© Amber Kalkes 2014
*Song Of The Chapter: "Natural Blues" By Moby
Picture of Sylvie's house---}
Chapter Seven: Aftermath Of The Newman Effect.
Seth’s anger was kind of like an iceberg while I was the Titanic, completely oblivious to the danger ahead. Well, not totally oblivious. I mean I wasn’t stupid. Seth’s tense arm around my waist and deadly silence was kind of a big hint. The silence, not to my surprise, stretched on until we were both in the safe belly of Penny’s cab. Then he spoke and I almost pissed myself.
“Do you realize the amount of shit you almost got into?” he said in a low serious voice. His tone hit me like a whip. I even flinched.
“I didn’t mean---“
Seth held up a hand and cut me off. His hand then fell onto the steering wheel and I realized that not only was he in the driver's seat but he was actually going to attempt to drive Penny. Usually I would not be okay with that but he seemed kind of pissed. So I bit my lip praying she behaved.
“Sylvie.” He said, his tone a bit softer. “Newman isn’t someone to test. His father is… a very powerful man around here.”
I snorted, “Yes, he made sure to mention ‘his power’. Many times, actually.”
“Yeah, I ‘m sure he did.” Seth sneered. “Little shit never could keep his fucking mouth shut.”
“Well acquainted?”
“Unwillingly. As much land as there is Newman and I often run into each other since our land is so close together. He’s not one to follow rules, which really pisses me off.”
“Something tells me that’s a very easy feat.” I snapped, unkindly.
Seth's face instantly fell into a guilty expression. “I am sorry I didn’t come quicker.”
“It’s okay.” I mumbled looking out the window at Annie’s. “I’m just glad I had someone on my side this time, you know? Usually I’m just left to the wolves.”
I glanced at Seth to see an amused look on his face.
“Pun not intended.” I added with a sheepish smile.
To my relief he chuckled a little. “Either way, Sylvie. I’m here to protect and serve.”
“Damn.” I said snapping my fingers. “I knew you were a birthday stripper. You know, I always preferred the Fireman to the Cop.”
My intention of making him laugh succeeded. He laughed deeply and the rich sound filled the truck making me melt a little. Which was a little embarrassing but I pushed that feeling away. I made him laugh and I should enjoy that. So I did.
“I quit that job before I met you. Didn’t want you jealous and all that.”
I sighed dramatically. “Well thank you for sparing me such a hardship.”
He chuckled as he started her up and began pulling away from the curb. I guess I wasn't going to be getting my flower today after all.
Eventually we settled into a comfortable silence and I let a mental sigh of relief out. At least I had the ability to turn his anger around. Being around that kind of energy was a major buzz kill on all cylinders. Besides, I didn’t do well with major emotions. Rage and depression were the most for me to handle. Being placidly numb was a nice calming place for me. Of course with Seth around I was going to rework this. He made me feel…everything. Misery, bliss, anger, and even dare I say, contentment. Fuck, it had only been two days of being with him and two days pining for him and here I was absorbed in his effect on me.
Someone needed to give me some Lithium or something because I was going off the deep end. I mean who does this?
Apparently you.
Again, with the snide voice in my head.
“You seem deep in thought.” Seth observed suddenly.
I made a non-committal grunt.
“Care to share?”
No.
“Sylvie.” Seth sighed. “You can share anything with me. I’m your mate.”
“You say that like it washes everything away.” I commented with a mumble.
Seth considered this for a second. “It kind of should.”
“Explain.”
“Being mates is being a full puzzle. Two pieces making a whole being, if you will. I can trust you completely and I hope you can trust me. Nothing is hidden from each other because there is nothing we would find unappealing. You understand?”
I frowned. “That is a lot to expect from me, Seth.”
Now it was his turn to counter with, “Explain.”
“Shit, Seth, I can’t even trust myself. How do you expect me to spill the beans on every thought that I have. Especially pertaining to you. I do have things I have to keep to myself. If I didn’t I would be…. well not me. I would just be…well I don’t know…but it’s just a weird concept. I didn’t grow up in this world.”
Seth was listening to me as I spoke. I noticed he was frowning in concentration when I finished. I relieved to see his posture was fairly relaxed. At least he wasn’t pissed or depressed about it. The thought made my gut tighten in discomfort. I didn’t like those emotions on him at all.
“I can understand that.”
“Your very understanding.”
“I have to be, Sylvie. I’m your mate. I care about you.”
Instead of that lifting my heart it almost filled me with dread. Did he really care about me? He did a lot of things that showed me that he could but it was an odd feeling. Being cared about on this level was not normal for me. I cared for Seth too but that was easier to adjust to. Caring for him was easy. Sweet, good-looking, and protective. All things I looked for in a male object of romantic affection.
“I care about you too.” I almost whispered after a minute.
I peeked through my lashes at Seth to see him grinning at me. Perfect straight teeth, a wee bit pointy that had been hidden behind his soft lips crept into my sight. I wanted to feel them bite my lip. Quickly I banished the thought slightly embarrassed. Soul mate or not I didn’t want to be wanton. Little tastes to satisfy the beast. His wolf and my slutty cannibal that yearned to bite his lip back.
I rested my head back against my seat. This was going to be a long day.