Page 27 of Two Years Gone

“Seriously, are you an angel?” I teased.

“Nope, just the best friend ever. You don’t deserve me,” he joked.

I nudged him and we both laughed. I could feel my troubles fading away.

“Here, take a few more and I’ll walk you home.” Declan smiled and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“Thank you, Declan.” I smiled at him as we began walking down the hill.

“For what? Gracing you with my rugged good looks?” he teased, making me laugh.

“Thank you for being my friend and always making me laugh.”

“You’re like a little sister to me, Ells Bells. I’ll always be here to take care of you and Sophie. You two were the only ones who accepted me when I first joined the pack.”

“Still, thanks all the same, Dec.”

Declan kissed my forehead and smiled at me.

“Goodnight, Ells.”

“Goodnight,” I smiled, waving at him as he made his way down the road to his own cabin.

I hesitated on my way to my place. It felt like I was being watched. I looked around but didn’t see anything, so I shrugged and opened the door. Suddenly, I heard a low growl.

I turned around to see a figure in the shadows.

“Who is it?” I asked hesitantly.

“It’s just me, Ella,” the figure said before stepping into the light.

“Zane.” I let out a sigh of relief.

“Do you often go around letting people kiss you?”

Not this again. I rolled my eyes and stood up straight.

“Zane, it’s been a long day. I’m exhausted.”

“Answer me, Ella.”

I huffed, frustrated we were having this same conversation.

“No, Zane. I don’t just let random wolves kiss me. I’m not some easy girl that lets anyone touch her!”

“Then why did you let him?”

“Who? Declan?” I shook my head.

“Declan is my best friend, more like a brother. There was nothing even remotely romantic about that little peck on the forehead.”

I stepped forward, now angry.

“What is it to you, anyway? You seem to keep forgetting that you rejected me. You gave up any claim you had on me two years ago. And I’ve been doing just fine on my own! So back off, Zane!”

Zane let out a quiet growl before stomping off.

I pushed through the front door and into my bedroom.