Page 28 of The Hunger
Mrs. Quill’s expression shifted from surprise to confusion to worry.
“Eliana, it wouldn’t be right to—”
“I’m hungry and don’t want to go home.”
Her expression immediately changed. She scanned the neighboring houses then nodded.
“Of course we can go inside.”
“Thank you.”
She left me on the porch to portal inside, a perk of being a Council member, and opened the door for me. The warmth of Ashlyn’s home enveloped me. I glanced at the living room and the book still open on the coffee table and felt a pang of regret.
“Do you want to sit?” Mrs. Quill asked.
I glanced back at her. “No, thank you.”
Without waiting or asking, I forced myself to push my hunger at her. Mrs. Quill responded with a surge of lust. I allowed myself three quick pulls. The whole feeding took less than a minute.
Mrs. Quill blinked at me in surprise; then a smile lit her face.
“That was lovely, Eliana. I wasn’t aware you’d advance to that level.”
“In Adira’s world, it’s advance or suffer. Would you mind portaling me to Mom’s house? I’ll pick up my car later.”
“Of course, darling.”
I took her proffered hand and stepped into the portal with her. Several moments later, we appeared at Mom’s door.
“Please don’t tell anyone where I am,” I said to Mrs. Quill. “A day without harassment in any form sounds really nice.”
She agreed, kissed my forehead, and left me to knock on Mom’s door.
If Mom and Dad were surprised to see me again, so soon after I left, they didn’t mention it. Dad did ask about my missing car as we made lunch, though.
“I’m trying not to be found. My car in your driveway would be a giveaway.”
I caught Mom studying me far too shrewdly and smoothly redirected the conversation to Dad’s new exercise regimen. We’d managed a few minutes of conversation before my phone rang. When I saw it was Megan, I excused myself to the guest bedroom.
“Mrs. Quill said that you didn’t want to come home because we’re here? Is that true?” she demanded.
I wrinkled my nose.
“Are you alone?” I asked.
There was a moment of silence.
“I am now. Why? What are you up to?”
“I’m being crafty. Or, at least, I’m trying to. Fenris makes it look a lot easier than it is.”
“Do I want to know what you’re up to?”
“Probably, but I’m not going to tell you. I do promise, though, that it has nothing to do with avoiding you.”
She huffed a sigh. “Fine. I’ll let you keep this secret short-term if you agree to hang out with us soon. I thought we’d spend time together non-stop once I got back.”
“I just saw you this morning.”
