Chosen wolf

My godfather rolled down the window of his shiny truck. It had to be one of the newest models, given how nice it was. My godfather, Phil, has been my dad's best friend since they met in first grade. Even though they lived very different home lives, they considered each other brothers by heart, not by blood. My dad told me about the time when they were 18 and had just graduated from high school. Phil told my dad about a blood pack he had read about, so they could be blood brothers. My dad laughed when he told me about it. After a few beers, Phil had my dad agreeing to it. Dad had to practice saying these Latin words, but he didn’t know what they meant. My dad stumbled for weeks trying to get the pronunciation correct. Once Phil was satisfied with my dad's pronunciation, they set a day they were to sneak out to the woods by the hotel on a full moon to perform it. My dad laughed about how silly it felt to cut the palms of their hands and then hold them as they said the Latin words.

Both men in front of me stood a little straighter. My spine stiffened a little, too, at the authority he held in his voice. I was not afraid, though. I knew him better than most people would realize. Even though I haven't really seen him since my father's funeral. Phil Holloway's Oldest son, Joel, stood behind me. He was easily six foot five with a broad, muscled chest. He looked terrific in his dark grey suit. His dark hair and dark eyes were a cold mask that scared and intimidated many. If I did not know it was just a mask, I would be terrified of him. He was very handsome, but many women were scared, even when they attempted to talk to him. To this day, I still do not know why he always puts up this front with the world around us. It has been like this since he got back from college. It was a shame; he was a deeply caring man. He always takes care of the people he loves and cares about. “Of course, Mr. Holloway, right away, sir. You may go through Miss Ashworth.” Garret

I gave Jordan a slight smile before heading back towards the restaurant. He gave me a friendly wave before heading back up to the VIP section. I found myself wishing I had asked Jordan about that guy, at least his name, but I chickened out. Matt made sure to open the door for me as I walked by. I thanked him as I made my way through. “No problem, cutie,” was his reply. I rolled my eyes when he said that. He was not getting me with his player ways. Especially not after that run-in with Chad. The first half of the work went by fairly normally. I spent my first thirty-minute lunch break texting Jess. She was the only person I could talk to about my strange morning. She, of course, was focused on getting all the details about the parts of the VIP lounge she could get out of me. I couldn’t blame her. We spent many teenage days gossiping about what we thought it would look like. Each idea was crazier than the last back then. “No, it wasn’t fully made from diamonds,”

Living in a small town had its perks, especially in times of need. Everyone knew everyone, which could be both a blessing and a curse. As we drove in silence, Joel's hand on my thigh, I struggled to compose myself. The weight of my emotions was overwhelming, but his comforting touch helped me regain some control. We pulled up to the front of the house. I could see the top of Jess’s head through the window; it looked like they were watching the newest kids’ movie that was out. I hoped my face wasn’t an absolute mess; I’m sure with the day I have had, all the crying and breaking down, it was. Before I could say anything to Joel, he was already at my door, ready to open it. I guess he just wanted me to leave so he could get back to whatever he was doing. I didn’t even see him get out of the car, let alone notice he opened his own car door and shut it, but before I touched the handle to my door, he had it open with a handout for me. I took it so he could help me get out of his c

     I was shocked by the number of people up here. Jordan didn’t give me the chance to look around. I was hoping I could find that man again. Then again, that’s not why we were here. Again, that pit in my stomach pulled me down. Burning anxiety scratched at my throat.    “I have you,” Jordan whispered in my hair. That helped me relax as we reached Joel’s private office.       Jordan knocks twice before entering. As I walk in behind Jordan, I notice Joel has stopped what he is doing and is tracking my every movement. Jordan leads me over to the couch in the corner of the room, and I sit down. Takeout containers are all over the table in the middle. Judging by the smell, it was fresh. I must have interrupted their late-night meal.