Back at Jack’s, everyone seemed to spring into motion simultaneously, heading off in various directions, with a clear-cut task. I found myself alone before I’d even reached the front door. I dragged my feet, feeling useless and hating the idea of sitting here, with nothing to do, until dark. It was only late afternoon, the sun still visible through the treetops lining the house. I ended up out back, staring down at the remains of the bonfire from the meeting the week before.
“Thirsty?” a voice asked.
I jumped and then made myself relax. “Hey, Miles.” He held out a bottle of water for me. “Thanks.” I gulped it, mainly because it was something to do. I was edgy enough without Miles standing so close to me.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.
I shifted, unsure how to respond. “Not really.” I glanced at him and then away again, sighing in frustration. “I want to do something. I can’t stand sitting around.”
“I know what you mean. But Jack’s right. Chances are better if we wait.”
“I know.”
“I have something for you,” he said. He waited until I looked over at him, and then motioned for me to follow. He led me around front to his car and popped the trunk.
“What is it?” I asked.
A second later, he straightened and handed me a stake. It was tipped with metal. “Don’t tell Jack,” he said, with a wink.
I glanced back, half expecting to see Wes storming up, but the yard was empty. I stuffed the stake into my boot. “Thanks.”
“Just be careful when you use it. Metal or steel against a Werewolf is pretty powerful. It can hit you hard if you’re not careful.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
His answer was cut short.
“Tara.” Cord was coming toward us, and Miles hastily pushed his trunk closed. Cord glared, but no more than usual. “I need to talk to you,” she said, looking at me.
“Okay. I’ll see you later,” I told Miles. Then I hurried to catch up with Cord, who was already disappearing around the corner of the house. “What’s up?” I asked.
She reached the edge of the backyard and stopped, whirling on me. Her blond hair glinted in the filtering light, and her expression was that of a murderous angel. “Look, I don’t want to be paired with you. I wouldn’t even be doing this stupid mission for you, except that hopefully I’ll get to kill some Weres. So here’s the deal. Stay behind me, stay quiet, and stay alive. Got it?”
I blinked at her, and nodded. “Got it.”
She huffed and started to walk away.
“What is your deal with me, anyway? What did I do to you?” I asked.
She marched back to where I stood, hands on her hips. “They think you’re going to lead them to peace. They think you’re different and special just because you’re mixed. I think you’re a spoiled brat who got an easy life. Too easy. Especially if you want to survive in this world. You’re green and you’re a liability. It’s a waste of time.”
“You think I asked for this? For any of this?” I could feel myself getting worked up at her judgmental attitude.
“I don’t know. I don’t really care. Just do what I say tonight.”