“What about Annabelle? And that last guard? They didn't shift?”
“No, they don’t. Both were only a quarter wolf. Half of them don’t shift, but she does have some traits.”
“Then why are they around?”
“He makes them do things. Those are the ones that gather supplies, cook, and clean. They are still part of the pack. They still earn their keep,” he said.
“What happens when you shift?” I asked.
“That’s enough questions… I need some air…” he said, then turned around and left the room. A few seconds later, the front door opened and closed. The quietness hung over me.
It was true. I didn’t dream any of it. Those howls were real. They transform into wolves. I was going to be living with a wolf. I’d been living with a wolf. He hadn’t eaten me yet. Maybe that’s because he was following orders.What if he decided I was a good meal later?
I couldn’t believe this was my life. Twenty-one weeks ago, I was a freshly turned eighteen-year-old enjoying life. I was partying. I was smoking weed. Life wasn’t great, but it sure as hell beat what had happened in the last four months. I went from being pregnant to being held captive.
Oh lord. My mind went back to the cellar. The room I’d entered, where there were chains. Big, big chains. Those weren’t for humans. Those were for werewolves.
I decided I needed some fresh air, something that I hadn’t truly enjoyed in months. I walked slowly out of the bedroom and out of the cabin. Once I closed the door, I leaned back on it. I took some deep breaths.
The sun was high in the sky. It was probably around noon or so. I stepped out into the grass, and there was a spot where the sun hit. I walked to that spot and sat down, crossing my legs beneath me. I looked up to the sky and focused on my breathing. It was December, but Louisiana was warmer than home. It felt like the low sixties, with a slight chill from the wind, but I didn’t care. I hadn’t gotten to enjoy the outside since August.
Leaves crunching under shoes caught my attention, turning my head. Quinnlyn walked to me. The veins in his neck weren’t popping out. His hands were relaxed at his sides.
“Are you… okay?” he asked, cautiously.
“Yeah. No. I don’t know. Right now, I just want to enjoy the sun,” I said.
“I’m gonna make some lunch,” he said, before he walked off.
I sat on the ground. I studied my surroundings. I could hear water rushing nearby. Birds chirped in the trees that surrounded the cabin. It was quiet. No neighbors. Only trees and running water.
My body flinched at the sound of the door. I turned my head as he stepped off the concrete patio and headed my way with a bowl in his hand. As he stepped closer, the smell of food hit my nose. Even with a hearty breakfast, I’d missed several meals and was instantly hungry.
The bowl had red beans, rice, and andouille sausage. Once he handed me the bowl, he walked back inside, grabbing more bags from the back of the truck on his way. The food was just what I needed. It was hot, warming me up. The perfect hint of spice. I spooned the food into my mouth, savoring each bite.
Something rustled to my right, and my head spun quickly. Quinnlyn was inside, and my adrenaline spiked. A big doe stood there staring at me. I stared back at her. Eyes wide, both of us frozen. I sighed. Just a deer. I continued eating while staring at her. After a few moments, she relaxed and reached down and ate some of the foliage on the ground.
Then she darted off. I watched her until I could no longer see her. Once she was gone, I headed inside before something else came out of the woods. Alligators were common down here, but they usually weren’t roaming around in December.
I walked back inside, heading for the sink to wash my bowl. Quinnlyn was at the counter, putting various things away. He reached for the bowl, but I ignored him and continued to the sink.
“I can wash that. I should wash that. You should rest,” he said.
“It’s fine,” I said flatly.
I washed the bowl and put it in the little strainer next to the sink, before going back to bed. I prayed for a peaceful nap. I needed one. I started feeling weak and overwhelmed as I walked to the bed.
The smell of fried chicken pulled me out of my slumber. Goodness, it smelled so wonderful. I wanted to sleep, I didn’t want to leave my dream. I’d been dreaming of Aspen and my little guy. They were both there alive and well. I needed to name him. He deserved a name. The smell of frying potatoes pulled me back.
I wasn’t sure how long I’d been sleeping, but the sun was nearly gone. I got off the bed and walked into the common room. Quinnlyn was standing at the stove, spatula in his hand, flipping sliced potatoes around. Two chicken breasts were sizzling in another skillet.
I sat down in the rocking chair. My thoughts instantly jumped to the baby. I should be rocking him in this chair. This chair almost felt cruel. A single tear rolled down my cheek.Fuck, Zalayuh, you can’t cry every day all day.I got up and moved to the other chair. I just couldn’t do it.
“Are you hungry?” Quinnlyn asked, startling me.
“Yeah… it smells good,” I said. I quickly wiped the tear from my cheek. I didn’t want him to see it.
“Do you like greens?” he asked.