I Am Without A Voice

by Anni12

And suddenly I just knew. I was falling for him. I was falling hard for him. No—no… that didn't cover the feelings that sprouted in my chest as we stood there together. And as I thought about it, the more I was certain. I loved him. And he could never love me back.

36. Chapter 23

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Chapter 23:

My eyes fluttered open without my permission. I found Josh propped up on his elbow, his eyes hard as he scanned the area around us. Something about his demeanor screamed danger at me, and I became suddenly as alert as he was. "Josh," I whispered, but he barely glanced down at me. "What's wrong?"

His hand curled around my arm without warning, and for the first time, he hurt me with his grip. "Get up," he growled, but he was already pulling me up. He pushed me towards the passenger's side hard enough to make me stumble. "Get in the truck."

He hopped down without a glance my way, his eyes still roaming the trees. "Josh, what's—"

"Get in the truck!" He repeated, but I didn't move.

My heart beat faster with every pulse of fear that ran through me. "Wha-what's goin—?"

He turned to me with a glare, his lips pressing hard together. "Now, Danny! Get in the truck now."

I sucked in a terrifying breath and scrambled off the edge of the truck, hearing Josh close the tailgate behind me and snatch up the blankets as I hopped in the truck. I was buckling as he jumped in, throwing the blankets in the back before starting the truck. I gasped as he floored it and I gripped the seat with tight, white knuckles.

"I'm sorry," Josh forced out through gritted teeth.

"What's happening?" I squeaked, and even I could detect the fear in my words.

He glanced at me, regret flashing across his features. "I saw somethin' in the woods. I didn't mean ta hurt you. I was just tryin' ta get you outta there before ya could get hurt."

"It's okay," I breathed, relieved that he hadn't just been angry with me. "Wh-what did you see?"

His face did twist in anger then. "A rogue."

"A rogue?" I squeaked. "As in, like, a runaway wolf?"

"Kinda," he said, and then cursed. "I can't believe I hadn't smelt him sooner!"

"Why didn't you?" I whispered.

His hands relaxed on the wheel. "You," he replied. "I was with you, that's why."

The accusation brought my lips down into a frown. "Wh-what do you mean, me?"

"Yer my mate," he said as if it were obvious. At my blank stare, he rolled his eyes and explained, "Wolves are more vulnerable with their mates. It's our one and biggest weakness. We're so inta our mates that everythin' else fades away."

"I'm-I'm sorry."

He shook his head. "No. I've just got ta learn ta balance the two. It ain't yer fault. I'm sorry fer yellin' at ya."

"I'm sorry," I repeated, softer this time.

He ran a rough hand through his hair. "Don't apalagize."

"W-what's gonna happen?" I asked, finding myself scanning the woods.

"I've gotta tell Alpha," he muttered, his blue eyes flickering from one spot to the next. His hands tightened around the wheel and the truck seemed to go faster, if that was possible. "Then we go after it; chase it out a our territ'ry er…"

Next thing I knew, the stable was in view and we had reached it in half the time we did last night. He slammed on the brakes, threw the car in park before it completely stopped and shut it off. He jumped out of the car without a word and bolted for the back door. Still dazed, I followed him as quickly as I could, but he was in the house before I was. I didn't have to look far, though, because I could hear the voices coming from the dining room.

"Dad!" Josh called as he turned the corner. Hanna slipped between his legs, but he hardly noticed.

"Son," Peter sighed. "We're in the middle a—"

"Alpha," Josh growled. "There's a problem."

Everything came to a standstill with his words, but the little toddler had wondered out into the living room. Peter and Josh began to discuss the rogue, and chatter arose among the pack. With a glance his way, I followed the little one into the living room only to find it empty the front door ajar. Panic shot through me and I threw open the door. What I saw on the other side was the last thing I expected.

Hanna ran around the yard, squealing as a boy about her age chased her, giggling loudly. The boy's dark blond hair blew around, his green eyes sparkling as Hanna fell to the ground. He threw himself down next to her and they rolled in the snow. I stared at them in confusion, but something caught my eye moving in the woods. I squeak escaped my lips as I recognized… eyes.

"Hanna!" I yelled, bolting down towards her. I kept my eyes trained on the spot I had last seen him as I wrapped my arms around Hanna and pulled her up with me. In unison, the two toddlers began screaming, but I was frozen. A man came forward, emerging from the trees. His long, stringy dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail at the back of his head, and his dark coat and pants were smeared with dart and grim. His eyes were dark green, watching me slowly.

"Ryder," he hissed darkly, pulling the boy up roughly by his arm. I tried taking a step back, but his dark gaze held me as the two continued to scream.

"Danny!" I heard behind me, and I was forced backwards by my shoulders. Josh growled next to me, and shifted in the blink of an eye. Another pair of hands wrapped around my arms and Peter pulled me behind him, whispering words I didn't understand. Hanna still screamed, struggling to escape my grasp. Josh's hair stood on the back of his neck and he growled lowly at the man, keeping his distance only because of the child.

"Danny," I heard next to me. I tore my gaze away from him to find Gail beside me, gesturing for her daughter. I nodded numbly, handing the screaming girl over. She started inside just as Peter spoke.

"Who are you?" He asked calmly, though his voice held that power in it. "Why are you here?"

"We're just passing through," the rogue answered, eyeing Josh and pulling the boy closer to him.

Josh took a step nearer, pinning his ears to his head.

"What brings ya here?" Peter asked, his shoulders tensing.

The rogue's eyes flickered up to Alpha and then back to Josh. "My pack," he replied darkly. He closed his eyes briefly, holding the boy tightly. "The alpha killed my mate. I… I couldn't… we couldn't stay."

"Understandable," Peter mumbled, nodding. "And yer just passin' through?"

"Yes," the rogue glanced up. "I mean no harm."

"On yer way then," Peter said, gesturing to the woods behind him.

His jaw dropped, but he stepped back, nodding and mumbling his thanks. He turned and disappeared with the boy, and Josh started after him. "Josh," Peter scolded. Josh stopped, his ears flicking up as he stared at the alpha. Peter stepped to the side, raising an eyebrow. "Your mate?"

Josh shifted, stepping towards me. "What about the rogue, Dad?"

"Cormac! Adam!" Peter yelled, never taking his eyes off his son. The two appeared at the doorway in seconds, eyes wide. Peter nodded after the rogue. "Follow him. Make sure he gets out a our territ'ry without trouble."

The two shifted without a word and bounded off the stairs and into the snow. Josh whined, watching them disappear after him. "But, Dad!"

"Your. Mate." Peter growled, motioning to me.

Josh glanced at me with his eyebrow raised. "Yes… she is my mate…"

"Stay with her," Peter rolled his eyes and headed back inside.

"I'm cold," I complained, wrapping my arms around my torso. He chuckled, pulling me into a hug. A warm hug. I snuggled into his chest, breathing in his scent as I mumbled, "Now that that's over… can we go back to bed?"

He pressed his lips to my hair, laughing quietly. "Okay, okay." He mumbled, picking me up by the waist and carrying me up the steps. His hand lingered at my waist and we started into the house. I snaked my hand around his waist and leaned against him.

We found the family gathered in the living room, all except Hanna, who could still be heard screaming elsewhere. Gail was missing as well, probably trying to console the child. Peter leaned on the couch, pinching the bridge of his nose. Tyler sat with his arms crossed over his chest, frowning as he sat on the arm of the chair his wife, Julie, was in. The girls sat on the opposite ends of the couch with the two boys in-between them. All of them had the same distressed look on their face.

"What're we gonna do, Peter?" Tyler asked, sighing and shaking his head.

Peter did the same. "I don't know. Who knows if they even come."

"We should still be ready if they come," Coffeeblue said, pulling her knees up to her chest.

Josh stepped forward, releasing me with a confused look on his face. "What do ya mean? What's goin' on?"

Peter glanced up, first at Josh and then at me. "The rogue. His pack might be followin' him."

"Why would they do that?" I asked.

"Ta kill him," Josh muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Ya think they will, Dad?"

He shrugged. "Who knows? A crazed alpha will just about anythin'. It depends on why they killed his mate."

"What're we gonna do?" Josh asked, repeated Tyler's earlier question.

"You," Peter emphasized, his eyes flickering between the two of us, "are goin' ta take yer mate home."

"What?" Josh growled, his jaw dropping.

I froze in my spot, my breath catching in my throat.

"It's dangerous here fer her right now, Josh, ya know that." Alpha answered, never moving from his spot.

"Dangerous?" Josh asked. "It's more dangerous fer her there than it is fer her here. At least here she has us ta protect her."

Peter's eyebrows furrowed and I realized Josh hadn't told them. "What're ya talkin' about, son? The first one they would go fer is the alphas'—"

"Mate, I know." Josh interrupted.

"Exactly," Peter nodded, standing. "And Danny's even more vulnerable because she's human."

"We'll protect her—I'll protect her." Josh said immediately, his fists clenching by his sides.

But Peter was already shaking his head. "Son, ya can't be by her side twenty-four seven. They will attack if they know she's yer mate, and especially when they find out she's human. Just take her home."

"I can protect her here," Josh insisted. "I can't protect her there."

Peter raised an eyebrow. "They ain't gonna bother her if they don't have—"

"I'm not talkin' about them," Josh snarled, his shoulders tensing.

Coffeeblue and Iya gasped simultaneously, glancing at me with wide eyes. I blushed, knowing they were remembering the night before the dance. Peter glanced at them, pulling his eyebrows together. "I don't understand..."

"Well," Josh looked at me, a frown dipping at the corner of his lips. I stared at him, speechless. I didn't know whether to tell him, let alone how to tell him. Iya suddenly jumped up, standing on her toes to whisper in Peter's ear. I watched in complete silence as Peter took in her words. The more she spoke, the darker his eyes became. As soon as she was done, she pulled away and jumped back into her spot on the couch, her eyes wide.

He growled low in his throat, bringing his gaze up to meet mine. Fear coursed through me and I stepped closer to Josh. "Is it true, then?"

"Yes," I whispered at the same time Josh growled the same word.

Peter groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose again, turning around to lean against the side of the coach again. "She's still got ta go home, Josh. It's still safer there fer her."

"What?!" Josh nearly screamed. "You've got ta be kiddin' me!"

Peter turned to face us, sighing to himself. It suddenly dawned on me that this was a hard decision for him, but he had made his choice. There was nothing either of us could do. "Josh, I still think it's best ya take her home fer now…" His voice was cautious, but he had an air of authority around him, daring Josh to object.

The color drained out of my face, but it wasn't my place to respond. It wasn't like I hadn't seen this coming. I gazed up at Josh with wide eyes, knowing that he would argue no matter what. "Yer jokin'," he growled, clenching his hands in fists at his side.

Peter shook his head once again. "I'm sorry, son, but—"

"No," Josh cut him off abruptly, growling fiercely. "I ain't lettin' her back there."

"Joshua!" Peter was beginning to lose his short temper. "I know how yer feelin'. I've got a mate too. I know that need ta protect her from everythin', but I'll let ya in on a little secret. You can't. You will never be able to—not from everythin'. She's taken care a herself fer the past seventeen years, I think she can handle a couple nights."

"You don't understand," I whimpered, forcing my voice out and keeping my gaze trained on the floor. "He'll be really mad… I can't… I can't handle everything."

"Father," Josh pleaded, his arm wrapping around my shoulders in comfort.

He shook his head slowly, his lips twisting into a frown. "She is a part a the pack, Josh. She is my responsibility too. I will do what I see best fer her, and that is fer her ta go home. And fer you ta give her some space until this all calms down."

"But Dad," Josh began, his voice becoming desperate.

"Ya need ta learn ta listen ta yer Alpha, son," Peter said, his own voice laced with a snarl. "I am the leader of this pack, and what I say goes. When yer Head Alpha, I will have ta listen ta you. But this is not that time, and I am still yer father, and I am still in control a this pack. Take her home, Josh. We'll figure somethin' else out afterwards."

Josh was shaking and his arm dropped from my shoulders in the middle of Peter's speech. His voice was strained as he said, "Dad…"

"Joshua," Peter stated calmly, his voice dripping with that power. With a jolt, I realized that this was the Alpha's Voice Josh had talked about. He had said no one could disobey it.

Josh pressed his lips together, curling his hands into fists once again.

When I glanced at the clock, my heart stopped. "Sir," I whispered, and all eyes turned towards me. "Can he… can he take me home later, please?"

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"If I show up now," I explained, blushing, "I'll wake him up. He works the late shift every Friday, sir, and sleeps well into the afternoon the next day. If I can just go home after he leaves for work again…"

"There's less of a chance…" Josh realized, muttering to himself. He glanced up at Peter, his eyes wide. "Dad, please. Just a couple hours, so she don't get hurt more than she already is. She's still recoverin'…"

Peter nodded. "Alright. But she's goin' home today, Josh."

"Yes sir," Josh breathed, his shoulders visibly relaxing. He jumped and grabbed my arm, gently pulling me towards the stairs. His hand trailed down my arm to lace his fingers through mine. He dipped his head and whispered in my ear, "Yer amazin', darlin'."

A small smile pulled at my lips. "W-why?"

He pulled me to him as we started up the stairs. "Ya just convinced my dad—the alpha and changed his mind. I just can't believe it."

I shrugged. "I just wanted to go back to sleep."

Josh laughed and I slipped away from him to sneak into his room. I threw myself onto the bed and had just gotten under the covers when he came in. His arms were crossed over his chest and his bottom lip was poked out in a frown. "Ya left me," he whined.

I snuggled deeper into the sheet, smiling devilishly. "I have a confession ta make."

He raised an eyebrow as he made his way towards me. "Oh yea? And what is that?"

"I just love you for your bed," I admitted, smiling as he narrowed his gaze at me. He suddenly pounced and I screamed, pulling the covers up over my head just before he hit. I was nearly thrown into the air as he landed next to me, but his arm stopped me. He shifted to stand over me and I squeaked, securing the blankets on my head. "I'm sleeping!"

"I'm heartbroken," he said. "My girlfriend loves my bed better than me."

"That's right," I admitted. "Now leave us alone. I need my beauty sleep."

"But yer pretty enough!"

"That was cheesy, Josh."

The bed shifted as he shrugged. "Eh."

"I'm sleeeeeping…" I sang, pushing his feet away with mine.

"And I'm trrryyiinn' ta win my girl back." He sang back.

I rolled my eyes. "Well, obviously, you ain't doin' too hot, buddy."

"Obviously," he huffed and suddenly his weight was gone. I frowned under the covers, trying to decide whether or not to go look for him. The covers were thrown up and he was all of a sudden beside me, his arm curling around my waist. I squealed, struggling in his grip.

"Help! Help! I'm being courted against my will!" I said jokingly, laughing to myself.

His blues eyes gleamed as he pulled me to his chest. "Courted against yer will?"

"Well," I shrugged. "Maybe not…"

"Good," he laughed, touching his lips to mine briefly. I sighed, turning towards him as he pushed the covers back down to our shoulders. I closed my eyes, once again falling asleep in his arms.

:::::

I was pulled from the dream abruptly, but I was grateful. Especially grateful that as more time passed, the less I could remember. I sighed to myself and closed my eyes tighter, trying to fall back asleep. There was a deep breath beside me and the arms around me hugged me closer. I peeked open my eyes to find Josh still fast asleep, his mouth agape.

I giggled to myself, bringing my hand up to poke him in the cheek. His lips dipped in a frown and he shifted. I laughed softly again and raised my mouth to his. Again, nothing. This time I frowned and glared at him. I blew in his ear, but he hardly flinched. I rolled my eyes at him, sighing.

Smirking as an idea popped into my head, I slid silently out from under the covers and onto the floor. In one silent motion, I rolled under the bed, the bed skirt shielding the light from coming in. Taking in a deep breath, I let it out in one short, loud scream.

The bed shifted above me and Josh gasped sharply. "What the—" he cursed. "Danny?"

Silence. I held back a giggle.

"Danny?" his voice rose. He jumped down from the bed and I flattened myself to the floor. I held my hand over my mouth to stop from laughing. I saw his feet move around on his side of the bed, and he just stood still for a second. He asked again, "Danny?"

I bit my tongue as the door flew open. "What's goin' on?" Coffeeblue asked. Her threat passed through my memory and I bit my fist to stop from laughing. I stayed still, giggling quietly as she entered the room.

"Danny's gone," Josh breathed.

"Really?" Coffeeblue asked in disbelief.

"Yes," Josh growled.

"I didn't see her leave."

"Well, I heard her scream."

"So did I." Coffeeblue replied. "That's why I came… duh."

I snickered at her tone, but made no sound.

"Just help me find her."

I peeked under the skirt and Coffeeblue caught my eye. She raised an eyebrow as Josh looked around the room. I put a finger to my lips and winked. She smiled in response and shook her head at Josh. "Nah, I don't think so."

"What?!" Josh said, his head snapping back to her. I slid deeper under the bed. "What do you mean 'nah'?"

"I don't think I'll help look fer her."

"And why not?"

"I don't know."

Josh growled.

Coffeeblue giggled.

Josh just growled again. "I gotta find her, Coffeeblue. She might be in trouble 'er somethin'."

Coffeeblue sucked in a noisy breath. "Hmm… I doubt that."

Josh paused. "And why is that?"

My heart beat louder as his footsteps sounded closer to the edge of the bed. The bed skirt lifted and suddenly Josh's beautiful blue eyes glared at me. "Imma kill you," he growled jokingly.

I screamed loudly, crawling as fast as I could away from him. As soon as I was out from under the bed, I stood, and we faced each other across the bed. He faked left and I faked right, neither of our eyes leaving the other's. Coffeeblue sighed and left us alone, closing the door after her. I cursed her for shutting off my way of escape.

"Danny…" Josh said, faking this time to the right. I went the other way and stood still.

"Yes?" I blinked innocently, smiling at him.

"That wasn't very nice…" Josh raised an eyebrow, smirking knowingly.

"And what're you gonna—AH!" I screamed as he jumped onto the bed. I made a mad dash for the bathroom, shutting the door and locking myself in. "Ha!" I yelled, doing a little victory dance to myself. "Can't get me now!"

He slammed against the door, making me gasp and jump back. "What was that for, darlin'? I didn't do nothin'. And it wasn't a very good way ta wake up."

"Well, I tried nicer ways," I admitted, fixing my hair in the mirror. "But you didn't wake up. I poked you, I blew in your ear, I even kissed you and you hardly stirred."

"Well that woulda been a nicer way ta wake me up, darlin'." Josh muttered.

"Well, I tried," I repeated.

"Ya scared me half ta death, Danny."

I smiled. "Maybe you should learn to wake up when your girlfriend kisses you."

"Danny," he whined. "Come out."

"Uhhh…" I pretended to think. "No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Come on, Danny."

"Well…" I said. "No."

He groaned. "Why not, darlin'?"

"Um, because you threatened me, ya jerk."

He exhaled irritably. "Ya know I'd never hurt ya, Danny."

"When you put it like that…" I trailed off, and smirked to myself. "Nope."

"I love you, babe." He said adorably.

I turned on the sink and the shower, and then flushed the toilet. "What?!" I yelled. "I can't hear you!"

He groaned again, banging the door—probably with his head. "Danny…"

"No…" I said in the same voice, turning the water off.

"I just want ta see yer beautiful face…"

I rolled my eyes. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

He banged his head on the door again.

I heard his door open and someone walked in. "Josh, aren't ya supposed to be—uh…" Peter paused, no doubt gazing at his son in confusion. I snickered. "What're ya doin'?"

"Help! Help!" I said desperately. "Josh threatened me, so I ran in here, and now he won't let me out! Help! Damsel in distress! Help!"

The door jolted as Josh's head connected with it again.

"Uhhh…" Peter began. "Josh, don't be mean ta yer mate."

"What?" Josh gaped. "I didn't—she—I—ugh."

The door rattled again and again.

"Just let her out, Josh." Peter scolded.

"She won't come out," Josh mumbled, but he stopped beating his head. "I've tried over and over."

"Help!" I called again. The door rattled. "I'm being held against my will!"

"No yer noooot." Josh said in a sing-song voice.

"Yes I aaamm." I mimicked.

"Just open the door, Josh," Peter sighed

"She's got it locked!"

"I was scared!"

"Josh," Peter said. "Danny."

I snickered and twisted the knob, and just as Josh stepped away, I opened the door so it hit him in the shoulder. "Ow!" he jumped away, turning to glare at me.

I smiled innocently and blinked up at him. "Sorry," I lied. "I didn't mean to."

"Ya two act like toddlers." Peter observed.

"Oh, can I be Hanna?!" I asked, raising my hand excitedly. "I'll be the cute one, and Josh can be the weird one."

Josh stuck his tongue out at me and I did the same.

Peter rolled his eyes. "Josh, it's time ta take her home now."

"Good," Josh snapped, his eyes gleaming as a smile pulled at his lips. "I don't want her here anyways."

Fake tears filled my eyes and I stuck my lower lip out. I turned away from him, making sob sounds. Josh cursed quietly to himself. "Hey," he said, his arms engulfing my waist. "I was just kiddin'."

I stepped away and turned towards him, beaming. "So was I."

He face-palmed, groaning to himself and shaking his head. I giggled, bouncing on my toes. "I'm a good actor, huh?"

He sighed and turned to his father. "I'll take her home if she'll come."

I made for the door. "Can I drive?"

I glanced over my shoulder to see both of their eyes wide. "Do ya have yer license?" Josh asked, glancing warily at Peter.

"No…" I admitted, pouting cutely at him.

"Then no…" Josh answered, raising an eyebrow.

I bit my lip and continued to look up at him.

He shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "No," he still said uncertainly. "No. No. No."

"Okay, let's go!" I said happily, since I have no idea how to drive, and lashed out to grab his hand. I pulled a surprised, and confused, Josh out into the hallway and down the stairs. Once we made it downstairs, he pulled me back to him and sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Yer a handful, darlin'." He breathed as we headed for the back door.

"I try." I smiled up at him.

He rolled his beautiful eyes. "Ya succeed."

"Yey!"

He smiled lopsidedly and opened the door for me. I took off towards the truck. "I'll race you!" I screamed halfway, and I heard him growl behind me. "First one there gets a kiss!"

I was just about to touch the hood of the truck when a body interrupted my vision, and I instead crashed into my boyfriend, who happened to be at least twice as fast as me. I pouted as I stepped away from him, crossing my arms over my chest. "I win," he smiled, his eyes glinting. "Pay up."

"No fair," I mumbled in a childish voice. "You cheated."

"What?" he huffed. "How did I cheat?"

I glared playfully at him. "You used your wolfiness."

He raised an eyebrow. "My…. Wolfiness? Darlin', I don't think that's a word."

"It is now!"

He laughed and rolled his eyes, leaning back against the truck. "You owe me my prize, darlin'."

"No," I said, shaking my head. "I said the first one that wins, and you cheated!"

"I did win!" He insisted, imitating my pout.

"You cheated!" I insisted, glaring at him.

He mirrored my expression. "I still get my prize."

I turned away from him and stuck my nose in the air. "No ya don't."

"Yes I do."

"No ya don't."

"Yes I do."

"No ya doooonn't."

"Yes I doooo."

"No. You don't." I said more forcefully.

"Yes," he said, grabbing my waist and turning me around against my will. "I do." He pulled me to him swiftly, pressing his mouth to mine. I kissed him involuntarily before I smirked against him. Once again, I took his lip between my teeth and bit down—hard. He pulled away harshly, glaring at me.

"No," I emphasized. "Ya don't."

I smirked at his shocked expression. He turned away, stomping to the driver's seat while muttering something about a 'little nip'. I threw my head back and laughed loudly before pulling the passenger's door open and sliding in. He was still muttering to himself as he started the car.

"You might want to get that checked out," I said, buckling myself in.

He glanced up, furrowing his eyebrows. "What do ya mean?"

"That…" I motioned to all of him. "Talking to yourself thing. You might have a… a condition."

He rolled his eyes, the corner of his mouth picking up in an adorable smile as he pulled out of the driveway. "Oh, I have a 'condition'."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I snapped, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothin', darlin'." He smiled. "Nothin'."

I glared at him before turning to the window. The ride to the house was silent except for the occasional insult we would throw at each other. The bickering continued, but we both knew whatever waited for us at the house would either be very good, or very, very bad.

There were no cars in the driveway and I felt myself relax at the realization. I wouldn't have to deal with him just yet. Josh parked in the driveway and turned the truck off. I turned to him with a raised eyebrow.

He smirked, shrugging. "He said I had ta take ya home. He never said I couldn't stay with ya."

I rolled my eyes. "Well what if I said you couldn't stay?"

He pouted.

I nodded towards the house and opened the door. "C'mon."

He fist pumped and followed me inside, where I stopped dead in the doorway. "What the—" we both said in unison, staring at the scene before us. Both empty and full liquor bottles lay on the ground, some broken, and some were leaking into already formed puddles in the carpet. A chair had been overturned and forgotten. Trash was everywhere and anywhere, and I glimpse into the kitchen sent my heart plummeting into my stomach. The dishes rose up and over the sink. Wrappers and trash littered the counters and floor. The dishwasher was open, half clean, half dirty, and food stained the counters and stove.

"I'm gonna have to clean all of this up before he gets home," I sighed to myself, my shoulders drooping.

"I love ya, Danny," Josh said, slowly stepping away from me. "But I don't love ya that much—"

I lashed out to grab him before he could escape, and glared him down. "Uh-huh. You're staying, mister. And you're helping."

He sighed and hung his head. I pulled us inside and closed the door. "I'll start with the living room… you can do the dishes."

"But I don't know where anything goes!"

I clapped him on the shoulder. "I'm sure you'll figure it out."

He sighed and started for the kitchen reluctantly. I started by picking up all the trash, careful to overstep the stains and puddles. By the time we were finished with that, Josh had taken out at least five bags of recyclables and other trash. I straightened up the couch, and righted the chair. I dug around the supply closet and pulled out the stain cleaner for the countless marks on the carpet. I dusted and vacuumed after I had gotten out all of the stains and went through Destiny and Grant's laundry baskets and started a load. Josh had finished just before me and took it on himself to go through the rooms and collect the trash. I cleaned the hall bathroom as well as mine while I was at it.

I had cleaned all the major rooms of the house in less than three hours, but I knew Grant would be home soon. Josh collapsed on the couch, throwing an arm over his eyes. "I'm dead," he complained. "I'm dyin'. I'm dead. I'll never clean again in my entire life."

"Welcome to my life," I mumbled, crumpling next to him. He scooted closer to me and laid his head on my lap with his arm still over his eyes.

He peeked from under his arm to look at me. "You do this annually?"

"It's usually not this bad," I sighed.

He made a disapproving noise and hid his eyes again. "I'm exhausted."

"What a big word for a toddler!" I praised, patting his chest.

He lifted his arm and glared at me. I stuck out my tongue at him and he returned the gesture. "What do we do now?" he asked, laying his arm across his stomach now.

I took his fingers and started to play with them so I wouldn't have to think. "He should be home soon."

Josh sighed irritably, and then closed his eyes. "You want me gone by then, don't you?"

"It would probably be best, yes." I admitted.

All of a sudden, he blew out angrily and sat up. He stood and turned to face me. I stared at him in confusion as he took my face in his hands, leaning down to claim my lips. I smiled at the sensation and gave into him just before he pulled away. He smiled crookedly at me. "I'll go now." He tapped my temple. "Call me if anythin' comes up, alright? I can be here in less than three minutes if ya need me."

"Okay," I said, and this time I knew I would.

He closed his eyes, kissed me again, and then disappeared out the front door. I hugged his sweatshirt around me and made my way upstairs, grateful to see nothing had been touched or misplaced. The door had been broken down and simply set up against the doorway, though, and I struggled to realign the hinges. Once I deemed that could not be done, I put it up so it seemed closed and stepped into the bathroom to take a much needed shower.

I got out and dressed in pajamas. I took hold of the door and propped it up against the wall. The washer went off as soon as I had made sure it wasn't going to fall, and I suddenly became aware of voices downstairs. I stiffened and my heart clenched in fear. I listened intently, but I could only pick out one voice that I recognized—Grant's. I inched closer down the stairs so I could understand his words.

"That thing is not supposed to be here!" Grant growled as I made my way downstairs.

I froze on the last step as another voice replied, "If it weren't for that d*** wolf, she'd be dead. I did what you asked, and we made a deal. You owe me."

That voice I knew and I would never forget.

Jake was downstairs.

So guess what guys! Um, Jake is back, for one. I know, major cliffhanger. But I did have a better one, and then I was like, well... that's too much for one chapter, so. But! This might be the second to last chapter ! :O That's right! I realized that I'm almost done with their story (sadness), and it should all end next chapter! Wow, right?! I'm so excited! Don't ask if there's a sequel, cuz I want to save that for next chapter, cuz y'all will hate me ^.^ But I'm excited, anyways. Tell me what y'all think of this chapter and review ^.^

Yea, ya see that little text box down there? Type in it. And press post, ok? Review plleeaassseee. Hanna wants you to. It'll make her feel bwetter! I pwomise!

Love you guys!

~Anni12

(review or you won't live to see the next and final chapter (; )