“Eric told me,” Matt spoke slowly, “that some mates—when both are wolves—can control the other’s body. Apparently, that ability’s linked to how much they crave the other as amate.”
Whoa. . . I averted my gaze and rubbed my palms against my runningshorts.
“Can you guys do that?” heasked.
“No,” Augustsaid.
I frowned at him, then at the grass, wondering why he was lying. Was he afraid Matt and Cole would tell others about our ability, or was he embarrassed by it? But then it hit me . . . it wasn’tourability.
It washis.
Iwasn’t able to move his body. We’d assumed it was because he was so much bigger than me, but the true reason had nothing to do withsize.
He backed away from me, his large sneakers crushing the earth beneath him. “We should get back. I promised my parents I was going to have lunch at theirplace.”
I sensed his desire to get down from the mountain had nothing to do with being on time for his meal and everything to do with what Matt had just told us. Was August ashamed by how much he wanted me, or was he angry by how little he thought I wantedhim?
I hadn’t tried to pull on the tether since the night I’d slept in his bed, but considering how my feelings for him had grown and solidified, I was pretty certain I could drag him all the way down the mountain if Itried.
I didn’t try, though, because if I moved his body, it would destroy all the work I’d put into keeping my hands offit.
Offhim.
34
IsentAugust several text messages during the weekend to ask how he was feeling. His answer to all of them was the four-letter word:Fine. He wasn’t fine, but I didn’t think that had to do with theSillin.
Throughout Sunday night dinner at Frank’s, Evelyn kept asking me what was wrong, and I kept telling her I was nervous about starting college. While Jeb told stories about his college days, especially about what a formidable running back he’d been, Frank kept casting glances my way. He probably thought my mood was sullen because of the imminentduel.
During the ride back to the apartment, Jeb was acting so uncharacteristically giddy that I worried something could be wrong. My uncle wasn’t a giddyperson.
“Are you all right, Jeb?” I asked after he’d parked the van on our street and we’d gottenout.
He grinned so wide his teeth gleamed in his gray-blond beard. There was definitely something up withhim.
“I know your birthday isn’t until Friday”—he dug into his pocket—“but I’m going to give you your presentearly.”
“You don’t need to give me anypresents.”
Hetsked and plucked my hand from my side, then dropped a car key into it. “The payment for the inn came in, so I got you something. It’s not brand new, but it doesn’t have lots ofmileage.”
“You got me”—my voice caught—“a car?” I finishedquietly.
He pointed at a compact silver SUV with a big red bow on the back fender. “Here sheis.”
I let out a breath that sounded a lot like a whimper, and Jeb grinned, eyes all glittery. I flung my arms around his neck and hugged himtight.
“Thank you thank you,” Iwhispered.
“You’re very welcome.” He patted my back. “How about we take it out for aspin?”
“Yes! Absolutely yes!” I detached myself from my uncle and strode over to the car, running my fingertips along its shiny, smoothbody.
Mine.
It wasmine.
Jeb was still grinning. “Let’s get ice-cream. I noticed our freezer was depressinglyempty.”
