Navaeh on ze sidee------>

Chapter Five

Undisclosed Desires

It’d been a week since I left the hotel.

And I didn’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

I was so scared about the bounty hunter my dad was hiring would pop up and slit my throat as soon as I set one foot out the door. Okay, that was far stretched. According to Navaeh, the person was supposed to just find me, sedate me, and drag my ass back to the good ol’ U.S.A.

Yay me. I always love being knocked out cold.

I rolled over my bed and shoved my head into the closest pillow. Was it possible to just lay here and never get up? Cause I would totally do that. I groaned when I heard a knock on the door. Nate took it as an okay, and walked in.

“Jesus dude. Are we vampires now?” He heard him walk over and the sound of the curtains being drawn, sunlight spilling in through the windows, made me squeeze the pillow tighter around my head.

“Get up.” I heard Nate say. Maybe if I acted like I fell back asleep, he would go away.

“I know you’re awake dick stain.” He said in disgust and I sighed, rolling over onto my back and squinting my eyes until they adjusted to the sudden light. How much I hated mornings.

“I don’t understand why you wake me up so early. It’s not like we’re going anywhere.” I grumbled into my arm. Slowly, I sat up and took a couple deep breathes. I had closed my eyes and could feel myself slipping back to sleep, but I jumped when a pair of pants hit me in the face.

“It’s twelve in the afternoon.” Nate snapped, throwing a shirt at me also, which I caught and glared at him. He matched my look, so I gave up and started sliding on the pants. I slept in only boxers for this reason. No need to take anything off. Just reach around for some clothes and slid them on. Nate left the room when I started to put on the flannel he threw at me. I got up and walked into the bathroom while doing the buttons. Running some water on my hands, I tousled my hair around before sighing at my reflection and walking into the living area of the hotel.

The suite was more like an apartment. Wait, isn’t that what a suite was? Maybe I should ask Nate. When I saw Nate wasn’t in the living room, I walked to the kitchen and saw him putting some pancakes on two plates.

“Aw, you wake me up, give me clothes and cook me breakfast. Remind me why you’re still single?” He rolled his eyes as he put my plate down in front of me.

“I don’t want to date someone who isn’t my mate. You know I hate hurting people’s feelings.” He stated, grabbing a fork and handing it to me. I snatched it from his hands and started digging into the pancakes. I moaned at the first bite and threw my head back.

“You should just be a girl. That way, I can marry you and you can cook for me all the time.” I heard Nate snort mutter something, but I was too focused on these god-like pancakes. I cleaned my plate in less than four minutes and slouched back in my chair, one hand hanging down the side and the other rested on my now full stomach.

“You should slow down eating.” Nate said matter-of-factly as he got up with both our plates and put them in the sink.

“Why? Those flappy flapjacks were meant to be enjoyed and I sure did ravish them.” I wiggled my eyebrows and Nate let out a laugh before looking at me with a serious face.

Wow, kill-joy much.

“You should slow down because we are going for a run in a couple minutes.” I sat straight up in my seat at his words, my eyes wide.

“We can’t leave the hotel Nate. What if the hunters find us? They would just knock me the fuck out and take me, but what about you?” I said baffled. Why was this man not thinking about every possible scenario? That’s how you survive. You prepare yourself for everything. As stated by Murphy’s Law, “whatever can happen will happen.”

“While you were catching your beauty sleep, which by the way, didn’t help,” I narrowed my eyes at him and he smirked before continuing, “Navaeh called. She said that they picked the bounty hunter, but she won’t be coming until next week – “

“Whoa. Pause and rewind. Did you just say her?” Nate sighed and took a deep breath.

“Yes. The bounty hunter is a she. I don’t have a name yet because Tyler won’t tell Navaeh anything, but hopefully by tonight, we should have an identity.” I opened my mouth to say how it still wasn’t safe to leave, but Nate held up his hand.

“We are going for a run because I don’t know about you, but my wolf is going crazy and won’t leave me alone about getting out.”

I couldn't disagree with that. Lately, my wolf was restless and the sudden mention of a run had him pacing in excitement. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. It was risky to leave. Even though the bounty hunter wasn’t here, she could still pick up on our scent if we left. Plus, the shape shifters were crawling over the city. I sighed again before opening my eyes and staring straight at Nate.

“I will go only if we can find a way to mask our scent.” Nate groaned and threw his arms down by his side. “Oh do not give me that mister. I don’t know about you, but I would rather not get caught by the shape shifters.”  I snapped, throwing my hands onto my hips. He stared at me for a while before pulling out his phone and typing in some things. I waited patiently and then he sighed and put his phone up.

“You want to mask your scent right?” He said and I came hi a droll look as my answer. He rolled his eyes, “Only thing we got is to cover ourselves in mud.” The fuck?

“I can not believe I am walking around Greece covered in mud.” I grumbled as we turned down the street. It wasn’t as bad as I thought, because once we shifted, the mud would be gone when we went back to our human form.

What I was mad about was the fact that I had to ask the front desk to bring us a bucket of mud. I could probably mark that in my book of awkward experiences. The look on the guys face when I told him I was making a mud bath was priceless, but it was overall really embarrassing.

“We aren’t even in a populated area.” Nate said and I nodded at that because he was right. The route we were taking to the woods was empty. The reason being: Everyone and their grandma go to the main part of the town for the afternoon celebration. It’s basically a carnival festival like thing. Great excuse to get drunk.

I watched in confusion as Nate led us up to a house and through their back gate. “Uh, this is trespassing.” I said as I closed the gate behind me and continued after Nate. He ignored me and then I saw why, there was a small wooded area behind the house. We walked for a little while longer and then came to a stop. I took no time in stripping off my clothes, along with Nate. We folded them and placed them behind a rock so that no one could take them or move them if they walked by.

“Are there wolves in this area?” I asked Nate before we changed. He shrugged his shoulders and took no time in shifting. I stared in awe at his wolf, which I normally did all the time. It wasn’t unusual for a person’s wolf to have a different color coat than their hair color, but normally it was just a couple of shades different. Nate had blonde hair, but his wolf was pitch black with piercing blue eyes.  Nate noticed I hadn’t changed and made an annoyed whine. I scoffed and rolled my eyes, quickly changing into my wolf.

There was nothing special about my wolf. His coat color was a blonde, almost white with black around my face. My eyes stayed the same, one a gold and the other sea foam green. Nate gave a howl and took off. I laughed and followed after him. My wolf was humming with excitement at the feeling of running and being out in nature.  He began to pick up speed as we say Nate was getting ahead of us. I heard him let out a frustrated growl and I chuckled.

I was an Alpha, so my wolf always wanted to be first.

He wasn’t too pleased by the fact that I was rejecting my title as Alpha, but I kept him at bay by allowing him to be first in a lot of things. Most of the competitions I won were for my wolf, not me. We were gaining on Nate and I prepared to tackle him, when a far too familiar scent hit my nose and I skidded to a stop. I looked around and I saw Nate had also stopped and was walking over to me, worry in his eyes.

You smell them too, right? He asked and I nodded my head.

Shape shifters. And really close ones at that.

I told you this wasn’t safe. I snapped and Nate’s wolf rolled his eyes.

Come on. Let’s head back quickly. He said and we took off back in the direction we came. Halfway through, I noticed the scent was getting closer and I heard Nate curse in my head.

They’re following us. He hissed and I picked up speed along with him. I have a plan. Was all he said as we came to a stop. I quickly transformed, Nate not far behind and threw on my clothes. I was just zipping up my pants when we heard footsteps approaching. My eyes widened and Nate looked at me.

“Play along.” Was all he said as two men appeared in front of us. One had a bald head, a single earring in his left ear. The other had long dreadlocks, tied back with something. They both had on a pair of black wrap-around shades and suits. I snorted at how much they looked like Men in Black.

“Well well well, what do we have here?” The bald guy seethed and I narrowed my eyes at him.

“I could ask the same. Two guys in suits in the woods?” I questioned and he smirked.

“We were hunting something. That of which has nothing to do with you.” He paused and took off his glasses. “Or maybe it does.” I saw Nate roll his eyes and grab my hand. My eyes widened and I went to slap his hand away but what he said made me understand what he was doing.

“We don’t know what you’re talking about. We just out here, enjoying the forest.” I was shocked at how calm Nate sounded. He was saying this like it was nothing. The man with the dreadlocks took off his glasses as well and looked at Nate pointedly.

“Rather suspicious that you were both getting dressed, no?”

“Do I really need to spell that out for you?” Nate deadpanned. We all looked at him confused and then I saw both men’s faces pale. I was still confused and went to open my mouth when I understood.

He just told those guys we were having sex.

Which we were not! Holy shit.

“Well, sorry to intrude. We were just looking for someone.” Baldy said, his face a pink tint now and I realized it was because he was embarrassed. They said nothing more and took off. As soon as they were out of site, I jerked my hand from Nate’s and looked at him, my eyes wide in shock.

“Seriously? I’m not gay! And neither are you!” I snapped and he rolled his eyes.

“I know I’m not, but you? Not so sure.” He pulled on his shirt and turned to walk back to the house. I watched him leave before huffing and running to catch up with him.

“That’s beside the point. Why would you make it seem like we were having sex? In the woods nonetheless?” I asked baffled.

“Would you rather me say we were out for a run in our wolf form? Didn’t think so. Those guys wouldn’t believe any other excuse as to why we were getting dressed in the woods. Besides, I don’t know why you’re so worked up about this.” I stopped and grabbed his arm, whipping him around.

“For real? My best friend just lied to some guys we were having sex. Don’t see how this doesn’t entitle me to royally flip the fuck out.” Nate rolled his eyes again and I growled in frustration. “Stop doing that!” I snapped and he looked at me confused.

“Doing what?”

“Rolling your eyes.”

“Shut up.”

“Don’t tell me to shut up! I’m your Alpha.”

“Really? Cause last time I checked, you hated that title.”

“Just cause I hate it doesn’t mean I’m no – “ My phone suddenly went off, causing both of us to jump. I pulled out my phone and saw a number I didn’t know flashing. I showed it to Nate and he shrugged his shoulders.

“Answer it.” I stared at the phone for a second, and then quickly hit the answer button before they hung up.

“Hello?” Please don’t be my dad, please don’t be my dad.

“Nikolai?” I sighed in relief as Giovanni’s voice answered. God how I loved to hear him say my name with that accent.

“Gio? Oh, wait. Can I call you that?” I heard him laugh and I could picture him shaking his head.

“Gio is fine. I like hearing you say that.” I blushed and thanked my lucky stars he wasn’t talking to me in person. “Listen, I wanted to know if you would like to accompany me to a movie this evening?” I saw Nate’s head snap up and his eyes stern as he mouth a no.

“Uh, sure. That sounds great actually.” I said as I glared at Nate. He rolled his eyes again and I felt the urge to reach forward and slam his head against my knee.

“Really? Oh wow. I was prepared for you to reject me, but since you said yes, this changes everything. Does eight sound okay?” I chuckled and nodded my head, then remembered he was on the phone and didn’t see the nod.

“Yeah, eight is perfect.”

“Great. I will text you my address. Don’t be late.” He warned and then hung up. I smiled down at my phone and immediately it buzzed with a text from Giovanni with his address.

“Does no mean nothing now?” Nate sighed and my smile fell.

“Yes it does. I don’t know why you said no to me going to the movies. It’s a movie, not a strip club. Soothe your boobs.” I walked past him and started to the hotel. I don’t know what crawled up his ass in the past hour, but he needed to fix it.

Or get laid. Either would do right now because I was two steps away from beating his twinky little face in.

After a while of not talking, Nate finally sighed and broke the silence. “Listen. I don’t want to fight with you Kolya. I’m just worried about the shape shifters. You know how scary they can be.” He was right; I knew that all too well.

But he knew it more.

I wasn’t the one who had my family slaughtered in front of me by them.

He was.

I suddenly felt guilty about getting mad at him over trivial things and looked over at him.

“I know and I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a pain in the ass; it just comes with the package.” I heard hi snort and look at me, an eyebrow raised.

“And what package is that?”

“Oh you know, being a future Alpha and what not.” I said nonchalantly and shrugged my shoulders.

“So just cause you’re supposed to be the Alpha means you can bust my balls?” I chuckled and grinned at him.

“That’s a funny expression to use given the situation we were just in a few seconds ago.” He punched my arm and we started laughing as we entered the hotel lobby. By the time we were in the elevator, we had calmed down. I felt better now knowing I wasn’t leaving with tension still between us. Nate was like a brother to me. We were there for each other through everything. And the fact that he still stuck with me when I told him I didn’t want to be Alpha was prove enough that he was more than my best friend.

The elevator let us off on our floor and when we reached our room, my heart stopped.

“What am I going to wear?” I gasped as Nate closed the door. He gave me a droll look and pulled out his phone, checked something then put it back away.

“Well, you’re leaving at eight and it’s almost two. If you need more than six hours to decide on an outfit, I’m officially calling you Nichole instead of Nikolai.” I glared and him and stomped off to my bedroom. He was right though. I had six hours to pick an outfit, I should be fine.

Twenty outfits, two breakdowns and one shower later, it was almost eight and I was driving to Giovanni’s house. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking and I was freaking out even more that I would have a muscle spasm and fly off the road. I took a couple of deep breathes at a red light, before continuing following the directions Giovanni gave me. I pulled up to the building he said and parked the car in the driveway.

It was a little townhouse, which reminded me of the ones in New York. Except these were more like rectangle boxes with some windows here and there. I walked up the steps and took one more deep breathe and checked my outfit again. After the second breakdown, Nate decided to help me and we kept my jean capris, but he changed my shirt to an army green sweater and some red vans. I felt more comfortable than I did before, because every outfit I chose was as Nate said, “to fucking fancy to just e sitting in the dark for an hour.”

I gathered up the courage and rang the doorbell, and not a second later the door flew open with Lysander standing behind it. I shook my head in surprise.

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to ring the bell.” He said smugly and my heart flew to my throat as my wolf began to whimper.

Dude, chill. We just went for run. You’ll be fine for a couple of days. I said to my wolf, but he didn’t quite down. I saw Lysander staring at me in confusion so I smiled. “Is Giovanni ready?” I asked and his expression hardened.

“Nope.” He popped the p and walked off, leaving the door open. I waited for him to invite me in, but when he never returned I decided to just walk inside and close the door. I walked through the archway and saw a set of stairs in front of me. To the right was a small washroom and on the left was a hanging table that had a phone, some weird tablet thing, a bowl with keys in it and a vase with flowers. I pulled my upper lip to my nose and nodded my head as I slowly walked around.

The house was beautiful, to say the least. Not something I would expect from how it looked outside. Not to mention Giovanni had great taste. I walked out to the balcony and smiled as I saw he had he perfect view of the Acropolis and Pantheon. I pulled out my phone and took a few pictures before sending them to both Nate and Navaeh. I still hadn’t said anything to Navaeh about Giovanni, but it wasn’t even a think yet.

I wasn’t even sure if I was gay, so I didn’t see the need to tell her.

My phone buzzed as I walked back inside and I saw it was a message from Nate. I opened it and snorted at the picture he sent back.

“What’s so funny?” I looked up and saw Lysander leaning against the wall, arms folded over his chest and ankles crossed.

“Uh…a picture my friend sent me.” I wasn’t so sure why I was nervous around him, but whenever I saw him, it felt like my mind and body just stopped working. My heart sank as I thought of asking my dad what that meant, but I couldn’t talk to him. Even if the bounty hunter dragged me back to Emery, I still couldn’t say anything. He would be too disappointed in me.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I looked up to see Lysander walking over to me, concern all over his face. I jumped to attention when I felt my wolf going crazy and stepped back, holding my hands up.

“Nothing. I’m fine. Just – Just stay where you are.” I watched as he froze in his spot, but didn’t move his eyes from me and I felt my body heating up.

What the fuck was wrong with me?

“Well glad to see you two getting acquainted.” Giovanni’s voce filled the room and I smiled as he walked down the stairs. “I know this ruins everything, but sadly, Lysander has to come with us.”  I heard Lysander say something in what I assumed was Italian and was surprised that Giovanni answered back.

“Shall we get going?” He smiled at me and I smiled back.

“Of course.” He grabbed my hand and we headed to the front door, but I didn’t miss the flash of anger that was in Lysander’s eyes when Giovanni grabbed my hand.

Oh why this was going to be a fun night.