Chapter 35

       The New Year’s Eve madness promised to be a great fun. Mel as usually took control over everything and together with her younger sisters, Liz and Jessie, organized a party at “The Black Stallion”, a club where they used to spend a lot of time. Predicting a large number of guests, they rented the whole place. In the end, almost all their friends from the school bench came to the town for Christmas break, so why not to meet on such an occasion?

       Jay and her brothers went to help with the preparations. With relief she found that nothing had changed. She still got along well with girls, and Bryan didn’t have much trouble with her siblings either. It seemed that they were looking at their relationship with some kind of satisfaction. Christian and Mel also didn’t have to deal with any taunts. As it turned out, the ‘DO NOT TOUCH’ rule could be disregarded if certain mitigating circumstances occurred. And Jay was not going to find out what made her brothers change their minds. ‘What’s crucial – they forgave us for keeping everything secret!’ She thought soberly.

       Everything was like it used to be. Except that with every single cell of her body she sensed his presence. It was both exciting and scary. She couldn’t get used to that feeling, but when Bryan was not around she missed him desperately. And only one question didn’t give her peace. 'Is it my own power that makes me so clearly aware of him, or is there some energy in him that’s waiting to be discovered?' At this thought a shiver ran down her spine. Jay analyzed her conversation with Leonor Weakfield. She had to appreciate the fact that she was warned. Now she had to find out what kind of power Bryan’s family possessed.

       But she decided to look for the answer some other time.

       It was almost eight p.m. when the first party goers appeared. Girls dressed in short skirts and skimpy blouses, for which it was definitely too cold. The climate of Montana is quite raw, especially in winter. Defiant make-up, coquetry hairstyles. Everything just to pick up some guy, or arouse jealousy. 'That’s weird!' Jay thought contemptuously. 'I rather don’t care much about my appearance.' Even now she was dressed in dark-blue jeans, suede boots and a sea-colored blouse that brought out the color of her eyes.

       ‘Or perhaps I care for my look subconsciously?’ It crossed her mind. She used to choose clothes that are comfortable. It was not her fault that she looked good in most of her wardrobe. She shrugged impassively.

-       What bothers your pretty head? – Tony Parker came from behind and she cursed herself for lack of concentration.

-       It’s too complicated for your tiny brain, Tony. – Jay still remembered how Mel suffered because of him. – You’re not looking for a prey? – She asked with a malicious smile.

-       Come on, Jay! – He came even closer. She felt his breath on her cheek. He must have had some beer already. – You and I could have some fun together. – He started to stroke her bare shoulder. She struggled not to hit him. She moved back slightly, but he didn’t give up. – Let’s go somewhere. – He leaned forward and moved his tongue along her jaw up to her ear.

-       You have a problem, Parker? – Bryan stood behind them with his arms crossed.

       In his bright worn out jeans, leather boots with high uppers and a light plaid cotton shirt he looked like a real cowboy. ‘Damn sexy cowboy!’ Jay wanted to lick her lips. Just as if she was looking at some very appetizing cookie. ‘Jeez! How embarrassing!’ She scoffed herself.

-       Get lost, Weakfield! – Tony didn’t hide his annoyance. – Just find yourself another girl. – He snorted dismissively and turned back to Jay. – Where have we finished? Oh yeah! – He put his hands on her hips.

-       Take your hands, asshole! – Jay could see that Bryan had troubles to curb his anger. – And it’s you who should go and get another girl! – He came closer and pushed the nuisance back, then he put his arm around Jay to show that he was not joking.

-       Okay! I get it! You’ve got your eye on her. – Parker raised his hands up and laughed maliciously. – Keep this bitch! - Humiliated, he went on to abstain.

       Bryan was like a furious bull ready to attack. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

-       Bry, he’s not worth it! – Jay tried to stop her boyfriend from a fight.

       When did she become a peacemaker? How do you do it at all? It was always her who had to be stopped. And now she had to stop two guys from getting down each other’s throats. ‘Fuck! Shit!’ She thought angrily. She was eager to kick Parker’s arrogant ass herself.

       And Tony was not helpful at all – he took on the position of a boxer, preparing himself for the fight and was provoking Bryan all the time. Jay was holding his hands, but he was bigger and stronger. She could use her strength, but she was afraid she would hurt him. ‘What is it in melee combat, that guys are drawn so much to it?’ She thought. ‘Why guys have to prove their masculinity with their fists?’ She snorted disrespectfully. ‘Is there any way to distract them from the enemy?’ She wondered.

-       Bry, please! – She drew his gaze.

       He just nodded slightly and allowed her to pull him back from laughing Parker. Jay took Bryan to the table where drinks were set and handed him a can of cola. Anger still buzzed in him, but the tension slowly subsided. And when they approached Christian and Mel, Bry engrossed in conversation and forgot about the case. Jay sighed with relief.

       Soon they were having a great time. Jay loved to dance. Movement of every kind gave her a real pleasure, so she felt good at every loud and crowded event. This time, she discovered the joy of being close to her partner. She felt the sweet weight of Bryan's hands on her hips, which in her eyes was very intimate and erotic. She also tasted in a hug-dance. So far, she used to vanish of sight as soon as they started to play sweet, romantic songs. She understood that it wasn’t about the words, but about closeness itself. And she couldn’t get enough of it.

       But just before midnight, Jay had to regain control over Bryan's anger again. She stayed alone when he and her brothers went to prepare fireworks. Already drunk Tony immediately took advantage of this situation. She laughed his unambiguous proposals off. She tried to ignore him, but he was very stubborn. Finally, he went on and grabbed her by her arm and began to stroke her breast.

       She was about to punch Tony, when he was suddenly pulled away. She grabbed Bryan’s hand before he managed to fall on Parker. She felt his rage. He was ready to kick his ass and Tony only made the situation worse. The crowd of sensation-hungry onlookers that was gathering around them didn’t make anything easier. They wanted to see the scene so they could gossip later.

       ‘They want a show?’ She thought suddenly in a rush of genius. ‘They’ll get it!’

       Without wasting time she climbed her toes and kissed Bryan. When she felt the tension leaving his muscles, Jay relaxed her hands tightly clenched on his shirt and moved them down to his belt. Freed from her embrace he buried his hands in her silky hair, clenched his fists on it and pulled her to him desperately, possessively. His mouth pressed harder and harder. She parted her lips letting him in and she gave herself in as well. She slipped her hands under his shirt to feel warmth of his bare skin.

       She felt the world around her spin. Jay had the impression that she could smell forest. She heard the soft leaf rustle, crack of dry branches. She was filled up by a sudden, unbridled lust. Primeval desire. A strange, warm wind fanned her. A breath of energy. She stuck her nails into Bryan’s body and deepened the kiss drinking the throaty mutter out of his mouth. An inexplicable fear took possession of her, but she wasn’t able to withdraw. She didn’t want to.

       When they finally broke away, there was silence around. Tony Parker stood next to them with his mouth wide opened. Her brothers, together with Bryan’s sisters, were breaking through the crowd. All of that Jay saw in the corner of her eye, as she was not able to look away from Bryan's incredible eyes, which irises took the color of honey. She saw tiny gold and green spots in them. There was something in his eyes. Something incredibly attractive.

-      What are you doing with me? – He whispered straight into her mouth before he brushed her swollen lips gently.

-      Last seconds to midnight! – Christian shouted out to turn attention away from them. - And you two! – His eyes flashed lightening. – Get the fuck out of the dance floor and don’t do any more scenes! - He said in a low voice, coming closer with Mel. – By the way, - he added after a moment, - what the hell was that?!

-      What do you mean? - Jay pretended to be innocent, but she knew her brother wasn’t talking about the kiss.

-      Doesn’t matter. - He decided to talk to his sister some other time. - Five, four, three, two, one! – He joined the countdown. - Happy New Year!

            Jay was still hugging Bryan. She raised her face and their eyes met. Once again, she saw all those emotions and feelings, overwhelmed by one. An irresistible desire that she couldn’t fight against. Bryan pulled her in the corner of the room where it was almost complete darkness. He pressed her against the wall and leaned over to kiss her one more time.

     -      What are you doing with me?! – He whispered again before losing himself again.

***

            Living with men taught her one thing. Minimalism. A woman who goes on a journey is usually associated with a lot of luggage and unnecessary things, packed after a long time spent in front of the closet, and countless complaints that she has nothing to put on. Jay was never like that. The choice of clothes was always determined by her innate practicality. She didn’t like to dwell on whether it would be warm or cold, whether she should pack a green sweater or blue. When buying something, she first drew attention to style and material. She preferred comfort and fabrics nice to the touch, natural. She used to buy cotton and silk, but she also valued wool and cashmere. Color was always in second place. She liked shades of green and blue that matched the color of her eyes, but sometimes she chose black, purple and yellow. She didn’t like bloody red, but loved the color of ripe cherries, raspberries and strawberries. These colors matched her and somehow they miraculously matched the rest of her wardrobe.

            Packing took her only a few minutes. Lingerie for change, spare jeans, extra sweater, bag with cosmetics. She didn’t forget about the weapon - she hid one of her swords in a special, made-to-order sheath, which guaranteed she wouldn’t be stopped at the airport. She put two knives, also in sheaths, which she could attach to her arms and legs. She also packed a notebook because she liked to have all the data with her, as well as the MP4 player with her favorite music and the book she just started reading.

            It was the fourth of January and it was pretty cold. The snow stopped falling two days earlier, so their flight wasn’t canceled. Jay spent the last night with Bryan. She went out at dawn to train, take a quick shower, and pack up before leaving. Now she sat in the kitchen and was drinking freshly brewed coffee. She was wonderfully relaxed after a hard workout. She was wearing matching jeans, heavy leather boots with wide uppers, a white cotton sleeveless T-shirt and a cashmere turquoise sweater with a wide neckline revealing her left shoulder. Dark blond hair flowed down in delicate waves on her back.

-      Good morning! – Sean appeared in the kitchen doorway. He was able to hide his presence before them whenever he wanted, so Jay didn’t sense him coming. – Up already? It’s only eight and your flight is in the late afternoon.

-      You know me! – She replied, slowly sipping coffee. – I woke up before six, came back home, went jogging, I visited gym for a while, took a shower, packed my stuff and got dressed. I brewed coffee and now I’m waiting for my brothers to lift up their heavy asses form beds. – She ended with smile.

-      I’m glad that you're disciplined and you keep fit, but may I ask you something? – He said, pouring coffee for himself. He liked black, but sweet.

-      Go ahead! – She was satisfied and nothing could disturb her happiness.

-      You never let go? – He turned around and looked into her eyes. His gaze was extremely serious.

-      What do you mean? – Jay was confused.

-      We all know that you come to your destiny with solemnity and so you treat your gift and skills. – He explained calmly. – But it doesn’t mean you have to give up everything. Chill out a little. Have fun with friends, go to the movie, bowling, anywhere. Do something for yourself. – He combed his thick hair and sighed deeply, as parental lectures have never been his strength.

-      You know, I think I’m just doing it.

-      And how? - Something was obviously bothering him.

            Jay took a deep breath. She knew Sean appreciated honesty, so she decided to speak openly. She quickly gathered her thoughts. She was looking for the right words, to express them properly. She sighed.

-      When I started dating Bryan I was terrified. – He frowned, so she decided to explain. – I thought that I don’t have time for this. That it’s not for me. I didn’t know where it’ll lead me. And what’s crucial, I was afraid that I’ll hurt him. That something bad may happen to him because of who I am. – She took another sip of coffee. – I tried to avoid him. Discourage him, so as he would dump me. – She looked him in the eye. – I almost succeeded.

-      What? – He was surprised. – You’re perfectly matched. It’s clearly visible that you feel good with each other. I wonder why there was nothing between you two before.

-      The fact that Bry got interested in me was a huge surprise for me! – She admitted. – I defended against it. It was really close for him to send me to hell. Fortunately, I woke up in time. I understood, that I couldn’t find better. Bryan is my escape.

-      But he doesn’t know who you are. – He added quietly.

-      He doesn’t. And let it stay like this! – She said rebelliously. – I don’t want him to worry about me.

-      You can’t hide this! – He lashed out at her. – It can be dangerous for him.

-      Or maybe someone should tell him, who he is!? – She blurted out and immediately regretted it. Why didn’t she bite her tongue!?

-      What are you talking about? – He asked surprised.

-      I spoke with Leonor. – She knew that a lie wouldn’t help her. – She clearly implied that her great great-grandfather had power. She didn’t reveal what kind, but she said he gave it up and did everything to drowse his offspring’s energy. His kids, grand-kids and great grand-kids were aware of that, but Leonor’s children don’t know anything. It was she who decided to hide it from them.

-      I never felt any power from them. – He thought out loud.

-      Me neither. Until… - She stopped suddenly.

-      Until what? – He asked. He saw her confusion, but he didn’t let go. – Speak!

            Jay wasn’t a shy girl. On the contrary. She was always loud-mouthed and she spoke openly what she was thinking. The childhood and adolescence spent among men made her not afraid to express her opinions, to rebel, to defend the weaker and the disadvantaged. But a conversation about intimate matters with a fifteen-year-elder werewolf, who was like a brother to her, and sometimes, even as a father, was quite different. So far they could talk literally about everything. She couldn’t let that to change. Sean was too important for her.

            She took a deep breath.

-      Ever since we sleep with each other, I'm able to sense him better. - She felt awkward. Here she was sitting in the kitchen and talking to Sean about sex! But she continued. – I can recognize his moods, and almost read his thoughts. At first I thought that I simply have crush on him. But after what Leonor said, I'm not so sure. – She omitted the information that something very strange had happened on New Year’s Eve.

-      You’re not type of amorous snot-nosed kid. – He gave her a pale smile. He also felt embarrassed. – I’d have expected you to have complete control and rationalism, yet I’m glad you’re guided by your heart. But I’m worried about the Weakfields’ hidden power. Especially, because the bond between you tightened so quickly.

            He didn’t end his thought as Christian appeared in the kitchen and after him the rest. But he gave her a comforting look, full of love. She knew that Sean would lead his own investigation to find out something about her boyfriend’s family.