32. Rule #32 Never Trust A Werewolf

Rule #32: Never Trust A Werewolf

Zoe

T he Aurora Art Gallery looked quiet as I stood outside the door, bouncing on the balls of my feet. I didn't know why I was nervous about this. Daniel had seen the drawings that I clutched tightly to my chest, safely in their folder. Nerves rattled my chest, as I took a deep breath in a vain attempt to calm the jitters.

Live for me.

Lexi's words echoed in my head, giving me the courage to push through the glass doors and immediately the smell of paint wafted around me. A small smile tugged on my lips and a bubble of happiness bloomed in my chest.

Daniel hadn't spent the night. He got a text around ten p.m. that had brought a frown to his face. Something about a mix up with a shipment for the gallery, so I figured he'd still be here. I glanced around but didn't see anyone so I took my time wandering around. The gallery was light and airy. A big white space filled with strokes of color that I could get lost in forever. My new favorite place .

The sound of heels echoed through the large space and I looked up to see a tall, beautiful woman walking toward me. A sharp ash blonde bob framed even sharper features. Her cream jumpsuit fitted the curves of her body. Dainty layered gold chains adorned her neck.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she said, indicating the painting I stood in front of. It was an abstract piece, not my favorite style, but I didn't want to be rude. The light caught the diamond ring on her left hand, sending rays of light bouncing around the walls. It was the size of a small planet. I wasn't a diamond girl, but even I knew that cost more than I'd ever make in two lifetimes.

"Erm, yeah," I replied, a tight smile on my face. I wasn't getting a good vibe from this woman, her aura was off, all over the place, chaotic. Werewolf . Her smile was as sharp as her bob, not reaching her eyes, and her gaze assessed me like I was shit stuck to the bottom of her fancy Louboutins.

"Selena," I said. I recognized Benjamin's daughter. She wasn't my cup of tea and I managed to avoid her mostly, but I knew who she was. But I had no idea what she was doing here.

I looked around the gallery hoping for a rescue, but it was still painfully empty.

"What have you got there?" she asked, reaching for the folder, but I clutched it tighter. I didn't feel like baring my soul to this bitch.

She gave me a tight-lipped smile before continuing. "My fiancé has excellent taste in art, as you can tell," she waved her hand around the gallery.

My blood ran cold and my stomach dropped to the floor. "Your fiancé?" I repeated like I was a stupid parrot.

"Yes, he owns the gallery. I think you might know him? Daniel?"

"D-Daniel?" I stammered .

"Oh, little witch," she sneered. "Did you really think he would slum it with you forever? It's a pity my bite didn't kill you."

Ice flooded my veins at the revelation. He was engaged to the bitch who'd almost killed me? I had almost died for him. And this was the thanks I'd got?

"Selena!"

I jumped at the sound of Daniel's harsh tone. My heart, that I was sure just stopped beating, started racing a mile a minute. His dress shoes clipped on the concrete floor as he approached and I stood frozen. I was hot and cold at the same time. Embarrassment, betrayal and shock all warred for first prize, but it was like an eight-car pile up inside my mind right now. Utter chaos that presented as shock.

He reached us and Selena sidled up to him, wrapping one arm around his waist and laying her left hand on his chest. The diamond ring sparkling on her finger. Of course he could afford that.

"Hi, honey. I think you have someone who wants to submit for the showcase." She pecked his cheek but Daniel stood ramrod still, his face a cold mask of indifference. I had never seen that look on his face before. It was like a stranger stood before me. He didn't remove her hands from his body. A body that I had been draped naked over less than twenty-four hours ago. His gaze was steely, but I thought an agonized apology flashed in his eyes. I had obviously imagined that because what finally shattered my heart was his hand sliding on to her hip.

"You're engaged," I managed to say.

"Wedding's at the end of the week!" Selena gushed, purposely adding to my distress. That's what finally got me to move. I spun on my heel, practically running for the door.

"Wait!" she cried after me. "Aren't you handing in your portfolio?"

The door slammed closed behind me. A sob tore free the minute my foot hit the sidewalk .

He didn't even come after me. I really thought he would.

I didn't know a heart could shatter the way mine did. It was like pieces of glass had pierced my insides, the pain eviscerating me. I didn't remember how I had gotten home, but when I did, I ran up the stairs to my bedroom and threw my arms up to set my wards. To protect myself from those who claimed to love me. But my magic stuttered. I could feel how sluggish it was. After weeks of feeling strong again, I screamed in frustration then dove under my duvet. I had cried myself to sleep and when I woke up I thought it was ridiculous that the sun was shining. It ought to be raining. But the sun hadn't gotten the memo and shone brightly as if the world should be a happy place. I would stay here and never let anyone in. All people did was hurt you.

How could I have been so stupid?! I don't know how long I lay there, and I reached for my phone to check the time. But all that greeted me was a black screen. Shit. My phone was dead. I sighed and put it back, not even bothering to plug it into the charger. If it was dead, it meant I wouldn't have to listen to Daniel's excuses. Or worse, his silence.

Reaching for my duvet, I tugged it back over my head, blocking out the sunlight.

It might have been five minutes later, or five hours, I didn't know, time was just a social construct as my mind blacked out. Numbness took over and I was in a near catatonic state when a soft knock sounded on my door. I didn't answer and the door creaked open.

"Zoe?"

I hiccuped and a fresh wave of tears escaped me at the sound of Lewis's voice .

"What happened?" His voice was a lot closer and I rolled over to face him as he crawled under the duvet with me. He wrapped his arms around me, tucking me under his chin.

"He's engaged," I said, my voice breaking.

"Who is?"

"Daniel." I struggled to get his name out, my voice breaking on the last syllable. Just hearing his name sent a fresh stab of pain into my chest. How could it physically hurt this bad?

"I'll fucking kill him," he replied.

Lewis held me until my tears stopped, rubbing soothing circles on my back.

"This doesn't make sense," he said after a long while.

"Of course it does. People always hurt me. Why would he be any different?"