It’s Funny How Love Starts (IFHLS Book 1)

After I put on my attire for the day consisting of a plan black t-shirt, jeans, and converse, I went downstairs first as if nothing happened. On my way to the kitchen to grab some breakfast, Zane pulled me aside to a corner of the kitchen where it was harder to see if anyone came in.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Hey, Alexia,” he said. I couldn’t help but notice how he didn’t call me ‘sis’ and it shouldn’t have bothered me since I should have never had the title in the first place.

“Uh, hey, Zane,” I said uncomfortably and I hated myself for feeling that way. “Why are we in a corner?” He ignored my questioning and went straight to the point.

“I hope your still into this but Travis found something we might be interested in.” I raised my eyebrow at that. He got me full attention.

“Keep talking,” I urged him to continue.

“He didn’t tell me specifics yet but he promised more information and he’s waiting for us in the public library in town. He says it’s too dangerous,” he said in a low voice.

“Come on, Zane, just because she isn’t your sister doesn’t mean you can go off hiding in a corner with her and the lights turned off.” The kitchen light flooded and Jace walked into the kitchen, grinning. Zane instantly turned to go grab something in the refrigerator, pretending to be busy. “So what’s too dangerous?” Jace asked, smirking when neither of us said anything.

“Ah, for her to stay out of her usual trouble,” Zane replied a beat too quickly.

“And somehow I’m not buying that,” Jace tsked. “I’d hate to report everything back to Lucas,” he threatened in a sing song voice.

“I’ll stay out of trouble,” I said, rolling my eyes at Jace and he winked.

“I didn’t mean you and your ‘destroying the world problem,'” Jace smirked, grabbing himself a cup of coffee. “I meant Zane’s interest in women is shifting.”

“Stay out of my privacy Jace,” Zane said annoyed.

“But you can’t say that she’s your sister anymore, can you?” Jace challenged.

“Urgh, I gotta go,” Zane said, eyeing me to get out when I can. He made his own exit with a yogurt and a spoon in hand.

“What’s it to ya?” I asked when Zane was gone. What was Jace trying to get to?

“I’m just stating out the facts and possibilities my friend,” Jace shrugged, sipping his coffee.

“Which is what? That he suddenly likes me because it wouldn’t be incest?” I laughed out loud.

Jace raised his eyebrow and winked. “Glad you’re catching up.”

“You pervert,” I scoffed. Jace raised his hand in mock surrender.

“Whatever you say, captain.”

“I’m out,” I said, rolling my eyes which seemed like the thousandth time when Lucas strolled into the kitchen. Jace laughed which made Lucas perk up with interest.

“What’s so funny Jace?” Lucas asked, suspicious. I gave Jace a hostile look to shut up.

“Oh, nothing, my friend. We’re just having a nice conversation, right Alexia?” Jace gave me a friendly smile.

“Hardly,” I stuck my tongue at him and grabbed a yogurt and spoon just as Zane had. I was about to leave the kitchen but Lucas stood in the way.

“I’m curious,” he said playfully.

“Well, like they say, curiosity killed the cat,” I smirked and punched him playfully then ducked my head, away from his grasp.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” he called out. “I thought our goal was to put you away from any trouble.”

“I might hit some books in the library,” I answered. “I haven’t gone out much so I thought it would be a good opportunity.” To think of it, I haven’t picked up a book since Zane playfully took it from me. That was also the first day I met Lucas. Geez, time flies pretty fast. It felt like it was years ago when really it was at least a few weeks ago.

“OK, just steer out of trouble,” Lucas said. “And also, we have another party today.”

“What?” I stopped and turned back towards him. “We were just under attack yesterday.”

“Well, not really a party but a gathering. Werewolves like to take it fancy and live it up,” he said but sighed when I gave him my ‘are-you-serious-face.’ “They want to be reassured that there aren’t any more threats but for obvious security reasons, we can’t do it in this house anymore so we’re having it in a hotel.”

“A hotel?” I raised my eyebrow. “That sounds sketchy.”

“It’s a fancy hotel so wear something nice. If you go in those t-shirts and jeans of yours, you’re going to give me a heart attack,” he said wide-eyed. I grinned and he gave me his special smiles.

“I might just go like this just for you,” I joked and received a pat on my head that messed up my hair. Ugh.

“Just come home at four since the party is at six,” Lucas instructed.

“Yes captain,” I said, mocking a salute.

“Hey, that’s my line!” I heard Jace’s voice from somewhere in the kitchen.

Lucas rolled his eyes but laughed. “See you,” he smiled.

********

When Zane and I had entered the library, we spotted Travis right away with a laptop in tow. Where he got the laptop no one knew but hunters were clever enough to steal one without anyone noticing.

“What did you find?” Zane asked, cutting to the chase, almost jogging up to Travis. Way to be inconspicuous.

“We should sit down Zane. We don’t want to draw in too much attention,” I said, tugging on his sleeve until he sat down on a chair. Our rushed entrance and Zane’s loud outside voice already attracted enough attention.

“OK, so this morning I tried hacking the hunter’s online database system and I found an important file that I hadn’t gone through,” Travis said excitedly. He probably had a bad image of our parents…Zane’s parents but he still loved a good mystery and he had promised to help.

“Which is?” I asked, hardly able to contain my excitement. This might be it. We could be one step closer to finding the murderer.

“It’s a file containing everything from a current address and personal information to the investigation of everything that happened to Charles DiGetto, the hunter who went MIA the night of the murder.”

Bingo.

“Great! Where does he live?” Zane asked, ready to go that instant. “We can get there before the party starts.”

“Hold your horses. If you go, the first thing he’ll do is try and kill you. If not, call headquarters which is equally bad news,” Travis said. Zane looked blankly. He was too focused on action that he didn’t think further onto the effects of what his actions would cause.

“OK, so what’s the plan then?” I asked Travis. He looked at me intelligently and I slowly saw a plan forming in his head.