Page 18 of The Howl
“Sure.”
I knew by that answer he wasn’t taking me seriously.
“I better go,” I said.
Head down, I left the room and started for the parking lot.
“Eliana!”
I recognized the voice and wanted to groan. Fenris was the last person I wanted to see at the moment.
Picking up my pace, I hurried down the hall.
He called my name again, sounding closer. I wrinkled my nose and elbowed a dryad out of my way. Her indignant huff barely registered as I focused on the distant door. I was so close.
A hand settled on my shoulder at the same time Fenris’s scent filled my senses. My vision started to sharpen, and saliva pooled in my mouth.
I needed to feed. Badly.
Afraid for Fenris, I shook free of his hold and ran, bowling people over in my need to get to my car.
As I backed out of my spot, I saw Fenris standing just outside the door, a look of hurt on his face. Far above him, Adira stood at the edge of the Academy’s roof, her gaze shifting from Fenris to me.
For the first time in my life, I spun gravel.
Chapter Four
I wipedmy damp palm against my skirt. While I hoped the provocative dress and scarlet red lipstick I wore would be seen as a peace offering, I doubted it would be enough for Adira.
Taking a calming breath, I stepped into the dining room.
Mr. and Mrs. Quill, who were speaking softly by the sideboard, quieted and turned toward me. Mrs. Quill’s concerned expression melted to one filled with joy.
“Eliana, you look stunning.”
It took every ounce of self-control I possessed not to tug at the hemline of my extremely short skirt.
“Thank you.”
I glanced at Mr. Quill to gauge his reaction and found his gaze completely clear of any infatuation.
“It suits you, Eliana,” he said with a kind smile.
“Adira said she might be late. Let’s start without her,” Mrs. Quill said, already moving to her seat, which Mr. Quill pulled out for her.
“The mashed potatoes look delicious,” I said, sitting.
“Thank you. I tried a new green beans recipe tonight, too.”
I smiled and held out my plate, grateful for the normalcy of the conversation and the Quills’ lack of reaction to my clothes and makeup.
“How are the new humans doing at Girderon?” Mrs. Quill asked.
“Eugene, Kelsey, and Zoe seem to be liking it so far,” I said, purposely using their names.
“Any trouble from the other students?” Mr. Quill asked.
I was saved from answering what felt like a staged question by a knock on the door.
