Page 70 of Kai's Hunger

Fostine’s expression softened, a flicker of understanding breaking through her armor. “One day at a time,” she said quietly. “I’ve been down this road, Lily. It’s going to suck for a while. But we can walk it together, right?”

“Right.” Tears streaked down my cheeks as a sense of companionship settled over me. Fostine’s vulnerability, beneath her guarded exterior, was a quiet haven. “He’s evil. I’ve never known such evil.”

Fostine patted the back of my hand. “He’ll get his,” she promised, her voice raw. “Until then, we aren’t going to let him define us. Get it?”

My hand squeezed Fostine’s. “Thank you,” I whispered.

Fostine’s lips quirked into a faint, understanding smile. “Let’s take this one step at a time,” she said, her tone gentle. “We’ll heal, and we’ll show the world that survivors are more than their scars.”

In that moment, as our hands held tight, the room felt a little less cold.

“Fostine.” My voice trembled. “I’ve been thinking about Kai.”

Fostine’s gaze shifted from the window to me, her expression guarded but attentive. “What about him?”

I hesitated, playing with the edge of the blanket. “He saved me from Patterson. He’s been so kind, and he’s helping me through all of this. But I’m worried ... about what he might do to Patterson.”

Fostine’s eyes darkened, her jaw clenched. “Kai has every right to want vengeance,” she said through gritted teeth. “He’s angry for what Patterson did to you, to both of us.”

I shook my head, as conflicting emotions warred inside me. “I can’t let him do something that will ruin his life, Fostine. I don’t want revenge. I just want him to be safe.”

Fostine’s eyes held a wealth of frustration, as well as understanding. “Lily, he’s not like other people. He’s determined to protect you, to make sure Patterson can’t hurt you ever again.”

I took a steadying breath, my gaze unwavering. “But I don’t want his life to be consumed by that darkness. He’s already been through so much.”

A shadow of contemplation passed over Fostine’s features before she spoke, her tone softer. “You care about him a lot, don’t you?”

I nodded, my lips curving upward. “More than I thought was possible after everything.”

Fostine’s shoulders relaxed, her expression softening. “I think you need to have an honest conversation with him,” she advised. “Tell him how you feel, and maybe you can find a middle ground.”

My brows furrowed as I tried to imagine that conversation. “You’re right.”

“I usually am.”

My fingers traced the pattern on the bed sheet before I looked up. “There’s something else, something Kai told me. He revealed a family secret.”

Fostine grinned. “Oh, yeah? And what secret might that be?”

I took a deep breath, my voice steady. “That you’re shapeshifters.”

Fostine winked. “He finally told you, huh?”

I nodded, my eyes shimmering with wonder, and no small amount of uncertainty. “He explained it to me. About your family. Not much, but we haven’t quite had time to really talk.”

Fostine’s lips twitched. “I suppose secrets have a way of being revealed when they’re needed most.”

“I don’t know much about it, but it’s a lot to take in.”

Fostine’s expression grew more serious, her gaze holding a determined spark. “If you’re willing, I can help you understand more about our abilities. I can even teach you to defend yourself. To ... to protect yourself from anyone who might want to hurt you.”

Surprised by the offer, I asked, “You’d do that?”

Fostine sat up straighter, her demeanor one of control. “I’ve learned that facing our fears and embracing our strengths is the only way to truly heal. If you’re willing to learn, I’m here to help you every step of the way.”

As the conversation between us flowed, the room’s atmosphere radiated a sense of newfound understanding. Just as the warmth of our sisterhood settled in, the door creaked open, and Kai stepped in. His eyes found mine, and he grinned. As if happy to see Fostine and me getting along.

“Am I interrupting something?” Kai’s voice was laced with a playful tone as he entered the room.

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