The Silent Ones

Chapter 4

Catriona woke in a cold sweat as she gasped for air. Hot tears cloaked her cheeks as she tried to hold on her sobs. Jay, jostled by the quick movement, sat up.

"Kitten, what's wrong?" He asked worriedly. Catriona wrapped her arms around him and cried into his neck. He lifted her up from the bed and pulled her into his lap as he stroked her hair.

"It's okay. Shh. It's okay." He cooed. Catriona had the same nightmare as always. It was the last memory she had of her parents and it plagued her almost every night. Soon, her silent sobs became tiny hiccups as she clung to him.

"Are you okay?" He asked quietly as he wiped tears from her cheeks. She couldn't speak past the lump in her throat as she buried herself in his embrace. He automatically shifted to accomodate her body. His hands settled on her back and rubbed softly as she sobbed silently.

"It's okay, it's okay." He cooed until her sobs turned into hiccups. Jay leaned back to look at Catriona as she wiped her eyes.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, tangling her hands on his hair.

"Don't be sorry. Never be sorry for something like that." He whispered against her cheek. Catriona was surprised at the fierceness in his voice. And suddenly, she was filled with an aching passion. She pulled back and put her hands on either side of his face before crashing her lips to his. She wasn't quite sure what she was doing, it felt so right.

"Catriona..." He murmured as he took possession of her lips. Jay's hands circled her waist as she submitted to his lips.

"I have wanted to do this ever since I laid eyes on you." He whispered as he moved so that she was under him. Catriona wanted to bring him closer, but it wasn't possible. She spread her legs under him before wrapping them around his hips. Obviously shocked, he pulled away.

"We should stop." Jay said with a sigh as he pulled away. Catriona couldn't stop the waves of hurt from his rejection. She managed to push him off of her and rolled onto her side. She heard him groan before he flipped down and sighed.

"Good night." He said, a frown evident in his voice.

Catriona woke alone in the bed, but was in full view of the bathroom. Jay stood, gloriously naked, as he shaved his jaw. Blushing deep red at the sight, she looked away, accidentally drawing his attention.

"Oops. Sorry about that." He said and pulled on a pair of boxers. Catriona was still blushing as she got out of bed.

"Kitten, last night, I didn't want to do something that you'd regret or hate me for. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings or anything." Jay said as he pulled her into a hug.

"I know. I overreacted." She said apologetically. He smiled softly and leaned in to press his lips to hers.

"I love your voice." Jay informed. Catriona giggled and hopped up. He grinned and lifted her up so that they were at equal height. She smiled and pecked his lips.

"Mine." She said in her child like voice. He smiled and pecked her lips on return.

"Mine." He echoed. Catriona grinned and hopped down before grabbing the clothes that Jessica had lent her. She walked to the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

Jay led her downstairs to introduce her to the wolves lower down on the chart who worked for him.

"Do you pay them?" Catriona asked quietly.

"Of course. Very well. Are you hungry?" Catriona nodded before he led her into the kitchen. Standing behind the counter was, of course, Gwen. Catriona looked up at him with a questioning look.

"Gwen, what are you doing here?" He asked nervously. She turned and looked down at Catriona.

"This is my job. Unless your...mate...can cook for herself."

"I cooked for my old pack." Cartriona said quietly. Jay moved past the counter and opened the refrigerator.

"Jay, we can just go. I'll wait." Catriona said softly. Jay smirked at her, "If you're hungry then you should eat, Kitten." Gwen's tanned started flushing red.

"I'm fine. Can we just go?" She pleaded. He sighed and nodded.

"Gwen, I got you a birthday gift. I thought you might want it." He said. Catriona watched curiously as he pulled a box from the pocket of his jacket. Gwen opened it and her eyes instantly softened.

"Jay...thank you." Gwen smiled and pecked his cheek as Catriona pouted. Her possessive wolf was growling. She crossed her arms, uncharacteristically impatient, before Jay turned to her, "Ready?" Catriona shrugged and followed him to the grand doors.

"Can you drive?" He asked as the driveway came into view. There were three cars. Catriona nodded, her lips in a hard line. He opened a car door for her as she shivered. It was freezing outside and she had no coat.

"Have you ever been to a mall?" She shook her head, earning a crooked from from him, "You're in for a good time."