“We did it one time, Theron.That doesn’t make us lovers.What are you?Amish?”
The anger rears its head once more.Cursing like a pirate, I smash my fist into one of the kitchen cabinets.The punch goes through the door—and the crockpot on the shelf and into the wall behind it.
Shit.
Breezing into the kitchen, Luna pushes past Aila but turns to stare at my tormentor over her shoulder.“Well?Are you coming or going, Aila?Coming back in would be the polite thing, don’t you agree?”
As if she was not just a witness to the biggest humiliation of my monstrous life, Luna continues.
“I hear you want to leave.Fine.No one’s stopping you, Aila.Monty Hubble will be dropping off the next batch of guests in three or four days' time, depending on the tides.You can go back with him then.”
Stroking her hand across her forehead in a dramatic gesture, Aila groans.“Ah!Of course.The ferry doesn’t operate all the time.I forgot.Damn it!So much for my quick exit.”She grins and shoots me a naughty glance.“Looks like you’re stuck with me for a few more days, Theron.”
And on that cheerful note, Aila darts out, taking her phone with her.
I give up.I don’t want any more of this.I hope it’s not too late for me to join Artim and Jaecar on their hunting trip.
I’m doing my best not to feel bitter.
Luna grabs my arm as I swagger past, whispering fast and low.“Do not ignore fate, Hunter.The girl is emotionally fragile.She’s leaving before she can get hurt.I am woman enough to understand this.The door is open.Walk through it, damn you.”
ChapterFifteen
Aila
The jumble of emotions in my head really shakes me up.
Theron stuck his fist through the kitchen cabinet.Mom is leaving me behind.Luna probably scorns me for being a ditsy asshole.
Am I free, or is this just an illusion?
I have never left home or lived alone, because my domestic arrangements always followed me wherever I went.
College in the city?No problem.Mom would just find us a new apartment close to where my classes were held.
Need a job?No problem.Mom would tell her new boyfriend to give me work in one of his businesses.
My mom was always there to tap on the car window before my date could think about getting handsy with me during the last kiss goodnight.She would always stay up waiting for me to come back from a social gathering.
If I told her I was going to a club, I would look across the darkly lit dance floor and see her waving at me, smiling her reassuring smile.Most of the other times I went out, she would come with me.
Mom used to tell me that she gave birth to her best friend when she had me.
Now all that is gone.
I don’t know how to feel, because this time I know it’s for real.Mom is marrying Ben and settling down.And at the age of twenty-eight, I am set free to go my own way.
I’m okay with that, I guess.It’s time for me to find out if there is more to life than hopping from one boyfriend to the next, from one lame ass job to the next, while being constantly worried about money and stability.
Let’s not forget the gnawing guilt and resentment that I felt whenever I realized it was my fault we had to live like gypsies.
This is why I’m not that upset when I hear the ferry is three days away.If I’m going to pass the time without slumping into a fog of depression and worry, I’m going to need Theron to help me do it.
The man might be a grumpy hunk of possessiveness and power, but he has a way of taking my mind off my troubles.
Landslide is the nicest place to think and plan.Sliding my phone into the back pocket of my pants, I decide to walk to the banks of the creek.It’s still early.Celia waves to me as she turns the sign on the door of the general store from “Closed” to “Open.”Carson Regan nods when he sees me strolling past.
I avoid the marina because there is something kind of creepy about the way old motorboats sway and creak on the opaque, black water.
