Parahuman (Parahuman Series) (30 page)

     “What
do I smell like?”  

     The
expression on Devan’s face turned intense and he leaned forward and sniffed her.
Laney’s body burned a little more at his behavior, but not all of it in
discomfiture.

     “You
smell like the outdoors; fresh air, dirt, grass, and pine trees mixed with a
hint of cinnamon from whatever soaps you use. I could smell you all day.” He
said longingly.

    
Laney’s heart tripped at his words and she wanted so much to be able to see his
eyes. She would have reached up to take them off but Devan leaned back and his
attention focused beyond her.

     The
sound of Hali’s voice behind her caused her to start. “One banana split cup and
one cup of elderly praline pecan.”

     Laney
turned to grab both ice creams, handing Devan’s his. Hali was holding out
Devan’s change.

     “Keep
it, please.” Devan requested.

     “You
don’t have to compensate me for doing a friend a favor.” Hali said firmly.
Laney took the money from her and put it in Devan’s console. “I’m going to let
you two get back to your conversation and such; if you need anything else just
give me a holler.” She smiled and turned to go.

    
“Thanks Hali,” Laney called to her retreating back. Hali gave a backwards wave.

     Laney
shifted in her seat so she was facing Devan. He stuck a spoonful of ice cream
in his mouth his attention out the window. Laney checked out the view and saw
Jarrod staring their way with a very unpleasant expression on his face. Laney
was going to ignore him as long as he wasn’t bothering them.

     “You
really didn’t want to go out there, did you?” Laney asked, spooning up a small
bite.

     “What
do you mean?” Devan asked distractedly.

    
“You’re not the only one who can see things about a person.” Devan’s head swung
back in Laney’s direction and his head was cocked questioningly. Good; she had
his attention. “You were quite relieved that you didn’t have to leave the jeep
and possibly socialize with anyone.” Laney licked off some strawberry syrup
that got caught on her lip.

     “I’m
not a crowd person.” Devan retorted in an inexplicably deeper voice. “They make
me feel claustrophobic. The noise and smells become overwhelming.”

    
Devan’s response made Laney feel selfish. She’d only been thinking of herself
when she’d dragged him here; wanting to spend more time with him.

     “Why
did that make you sad?” Devan asked.

     Not
surprised at his astuteness Laney focused on her cup of ice cream, stabbing it
apathetically. “I feel terrible, making you come here. I was trying to do
something nice for you and it turns out you hate it.”

    
Looking up Laney saw Devan reform his facial lines into bogus pleasantness.
“What are you talking about; I’m having a good time.” He stuffed a heaping
scoop of ice cream into his mouth.

     Laney
couldn’t help the small grin at his attempt to make her feel better. “Liar,
you’d probably rather face that wolf again.”

     “I
might not want to be here.” Devan pointed out the window with his spoon. “But I
do want to be here.” He redirected the spoon to the inside of the vehicle. 

     Laney
smiled at the sentiment. “Really?”

    
“Really.” He answered gruffly.

     They
stared at each other and hopefully the smile on her face wasn’t too goofy.

     “How
can you bare going to school?” Laney asked.

     Devan
sighed. “The classrooms aren’t that bad, it’s the hallways that get unbearable
at times; everyone yelling and the scent of multiple bodies in one place.”

     “I’m
surprised you even go to school; you’re obviously smart enough not to and you
could pass for eighteen. Why even bother?”

    
“Brett believes it will help me to become better acclimated to the world.”
Devan’s gaze was roaming the parking lot again. She’d already took note that he
was always alert to his surroundings.

     Laney
looked around and observed all of the heads turned in their direction. “We seem
to be drawing a lot of attention.”   

    
“Well, you did kill a wolf this morning.” Devan remarked with a twitched to his
lips.

     Laney
scowled. “Yeah, right. Well; you’re the new kid.” She threw back, smiling
darkly.

     “I’m
sure they all have an infinite number of questions for you.” Devan said
austerely.

     Laney
couldn’t believe it; Devan was teasing her. He was usually so serious all the
time. She narrowed her eyes. “And I’m sure they’re waiting for me to introduce
you to them all.”

      He
looked horrified. “You win.” He consented quickly. 

     
Laney acknowledged her victory with a nod and a small smirk. “Don’t mess with
the bull; you’ll get the horns.”

     Devan
cocked his head. “Is that an idiom referring to cautiousness?”

     Laney
laughed. “Yes; beware sharp tongued women.”

    
“You’re very sure of yourself.” Devan smiled.

     “I’m
a teenager, so of course I think I know everything; although, you probably have
more of a claim to that statement than I do. You seem more knowledgeable than
the average teenager, or adult.” Laney reclined back against the door and
scrapped the last of her ice cream from the bottom of her cup. Devan was doing
the same to the humongous cup he’d gotten. The boy could eat.   

     “My
physical makeup wasn’t the only thing altered.” Devan remarked soberly looking
back out the window.

     Laney
felt like crap at having brought the mood down again. She reached her hand over
and touched his arm not wanting him to be distressed about anything he revealed
to her. “You know that you can tell me anything and I won’t think less of you
because of it.”

     Devan
didn’t say anything just looked out the window.

     She
hated to see him looking so solemn. “I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised at the
arrogance of men. The degree to how far men will go to play God…I’m just glad
that He watches over the arrogance of men’s hands.”    

     His
gaze lanced her way. “You’re referring to your Christian God?”

     Laney
smiled at his technical terminology. “Yes.”

     “And
you believe your God was in some way watching over my construction?” He asked
skeptically.

       Laney
could understand his unbelief. “I can understand why you don’t believe in God.
Your entire upbringing has been focused on everything science and combat. But
yes; I do believe God had His eye on your conception and formation.”

     “So
from you viewpoint I’m here because He allowed it?”

    
Devan’s question was voiced impersonally, like this was a theory or hypothesis
he was conjecturing.

     “I
believe the only reason any of us are here is because He allows it.” Laney
answered frankly.

     Devan
frowned. “But why me, and not the other’s before me?”

     Laney
gulped at that question, and at the faint touch of feeling attached to it. He
was affected by that thought. “How many experiments came before you?”

     “One
thousand and twelve.”

     She
swallowed again in astonishment. To think of that many human embryos being
experimented on was kind of sickening. Her attention wandered to the
surrounding parking lot. “I wondered the same thing about my mother. Why her? But
only He knows what the future holds and what events will shape our lives. My
mother’s death brought about a change in me that will affect my entire future,
and in correlation those I interact with.” Laney returned her attention back to
Devan. “Your existence, I can positively say, has impacted my life; then
there’s Johnny’s life and I’m sure Brett’s has been affected.” Laney grinned
sardonically. “Jarrod has even been influence by your presence. And when I say
impacted I’m not just talking about saving mine and Johnny’s life; meeting and
getting to know you…you’re incredible, and it’s not because of your DNA.”
Laney’s skin heated at her confession, but he needed to know he was amazing.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

     Devan’s
eyes connected with hers and time in the jeep seemed to stand still. The look
in her eyes was no longer sad, but timid, with a touch of something else he
couldn’t identify. Whatever it was he felt immersed in it and the emerald green
depths of her eyes.   

     The
commotion continued outside of the vehicle, but Devan barely registered it. What
he did register was that a heady fragrance was beginning to saturate the air
around them. Breathing in deeply he felt the blood in his veins speed up and
the pumping of his heart quicken in tempo. A flame ignited in the center of Devan’s
abdomen spreading swiftly. His entire body warmed significantly… and instantly,
causing the empty cup in his hands to become in danger of slipping from his
suddenly slick palms. 

     Devan
recognized the scent; he’d smelled it previously in her presence, and he now
admitted to himself what it was…pheromones. 

     The
animal in him was responding instinctively to it. The human part of him was
confused and alarmed by it.

     The
abrupt silence that had descended on the jeep and the internal struggle warring
inside of him were both broken by Laney’s breathless voice. 

     “How
about I take care of our cups and then we can go check out your, slash, my
kill.” She reached out and grabbed his empty cup, stumbling out the jeep
hurriedly. 

     Devan
watched her walk away in shock. This whole time he had been deluding himself
that the only relationship he sought with Laney was one of friendship. The
animal in him wanted something much more―which wasn’t at all possible.  

     Laney
reach the trash can, but she hadn’t made it there alone; several of her peers
surrounded her. She had left the door to the jeep ajar so Devan was able to
easily hear the bombardment of questions.

    
“Laney, you have to tell us what happen?”

     “I
saw that wolf jump through the window, it was crazy.”

     “It’s
amazing that you weren’t hurt.”

     “Is
it true you killed it?”

     Devan
observed this with conflicted emotions. He was sorry that she had to answer all
the questions by herself, but he was at the same time grateful he wasn’t in the
middle of it.

     She
seemed to be handling it tolerably; although, her smile did appear strained.

     “Hey,
too many questions at once.” She laughed. “I’ve already told the story a
million times and I would rather not go through it again. Anyway, I’m sure
you’ve already heard the story from others. It couldn’t have been far from what
I would tell you.” 

     They
continued, ignoring her request.

     “It’s
just so hard to believe you were able to kill it. I saw it when they brought it
out, it was huge.” A red headed female commented.

    
“Yeah, being in the same room with that wolf would have put me in hysterics,”
reported another of the females.

     “I
definitely would have been screaming my head off,” another added.

     “So,
what’s with the new guy?” The change in topics came from a different female, a
brunette, also around the same age. 

     All
heads turned his way as they waited for her answer. Devan looked in the
opposite direction.

     “I
came across him as I was out on the trails and I thought I would show him the
local diner.” She shrugged her shoulders as though this was something she would
do for anyone.

     Devan
felt that twinge in his stomach at the idea of her thinking of him as she did
everyone else. He was pleased she regarded him the same as any normal peer, but
a deeper part desired separate feelings from those she felt toward everyone
else. It was illogical and Devan wasn’t at ease with illogical.

    
“What’s he like?” The red head again. He might not being looking their way but
he’d already catalogued the tone of each voice.

     His
ears perked up wanting to hear what she thought.

     “He’s
a really great guy; quiet, but a good guy.” She revealed.

     “He
looks hot, especially wearing those glasses all the time. A bit dark and
mysterious, you know.” The redhead continued.

     To his
disappointment Laney’s reply was interrupted by Hali walking into the
assembly.  “You vulture’s, give this woman some breathing space for pity’s sake.”
Hali began dispersing everyone with authority, they left with obvious
reluctance. It was remarkable, the control she had over others, especially in
one so small.

     Hali
began pulling Laney back over to the jeep. “We need to get you back to your…”

    
“Hali!” Laney interrupted. She was looking in his direction and her face was
anxious and pink.     

     This
reminded Devan that he hadn’t received an explanation as to why she had been
getting anxious earlier. But he was diverted from this again as a police
cruiser drove by. This wouldn’t have overly concerned him but he watched it
continue down the street and stop in front of the vet’s house. 

     By
the time the girls reached the jeep Devan had it started and in gear. Laney
gave him a quizzical look. 

     “We
have to get going.” He said.

     “That
sounds promising,” Hali remarked. 

     Laney
didn’t ask any questions just gave Hali another hug and hopped in. Devan reversed
out of the parking spot. He noted Jarrod’s gaze following them all the way out,
with notable hostility. It left an unpleasant feeling of foreboding in his
stomach.

    
“What’s up?” Laney asked.

     “I’m
not sure; the police just turned into the vet’s.”

     Driving
past the house Devan executed a u-turn, and then parked across the street. Looking
down the driveway he could see a woman and a male police officer conversing in
front of the clinic’s open door. Their conversation left no doubt that someone
had broken in.  

     “What
do you think happened?” Laney whispered, as though afraid someone might hear.

    
“Someone broke in.” Devan didn’t whisper, but he did say it quietly. His
thoughts were inundated with possibilities.

     “You
can hear them?” She breathed quietly.

     Devan
gave a nod of concurrence.

     Laney
leaned in his direction, as though being closer to his window might allow her
to hear the exchange better. Her loose hair brushed against his hand; it was as
soft as he thought it would be. The voices across the street refocused his
attention.

     “I came
home and it was just gone. The door broken in, the place trashed, and the
animal gone.” The vet cried in disbelief. “Who would do this?”

     “I
have no idea Wilma, but we’ll find out.” The officer promised, patting her on
the shoulder. Devan had to wonder if he should really guarantee such a thing,
statistically most thefts were never solved.

     Laney
poked him in my arm. “What’s going on?” she whispered impatiently; realizing no
matter how far she leaned over she still wasn’t going to be able to hear.  

     “The
wolf’s body has been stolen and the clinic trashed.” He quoted. 

     “Who
would have done that?” She breathed in amazement. 

     As if
answering Laney’s question Wilma put forth an inquiry. “You don’t think the
Brown’s were involved do you?”

    
“We’ll look into it, but I don’t see them doing this. They like their own
kills.” The officer replied, taking down some notes.

     “This
doesn’t make any sense.” Wilma walked furiously back into the clinic and the
officer followed her.

     “Who
are the Brown’s?” Devan turned to Laney whose face was extremely close.

     She
jerked back. “The Brown’s?” She repeated with a frown.

     “They
mentioned the Brown’s might have had a hand in this.”

     Her
expression lit up with comprehension. “The Brown’s are our local poacher’s. Is
that who they think did this?”

     “The
vet asked, but the officer was doubtful.” Devan relayed. “Do they poach for
food or for pelts?”

     “I’ve
heard they use all parts of the animal. They’re a family that lives off the
land for most of their needs. They come into town about twice a year to sell
their wares and to stock up on supplies. I can’t think how they would have
heard about what happen today.” She commented uncertainly.

     “It’s
possible they have a police scanner, but would they come all the way into town
to pick up a dead wolf. And why would they destroy the vet’s clinic?” Devan
mused aloud.     

     “You
want to get in there, don’t you?” 

     Her
question didn’t surprise Devan this time. He was good at adapting and it seemed
he had adapted to her out of the blue comments, and her insightfulness of his
character. 

     He
gave her an affirmative nod mixed with an apologetic expression. “I only need a
few minute.”

     A
small grin crossed her face. “I can get you that,” she pledged readily.

     Suspicion
and apprehension flooded him at her eagerness. “Oh really. What’s your plan?” 

    
“Merely to distract while you sneak in and get a look,” she assured artlessly.   

     Her
innocent expression had him even more worried. “How are you going to do to
distract them?”

     “I’m
going to go up and talk to them,” she slowly articulated, as if he were slow.
She was smiling so he didn’t get too offended by her words. She continued,
“I’ll draw them away from the building so you can get in and out without
detection.”

     He
couldn’t find fault with her logic. It was simple. Not a lot could go wrong
with simple. “That’s a good plan.”

     She
jumped from the vehicle before he had a chance to stop her and headed for the
driveway. Devan growled at her impetuousness but followed suit. Dashing up to
the house he went around back waiting for her to draw them out.

     Devan
faltered as he reached the back yard, catching the familiar scent of the wolves
lingering heavily in the air. He hadn’t caught it out front because the wind
was blowing in an easterly direction.

     Why
would they have been here? They should have been far from town with all the
commotion in the woods from people out looking for them.

     Devan
shifted these thoughts to the back of his mind for later scrutiny when he heard
Laney call out. Darting to the shadowy corner near the back fence he waited.

     “Ms.
Wilma,” Laney had stationed herself in the middle of the driveway so that when
they came out they would have to come to her. Very smart and calculated on her
part.

     The
vet and the officer stepped from the building their faces at first displaying
suspicion, but this was dispelled as they recognized Laney.

    
“Laney, what are you doing here?” Wilma asked, stepping from the building. 

     “I
saw the police car and wondered what was going on?”

    
“Wilma had a break in Laney.” The officer stated. It figured the cop knew her
as well.  Everyone was on first name bases around these parts.

     
“Wilma, are you alright? You didn’t get hurt or anything did you?” Laney put
just enough distress in her tone to cause both adults to surge forward in
response. 

     “No
honey, I’m fine. It happened when I was out.” Wilma responded in a motherly
type of attitude. 

     When
they had both walked far enough away from the building Devan slipped in behind
them. Laney glanced his way briefly before redirecting it toward the duo
walking toward her.

     
Slipping silently in through the open doorway Devan was immediately overwhelmed
by the scent of canine lupus. There were of course other scents he couldn’t
identify, but the fact that the pack’s scent was everywhere excessively
disturbing.  

     The
interior of the clinic was turned upside down. Everything that had once been on
the counters was now on the floor either ripped apart or in shattered pieces. The
cold storage area that had housed the body of the dead wolf was indeed empty,
with the exception of the tarp it had been lying on. Scrutinizing the cement, Devan
found faint streak marks indicating that something had been dragged from the
room. Even fainter were the paw prints alongside those marks. 

     Devan
knew he was under a time restraint, so he only took a few seconds to reflect on
the inconceivable scene surrounding him. 

     The
thieves’ had broken into the building. They had dragged out the carcass of the
dead wolf, and after the wolf was gone had they had proceeded to demolish the
entire room.

      Apart
from for him, he doubted if anyone else would discern that the culprits of this
break in were a pack of wolves. They had left little to nothing behind
indicating themselves in the heist of their slain pack member. The fact that
they dragged out the body first before creating the mess was systematic and
thought-out. It was a very chilling thought.