"So, let me get this straight, There is a posse of man-eaters heading this way?" My mother stood up from the sofa in the study. "As in, heading towards Stonehaven?" Her outrage was clear even to me, sitting at the bend of the hall. Sure, my hiding spot only gave me a sliver of visual through the partly closed door, but I got full audio.
"Elena, we can't jump to conclusions-" Always the logical one, was Jeremy.
"-I'm jumping to conclusions!? Jer, these mutts have left a trail all the way from-"
"I know very well, Elena."
"So, what? You think that just because they haven't entered the state yet we should give them a free pass? And if they do come here? Should we just give them a map and say, ' Hey, here's the layout of Bear Valley, have fun. Just make sure to steer clear of the Doughnut Hole customers, they're full of cholesterol!?' "
"No, Elena," Still calm. Slightly patronizing? Or was that just me? ", of course not. We should end this as quickly as possible, as far away as possible. I'm merely attempting to dissuade you from panicking, and causing Clayton to panic as well." There was a shuffling sound, like Jeremy was putting down a glass of something. Probably something that's in the 'locked' cupboard. Yeah, good job guys. My super human strength couldn't possibly break into the liquor cabinet. Parents can be so cute.
"Fine. No we'll just…" O.K, I might have dosed off at this point. But it was late, okay? That's what you get for sneaking out of bed to listen to closed-door conversations about mutt hunts. The next thing I knew my mom was bent down beside me, rubbing my shoulder.
"Well, looks like we have company, Jer."
"I," Yawn, "Didn't hear anything about mutts. I swear!" Oops.
- - - - - - - - - -
Savannah.
That was my punishment. The adults got to go off on an adventure, and I got babysat by the witch. O.K, Logan too, but he didn't see it as a punishment.
"So, do you guys have homework?" Her stupid black hair was hanging over one of her stupid bony shoulders. With a stupid look on her stupid face.
"Savannah, it's summer. We're actually on break." Logan normally isn't the one to start a conversation, but he doesn't trust me not to say something rude. Rude? Me? "We normally just roam around out-"
"-side, right. Right. Sorry, I just got out of this dimension where all of the Gripsha- Never mind. Spell caster stuff. Speaking of, I just learned this really cool spell I could show you. See, what it does it-"
"-You're right, spell caster stuff." I grabbed Logan's hand in mine and was already turning towards the back door with him in tow as I said, " It really isn't that interesting. If you need help, we're outside."
As the back door closed behind us, Logan spun me around. "That was rude." I told you so.
"But so, worth it. And don't give me that look. That one right there. You think it's funny too, you just don't want to admit it." I moved closer, making a silly face and moving my neck around. " Come one, how about we practice out back."
"And you give me a concussion again? Thanks, but no thanks." Logan starting leading me across the lawn, and towards the line of trees circling us. When we got to an acceptably high one, he released my hand and started to climb. He didn't turn around, just trusted that I would follow him up there. I always did.
When we were as high as we could get, while still sitting on a wide enough branch, he leaned back. Effortlessly, Logan balanced his entire body on the limb, save his right leg, which dangled off the edge. I scooted until my back was up against the trunk, and then rested my head against the rough bark.
"You weren't in bed last night." He broke the silence first.
"Nope." He opened one eye in question, staring at me for more. He knew if I wasn't asleep beside him, stealing the covers and generally being a nuisance, I was on a mission. " I was minding my own business, don't laugh, I was. And then I happened to overhear Mom and Jeremy in the study." That got his attention. For me to abandon my pantry raid, he knew I must have heard something juicy.
Most people would peck at it, bother me until I gave it up. Logan knew better. Logan just lay out, waiting until I came up with the words to tell him.
"There are mutts killing people, close to New York State. I didn't hear much, but Mom's worried." I fussed with my position, moving away from the truck and closer to him. I only continued when my side was against his left foot, with both my feet dangling over the edge towards the house. " I think that's where everyone is right now. Finishing it."
"Sounds like."
And that was the end of that conversation.
Finally, Uncle Nick came to reprieve Savannah of her 'care taking' duties. Thank God. I never understood why they trusted a witch to take care of werewolves. I guess that sounds kind of supernatural racist- but I don't mean it to be.
It's only that, as full bloods, Logan and I have stronger instincts than anyone else. Stronger muscles, too. That means that although I can accept Jaime as a part of the family, because she's with Jeremy, I cannot accept Savannah, or any of the other rag tag supernaturals my parents associate with. Logan feels the same way, he's just to polite.
I have to be loud enough for the both of us, then.
