Page 33 of The Hunger
After I hung up, Dad insisted that we go home so Mom could rest before returning to work later. I tried to stay and visit with them as long as possible, knowing that Fenris was more likely to find me at the Quills, but it was becoming increasingly impossible to hide my growing hunger as the minutes passed.
Just before dusk, I conceded to the clawing need.
“Could you ask Mrs. Quill to come get me?” I asked Mom.
“You’re welcome to stay here,” Mom said.
“I know. But my things are there.”
She smiled knowingly as she sent the message. “And your parents aren’t. Promise that you’ll come by the club again tomorrow?”
A portal appeared in the living room.
“I promise.”
A quick goodbye later, Mrs. Quill and I were in my bedroom.
“Did you have a good day?” she asked.
“Good enough. I’m a little hungry, though.”
She cupped my cheek.
“Then eat, my darling.”
I allowed myself three quick pulls before saying goodnight. She didn’t fight me on it, but she did give me a long, knowing look before she left.
Rather than turning on any lights, I hurried through getting ready for bed while there was still some light outside. Then, I made a temporary bed in my closet, just in case. I was glad I did when my phone buzzed.
Fenris: I forgot that I’m not the only one who has years of experience at hiding. I won’t forget again. Ready or not, rabbit, I’m on your trail.
The message contained a picture of my car in Ashlyn’s driveway. In the background, around the house, there were trampled paths in the snow.
Tossing my phone aside, I curled under the covers and closed my eyes.
“Eliana? Sweetheart, are you here?”
The muffled sound of Mrs. Quill’s voice penetrated my restless, light sleep. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, looking around my closet for a disoriented moment.
“I’m in here,” I called.
The door opened, and Mrs. Quill looked down at me in confusion.
“Did you have a bad dream?” she asked.
“No. No, I’m okay.”
“Then why are you in the closet?”
“I wanted to stay away from the window that keeps letting in the brownies.”
“The druid verified the wards.”
“I know. I just thought I’d sleep better in here. Is there something you wanted?” I grabbed my phone to check the time.
“There is. It’s Fenris. I left him at the front door. I know you said you didn’t want to see him, but you also told me you didn’t want me to lie for you.”
Her words were like a shot of espresso to my system. My skin tingled, alive with need and uncontrollable hunger. The heavy beat of my pulse echoed in my ears and made it hard to hear her next words.
