Chapter 7
I couldn't sleep that night. My mind was spinning with everything that has transpired that day. I was astounded that I had told her I loved her. I was even more astounded that she loved me as well. What was I doing? We barely knew each other! Certainly, there were parts of me, important parts…dangerous parts that she had no clue about. How could I profess my love and expect hers in return knowing that I had a whopper of a secret. If I let this relationship continue, I had to tell her the truth about myself. I wasn't sure that she could handle the truth. The truth was scary; straight form your nightmares scary! I could hear the conversation in my head:
"Edyn, there's something I haven't told you." My imaginary conversation was already filling me with dread.
"Jake I love you," Guilt warred with giddiness as I replayed the words she said as we shared our hearts that afternoon. "You can tell me anything."
Anything? Well, here it goes…
"I'm a werewolf!" Just thinking the words made me feel as if I were drowning. I gasped for breath as the scene played out in my head. I was born to fight…vampires. When I get really angry or there is a vampire around…I turn into an enormous, ferocious wolf. I am dangerous. I don't deserve to be around you, but…I love you. Edyn, can you still love me?"
At this point she would run screaming from the room to where Byron keeps his guns and come back to shoot me. At least in death I would find peace. I sighed. This was pointless. I couldn't actually tell her unless we had imprinted. How could I know?! No matter how far from home I wandered, the treaty was still in effect. Damn treaty! I love her! I should be able to tell her. I should…but I won't. I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts whirling in confusion. Maybe it was time to go home. I couldn't risk Edyn or her father discovering my secret, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep it hidden. What if we HAD imprinted? Surely I would know. Could I be this unsure about what was supposed to be the most significant experience of my unwelcome life as a werewolf? The events since my arrival at Jacob's Lake ran through my mind again and again. Edyn never once seemed unsure around me. She took me in…a stranger, huge, penniless, and half naked. The girl had guts and compassion. I couldn't lose her!
I let our conversation from earlier in the day flow through my head. How could it get better than that? Time stood still as I conjured how she looked as we stood at the cliff's edge. The sun reflecting the color in her hair. Her blue eyes so deep and calm, like a desert oasis for my parched soul. I was lost remembering how her lips felt on mine, when there was a sound at my door. I shook my head, pulling myself from my daydream, and was surprised to see Edyn standing there for the second time that day.
"Edyn?" I flipped on my bedside lamp, blinking at the light. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes." For once she seemed a little unsure of herself. "I couldn't sleep. I was wondering …well…can I sleep with you?"
"Sleep…with me?" Astonishment filled my voice.
"Not 'sleep' with you!" She giggled. "If I wanted to do that I would've worn something…sexier." She smiled seductively.
I couldn't help but take in her appearance. There she stood in blue and green plaid flannel pajamas. Stray curls escaped from a messy ponytail. She smelled fresh and clean, like she had just washed. Standing in my doorway, I could swear she was glowing! She was seriously the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Thank goodness she hadn't worn something she considered sexier! I could feel the color creeping into my cheeks. If I was going to let her stay with me I needed to get my thoughts under control.
"What?" She smiled angelically.
"Nothing," She arched her eyebrows at my response. "Okay…I think that you look very sexy in your flannel pajamas!"
I pulled her into my arms pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Whoa!" She pulled back and touched my forehead. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Sure, why?" I groaned internally. How was I going to explain my furnace-like body temperature?
"You feel like you're running a fever!" She pressed her hands on my cheeks, worry clouding her eyes. "Are you sure…"
"I've always had a high body temperature," I shrugged hoping that the half truth would suffice. "It's something that doctors have never been able to figure out! I guess you could say I'm a freak of nature!" I was definitely a freak. That part was true.
"Maybe it's in your genes," she murmured, stifling a yawn. My eyes widened in disbelief. It was almost like she knew…could she…her voice interrupted my thoughts. "Or maybe it's just 'cause you're so hot…as in good looking!"
"Ya," I laughed. "I am so good looking that it has to leak out somewhere. Maybe it's because you have me all hot and bothered in your flannel pajamas!" She giggled as she snuggled into my chest, yawning heavily now. "Come on sleepy, let's get some shut eye!"
I scooped her up, chuckling a bit as her surprise fought a war with fatigue. Sleep won out. She smiled up at me groggily as I carried her to the bed. I lay her down gently and climbed in next to her. She cuddled right up to me, fitting like she was meant to be by my side all along. It wasn't long before her breathing became deep and even. I kissed her softly on the cheek not wanting to disturb her when she whispered she loved me. My heart soared as I drifted into peaceful slumber.
I
