Page 90 of The Hunger
“Not really. That’s why no one believes Fenris.”
“Do you believe him?” Zoe asked astutely.
“I think I do. I want to. What I am and how I affect people makes it hard to know what’s real and what’s not.”
“I think you do know,” Zoe said. “At least, Eras did. His coercion only went so far. It pulled me in, and I remember how it felt. The way I wanted to kiss him. To taste him.” She shuddered. “Even though a part of me wanted all of that, a larger part of me didn’t. That’s why I cried. If Fenris really didn’t want you, you’d feel it.”
I stared at Zoe for a struck moment and realized how right she was when I thought back to all of the people Mom fed from who’d been reluctant. The most recent example being the man she’d tied to a chair at the Quills’. I’d felt his resistance before Mom flashed him. Then again, when she’d offered to share him. There’d never been any of that with Fenris. Just lust. All the time.
“Thank you,” I breathed, looking at Zoe. “I hope you do decide to stay, but for purely selfish reasons. It’s not easy to make friends here.”
The sisters laughed.
“Oh, we know,” Kelsey said.
I stayed and talked with them for a while longer, adding to what they knew about various creatures from Ashlyn’s journals. When it was time for them to make lunch, I said goodbye and went to the neighbor’s house.
“Go away,” an accented voice said through the door when I knocked.
“You either talk to me or a fury. Take your pick.”
I heard something muttered in another language a moment before he yanked the door open. Zoe was right. Their neighbor was handsome. Dark, golden skin with dark coarse hair and bright hazel eyes that edged toward yellow. Too bad his angry scowl marred his beauty.
“My name’s Eliana. I’m here on behalf of—”
“The Council can—”
“Whoa!” I interrupted, feeling his rage. “I’m not here on behalf of the Council. I’m here for your neighbors.”
His now golden gaze flicked toward Kelsey and Zoe’s place.
“Why?”
“Because they’re human and new and wondering who you are. And before you get any ideas that they’re easy prey, they’re protected by Megan, the resident fury.”
His gaze pinned me. “Resident fury?”
“Yep. And she’s very protective of the humans in Uttira. Can I count on you to leave your neighbors alone and notify the Council if you see anyone acting against Megan’s wishes to keep the humans safe?”
He stared at me for a hard second.
“Perhaps.”
He slammed the door shut in my face.
On my way to my car, I sent Kelsey a text.
Me: Your neighbor is rude but understands you’re under Megan’s protection. He should leave you alone. But if he doesn’t, let Megan know. She’ll be able to get to you faster than I can.
Kelsey: Do you know what he is?
Me: No, but I’ll ask Mrs. Quill to see if she knows.
Kelsey: Thanks. And thanks for the visit. Come back any time.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“We’ve been expecting you,” Mom said from the kitchen table as Dad took my jacket.
