Page 8 of These Wicked Desires
“I’d like to say quit being so dramatic, but knowing those guys, you’re probably right.”
Drew snorts. “Gee, you’re really making me feel like I made the right decision here.” Sarcasm laces his words heavily, and I roll my eyes.
The ride is bumpy until we turn off onto the road, and then I distract myself with the view out the window. From the moment I hung up with Drew, my stomach has been tumbling. Nervous energy courses through my body and I can’t sit still. I have no idea if we will be back before the guys get home, and if we’re not, I’m going to be in serious trouble.
“Can I trust Cole?” I ask, forcing my thoughts away from the inevitable consequences of my actions. “Like, can I tell him we’re staying at the cabin? He won’t run off to Noah will he?”
Drew shakes his head. “You can trust him. He may be angry and hotheaded, but he’s a wolf. Family always comes first. No matter what. Besides, if something happened to Sterling, it would destroy their mom and Cole would never do that to her.”
“Where is Noah tonight? How much time will I be able to talk with Cole?” I ask, fidgeting with the hem of my tank top.
“Noah’s not on pack lands tonight, luckily. And since no one on pack lands will know who you are, we can park in Shari’s driveway. Everyone knows I visit them occasionally, so it won’t be out of the ordinary to see me there.”
“Fate,” I mutter. The surety in my gut intensifies knowing Noah will be gone tonight. This is what I’m supposed to do. Maybe this is part of my job as a harpy. Maybe getting Sterling back in the pack as alpha is one of the ways I’m supposed to help balance things. It sure would be nice if this harpy shit came with a manual, but my gut feelings will have to do.
Drew pulls up to the house and my nerves intensify. Golden light spills from the windows onto the porch. As welcoming as it looks, I know my reception will not be that warm. At least not from Cole.
“Do you want me to come in?” Drew asks as he cuts the engine.
“Umm …” I hesitate. I don’t really want him there for the conversation with Cole, but his presence would be comforting.
“How about I hang out on the roof and keep watch,” he offers.
“That would be great. Thanks.”
I climb out of the car and head for the front porch. I hear the flap of wings before talons scrape along the shingles. Taking a deep breath, I knock on the door. Here we go.
The door opens and Shari gasps. “Ellis! What are you doing here? Is Sterling okay?”
“He’s fine,” I assure her. “I’m actually here to talk to Cole.”
She frowns but ushers me inside. “Have a seat. Would you like something to eat or drink?”
“I’m good, thank you.” Before I can take a seat she grabs my hand.
“Is he doing okay?” Her eyes shine with unshed tears and my heart aches for her.
“He is. I promise. He misses you, though.”
A tear spills over and her lips wobble. “Luna, I miss him too.” She shakes herself, quickly wiping away the tear. “Sit, Ellis. I’ll get Cole down here.”
I perch on the edge of the couch and pull out my phone, checking the time. No new messages or calls. Still good.
Shari returns with a tray of cookies, their delicious scent wafting ahead of her. She sets them on the coffee table and studies me. “He’ll be right down. Is this something I need to leave the room for?”
“You don’t have to, but it might be hard for you to hear some of the things I need to say.” I don’t plan on telling Cole the entirety of Sterling’s story. But I will tell him my story, and Sterling’s role in my story hasn’t been sunshine and roses.
She nods and straightens her spine before taking a seat next to me on the couch. Sterling wasn’t lying when he said his mom was a strong woman. Footsteps sound on the stairs and I take a page from Shari’s book. I straighten my shoulders and raise my chin. I can be just as stubborn as Sterling, and I won’t walk away until Cole has at least heard what I have to say.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Cole growls as he walks into the living room.
“Cole!” Shari admonishes. “Sit down. Ellis says she wants to talk to you.”
“What could she possibly have to say that I’ll want to hear?” He crosses his arms over his broad chest. He has the same physical structure as his older brother, but instead of silver hair, his is black, like his mom’s. A full beard covers the lower half of his face, and makes his blue eyes even more startling.
“Cole, so help me, if you don’t sit your ass down and listen to Ellis …” Shari gives Cole a look that I store away for use later. It may come in handy with three stubborn guys.
Cole sighs and sits on the chair, crossing his arms again and staring at me with such hate I almost change my mind. He raises one brow impatiently and I quickly gather my thoughts.