Once we were done with the laundry, it was late in the afternoon. I decided to pack my sketching supplies and go by the lake near the pack house to draw. Kyle offered to come with me, and I accepted.
We’d often go together to the lake, and I’d draw, while he’d take a nap. It was all we needed to enjoy ourselves.
We settled under a tree, and I continued my sketch of the lycan king. Kyle lay next to me, and he closed his eyes, while I hummed a song.
“Will you show it to me when it’s done?” he asked lazily.
I blushed and thought about showing it to anyone. It would be really embarrassing. What would people think if they knew that I was drawing the king’s wolf?
“Maybe.” I shrugged.
He opened one lazy blue eye to look at me. I could understand why he’d asked to see the sketch.
Normally, I’d always show my work to him, but I felt shy about the drawing for now. It seemed so…intimate.
“Really? You always show them to me,” he pouted.
“Yes, but… This one is special. I think I’ll put some color in it,” I said, blushing.
“You’ll paint it?”
“Yes. That’s why I’m using watercolor paper.”
“I see. What are you drawing?” he asked.
“Can’t tell you,” I teased.
“Hey!”
I giggled as he settled back down. I was deeply engrossed in my drawing when the sun started to set. Jacob came to get us for dinner, but I frowned.
The idea wasn’t appealing to me at all. No way was I going to see the jerk again. One encounter was enough for me, and he’d said not to show myself to him again.
I’d respect his wishes with a passion.
“You two go. I’ll eat at home since my presence is an eyesore to his royal eyes,” I said icily.
“Penny…,” my brother started.
“No, Jake. He was very clear that he didn’t want me in his sight. I won’t embarrass any of you, and I’ll go home.”
I put all my stuff back in my bag in a hurry and walked home before he could try to make me change my mind.
Jacob and Kyle knew better than to stop me when I was in this state of mind. I was usually calm until I got mad. They knew to stay out of my way when I got mad.
After I heated some leftovers, I settled in my room and put my sketch on an easel. I smiled as I looked at my work.
Yep. It would be better with colors. That would make it more real, and the king had such nice colors that it would be a waste not to reproduce them faithfully.
Once again, I immersed myself in my work until it was late. I hadn’t heard anyone come back yet, which meant that they were having a party. Good for them, I thought bitterly.
I felt lonely, though. I loved to dine with everyone at the pack house. Everyone was so nice and so lively. I’d known all of them my whole life, and we were a big family.
That was what I loved about being raised by werewolves.
~
I sighed at my own powerlessness. What else could I do, though? I was only human, and he was king.
I decided to go to bed when I heard the front door open. A few minutes later, Jacob was knocking on my door. He was carrying a piece of cake, and I smiled at him brightly as he lay next to me in bed.
“How are you doing, Penny?”
“Better now, thanks.”
He chuckled as I savored the delicious piece of red velvet cake. One of my favorites. I loved all chocolate desserts, but red velvet cake had a special place in my heart.
“I mean, you can come eat with us. I won’t let him bully you,” my brother stated. I knew he’d try, but it was a bad idea.
Plus, I could take care of myself, and I wouldn’t let the king talk to me like I was insignificant again.
“Thanks, Jake, but… I prefer to stay clear of him. I don’t want to cause trouble,” I said to calm my brother down.
“Father said so too, and the king actually asked about you tonight.”
I looked at him with the spoon in my mouth. It was shocking. Could it be? Then I frowned. He must have made sure I wasn’t coming. Yes. That was certainly it.
“I bet he asked if I crawled back under the rock I came from. Like a worm,” I said with my best imitation of the king.
Jacob gave a hearty laugh, and I couldn’t help a giggle. It was well deserved. I wished he could have heard it, and I knew he’d have scowled. I so didn’t care, though.
“You got the essence of the king really quickly, sis,” he said, wiping the tears from his eyes.
“Yeah, somehow… I felt like we were connected. It’s stupid because what I felt must have been just his hatred, but…when he answered my call…it was different,” I said thoughtfully.
“How so?” he asked, surprised. We often talked about my power with Jacob, so it was surprising to him that I’d mention how different it had been with the king.
“Well… When you answer my call, or even when Kyle does, it’s like I feel a familiar warmth. Like holding a dear teddy bear, you know?
“But with the king… It felt white hot. Good, really good, but it also hurt.”
~
“Maybe... Is that why you’re drawing him?” Jake asked, changing the subject.
“I want to understand…,” I whispered.
“Why don’t you ask him?”
I chortled. My brother was an angel, but he could be so blunt sometimes.
“Right. So he can kill me this time.” I sighed.
“As if I’d let him. I’m the only one allowed to bully you. Big brother’s privilege,” he teased.
I giggled again. I was happy to have my brother on my side. I felt less lonely with him around.
“Thanks, Jake.”
He knew I was feeling down, so he’d done all this to cheer me up. I was so happy with him right now. I hugged him tightly, and he returned my gesture. He then left so I could dive under my blankets.
I dreamed of the lycan king again that night, and this time... It was erotic.
