"So that's your proposal?" I question, grabbing the cup of coffee as the machine finishes.

Settling myself onto a stool beside his, I watch as his fingers hold his cup, how they curl around, how his eyes watch me. "Why, does it sound bad?"

"It sounds suspicious," I reply, taking a sip of the hot coffee. Nixon crosses his arms as he leans back against the counter, watching me, his stare cold, telling me he's been deep in thought. "I mean, if I go and tell my parents I just quit my job to go and work at the house of a man who just needs it to be cleaned while he is away for the rest of the year, it just seems out of line for my character."

Nixon cocks his head to the side, leaning in closer as I feel my legs shut tightly. I'm barely in anything but his shirt from last night, only three out of the many buttons done, and his eyes will dip every now and then down to the valley. "If we want more time together without those 'study group' excuses, then something has to be pulled off."

I sigh, running a hand through my tangled hair, the sun barely rising as the warmth hits my face. "I've just lied to them so much," I explain, looking into his eyes.

I don't know how I've come to be calm around him when I learned that he was a monster, when he bit into me, when he claimed me as his. "But is it worth it, to lie, to be here?"

I can hear anger in his voice, anger that lets me know he's becoming possessive. Shaking my head, I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him close as I hear him groan. "I really enjoy spending time with you," I whisper against his ear, feeling him grow excited from underneath.

Pulling away, I see his eyes have turned from black to that beautiful and mysterious color of midnight blue. "Play piano for me, Lily."

I'm happy to oblige as I make my way across the kitchen and into the piano room, setting myself upon the bench.
Nixon sits beside me, watching as my fingers rest on the keys.

Instantly, I let my body be controlled by the music as my fingers move up and down, all across the instrument as the sound that comes from it is one of beauty. My body moves to the flow of the music, every now and then the tone becoming harsh as my fingers have a tougher arch and I begin my attack.

As I continue the piece, an arm is snaked around my waist and a face buried in my neck, taking in my scent as the mark begins to heat up.

God, I hate the way that scar responds to him sometimes.

Finished with the song, I feel his hands run through my hair. "So, what do you say about the job?"

I lean my head back, looking up at the ceiling as I decide what to do.

"I'll tell them when I go home, saying I saw an ad at the restaurant and the job has better pay and hours."

Nixon pulls away, cupping my chin as he offers me a smile. "Good girl."

"Just think about it, it's a good deal. Besides, in the time I'm there, I can also get in some study time rather than wait tables and have no time to study anyway," I explain as my mother takes the plates off the table. My dad looks at me, inspecting me as Taylor just stays silent.

She's been like that for weeks, silent and like a ghost. Her eyes have become dull, bags under them, and hardly eats as much. I know why, I know the secret she doesn't want to tell anyone. Yet I can't tell her the secret I hold. I hold her secret because she wants to stay out of the light as a girl who was used and should be pitied. I want to stay out of the light because it's a sin. A sin I'm starting to want every day now.

"So this guy is some neurosurgeon whose summer house needs to be cleaned. He need it to be upheld as he's away and will pay more of what you make? Lily, you just got that job, you don't want to upset them."

She's got me. She's playing the guilt trick, the one I'm usually a victim of. In our family, you never go back on a deal, you don't want to quit something you don't have enough time to judge.
"I don't enjoy it there anymore-

"Sometimes I don't enjoy the office, Lily, but I still work there because I made a promise I'd do my best and be loyal," dad explains as I slouch in my chair.

"It's my decision."

All eyes look my way, my parents becoming upset with my comment. "Yes, Lily, it's your decision," mom snaps, leaving the room.

"Bethany!" Dad calls after mom, rushing after her as I hear the door slam.

"I've screwed up," I mutter as Taylor just watches me. She's silent like usual, not words in response as I run a hand through my hair. I made sure to cover myself before dinner, the makeup master within me coming out to cover my neck like a mad woman. I didn't wear anything with a dip, anything that would display the events from last night forever rooted into my memory.

"You're always gone. Why don't you just stay home?" Taylor asks, her voice soft.

I look up to her, meeting her gaze as she plays with her scarf. "I'd like to have you around me."

Regret.

I should be here, helping my sister as she still recovers. "You need to get some help, Taylor. I'm not the best person to help you."

"You're my sister," she remarks as I sigh.

"That's right, I'm your sister, but I'm not some professional who knows what to do to people who get..."

"Raped," she finishes for me, understanding my dilemma. Nodding, I shut my eyes.

Adam has still been missing, the search still going on as they look for a rapist. Nixon said he had nothing to do with it, and I believed him. It's only a matter of time until parts of Adam's disappearance are shown to the public.
"Are you glad he's missing?"

Taylor's eyes go wide as she recall who I'm referring to. She looks stressed, confused, in pain, and at the same time, has hate clouding her vision. "I'm glad he is, but I don't want him dead."

"Why not, he raped you," I add, instantly regretting the words as Taylor covers her mouth as a sob escapes. "No, I'm sorry, Taylor."

Walking around, I embrace my sister in a hug, holding her tight as small sobs escape her lips. "How about this, I'll go and get us some food for tonight and we watch Bridesmaids and some other amazing girl's night movies?"

Taylor looks up at me, a glint of happiness on her eyes as I know she approves of the suggestion.

I smile back, kissing her forehead as I tell her I'll be back with her favorite flavor of Pistachio Pecan.

Tonight, I'm going to forget about Adam and Nixon, only allowing my sister's happiness to control my decisions.

<><>

"Come on!" I groan, throwing my head back as I laugh. Emily and Oliver snicker as I remember the inside joke. The others watch us, wondering what is up with the three people who can't contain their laughs. George and Terrance roll their eyes as I pick the card.

Apples to Apples ends fast as Oliver wins with the green cards and Emily heads to the door. We ordered pizza only twenty minutes ago, and have been waiting for what seems forever.

"So, whose up for another game?" Terrance asks as we sit in his game room, the bean bag chairs comfy as we sit in a circle, a bowl of pretzels before us. It was weird getting together with Terrance, especially after all that has happened.

It's still weird to be around this group, around people who are not human, but something I should be frightened of. They know my secret and I know theirs. These are the people I trust, the ones who don't think of me as a whore, who don't disrespect me, but still let me know they are not fans of what I've done with someone they see as a figure head.

Emily comes back up with pizza and we begin another round, playing a different game now as we eat as the music plays in the background. These people are a good group to be with, a group I can trust and rely on.

By the time I'm leaving with Emily, we decide to head downtown for a shopping trip. Emily complained about not having warm clothes, me commenting that I thought she didn't get cold since she's a shifter. Her reply was that fashion is a bitch. I don't need anything, especially when I have a whole closet over at another's house.
I don't know why he insisted on it, why he said he wanted me to have things there too. Nixon even placed some items at his pent house downtown, saying that being prepared is always a plus.

By the time we're downtown and entering the first shop, Emily runs to the sweaters as I'm left just roaming around the massive store with brands upon brands of French sounding names.

After two hours Emily is satisfied, saying me we should eat out at some nice restaurant that's like a deli. I'm not one to resent as we walk across the thin layer of snow sidewalk, cars driving bye, making the city feel busy. My eyes catch sight of Nixon's business, one I still have no idea what he does up there.

Maybe I'll ask next time I see him, which shouldn't be long from now. Hell, he even gave me a key the last time we spoke, saying I was welcome to go there even when he's gone, saying he loved knowing I found his place like my home, saying he loved my scent around his house. Weird but I found it sweet.

"So, I think you'll love this place," Emily comments as we take our seats, our orders already in as we wait for the food. "And now that it's just the two of us, we are going to chat."

I groan, already knowing what she's going to bring up. "You do realize this relationship is one tricky one, right?" I nod. "Just keep in mind, Lily, we have different instincts that you. A man like Alpha Maxwell has strong emotions when he comes to since he marked you. If he ever feels that you are in danger, he'll break down into a crazy mess until you're safe. I'd advise you to not raise your voice when mad either."

My cheeks go red as we talk about this. "I know he's different, it's weird when he has to...smell me," I whisper the last part as a woman walks bye. "It's just frustrating that because I have this scar that people like you know what's up and judge me off the bat."

Emily nods. "They shouldn't do that. They should respect you like the Queen of England for having his mark, their comments should be kept silent."

We continue the discussion, Emily explains how people pretty much choose their mate now. She said she didn't know for me if Nixon just chose me or if there was something else involved. I decided to end it there as the waiter came back with our food and we dig in.

In another three hours we head back to town an go our separate ways. The home is empty, a note on the fridge telling me that my parents have gone out to a city two hours away for the rest of the day and Lily is at a friends. But what friend's house is what scares me. I trust her, but I want to protect her.
Deciding to practice piano, I head downstairs and take a seat.

As I play, I miss the feeling of those ivory keys under my fingers, those keys brushing my fingers as I sit in that room with a magnificent sound design.
Sighing, I decide to act upon a small dream and find myself driving over. As I unlock the front door, I head straight for the room I've fallen in love with.
The instrument is polished as always and I take a seat right away. I grab the music from a small bag of mine and lay it out, beginning my practice.

An hour passes and I'm soon in the kitchen, looking through the fridge for something to make. Dinner is soon and I kind of want to surprise Nixon, plus, feed myself. I don't know when he will be back, so I'll probably eat mine and then leave a note on how to heat it up.
I've decided on Falafel, a Meditation dish, one that my mother makes quite often. As the last piece is complete, I place the dish for Nixon by the stove, telling him I made a meal and hopes he enjoys it.

Stuffing my mouth full, I take a plate with me, wondering around the first floor as I tap my feet to a classical piece. By the time I've put the last bite in my mouth, my phone rings. Oliver's calling, making me raise an eyebrow. He usually texts.

"Yes?" I answer with a full mouth.

"Lily, I just got a text from a cousin that Taylor's at a party."

It's barely even seven! "Just some people together. They're drinking, getting ready for a party tonight. I thought to tell you."

Drinking? Going to a party? She got raped at a party.

Should I go?

If I went and she saw me, I'd be seen as the bitch older sister who wouldn't allow the younger one to have fun. But she's taking alcohol into her bloodstream and is planning on partying.

I place my plate in the sink, thinking of what to do as begin washing the dish. Just as I finish and look down to my phone, arms envelop me from behind and I squeak, jumping in place.

Lips land on my neck, a smile forming on my lips as his warmth allows me to calm down. I allow my body to relax in his hold as I lean my head to the side, allowing him better access. "I've missed you."

I moan lightly in reply as Nixon looks into my eyes. "Long day?" I ask, turning around to face him, trapped between his body and the counter.

"That's an understatement, lots of stress."

"What do you do there?" I ask, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I mean, I know you're the Alpha of some pack and are supposed to keep it in check."

"Today I had to make a treaty with another pack," he explains, pulling me closer as the time passes bye. "Lily, when do you turn eighteen?"

I know he's waiting for that day. I know it's a date that makes this legal, although we've already taken part in something illegal. "January third," I respond, a smile forming on his lips. "So, soon."

A short kiss is placed on my lips as Nixon sees the food. We sit in silence upon the breakfast bar soon as he eats his food and I'm busy getting information from Oliver. Taylor's with some people I've heard of from school that do drugs, and knowing that makes me a bit more cautious. She's someone I want to look after, and I know if she takes those Ill never leave her out of sight. There's some foolish party in two hours starting, Oliver says, explaining that he'll update me if I'm okay with her there. I'm not okay with her drinking, and I'll be sure to talk with her about that.

"What's wrong?"

I look up to see Nixon standing before me, his hands landing on my legs. Fireworks go off in my body as his touch makes me feel amazing. God, the sex is even better than this. Those hands soon push my legs apart, his body settling between them as I sigh, looking up at him.

"My sister, Taylor, is drinking and about to go to a party. I don't want to be the bitch older sister, but I don't want her to get hurt again."

Nixon looks sincere as his leans forward, pulling me against him in a hug. "I don't want to see her suffer again."

"She won't, Lily," he replies, massaging my shoulders as my hands are fisted in his dress shirt, the silky materiel so soft in my hands as I begin to cry. A sob leaves my mouth as I instantly feel so weak. "She won't be hurt like that, you're a good sister."

I nod at his words, holding him closer as a need boils within me. My body moves back, escaping his hug as I can feel his gaze hardening. I know he's a bit mad that I left his warm embrace.

As I meet those sharp eyes, I only smile. "I'm not leaving you," I whisper, placing a hand upon his cheek.

"You'd better not," he mumbles, his shoulders stiff.

Grabbing the suit jacket upon his body, I push it off of his body slowly, allowing my fingers to trace his body as I stand up a bit on the stool to gain better height. As my eyes line with his, the jacket it pushed off as I begin on kneading the tense muscles of his shoulders from under my palms. "How stressful are your usual days?" I ask, feeling him relax from under my small hands as one of them reach his navy tie, beginning to take it off.

"Bad," he groans, his warm breath fanning my face as I already know what I'm going to do.

I make a bold move, peeling off my shirt, revealing my breasts in a thin navy bra. I've noticed navy is his favorite color, and just the color o his eyes make me love the color even more.
Soon, I'm up on the marble counter, holding on tight as Nixon works his magic, releasing his stress as I throw my head back.

I want him to not feel stressed, I want to show him I care deeply for him not only in conversation, but in many ways as well.

His mouth lands on my mark as instantly I allow one hand to fist into his hair, wanting him to know I'm feeling so much right now.

Only we find our release, Nixon throws the rubber into the trash and cups my cheeks, giving me a soft kiss upon the lips, making me melt even more into him. "Goddess, Lily, I love how you do that."

I smile, scooting forward as Nixon wraps his arms around me.

There's a phone call.

God, I forgot about the world. It's been a while. It was about eight thirty when he stopped eating and we began that...episode.

"Yes?" I ask, Nixon groaning as I answer. "What's going on, Oliver?"

"Taylor."

"What about her?"

I push Nixon a bit back, allowing me to hop to the floor. As Oliver mumbles on the other end Nixon leaves, marching upstairs as I stay down, wondering what's going on. "Oliver, tell me what's going on," I demand, my voice harsh.
I hear him whimper. Why? Am I intimidating him or something?

"He's part of my pack, you're over him and he can't disobey you," Nixon whispers in my ear as he returns, causing me to jump.

I look back to see Nixon holding me a change of clothes. Thinking him with a soft kiss, I still await Oliver to respond. Pulling on the panties and bra, I'm quick with the jeans and white shirt, seeing Nixon just pulled on a pair of sweats.

"They left five minutes for a city an hour away. Fake IDs."

"She's in so much shit," I mumble, ending the call as I begin stomping towards the front door.

"Lily!" Nixon calls harshly.

"She's fucking going to some club," I snap, watching as Nixon nods, pulling a shirt over his head and grab a pair of keys.

"Let's go."

"No, we can't be seen together like that," I explain. "She can't know about this."

He knows this is the right thing to do although it will be hard. "Then I'll follow."

"Sounds good to me."

Running outside to my car, I await Nixon to pull out of his garage, and he does, in some futuristic motorcycle as I roll my eyes. "Show off."