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
“Now this is just an observation, and I am just saying from an outside perspective, but could it be that girl, what’s her name? Josey? She seems to be getting you riled up?” Linux raised his arms to cover his face, expecting Tarrin to react with violence. Tarrin just looked up and gently smiled at Linux, but the moment Linux dropped his arms, he smacked his friend on the head with the clip holding the charts. “Ouch! Why’d you smack me!?” Linux yelped, rubbing his head. “Because, you asked for it, and no, this has nothing to do with her. You can just forget that idea.” Tarrin replied defensively, not wanting to admit it. After some incoherent grumbling from Linux as he unhooked Tarrin from the treatment IV, they headed back upstairs. Walking out to the living room from the office, they noticed Mara was standing, facing the tv. “Hey, you guys better come take a look at this.” Mara said as she grabbed the remote and turned the tv up. It was a late night news broadcast covering an
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