Getting Reacquainted

I had Julien help me unload my stuff from the car before plopping down on the bed in my temporary living quarters. He’d said his goodbyes shortly after so he could go back to the bayou and make sure Mama Rose was doing okay. I was thankful for the opportunity to be alone. Seeing Remy had done something to me. Half of me wanted to go back over there and hurt him but the other half, well, it had other ideas.

My eyes became fixated on the ceiling as I folded my arms behind my head on the pillow. I stared up at the colorless popcorn ceiling. Pictures of Remy began to dance on the blank canvas as I let myself drown in my thoughts. What was I going to do about my predicament? I let out a deep sigh as I let my eyelids close. All I knew at the moment was that I was exhausted and needed a nap.

Carrying all my stuff from the car to my new room took a lot out of me. Maybe more so emotionally than physically. A good rest would help me be able to clear my mind.

As I fell into a deep slumber, that voice returned. The one who called out to me the night before.

‘Elodie,’ It called, caressing me like a warm embrace. ‘Elodie,’ It cried out again. I didn’t know what it wanted or why it wanted to speak to me. I didn’t even know what or who it was.

All of a sudden blood curdling screams could be heard and my eyes snapped open, only to realize that I was the one screaming. It was dark in my room. I jumped up to look out the window only to realize that night had fallen. How long had I been asleep?

I looked over at the digital clock on the night stand which read 3:45AM. I’d always heard from Aunt Rosette that 3AM was the ‘witching’ hour. I’d been plagued by visions and voices around this time of night for months. I didn’t know much about my mother’s side of the family. I was beginning to question whether the other half of me was human or not.

I decided not to give it much thought for the moment, thinking it was all just tired nonsense. Unfortunately there was no going back to sleep after a dream like that, so I decided to sit up and scroll through social media on my cellphone for a few hours. Around 5:30 is when I began getting ready for training.

I decided to save the shower for after training and just threw on a black sports bra and a pair of black athletic capris. On my feet were a pair of old sneakers that I used for training with Julien. I headed out the door, locking it behind me. It didn’t take me long to cross the campus grounds and find the training field. The crisp, cool morning air hit me but I didn’t mind it.

After a few minutes, Remy made his way to the front of the pack. His rightful place. My eyes instinctively narrowed as they fell upon his smirking visage. His eyes met my own and I had to try hard not to growl.

“Good morning, Bleeding Twilight.” He greeted. “This morning we have a new addition. Some of you may remember her from when she was a child.” He knew I hated to be in the spotlight and here he was, making me the center of attention. Bastard. “Welcome Elodie Laroux back to the pack. She’s been staying with her aunt in the bayou for the last few years. I trust that you’ll all treat her with respect and make her feel at home.”

His eyes found mine one more time, in which I gave him the coldest glare I could possibly muster.

He let out a chuckle before continuing, “Alright. Now pair up and work on the defensive positions I showed you all yesterday. Elodie, with me.”

Great. First day back and he decided to torture me by making me train with him. I stepped to the front of the group as they paired off. He had a big smile on his face as I stopped in front of him.

“Looking forward to our date tonight,” He whispered as he stepped past me and got into a defensive position.

“It’s not a date,” I growled as I got into position as well.

“Right,” was all he managed to get out before I lunged at him, my fist swinging towards his jaw and connecting. He let out a low growl as he began to take an offensive approach.

The next thing I knew, his fist came flying towards me and I immediately put one hand up to block it. This caused him to become visibly angry. Remy was strong and he needed to show that he could command a pack, otherwise, the others would begin plotting. I didn’t care much about how he looked in front of the pack. I wasn’t about to let him beat me.

I immediately followed up using my free arm. I cocked it low and brought it up violently against his chin. He hadn’t been expecting such an explosive uppercut and it showed clear on his face. Remy spat blood as it connected. All the others seemed to be looking on with interest.

He quickly recovered and wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. It was mere moments after that he attempted to grab me but I jumped back. A smirk appeared on my face as he realized that I was faster than he was. Remy was incredibly strong but it was nothing compared to my speed.

It didn’t take long for him to come charging at me again. I jumped out of the way and in turn, was able to grab hold of him and flip him over my shoulder to pin him against the ground, but that was a mistake as he pulled me down, flipped us both over, and pinned me underneath him.

Many eyes were upon on us but all I could focus on was his. A strange feeling came over me and all I could think about was how his lips would feel against mine. I couldn’t be falling for him. Not after all his family had done to mine. Recovering from my dangerous thoughts, I quickly pushed him off of me and began running away from the training site.

“Elodie!!” Remy called after me but I kept running. I never looked back. I ran straight to my room and slumped against the door. I wouldn’t allow this to happen. Tears began to fall from my oceanic depths and for the first time in years, I allowed myself to mourn for my lost childhood. Mostly, I grieved over what could have been so long ago...

... the first time Remy kissed me.