chapter 9
After bidding farewell to Shane inside the shop, I diligently cleared his table, ensuring a spotless surface for the next day. My meticulous nature kicked into high gear as I double-checked every nook and cranny for cleanliness, leaving nothing to chance. As I tightly locked up the shop, a sense of relief washed over me upon not spotting Shane's presence or the black car that he came in. Determined to reach Gram's house swiftly, my pace quickened, yet caution lingered within me. My vigilant eyes scanned the surroundings, ensuring no unwelcome shadows lurked behind. Ever since that eerie night when Shane began trailing me, an unshakable wariness had possessed me. It wasn't fear that consumed me, but an indescribable unease that left me feeling out of sorts, perpetually peering over my shoulder.
Entering Gram's house, I was immediately engulfed by the tantalizing scent of something sizzling and smoldering. Instinctively, I raced through the door, only to find Gram oblivious, sound asleep on her well-worn couch. Urgently, yet tenderly, I nudged her frail form, jolting her awake. "Gram! What delicacy is gracing your oven?" Confusion clouded her usually astute eyes as she searched for an answer. "I...I can't recall," she muttered, her voice tinged with heart-wrenching fragility. As tears welled in my own eyes, the weight of uncertainty bore down, weaving an unspoken tale of fading memories and profound loss.
As her health issue began rapidly deteriorating, a growing sense of urgency enveloped the situation. In a twist of incredible fortune, she narrowly escaped the horrifying prospect of burning her beloved house to the ground. Reacting instinctively, I swiftly dashed into the kitchen, propelled by a surge of determination. Without hesitation, my hand forcefully turned off the menacing oven, extinguishing the imminent threat. As billows of smoke ominously billowed forth, my actions morphed into a race against time. Scattering throughout the house, I flung open each window, allowing the fresh air to combat the suffocating haze. Resourceful as ever, I deployed numerous fans, their whirling motion propelling the stubborn smoke outward.
Taking Gram's trembling hand in mine, I led her gently away from the suffocating clouds of smoke that engulfed our once cozy haven. Deep down, I understood that the toxic fumes swirling around were perilous for both of us. Seeking solace, we found ourselves sitting side by side on the weathered porch, a heavy silence enveloping us. Although Gram's silent tears were a poignant testament to her distress, my frustration began to boil within. It became crystal clear to me in that painful moment that the only viable course of action was to turn to Shane for help. Gram needed the swift intervention of a skilled healer; there was no room for delay. The hope burgeoning in my heart made me resolute to approach Shane the very next day, hoping he can help get her seen for an urgent consultation. I refused to let Gram suffer any longer.
Once the smoke dissipated from her unfortunate baking mishap, we cautiously reentered the house, determined to banish any lingering odors. Although an unpleasant scent still permeated the air, I reassured myself that a thorough deep cleaning would quickly remedy the situation. Sensing Gram's weariness and distress over her inadvertent mishap, I gently urged her to find solace in the welcoming embrace of the couch while I took charge of the arduous cleaning task. It was important to shield her from any unnecessary burdens, as she was already burdened by the guilt of being the originator of this smoky affair. With determination and a hint of compassion, I embarked on my mission to restore order and serenity to our beloved home.
In an act of unwavering dedication, I embarked on a mission to restore the house to its former magnificence without any smoky smell. Every nook and cranny became the target of my meticulous attention, as I diligently scrubbed, dusted, and organized. From the soaring ceilings to the gleaming floors, not a speck of dirt, smudge or smoke residue escaped my eagle-eyed scrutiny. To further relieve Gram of any burdens, I called to have some takeout delivered, sparing her and me both from stepping foot in the kitchen. As a token of my profound gratitude for her unfaltering support, I assured her that these efforts were merely a small gesture compared to the immeasurable kindness she had bestowed upon me.
After enjoying dinner, I went the extra mile to assist Gram in getting ready for bed. Although she is perfectly capable of doing it herself, I couldn't help but feel apprehensive after the unforeseen events that unfolded earlier. Wanting to ensure her utmost comfort, I meticulously tucked her into her cozy haven, ensuring she had every necessary item within arm's reach. After she was all set I retreated to my sanctuary, and the first thing I knew I needed was a shower. The unmistakable hints of smoke and the lingering aromas of the bustling coffee shop clung to me, a warm shower was a pleasing promise to cleanse not just my body, but my weary mind and soul as well.
With my refreshing shower complete, I slipped into my cozy pajamas, only to be met with a startling sight: that damn black car lurking just outside my abode. However, instead of being afraid of who or what it was, I was a little pissed off, for I recognized the car from earlier and who was driving. It was Shane’s driver and that meant Shane was in the back seat. This time, I would not be played a fool. I would defy the odds, approach the car, and finally catch Shane in the act. The chase was on, and I was ready to confront him head-on.
Without a shred of valid justification, Shane again had audaciously invaded the sanctity of my home, lurking in the shadows like an insidious intruder. He had no rhyme, reason or purpose to be outside of my house. Determined to confront this brazen man, I hastily slipped my feet into my trusty sneakers and stealthily maneuvered toward the back door. Concealing my approach, I cautiously closed the distance between me and him in the car, my heart pounding with righteous indignation. As I closed in on the very vehicle he had previously occupied, my feral instincts took over, and I unleashed a resounding, thunderous pound upon the rear passenger window.
As the piercing sound of "Holy Shit!" reverberated through the confined space of the car, it became abundantly clear that I had successfully executed my mission to instill sheer terror in him. When Shane finally summoned the courage to unseal the window, his wide-eyed gaze mirrored that of a guilt-stricken child caught red-handed by their disappointed parents. With unyielding confidence, I confronted him head-on, delivering my words with unabashed certainty. "What the hell are you doing here? Your reckless actions are pushing me away, making me question wanting to be friends with you! You are being super creepy for no reason!”
Shane sat there frozen in disbelief, his expression a portrait of utter shock, rendering him incapable of uttering a single word. The weight of the silence hung heavily in the air as I confronted him, my voice laced with frustration and a tinge of exasperation. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?" I bellowed, desperately seeking an explanation. With his head bowed and barely audible, a whisper escaped his lips, bearing the weight of remorse, "I'm sorry." A perplexed expression crossed my face, puzzled by his apology. That wasn’t even close to an answer to my question, leaving me yearning for clarity amidst the tumultuous sea of emotions.
"No, see I’m sorry don't cut it! Explain yourself, Shane! Why on earth are you sitting in the car outside of my house at this hour?" My voice dripped with a mix of anger and confusion as I confronted him. His eyes, gleaming with mischief, met mine, and a wicked smile crept onto his face. Without a hint of remorse, he finally spoke, his words resonating with an undeniable intensity. "Because my wolf craves you. This, right here, is the only way to keep my wolf in check, lingering outside your window, reminding us of the forbidden that lies within."
I was utterly shocked as I heard those words coming from Shane's mouth; it was completely unexpected and inexplicable given his earlier attitude in my shop. My curiosity was piqued, and I found myself not knowing whether to be concerned by his sudden change or make him eat his teeth. As I asked, "Are you feeling alright, Shane?" a chill ran down my spine; whatever had caused this bewildering change had me on edge.
I was in shock when the man I thought was Shane reached out of the car window; however, upon closer inspection, it became apparent that he wasn't Shane at all - it was someone who simply looked very similar. Emboldened by this revelation and fueled with a sense of confusion and anger, I punched the impersonator in the face before the driver of the car sped off. What had just happened? Was this an innocent mistake or something far more sinister? It seemed as though no answers were forthcoming at that moment, but whatever it was, it had certainly made for one hell of a confusing ride.