Hunter laughed loudly. “I’m just teasing, Jin. I like chocolate, but I prefer fruity flavors like gummies.”
“I prefer chocolate. All things chocolate.”
“Like Chasen’s eyes?” Hunter teased but was shocked as he watched her nod her head.
“That’s probably why I love his eyes so much.” She smiled innocently.
“You should see his brown fur when he shifts.” Hunter grinned as he saw her turn to Chasen excitedly.
“You have brown fur too? I can’t wait to see it and touch it.” Jin squealed in excitement.
“Touch it? I’m not a pet,” Chasen said, feigning annoyance, though secretly he was enjoying her excitement.
“Don’t be stingy. If you have chocolate fur, then I’m definitely touching it. Hunter, what color is yours?”
“Gray.”
Jin looked at Hunter with little interest. “Well, you were almost cool. Maybe I should switch and give Chasen the air element.” She giggled as she teased Hunter.
“You can’t do that, can you?” Hunter faked a frown.
“No. I can only gift someone once. So, we’re stuck together forever.” Jin had subconsciously drifted near Chasen’s side again, her arm brushing against his as if it was drawn to him.
“Good. Because I’m excited to learn more about my gift. Are you ready to leave?” Hunter asked.
“Yes.”
“NO.”
“NO.”
The three girls answered simultaneously. Jin frowned, looking at Susan and Renee. “I don’t wanna shop for clothes anymore.” She pouted, sticking her lip out.
“Sues, you know her size. You and Renee can do some more shopping later.” Sam held his hand out and Renee walked into his embrace. “Let’s go home.” He kissed her temple and she nodded.
“Come on, gang. Let’s load up. I have some interesting things to tell you.” Hunter looked over at Jin. Her smile had faded, andshe seemed to be concentrating on something in the distance. He looked at her hand, which was shaking slightly.
Chasen wrapped his arm around her and looked down at her face. “Jin? What’s wrong?” Her body trembled, but her gaze was outraged. He watched her knuckles turn white as the sound of her breathing picked up. He could hear her heartbeat racing. But what startled him was the slow tears that trickled from her eyes.
“I need to get out of here before I do something I can’t undo,” Jin whispered, so softly it was barely audible.
Hunter walked up to Jin and placed a hand on her shoulder. “We can’t help if you don’t tell us what’s going on.”
“There is someone I know here.” Jin looked at Hunter with pleading eyes. She wanted to hurt them.
“Come on, let’s go then.” Hunter figured they could talk more later. He looked up at Chasen and nodded over his shoulder for him to follow. Their group headed toward the exit, managing to make their way through the crowded place. Chasen kept Jin lodged in his side making sure she didn’t get separated from him. The group walked to their vehicle, and soon they were headed toward pack territory. They were all quiet as they watched Jin.
Jin closed her eyes and leaned her head back. She couldn’t believe it. What were the odds of her running into a demon she knew out in public? Lionel was there with another demon she had seen before but didn’t know his name. Lionel was one of the men she’d escaped from. One of the ones who’d considered her a pet of theirs. At that moment, hatred flashed through her. She’d wanted to hurt him like he’d hurt her. She had to reel her emotions in, though. She didn’t want to take revenge, because that wouldn’t make her feel better. She decided that she would only use her powers to protect and defend, but not for revenge. Having passed her own test, she was able to walk away, anddespite the wretched memories that popped up in her head, she felt proud of herself.
The ride back had remained pretty quiet, which Jin was thankful for. No one talked to her about what had happened, though she figured they would. At least Hunter or Chasen would, for sure. She knew she would need to talk to both of them anyway. Chasen had made it clear that he wanted to know about her past. She wasn’t sure how this would make him feel better, but if that was what he needed, she would oblige him.
Hunter explained what had happened in the conference today and how he was now the Werewolf King. He was going to be holding a meeting to address the pack over this new and exciting change.
When they returned, the group went their separate ways. Susan, Sam, and Renee went to meet up with Adam and Winston. They would be informing them about Hunter and announcing the meeting to the pack. Hunter carried Jin’s bags of clothes while Chasen carried her chocolate bag.
“Come on, Jin.” Hunter placed his arm around her as he ushered her up the stairs. “You need to pick something out from these bags to wear. You’ll be meeting the rest of the pack soon.” When they reached the room, he set the bags on the floor. Chasen also set down the bag he was holding.
Jin looked down at the ground. She concentrated on her feet and watched the fabric of her shoes move as she wiggled her toes. “I know both of you are curious about my past. I’ll tell you about it tonight. Or at least the general idea. But just prepare yourselves. My life …” She lifted her head to meet with their eyes. “My life story may be depressing to hear.”
