I hugged my knee, resting my forehead against the top of it even though my back and wounds protested. I waited in silence, sensing the turning of each page, which made me tense until my shoulders were so taut, I feared they would snap.
My bangs hung in the eye that could see the ground, but Kyler moved them away after kneeling so he could see my face. His lips moved, but I still couldn’t hear him, and he rolled his eyes with a slight smirk. My soul seemed to thrum, which I found to be odd, and I tensed a little more without breaking. Kyler reached towards my face, and I flinched, which caused his expression to fall and my heart ached while my mind was pleased. It was about time he learned there were consequences to his actions.
Still, he tucked my bangs behind my ear after moving my headphone. The song I was listening to sounded odd in only one ear, and I frowned. Warily, I watched Kyler with one eye, but I didn’t realize he would do as he did. I barely registered his face moving towards mine, and suddenly our lips were pressed together.
Startled, I jerked away only to hit my back on the rock with a yelp of pain. Thankfully, that made the tingling of my lips stop. Instead of angry or mocking, Kyler’s expression was worried, and I became warier. What game was he playing? What did he want? Better yet, why the hell was he here? “Are you all right?” Kyler asked quietly, his eyes full of worry. It was the first time I heard him speak without anger or accusation souring his voice. It was beautiful, melodious, and lilting, and I scowled. He had the kind of voice I could listen to for hours regardless of what he said, and I hated him for it. Well, my mind did. My traitorous heart beat faster when he spoke. Stupid thing didn’t understand it was hopeless because Kyler hated me. Albeit, even if it wasn’t, I refused to forgive what he’s done.
I was neither a simpering lady nor a lass desperate for male attention. Between my monster and his goons, I got far more male attention than I wanted to begin with. Which would only get worse since they now considered me fair game. I had enough bullies in my life, I didn’t need Kyler too. Even if he was supposed to be the one meant for me. Yeah, right. So, he’s an attractive, hotshot werewolf. So what? That didn’t excuse his behavior, nor how he treated those around him. Not to mention, I promised myself I would never be in an abusive relationship. Kyler already proved he had no issues taking his temper out on me. I didn’t mind when I was standing between a bully and a victim, but a relationship was a whole different animal. For a moment, a dark memory from my childhood before Matty stirred within my mind, but I shook my head to dispel it before it could take hold.
“What do you want?” I asked, my voice coming out harsher than I intended because of the memory trying to surface. A tinge of guilt filled me, but I stamped it down while swallowing the apology on my tongue.
“To apologize,” Kyler murmured, his voice wrapping around me to the delight of my heart. Right, because an apology would fix everything. I couldn’t stop the soft, derisive snort that made his expression become crushed, but I did not try very hard. Sorry, hotshot, but yours won’t be the first empty apology I’ve received. I have a treasure trove full of them, and the memories to prove it. At least my monster refrained from mocking me with them, but my father threw them about like they were magical words. That, and he would give me a piece of candy or trinket in a weak attempt to buy my affection. I never wanted things. I wanted him to say he loved me and mean it. A child’s futile hope that died long before he did.
“Save your breath,” I sighed with my eyes on the ground. “I don’t know who you’re trying to appease, but I don’t want your empty words. You’re not sorry. You merely regret that someone caught you with your hand in the cookie jar. As soon as whoever is making you squirm stops looking, you’ll revert to your previous behavior. I’ll smile and pretend you’ve changed when asked, so leave me alone. I have nothing to say to you, and I do not appreciate your presence in my space.” While my mind reveled in my words, my heart wept and my soul mourned each one as it left my lips. Whatever. I had a bone to pick with fate as it was, so that wouldn’t stop me. Nor would I bow to this bastard because he thought I owed it to him. Bah.
“What if I mean my apology?” Kyler asked quietly after a moment. Scoffing, I met his gaze with defiance only to discover a deep sadness in his eyes. Instead of softening, I stiffened with a scowl. Someone was an outstanding actor.
“I find that incredibly hard to believe,” I replied coldly. Kyler grimaced, glancing over his shoulder after a moment to look at Riff, who shook his head. Kyler’s brow furrowed, and he paled, only to blow out his breath. “Marcus believes if I learn all I do not know, I might break. I suppose it has something to do with you?” When Kyler paled again, I scowled. Wait. Speaking of that, I’d been so focused on my fear of rejection or mockery that I never digested the apology Marcus gave me. He said Kyler almost killed me on Sunday, and that he feared the teenager would if he didn’t show him my truth. How? I was at the gas station and coughed up blood after
