I was finally released and allowed to go home.
As it turned out, my friend's belongings had already been removed from the apartment - and, to my great disappointment, some of mine had disappeared along with them. It seemed I would have to speak to Maya about getting back what rightfully belonged to me. They had taken mostly the clothes I wore most often.
The apartment felt painfully empty without her. I sank onto the couch and let the wave of melancholy wash over me.
I had truly enjoyed her company. I was usually too afraid to let people into my life, but Maya had been the first real friend in all my darkness. I suppose I would simply have to get used to it. Sooner or later, she would have found her mate and moved away. I had no such plans. Once, I had considered binding myself to someone in an ordinary human marriage, but my family had disapproved - and it had ended in tragedy.
The ringing of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I picked it up and froze when I heard the voice on the other end.
"Beautiful, how could you leave without saying goodbye?" The tone was teasing.
Oh, wonderful. Just as I was beginning to settle back into something resembling normal life, the world of werewolves pushed its way in again.
"Hi," I said uncertainly. "I think your brother was more than ready to get rid of me by any means necessary. I doubt he would have tolerated me under his roof a moment longer than required."
A quiet chuckle came through the line.
"Yes, he can be a little too direct. It runs in the family." He paused. "Are you free tonight?"
"No. I'm busy," I replied curtly.
I knew exactly where conversations like this tended to lead, and it was better to stop it before it even began.
"That's strange. I thought you'd want to see your friend. You did say that was one of your conditions."
Damn it. That had been a mistake.
"I'll make time for my friend. When and where?"
"And there's no time for me at all?" he asked in a mock-wounded voice. "I heard my brother was planning to take Maya to a café, but I convinced him to move it to a restaurant instead. Naturally, I'll be there as well - I wouldn't want you to feel like a third wheel."
"There's no need to worry," I replied coolly. "It takes a lot to make me feel out of place. What time, and which restaurant?"
"You're such a grump," he complained lightly. "Seven o'clock. I'll pick you up."
The line went dead before I could respond. Well, for Maya's sake, I could endure a small inconvenience.
Before dinner, I decided to stop by work. My boss should have been there, and I needed to smooth over the mess my two-day absence had likely caused.
"Mr. Victor, may I come in?" I asked, knocking on the office door.
He lifted a tired, displeased gaze toward me and motioned to the chair. He was clearly in a foul mood. This was not going to be a pleasant conversation. Perhaps I would have to start looking for a new job after all.
"Vera, in the future," he began slowly, his tone sharp enough to send a chill down my spine, "if you intend to take a vacation, you need to inform me first."
"Vacation?" I repeated, confused.
"First, the head chef quits, and now I find your resignation letter on my desk this morning. Have some mercy - I'm not getting any younger! When exactly were you planning to return from this unexpected unpaid leave? I need to find a replacement for Maya immediately."
I froze, bewildered - I had left no letter. Then understanding dawned. The wolves.
"I apologize for my... impulsive decision," I said carefully. "I would like to return to work tomorrow."
After leaving his office, I felt somewhat better and decided to go shopping. The wolves had taken my favorite pajamas, so I needed new ones.
I had always enjoyed wandering through the mall, though doing it alone still felt strange.
I bought a few things, picked up some groceries for dinner, and headed home to get ready for the evening.
Halfway there, I noticed a black car that seemed to be following me. The hairs at the back of my neck prickled. Not again... I quickened my pace and slipped through a narrow passage into the inner courtyards - no car could follow me there. Perhaps I was simply becoming paranoid after everything that had happened.
Once inside my apartment, I locked the door - every single lock.
By the appointed time, I was ready. I had repaired a couple of broken nails from my earlier attempt at climbing over a fence, and I pinned my chestnut hair into a loose bun with a delicate clip. My dress was knee-length - a soft cherry red, light and elegant. Black heels completed the look.
Right at seven, the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, I drew in a quiet breath. He must have spent considerable time preparing - Max looked striking in his dark suit. His gaze swept over me, and a radiant smile curved his lips.
"You look incredible. Ready to go?"
"Yes," I replied simply.
I locked the door and stepped ahead of him. He opened the car door for me, helping me into the front seat before taking his place behind the wheel.
To be honest, I had expected the same arrangement as before - a driver, perhaps a couple of guards. But no. Just the two of us. The awkwardness was almost palpable. I wanted to ask whether his tail was all right after my less-than-gentle attack, but I held my tongue. He clearly had no intention of bringing it up either - which was probably for the best.
The silence stretched too long, and I finally broke it.
"How is my friend?"
"You can ask her yourself," he replied lightly. "Why don't we talk about something more pleasant?"
"Like what?"
"Like you. How long have you lived in this city? Where is your family? Is there anyone special in your life?"
"I thought wolves were capable of uncovering that kind of information on their own," I shot back.
"Oh, we are. But not this time. It turns out your documents are fake."
My heart began to pound. My palms grew damp. Max noticed my tension and tried to reassure me.
"Relax," he said calmly. "Everyone has secrets. You simply weren't of interest to us, so no one bothered digging deeper. Trust me, if we truly wanted to know, we would already know. But we're not going to. I would rather hear your story from you."
A flicker of irritation surprised me. Was I actually offended that I hadn't been interesting to them? Ridiculous. I should have felt relieved.
"I don't like revisiting my past," I said coolly. "And I certainly don't share it with strangers."
He smiled, casting me a sideways glance.
"That's all right. Soon we'll be closer - and then I'll hear it."
"That's not going to happen," I snapped.
I had no desire to continue arguing. So when the car finally pulled up to an upscale restaurant, I exhaled in relief. Soon, I would see Maya again. Last time, I had run away foolishly, leaving too much unsaid.
