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“You’re not prey, are you?” he asks, clearly mistaking the sound of my stomach for distaste instead of the ravenous hunger it is.
“Um…” I hesitate, unsure how to explain my current situation. “I am, but it’s okay. I eat meat,” I say, going for most of the truth.
It’s not as if I’m not prey. My beast is just missing right now, which I wouldn’t know how to explain even if I tried.
His face twists in confusion at my admission, but at least I’m used to this. People have looked at me like I’m crazy about this for years. I can’t explain it; I don’t even understand it. I just do.
It’s just another thing to add to the list of things that make Serena a freak.
As if the list wasn’t long enough already.
Instead of trying to explain, I go with showing him instead. It’s easier that way.
I spoon a big bite into my mouth, and flavors explode on my tongue.
“Oh man, this is fantastic!” I tell him the second I’ve chewed and swallowed. Years of Lyle yelling at us for talking with our mouths full paid off, I guess.
I shovel the rest into my mouth faster than I should, but it’s too good to stop. Even the bread is fantastic. I’m about two seconds from licking the bowl when another bowl is presented in front of my face.
“Oh, no. That’s yours, I’m fine,” I tell him, pushing it away.
He doesn’t pull back, though; instead, he continues to hold it out for me.
Before I can refuse again, my traitorous stomach grumbles again, and he raises a brow at me as if challenging me to deny it now.
“Ugh, fine,” I sigh, giving in. “Thank you.”
He nods, and I take my time eating this time.
It really is fantastic, especially considering it’s made in a kitchen far less sophisticated than the one we have back home.
I wonder if Storm could make this?
The thought of Storm is like a brick in my stomach, and suddenly, the food isn’t as appealing. Looking up, I find Ryker reclined back on his hands, watching me with a look I don’t quite understand.
“Done?”
I nod, afraid I won’t be able to talk past the lump in my throat. He stands in one swift motion that doesn’t seem like it should be possible for a guy his size. I watch him take the bowls and disappear back into the kitchen, but I can’t bring myself to follow him.
Once he’s gone, I pull my knees up, wrap my arms around them, and hug them close to my chest.
I miss the guys. I should have never followed those stupid flames into the forest. I’ve seen enough movies to know better, but something about them had been so alluring, so magical.
Now I’m gods only knows where with a stranger, who seems nice enough but I have no idea how to get home or if he can even help me.
Letting my head drop to my knee, I let out a groan of frustration.
“Are you tired?” Ryker’s voice startles me, and I quickly uncurl myself, feeling silly for having been caught moping.
“Yeah.” I force the word out. Now that he mentions it, I’m fucking exhausted.
Today has been a long ass day, and maybe some sleep will help me reset and come up with a plan. It’s worth a shot, at least.
“Come on,” he says, holding a hand out to me. I take it; I’m too tired to put much thought into it. “This way.”
He pulls me over to the fireplace, and to my surprise, I find a ladder there. How had I missed that?
Dropping my hand, he gestures toward the ladder for me to go first.
