Page 98 of Hunters and Prey

Asher followed her. “I know. And, that’s fine. It will take some time to heal, and even then you might feel some sadness when you think of him.”

She nodded, comforted by his words.

They walked together, in silence, along one of the paths. At least, Asher held her hand, and seemingly shielded her from the world.

Cailyn kept her eyes down to avoid making contact with any of the students staring at her. They made a path for her, some silent, some whispering, as she walked by. She should have been used to the whispers, but they still bothered her. She wanted to run and be free of their judging eyes.

“Don’t you have another class to go to?”

Cailyn wanted to be alone. She needed to sort out her thoughts in silence before something bad happened—something she couldn’t control.

Things never seemed to go well when Cailyn couldn’t control her emotions, so she tried to keep her breathing even. Everything that had confused her while growing up all made sense.

She was both a wizard and a dragon.

Insanity,she thought, shaking her head. And I can’t tell a soul.

“I do. But it can wait,” Asher said. “I want to make sure you’re okay first.”

The sting of tears burned her eyes. She couldn’t let him see them. Who was she kidding? She couldn’t hide anything from Asher.

He pulled her around and held her face in his hands. “Baby, talk to me.”

Cailyn shook her head. “You wouldn’t understand, Asher. Your family is perfect.”

Asher wiped her tears away.

“I do understand,” he said. “Why don’t you come stay with me for awhile, and take your mind off of everything?”

Nodding, Cailyn wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re right.”

“I’m glad you agree. Why don’t you bring enough clothes with you to my place?” He grinned, anticipating her next question. “You don’t have to make a decision about moving in just yet.”

Cailyn couldn’t help the smile that came to her lips.

“Really?”

He kissed her. “Of course. I’m going to do my best to cheer you up.”

“That sounds like just what I need,” she said.

“Good,” he said. “I better get to my next class. You be strong for me baby. One more night in Alexander Hall and I’ll be there to help you take your mind off things.”

She smiled, and nodded, and watched him leave.

As she gazed at the gathering clouds, she closed her eyes.

Perhaps all would be well.

As her eyes re-opened, she sensed just how wrong she was.

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