Kane found me in the woods.

Surely there wasn't any wolfs around here right? Something was off I noticed that the day I moved
here. Shaking it off I followed Alanna inside.

"Leah". Her mom grinned. "How are you sweetheart?". She pulled me in for a hug and I was not
expecting it. She was so nice and welcoming.

"Hi Mrs Taylor I'm good thank you. I hope you're well".

"Call me Charlotte honey. Take a seat, would you like a drink?". She was the mom of all moms and she
was stunning. "Yes please water is fine". Taking off my jacket I hung it on the back of my seat.



I still couldn't get over how beautiful their house was. Their kitchen was massive you could fit mine
inside it. Tall ceilings and lots of open space. I loved it. "So are you settling in okay?". Placing my water
in front of me she went about the kitchen preparing dinner. I had no idea where Alanna had
disappeared too.

"I'm getting there". It really wasn't that bad, yes I still missed Florida but I was getting used to it here.
Day three and it was slightly better

"Everyone treating you okay?". She asked. I had a feeling she also knew I was struggling a little.
"Alanna was saying some of the girls around here haven't been that welcoming".

Alanna needed to learn to keep her mouth shut.

"Sorry to pry honey. Alanna has a big heart she just wants to make sure you're okay".

"Girls can be mean". I shrugged. I wasn't going to let it bother me anymore or at least I was going to try.
It wasn't worth it and if I wanted to hang out with Jake then I would.

"They can be little bitches". Charlotte stated. "But you're a strong one I can tell". She winked just as
Alanna finally graced us with her presence. "Alanna set the table your dad and brother will be home
soon".

My heart rate spiked a little. I was excited to see him.

"I'll help". I offered.

"No honey you sit there I need to talk to you. Alanna". She gave her a knowing look. "Set the table".

She wanted to talk to me? Talk to me about what? I was nervous, worried even.

"Do you like my son Leah?".



I didn't know what to say. This was his mom, she came across as the mother that would kill for her
family. She was fierce.

"We had coffee". I blurted out. My nerves were getting the better of me. I was so lame, I felt put on the
spot. "He took me for a burger". I added. Was it getting hot in here?

"So you've been hanging out together?".

"Yes". Taking a sip of my water I wiped my forehead. I was sweating. I had no idea what she was trying
to do.

"So you must like him then?".

"Mom".

He was here.

"What, I'm just making conversation". She grinned. "Go get cleaned up for dinner it'll be ready soon".

"Could I use your bathroom?". I asked needing a few minutes to myself.

"Of course you can honey, Jake show Leah where the bathroom is". Following behind him I couldn't
stop my heart from racing.

"I'll take you up stairs. My mom doesn't like anyone using the down stairs one". Rolling his eyes he
stopped at the top of the stairs. "Straight ahead I'm just going to get freshened up".

Closing the door behind me I took a deep breath. Turning on the cold tap I splashed some water on my
face in hopes I'd calm down. His mom really did put me on the spot. Rubbing some cold water on the
back of my neck I pulled the lid down on the toilet and took a seat.



I didn't want them to get the wrong idea about Jake and I. I liked him, he seemed like a nice guy but I
wasn't going to rush into something I wasn't ready for. Today was fun I enjoyed his company but it was
just coffee.

"Leah?". Alanna knocked on the door. "Are you okay?". Flushing the toilet I washed my hands. "Just
coming". It was just dinner, I'm sure I could get through it.

"I heard about my mom" She whispered. "I'm sorry, when she got wind about Jake taking you for a
burger she lost it. She's just excited. Jakes never had a girlfriend".

Wait what? How was that possible? He was beautiful.

"Never?". I asked.

"Nope he just fucks them and chucks them". She laughed. That screamed player to me and I wasn't
about to become his flavour of the month. "But they all seem to become obsessed with him. I swear he
brings a girl home and we have to force them to leave".

She wasn't doing a good job at selling him to me.

"Girls dinner is ready". Charlotte was plating up some food. Jake was already sat at the table his head
buried in his phone. I took the seat furthest away from him. I couldn't be angry at him for bringing girls
home and I wasn't I just didn't think he was that type of guy. Then again what did I expect when he
looked like a fucking model.

"I hope roast chicken is okay for you Leah". Charlotte placed a plate fit for a king into from of me. Did
Alanna also tell her mom I liked to eat. I couldn't wait to dig in.

"Looks delicious thank you". I didn't know where to start. I had a mountain of food on my plate.

"How is your gran liking the new kitchen Leah?". Jacob asked.



"She loves it we both do. You've done a great job and I can't wait to see what it's like when it's
finished". It was more modern now and my gran went with the colour blue.

"I'm glad". He grinned. "We're hoping to get it finished tomorrow. I'm just waiting for a few more parts to
come".

"She mentioned that". I smiled. "Thank you for helping us out I appreciate it". We wouldn't have been
able to afford it if he wasn't doing it for free.

"It's no problem at all. We're happy to help and once we finish the kitchen we'll start on the bathroom. I
think your gran has that all picked out too".

I didn't know they were doing our bathroom too. "I'm sure she has". Taking a sip of my water I started to
dig into my dinner before it got cold.

"Jake you know my rule". His mom sighed shaking her head. "Phone away when we're at the table and
that goes for you too Alanna".

Alanna slipped hers into her pocket but Jake was still glued to his. I wonder what he was looking at. It
was vibrating every few minutes.

"Jacob". She snapped.

Sighing he put his phone away and began to eat his dinner. I was feeling a little uncomfortable. He
hadn't said two words since I sat down. Something was obviously on his mind.

My phone started to ring. It could only be one person. "Sorry I have to take this it's my gran". Getting up
from the table I made my way outside.

"Hey gran".



"Hi honey where are you?". I knew she was driving, I could hear the interference in the back ground.
She had been out all day.

"I'm having dinner with Alanna and her family. Are you okay?".

"Oh that sounds lovely. I'm okay Leah I'm on my way home just now. Will you be home before I get
there I'm half an hour out".

"Not sure don't think so but I won't be late". I wasn't going to rush my dinner away. I didn't want to be
rude.

"Okay honey well I'll see you when you get in. I love you sweetheart".

"I love".. the line went dead. "You too". I sighed. I think we needed to have a conversation. I wanted to
know where she was going all the time. She didn't do this back home so why was she doing it now.
Looking up into the sky I noticed it was a full moon tonight, the sky was so clear. Heading back inside I
noticed Jake and his dad were no longer at the table.


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