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No one is going to come down here, I assured her. Go find out what’s going on.
She raced out of the cell, forgetting to shut it and I slowly got to my feet, my gaze locked on the helpless form of Gran.
Chapter Eleven
Dru
I jogged the last mile, feeling a sense of urgency coming from Paige. Caleb was a blank page in my mind, and frustration warred with worry as I came to the outskirts of our little community. Dawn was peeking over the horizon but already several members had gathered in the center of the village. I skirted around them, not wanting to be discovered coming from the woods completely naked and covered in my own blood.
What’s going on? I asked Paige, heading for the house.
Where are you? She sounded freaked and I slowed, ready to change direction if she needed me.
Going to the house. I need clothes, I answered calmly.
I’ll meet you there, she replied. Strickland came back with two boars, she added. Did you have anything to do with that?
I didn’t reply, wishing for the umpteenth time that a conversation could end when you were no longer in earshot, instead of the mental ones that meant you couldn’t escape. She didn’t push though and I ducked into the crude outdoor shower, pulling the handle to dump freezing water over my head and rinse the blood off.
A towel appeared in the door and I took it, scrubbing myself dry. I lowered the towel to find Paige scowling at me. I’m fine, I muttered and she rolled her eyes, her finger poking my side. I flinched, dodging another strike. Okay, not completely fine.
Her hand hovered over my side and I nodded, letting her heal the fractured rib. Heat radiated from her palm as the bone splintered apart and knitted back together correctly. I gritted my teeth against the pain but didn’t utter a sound. Caleb? I questioned, unable to wait any longer.
He’s alive, she reported, her eyes coming up to meet mine. But we have another problem.
I tilted my head and she motioned for me to follow her, tossing a shirt at me. I yanked it over my head as we headed back to the underground cell, avoiding the excited people gathered around the boars Strickland had brought back. Never fails, I muttered, watching as they congratulated him.
Quit pouting, Paige ordered.
I’m not pouting, I retorted, smoothing my expression before she turned around. He just gets all the credit. Is it any wonder they despise me?
Paige slowed, her gaze contrite. They don’t despise you, she replied and I let out a disbelieving huff. They’re terrified of you, she revealed, as if that was somehow a better alternative.
Thanks, that makes me feel so much better, I answered, casting a lingering glance at those who’d gathered before hurrying to catch up to Paige. What is so – I stopped, staring in disbelief. “Gran?” I hurried down the stone steps, a different kind of dread going through me at seeing her lying on the ground. “Is she?” I glanced at Paige but she didn’t look any different, giving me hope that Gran hadn’t kicked the bucket.
“She’s alive,” Caleb testified, relieving me of one fear. “Still out cold though. Paige whacked her good.”
“Pa-,” I couldn’t even say her name as I stumbled to a stop. “You…” I pointed at Gran as I looked at Paige, forgetting for a moment that she couldn’t hear me, but she clearly understood because her expression became remorseful.
I did it to save him, she defended, gesturing to Caleb.
“It’s true,” he confirmed and my gaze darted to him as he answered one of my questions. “Paige saved my life.” He swallowed, his face worn, but his blue eyes shined brightly as he looked me over. “You’re okay.”
I nodded shallowly. “I’ve had better days.” I took in his wan expression, the dark circles under his eyes and the way he held onto the wall. “But my day was still better than yours, I think.”
She was killing him, Paige shouted and both of us winced. Sorry, she muttered as we turned to look at her. I didn’t know what you were saying.
Caleb, I tried mentally, but he didn’t react and I wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t hear me or some other reason. “We’ll talk later,” I muttered, dismissing him as I turned back to Paige and Gran’s unconscious body. We need to get her home, I told Paige, who nodded, her gaze darting between me and Caleb.
He’s hungry, she squeaked and I heard an audible snap come from Caleb’s direction. And cold. A rumble met that revelation and I glanced over my shoulder at him.
“She means well,” I snapped, irritated that apparently he and Paige could communicate just fine. “I’ll be back soon with food and clothes.”
“I’m fine,” he said curtly and I spun around, planting my hands on my hips.
