Wolves at the Door (36 page)

I stared at my mom’s picture, my pulse speeding.
She
was Patricia Nicholson, my birth mother — the same mother I had always known. Which meant she was a shape-shifter and I hadn’t been given up for adoption. “Are you sure? Here, look again.”

“I’m positive,” she answered.

“There’s no doubt in your mind that this is Patricia Nicholson?” Zack asked.

“None at all. Except when I knew her, she had dark hair. Strange…” She eyed the ID more closely. “That license hasn’t expired yet so it’s not that old. Funny, she looks
exactly
the same as she did eighteen years ago.” She looked up at me as if somehow I’d be able to explain it. “Like she hasn’t aged a day.”

Chills ran through
me, but I shrugged, knowing I couldn’t tell this woman the truth — that my mom hadn’t aged because she was a shape-shifter. “The picture’s deceiving. She still looks young now, but I think—”

“She must have renewed by mail a couple times and they used her old picture,” the woman explained, grinning as though proud of herself for figuring it out.

“That must be it.” I beamed.

“Her name is different here. She changed it, did she?”

“Apparently.” I had to get away before she learned something she shouldn’t. “Which is why I’m here. I saw the birth certificate, which had different names so I automatically assumed they were different people.”

“Didn’t you ask them about it? You could’ve saved yourself a trip,” she said.

“She didn’t want to make them feel uncomfortable, like she didn’t trust them,” Zack said. “They went out of town so we seized the day.”
I’m nervous about giving out too much information
, Zack slipped in silently.
We should get going.
He grabbed my hand and turned to go.

“Just one more thing.” Jerking Zack to a stop, I pulled out my cell phone — something I should’ve done hours ago. Between finding that birth certificate and everything else I had going on back home, I must’ve gotten brain damage or I would’ve thought of the pictures I’d taken with my phone.

After locating one of my dad, I flashed the screen at the old woman. “Is this Richard Nicholson?”

“That’s him.” Her eyes narrowed at the picture, then shifted to me suspiciously. “He looks
exactly
the same, too.”

Oh, God. My parents were so not human.

“It’s a
really
old picture I scanned and e-mailed to myself.” I put my phone away, so she couldn’t examine it further. “Well, thank you so much for your help.”

I could barely concentrate as Zack guided me to the car. My ageless parents — both total liars. How could they not tell me what they were and that I was a shape-shifter too? It was a huge thing to leave out. I itched to tell them what I thought of their lying to me my whole life.

As soon as we were back in the car, I pressed the button to wake up my phone.

“What are you doing?” Zack asked. “Calling your mom?”

“Of course.” My thumb moved to press the send button.

He snatched the phone away from me.

“Hey! Give it back.”

“Autumn, how long have they been gone?”

“Three or four weeks, I guess. Why does it matter?”

“Think for a minute. They’ve been over-protective your whole life, then you blackmailed them into taking a vacation without you, now suddenly they’re everywhere but here. They hardly even call. Why would they desert you like that when it’s so unlike them?”

I froze as reality hit me. “They’re probably on the run from werewolves.”

“Exactly. Maybe the reason they stay away is because they’re having a tough time shaking the guys who are tailing them.”

I stared at my phone in Zack’s hand, knowing I couldn’t use it. “That’s why their trips are so quick and probably spur of the moment.”

“Because they have to be careful. The last thing they’d want to do is come back and lead anyone to you.”

“Great. Thanks, Zack. Now when I should be angry, I’m afraid for them.”

“I’m not suggesting you forgive them and I’m not saying you shouldn’t be mad. I’d be pissed as hell. But it might be a good idea if you didn’t unleash your fury just yet and add to their problems. We don’t want to throw them off so they do something careless and put themselves in danger.” He handed me my phone. “Also, keep in mind that once they know you’ve hit shape-shifter maturity, they’ll want you to run with them.”

My heart stopped at the thought of moving again — of moving constantly. “I won’t go.”

Zack’s frown disappeared and he looked relieved. Did I dare hope he was glad I’d be around a while?

“They could be very insistent. And, let’s face it, you’d be safer with them. They’ve been running for a while now and they’re still alive. I’m thinking they know what they’re doing.”

Trying to get rid of me now? “For someone so convinced they were human, seems like you’ve given this a lot of thought.”

“I like to be prepared for anything.” He started the car. “After we eat, what do you want to do tonight? It’d be cool if it was something we can’t do back home.”

I laughed, glad that he was loosening up at last. It almost felt like old times. “That’s easy since we pretty much can’t do
anything
together at home.”

He chuckled softly. “We have tonight and part of tomorrow to make up for it.”

That sounded promising.

† † †

We drove into the next town where they had a mall and other normal things as well as an endless selection of restaurants of every kind. We picked Mexican food because Zack was in the mood for salsa.

“You think everything out so thoroughly,” I said. “Have you thought about why my parents would keep a secret like this?”

He dipped a tortilla chip into the small bowl, filling the curve with salsa. “No. Sorry.”

I broke a chip in half. “Maybe my dad is human and they weren’t sure I’d be anything but human, just like him.”

“According to their neighbor, he’s not aging. My money’s on shape-shifter.”

“You were wrong about them last time,” I teased. “It’s possible my dad just looks young. And they might have thought I’d be human too.”

“It doesn’t work that way. I’m full werewolf even though my mom is human. It’s the same with shape-shifters. They’d have to know that.”

I stared down at the tortilla chip I’d just picked up. “I can’t think of any other reason they’d need to keep it a secret.”

“Maybe they didn’t have a reason. Maybe they just couldn’t figure out the right way to say that you were different. Then so much time passed and they decided to wait until you began maturing.”

“That could be why they always hovered over me — they were watching for signs.” I moved the chips and salsa out of the way when I saw the food arriving. “But that’s no excuse. They shouldn’t have kept it from me for so long.”

After spending the rest of dinner discussing our evening plans, we finally decided on a movie. We liked the idea of not having to drive far since we’d already done our share to get to Yosemite — with more ahead tomorrow.

Zack held my hand in the theater and it sent tingles up my arm. But that was as far as he went. God, we hadn’t kissed since Thursday morning and I had the strong urge to throw myself at him. Then I remembered what had happened with Gina. I
was
still angry for what he’d done, wasn’t I?

Back in our room, I grabbed my e-reader and wiggled around in bed until I was comfortable. Would he sleep next to me or in the other room? I didn’t have to wonder for long.

“Is that a good book?” He sidled up to me.

“Yeah, it’s great.” Especially now that I could concentrate on the words. I kept reading, but I wanted to reach for Zack. It had been way too long since I’d felt his warm lips on mine. But I had no intention of indulging myself until he talked to me.

“Let me see.” He snatched the e-reader out of my hands and set it on the nightstand near his side of the bed.

I flipped over and shot him a mock glare.

“No more reading this trip.” He moved my hair off my neck and lowered his lips to my skin. Tingles of heat spread through me and my body vibrated with anticipation.

Zack had that look on his face — the same one he had whenever he forgot what we were risking by being together. I wasn’t exactly opposed to getting lost in a make-out session with him. Except a little hand holding at the movies didn’t make up for the Gina fiasco and the last few days of him being cold to me.

“Well, I hope your entertainment substitute doesn’t include making out because that’s not going to happen until we’ve talked about what happened.” Not wanting to sound mean, I softened my voice. “Don’t forget, Zack, I have just as much to be angry about as you do, if not more.”

He reached over to his nightstand and fetched my e-reader then thrust it at me, his expression blank. “It’s probably for the best.”

I took the book, my mouth gaping. “So… you still won’t talk about it?”

“Nope.” He shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I don’t get it. We could’ve hashed it out already and be kissing right now.” I knew that wasn’t subtle but I
really
missed that part.

“The subject is off
-limits.” He shook his head. “I’ll get too worked up. Give me a couple more days to get my head together, okay?”

At least he gave me a time frame. But two more days of denying myself? Blah. Maybe he was right about it being for the best, though. It had already seemed like forever since we’d kissed and the longer it went on, the more I craved him. If we got started… in a hotel room… all alone…

Not a good idea.

† † †

Zack had crawled into bed last night just as I’d nodded off. With no hope of working things out just yet, I’d let myself fall asleep. We checked out of the hotel the next morning and drove into Yosemite National Park. It was still early, but apparently the other visitors didn’t think so. The place was buzzing.

Even though Zack was still a little broody, I vowed to enjoy him as much as I enjoyed the beautiful, majestic Sequoia trees. I told myself to forget everything going on and just take pleasure in being with him.

“These trees are enormous, unbelievable.” I handed him my phone. “Take a picture of me next to this one.”

Instead of following orders, he looked for a passerby to take
a picture of us both. Brilliant idea. The only pictures I had with both of us were from prom. I wanted as many more as I could before he left.

Hours later, we trudged to our car, ready to head home. I made my way to the Mustang while Zack stopped at the gift shop f
or water.

I froze. About three cars from where I stood sat a midnight
-blue Jaguar.

Chapter Thirty-one

I scanned the area for Renzo or Alura, wondering how many Jaguars that exact color and model one should expect to see in the course of a week. Should I call for Zack and get the hell out before we found out who owned the car? My fingers twitched at my side while I contemplated what to do next. Moments later, Zack handed me a bottle of water.

“You think this is Renzo’s?” he asked.

“Seems likely.” If only I’d taken note of his license plate number.

We could wait around and find out or we can move on
. He shrugged.
Or we could get a little closer and see if we smell werewolf.

This doesn’t worry you?
I asked. Zack seemed barely rattled.

Of course it does.
I don’t believe Renzo’s our friend, but I also don’t think he’s a threat right now. Probably just keeping tabs on us.
He brushed a hand along my lower back.
So long as no one knows what you are, we’re cool
.

Then we definitely weren’t cool. The freaking werewolf was supposed to be on vacation.
Why the hell was he following us? The breeze picked up and a few wayward strands of my hair tickled my nose — along with the scent of werewolf. Zack and I glanced at each other.

“Fancy meeting you two here,” I heard Renzo say from somewhere behind me.

Zack turned to face the familiar stranger. “Not really since you followed us,” he said in a flat voice.

I swiveled toward Renzo and leaned against Zack, so I wouldn’t miss anything spoken silently. I gave myself a quick reminder that as far as Zack knew, Renzo still thought I was human. Therefore, I had to act like I had no idea that werewolves existed.

“Hi. Oh, my gosh, what are the chances of seeing you all the way out here? Is Alura with you?” I asked.

“She’s around,” Renzo answered, still looking at Zack.
Get rid of Autumn so we can talk
.

Zack bumped my shoulder. “Mind waiting for me in the car for a minute?”

“I’m being banished?” I hated the thought of missing out on whatever was about to happen. Worse, I couldn’t even talk to Zack silently or Renzo would sense the energy radiating from us. He’d know that Zack knew about me. I had no choice but to oblige.

“Just a couple minutes.” He jerked his head toward the Mustang. “I won’t be long.”

“Fine.” I stomped to my car, got in. Inserting the key, I rolled down all the windows and listened in as I watched them.

“It’s been over a week since anyone’s seen Charles. Nine days to be exact.” Renzo’s eyes stared into Zack’s.

But the younger werewolf stood his ground, folding his arms over his chest. “Like I said before, I can’t give you information that I don’t have.”

“I think you know more than you’re saying,” Renzo stated, then continued when Zack only stared at him. “I can’t help you if I’m not properly informed.”

“I’m not your responsibility,” Zack said. “Why would you help me anyway?”

“You’re young with your whole future ahead of you.” Renzo kept his voice low and level. “I hate to see it cut short when you’ve only just begun.”

“That doesn’t change the fact that I have no idea what happened to Charles. I like to think that the king’s people would be smart enough to realize I couldn’t have killed him. If you’re that worried, why haven’t you called the authorities?”

Renzo studied Zack a beat. He stood very still and stayed quiet so long, I thought he might attack. Just in case, I kept my hand on the door, ready to jump out and help.

“You should know that there’s been trouble in the woods near your house.”

“What kind of trouble?” Zack asked.

“Nothing serious. But the forest rangers are finding animal parts like tails and antlers. They know something is killing them, but they can’t figure out what. But I think
you
know.

Zack’s head tilted. “You think it’s Charles.”

“Yes, and I think you killed him. Or you
thought
you did. But he’s out there healing and when he’s strong enough, he’s going to come after whoever botched his murder.”

Shaking his head, Zack tightened his lips. I wanted him to ask Renzo how to kill a werewolf for real, but the question might draw attention to the fact that we didn’t know how to do it and therefore might’ve been the ones who killed Charles incorrectly the first time.

“I was badly injured years ago. These fine scars all over my skin? They’ll go away eventually. The majority of my injuries healed, but it took weeks. I lived in the forest and fed off animals until I was strong enough and looked presentable again. Charles wouldn’t care about impressing anyone. He only needs to be stronger than his murderer to exact his revenge. And if he’s up to killing bigger animals now, he’ll be able to handle a fledgling very soon.”

All my breath left my body as terror consumed me. If Zack and I ran now, maybe Charles wouldn’t find us. Maybe we could meet up with my parents… yeah, bringing a werewolf to them would go over well. Whatever happened, Zack running without me wasn’t an option.

Zack nodded, his face appearing free of any emotion. “And you followed us all the way out here to tell us that? Though I appreciate the heads up, your speech is wasted on me. I didn’t kill him. I have to get back to Autumn now.”

“And once you’re home, you’ll pretend you two are broken up? Is this for my benefit or for Charles?” Renzo asked so quietly, I almost missed it.

“Autumn and I are trying to work things out. See you around.” Zack pivoted and walked away, his face a mask of fury.

Renzo stared after him with something akin to daggers in his eyes. If he’d wanted us dead, he wouldn’t have warned Zack about Charles. Better yet, he would’ve killed us himself. Could it be that he really did want to help, but was frustrated because we refused to cooperate? Or was he trying to trip us up? Was he trying to earn our trust so we’d confess?

Did you get all that?
Zack started up the engine and backed out, his hands gripping the steering wheel.

Yeah.

Once we were on the road and way out of Renzo’s range of hearing, Zack let loose, his voice heated. “Charles is alive. He’s out there and once he’s healed, he’s coming after us.”

My stomach fluttered in fear. “But I ate his organs! In what kind of messed up world does someone live after that?”

He stared at me blankly.

Okay, maybe I was freaking. “It’s two against one, Zack. We still have a chance,” I said with much more confidence than I felt. “We handled him before
and we have a better chance while he’s not fully healed.”

“
He’s not stupid enough to come after us unless he’s strong enough to kill us. I’m not so sure the two of us can fight Charles off again. We took him by surprise before and that’s the only reason we’re not dead. No doubt though, if he finds either of us alone, we will be. You go nowhere without me, understand? You’re sleeping at my house tonight.”

“No problem.” I hoped he didn’t notice my trembling voice. I mean, seriously, if I acted all panicked, Zack would become even more angry and protective. “We’ll tell everyone we’re back together and everything’s back to normal."

“Our makeup needs to happen
at school
. It needs to be big and public.”

“Why?”

“Because we need everyone to witness for themselves, especially Cameron.”

“And Gina,” I added narrowing my eyes.

“Right. Which means we’re not back together yet as far as my family is concerned.”

“Then what are we going to tell them? If we’re not a couple, why am I spending the night?”

“I’ll think of something.” A moment later, he growled and slapped the dashboard. “All this time lying about being broken up and it’s all been for nothing. We’re screwed either way.”

I didn’t have a comforting reply, so I let it pass without comment. I waited a beat, then asked, “So how do you want us to get back together? Am I just supposed to forgive you for making out with my archenemy?”

“Not totally sure yet. When the time comes, just follow my lead.” His eyes darkened. “This sucks on so many levels. Us being together at all times increases your chance of being discovered.”

“No one will figure it out.” No one who didn’t already know anyway. It was pointless to tell Zack now that Renzo had known about our fake breakup since the beginning. And besides, that information might lead to me telling him that Renzo already knew I was a shape-shifter. That would send Zack into a protective frenzy.

As if he wasn’t already there.

“But if they do, I can’t protect you, Autumn. Not against older, stronger werewolves.” He growled again, gripping the steering wheel. “Damn it.”

“Maybe we can trust Renzo. If he really wants to help, maybe he can protect us.”

He scoffed and stopped for a red light. “We don’t know anything about him and he’s still a werewolf. He lives under the king’s rule. I don’t care how nice he seems, you can’t trust any of them.”

“Okay.” Apparently, Zack forgot too easily
he
was a werewolf too, and perfectly trustworthy. There had to be others like him. “Do you think Renzo followed us all the way out here or do you think he tracked us?”

“That had to be his car we saw on the highway.” The Mustang began to move again and the freeway on
-ramp came into view. “Or he could’ve gotten it out of Maya or Trevor…”

“You think either of them would give a virtual stranger that kind of information? I think she would’ve texted me if Renzo started asking questions.”

“They wouldn’t have told him
willingly
.”

“Ooookay…” I frowned, confused. “You think he threatened them or something?” A chill rushed up my spine.

“Did you read any of that old, thick book with the gold writing? The one about werewolves?” Zack slowed, then turned onto the freeway and leaned his head against the seat.

“I just finished the SWAAST one.”
Shape-shifter Werewolf Alliance Against Slavery and Tyranny had been enlightening, giving theories about the werewolf king and the legend of Hannah and Eli. But it talked more about shape-shifters than werewolves. “Until yesterday, I haven’t had much time to read.”

Zack signaled to merge into the next lane. “You should definitely read the big werewolf book, but I’ll give you a crash course now.”

I turned to face him and settled in for the long ride. “I’m all ears.”

“So werewolves and shape-shifters are all about changing shape, right? We’re dealing with shapes and forms. The theory is that we can do it on humans, too.”

“We can make a human morph?” That couldn’t be right.

“No, not exactly. Since humans aren’t genetically capable of being anything other than human, we can only reach them on a telepathic level. Like we shape an idea and put it in their head. The trick is that they still have their own free will, so we can’t force them. But if they think it’s their idea, they’ll do what we want.”

“Seriously?” Maybe I could
encourage
Gina and Natalie into confessing. But then, Zack would’ve already known that so why had he spent all that time with Gina unless he wanted to?

“Wouldn’t work for us, though.”

“What?” Disappointment sliced through me like a scalpel. “Why not?”

“Only the old werewolves can do it, when they’re powerful enough. Never try it on one of them though. Even if it were possible to plant a thought into a werewolf, they’d sense what you were doing and you’d piss them off. The consequences would be deadly.”

† † †

Zack grabbed our stuff from the car and ushered me ahead of him. Inside his house, the living room was empty but I heard distant noises. “Let’s unload, then find everyone,”
he said.

He plopped the duffle bags on his bed and we followed the voices to the backyard. Maya and Trevor sat at the bottom of the steps and Mac stood with Cara at his side, an arm draped over her shoulders.

“Hey.” I beamed down at Maya. “What are you guys doing out here?”

Maya smiled and nodded toward Cara.

“The little guys just went to bed so we thought we’d take advantage of the gorgeous evening,” Cara said, giving me a welcoming smile.