The Mates of Monsters
Chapter 58

Jeremy walks with me to my parent's guest house so I can see them off before we start working. It's time they head back home before my father starts fearing the downfall of all structure and functionality in his absence. I'm sure my mother would love to stay two or three more days with me, but she will remain loyal as always and accompany her Beta. There's no reason for her to worry about leaving me anyway. After seeing how content I am here and how I haven't run for the hills-she'll have some peace of mind. The only problem she's seen is my crushing love for my mate, which, in most cases, isn't really a problem.

The clouds are out again today, but they lack the heavenly, bouncy look of the summer. Today they are grey and storm-baring, sloshing along and ready to release their downpour. Jeremy continuously glances up at them as if singular raindrops keep splattering on his face a warning for what's to come. "Don't you feel it?" He asks as he peers up again.

I do the same. "I haven't felt anything."

"The Alpha will be out in the rain and mud it seems. It will start any second. Look, you can see it in the distance."

He points to the trees, above them where the view is blurred and grim. The tops of the trees poke right into the clouds. "Then let's pray we'll be back home before it starts."

"Did you mention the trip to Germany like we discussed?"

"No. I didn't have the chance. Something came up and he missed dinner. Last night was, well, complicated."

"Ah, right, the rogue wolf," Jeremy considers. "Perhaps you can talk with him today. The sooner, the better."

"I'll try."

We walk a bit further before Jeremy says, "You've been doing very well lately. Ever since you've gotten back from the Union, you've been flourishing."

"Really? It's just the proposition. It makes me look like I've got myself together, that's all."

"I don't think you'll need me for much longer."

I turn my head to him. "What do you mean?"

"It's almost time for me to move onto my next job," he clarifies. "You've gotten a handle on things here, and you'll no longer need my assistance, my guidance."

"Oh," I mutter, "I didn't know."

"Thought you could keep me forever?"

"If I could, I would. I don't know what I'll do without you."

"Don't kid yourself, Brigette. You know exactly what to do."

The guest house grows in the distance; the black car already parked outside, ready to be boarded. I ask, "Do you think David will have more time with me if he gets a third? I heard him talking about it with his father this morning. Will it really make a difference?"

"A third in command-interesting. It's not something I've seen in North America," he thinks out loud. "The Alpha must be acquiring one with that in mind, so I can only assume he would have considerably more time to spend as he wishes. Of course, it will depend on how much of his work he assigns to the third."

"He said he would make more time for me."

"Then why do you need me to reiterate what you already know?"

I shrug. "Just making sure, I guess."

Jeremy waits on the porch as I speak with my parents and help get the last of their things together. My father carries their bags to the car while my mother follows behind and looks up at the sky. She says, "I suppose we're leaving at the perfect time, just missing the poor weather."

"Drive safe, won't you? The roads will be wet."

She waves me off. "Your father will be right in the driver's ear, don't you worry. I'll let you know when we're back. And you call me whenever."

I nod and enjoy our parting hug, knowing it might be a while before I get another. I hug my father as well right before they climb into the back seat. "And you call if you need to talk, Brigie. And you come see us whenever you want-we'll be there," my mother says when she rolls down her window. "Tell David thank you again. And tell Ken it was lovely meeting him. And-"

"I love you, mom. I'll talk to you soon, okay?" I say and she simply smiles-a sort of gentle happiness that finds its way to her warm eyes.

"Talk to you soon," she says and rolls up the window. Seconds later, the engine kicks up and I step away. Jeremy comes behind me, and we both watch as the tires grind against the gravel, as raindrops hit the sleek, black surface, and as the car drives away. "It went by so fast," I utter.

"It always does," Jeremy sighs. "Come on-before we get ourselves soaked."

When Jeremy leaves for the day and our work has been satisfied, I watch the rain through the kitchen windows. It's millions of tapping fingers whispered in the background of our discussion like a prophesy beckoning to be fulfilled.

My hand lays flat against the window of the french door like a child longing for play, trapped inside. The ground grows wet, and the leaves bob against the constant beat of the rain, and I realize I am not a child, and my parents aren't here to keep me dry. I twist the handle and pull open the door, already amplifying the soulful pitter-patter as it drums against the porch floor and the roof and my palm as I hold it out.

It's too late to turn back then; the infective nature of the water seeps into my skin and calls for me. I shut the door behind me and hurry off the porch, down the steps, onto the brick like a woman who hasn't seen rain in decades. It splatters on my hair and clothes and skin, dampening and cleansing like holy water. I let a long breath out and take a fresh one in-the June air chilled and made comfortable. And just when I think I've gone too far, I lay myself down and I close my eyes.

The preparing and analyzing and worrying rolls off of me with the droplets, and I stay here, against the cut rock for much longer than anyone would consider. I lay until my clothes adhere to the curves of my body, until my hair fills with water like a sponge. The back doors click and push open and Helena says, "Here she is," back into the house.

I peer over. David takes her place in the doorway and shakes his head at the sight of me, glancing to the side with a smile. When he looks back, I call, "Here I am," and he steps out into the rainfall.

"How long have you been there?" He asks as he comes down the steps.

"I don't know. A while, I think."

I take his hand and he helps me to my feet. "You're soaking wet."

"I know," I smile, water streaming down my face, resting in the line of my lips. "You will be too if you stay out here."

"I suppose you're right."