Page 54 of The Hunger
Setting the plate on my nightstand, I sat so I could watch the window and worried what my room would become for me next.
“Why are you upset?”
I jumped at the sudden sound of Fenris’s voice by my door and tore my gaze from the window to look at him in surprise.
“I thought you were going to show me how you open the window.”
He grinned as he softly closed the door and crossed the room.
“Sorry, Conall’s still out there watching for me. I had to sneak in through another one.”
He sat on the bed next to me, and my nerves jumped higher.
“Why’s Conall still out there? Didn’t you talk to your dad?”
Fenris leaned toward me and inhaled deeply. A shiver of need stole through me and made me more nervous.
I grabbed the plate of sandwiches and handed it to him. “Here, I made you something to eat.”
CHAPTER TEN
“It’s never easy for me to tell if you’re deflecting on purpose or if it’s accidental. Our pact about unconditional honesty still stands, Eliana. Tell me what thoughts are tormenting that precious head of yours.”
“Only if I get my daily ‘Fenris-stop-pushing-me’ card back.”
He chuckled. “Agreed. Now talk, chipmunk.”
I sighed and set my head on his shoulder, very aware that I was seeking comfort from the person causing my discomfort.
“I’m scared. And before you ask ‘of what,’ it’s of everything. I feel like my life is spinning out of control. I don’t know what’s going to happen next, and I don’t like it.” His arm snaked around my back, and he held me close.
“Feed, Eliana.”
I huffed an annoyed sigh.
“Why does everything need to be about eating?”
“You’re so used to ignoring your hunger that you don’t even realize when it’s affecting your thinking. And before you tell me that’s not what’s going on here, try eating and see if it makes your fear better or worse. Maybe I’m right, and you’ll feel better. Or maybe I’m wrong, and you’ll be able to rub my nose in it the next time I make a suggestion.”
I wrinkled my nose and tipped my head to look up at him.
“I already have plenty of examples. Your attempt to help me get rid of my mom went horribly.”
“Did it? Your mom’s presence in Uttira is what’s keeping Adira at bay.”
“Your advice to Piepen didn’t stop his infatuation with me.”
“Ah, if you’ll recall, my advice was to shackle him with a new woman. Mission accomplished.”
“And your advice not to run in the woods? Do you think that was good advice?” I asked, still trying to understand his motivation.
“For you? Absolutely. For me? It was torment. I can honestly say I’ve never wanted anything as badly as I want you to take a run through the trees with me. Until you’re ready, this is enough.”
He gently squeezed my side.
“Now, are you going to eat so I can dig into these sandwiches that I can smell you made for me?”
Before I could answer, he put his plate aside and tugged me onto his lap.
