Page 11 of Finding Our Home

“We can ask Dorothy about it if you want?” I could feel his eyes on me, but I didn’t look at him.

“No, no. That’s okay. I think I know someone I can ask.”

“Who?”

I stood up. “Chris.”

“Chris who?”

“The shifter.”

“Wait a minute. You know Chris? As in Christopher, the den leader’s True Mate?” His eyes were wide again.

“Yeah, he helped me get away from the witches when they attacked my village. He saved my life.”

“Oh wow. Um, yeah, go talk to him. I’m sure he’s more knowledgeable than any of us.”

When I looked back at him, I noticed how uncomfortable he suddenly seemed, so I asked, “You okay?”

He waved me away. “Yeah, I just don’t think Christopher likes me very much.”

“Why? He’s like the sweetest person I’ve ever met.”

“I know, but… he and Jael don’t get along, and since Jael is my main beholder, he kinda keeps his distance.”

“I haven’t even seen Jael yet. I’ve heard of him, but haven’t seen him for myself.”

Remi smiled a little sadly. “He’s been keeping to himself since we arrived here.” He took a deep breath and blew it out. “Honestly, I miss him. He won’t even drink from me.”

I frowned at that. “That sucks.”

He shrugged. “It’s fine. I just really like him, but he’s been dealing with a lot of stuff, so I get it. I just have to make sure he’s eating.”

My frown deepened. “You have to take care of him?”

“No, but I want to.” He smiled sadly again, then made a shooing motion with his hand. “Go find Christopher and find out what that rumble thing’s all about.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Drink lots of water today, and make sure you eat before he drinks from you again, and eat again immediately after. But water. Drink water.”

I laughed. “I got it, Remi. You’ve only told me fifty times.”

He chuckled. “Well, we had a bestower pass out on us a few weeks back because she didn’t drink enough water. Oh my god, Dregan was so pissed. Her beholder got ripped a new one for not making sure she was cared for.”

My eyebrows rose, but I simply nodded. “Good to know.” I waved at him and headed toward the shifter area. It wasn’t like the island was divided or anything ridiculous like that, but the shifters tended to hang out in one area and the vampires in another. They didn’t mingle very much. At least not that I’d seen.

Right before I turned the corner, I heard Chris’s voice say, “Hey, Neo!” And as soon as he was in sight, he rushed over to me and pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back because I was finally used to getting this greeting.

That was another difference between the shifters and vampires. Shifters were very tactile; always hugging and touching and rubbing your arm or back or neck. It was really nice once you got used to it, but it was honestly a little shocking at first. Vampires aren’t like that at all. In fact, they seem to be the opposite; always standoffish and distant. Except for Dorian last night. He was sorta all over me… and I’d loved every second of it.

“How are you doing, Neo? Are you hurt? I smell blood.” Chris frowned and started checking me over for injuries.

“No, I’m not hurt. I must’ve gotten a little blood on my clothes or something. Um… I was, uh, with a vampire last night.” For some reason, that was embarrassing.

Chris’s eyebrows rose high on his forehead. “Oh. Did he close the wound for you?”

I shrugged because I hadn’t checked, and it wasn’t like there was a mirror hanging anywhere.

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