Page 62 of To Keep A Wolf
“You have every right to be involved,” she says, and honestly, her words shock me. I expected a fight or some kind of resistance, but there’s only regret and kindness in her words now.
“Tomorrow, we all go together,” he says.
“All right.”
More softness from her. It’s so weird.
“You look well, Vick,” my father says.
“You too, old man.”
My mom’s teasing is a shock. And my dad’s reply, “Not too old to get my hands on you,” is even worse.
My nose wrinkles.
I start to back away. No way do I want to walk in on whatever’s happening now. Or about to happen.
“Would you?” my mom asks, dead serious. Vulnerable, even.
I stop moving again, my heart aching at her tone.
“Would you really still put your hands on me, Robert?”
“Vick,” my father whispers, chastising. “My hands ache for you. Always. That will never change.”
Right.
Time to find somewhere else to be.
Parents, it turns out, are gross.
CHAPTER18
Ahand on my arm pulls me awake, and I sit up, fist balled in a half-swing. Levi blocks it before I can hook his jaw.
“Whoa there, killer. Easy.”
“You scared the shit out of me.”
I sit back against the tree, its rough bark digging into my back through my thin shirt. The early morning chill isn’t enough to pierce my core warmth, but the dew has left my shirt and pants damp.
I move a little to chase away the stiffness of a night spent under a tree.
“You slept out here?”
“Tripp needed a bed.”
“You could have come inside.”
“He said you were snoring.”
He doesn’t look sorry. He also doesn’t look convinced.
“Someone needed to keep watch,” I say, defensive in the silence.
“Your dad was doing that.”
I snort. “Not unless you count watching my mother.” As soon as the words are out, I make a face. “Gross, forget I said that.”
