HIDDEN (Hidden Trilogy Book 1) by T.J. Yelden Page A

slowly.  Man, were boys confusing.   I turned and opened the door, and then looked back as I shut it too see Cade watching me intently. I closed the door and locked it, listening to his retreating steps.  Soon his truck started and the sound faded as he drove home.  I sighed, turned around, and almost jumped out of my skin.  Steve was regarding me from the next room.
    “Everything all right?”  He asked, concern edging his voice.
    “Yeah.  Fine.”  I said as I faked a yawn. “I’m going to bed.”  I nodded goodnight and could feel his gaze on me as I went up the stairs.  I went through my bedtime routine and was soon slipping under the covers.  My phone beeped as I reached for the light.  I pulled it up and saw a message from Cade.
    Sweet Dreams, Kendra. 
    I stared at the screen for a few seconds.  Cade sent that?    I shook my head but typed out my response. 
    Night, Cade. 
    I closed my eyes and dreamed about the black wolf from my drawing, peering from the trees. 
     

Chapter Five
     
    Sunday passed quickly.  Nicole and Steve didn’t ask too many questions about my day on Saturday or the ride home with Cade.  The only awkward moment was when Steve opened the door early Sunday morning and found my backpack sitting right outside the door.  He brought it in and handed it to me when I woke up, with a questioning look.  I shrugged.  Cade must have brought it back some time that morning since I forgot it at their house. 
    Nicole was gearing up for her new job at the childcare center.  I could tell she was excited and it was contagious.  By Sunday night I’d pretty much forgotten about the awkwardness between Cade and me.  Another school week and more homework.  Hopefully things would level out and be normal. 
    Monday morning rolled around and I was unsurprised to find Cade pull in the driveway to pick me up for school.  Conversation was subdued beyond a greeting and I was glad when we pulled into the school parking lot.  Hunter met us outside the door where the others were milling around.  He stepped in front of Cade, cutting him off.
    “Can I talk to you a minute?”  Hunter spoke in a low voice, addressing Cade only.  They regarded each other for a few seconds before Cade nodded subtly and stepped off to the side.  Curiosity got the better of me and I pressed my back up against the pillar opposite of them to hear their conversation.  Cassie and the others didn’t spare me much of a glance since I pulled out my phone to make it look like I was busy.  Instead, I was intent on the conversation on the other side of the pillar. 
    “You have to stop, Cade.”
    “Stop what?”
    “You know what I mean.  She can’t fit the role you need.”
    “Don’t tell me what I need.”
    “I’m just looking out for us.  For the-“  The last word was uttered so low I missed it.
    “You think I’m not?”
    “I think you’re thinking with something other than your head.”  There was a small scuffle and a grunt before Cade’s low voice returned.
    “You want to run that by me again?”  Cade’s voice was low and dangerous.
    “Think about it Cade.”  Hunter was closer like he was being pressed up against the pillar.  Did Cade have him pinned?  “You are more moody, irrational.  You disappear for hours at a time each night.”  Movement sounded from the other side, and Cade’s voice sounded farther away. 
    “What I do is my business.”
    “Not when it affects us all.”  Brody paused before adding.  “I’ve followed you.”
    “You’ve what?”  Cade demanded. 
    “I know where you go.  See you standing in the trees.  Watching.”
    “Damn it, Hunter.  Can’t you leave well-enough alone?”
    “She can’t be one of us.  She can’t lead us.”
    “Don’t you think I know that?”  Cade growled.  “Damn it all.  I can’t control what I feel.  What she makes me feel.”
    “What do you feel?”
    “That she’s mine.  Mine to protect.  Mine to care for.