Prince of Wolves
Page 35

Luna, are you ok? Fane asked her, sounding worried.
She smiled, not able to help liking the fact that he worried about her. It felt good to be cared for, not that she wasnt cared for by others, but it felt good coming from him.
I guess Im as good as can be expected. Dont be alarmed if I freak out or have a melt down, it will pass, she told him with only a small amount of teasing in her voice.
The truth was she was already on the verge of a panic attack. When those guys told Fane he had to leave, the mere idea of him gone actually caused her pain. How messed up is that?
Jacque closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. In and out, in and out. Whatever it is, whatever he tells you, you will not cower in a corner and shake like a frightened puppy, she told herself firmly. No, but I make no promises that I wont pass out from shock. There is no shame in passing out, its simply the brains way of saying 'hold the stink up, I need to process this mess'. Jacque smiled at her monologue, wondering if other people talked to themselves like that. Probably not, but everyones got something, right?
Fane pulled into her driveway and turned off the engine. It seemed eerily quiet. Jacque climbed off his bike, taking the helmet off, and shook her hair out. She looked up to find Fane watching her.
What? she asked him.
To Jacques surprise, Fane actually blushed! He turned his head away from her and she saw the small smile that had appeared.
Sorry, its just, um, well, you looked attractive shaking your hair out, Fane stammered.
Jacque tried really hard not to laugh but was completely unsuccessful. She looked up at him and saw embarrassment in his eyes.
Fane, you cant possibly be embarrassed by thinking Im hot. I practically drool all over you every time I see you. I should be the one embarrassed, she confessed to him.
Are you? Fane asked.
I guess maybe I should be, but throw me a bone, you are freaking hot. I cant change that so Im embracing it.
Fane chuckled and told her, You amaze me, Luna. Truly you do.
It was Jacques turn to blush. Thanks, was all she could think to say.
Fane took Jacques hand as they were walking to the front door. She felt warmth spread up her arm and throughout her body just from holding it. When Jacque opened the door, she saw the man that had been the driver of the limo Fane arrived in just three nights ago, standing in her living room. Jacque froze, not really sure what to do.
Fane stepped around her and went to the man and embraced him just like they had done on the night he arrived. Okay, Jacque thought, Im fixing to have a two-year-old moment.
MOM! Jacque yelled, WHO IN KING ARTHURS NAMEIS THIS MAN IN OUR HOUSE, WHAT THE CRAP DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARENT TELLING ME, AND FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS THAT KEEP US SANE WHAT HELL IS GOING ON!
In the kitchen Lilly Pierce closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Its time, she thought to herself. She'd hoped this day would never come, that Jacque would grow up and have a normal life, never affected by her fathers blood. Apparently that had been too much to hope for.
Lilly stepped into the living room. I guess its time for me to tell you the truth about your father, she told her daughter.
Why have you waited this long to say something? Were you ever going to tell me? Jacque asked, the hurt evident in her voice.
Lilly sat down on the couch, hands folded in her lap, eyes focused on the floor. Actually, no. I wasnt planning on telling you as long as it never affected you. I figured there was no reason to add confusion to the pain of your father leaving.
Did you ever think that it wasnt your choice to make?! Jacque was yelling now, she was so upset and yet knew that her anger was disproportionate to the situation.
Jacquelyn, calm yourself. She was just trying to protect you, not hide things from you, Jacque heard Fanes soft, comforting voice tell her. Unfortunately, it just fueled her fire.
Jacque turned on him. Do not tell me to calm down! Everyone in this room seems to know something about my life that I dont and frankly that just ticks me off a teeny, tiny bit, so back off!
Fane held his hands up in surrender and took a seat across from Lilly on the loveseat. Sorin sat in the ugly winged back chair, leaving Jacque the only one standing.
She wasnt ready to sit down so she started pacing around the room.
I understand why you're angry and that you're hurt, but I need you to hear me out before judging me, Lilly told her.
Jacque stopped and tried to wipe away the tears that were running freely down her cheeks. She turned to look at her mom and simply nodded her head. Her mom patted the couch for her to sit on, but Jacque took one look at Fane and knew she needed to sit by him.
Im sorry, love, its just that I see you hurting and all I want to do is comfort you. Its MY job to comfort you. Please bear with me a little longer. Sit by me, calm the animal inside please. Fanes thought was so emotional that Jacque found herself walking over to the love seat and sitting next to him.
Jacques mom looked a little shocked, but as quick as it appeared it was gone.
Jacque, her mom began, there is no easy way to explain this. There is no way that I can say it that sounds sane, so Im just going to lay it out there, okay?