Catching Genesis Page 5

  His shoulders were so broad they almost fill out the door. He's wearing black jeans that followed the contours of his well-muscled legs. A white t-shirt that stretched tightly across his well-defined chest and six-pack. His tanned golden skin looked as smooth as honey. A few silky locks of that thick, lustrous dark brown hair fell carelessly across his forehead and his strong arched dark brows.

  He had perfect symmetrical features with prominent cheekbones, a high bridged straight nose, and a sharp angular jaw that led to a strong chin. What captivated me the most was his silver-gray eyes that were surrounded by amazingly thick and long eyelashes. They were so piercing and were regarding me with such intensity that I couldn't look away from even if I wanted to.

  I kept staring at him, yet I had no idea when he got so close. One moment he's standing by the door, the next thing I knew, he's standing so close with only inches between us. This close, I can see how unusual his silver-gray eyes were: the pupils were so black, the irises were actually the palest blue-silver with black rim surrounding them.

  “Hi,” I said shyly, trying to look away as I felt my cheeks warming up.

  “Hello,” he replied and smiled back. Then I was lost again, staring at his smile. His smile made him look even more breathtaking. His pink lips looked surprisingly full and sensual. His teeth were straight and white. His canines a little bit prominent, but that only made him look even more dangerous and attractive.

  He looked amused, and his lips twitched as if he was trying hard not to laugh.

  My cheeks were burning, and my heart was racing.

  Oh goddess, I must look like a crazy girl in front of this gorgeous godlike creature. What is wrong with me? I never looked at a man this way before.

  I cleared my throat and said in my most professional voice. “Hi, how can I help you, sir?” Sir? Oh goddess, really? I felt like banging my head against the wall. He looked about 17 or 18 at the most.

  He told me that he needed some painting supplies, so I told him that he could take a look around and just ask if he needed any help.

  He kept asking me about the merchandise so I had to follow him around even though what I really wanted to do was hide or lie down and die from embarrassment.

  He wasn't even looking at the paint or the medium he was asking me about. His silver-gray eyes were fixed on my face the whole time. My heart raced, and my cheeks kept burning up every time I looked up to meet his steady gaze.

  Once, I thought he took a sniff of my neck when I was reaching in for a jar of Gesso at the back of the shelf, but when I straightened up, I found that he was staring at rows of oil paints in front of us.

  I cursed myself for my wild imagination. Only mates sniff each other like that. At least that's what my mom told me.

  He bought a lot of stuff that day. I mean a lot! Including an expensive wooden studio easel, an easy to carry French easel, a studio table, oil paints, acrylics, pastels, canvasses, brushes—a lot. My dad was impressed with the sales I made that day.

  I couldn't stop thinking about him that summer. I felt as if there was a connection between us that day. Then school started, and I found out who or what he was. He was a sophomore even when he looked older than sixteen and had one class with me that year. I guess the feeling was one-sided. He never even looked at me once. I doubt he even knew I existed. It was foolish of me to think he might even remember me at all, let alone have a connection.

  I was crushed. I tried to pretend that I didn't notice him at all, though I think I still have a crush on him, even now. I just ignored it the best I could. I pretended that I didn't see him around even when I took a little peek at him every once in a while. Just a little.

  Well then, if he doesn't even remember me, maybe I can go up and talk to him. But then again, no werewolf nor human ever dared approach or talk to the lycans before. Even those girls who keep looking at them with open lustful stares. They might talk about how hot those lycans are and how they wish the lycans would pick them as mates, but none of them dared breathe a word to those lycans. The lycans are very aloof and mysterious and intimidating.

  If I were to go up to him, what would I even say? “Excuse me, your lordship, your gorgeousness...would you please take my V-Card?” Then I'll die of embarrassment for sure.

  Or maybe say, “Excuse me, Constantine...you gorgeous creature you, would you take my V-Card? Please? Here are five hundred dollars...uh, a hundred and twenty-three dollars and fifty cents, actually. Sorry, I went shopping with my buddies. So yeah, would you?” Then I'll double die.

  Arrgghh...I groan into my pillow.

  Maybe I should just ask him if he wanted to be friends. Yeah, that's a better idea. I mean, even a lycan could use a werewolf friend, right? You can't have too many friends, as dad said to me a few times.

  Okay, that's it. That's what I'll do tomorrow. Once we're friends, we'll see what happenS...or more likely, what will never happen.

  Well...whatever. I'm a grown, brave, and strong woman. I can so do this. Yeah!

  Easier said than done because I was nervous the whole day. Penny kept asking me what was wrong.

  It's at the end of school hour when all students are leaving that I gather enough courage to approach him. I figure, if he said no to my offer of friendship, I don't have to bump into him again, thus avoiding any more embarrassment...for the day at least.

  I look frantically around, determined to do this before I lose my courage. Students are rushing past me when I catch a glimpse of the three lycans. It's not that hard to catch them actually since they're way taller than the rest of the student body.

  They are walking casually like they have nowhere important to get to while other students are scurrying out the exit door.

  When the hallway is almost clear, I briskly walk up to them from behind. Before I lose my courage, I tap him on the shoulder. “Excuse me, Constantine? Can I talk to you for a minute?” Wow, I sound so strong and confident.

  He turns around, and the words died in my throat.

  Oh goddess, he's so beautiful and perfect and big...and intimidating. What was I thinking?

  He raises an eyebrow in question when I stand there gaping at him with my mouth open. I'm sure I look like a fish. A dying fish.

  I gulp. “Uh...forget it. Never mind... Sorry. Umm...bye!” Then I turn and run.

  Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!

  Has anyone ever died of embarrassment? Because that's what I'm about to do...go die.

  Chapter VI

  Lycans Are Confusing

  I can't believe I left Constantine standing there. I left a lycan standing there after I went up to him and asked him if I could have a talk with him. Who does that? Me, a crazy person, that's who.

  I've been lying here on my bed for over an hour now, replaying every embarrassing second in the school hallway. Goddess, I hope nobody else saw me making a huge fool out of myself. I groan and beat the pillow.

  Why? Why? Why?

  Way to go, Genesis. Now you can add another to the list of embarrassing and sad accomplishments in your life. As if being rejected and insulted by alpha jerkface isn't enough.

  That's it! No more thinking. The more I think, the more amazed I am at my own stupidity. I'm letting Ezra out. I'm going for a run.

  “Now where are you going?” asks Mom from the kitchen.

  “I'm just going for a run, mom. Do you need any help?”

  “No, you go on, sweetie. I'm just making chicken casserole for tonight. Be back before dinner though.”

  “Okay, I won't be long.”

  “Everything is okay though, right?” asks my mom with concern just before I step out through the back door.

  “Sure, everything's fine,” I give her my best smile. Well, I'm adding more to the list of things that I can't tell my own mom.

  ***

  It's almost lunch time and so far, I've been doing a great job avoiding certain people: my ex-mate, Logan Carrington; his girlfriend the queen of all bitches, Mia Brown and her group of minions; Kevin, the
human who's convinced that he has a crush on me; and the lycans, especially Constantine. It hasn't been easy mind you, not to mention a little tricky since there are quite a number of them. I have to use all my stealth ninja skills.

  “What is the matter with you today, Genesis?” exclaims Penny, looking peeved when I failed to answer her for the tenth time today since I was too busy scanning the area for any threat, while also marking my escape route and identifying possible hiding corners.

  “I'm sorry, what?”

  “You're not even listening to me.” She wails. “I feel like I've been talking to myself for the last ten minutes.”

  “I'm sorry, Penny. I'm just a bit preoccupied today. You know...lots of stuff to think about...” I hedge vaguely.

  We were let out early from our social study class since the teacher wasn't here today. Penny and I have that class together too. Now we're both waiting for the next class by our lockers before we go our separate ways to our different classes while other students are coming out of their classrooms and filling up the hallways briskly…

  “Are you looking for somebody?” She narrows her eyes, looking at me quizzically.

  “No,” I reply, looking around. “Oh gosh! Look at the time. Gotta go. Good talking with you.” With that, I jump over a guy who's kneeling down, tying up his shoelace, then down the hall I go...straight into the girls' washroom.

  Phew! Lucky escape. I thought I saw the lycans. All three of them were looking at me, or maybe they were looking at something behind me. I'm not taking any chances though.

  I sit at the very back of the library munching on an apple all by myself during lunch time. My stomach growls. An apple is not enough for a werewolf with a high metabolism like me. At least nobody sees me. Lucky!

  My phone beeps with messages from Reese and Penny asking me where I'm at. I text back, saying that I'm finishing some homework that I forgot to finish last night. However, my luck runs out right after lunchtime because I spot the lycans standing across the hallway as I dig into my locker for books for my next classes. They're looking right at me...or maybe at something behind me.

  “Oh my gosh.” A girl giggles beside me to her friend. “Look at the lycans. You think they're staring at me?”

  “Uh...maybe...but they never looked at anyone like that. Oh my goddess, what did you do?” asks her friend enviously.

  “They're so hot. You're so lucky,” says another one.

  “What do I do? Should I go and say hi? What do I do?”

  I would have laughed if I'm not panicking a bit inside. Maybe they are looking at something behind me, or they are staring at the girl beside me, either way, I'm not taking any chances. I scram as soon as I grab everything that I need from the locker.

  I make it halfway across the hallway when I almost bump into a figure in front of me.

  “Where'd you think you're going?” That smooth, deep sexy voice.

  Constantine.

  He's leaning against the wall with his well-muscled arms crossing over his chest, looking completely relaxed.

  “Have you been avoiding me? It's rude you know...to say that you wanted to talk to me one moment, the next running off like that. After that, you went on avoiding me.” His voice is playful, but his piercing silver-gray eyes are blazing through me.

  Oh, my goddess. Kill. Me. Now.

  Every time I come face to face with this godlike creature, I lose my brain function. I'm struck stupid by the sheer beauty of him and the power that radiates off him. My stomach is now filled with crazy drunken butterflies and my heart is racing.

  “What? Nothing to say for yourself?” He lifts one exquisite eyebrow.

  Gah!!! Get a hold of yourself! Say something...anything! Come on, think!

  “Uh...n-nothing. I'm s-sorry for bothering you. Nothing really...okay. Bye.” I stammer, quite relieved when I reach the end of my short speech. I twirl around to make another escape, completely forgotten that my Chemistry class is the other way.

  “Oh, no you don't.” He appears right in front of me in a flash. I blink in surprise. “You're not escaping again until you tell me what you really wanted to talk to me about.” He sounds mildly amused.

  Wow, yeah. Lycans have amazing speed. There's no way I can get away from him if he refuses to let me go.

  I sigh as I tear my eyes away from his mesmerizing gaze. I can't think when I'm looking at him...or when he's looking at me...or when he's anywhere near me.

  Even when I'm not looking at him, I can feel the heat of his eyes burning through me. “Can you like...uh...look away or something?” I ask him as I stare fixatedly at my plain brown flats.

  “I'm sorry?” He sounds puzzled.

  “Uh...never mind.” I sigh. It's a stupid request anyway. I do, however, take a few steps backward, away from him.

  “What are you doing?” he asks me suspiciously.

  “N—nothing,” I answer, still staring at my shoes as if they're the most interesting objects in the whole wide world.

  I quickly look up when he takes a few steps closer to me.

  “What are you doing?” I blurt out.

  “Moving closer to you so that we can talk,” he answers, looking thoroughly amused by now. His full sensual lips curl up into a tiny smile, his eyes hold the most wicked glint. “Also, to make sure that you're not getting away from me again.”

  I gulp noticeably. Why does it feel as if he's talking about something more than just about me running down the hallway away from him?

  It's all in your head, idiot! I scold myself.

  “So...do you like standing here the whole day?” he asks again, sounding like he's totally enjoying this.

  I can see no way out of this other than asking him what I wanted to ask of him in the first place.

  Gathering up my courage, I blurt out quickly, “I just thought...uh... I just thought that maybe we could befriends,” I say, finally. Phew! I look up and grin.

  He looks amazed and confused, then dazed for a second. “What?” he finally asks again.

  I sigh. Wow. I just confused a lycan. I guess he never met anyone as crazy as I am before...or as stupid. I curse myself for even putting myself into this situation.

  Taking a deep breath, I try again. “I just thought that maybe...uh… maybe we could be friends?”

  A smile slowly forms on his lips while my cheeks are slowly burning red.

  “You want us...you and I…to be friends?” he clarifies.

  “Y-yeah.” I nod, looking away.

  “You and I can't be friends, sunshine,” he drawls.

  Huh?

  “Don't you think that skirt is too short for you to be walking around in?”

  What? That's so totally random.

  Why the hell did he care if my skirt is too short if he doesn't even care to be my friend? So, does he think that I'm too lowly to be his friend? Well, okay...so he's a lycan…and I, a she-wolf who's been rejected by her own mate, who can't even utter a word without embarrassing herself in front of a certain lycan, who would lose all brain function when he's near her, but still.

  I'm still too deep in my confusion and slow-burning rage when I feel his hand reach into my jacket pocket and pull out my cell phone.

  He then starts typing something in it without even asking for my pin number. His phone rings once, then he cancels the call.

  He smiles and slowly slides my phone back into my pocket. “Now I have your number,” he says. “You're late for Chemistry, sunshine.” Then he's gone.

  What? What just happened? What does that mean? What does anything mean anymore?

  I walk around school the rest of the day today in deep confusion.

  By the time I reach home, my head hurts. I give up trying to make sense of everything. Are all Lycans so confusing?

  Chapter VII

  My Date Has Gone to the Wolves

  It's 11 am. Saturday morning and I'm still in bed. The pain was unbearable again last night. Thank you, Logan! I woke up to the pain around midnight, and I h
ad a pillow over my face, trying to muffle the sound of my cries. I think I passed out for a bit. I must've fallen asleep again after that; I'm not sure what time, but now I'm still exhausted.

  My wolf Ezra is in agreement with me that our mate is no good for us. The only thing that's between us is the mate pull and attraction that I'm determined to fight.

  I spend a good half an hour thinking about my ex-mate Logan as my heart squeezes in pain. I push it aside and spend another half an hour thinking about the confusing lycan named Constantine. He doesn't even want to be friends with me. Why can't I stop thinking about him?

  I really should stop obsessing over men who don't want me.

  I truly don't feel like getting up, but my stomach growls in hunger. Besides, I smell bacon, eggs, pancakes, and coffee wafting up from the kitchen. I hear voices talking and laughing, the plates and cutlery clinking and clunking together. My sensitive werewolf senses are working against me this morning.

  After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I walk down to the kitchen.

  “Good afternoon, sunshine!” sings my dad cheerfully.

  That stops me on my track. Constantine called me sunshine yesterday.

  “Good morning!” Everyone choruses. Everyone is here. By everyone, I mean River, Reese, and Penny who are at the breakfast table with my family. They're stuffing their faces with bacon and eggs and Mom's special pancakes.

  “Boy, you look awful.” Autumn observes.

  “Gee, thanks.” I return grumpily, taking my seat between Reese and my dad.

  “Why are you looking so tired? Are you sick? Have you been staying up late? You shouldn't stay up too late, sweetie,” advises Mom, shoving a plateful of scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup. My mouth waters.

  I steal a glance at my friends who are giving me knowing sympathetic looks.

  “Didn't sleep well, that's all,” I answer vaguely. “Thanks, Mom. This looks yummy.”

  “At least she's not hungover,” remarks dad, to which he gets a smack on the arm by mom.

  My friends laugh as my dad winces and rubs at his arm.