Chapter 18

It wasn't that I was afraid to meet Tannar, it was figuring out what I was going to say to him. As soon as Josh had mentioned meeting Tannar, I was determined to speak to him. Now I just had to figure out what to say.

The front door of the house shot open as soon as my feet hit the pavement. The alpha stood in the doorway, his fists clenched by his sides. Josh stood a little straighter, pushing his shoulders back. I tried to take my hand from his, but he held it firmly. "Joshua," Peter growled. "You deliberately disobeyed me."

"If someone had told you to stay away from Mom, would you have listened?" Josh shot back, his eyes narrowing.

Peter's eyes glanced once at me as his lips pressed together in a firm line. "Joshua, there are perks ta bein' Alpha, but there're also disadvantages. Sacrifices that have ta be made fer the good a the pack. She is a liability that I cannot risk. You two are not mated. How do I know that she ain't gonna go scamperin' off, blabbin' our secret ta everybody who'll listen, huh?"

Josh's limp hand rolled into a fist. "Dad—"

I wrung my hand out of his and stepped forward, my hands dancing nervously. "Mr. Alpha, sir, um, I, uh…" the words came in a furious rush, and then they were gone, just like that.

I heard a slight triumphant chuckle behind me from Josh. Peter gazed at me, curiosity written in his eyes. "Uh…" I began, glimpsing back at Josh, who nodded in encouragement. "Please don't be mad at him…"

I glanced down, biting my lip. There was a moment of silence before laughter clouded my ears. I looked up in confusion to see Peter laughing, his hand clutching the door knob. Josh snickered behind me and I spun around, glaring at him. "What?" I asked. "What did I do? What did I say?"

"Mr. Alpha!" Peter laughed. "Ha! That's a new one!"

Josh shook his head, smiling. "Ya ain't never gonna live that one down, darlin'."

"I don't… what?" I pursed my lips, crossing my arms over my chest.

Josh chuckled as he took me by the waist. "Dad, I just wanted her ta meet Tannar."

"Josh," Peter suddenly turned serious. "You know the consequences if she talks?"

Josh's eyes flickered to mine momentarily and he frowned. "Yessir, I understand. I trust her."

Peter's lips tipped downward, decision swirling in his eyes. Finally, he turned, clearing the doorway. "Alright. Bring 'er in. I'm sure Tannar'd love ta meet 'er."

As Josh led me through the door, a slight pressure began in my head. I ignored it, blinking in hope to rid it. "They're in the basement, settin' up Tannar's temporary room." Peter informed us, closing the door.

"Oh?" Josh said, raising an eyebrow. "Tannar's actually stayin' 'ere?"

Peter's eyes narrowed the slightest. "Only on weekends."

"But I ain't allowed ta see my mate," Josh said, a hint of a growl in his voice.

Peter hardly glanced at me before snarling, "Your mate is a human, Joshua."

His hand tightened on mine, and I found the floor to be very interesting. It was plain white carpeting—"And Tannar is a wolf. Glad we straightened that out." Josh hissed, and I briefly imagined his eyes blazing before continuing to study the carpet.

If you looked closely enough, you could see a path from the door leading into the house. "Joshua," Peter's voice dipped lower. "You know what I meant."

It seemed someone hadn't vacuumed lately. "Oh, no." Josh's voice oozed venomous sarcasm. "I'm afraid I didn't quite catch the meanin' a that."

Perhaps I could do that… "I've explained this already, son!" Peter snapped.

An odd stain sat by Peter's feet, created by a mischievous one year old, no doubt. "Then don't bother strainin' yerself." Josh tugged my hand, and I reluctantly glanced up at the two—away from that lovely carpet. "C'mon, Danny." I followed after him as he started across the living room.

"I didn't want ta use the Alpha's Voice, Joshua," Peter threatened. "Don't make me."

I had no idea what he meant, but Josh stiffened next to me. Nostrils flared and eyes dark as he glanced over his shoulder, Josh replied darkly, "I've broken it once, Alpha. I can do it again."

With his anger burning in my chest, Josh practically pulled me after him. I wobbled on the heels and clutched his arm for support. At that, he slowed, glancing at me with concerned eyes, but said nothing. Next to the stairs leading to the upper floors, and the teens bedrooms, stood a wall that hung many photos of the family. Next to that, another hallway. He lead me to that hallway, but stopped just a foot in. I glanced over to him, only to find another staircase behind him—only this one leading down.

Josh stepped down on the first step and pulled me down to him, but made no move to go any further. "Sorry," he murmured, closing his eyes. "Just let me calm down."

We got a short temperament, obviously. I almost chuckled at his words, but instead, stood in front of him, my thumb running across his skin absentmindedly. A sharp pain flashed through my head, and I winced.

Suddenly, Josh's eyes opened and a smile spread across his face. "I don't know what I'd do without ya," he said, squeezing my hand.

I realized there were no longer any of his emotions in my chest, and I just stared at him, bewildered. Still, he smiled, straightening up from leaning on the wall. He released my hand only to wrap his arm around my waist. I found myself whispering, "You haven't kissed me for a while."

"I don't think I've had the pleasure." His eyes sparkled as he leaned down. His mouth pressed against mine, and I inhaled his scent, returning his kiss. He pulled back all too soon. My vision blurred and my head still pounded, but I blamed his kiss and Josh himself. He always left me dizzy.

Taking my hand again, he stepped down another stair. I followed him. "Watch yer hea—" He began, a bit too late. My head banged against the low hanging ceiling, and I reeled back from the collision. If I had thought my head was pounding before, this made it seem like a measly scratch. I hissed in pain, lifting my free hand to press against my forehead.

"Danny, are you alright?" Josh asked frantically, his hand pressing into my shoulder.

I rubbed my head, and the pain subsided slightly, but not as much as I would've liked. "Ouch," I whined, still rubbing my head.

"If I kissed it, would it make ya feel better?" he asked in his baby voice.

Pouting, I nodded. Immediately, I regretted the action, and closed my eyes against the pain. The touch of his lips against my skin hardly made the pain lessen, but it did bring a slight smile to my lips. "Are ya okay, sweetheart?" he asked again.

I didn't dare nod again, but I opened my eyes. "Fine." Ducking this time, we continued down the stairwell.

"Quite a blow ya took there," Josh said, and I didn't miss the hint of amusement hidden in his alluring voice.

I shot him a glare, a wince of pain running down my spine as I turned my head sharply to do so. "You find it funny?" I asked. Only then did the heat rise up to my skin, staining my cheek and neck.

He gave me an innocent smile. "Only a little."

I rolled my eyes, pleased when no flash of pain followed. I asked curiously, "Josh?"

"Yea?" he replied.

"What did your father mean by 'Alpha's Voice'?" I questioned, deciding against tipping my head towards him.

Josh grimaced, and a flash of his earlier anger flashed through me. "It's an alpha's power," he explained. "It enabled 'im ta control his pack. When he uses the Voice, no one of his pack can disobey him. Literally."

"Oh," I muttered. We reached the end of the stairs, and he glanced around. One room was lite more than the rest, and he began towards it.

"Josh!" I heard as I caught up to him, and instantly recognized Coffeeblue's voice. "Didn't think ya'd be back so soon."

"Believe it," Josh smirked, leaning in the doorway, blocking my view of the inside. "I brought my date home."

Coffeeblue barreled past him. "Danny!" she called when she saw me, throwing her arms around my shoulders. As she jostled me, a burning pain flashed through my head, but I put it aside. A warning growl brought her back, and I wasn't sure if it was Josh, or Coffeeblue's mate. Josh backed away from the doorway to lean against the wall.

"Danny," Coffeeblue smiled. "I'm sure Josh's told ya?"

"A course," Josh interrupted, sparing me the nod when I couldn't find my voice.

She shot him a glare and then turned her peaceful eyes back to me. "Well, then, I want ya ta meet Tannar."

For the first time, I glanced in the room and smiled. A boy stood just inside the doorway, his brown gazed locked on Coffeeblue and a brush dripping with white paint in his hand. A blue baseball cap somewhat tamed the mass of brown hair and shaded his tanned face. He wore overalls and a white tee shirt that were stained with paint. Coffeeblue shot him a glare as well when he didn't do anything. He raised an eyebrow as a smirk lite his lips. Coffeeblue rolled her eyes and took his free wrist. "Tannar, this is Danny." I almost gasped as she grabbed my wrist as well. "Danny, this is Tannar."

She forced us to shake each other's hand, and Tannar's eyes widened as if he had just noticed me. "Oh!" he lifted the hand that held the brush to touch his hat. I bit back a giggle as he brushed paint onto the hat. "Sorry, miss. Didn't see ya there."

Somehow I wasn't surprised to find that he too held a Southern accent. His grip tightened before dropping. "Nice ta meet you, too." I said, giving him a small smile.

He nodded, and Coffeeblue's eyes widened dramatically. Josh smiled and I turned my head to return the gesture. As I did so, the pain bolted through my head again, and this time I flinched, bringing my hand up to press against my forehead again, closing my eyes. His touch appeared at my waist. "Danny?" Josh's voice hitched. "Are you sure yer alright? Maybe I should take ya to the doctors."

"No," I grimaced, keeping my eyes shut tightly.

When I opened them, all three pairs of eyes were trained on me, worry flashing in each one. "Daddy's still here," Coffeeblue informed us, uncertainty pulling her lips downward. "Maybe he could help?"

Josh's eyes flashed. "I guess it wouldn't hurt ta call Uncle Tyler. But… Danny, are you okay?"

The edges around him darkened, and I narrowed my eyes to focus more on him. I opened my mouth to reply, but no sound came. The edges of the tunnel closed further, and now I could only see Josh. "Tyler! Tyler!" He jumped forward, taking me in his arms as the tunnel closed.

:::::

"Would ya consider takin' yer dad's advice, Josh?" a female voice asked, but I was too tired to pinpoint it.

"No, Mom." At Josh's voice I suddenly woke, but I couldn't quite seem to open my eyes. "I ain't gonna stay away from her. I—Danny?"

Something squeezed my hand and my eyelids fluttered open reluctantly. I caught Josh's worried blue eyes and glanced around. I didn't recognize the room, but I was lying in a bed with Josh at my side, holding my hand. It looked as if chairs had been brought in to accommodate the large family, but only half were here. Coffeeblue and Iya sat to my right, turned towards each other with cards in their hands and between them. "Hmm…" Coffeeblue said, staring at Iya and leaning back against Tannar. "Got any twos?"

"Ha!" Iya said, punching the air. "Go fish!"

Coffeeblue glared at her, but as she took a card from in between them, she smiled. "Ha!" She echoed her sister. "I gotta match!" She pulled another card from her hand and laid the two on her lap. Iya pouted and sighed, glancing down at her empty lap.

Cormac sat between Gail and another woman I remembered to be Julie, the twin's mother. His legs were spread out in front of him and his head hung back, his eyes closed and mouth agape. Julie patted her son's leg, earning no reaction from him whatsoever, and returned back to reading the novel she held in her hands. Gail stood, putting a magazine on her seat and made her way over the other side of my bed. She placed her hand on mine gently and I looked up at her. "How're ya feelin', sweetie?" she asked.

"Mom," Josh groaned. "That's my job."

"Oh, hush," Gail waved her hand at him.

"She's awake?!" one of the girls asked, jumping up from her chair. From the following growl, I suspected it was Coffeeblue.

Cormac sputtered, sitting up and blinking the sleep from his eyes. "I'm awake!" he muttered, a guilty look settling on his face.

"It's okay, sweetheart," Julie pated Cormac's knee again. "We didn't mind yer snorin'."

His eyes widened in horror. "What?" he choked. "Snorin'?"

"Like a big 'ol fat pig," Iya confirmed, nodding.

Red crept up Cormac's cheeks and he glared at his younger sister. "You should hear yerself—ouch!" Julie smacked the back of her son's head.

Cormac glared at her too, rubbing the spot she had struck. "What was that for?"

His mother shook her head. "Ya shouldn't say such things ta ladies."

"Ladies?" Cormac scoffed. "What kinda books ya readin', huh? Iya ain't no—ouch!"

Another strike. "Hush, Cormac, that's yer sister."

"Exactly," Cormac said. "Not no—Mom!"

I bit back a giggle as Cormac was cuffed again, but his sisters didn't. Cormac shot them a glare and they settled down the slightest. But he crossed his arms over his chest and sat back. "I'm goin' back ta sleep," he muttered and closed his eyes.

Gail rolled her eyes and both her and her son turned back to me. "Anyway, how're ya feelin', Danny?"

I shrugged slightly. "I, uh…" I pressed my lips together and glanced around. "I feel fine. Where are we?"

"Danny…" Josh furrowed his eyebrows and looked up at Gail. "We're in the hospital. Ya fainted."

I suddenly noticed the steady beeping as it increased dramatically. Gail glanced at the machine, me, and then rested her gaze on her nieces. "Iya, go get yer father."

She nodded, jumped up from the chair, and bolted from the room. With a start I realized the beeping was my heart rate. We were in a hospital. I was in a hospital. I shook my head, my breath coming in short, ragged pants. "No—no. J-Josh. Get me outta here. I-I can't—" I couldn't finish the sentence. Hospitals reported child abuse. They discovered the injuries and reported it. If they found out and took me away, I'd be separated from Josh.

He stood from the bedside chair, his hand tightening on mine. He leaned over to brush the bang from my face and his thumb stroked my cheek. "It's alright, darlin'." He said, but I didn't miss the worry lines creasing his brow.

"It's alright," he repeated.

Josh¸ I thought. They'll take me away if they find out.

His eyes darkened and his fingers brushed the wounds from the glass bottle. They were askin' a lot a questions… He glanced up at his mother. "They said when she woke we were okay ta go, right?" he asked.

Gail frowned. "I'm sure Tyler would like ta see her out bafore he starts his shift."

There was a loud snore, and everyone turned their attention to Cormac, who had resumed his earlier position. Josh was the first one to look to Gail again. "Are ya sure?"

"I hear she's awake, then?" a male voice interrupted them. When his eyes trained on me, I instantly recognized Cormac's icy blue eyes. His skin was kissed by the sun, and his blond hair looked even lighter against it. He looked to be about thirty or so and wore the usual doctor's apparel. I guessed this to be Tyler, Josh's uncle. He smiled and went to stand next to his nephew.

"How're ya feelin'?" he asked, gazing at me.

I glanced at Josh, begging him with wide eyes. Josh…

Josh turned to his uncle, frowning. "She says she feels fine. But she wants ta go home."

Tyler frowned, but nodded. "Alright. Keep an eye on her though, Josh." I was surprised at how easily he agreed, but I wasn't complaining.

"I will," Josh smiled. "I will."

Tyler nodded and reached to remove something from my finger. The heart rate machine flat lined as soon as it was gone. He spread his arms. "Free ta go."

I looked over to see Iya scooping up the cards, wondering when she had snuck back in. Tyler walked over to the girls, wrapping his arms around both of them as they stood. "Bye, girls." He said, smiling.

The girls returned the gesture. "Bye, Daddy." Coffeeblue said.

"Love ya," Iya replied.

Tyler stepped up to Julie, who had stood to her full height. Glancing at Cormac, he scoffed before taking her hands. "I love you," he kissed her softly. "I'll see ya later."

Julie nodded and Tyler kicked his son's feet, startling him. Cormac sat up dazedly, blinking, and his chair tipped backwards. I gasped as he fell backwards, landing with a sharp Thud. He moaned and his foot twitched—which were still hanging over the chair. "More comfortable down 'ere anyway…" he mumbled.

Tyler chuckled. "Bye, son."

"Uh-huh," Cormac groaned.

"Yer free ta leave, Cormac."

"Really?" He scrambled to his feet with difficulty, gazing at every one. "Well? We gonna go?"

Tyler simply rolled his eyes and left the room. Josh tugged on my hand. I looked up at him and then down at myself. Relieved that I was still wearing my clothes, I let Josh help me out of the hospital bed. "For the record," Josh leaned down to whisper in my ear, "I think it was a pretty good date."

:::::

The next day, Josh wouldn't leave me alone. He checked on me when I woke up, drove me to school, and checked in on me during school. Currently, he was probably waiting for me at my locker.

As I turned the corner, my heart dropped and my anger flared. Sure enough, Josh leaned against my locker, but someone also leaned on him.

But, look, Danny… at home, we got to have each other's backs. But at school… I don't know you, alright?

Ha. Well, then, I don't know her either.

My free hand clenched into a fist by my side while my other one held my books tightly to my chest. I blew out angrily, and it almost came out like a growl. Josh's head snapped up, his eyes widening as he caught my gaze. He glanced down at Destiny, then his injured arm. Help me. He said, turning those blue orbs towards me. I ran my hand through my hair, and before I knew it, my feet were stalking towards them.

Destiny turned towards me, frowning, and her hands rested on Josh's chest. "What—"

"Back off, Destiny," I snapped, cutting her off. Around me, the entire hall went silent. Josh smirked and Destiny's eyes narrowed. "He is my boyfriend. He ain't into you!

"Get over it." I snarled, closing the distance between us. There were a couple gasps at my outlandish behavior, but I didn't care. Someone had to teach her a lesson, and I was the one who had to put up with her at home too.

"Really?" she scoffed, but uncertainty swirled in her eyes as she swiveled to Josh. He scowled, unable to back away, and instead turned his chin away from her. Her lips connected with his cheek. Pushing his books behind his sling, he took hold of her wrists and pushed her away. She cursed lowly, turning. Someone struck my cheek and I scowled. From the corner of my eye, I saw Josh stiffen, the temper inside him burning. I gave him a look to stay in his place. This one was my fight.

I ground my teeth together, lifting my head to give her a hardened look. I smiled, chuckled a little, handing my books to Josh. "You really think that'll get me ta go away? That a little slap'll scare me off? Well, news flash, Destiny¸ I ain't the same girl I was a few weeks ago." I glanced at Josh, who was smirking at me. "I ain't frightened so easily no more."

She threw the first punch, angel. Josh said. I'd say go for it, but with yer head…

But my fist was already flying through the air. A roar ran through the crowd and I suddenly found them very annoying. My fist connected with her face, sending her smashing into the lockers. She gasped, blinking and bringing a hand to her nose to check for blood. Everyone cheered. I clenched my hands into fists. I didn't do chick fights. I had grown up being the punching bag. At least I got something from it.

Destiny's gaze straightened out, scowling at me. She just about to lunge when Josh took hold of her shoulder, pushing her back into the wall. "Ah, ah." He growled. "You ain't hurtin' her again."

I smiled victoriously as Destiny slumped against the lockers, rubbing her injured jaw, glaring at Josh.

"I hope that'll teach ya a lesson," I said after Josh had stepped back, but was still ready to jump forward again. My own personal body guard. "Maybe next time you'll leave my boyfriend alone"

"How anyone picks you over me¸ I'll never understand." She snarled. My fists tightened.

"She ain't so desperate and easy ta get," Josh snapped. She gasped in hurt and I laughed out loud at his comment as an ooh went through the crowd.

Her scowl deepened, and she turned towards me. "I'll get him," she muttered for my ears only, although I knew Josh could hear her. "I promise you that." At that, Jake pushed through the crowd, grabbing Destiny's elbow. Jake glanced at her reddening face, and then at me, his mouth agape. Something sparkled in his eyes, and it definitely wasn't anger. Josh growled lowly at him, stepping in front of me and taking my hand.

I had never seen that look in Jake's eyes, but somehow I knew it. It was awe. And Josh was jealous all over again. Destiny had to be right. Josh growled lowly again. "Both of you stay away from her." He pushed me to go forward. I did, and the crowd parted for us, groaning that the fight was over.

"Get yer stuff," he muttered. "I ain't gonna be able ta hold it much longer."

I nodded, taking the books from under his sling. I tried glancing over my shoulder at them, but Josh slung his arm around me, whispering in my ear, "The victor never looks back."

I smiled, biting my lip. "I did win, huh? I actually won this time!"

I turned to see him smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Ya did sweetie. And let me tell ya," his lips brushed my ear. "Yer very sexy when yer mad."

Images flashed in my mind, but I pushed them away along with him. "Stop it, Josh."

He laughed, his eyes finally sparkling as we made our way to class. "So how da ya feel?"

"Are ya talking about my pride or my head?"

He smiled again. "Both."

"My head feels fine, and my pride is about to burst!" I couldn't help but squeal.

He chuckled, kissing my cheek. "Good. It's about time ya felt proud a yerself."

"I thought so," I nodded, looking up at him. "Thank you."

"I had nothin' ta do with it, darlin'. That was all you."

:::::

When the final bell rung, I packed up slowly, waiting for Josh to show up at the door in his adorable baseball uniform, but he never did. I furrowed my eyebrows, picking up my stuff and hugging it to my chest as I made my way out of the room. I glanced around the hallway, but there was still no sign of him. Thinking maybe he was expecting me to meet him at the field, I squeezed my way through the flowing crowd towards the back of the school.

As I turned the corner, a familiar couple stopped me dead in my tracks. I retreated behind the corner, peering over it. The two stood facing each other—my boyfriend and my sister. I watched in horror as Destiny stepped up to him, stood on her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck and smashed her lips to his. I sucked in a deep breath, waiting for Josh to shove her away, but he didn't. He stepped back from shock and placed his hands on her hips.

I covered my mouth, choking back a sob, whirling around to press my back into the brick wall. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I closed my eyes. How could I let myself get this attached to him? I knew he wasn't serious. I knew he was just playing. And now the truth was spread in front of me. No one could ever really love me. It was impossible. I'm loveless, and I always will be. It was all for Destiny, and I let him. I let him get to me. I let myself fall for him. I let myself believe that he was good, that he was going to treat me right, but I was wrong. I was dead wrong.

And I wouldn't let it happen again.

Wiping my eyes, I bolted across the lawn, still more tears blurred my vision. I slowed as I reached the parking lot, trying to hold back the tears, but they kept coming. I hurried across the lot, right past the Miller's SVU. I ignored them, wiping my cheeks. "Danny?" Coffeeblue called doubtfully. "Are you ridin' with us?"

I shook my head, sucking in a breath and continued on. I had to go home. I never wanted to see him again.

The tears had slowed when I gripped the doorknob. Throwing it open, I found Destiny holding a bowl in her hands, her eyes wide with guilt. At the sight of her, and her expression, the waterworks began all over again. My fists clenched by my sides. Blinking back the tears, but not bothering to hide them, I told her, "You can have him," with a cracking voice.

"What?" Destiny asked, bewildered.

I ignored her, shaking my head as I retreated up the stairs. I slammed the door shut, suddenly thankful that my father wasn't home. Throwing my books and myself on the bed, I buried myself in my homework.

:::::

Knock, knock. "Danny!" Someone hissed. "Danny!"

I opened my eyes, blinking against the blinding sun. I glanced at the clock, furrowing my eyebrows. I didn't remember falling asleep. A textbook lay under my cheek, open to the spot I'd been studying. I yawned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

There was another rap from the window. "Danny," he whispered. "Open the window!"

"Go away!" I yelled, slamming the book shut as anger shot through me.

"What?" he asked, obvious hurt lining his voice.

"Leave me alone!" I said, suddenly wishing I had curtains or shade.

He knocked on the window again. "Danny, are you alright? Just open the window."

I jumped out of bed, flinging open the window he crouched on. I noticed his cast was gone. "No," I growled, pushing on his chest, but he hardly budged. His beautiful blue eyes were wide, his mouth agape. "Go away! I don't wanna talk to you!"

"Wait!" he said, as I closed the window. "What's wrong?"

"Leave me alone," I hissed, glaring at him. "Before I call the cops on you!"

He blinked in surprise, shaking his head in disbelief. "Alright. Fine. I'll pick ya up in a few minutes?"

I scowled at him. "No! Don't you get it? We're over. I never wanna see you again!"

He sucked in a breath, his eyes breaking. "Danny, I—"

"I never want to talk to you again!" I cut him off. "Just go away."

Josh didn't bother hiding the hurt plain on his face. "Al-alright…"

My heart clenched as he dropped from sight. I stomped over to the dresser, snatching up a pair of clothes and rushing into the shower.

How dare he? How could he? How dare he just kiss my sister and then come back as if nothing happened? This wasn't just because he kissed another girl. I had never trusted anyone my entire life because I knew they'd eventually let me down. But I trusted him and he still let me down. He betrayed me. He cheated on me with my own sister. He had hurt me like no one had ever hurt me before. And it hurt even more to know he had really gotten to me.

To know I had fallen in love with someone who was simply using me.

I stepped out of the shower, throwing on the clothes I had grabbed. Something on the counter caught my eye, and I snatched it up, unfolding it. My jaw clenched as soon as I realized what I was holding. His sweatshirt. His stupid baseball sweatshirt. I balled it up, brushed my teeth and pulled my hair back with a clip.

Going downstairs, I found Grant sprawled out on the kitchen floor, passed out. I stepped over him, pulling out the toaster. Once the toast was done, I threw it on a plate and left it on the counter. Stepping over my father again, I picked up my bag and Josh's sweatshirt before heading out.

I started across the lawn with my head held high, the anger boiling in my chest. I walked along the side of the road, tensing whenever I heard a car's engine. But no car slowed to stop. Part of me was glad, but the other part was hurt. I sighed, lowering my chin as I made my way to school.

I stepped into the parking lot, heading straight for the space I knew they'd be. Josh jumped from the tailgate as soon as he saw me coming, a smile spreading on his face. "Danny—" he began, but I cut him off with a glare.

"Don't get your hopes up," I snapped, stepping up to him. I shoved his sweatshirt in his arms, slightly enjoying the surprised look on his face. "I was just returning your property. I don't need it anymore."

Without another word, I turned and walked away. "Danny!" he called, but I continued walking. The hurt reappeared in my chest and I bit my tongue, focusing on the physical pain instead of the aching in my heart. When I came into class after stopping at my locker, I pulled my chair to the far side of the table, and pushed his to the other side. I wanted to be as far away from him as possible. He wouldn't get to me. Not again.

I collapsed into the chair, opening my textbook to finish the homework I had fallen asleep doing. The calculus was difficult, but luckily the teacher assigned problems that could be done without a calculator. I froze as the chair beside me jolted, and I immediately felt his presence. It was a feeling that was irreplaceable. The tingling, the electricity. I ignored him, continuing with my math.

The chair moved and he shifted. I kicked my foot out to his chair, keeping it where it was. "Don't," I told him harshly. "Stay over there."

He sighed. "Danny, I don't know—"

"Just leave me alone, alright?" I asked, keeping my eyes plastered to the notebook my pen rested on. "I'm done. I'm tired of being used."

He leaned forward. "What're ya—"

"Just stop." I growled, scowling as I glanced up at him. "Stop."

He straightened, his eyes widening. I couldn't look at him long before getting lost in those eyes and I turned back to my paper, pressing my mouth in a hard line. He didn't say anything else, and I was glad.

For the first time in weeks, I was actually able to pay attention to the lesson. And when the bell rung, I was up and out with a glance in his direction. It was easier in English without him there next to me. And then came math. I stopped at my locker again to switch my books and reluctantly made my way to my third class. Josh was already seated when I walked in, his head leaning on his hand and a confusion expression plastered on his face. I kept my eyes straight forward as I passed him, my jaw clenched. As I sat down, he turned.

I glanced up at him, rolling my eyes and pulling out my finished homework. "Destiny invited me over." Josh blurted, unease crossing his face.

My heart clamped, and my hands tightened into fists. "Did she now?" I asked without interest. "And why would I care?"

He shrugged. "Thought ya might."

I nodded in exaggeration.

"But I said no," he informed me.

Again, I nodded.

He sighed irritably. "Look, I don't know what I did, or what happened—"

"You know exactly what you did!" I hissed, glaring daggers at him.

"No, I really—" he began, shaking his head.

"Turn around," I snapped.

His jaw tensed, but he turned away from me.

On the way to lunch, Destiny approached Josh, hooking her arms through his. She said something, and he shook his head once—and then his gaze caught mine. He frowned, furrowing his eyebrows. He then said one word that I could make out: Sure.

Josh was coming over.

Do you guys think Danny's changed through the story? How? Good? Bad? Did Josh really have 'nothing' to do with it, or was he just being modest? Also, the last chapter had a lot of foreshadowing, so… This story is getting heated! Ha! We're reaching the climax…which means this story is nowhere near ending. But maybe some of you can go back and find it… But don't spoil it for everyone else! I'm so excited, guys!

And sorry that this is such a fast chapter. I didn't know what to fill it with, and the scenes are obviously important. And also, this is getting way too long! It's already over 200 pages! Unbelievable, right? But the next chapter is when things start to get juicy :3 Oh, and it'll also probably be a lot shorter than the rest because it has to end on a certain note. The only good point of that is it'll take shorter to write and you guys'll love it! I'm tellin ya. It's great. Not that I already have some of it written because I had to get the idea out of my head...Of course not.

So, I also didn't read over this because I didn't feel like it and I'm tired and I have to get up early... so excuse all typos and such.

And please Reivew! Thanks :D