So, you guys are gonna hate this chapter. Just saying. But don't freak out. Next chapter's gonna take a while because it's in Josh's point of view. So, enjoy... I hope...

~Anni12

Chapter 19

I scowled as I heard the doorbell ring, closing my eyes to hold in the tears. I proceeded to shake the cake mix over the cherries, ignoring the bell going off again and again. Just answer the door already! I groaned internally, refusing to answer the door to that cheater. Just as I placed the dessert in the oven and set the timer, my father yelled out, "Get the door!" I flinched; I knew that the wolf pack outside could hear it. I threw my oven mits on the counter, growling at them as I stomped towards the door.

I yanked it open, scowling at the brilliant blue eyes that I met. "Danny!" He said, smiling until he saw my expression. I barely glanced at his parents behind himI rolled my eyes, turning and starting back towards the kitchen. "Wait! Danny!" he called, but I ignored him. I felt him clawing at the wall around my mind, but still I chose to act like he was nonexistent. I snatched the knife off the counter and grabbed an apple. Still, he knocked and knocked as I sliced the apple in half.

"Danny, please just listen ta—" he began, placing his hands on my hips. I jumped, yelping as I felt him, the electricity; the blood dripping from my finger. Internally, I cursed him, setting the knife down on the counter and reaching for a rag, but it was already around my hand. I hissed at the hot water, pulling away from Josh, glaring daggers at him.

His face fell as he frowned. "Danny, I don't understand. What's wrong?" he asked, taking a step towards me.

I stepped back, grounding my teeth. Get away from me.

I cringed as hurt flashed through his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but I shook my head, averting my eyes. I made my way across the kitchen, rummaging through the drawer by the fridge in search of a Band-Aid. "Here, let me get that for you." He said, snatching it from my hand. I flinched, wanting to snap at him, but he and his stupid werewolf speed had already gotten the rag off and was drying the small cut. I hissed again, stepping back as he wrapped it around my finger.

"There, now that wasn't so bad, right?" he asked, his eyes innocent as he curled the trash in his fist.

I scowled at him again, pulling away. I tried going back to my job, but he grabbed my arm lightly, making me turn towards him. "Danny, what's going on? Why ain't ya talkin' ta me?"

I rolled my eyes at his innocent act and again tried to go back to what I was doing. And again, I got one step further before he whipped me back around to face him. "Danny, please! Did I do somethin's wrong? Did I—"

He stopped, raising an eyebrow as I pointed the knife I had grabbed from the counter at him. Go away. I told him, my heart rate rising.

He rolled his eyes. "Yer threatenin' me with a knife?" he chuckled, but his smile was soon wiped from his face. He furrowed his eyebrows. "Why are you threatenin' me? Danny, I would never hurt you."

Too late. I growled, but my spirit suddenly was gone.

I winced visibly as I heard my family's voice ring out. "Mr. and Mrs. Miller! Hi! How are you? Where's Josh?" Destiny asked, her voice rising as she switched into polite mode. I pushed the rag into his hands, frowning as I turned back to the apple, rinsing the knife.

"Hi, honey." Gail said, but I could tell she wasn't very happy. "I think he's in the kitchen. With Danny."

"Really? Well, I'd like you to meet my Daddy, Grant Kimble. Daddy, this is Josh's mom and dad." She said, making me flinch.

Josh let out a low growl as my father spoke. "Nice to meet you." he said gruffly.

"Hello, I'm Gail, and this is Peter. Nice to meet you as well." Gail said, but I knew her well enough to know that her real words were harsh.

Has he done anythin' ta ya, Danny? Josh's words cut through me, bringing me out of my thoughts. I shuddered, brushing my bangs behind my ear. I couldn't answer him. He growled again. "Danny—" he began, but a shrill voice cut him off.

"Joshy!" she shrieked as I heard her footsteps running towards him. I recoiled from her, but I couldn't help the pang in my chest at the thought of them together.

"Destiny." He said emotionlessly, but I could feel the anger coming off of him in waves.

"Well, why don't we go into the kitchen and begin dinner?" my father offered, and soon I heard them enter.

"C'mon, let's go sit down!" Destiny said, pulling him to the table. I expected to relax when he was gone, but instead I tensed as I finished cutting the apple. I put them on a new plate, scooping it up into my hand and picking up the salad bowl with the other. I made my way over to the table, not making eye contact with anyone as I set it down on the table.

"Danny, ya won't be joinin' us?" Gail asked. I internally flinched and groaned. Not the best question to ask. I thought. I figured it'd be best to ignore her, but my father did the talking for me.

"Oh, don't mind her." He basically spit the word. "She's nobody. Just ignore her." He said, waving his hand in the air. The house went dead silent before Destiny started up another conversation, leaving me to serve the dinner.

Josh scowled as Destiny prodded him in the arm. "Baby, you didn't eat any of your food." She noticed as I went around collecting the empty plates. If only I got paid for this, you could call it waitressing.

"Not hungry." Josh almost growled out, hardly glancing at her before returning his gaze to me. I looked away, my jaw clenching. How could I still think his eyes were the most gorgeous thing after what he had done to me? I cursed him and his beautiful eyes as I placed bowls of dessert salad (Destiny insisted we have them instead of the cobbler I had already made) onto a platter.

Peter cleared his throat. "So, um, Danny, she's your daughter?" he asked.

I froze, glancing out of the corner of my eyes to see everyone's eyes on my father. Josh looked ready to rip someone's head off. Grant scoffed. "No way in h*** is that b**** my daughter." I cringed. Now that's the 'father' I knew and hated. I started towards the table with the platter in hand.

I gasped as Josh stood, his eyes blazing and his jaw clenched. "The h*** she isn't!" he growled.

"Joshua!" Gail scolded, but Josh hardly glanced her way.

"No," he said. "He knows very well that Danny is his daughter, but he just doesn't want to admit that he doesn't know how to keep his hands off her and control his temper." His eyes narrowed as he spilled my secret to the whole table—and the fact that it looked as though I had told him.

The table shook as my father slammed his fist on the table, standing along with him. I screamed as caught my foot, cutting off his next words. I fell forward, the platter flying into the air as I knocked into Josh's chest, the sudden impact sending both of us to the ground. He grunted as I landed on top of him, a corner of his mouth picking up as he chuckled. I opened my eyes to find the salad all over us and the floor, the plate clattered to the ground not far away. "You clumsy b****!" Grant yelled, making me draw back.

I scrambled to my feet, not wasting a second as the salt water formed in my eyes and fled up the stairs, closing the door behind me. I retreated to a small indent in the wall, burying myself in the corner and pulling my knees to my chest. I wrapped my arms around my legs, crying as I tried to make myself as small as possible.

Loud voices echoed from downstairs, but I couldn't quite pick out the words. I jumped as a sot knocked sounded. I knew it was him before he even spoke. "G-Go away!" I sobbed, wiping at my eyes.

The door opened slowly. "Danny?"

"I-I said go away!" I snapped, covering my face with my hand.

I listened to his footsteps as he approached, crouching in front of me. I jumped as his hand rested on my knee. I looked up, pushing his hand away. "Don't touch me!" I growled, pushing myself farther away from him.

Hurt flashed across his face. "Why're ya so mad at me?"

"You're a jerk," I replied harshly.

He shook his head slowly. "I still don't understand why yer so upset with me."

I sat up quickly, pushing him away by his shoulders. "You betrayed me!"

He landed back on his palms, his mouth agape in surprise. "I-I didn't! I wouldn't! I would never—"

"You did!"

He frowned, leaning forward so that he rested on his knees. "Ya gotta trust me, Danny."

"Why should I trust you after all you've put me through?"

He threw his hands up in exasperation. "Because I love you."

I gasped softly. "I-I think you need to leave."

His face fell. "But Danny…"

"Leave," I insisted. I could feel the tears coming back.

Josh looked down, frowning, but he stood. He glanced up, looking straight at me. "I ain't givin' up. I'm gonna get ya back."

I closed my eyes, turning my head away. There were footsteps, and then the door shut. Again, there were voice, and the front door shut. I tensed as a car started. They were leaving. I held my breath, listening for my father's voice. Footsteps sounded, getting louder as they came nearer. I stood, sucking in a breath.

Fear clutched my chest as he pounded on the door. I glanced around for something—anything to protect myself. When I spotted the window, I didn't think twice. I flung it open and crawled onto the sill, keeping myself from looking down.

"What are you doin'?" a familiar voice asked. I jumped, gasping as I clutched whatever I could hold onto.

I forced myself to look down, glaring at the boy standing on the lawn. "What are you doing?!"

"Danny," Josh said, sighing.

"Go away!" I spat.

"Danny," Josh yelled. "What're ya doin'?"

"Go away!" I repeated, a little more forcefully.

He ran a hand through his hair. "Danny!"

I closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing. "He's coming for me. I-I don't wanna get beaten today."

I heard a soft growl. "Jump. I'll catch you."

"Josh—" I began, but the lock unclicked. I glanced back, my heart catching in my throat, to see the door opening. You better catch me. I thought, closing my eyes and letting myself fall.

Before I knew it, those strong, warm arms were wrapped around me. Arms I had missed. "There," he chuckled. "See?"

"Put me down!" I hissed, opening my eyes and scrambling away from him.

Hurt flashed through his eyes, but I pushed the guilt down. "I love you, Danny." He stated, stepping towards me.

"Sshh!" I said, glancing up at the window.

"No," I grabbed his arm and dragged him around the corner. "Danny, I love you."

"Will you be quiet!" I growled, swallowing those words myself.

He shook his head. "No. I will not. I want everyone ta know. I LOVE—"

I slapped my hand over his mouth. "Ssssssshhh!" My heart replied to that glint in his eyes and I stepped away from him. "I need to get away from him. I don't know what to do." I turned my back to him, crossing my arms over my chest, willing my heart to stop pounding.

"Come with me." He said as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

"With you?" I scoffed, raising an eyebrow as I turned back to him. "Ha!"

His jaw clenched and that look flashed across his face again. "Danny, trust me." He pleaded, taking a step towards me.

I stepped back, scowling at him. "Trust you? I tried that once."

"What're ya talkin's about?" Josh glared at me, anger and confusion swirling in his eyes. "I never did anythin' ta you. I love you!"

"Shut up," I snapped. "You kissed her. You don't love me. You only used me to get to my sister!"

"Is that what this is about?" he rolled his eyes, sighing. "I love you, Danny Kimble. Yer sister kissed me." He stepped forward wrapped his arms around my waist. I put my hands on his chest to keep him away. "And I pushed her away. I can't see any other girl but you."

I pushed him away with all my strength, and he stumbled backwards. "Liar."

"Believe me, Danny!" his voice almost sounded begging. "I love you."

"Would you quit saying that?!" I snarled, my fists clenching.

"I ain't gonna quit sayin' it until ya know it's true."

My jaw clenched. "Go away."

He smirked. "I'll take ya with me."

"Drop dead." I spat, whirling around to stalk away from him.

He grabbed my arm and swung me around to face him. "You wouldn't want that, would ya?" He asked in that arrogant voice, but something in his eyes was serious.

I ripped my arm from his grasp, surprised that he let me. "Go die in a hole."

"Harsh." He raised an eyebrow.

Suddenly the door was thrown open and I instinctively jumped towards him. He took my hand, tugging me. "We've got ta go, Danny."

I tried pulling my hand back, but he held onto me, his eyes hardening. "I ain't going anywhere with you!" I yelled a little too loud.

"Would ya rather take a beatin' fer it?"

I glanced back at the door and heard a gun cock. I turned back to him, scowling. "I hate you."

He frowned. "Glad to hear it. Let's go."

He tugged me back into the canopy of the trees. He didn't run, but walked quickly. I tried getting my hand back, but his grip only tightened. It wasn't long until the trees broke and his house came into view. I stopped, digging my heels into the ground. Josh stopped as well to my surprise, muttering something to himself. He turned to me, dropping my hand. He gazed at me and stepped forward. I stepped back, finding myself pressed up against a tree.

Why did this always happen to me? I closed my eyes, trying to push the memories from my mind and focused on my uneven breathing. His hand brushed my arm and I soon felt his breath on my skin. He had trapped me with his arms. "Wh-what are you doing?" I choked.

"Sometimes," he gulped, "ya just gotta throw her against the wall and kiss her for all she's worth. Well, that's what I'm doin'."

You're certainly not kissing me. I thought involuntarily. Then, against my will, forgotten images rose up. "I-I-I- stay away from me!" I tried pushing him away, but I could no longer find my strength, and my hands hung limp on his chest. My breath hitched and my shoulders began to shake.

"Danny?" he soft voice asked.

"P-Please don't hurt me," I begged, my lower lip quivering.

"Danny?" he repeated, worry lining the edges of his voice.

"P-Please," I begged, no longer hearing him. "G-Go away. P-Please don't. P-P-Please."

I couldn't open my eyes, but the tears squeezed through anyway. Suddenly, a rush of cool air hit me and I forced my eyes open to see Josh stumbling away from me, confusion overtaking his expression. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding and I backed away from him. I turned, staggering into the yard. I collapsed on the ground, letting the tears flow freely.

"Danny…" Josh said, and I heard him approaching me from behind.

"Stay away from me!" I yelled, swallowing the tears.. "I'm not your girl toy anymore, aright? So congratulations, you got the mute kid to talk and trust you. Hey, you even got her pretty sister wrapped around your finger! Yey you. Go throw yourself a party. Just leave me alone. I don't want to be hurt anymore."

"Danny…" he repeated, his fingers brushing my shoulder.

I flinched away from him. "You were the first boy I really trusted. The first one I really spoke to. You were my first kiss, and you showed me how to love myself, too. I see what a fool I was now, okay? You can quit your little game. It's over. You won."

"It ain't over!" he growled suddenly.

I stood, wiping my tears and faced him with a glare. "You won, Josh! Isn't that enough?"

Determination flared in his eyes. "No, I didn't win. The only way I win is if I have you. This ain't just a game, Danny. I've told ya bafore and I'll tell ya again until ya believe it. I love you. I always have. I always will."

Something inside me snapped, and the tears flowed through again. "How can you be so sure?"

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life," he said, his eyes softening. He thought he had finally gotten through to me. But he couldn't. I would not let him hurt me again.

"I didn't ask that. I asked how."

"Love is a feeling, Danny," Josh explained, stepping closer to me. "Just like ya know when yer angry, sad, or happy, I know I'm in love."

I looked down, Destiny's face flashing in my eyes. "Must be a great feeling to love a beautiful girl."

"Not really," he sighed. "It ain't complete unless she loves ya back."

"I'm sure Destiny does."

He growled, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "I don't care a lick fer Destiny! Why can't ya get that through yer thick head?! It's you I care fer, darlin'. Yer my one true mate. Not her. Not anyone else. You."

My heart stopped a moment, and I wanted to believe him. For a second, I did believe him. "I won't say it." I muttered, but my heart fluttered.

"That's okay," he smiled. "As long as ya believe me, that's okay fer now."

I gasped as he pulled me to him, wrapping me in a hug. His mouth ran along my jaw, kick starting my pulse. "Besides," he breathed, "Destiny ain't really my type. Yer sweet and innocent—"

"Innocent?" I scoffed. "Ha!"

He pulled away, studying my eyes. "What're ya talkin' about, Danny?"

I stuck my chin up a bit higher, my jaw clenching, ready for the rejection that I was about to get. "I ain't a virgin, Josh. Happy?"

His eyes widened and he stepped away, his hands dropping to his side. "Wh…what? B-but—you said—"

I turned away, sucking in a breath. "I know. And when I did, it was true. But things change. People change."

"You betrayed me," he whispered more to himself than me, but I felt my heart tear anyways.

"Betray you?" I hissed, tears clouding my vision as I swung around to face him. "I hardly knew you! To me, you were just a weird wolf! A figment of my imagination, maybe! I didn't have any ties to you! Don't act like I did."

He looked up, his eyes blazing. "We're mates, Danny. Tell me you didn't feel somethin', anythin' the first time we really met, and I'll let ya alone."

I clenched my jaw, looking away. I remembered dreaming about his arms, the way they could hold me. I remembered thinking how beautiful he was, and how he would never be mine. Josh turned, pinching the bridge of his nose and took a few steps. "Who was it?" he asked softly.

I glanced up. "Wh-what?"

He turned, his eyes blazing with hatred. But it wasn't directed to me. I knew that somehow. "Who was it?" he asked a little more forcefully, growling to himself.

I closed my eyes, willing myself not to cry over this again. "I…I don't know."

"How do you not—" he growled and then gasped softly in horror. "No, Danny. No… no… Danny…" He growled loudly, angrily. Angrier than I had ever heard him before. "I swear I'll kill whoever—"

"Whatever," I said, cutting him off. "I-I'm leaving."

"Danny! Wait!" he called, grabbing my wrist. "Danny, please. I—I didn't know. I swear I wouldn'ta brought it up if I'd a known."

I ripped my hand from his, growling, "You think I wanted this to happen, Josh? You think I asked to be raped by some guy my father sold me to? You think I wanted that to be my first experience? Well, news flash, buddy. I didn't."

He flinched, his face twisting in pain. "Danny," he said, reaching for my hand.

But I pulled back, shaking my head as I backed away. "Just leave me alone, Josh. Just…" I swallowed a sob, turning and fleeing as he called after me. I ignored him, biting the inside of my cheek.

I made it to the edge of the road before I broke down, letting the tears fall. I crossed my arms over my chest, looking down at my feet as I slowed to a walk. The road suddenly lite up with headlights, but I paid it no mind. The car rushed past me, but the sound of its engine never died. I glanced up, my heart stopping as I looked down the barrel of a gun. "Get in the car," a deep male voice growled. "Now."

I gulped, for I had no choice but to obey.

Don't lie. I know you hated it. And you're probably freaking out right now, right? Well, calm down. So, where should I start off with Josh's POV next chapter? Review, please (:

And sorry it was so short.

~Anni12