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I’m fine, I replied automatically and a shiver went through me as I felt his doubt, but he didn’t question me, a fact I was grateful for as I met Paige’s eyes. You’re right, I told her, About all of it, I continued with a sigh as her eyes widened in surprise. Staying isn’t an option, but neither is leaving you.
She smiled sadly. I can’t leave and you won’t go. I gripped her hand, any comfort I attempted to give futile in the face of our reality. I’d hoped one of us would have a chance at a life, Paige murmured. She bumped the stack of old comics intentionally. That heroes really did exist.
I didn’t like seeing her hopeless expression but before I could say anything, there was a knock at the door. I moved silently, pausing at the door until Paige nodded, the glow fading from her eyes. The heavy wooden latch thudded against the wall as I cracked the door. Margaret’s eyes met mine for the barest second before she looked down, her head bowed.
“Miss, do you have any more of the deer meat?” Her voice quavered, as did most of the villagers whenever they had to come to me.
I shook my head, then frowned when I realized she couldn’t see me because her eyes were glued to the floor. “No, where’s Strickland?” I asked brusquely, almost all requests for food or resources went through Strickland at Gran’s request. Most of the villagers were terrified of me, so she must be desperate.
“I don’t know,” she whispered, almost crying. “I can’t find him.”
My forehead wrinkled at that information and Paige came to the door. You’re scaring her, she reprimanded, brushing me aside.
I didn’t do anything, I protested as the door creaked open wider. I just asked a simple question.
Paige reached for Margaret’s hands and when she realized who it was she looked up in relief. Paige patted her hands gently, smiling through gritted teeth as she asked me, What does she want?
Meat, I answered, buffing my nails on my shirt. Strickland isn’t around.
They’re hungry, Paige concluded, still smiling as she raised her hand, mimicking eating and Margaret nodded hopefully. Do we have anything?
I leaned back, out of Margaret’s line of sight as I shook my head.
Nothing? Paige asked a little desperately and I lifted my shoulders helplessly.
We’re all hungry, I reminded her unnecessarily. Food was scarce since most animals avoided our land, sensing it was tainted and there were no roads, making trips into towns difficult at best, and near impossible during the winter.
She has a sick son, Paige prompted and I closed my eyes, already well aware of that fact. We can’t let her leave emptyhanded.
I cursed under my breath, knowing she was right, but not liking my options. Give her our dinner, I told her and Paige’s eyes shot to mine, already knowing what was coming. I’ll have to go hunt tonight.
It’s dangerous, Paige replied, grabbing for my arm, but I was already at the window.
So is starving, I muttered grimly, raising the sash and slipping out so Margaret wouldn’t see me.
One meal won’t hurt anything, Paige called after me, worried, and I glanced back.
Caleb has to eat, I said, feeling my stomach clench with hunger. I understood all too well the appetite of a shifter, the constant, gnawing hunger of an empty belly, and if he had any hope of surviving then he’d need meat. I’ll be back soon, I reassured her, but the pinched look didn’t leave her face as I ducked my head, making my way to the woods.
I hadn’t gone two miles when I felt the link I shared with Caleb flare to life. Where are you going? I slowed, my concentration split between Caleb and the ground, as I tried to avoid long ago set traps.
Why do you think I’m going somewhere? I asked instead of answering.
I felt you shift.
I stumbled in surprise. You felt me shift?
Yeah, it hurts, he grunted, something in his tone telling me he wasn’t pleased about that fact. Then it felt like you were moving away from me.
That I understood. Our connection felt like a thin string, growing taut as the distance between us grew. I need to hunt, I answered briefly, my hackles rising slightly. I didn’t like this feeling of having to account for my whereabouts.
Need? He prodded and a low growl escaped me. My stride lengthened as I tried to outrun the connection. Dru, his voice took on a soothing note, I worry about you. I’m stuck in a cage. Help me understand.
I snorted, shaking my head but I slowed down and it felt like the connection between us grew more elastic, allowing it to stretch further. In case you haven’t noticed, there’s not a lot of stores around here.
A spurt of amusement met my words. Are there any?
