Page 6 of Bloodstained Chrome

"Then I’ll probably see you there."

Jett closes the door behind her, and I look down at Arely. She looks so peaceful. If only she knew how much her absence was affecting those around her, I’m sure she’d pop right up.

I laugh at the thought. That would be a sight to behold.

I get comfortable in my seat and begin my little ritual of telling Arely everything that happened at her shop throughout the day. I fill her in on the random questions some of the locals asked me. I laugh at parts of my story that I’m sure she might find funny.

By the end of it, my heart is heavy. This woman doesn’t even know me, yet she’s become the closest person to me.

“You’re going to open your eyes soon, Arely. I just know it. Your mate just needs a little more time. I promise.” I lean back in my chair with a grunt.

Just like that, the peaceful feeling in the room evaporates as I hear the clubhouse’s front door open and shut. I feel the shift in the air, even through the room’s closed door, and know it’s him.

The ornery kitty has finally made his appearance.

There’s no way I’m getting out of here without him seeing me. So much for a peaceful end to my night.

Chapter

Four

Primal

The air in the clubhouse is thick.

At least to me. Everyone else seems completely at ease.

“All good out there?” Justice asks from where he’s sitting next to his mate, Annahi. No one is moving, they already know everything is fine. Someone would have warned the club otherwise.

“Yeah, someone here?” I ask, my voice a little more curt than it needs to be. I already know she’s here. Even if I hadn’t seen her, I can smell her in the clubhouse. The distinct scent of the woman who has my lion clawing at my insides.

“You know who’s here. I’m sure that’s why you rushed back,” Justice says, taking a sip of the beer he holds, one brow cocked.

“I did not come back because she’s here," I say through gritted teeth. "I came back because I finished my run.”

Justice snorts, shaking his head, and sets his beer down. “Yeah, if you say so, brother.”

I grumble under my breath, head to the bar to grab a beer, then rejoin Justice and the others at one of the tables.

“Why does she keep coming here?" I grunt, throwing myself into a chair. "It’s not like she needs to come here every damn day to check on Arely. It’s an intrusion at this point.”

“It’s only an intrusion to you," Karsyn points out. "I like having her here. She’s fun, and I think she could use a friend.”

I take a swig. “I don’t see how she’s any fun.” That’s a lie. I’ve heard her witty, sarcastic remarks aimed at Justice. "A needle in the eye would be a hell of a lot more fun."

Everyone groans, shakes their heads, and goes back to what they were doing, ignoring my comment. I get that they’re all fine with Sibley being here, but I can’t seem to get past my distaste for the woman. I don’t get why she gets under my skin and has my lion rearing up whenever she’s near me. And that’s the problem. I’ve always been good at figuring out the whys behind whatever is bothering me. To make matters worse, the more she comes around, the more it bothers me.

I just need to stay away from her. Staying out of the clubhouse and running instead of coming back in would’ve been the first step, I guess. Before I can say anything more, Sibley steps into the main room, and her eyes lock onto mine.

“Hello, Kitty.” She tilts her head, and I snarl at her.

“I’ve told you not to call me that,” I snap at her, then make a move to get out of my chair.

“I would stop, but then how would I get you to talk to me?”

“I don’t need to talk to you.”

“It’s much better than the nasty look you wear whenever I walk into the room. It looks like you’re constipated or something. Maybe you need to visit Zaid. I’m sure he could do something for you.” Sibley chuckles.