Tarrin lifted the phone above Josey’s head as she attempted to snatch it back. He couldn't let her call anyone because it would just draw more attention to what he was trying to do, and himself, as well.
Hanging it up, he handed it back to her.
“Why did you hang up!?” She yelled at him.
“Calling your friend wouldn’t be wise, unless you want to explain to him why his friend is knocked out?” Tarrin challenged her, noticing her panicked expression.
“You’re the one that knocked him out!” She responded, eyeing the snoring body as she put the phone back in her pocket.
“Did you.. see me knock him out?” He asked as he pulled out his own phone.
“Yes..no..but you did. Otherwise, how did he end up flat on his back, and snoring?” Josey replied, frustrated this was going nowhere.
“He tripped, apparently knocking himself out.” Tarrin responded with a smug look as he shrugged his shoulders and unlocked his phone.
Josey’s mouth dropped open. She started to question if that was true but didn’t buy it in the end.
“Yea right.” Crossing her arms, she stood there staring at him.
Tarrin quickly dialed for Linux. He was suddenly feeling light headed, and knew why. The adrenaline rush of knocking the guy out as he reached for Josey, used what bit of control he had left reserved before needing a treatment.
“Hey, I need a favor.” He said once Linux picked up.
“Are you about to....?” Linux questioned, sounding panicked.
Tarrin watched as Josey started pacing a moment before answering Linux, he was already feeling the wolf cells in his body start to grow, eating on the adrenaline Josey's actions already made him produce.
“No, not yet, but soon. Right now, though, I need you to pick someone up and take them home. We are right before the park off of Main, past the bus stop.” Tarrin hung up before his friend could respond.
Josey stopped and looked at him, having heard what he said, she was unsure of what to do.
“I will have my friend drop him off at his home. When he wakes up, hopefully he will have forgotten how he bumped his head.” Tarrin said to Josey as he walked over to the man’s car.
“Wait, are you going to steal his car?” Josey yelled suddenly unsure of what to think.
He just laughed and opened the knocked out friend’s door. He searched his vehicle quickly for anything important but found nothing.
“I can buy 6 of these if I wanted. Besides, I find cars like this pretentious.” Tarrin said as he shut the door and walked over to where the guy was knocked out.
"Your pretentious," Josey mumbled as she watched Tarrin like a hawk.
She figured any guy who would knock out a defenseless person wasn’t to be trusted, even if the guy did deserve it.“What are you doing now, robbing him?” She said sarcastically as he searched the guys pockets.
“No, I am looking for an address to his home. If you insist on standing there asking questions, and accusing me, you can call just call the cops instead. They ask way less questions, and find one innocent before guilty. Thats much more efficient.” Tarrin responded, unamused.
He was lying, he didn’t need to know the address, as he knew perfectly well aware where the guy lived. Instead, he was looking for a cell phone.
Feeling in the guy’s jacket pocket, he found it.
“Hey, can you check his back seat? See if he has a blanket or something, it’s getting chilly out.” He asked Josey suddenly, trying to distract her.
Josey nodded and hurried over to Jared’s friend’s car. She thought that at least Tarrin had some compassion if he was going to cover the guy up.
Once her back was turned, Tarrin slipped the phone from the guy’s jacket pocket to his.
Shutting the door to the back seat she walked back over to where Tarrin was standing.
"There wasn't any." Josey said.
"Bummer." Tarrin commented.
Josey unzipped her hoodie and took it off as she crouched down to cover the snoring friend of Jared’s, but the moment she started to lay it on the guy, Tarrin grabbed it and threw it over his own shoulders.
“Are you fricken kidding me?” Josey said as she stood, starting to feel the cool air hit her bare arms. She had only a simple t-shirt on now.
“What? Oh, you thought it was meant for him?” He asked feigning innocence.
Josey ripped the hoodie off Tarrin’s shoulders and put it back on before she walked over to the bag of water and crushed snack she had set down.
“Where are you going?” He asked, finding her attitude at his joke amusing.
“I’m leaving. Make sure he gets home alive at least. I will find out if you don't.” Josey said not turning around, as she walked towards the park.
Her threat made him chuckle softly.
“Wait!” Tarren yelled out as he stood up.
Josey stopped as she heard another car pulling up behind them.
Linux got out and walked over to where they were standing, eyeing Josey's back.
“Take him to 109 Stanton Gardens.” Tarrin said as he walked to where Josey had stopped.
Linux let out a whine, complaining, as he hooked the passed out guy from under his arms. The sound of heels dragging on the pavement made Josey turn around fast, wanting to watch, but all she could see was Tarrin’s polo shirt in her way.
She tried to peek around him, but he tried to stop her realizing Linux was wearing the same hoodie from when they were at the eatery earlier. Luckily Tarrin had left the over coat and hat he was wearing in the back seat.
“Hey that’s..I recognize that hoodie!” Josey exclaimed the moment she finally caught a glimpse of Linux coming around to the driver side of his car.
“Yes, they are popular. Now let’s get you home.” He said suddenly dragging her on the sidewalk past Linux’s car as it started to take off down the road.
“What..what is wrong with you? I think I know that guy.” Josey said as she tried to pull her wrist out of his grip.
“Ah, I..doubt it. Regardless, it’s late and you should be getting home. We will take my car. I will have someone pick that one up in the morning and have it delivered safe and sound to its owner.” Tarrin could feel the effects of waiting too long for the serum. He was suddenly feeling protective and aggressive, the mood tilt was noticeable to anyone who knew him personally.
“I don’t want to get in your car! Have you ever heard of asking? You can’t tell someone what they are going to do. I’m walking home.” Josey said with one last hard tug at his grip.
She broke free and started to head in the direction of the apartments. She’d had enough with his bossy attitude and couldn’t stand it any longer.
Before she took 3 steps, she was suddenly thrown over Tarrin’s shoulder. She could have sworn she heard him growl at her.
Kicking her feet as she pounded her hands into his back and dropping her bag, she started to yell as loud as she could.
“Let me down! If you don’t, I’m going to scream!” She went to give him a good kick until she heard the door of a car open and him lower her into the passenger seat.
She wanted to cry but wouldn’t give him the chance to mock her. She sat still as he reached over her and buckled the seat belt. He smelt good she thought for a moment before she wanted to slap herself for such a thought.
“Watch your feet.” He snapped at her, knowing the wolf was trying to come out.
Josey tucked her feet in and Tarrin slammed the car door.
She couldn’t believe this was happening. She wanted to call the cops the moment Tarrin got in and started his car.
“Don’t even think of calling the cops. You’ll be on your doorstep before they even pick up.” He said quietly as he made a wide U-turn across the empty streets.
It was less then 3 minutes, with the speed he was going, before they were at the front of the apartment complex. Suddenly feeling bad for hitting and kicking him, she turned to say thank you.
“Get out.” He snapped in a low voice, trying desperately not to let the change take over.
“Geesh, I was just going to say thank y..” she couldn’t finish her words because he snapped louder, cutting them off.
“I said..GET OUT!” His words rang in Josey’s ears making her rush to open the door.
The seat belt caught her neck as she tried getting out, cutting slightly into it. Clicking it to set herself free, not noticing she cut her neck, she heard Tarrin growl louder.
Josey just taking it as him being a jerk, got out and slammed the door behind her. Turning, ready to swear at him and let him have it, she was too late, he had driven off too quick, so she just let her tears fall instead.
**Side note : Please keep in mind that Tarrin is inflicted with a genetic mutation, however, his mutation is that of a wolf, and as the cells of the wolf are fueled by his adrenaline, it tries desperately to take over. I hope this different take on the story of changing into a wolf doesn't disappoint! Let me know what you think. Xxo..:)
With the hoodie pulled up around her hands, Josey wiped at the tears. Her pride was hurt. She knew that the friend of Jared’s wasn’t sincere and really did mean to hurt her, but it didn’t matter. Tarrin’s actions still pissed her off. Going in her apartment, she noticed all the lights were off. Removing her shoes, she walked to the kitchen and flipped the light on. There was a note from Emily saying she was staying at her friend Clarrisa’s house and would be back in the morning. Emily also said she had leftovers from the get together and they were in the fridge. Being thankful to her sister, Josey grabbed a small plastic wrapped paper plate holding 2 chocolate cupcakes from the fridge. It was just what she needed after the evening she had. She was hoping Emily would be home but at least she could try calling Cece to console her. “Hi, you’ve reached the lovely Cece’s phone! Leave her a message, and if you’re lucky, she’ll return your call! ..where’s the bee..BEEP.” Josey hung up smi
Tarrin took Linux’s car and met Mara at Bob and May’s. The smell was coming from their house. He and Mara entered the front gate, as it was late and no neighbors were out. They checked out the car first. It didn’t look like it’d been drove in a week or two, a fine layer of dirt from the road next to their home had settled on it. Next, they tried the front door, but it was locked. Bob and May had a high wooden privacy fence that surrounded their back yard so Tarrin decided they should try the back door. The smell of death hit his nose hard as they got to the back door, but it wasn’t human. Nodding at Tarrin’s prompt, Mara forced the door open. She coughed and pulled her tight black t-shirt over her nose. “It’s the dog.” Tarrin whispered, walking past Mara as she came out to the yard to breath. Entering the house, even though it was dark, he could still see. He was still under the effects of the treatment serum, so his senses could be handled better. The door they entered was to the
“Hey, answer your door. Your sister told me you were home. I have something of yours you left in my car last night.” Tarrin said, lightly banging on the door. Josey couldn’t move. Wondering if the malt liquor was spiked and gave her false memories, she could have sworn she called and text Cece last night after she was home. The knock came again so she straightened herself and went to the door. “Can I help you? Do you realize how early it is? It’s not even breakfast time yet and you’re here banging on my door.” Josey said, snapping at him. Tarrin tilted his head at her like a dog would when trying to figure out what a human is going on about. He pulled out Josey’s phone and clicked the side button and stuck it in front of her face. Josey went to grab it but not before she realized it read 11:30am. “I didn’t know you took your breakfast this late, my apologies.” Tarrin responded with a smirk. Josey could feel her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “Oh, well, I do..on.. Sundays! Just
Sticking her ear to the door, Josey listened. She wasn’t sure what she expected to hear, but could only hear a faint mumbling before silence. Walking to living room, she set her phone on the coffee table and plopped down on the couch. Sitting there for a few minutes, she only stared at her phone. With thoughts racing through her head, Josey sat forward and unlocked it. She had no unread messages, but when she saw one from Cece this morning, she knew, something wasn’t right. Her friend's message had been read., stumping her even more. Letting the phone slip from her hand to the table with a thud, she shook her head and grabbed her hair letting out a small scream of frustration. “Okay, I’m not crazy, but let's say I did leave you in his car, let’s say that the message I sent Cece was done on our way last night to the apartment. I could have asked her then what she was up to. I can accept that, but who read you TODAY. I didn’t.” Pointing at her phone and back at herself, the phone ju
Josey wasn’t about to betray Agatha for giving her the number. She didn’t answer his question and went straight to the point, “I need your help. I think someone broke in my apartment! Can you meet me today so I can look at the security camera recordings from last night? I promise I won't take long.” Tarrin narrowed his eyes on the other end of the phone. He didn’t think it was possible she knew he had carried her in and took her phone. “Yes, of course, I can be at the office in about 20 minutes, will that work? You should call the police to meet us there also.” Hearing his response, Josey started to question her sanity all over again. If they called the police, and the cameras did show Tarrin going into her apartment, she knew she would be getting him in trouble when all she wanted was an honest answer. If footage didn’t show anyone other than her, going in, somehow, that was a whole other worry. “I would rather wait, uh..because..I had a bit to drink last night, after you dro
Hanging up his phone, Tarrin shook his head. “Should I ask?” Mara questioned. “No, but I guess I better be more careful. She wanted to see the camera footage from last night. I called her bluff, but she is a lot smarter than I thought.” He said, removing the lab coat he was wearing. “I meant the about the dog, not the girl.” Mara responded with a bit of laughter in her voice. “Oh, uh, yea, it will be fine now. Go help Linux clean up and ask him to give you a ride home. I want to go see my uncle before tomorrow's meeting.” He responded, trying to quickly change the subject.. “Fine, tell uncle Rex I send hugs.” The sarcasm in Mara’s voice reminded him that his uncle and Mara had a love hate relationship. Even though the old man raised her from a young age, and gave her everything she ever wanted, he was still really hard on her to make her tough. He used her as a tool to help protect Tarrin, and he hated it. Tarrin shouted a quick bye to Linux through the operating doors a
Tarrin stopped in the foyer when the butler came out holding the cup of milk for him, with extra chocolate.“Leaving already?” His butler flashed a look of disappointment as Tarrin nodded. “Yea, sorry, can you make it to go?” He asked sheepishly while slipping back on his shoes. “Boy acts as if he still lives here.” He heard the old man grumble as he went back to the kitchen to get Tarrin the chocolate milk in new cup. Once the old butler brought him the to go cup, they said their goodbyes. Walking out into the chilly night air, Tarrin took a deep breath and looked up towards the moon. It wouldn’t be long and the soft hay colored glow would be in full circle while he was locked up for the night. He felt a twinge of longing to see the moon when it was full, Tarrin couldn't remember what it looked like, even if he caught a glimpse after the wolf came out, he still forgets by morning.Josey had woken to the sound of Emily finally coming home. “I’m here, sorry I’m late! You would not
While Josey and her sister were getting settled into their beds, they laughed talked about Emily’s weekend with her friend Clarissa and this made Josey feel better about her crappy weekend by knowing her sister was happy. “I bet the view was breath taking!” Josey said, staring at her ceiling and listening in earnest to her sister’s voice. “Well, you’d know for yourself Jo if you would come with us sometimes. The air is fresher up there and you can see for miles.” Emily responded pointedly. Josey knew Emily didn’t remember that when they were young, their mother and father would take them to the base of the mountain and ride a rail car up while sipping warm drinks in the fall. She felt it was better that Emily didn’t remember, but it was hard for Josey to ever go back. “I know, maybe one of these days I will join you and drag Cece along. I really could use the exercise anyway.” Trying to keep the mood happy, Josey let go of the memory. “You’ll get it hiking with us, that’s for
Unfortunately, I got very sick in early 2023, and in October of 2023, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma type cancer. I have finished chemo, and it is officially in remission (yay! thank the Lord). I will be updating soon, hopefully, as my energy returns. I want to finish my stories and continue others soooo badly, it is driving me crazy! I am soo sorry for the lack of updating, and keeping in touch. I hope everyone is well and I look forward to writing for you again soon. Please be patient and thank you for waiting on me, I promise to hurry!
Linux dropped Josey off, and she felt a bit of relief being home. Tarrin was his usual arrogant self in the end, and she felt stupid for feeling maybe he had warmed up to her. Turning her phone off, she decided it was officially the weekend and wouldn’t answer it for anything unless it was Emily or Cece. “See how you like that. Answer your own emails!” Yelling it out as she set her phone down, Josey plopped on the couch and stared at the TV. The apartment was quiet, and the sudden lack of noise made her uncomfortable, so she decided to head over to Cibus street and check out the food markets near the water. “Three for a dollar or two pounds for three dollars!” The vendors called out, enticing passersby with their catches of the day or homemade goods. The smell of cooked fish and bread filled the air as Josey casually strolled by each colorful stall. She even ran into Mr. Huen, who gave her a tough front but treated her to free fish bites in the end. Seeing one of her favorite
Josey shrugged, “I think I already mentioned it once. He used to show up in the warehouse when my parents were working. His Father’s office was nearby at the time, so Jared would hang out with me as I waited for dad to finish for the day,” she replied finally and then said softly, “He was there the day it happened.” Tarrin knew what she was talking about but asked, “The day the fire happened?” Josey nodded and responded, “Yes, he showed up right as I was about to run in there. Damn, he hasn’t changed one bit now that I think about it.” “There is something oddly familiar about that guy, I’m telling you. It isn’t safe for him to be around her, Tarrin.” Tarrin nodded silently at both Josey's comment and the wolf’s warning. Once Mara returns, he will know more about this Mr. Hunter from Rapture investments. When they finally reached the house, Linux spoke up, “Hey, I, uh, think I’m gonna crash at home today.” Tarrin faked a cough again and said, “I’d rather you be at the house
“Hey, that’s not funny! I get your point. Let’s focus now, please... geesh,” the wolf whined. Tarrin smiled with satisfaction that it worked. Josey was waiting anxiously for Emily to come up on stage, and Tarrin’s mind went to something else. Before the interlude ended, Tarrin leaned over and peeked through a small opening in the heavy red curtain. He could see directly where Jared and Olana sat in the reserved booth. Olana was smiling and then leaned over and whispered something to Jared, and he nodded and whispered back. Did they really know each other? Were they responsible for Josey getting stuck on the roof if that’s the case? Both of them had been at the building that day, and Jared’s coat looked identical to the one in the CCTV footage. He made a note to mention it to Mara when the recital was over. If those two were friends, then they may be working together. But for what purpose? Was Jared one of the hunters or related to the ones that killed his father? “You’re ful
Tarrin and Josey were ushered to the VIP seating, where they could see the concert hall’s stage. It was a perk of Tarrin’s company funding the upgrades of the hall and supporting the students. “I’m impressed. Who knew I would end up inside someone with such pull,” the wolf commented in Tarrin’s head. Grinning in a cocky manner, Tarrin sat next to Josey, secretly glancing at her. “Wow, I can’t believe the number of people here for the recitals. I bet Emily’s nervous,” Josey said, looking over the seated crowd below. Tarrin nodded, “The recital is a good start for many students planning their musical future. Scouts and certain company exec’s come looking for a promising start to represent.” “Speaking of company executives, do you smell that? I think it’s, damn, we have company,” the wolf whispered in Tarrin’s mind. Tarrin rolled his eyes and looked around. He didn’t know what he was smelling, but then the familiar cologne of Jared Hunter hit his nose before he spotted the CEO
Tarrin watched as Josey hesitated, looking at the many dishes in front of her. “Look, if you want to apologize for yesterday, apology accepted. You don’t have to go through all this for me. I’m just your employee,” she said, looking at him confused and glancing at the tulip bouquet on the table’s edge. Tarrin cleared his throat, “I... I know. This isn’t an apology. I’m in the public eye, so having you dressed properly is strictly for my benefit. Eating is just a necessity, and I was craving the food here, which you also benefit from. I didn’t want you, I mean us, going and sitting through the recital with our stomachs growling.” Tarrin glanced at her, trying to read her response, but she simply nodded and gently grabbed a bite of food. In the background, the sound of the violin played in tune with the waterfall while they ate in peace. Now and then, Tarrin caught himself stealing glances at Josey. He was still enamored by how beautiful she looked. “Say something. You’re blowing
They stood outside in the cold midmorning air after Mara dropped them off in front of HighFlowers. “I’m not sure what you’re up to, but I don’t want to go in there,” Josey said finally, turning to leave. Tarrin turned her back around and gently pushed her forward, “You will go in there, like it or not.” Finally walking through the silver and etched glass door, Josey stopped fighting against his insisting and looked around. The brand store was huge, and being high-end, Tarrin and Josey were immediately greeted. “Hello! Welcome to HighFlowers, right this way, Mr. Stormway,” a female attendant said, ignoring Josey and gesturing Tarrin to a lavish seating area. “I won’t be staying. Ms. Parks here is to be cared for in every aspect. We will attend a recital tonight, so please see that she is well-dressed. I will need a driver to bring her to Hydelos in an hour.” The woman nodded and looked at Josey a minute before saying, “An hour? No problem!” She then clapped her hands as sever
“Yes, reservation for two, private. Thank you,’ hanging up the call with the restaurant he booked for after the recital. Tarrin felt a bit sure of himself now. “Yeah, throwing money around is great, but that’s not how you’re going to win her heart. She isn’t like the rest of them, Tarrin Stormway. I hope you come to realize her worth,” the wolf said, getting nervous Tarrin was making a mistake, that he may make Josey distance herself further. “Hush, what do you know? You lived before there was indoor plumbing!” The wolf scoffed, “That is a lie, and you know it!” Tarrin shook his head, “Doesn’t matter. I am not doing this to impress her.” “Lie.” “I mean, she should be impressed naturally, but I’m doing this as an apology for getting her involved in my problems,” Tarrin said out loud in response. “Lie again.” “Uhg, just shut up and leave me alone.” He yelled, turning to stomp down the rest of the stairs. Linux was standing there at the bottom, staring at him. “Lab, now!” Tarri
“Okay, hold on, so you’re saying my father must have taken your blood and used it in a serum on me, and that’s why you are here, in my head?” The wolf turned and nodded, “Yes, to put it simply.” Tarrin stood and started pacing. “I mean, if this was some fairytale, sure, I could believe it. But the science says you are a disease, a mutation constantly fighting to take over.” If wolves could shrug, this one would have. “Maybe that is what I am, a mutation, but it’s straightforward. Who do you think would win if you and I were stuck in a box, fighting to get out?” Tarrin eyed him before stomping and heading back the way they came. “We are done here. You won’t be getting out of anything or taking it over. That’s a fact,” he snapped and then stopped, looking back at the wolf, “and another thing, don’t you ever, EVER, lay my hands on Josey again. She’s scared of me now because of you!” The wolf suddenly fell back, rolling with laughter. “Ha, you think you can stop me? Good luck. The