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“You’re not fine,” I contended, irrationally angry. “You just went a dozen rounds with Gran. You should be dead.” My chest rose and fell as I tried to rein in my emotions and his gaze swept over me, taking in the shirt that barely hit mid-thigh and my filthy feet. “I think food and clothing aren’t too much to ask for.”
“But I didn’t ask for them,” he commented and my hand balled into a fist. “But I’ll welcome anything you provide,” he added hastily and I forcibly relaxed my hand. “You know I didn’t mean to insult you….”
“Just shut up,” I interrupted, reaching down and scooping Gran into a fireman’s hold. “I’ll be back soon with your gruel.”
“I deserved that,” he called as I stomped up the steps, Paige at my heels. “I’m sorry.”
I paused at the top of the stairs, avoiding Paige as she almost ran into me, and looked down at him as he stood in front of the bars. “And what exactly are you sorry for?” I asked pointedly and he dropped his gaze. “I’ll be back,” I sighed, afraid to linger any longer with Gran. There was no telling when she might wake up and I had little desire to explain since I didn’t even really understand what was going on.
I’m confused, Paige piped up and I grimaced.
That makes two of us.
I ducked into the shadows, adjusting my hold on Gran. Do your thing, sister, I murmured and she nodded, moving in front of us.
Why don’t you levitate her? Paige questioned, walking slowly so the glamour she’d covered us with would look more natural, and anyone whose gaze came our way would just skip right past us.
This is just as easy, I dismissed, unwilling to admit that I couldn’t access my abilities at the moment. My energy was at an all-time low and I suspected it had something to do with Caleb and whatever Gran had done. I was pretty sure a shift would be impossible and I was worried I wouldn’t make it back to the cabin with Gran.
Almost there, Paige said, sounding relieved, and I didn’t answer, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. She hurried to open the door and we slipped inside, grateful no one had stopped us. Here, Paige pushed Gran’s door open and moved out of my way as I dropped her onto the bed, almost collapsing myself. I’ve got you, Paige murmured, hooking her arms underneath mine and pulling me up. We moved haltingly to the door, Paige supporting more of my weight than I was, when she stopped. What about her?
I glanced back at the bed where Gran sprawled inelegantly and knew we needed to cover our tracks. Change her into her nightgown, tuck her under the covers, and pretend we have no idea what she’s talking about when she asks, I finally said, my legs quivering under my own weight.
Can you make it into the kitchen? Paige questioned doubtfully, caught between me and Gran, and I nodded to make her decision easier.
There’s nothing there to eat, but I can make it, I replied, attempting a smile, but it fell flat.
Paige smiled mysteriously as she said, Second shelf on the left. I eyeballed her but she didn’t say anything more as I made my way to the kitchen, using the walls for support. I opened the cabinet she’d mentioned and almost squealed when I saw what she’d hidden there. I ripped the tin lid off the can and pulled out a Vienna sausage, popping it into my mouth, and moaned in satisfaction.
I demolished the can before she came in the room and she shook her head when she saw me licking my fingers. Did you wash your hands at least? My finger hovered next to my mouth as I gave her a sheepish look. She rolled her eyes and walked to the cabinet, digging deeper than I had. Here. She thrust a can of Spam at me and my eyes lit up. For Caleb, she stated and my mouth curled in a pout. What’s your deal with him?
He broke a promise, I answered thoughtlessly, the sting sharper than I would have ever imagined. I’d been angry at him for creating the connection but now that he’d severed it without my consent I was….I exhaled, unsure how I felt.
You’re sad, Paige noted as I leaned against the counter. Her eyes narrowed as she tilted her head. And betrayed? It came out as a question, but instead of explaining Caleb’s role in my emotional state, I told her what I’d seen with Strickland.
He’s working with hunters? Paige repeated, bumping into the table as she sank down onto a chair. Strickland? Hunters? She seemed as baffled as I had been by the knowledge, but anger quickly overtook her confusion. Do you think…her lips turned white as she pressed them together, eyeing me. You? She shook her head, quickly amending her half spoken question. Do you think Strickland is planning to give you to the hunters?
