I stand to my full height, propping my hands on the back of my hips as I catch my breath. I stay light on my feet, ready to run hard and fast if I have to. And equally willing to shift and fight if the need arises. But then I see it’s Zheng in his WRX and the tension in my shoulders relaxes.
Mouth pressed into a tight line, he looks me up and down. “You look like shit.”
I flip him off, not even bothering with civility at this point.
He leans over and opens the passenger side door. “Come on. I’ll give you a lift home.”
“I’m only a few blocks away.”
He lifts a single black brow as if to say,so?
“Fine.” I climb in, immediately sinking into the cool leather seats. Cold AC fans my face and I sigh, closing my eyes.
“I didn’t realize you were a runner.”
I give him a sideways look.
“A human runner,” he amends.
I snort. “I’m not. Just … needed to clear my head and I don’t have anywhere safe close by where I can shift.”
He’s quiet so I open my eyes and glance at him through my peripheral. He pulls up to the mansion that is Brian’s elaborate home and I move to open the door. “Thanks for the lift.”
Before I can step out, he halts me with a hand on my arm. “Wait.”
I stop and turn to face him, leaving the door open.
He scrubs both hands down his face before dragging his gaze back to me. “I hate the wolves.”
My anger flares and I suddenly remember what he said to me earlier and why I should still be pissed off with him. “Noted.” I get out and step away from the car, slamming the door behind me.
The engine shuts off and Zheng’s door opens and closes, but I’m already heading for the front door. “Isa, wait,” he calls out, but I don’t bother stopping. I’m almost to the door when it swings open and Brian’s stern face greets me, bringing me to a hard stop.
“Isabella, is that you shouting out here?”
His pale eyes flick from me to the boy I know is standing a few paces behind me and I stiffen. “Sorry.” I wilt under his scrutiny. “We didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“Have some decorum. We have neighbors.”
My face falls and I nod. “Sorry,” I mutter, hating that this man I barely know has the power to make me feel two inches small. I’m just about to slip in past him when I feel Zheng step in beside me.
“I’m Zheng Liu, sir. I go to school with Isa. It’s nice to meet you.” Zheng thrusts out his hand in a surprisingly human gesture, and more surprising, Brian takes it, giving it a firm shake and Zheng an assessing look.
“You’re Jin’s boy?” he asks.
Zheng nods. “Yes, sir.”
Okay, hold up. What is going on right now?
“I’m happy to see my daughter is making respectable friends. I was worried when I agreed to send her to Hellbound High, but it was your father who reminded me he’d made a similar decision with you. Thank you for looking after her.”
Zheng nods. I shoot him a questioning look but he either doesn’t see it or chooses to ignore it.
“Well uh, thanks for the ride.” I give Zheng a small wave, cringing at the awkwardness of it when Brian does the unthinkable and invites him in.
“Isa, why don’t you run along and get ready for dinner. Zheng and I will be in my study when you’re done.”
What?
