“Thank you.” I weave, trying to get around Caleb. “’Scuse me.”
Once in the bathroom, I splash water on my face. When I return to the kitchen, the whispering between Caleb and Medein ceases. It seems like I’ve interrupted a serious conversation. In an effort to let them finish in private, I excuse myself again.“I’ll just be outside. Thanks again, Medein, for your help. I appreciate it very much.”
She smiles.
I speedwalk to the door when Caleb says, “Wait. I’ll walk out with you.” He turns back to Medein. “Are we good?”
“Yes. We’re fine. I appreciate your honesty.”
“Thank you for understanding. I’ll have someone come by this week with your payment. I promise.”
“I know where to find you.”
Caleb chuckles. “See you later, Medein.” With a hand on the small of my back, he leads me out the door.
What were they talking about?
The door shuts behind us, leaving us alone in the forest again. He starts walking in the opposite direction of his pack. “Where are you going? Your pack is that way.” I point behind me.
Caleb turns but continues his path while walking backwards. A playful, boyish grin spreads across his face as he says, “I know. I want to show you something first.”
Chapter Forty
Jay
Awaterfall filters into a large, natural pool in the center. The only light in the space is the moonlight that shines from a gap in the rock ceiling. Completely untouched by society, everything sparkles under the stars.
“Wow,” I scan my surroundings. “This is... amazing. It reminds me of the place your mother told me about.”
“My mother told you about this place?”
“I think so.” I run my hand along the rock wall. Little specks of crystals glitter under the moonlight. “I’m assuming she did, based on what she described. It has to be. I don’t know many places that look like this.”
Night sky petunias bloom and thrive in this environment. Unlike the flowers above ground, these glow. Little bright-colored orbs emit from them, floating up to the cave’s opening, where they find homage in the stars and moon above.
Caleb frowns.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No. I’m just surprised she told you. Besides the crown, no one else knows about this place.” Caleb leans against a rock, crossing his arms, watching me take in this oasis.
“Why keep it a secret?”
“To protect it. People tend to ruin beautiful things.” Caleb stares at me with such intensity, I have to look away. When I do, he clears his throat. “Especially things they don’t understand. It’s the wolf leaders’ sanctuary, away from the public eye.”
“Then why show it to me?”
“Because beautiful things should be seen by those who can appreciate them.” Caleb sees me eyeing the rippling water. He pushes himself off from the rock and strolls over to the pool. He bends to touch it, then stands, nodding in approval at the temperature.
The way he speaks is so general, but it feels so personal. So...intimate.
“So... you trust me?” I grin playfully, daring him to drop his ego and admit something.
Caleb peels his shirt over his head, and his pecs and abs contract. He tosses it to the side, then unbuttons and unzips his shorts.
I can’t help but stare as he undresses. Only when he catches me do I glance elsewhere, blushing.
He chuckles. “I wouldn’t go as far as to say that... I’d say I’m learning to trust myself.”
