Page 17 of Broken Souls

I don't know how long I will stay here but I can't waste too much of my savings so the next three days are going to be spent doing extensive research. She puts my details into the computer and I use my bank card to pay. She passes me the room key and as I go to turn around, she calls me.

“... If you're in danger, you should let us know.”

Damn, I forgot about my bruises. Her mind must be going wild thinking about what happened to me.

“I'm fine,” I say, and she offers a sad smile with a nod.

I go to my room and when I see it, I smile. Even though this is a hotel, this is like my own place. I feel free for once. After setting up my laptop at the table and grabbing a pair of pyjamas, I go to the bathroom. My shower is like an hour long; I figure I should take this time to relax. After I've applied the cream and pain pills, I get to researching.

***

The past two days in this hotel have been bliss for me. I know most people hate being alone but I feel peaceful for once in my life. Being alone in a quiet place that I know is paid for is the most serene state of mind I can think of. Apart from room service, which is expensive, I haven't seen anyone. I've decided I'm going back to school next week. I can't stay here forever, never mind how much I want to. As for my job, I really should wait for my face bruises to heal before going back to work. In the past, makeup was enough to hide my bruises because they weren't so bad but these ones are going to take a little longer before makeup will cover them.

Regarding my research, I have found some small places that are nice but I just don't want to move in and end up struggling because I fall behind on money. This hotel isn't doing anything good for my money problem but that's where I'm at right now. I'm going to try finding cheaper places but going any lower could mean a bad neighbourhood or problems within the apartment.

Figuring I only have one paid night left of my stay, I head down to the lobby to pay for extra nights. The same lady greets me.

“I need to book a longer stay,” I say.

“That's fine. Stay as long as you need.”

“Should I pay daily?” That's probably a good idea. It'll give me a kick in the ass to get out of here quicker.

“Actually, Miss Raines, I've spoken to my husband and we decided you don't need to worry about payment. You stay until you're okay.” She smiles kindly.

“Why are you being so nice?” I frown.

“Honey, we have young kids. I can visibly see you're in a bad situation. I want to do my best to help. If my children were ever in danger, I hope someone would do the same for them.”

“Ohh... thank you,” I murmur, then add, “so much.”

“We own the hotel so anything you need, just ask.”

“I appreciate that.” I smile at her. “I'm Elora by the way.”

“Karena.” She offers her hand and I shake it.

“I'm going to do some shopping. I'll see you later.”

We say goodbye, then I head back to my room to grab my purse. Despite the fact that the small shopping centre is just down the road, I still drive to not exert myself. Going through the shops I need to go to, I spend a little extra money on the things I need now that I don't have to worry about my hotel room. Thinking of Karena's generosity makes a tear fall down my face. Werewolves tend to look down on humans, saying they're weak and have an unpleasant nature about them. Yet humans are the ones that have shown me kindness. Maybe werewolves are the inadequate species in life.

Chapter Sixteen

Walking back into school I feel agitated, but I realise I only have four months to go. Once I get my graduation certificate, even though my grades are bad, that's something to brighten up my resume for future jobs. No one wants a high school dropout working for them. As I get to my locker, Amelia wraps me in a hug.

“You're back. I'm glad. I've been going crazy,” Amelia huffs.

“I'm not. Glad to see you but not to be here,” I tell her.

“Are you okay?” Her eyes shine with concern.

“I'm fine. Don't worry,” I assure her, knowing she doesn't need added worry in her life.

“Just letting you know, I can see the outline of a bruise on your face,” she whispers.

I sigh. “Dammit, I thought the makeup covered it.”

“Those shitcunts did this to you, didn't they? It was too bad for you to come to school.” Amelia has anger in her eyes.