How I got home that was all a blur. I'd stayed inside for the next few days, ignoring my phone and even ignoring my music. Of course I didn't ignore Alfie, if anything I gave him more attention than ever before. The dog was the only friend I had in this town. Although, I didn't really make an effort to find human ones. My phone chirped from the nightstand and reached for it reluctantly.
It was another text from Peter.
I just want to get to know you.
I didn't even remember giving him my number. Or anything past my first name for the matter. Setting the phone down without a reply once more, I walked over to the dresser. Staring at the tangled mess of red hair in the mirror, I set to work getting ready for another quiet day.
Pushing my hair away from my face I slid into the piano seat. Today I really tried to put myself into the mood of music but something just wasn't clicking in my head. I began to grow frustrated and mess up on songs that I had perfected years ago.
Alfie seemed equally frustrated as he started to bark and howl after noon. Fed up with music, werewolves, and my dog I stood up. With my fists clenched I pulled on my shoes and marched over to the front door. I snatched my keys off the hook and grabbed Alfie's leash.
"Some fresh air will do us good." I grumbled, hooking it onto the now excited dog. He tugged roughly, pulling me down the street happily.
We settled into a nice pace and Alfie seemed to calm down. But I didn't. I couldn't get that stupid wolf out of my head. He was all I could think about and it made me feel like I was an awful person. My parents were vampires who raised me and my sister as vampires. Good vampires too. They expected me to do the same. Grow up and pick a nice vampire suitor of their choosings, marry him and raise a little brood of grandchildren for them.
Alongside thoughts of Peter one thing kept running through my head: isn't this betrayal? What would they think if I got together with someone from the same species that killed them and my sister. I sighed out loud. Maybe I was just over thinking this whole thing.
Alfie halted suddenly beside the park. A witch was on a broom in the cornered off area and a few others were scattered around the green space. I stood still while Alfie sniffed around, he barked suddenly and I unhooked his leash. He bounded off into the bushes and I caught sight of a familiar figure slumped at a picnic table. Gathering up all the courage I had, I walked over and sat down beside him.
"I got your texts." I said. He smiled and turned to look at me.
"Hey little flower. Did you, cause you didn't respond to them." Peter sounded a little hurt. I blushed at the nickname. Putting my hands in my lap I faced him.
"Look I didn't mean to offend you it's just a long story. A long and complicated story." I brushed my hair behind my ears.
"Does it involve some sort of purebred vampire upbringing?"
"In a way." I sighed. "But I do like you."
He perked up instantly, sitting up. Peter ran a hand through his hair.
"Really? By the way did you track me here?"
"What, no! I was walking my dog." I protest. He laughed. My cheeks flared with heat.
"Why is that funny?"
"You have a dog yet you refuse to date one?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I-I...you know it's a different thing! Besides why are you here?" I changed the subject, dropping eye contact. I was also acutely aware of his hand creeping towards mine on the bench.
"My fiance wanted to practice." Peter pointed at the witch in the arena. I recoiled from him immediately and stood up.
"Fiance?! Then why were you coming onto me at the bar?" I demanded, pointing an accusing finger a at his chest. Peter took a short step back.
"'Coming onto you', I recall you being very into it as well." He crossed his arms. The hairs on my arms stood up as I thought back to the night.
"That doesn't matter. What matters is that you and I could have... we could have...while you're engaged!" I couldn't bring myself to say the words I was so horrified. Peter deflected my anger with a wave of his hand.
"It a pack thing. Not about love. Besides I was going to break it off anyway." He said.
"And don't get all high and mighty with me, you would have slept with me then and there if I was a vampire." Peter said sharply. It felt like a slap in the face, but it felt true too. I stepped away from him. His face softened immediatly and reached to touch my shoulder. I didn't let him.
"Please Lindsey. Just look past the wolf part and we could try this." He pleaded. Alfie came running over at the perfect time.
I hooked the leash on my dog and faced Peter. I knew what I was about to say and it hurt to even think it. With a deep breath I looked into his glowing eyes.
"I don't even know you." I turned on my heel and headed home.
