Strange and Lovely (Part 1) by Rachel Redd Read Free Book Online

to be a way for you to control it. I learned how to change by thinking like a wolf.”
    “So, what, I’m supposed to think like the rain?” I asked. He took my hand, and held it.
    “You don’t have to be anything but Rory,” he said. “As long as the other supernatural creatures don’t know that you’re the daughter of the stars, you’ll be fine.”
    “And if they do find out?” I asked. He grimaced.
    “Then, I’ll tear out their throats.”
    ***
    D eclan and I sat in The Legend, eating stale popcorn and drinking soda, before the late night crowd came in. He threw popcorn into the air, and caught it inside his mouth.
    “Is that one of your...uh, special abilities?” I teased. He laughed.
    “No,” he said. He watched a few students walk into the bar, and lowered his voice. “Other than the whole transformation, there’s enhanced strength and speed, but that’s it. I’m afraid you got the lamest creature of all.”
    “What else can other creatures do?” I asked.
    “Well, I only met that pixie,” he said. “And you do not mess with pixie dust. That shit makes you feel like you’re going through meth withdrawal.”
    “Is that why you missed school for a week, and you didn’t want me to come over?” I asked.
    “Yeah,” he said. “I didn’t need you thinking I had a drug problem.”
    I intertwined my fingers between his fingers. “I’m sorry you had to keep this from me.”
    He smiled. “It’s alright. Do you remember when you always tried to outrun me and lost?”
    I smacked his arm. “Of course. I spent months jogging in the morning to try to beat you.”
    “You couldn’t,” he shrugged. “It’s in my blood to run.”
    “Rory!” a voice called out.
    I turned around. Sam and his frat buddies were settling down at a table. I looked back at Declan. He sighed, looking away. Sam walked over and leaned against the bar.
    “What’s up?” he asked. “I haven’t seen you since Rambo hit my friend.”
    “He was being a racist,” Declan snapped, glaring at Sam. “Why don’t you teach your friends some manners?”
    “Manners?” Sam snorted. “Are you really trying to tell me about manners? You punched a guy in the face.”
    “And I feel like punching someone else,” Declan growled. “I’m glad you happen to be standing here.”
    Sam laughed. “Please. I learned martial arts from the best fighters in the country. I’d like to see you try.”
    Declan stood up, kicking his stool back. “I learned to hit in actual fights. I could take your preppy ass any day of the week.”
    “Declan,” I cautioned. “Don’t get too emotional.”
    Sam gestured to the door. “Let’s take this outside. I wouldn’t want to destroy what’s left of this shit bar.”
    Declan walked to the door. Sam followed him outside. I grabbed my bag. If Declan transformed, he could end up killing Sam. I had to prevent that, for both of their sakes.
    I walked outside the bar, but I couldn’t see where they have gone. I walked toward the east, but I didn’t see any spot where they could fight. I walked back toward the west, and I heard Sam’s taunting voice.
    They were in a parking lot, both of their bodies tense, and their fists ready to swing. I crept behind a car, keeping my head low, and watched them through the windows. Declan already looked like he was about to change. If I suddenly ran up to them, I was afraid it would trigger him.
    “You know, when I met Rory, she was all over me,” Sam said. “I think I was the first guy in her room. She practically spreads her legs every time she sees me.”
    “Shut the fuck up,” Declan snarled, his voice deeper than usual. His fingers were curled, and I watched as they turned into claws. I was frozen behind the car, as I watched fur grow out of his skin, and his head transformed into a wolf’s. The wolf bared its teeth at Sam, and howled.
    When I finally looked at Sam, he only looked slightly surprised.
    “Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf?” he asked. He