Wolf Blood

Chapter One: Not Quite a Little Black Dress

He let out a soft laugh as he brushed his curly brown hair out of his eyes. Something about him was different. He leaned against his new maroon Mustang with his hands in his pockets. His face was long, broad, with pronounced cheek lines. If you stood close enough you could see how bright his emerald eyes shone.

“Gorgeous. I want to run my hands through his curly hair,” Kinsley said licking her lips.

“Unnatural, if you ask me. Plus, how romantic would it be to get your hands caught in his hair,” I said. My brother had curly hair and he didn’t believe in a hairbrush.

“He’s no Zander,” she said, glaring at me. “Trust me, I know.”

I pretended to gag. “I forgot you had a thing with my brother.” At least, I tried to forget. Zander still talks about how he almost bedded my best friend. I never would have thought Zander to be one of those guys – he had so much promise before high school.

“Speak of the devil,” Kinsley said as my brother pulled up in his 1970’s black Impala, he insisted it was a babe magnet. Yet, the only “babe’s” he attracted were in love with the guy from that paranormal show; he said they blabbed about him the whole date.

Zander stepped out of his car and approached Everette and his luscious locks. They greeted the only way men do, with a half hug thing. It looked awkward from the distance.

“What did Zander do to his head?” Kinsley asked glancing over at me with brow furrowed.

Yesterday his curly hair grew wildly atop his head, but there were no dark curls sitting on his head. Shrugging my shoulders, I stood. He doesn’t update me on his day-to-day activities.

“I’m sick of coffee,” I said looking at the half empty cup of cold coffee in my hand. “Let’s get a milkshake.” I nodded my head toward the diner across the way.

Kinsley smiled and jumped up from her seat. Sliding her arm between mine she dragged me out of the coffee shop and to my car. While my brother took pleasure with dinosaur cars, I appreciated the newer ones. My deep blue 2010 Jeep Wrangler sparkled under the sun, well, the places that weren’t caked with mud. The car was stripped of the top and doors, for maximum enjoyment. We hopped in and drove across the two-lane road into the diner parking lot.

“Yo, Selene,” my brother called from the side of his Impala. The two testosterone filled boys stood across from one another, both leaning on their “babe” magnets.

Kinsley and I approached the boys and surrounding bobble-headed girls. Everette glanced over at us and gave a lazy wave that reached his waist before his arm fell back down to his side. I could sense Kinsley drooling from beside me.

“Get a grip,” I said elbowing her.

“Finally, we see the elusive sister of Zander Westmore,” Everette said smiling. His smile was slightly crooked, but attractive – the left side lifted a fraction higher than the right.

“I believe Z is only capable of spreading lies,” I said walked over to Zander. He grinned at me before placing his hand on his chest.

“Truly, I am wounded,” Zander laughed.

“What did you do to yourself?” I asked raising my hand to stroke his short hair. He cut off several inches, leaving maybe a half-inch to play with.

Zander shrugged his broad shoulders. His beard was growing in nicely again. He kept it neat and short, which I preferred. November was the worst month because he looked like a caveman. Zander, my fraternal twin, insisted he got all of the good features from both parents. I was inclined to disagree. He inherited two ice blue eyes, while I only got one. My other eye was more brown hazel, depending on the day or time. His face was long, with a strong jawline, mine was more rounded. The only thing we truly had in common was our dark curly hair. I suppose now we had nothing in common anymore.

“The mane needed to be tamed,” Zander said.

“He means the girl he likes prefers guys with short hair,” Everette said pointing to a girl sitting inside the diner. The said brunette was with another girl. She sat at the booth closest to the place Zander parked. “He doesn’t have the guts to ask her out yet.”

“She seems a little too innocent, Zander,” Kinsley said crossing her arms. “Isn’t she a freshman?”

“No. Sophomore. Almost a junior,” Zander said.

Kinsley laughed shaking her head. “Going after the babies now. She’s so…” Kinsley trailed off as the girl slid out of the booth. She looked out the window and her eyes grew wide. We were all staring at her.

Zander offered her a small wave and she reciprocated before dashing toward the door.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to spook the deer,” Kinsley said. “What’s her name?”

“Reyleigh,” Zander said glancing over at Kinsley.

The girl stepped outside with her friend. The two looked at us before making their way toward the parking lot. Reyleigh walked toward a car on the opposite side of where we were standing.

“Hey, Reyleigh,” Kinsley said. The girl whipped her head around. “Yes, you.” Kinsley pointed to her before saying, “Come here.”

“What are you doing?” I asked lowering my voice.

“Relax. She’s clearly adorable.” Reyleigh walked around the back of Zander’s car and stood beside Kinsley, who was standing between Everette and Zander’s car. Her blonde friend bounded over too.

“Hey, Kinsley,” Reyleigh said. All freshman and sophomore knew the seniors.

“You should hang with us for a while,” Kinsley said, and the girl smiled.

Brushing back my curls I glanced over at Zander. His narrow gaze at Kinsley was unwelcoming. The two broke up mutually, as I was told. When we hangout we didn’t often have problems, but occasionally one would push the other too far. I hoped this would not become one of those times.

“Do you know Selene, Zander, blondie’s one, two, three, and Everette?” Kinsley asked, pointing her blue acrylic nails at each of us.

“Of course. Everyone knows you guys,” Reyleigh said with a smile. Her gaze lingered on Zander before she turned her attention back to Kinsley.

“Perfect. No introductions needed then. So, boys, what’s the plan for this evening?” Kinsley said.

Everette grinned. “I believe I was getting more acquainted with little Westmore here,” he said pointing at me. I frowned and he laughed. “You should come out to my place tonight. I’m having a small get together. Dates required.”

“Perfect. Reyleigh, would you be a doll and accompany Zander?” Kinsley asked.

“Whoa, he can ask out who he wants,” a blondie budded in. I think she was number three. They were triplets, so it was difficult to tell them apart. Kinsley narrowed her eyes at the blonde.

Kinsley may be my closest friend, but sometimes she’s scary. Kinsley has fiery red hair with a matching personality. Her oval face, high cheek bones, and seemingly perfect symmetrical face accepted no challengers. Kinsley was stunning and she knew it and so did everyone else.

“I don’t want to be someone’s date if they had other plans in mind,” Reyleigh said looking at the ground before looking up to meet Zander’s eyes. Zander can be unpredictable at times. He will either take this in stride or boil over and start a war, hopefully not the latter one.

Zander pushed off his car. “Reyleigh. Would you do the honour of being my date?” He asked extending his hand toward her. Her cheeks flushed red.

She stepped toward him and took his hand, which swallowed hers. She was about 5’3 and looked like a toy compared to his near six-foot stature. He leaned forward and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.

“I’d love too,” she said, eyes sparkling.

“Now that’s settled. What do you say Selene, be my date?” Everette asked. Sure, he was probably the most attractive guy in the school. Sure, he was probably a great kisser. No doubt he was a great conversationalist, but I preferred our game and banter.

“I already have a date,” I said smiling. Playing with him was more fun anyway. I wonder how he’ll combat my fib. I crossed my arms. Game. Set. Match.

“I think Mr. Invisible just cancelled,” he said lifting his phone. “Yup, the text just came through.” His green eyes met mine before he spoke, “You’re mine tonight.”

“Not bad pretty boy, not bad,” I said chuckling. “I can’t leave Kinsley hanging though.”

“My boy Dustin will accompany her,” he said. He certainly chases after what he wants. I know he enjoys our games as much as I do.

“Okay, Everette. What attire?” Everette was the only person I knew that still threw formal parties.

“Your best evening wear.” He smiled, his eyes trailing me up and down.

“My eyes are up here,” I said half smiling at him.

“Still my sister, Everette,” Zander said. He occasionally played the role of overprotective brother.

Everette stood and nodded at Zander. “I better go prepare my establishment for this party. I shall pick you up at 8 o’clock, sharp,” Everette said. “I look forward to seeing you all at my humble abode.” He stood and slid inside his car before backing out and leaving us.

“He is quite smooth,” Reyleigh’s friend said. I forgot she was there.