Chapter 23: Chapter 23

On Sunday, Lina specifically visits my apartment. When she sees Jay, she can’t seem to associate him with the homeless person that I’d told her about. And, of course, Lina being Lina, she says so.

“There’s no way this guy is homeless.”

It’s a whisper that’s not really a whisper and a moot point since both Lina and Jay have heightened senses.

I groan and then start laughing. I glance at Jay. “This is Lina’s way of saying that you look nice.”

He nods.

It’s true.

Jay looks good. Even in the cheap pants and sneakers and jacket more suited to an old man, there’s no hiding his tall frame or strong muscles. His bone structure is perfect, the kind of polished good looks that only came from surgery or good breeding.

“If, uh, you need an introduction to a pack, I can ask my parents…”

His eyes widen.

“That’s very kind of you.”

“You’ve done a lot of kind things to help Grace,” Lina says. She taps her lip. “You look familiar. What pack did you say you were from?”

“I didn’t,” Jay says.

He resumes reading something on my phone. His hair falls over his face and it’s obvious he’s done with the conversation. I think Lina might be a bit peeved but she doesn’t show it.

I can understand her confusion. Even his too-long hair has a polished look, like it’s more intentionally styled than overgrown.

Lina continues to stare at him.

Jay ultimately shifts so he’s facing the opposite wall and I hate that she has made him feel uncomfortable.

If my friend has anything negative to say, they’d be the last words on the matter. Just as Jay had defended me, I won’t let anyone disrespect him in my house.

“Let it go, Lina.”

But Lina asks again, "Are you sure he is a homeless person who has no place to live? Seriously. I can’t believe it. He can be a star or model just with his appearance."

All right, she has a point.

But being cast out of a home has nothing to do with one’s looks. I think she’s more focused on the literal part of being packless. Like he has no place to stay because he has no money. And, yes, with his good looks, he could be a model or something.

With his strength, he could work any number of labor jobs.

With his will and intelligence, he could work in virtually any environment.

But… that’s not true I realize.

I have multiple degrees, and I’m not able to get a job. It took me months to just get the one—and that was with help from Probation. Some program to help keep convicts from winding up back in prisons. It was the human system that helped me.

It just so happens that the sanitation center is in a neutral pack site, so at least I dont’ have to worry about being a rogue in someone else’s territory.

“Please,” I tell her. “Respect his privacy.”

She rolls her eyes at me.

We’re sitting at the kitchen table and Jay is perched on the opposite side of my bed. He sits near the foot rail which makes it seem so normal. Had he been near the pillow, I think it would have come across as more intimate.

I hold my breath, expecting Lina to make some comment about our sleeping arrangements.

Lina stands and walks around the room until she’s standing in front of Jay. She has her hands on her hips. “I'll be frank that you can live here if you want, but you have to promise that you won't mess around and won't lie to Grace. She hates deception, and if you are a liar, I'll bring the whole force of my pack down on you. Then I’ll call the police and have you arrested!"

“Lina!!! What are you talking about?” I jump to my feet and drag her away from him. “You can’t just go around threatening people! Besides, Jay wouldn't lie to me.”

"How would you know, Grace? You’ve known him, what? A week!?”

I sigh. “When I invited you here to visit I didn’t picture it turning out like this.”

Lina snorts. “We’ve known each other forever. You should’ve known it would’ve gone down exactly like this.”

I find myself smiling.

Lina throws her arms around my neck. “Love you, girl.”

“Love you too.”

She squeezes me tighter and then leans back. “I have to go. My parents are planning a pack dinner tonight.”

I nod. I used to go to such things. Now… I can’t.

“Don’t pull any shit, Jay,” Lina calls over her shoulder.

My head swings to him, expecting him to be glowering. But instead, his eyes sparkle and his lips twitch.

He isn’t angry. He’s amused by all of this.

I walk Lina to the door.

“Cats are easier, you know,” Lina says loudly. “Even a dog. They’re always loyal.”

Jay snorts.

I rub my eyes, my face heating. “Knock it off.”

Lina opens the door and inclines her head for me to go out with her.

“Be right back,” I tell Jay. And I quietly close the door behind me.

Lina slings her arm through mine. We walk to the edge of the parking lot.

“I can see why you keep him around,” she says. “He’s easy on the eyes. But I don’t think he’s all he appears to be.” She kisses my cheek. “Protect yourself. And call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Promise.”

I watch her drive off. As she does, I catch a glimpse of an expensive black car. I think it’s one I’ve seen before. I squint to see a license plate, but it peels out and drives away…