“Part of me was shocked that Chelle would do that to me, but part of me wasn’t,” I admit as I think about the hate in her eyes as she wished for my death.
Tanisha waves her hand through the air. “I’ve always known that bitch was grimy. Every time we got together to figure out how to rescue you, she was acting so clingy. Asking him if he needs something to drink or telling him he needs to eat. She was acting like we were at your repast or something.”
It was strange to hear what was happening with my family since I was taken. I assumed everyone just went back to normal. That wasn’t a hard assumption to make, because my parents have always been lost in their own world, not caring about what was going on with me. I figured this time was no different.
“You guys were trying to rescue me?”
Tanisha tilts her head to the side. “Of course. I mean, don’t get too excited. It hasn’t been that successful. When we’re together, everyone mostly argues.
“Uncle Rolling Stone and Mommy blame Aunt Angie. I agree with them. But Mrs. Vanessa mostly blames Romeo. She even asked for a divorce, and this time I think she’s going to go through with it. Told him she’s going to move back home andfind her a man who wants only her. I think your dad believes her this time too. He’s been up her ass since it all went down.”
Damn. Don’t get me wrong, Vanessa has screamed divorce multiple times. However, threatening to move out of state and find a man is new. And Daddy, abandoning his sweet Angie to be with Vanessa, proves she might be for real. I still won’t believe it until I see it.
“And Mommy?” I ask.
Tanisha shakes her head. “She’s been inconsolable. Mama went over there to check on her yesterday because she’s been locked in the house for the last three days.”
It feels weird hearing how much this is affecting my mother. I didn’t doubt that she loved me, I just knew I was never a priority. However, it seems as if this is really bothering her.
Maybe I should pay her a visit soon. We have a lot to discuss, and I’m still not quite ready to forgive her. But I also don’t want everyone dogpiling on her.
“Do you really like this guy?” Tanisha’s question catches me off guard.
There is a genuine connection between me and Raziel. Most of it, I’m sure, comes from the bond he formed with me many years ago. But he’s also different from any other man I’ve been with.
The way he pays attention to me, even when all I wanted to do was get away from him. He listens to my concerns. He doesn’t like the idea of me being back at work, but he knows I need this. And sex isn’t everything, but damn the dick is good.
“I’m willing to see where it goes.” I shrug. “But let’s be honest, it’s not like I have an option to leave. He’s still owed a debt.”
Whether I liked the man or not, he wasn’t letting me go. Yes, lucky for me, I’m enjoying him.
Tanisha and I spent another thirty minutes catching up and laughing. I got to work after she left. My day was pretty busy. Ihad about ten clients; all were ready for me to come back from my honeymoon.
My employees held the shop down for those two weeks. Since all of them got to attend my wedding, they knew I was not really on a honeymoon. I did have to assure them I was fine and safe.
When the day ends, I lock up the shop and head to my car. The one light post cast only a slight glow over the parking lot. I worked later than usual today, leaving my car the only one on this side of the small shopping plaza. Further down, there are a few empty cars at the Chinese restaurant. But most likely, those are the employees. I pull my keys out of my bag as I make my way toward my car.
An icy wind blows through the parking lot sending a chill up my spine. Weird. It’s not a chilly night. A slow growl floats through the air. I pause and glance around. I don’t see a dog, but the growl sounded close by. This time when I walk toward the car, I move a little faster.
A howl pierces the air, and right along with it, another growl. This time, I don’t turn around to see if anything is there. I ran to my car. Fumbling with the keys, I try to get the door unlocked.
Snarling behind me has me turning around. I nearly piss myself. Standing in front of me is what I would consider a fucking werewolf. It’s way too big to be a dog. Its body is as long as a human, but it’s so emaciated and malnourished you can see its ribs through the thin furless skin. Razor-sharp teeth protrude through a long dog like snout. Spikes run down its back like some type of dinosaur. And at the ends of its feet are long talons like falcons.
“Erazel,” I whisper, too afraid to shout in case the damn thing startles.
The creature lowers its head and growls.
I swallow as my heart knocks against my chest.
“Erazel,” I call out once more, this time a little louder than before.
The sharp red eyes of the creature narrow. It drops its head and charges.
“Raziel!” I scream as I turn to scramble for the door of my car.
Hot breath hits me before I’m knocked to the ground. I roll across the pavement. When I stop and look up, I find Raziel standing by my car. He has his hands wrapped around the creature’s body from behind like a bear hug. The monster is clawing and fighting to get out of his arms. Although Razzy is the one holding the damn thing, those red beady eyes are on me.
Strong arms lift me off the ground. I turn to find a light brown skin man with a low fade standing over me.
