Chapter 2

    - You should eat breakfast. – At the sound of Sean’s voice Jay turned to him with guilt written on her face.

    Incredibly handsome werewolf, with tons of chestnut hair, was leaning against the door-frame leading to the backyard. He was looking at her with his intense green eyes and Jay felt that her hands are sweaty. At that moment, she was reached by the meaning of Maria’s words, who once said that Sean emanates with sex. She felt that soon she’ll blush, so she looked down and suddenly turned back him. Until now she didn’t pay much attention to the opposite sex. For sure she had no time for stupid and unnecessary things. 'Where did such ridiculous thoughts come from anyway?!' She thought in panic. 'Besides, Sean is like an elder brother for me!' She sighed.

    - I’ll eat something on the way. – She blurted. She caught her bag, drank the last sip of coffee, chose an apple from a bowl standing on the table and left without looking back.

    - What’s going on with her? – Sean asked when her brothers, a little bit late, entered the kitchen.

    - She had a nightmare again. – Carter replied.

    -  I don’t think it’s about dreamy hallucinations. – Sean stated after a while.

    - What do you mean? – Christian raised his eyebrow. He was worried about sister, so every remark was valuable for him.

    - I’ll talk to you like a guy to guys. – His words gained their attention. – Did it cross your mind that your sister is seventeen?

    - Yeah! – Mark was chewing a hastily done sandwich. – So? What about it?

    - You don’t get it at all! – Sean sighed resigned. – Poor girl has to grow up with morons!

    - Hey! Just without invectives! – Carter was hot under the collar.

    - Wait a minute! – Christian cut in. – Are you trying to say, that Jay started to pay attention to men?!

    - What?! – Jess choked with his coke.

    - Maybe she should be attracted to girls? – Daniel asked with sarcasm.

    - No, but… - Jess stopped in the mid-sentence. – I’ll kill this son of a bitch! – He jumped up and the chair fell down with a loud bang.

    - Now hold on! – Sean stopped their banter. – I didn’t say that someone caught her eye. That would be even healthy. – He added with sigh, while they were staring at him embarrassed. – But she grows up with brothers only. To be honest, she doesn’t have any female role model, which could shape her character.

    - She has Mel. And Maria. – Mark pointed out. – Especially Mel, she’s a soul of contemporary teen. – He added wryly.

    - It’s not the same. – Said Mike. – Sean’s trying to tell us that Jay is taking over our behavior and way of thinking.

    - That’s ridiculous! – Carter was amused. – She’s quarrelsome, but it’s only a character trait!

    - She’s aggressive and she loves fights. – Michael corrected him. – She had black eye more often that we put together. And she definitely doesn’t spend enough time with Mel!

    - To make it clear! - Sean calmed them down. - I don't criticize you, but only point your attention to some problems. Just try to keep her out of troubles. At least till the end of the school.

    - Three days is not so long. - Mark saw the bright side.

    - In Jay's case it's like a whole fucking school year! - Jess sighed. - But we can try.

    - And now go to school or you'll be late again! - Sean rushed them, knowing that they came to some agreement.

    - Carter, how about returning to the old and making laugh of high school students? - Christian stated that if they're to keep an eye on sister, they'll definitely be useful at school premises.

    - I'm in! - Carter faultlessly guessed his twin's intentions.

    Sean was standing on the porch, watching them driving into town direction. Although, the conversation they had didn't look like a serious, parental lecture, he knew that he achieved his goal and his intentions had been read well. He knew that together with Maria, they've done a really good job.

    However, this didn't calm his fears. He was worried about Jay. 'She's so like her mother.' He thought with sorrow.

***

    - Thank God lessons are with no pressure already. - Melanie Weakfield was bubbling as always.

    - Why am I here anyway?! - Jay didn't share her friend's enthusiasm.

    - Like everyone else! - Mel continued undeterred by pouting at Jay sitting next to her. - To spend time with friends, flirt and maybe snatch some hunk, so you won't be bored during summer.

    The blonde took out a mirror and lipstick from her huge bag, to improve her makeup. She ran her hand through her hair and was already smiling at boys passing by. She had swarthy complexion, just as her siblings, now even highlighted by golden tan. Blue eyes sparkled coquettishly surrounded by long, thick eyelashes, and full lips were tempting whether she was smiling or pouting. Mel was tall and slim, and her shapely legs stretched out for miles.

    - Waste of time! - Jay blurted. 'I'd rather spend this time on extra training' she added in mind.

    'What do we actually have in common?'She mused over this. They have been friends since childhood. Their mothers were also friends, so basically they grown up together. And Leonor Weakfield did everything, so Jay and her brothers recovered from losing their mother - she supported Maria in any possible way. She was still doing it. Of course she used to look suspiciously at Sean - and to be honest, fairly, - but the fact, that he was Isabo's friend made her let it go. But it was Isabela and kids' trust they had in the handsome man to convince her finally that his presence in the young Tylers' life is imperative.

    Actually, Melanie was the best friend Jay could only dreamt of. Knowing that Mel won't let lipped, Jay could spoke with her about everything and entrust her with every secret. She could tell her about mother's death circumstances, about whom Isabo really was, who Sean is, and even about who she and her brothers are. And Mel, as a best friend ever, was listening carefully, giving advices, comforting or criticizing when needed (or kept her opinion for herself), reviling when it was necessary. She was like a sister Jay had always secretly wanted to have.

    Not that her brothers were so bad. She would never say that. Actually, they were perfect - all together and individually. They never interfere in each other's businesses, at least not too much, and they intervene only when it was really necessary. And though Jay was their only sister, her brothers allowed her to solve her problems on her own, and she, in gratitude, let them to chase away some intruder, who (a little bit drunk) dared to slap her ass. Jay had to admit that they were an excellent and harmonious pack in every aspect. They understood each other without words.

    - What do you think? - Mel recalled her friend to reality. But Jay's questioning look clearly said that she wasn't listening at all. - Why do I waste my time talking to you anyway? - She sighed with resignation.

    - I have no idea... - She stopped mid-sentence as the sense of Mel's words reached her. - It's not like that! I'm sorry! - She said, seeing her friend's offended face.

    - What's on your mind, Jay? - Mel decided to attack. - Something is happening again, and you're silent! You plunge yourself in thoughts and forget about the whole freaking world! You know that you can tell me everything. You used to trust me! Until now, I guess.

    - It's nothing! - Jay tried to fool herself somehow, but at the same time she didn't want to hurt her bestie.

    - So I'm right, you don't trust me anymore? - Disappointment in her voice was all too clear. 

    - Of course I trust you, Mel! - Even if she said it too quickly, it was honest. - I had this dream again. - She finally said openly.

    - Oh! - In this one sigh Mel expressed compassion and encouragement for further confidences.

    They were sitting in a boring history lecture, but no one seemed to be interested in it. Even Mr. Perkins himself.

    - IT was so clear! So real! - Jay continued after a short moment of hesitation. - So fucking tangible!

    - That sounds creepy! - Mel summed up.

    - I could smell the forest, hear the wind noise and birds singing. - She continued in a low voice. Jay looked in her friend's eyes as if trying to give all impressions to her. - And then that crack of some branch rumbled through the woods. I felt his breath, his power just behind my back. I heard growling coming out of his larynx. - Jay whispered and Mel involuntarily felt shivers running down her spine.

    - Did you spoke with your brothers about it? - Concerned Mel caught Jay's hand.

    - They know that I had a nightmare last night. - She looked down. - But I didn't tell them that I have this dream every night since a month.

    - Are you mad?! - Mel spoke up a bit and everyone looked at them.

    - You want to share something with us, Miss Weakfield? - Mr. Perkins asked and Mel shook her head. - Then don't interrupt. 

    - I'm sorry! - She said embarrassed. 

    - Maybe more discretely? - Jay said in conspiratorial whisper, when everybody returned to their business. At this moment they heard a sharp sound of school bell and all students jumped up from their seats.

    - You have to tell them. - Mel ended, looking at Jay significantly.

    - Okay! I will! - Jay didn't want to quarrel, so she agreed to her friend's ordering request. - Let's go in front of the school, maybe there it will be cooler.

***

    They were moving along the corridor, exchanging biting and funny comments with schoolmates. Mel was one of the most popular girls in the school. Every teacher liked her, all boys had crush on her, girls envied her. Actually, Jay was also popular, but as teacher called it, she has difficult character. She was a feminine version of a bad boy, a real bad ass and troublemaker. Peers were afraid of her a bit. As a result, roughs never tried to catch Mel and machos, which were looking for an easy prey, usually kept at bay.

    - Why do you avoid people? - Mel spotted.

    - I prefer animals; - she snorted - they're less annoying.

    - Very funny. - Mel stuck her tongue out at her. - But seriously. You actually avoid closer relationships. Is there any particular reason for that?

    - Mel, maybe you need to have many acquaintances. I'm glad to have few good ones and a small group of friends. And for sure one bestie is enough for me. - Jay gave her a happy smile. She knew which words will please Mel.

    - Thanks, that's sweet. - And, of course, she was right. - And this is why I'm truly sorry for the party. I haven't thought.

    - It's okay. - Jay shrugged. - All in all, it's Jess's birthday as well, and the end of school. The last spree in the old group. Then we'll go to college and change the companion. 

    - But we'll live and study together. - Mel cheered her up. - What's more, we'll live near your brothers. And Bryan lives in the neighborhood, however, I have to admit, that Dave drives me crazy. - She stood slightly astride, put her hands on hips and lifted her chin up parodying her brother's roommate.

    Jay burst out with laughter seeing accuracy in Mel's movements.

    - How it's possible that we're friends? - Jay asked, as thoughts from history classes came back to her suddenly.

    - Well... - Mel pondered, and then her face was brightened with captivating smile. - I also wonder about it sometimes. I could tell you some maudlin text, or hackneyed cliché like 'unsearchable are divine judgements', but the truth is that we're simply stuck with each other, sis! - She winked and they both burst out with laughter.

    - I guess you're right. It must be... - She cut suddenly, pushed by a guy running next to them, who was announcing that someone's getting a good trashing at the basketball court.

    - Come on! - Mel, craving for sensation, pulled Jay's by her hand in the direction, where a large crowd of onlookers has already gathered.

    - I feel strange. - She murmured to Mel. - It's usually me, who provokes fights and the crowd thickens around me.

    - At least once it won't be you who will be suspended! - Mel remarked soberly. 

    'That's a bit comforting!' Jay thought lightheartedly.

    They elbowed their way among students, and when they went through the last rows they saw a group of school bullies, fibroids from rugby team, who eagerly bombed her brother with their fists. One of them was holding squirming and screaming Monique, the French who has moved here lately, and for Jay it was clear that Michael was trying to defend the girl. Jay quickly assessed the situation - there were five of them. One busy with the sweet brunette, two holding Mike, and two more blowing alternately. When the rest of her brothers appeared in her field of view, all of them moved ahead without hesitation.

    But before Jay managed to take next step, she was gridded by strong arms and lifted up. She started to jerk and snatch away. She kicked with all her strength, making angry murmurs. She didn't scream - it was below her dignity! And it would definitely destroy her reputation of a nasty bitch. Carter, who was standing next to her, managed to tell her few words:

    - Don't you dare! We'll take care of it, you've used your limit of rebukes and suspensions till you're retired! Take her from here. - He said over his shoulder to the giant, who was holding her.

    She was tossed over his shoulder like a fucking bag of potatoes. At the same time, when she was literally raised from the crowd, teachers appeared on the horizon. Her so called savior put her down on her feet and held firmly by shoulders, rightly supposing, that Jay will try to rush to help her brother as soon as her feet would touch the ground. He shook her, forcing her to look up at him.

    - You'd better be out of here! - He hissed through his teeth. She was speechless with shock.

    'Holy crap! Bryan Weakfield! Damn it!' Her thoughts became chaotic. Jay knew that with him at her side, she won't be able to come back to the field to help Michael.

    She had no idea what paralyzed her, but when she woke up from daze, he was pulling her through the school parking to his blue Camaro.

    - Wait a minute! - She said angrily to protest. - There are my brothers! - She tried to break away again, but he was faster.

    What's more, he was stronger, at least as a human. He was by a head taller than Jay and well build, but not packed up like those stupid bullies.

    - They'll cope with it! - He tried to speak to reasons with her. But he was losing self-assurance when he was looking into her eyes full of fury. He shook his head and continued. - Besides, Carter asked me for this. So discuss it with him. - He opened the passenger's door and unceremoniously shoved her inside the car. With content smirk he watched her pulling the handle, while he was circling the car. - It's useless! I've blocked it earlier.

    When he nimbly slipped behind the wheel, she turned to the window resentful, which brought another smile to his face. They were driving in complete silence. Bryan even didn't turn on the radio, and Jay knew that he really likes to hear some noise by the ear. Whatever he was doing, there always was music.

***

    Not before they arrived at her house, that she said casually 'Thanks' and catch the handle.

    - Why are you mad? - He asked suddenly.

    - I'm not. I said thank you! - She answered immediately, trying hard to hide her irritation.

    - Yeah, for sure! - He sighed. - Listen! - He said calmly. - Maybe Carter didn't play fair pushing you away from this case, but I think that he was guided by fraternal concern for his younger sister.

    - Fraternal concern. - She murmured to herself. - Okay! I get it. - He could hear resentment in her voice, but it was visible, that she accepts her brother's overprotection, to some degree. - I'm sorry, that I went up.

    - That's okay! - He smirked. - Listen... - He hesitated, and the tone of his voice made Jay look at him.

    He had dark nut-brown hair, a little bit too long, but it only made him look more charming, and in his intense honey eyes one could stray. He was stubbornly staring at the dashboard, and the sun rays coming through the window underlined his tan. In addition, he was nice and charmingly shy. Just as her brothers, he was at college since two years and she saw him rarely. Actually, it's been few months since she saw him for the last time. 'When was it? Christmas probably.' She thought.

    He has changed. He became more handsome, if that's possible. His features sharpened. Jay had to admit, that it was pleasant to look at him. Her sight moved from Bryan's eyes, down to his mouth. His jaw was square, lips full. 'I wonder how he tastes.' She was daydreaming for a moment, but then returned quickly to reality. 'Where those fucking thoughts come from?!' She rebuked herself. 'Sean in the morning, and now Bryan?! After all, I won't let fucking hormones to control me!' She took a deep breath.

    Jay was raised only with brothers, who never treated her like a tender porcelain doll. On contrary. Since they started to practice martial arts, they often fought with each other, and they didn't treat Jay any leniently. And she didn't remain indebted to them. Sometimes she thought that maybe she's too aggressive and boys are simply afraid of her. She didn't mind though, and her doubts never lasted for too long. Jay was usually coming to conclusion, that when she meets the right guy it will be a sudden revelation.

    Her thinking was violently interrupted.

    - Fuck it! - He swore under his breath.

    Bryan hit the wheel with his clenched fist, turned to her in a flush, sank his hands in Jay's hair and pulled her closer. For a split second he was looking into her eyes, deeply, as if he was waiting for permission, and then he joined those sensual lips with hers. She was too surprised to protest. She felt delightful shivers going through her body, from her lips down to fingertips.

    At the beginning the kiss was gentle, as a brush of butterfly's wings. But after a while it became intense and passionate. And because Jay loved challenges, she responded to the kiss - she parted her lips, allowing their tongues to meet. He tasted like cherries. Under alluring cologne, Jay could sense gentle aroma of his skin mixed with the scent of horses and stable. 

    When they finally broke away from each other to take a breath, Jay was holding on tightly to Bryan's shirt. She slowly opened her eyes and looked into his incredible amber irises.

    - I think I should go now. - She said unsteadily in a hoarse voice. - One more time, thanks for a lift. - She opened the already unlocked door and got out.

    - Jay! - She shut the door of his car, turned around and leaned against lowered window, waiting. - I won't say that I regret what just happened, but you're my sister's friend. And my buddies' sister at the same time. - He combed his hair nervously. 

    - Does it bother you? - She smirked provocatively.

    - No, but it may bring complications. - He smiled back. - See you round! - He said, starting the car.

    - Yeah. - She murmured under her breath, when he drove away with a squeal of tires.

    'What the hell just happened?!' She thought confused, staring in the direction where his car disappeared. She shook her head and calmed her breath. Just in time, as from behind the corner Christian's jeep appeared, followed by Jess's corvette. 'Damn it!' That's the only one full sentence she could produce now, as the moment, as her head was overloaded with too many different thoughts. However, she recovered quickly enough and went to her brothers to check how Michael was and to listen to bragging.