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But I couldn't, and no matter how disgusted I was with myself, I kept crying and thought about my life. I was all alone, had no friends, and the only thing that was saving me was being at the mercy of a man who obviously hated me.
"Why!" I screamed, knowing I was being a complete ass but unable to help myself.
I was likable and sweet, and kind. It shouldn't have been this hard to make friends and have people care about me. Even Walker, who I adored, wasn't my friend, not really.
Calm down. Just chill. It'll get better. You grow on people.
"Like a fungus." I huffed, my sobs trailing off to little sniffles as I considered everything.
Maybe I should just go back to Baneblood. I mean, I didn't want to, but at this point…
That's if they’ll let you.
"You're so mean. You could at least lie." I muttered, hating that my inner voice and my wolf were about as friendly to me as other people.
You guys could be nicer, I grumbled, rushing through my shower and stepping out to dry off and dress.
Babe, since when does that help? Face it; I need honesty. Real friends are honest, and right now, I’m pathetic. Stop crying, put a smile on your dial, and chill. It'll come together. Worst case scenario, I run in the dead of night, change my name to Ramona and go live on a beach in Mexico. I love margaritas and salsa.
"Oh, shut up!" I mumbled, throwing on old sweats and a nearly transparent tank top before stomping to the kitchen, where I wolfed down a peanut butter sandwich.
By the time I was done, I felt a little better and, as usual, found a silver lining. Today was a trial, but persistence and a happy smile would help me through. Caleb just needed time to get to know me, and when he did, he'd love me. We'd be friends. Great friends.
Friends with bennies?
"Oh God, really? He can't stand me, practically told me to my face he doesn't want me there, and you're thinking about sex?" I hissed, yanking the comforter away so I could slide into bed.
Babe, I'm your libido. Of course, I'm thinking about sex. Did you see that ass!
I saw it!
"Oh, God. Leave me alone." I snarled, ignoring the purring innuendos as I shut my eyes and tried to sleep.
I was so tired I should have passed out, but instead, all I could think about was Caleb Chase and those soul-stirring blue eyes of his. There was something in them that called to me, something deep and…unsettling.
And I had a feeling I didn't want to find out what that was.
Chapter 4 Caleb
"F
uck." I snarled as I stepped into the house and slammed the kitchen door; my mood was so dark when I froze and glanced around. I didn't want to appreciate the changes around me.
The kitchen was spotless, the floors sparkled, and the living room was transformed into a space so neat, I couldn't think of a time, even when Joyce was here, that my house resembled…a home.
Cursing again, I went to stomp out when I was cut short. A smell hit me, one so mouthwateringly delicious that instead of storming away in a fit of sulky rage, I found myself approaching the oven and nearly whining when I got a look at what was inside. Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, some sort of buttery fried vegetable, and biscuits with a pot of gravy to the side.
I cursed all over again as I pulled it out and carried it all into the living room to the coffee table before going back for a beer. When the door opened, and Cole stepped inside, I felt my hackles rise. I loved my brothers, I did, but I didn't want company now, and I most certainly didn't want the asshole smelling the food and—
"Oh, fuck me. Is that food? Home-cooked food!" Cole yelled, coming towards me with a zeal that had me growling and diving to fill my plate.
I got as much on the porcelain as I could before he came back to the living room with his plate and a beer and rudely invited himself to dinner.
"Oh, God. Yes." He whined, verbalizing something I could only express in grunts and groans as I dug in.
It was the best thing I'd ever tasted, no fucking lie, and it was so good, I didn't know how I was going to keep disliking Ren Sheppard.
"Bro, I'll take Ren. I'll fucking mate her for the food alone, but the house…" he groaned, looking around while I flushed and tried not to lose my temper.
