"Thanks," I murmur halfheartedly.
"Go! We have to go!" Thad urges as he leaps into the car, human and... naked.
Ah crap. Why does he have to look like that naked?
I climb in, my face glowing red, and keep my eyes focused anywhere but the naked man as another changer gasses the vehicle, surging away from the craziness behind.
"They'll track me down if I'm in my changed form for too long," Thad sighs while relaxing in his seat.
"You should... um... put something on. It's cold," I stammer, still refusing to look at him.
"Is that a dig at my manhood?" he chuckles out. "For the record, I'm not turned on by near death encounters."
My glowing red burns brighter as I bury my face in my hands.
"I didn't look at your manhood," I lie, and he is turned on.
He laughs lightly, and then I hear the rustle of his clothes being pulled on beside me. Turning to face him, I feel my face slowly fading back to its normal color.
"Where'd loverboy go this time?" he asks.
"He had some work to do back home. Speaking of which, can I borrow your phone? Mine was sort of left back at the house."
"Yeah." He relinquishes his phone.
I quickly dial Kane's number and start biting my nails as I anxiously await his answer, the tears trying to fall as I mull over what I need to say.
"Hello?" he asks curiously, not recognizing the number.
"Hey," I murmur in relief just to hear his voice.
"Alyssa? Whose phone are you using?" he worries. "Are you okay?"
I'm not even close to being okay.
"Yeah, I'm fine. There was a small problem back at the house, and I had to leave rather quickly. Thad came and got me. I was just worried about you."
"Shit. What happened?"
It'd be easier to tell him monsters are hunting me, because then he'd definitely stay away.
"Nothing you need to worry about. Look, Kane, this has gotten worse than I realized it would, and I don't think-"
"I know - it's a lot worse. I went by your house tonight to grab you some more clothes, and your place was trashed. Alyssa, I don't think your mom is with friends. I called a detective I know, and he's looking into the case for me. I'm on my way back right now. Where are you going?"
My breath shakily slides out, and everyone in the car tries to pretend they're not listening in.
"That's just it. Kane, I think it would be best if you stayed away from me until we find out what's going on."
"Hell no," he scoffs. "Tell me where you're going. I'll be there as soon as I can get a flight."
Tears start to drip, and Thad pats my leg as I try to gather some composure.
"Kane, I can't. I care about you too much. I don't know what's going on, but I won't let you be in the middle of it. I'm sorry, I really am."
"Alyssa, tell me where the hell you're going!" he demands, fear lying in the undertones of his voice.
"I'm sorry," I repeat in a whispered whimper while hanging up.