Page 56 of Rocky Top

He nodded slowly, setting his glass down on the mantel. “I figured you'd have questions.”

“That's an understatement,” I shot back. “Why don't we start with what the hell you are?”

His eyes flashed briefly as if to remind me.

I stepped back. “You—you were a damn wolf,” I whispered.

He winced. “Yeah, Sunshine. I am.”

“WHAT the actual fuck, Rocky?! You turned into a fucking wolf!” I shouted, arms flailing. “That’s not something you spring on someone.”

“I get that you’re scared,” he said, voice low, even. “But I wasn’t gonna let that bastard hurt you.”

“And didn’t you consider that I should’ve known you were some kind of supernatural creature before you stripped down and went full Twilight on me?”

Eliza tried not to laugh.

“It’s not exactly first date conversation,” he said.

I just glared. “So, everyone’s in on it? Everyone but me?”

“No. So, keep your voice down. I was tryin’ to protect you,” he said.

“That went well.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I'm a shifter. A wolf shifter, to be exact.”

“And the club?” I pressed.

“All the officers are shifters of some kind,” he admitted. “Their ol’ ladies. Some others. Wolves, mostly.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “So, all this time, I've been hanging around a bunch of supernatural bikers, and no one thought to clue me in?”

“It wasn't just my secret to share,” Rocky said, his tone defensive. “Eliza found out because of Knox. We don't just go around telling people what we are.”

I turned to Eliza, betrayal evident in my eyes.

“Honestly, I just found out. I told you first thing. Not that they wanted you to believe me.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “This is insane. Absolutely insane.”

“I know it's a lot to take in,” Rocky said, stepping closer. “But you needed to know the truth.”

I stared at him, wondering if he was telling the truth after all the lies. “Why now? Why tell me now?”

“Because you’re in danger,” he grunted. “And I couldn't protect you without revealing what I am.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. “So, what happens now?”

“That's up to you,” he replied. “I understand if you want to walk away from all this. From me.”

I stared at him, my emotions a whirlwind. Part of me wanted to run, to pretend none of this was real. But another part, a deeper part, felt drawn to him, to this world I'd been thrust into.

“I don't know what I want,” I admitted.

“Take all the time you need,” Rocky said, his gaze intense. “I'll be here.”

I nodded slowly, turning to leave the room. Eliza followed me, her presence a comfort amidst the chaos in my mind.

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