Page 121 of The Hunt
“Tell him I say to cut it out or he can find a new house to ruin.”
I looked at her immaculate house and shoveled driveway.
“I think your idea of ruining a house is warped.”
“Nope. My house was perfectly undesirable, which kept people away.”
I laughed.
“It didn’t keep me away. Or Oanen or Fenris or Aubrey.”
“Yeah, yeah. You made your point. And I hope I made mine. No more leaving me out of your life. No matter what happens, call me. Trust me to have your back.”
“Trust seems to be a hang-up for me according to Fenris.”
“Well, now you made me want to keep talking. What types of trust issues are you and Fenris talking about?”
“You are far too fascinated with that wolf for your own good. Bye, Megan.”
She was still begging for details as I hung up on her. I smiled, glad she’d called to yell at me. Not only did I know she’d help me figure out where Ashlyn was, but she’d also distracted me from my hunger.
When I looked up, I almost screamed.
Elbner had opened the door and was standing behind the screen in the dark house.
“Elbner, that’s really creepy. I think I’d almost prefer a shoe.”
“Who were you talking to?” he asked. Asked, not demanded. His tone was grumpy, sure, but not as angry as I’d thought it would be.
“That was Megan. She’s going to be coming home soon. She’s worried you made her house look too nice, but I promised her it’s perfect.”
He grunted and moved out of the way as I opened the door. His bowl and spoon were already out on the table.
“I’m really sorry about Monday. With the banshees singing, everything’s been crazy.”
“I heard them. I figured.”
I paused with my hand on the honey and looked back at him. His gaze conveyed so much anger, which was pretty typical, but his words were almost…
“You’re being awfully nice. Not that I mind, but is everything okay?”
“When is Megan coming home?”
“Um, I’m not sure. A few days? Maybe a week. She wasn’t sure herself.”
“I think it’s time I move on. I’d like to say goodbye to Piepen before I go, though.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s possible. He has a new home now. And a girlfriend.”
A hungry look crossed Elbner’s expression. My appetite responded instantly, and my vision sharpened.
“I know Megan finds eating brownie wings repulsive. I wouldn’t do it if I were you.”
He grunted and sat down at the table, watching me mix his oats, milk, and honey. The way he hungrily dug in as soon as I was finished made me hungrier. I fled the house without saying goodbye.
As I drove through town, I briefly considered Mrs. Quill’s offer. My stomach rumbled greedily in agreement, which worried me. I’d hated every bit of energy I’d taken from them and blamed the intensity of my hunger on that group feeding. I was used to being hungry. Or I had been. Stupid dinner.
I kept driving, and when I reached the clearing and parked, I sent a quick text to both Mom and Mrs. Quill to let them know that I wasn’t up for dinner.
