Page 19 of Those That Are Lost
“Yes, I was planning to feed today,” I respond. “It’s been a few days.”
“Ever tried cows?”
I shoot him a look, surely I hadn’t heard that correctly? Ty chuckles, the small laugh lighting up his handsome stubble covered face. “Cows?”
“I’m guessing that’s a no. And before you ask, yes, we can drink animals. Most don’t like to, feels wrong somehow, but their blood is mostly just as nutritious for us.”
“Won’t it hurt them?”
“No more than when we drink from humans. Done with speed and accuracy, they won’t even notice. Come on, there's a shed full of them this way.” Ty gives my hand a tug and veers off the main path to one leading back away from the town.
“Why can’t we just head to the bar and find some humans?”
“Because you were right last night. This town won’t be able to sustain us for long. Not without us weakening the population. We are going to have to make a plan in the next couple of days to head somewhere else.”
“Cows it is then,” I say, not exactly on board with the idea. But if it means I can feed and not over drink from the townsfolk, then I’ll do it.
The day passes in a hazy blur. After feeding, we take our time heading back to my flat. Sitting on the towns edge, we talk more, but don’t touch any more than keeping our fingers linked and I’m glad of that. There’s no pressure, no expectations, and it allows me to relax more than I have in months.
The evening rolls around quickly and I have to go get ready for my shift at the tavern. Ty doesn’t leave my side,except for allowing me to shower in private. He and Henry take up a booth for the entire evening. They talk and they plan. I manage a few breaks to join them during lulls in the evening service and catch updates on a route they’re contemplating.
Surprisingly, they dismiss leaving the Northern Isles altogether pretty quickly. They agree that as bad as the weather could be for us moving around, it means the Froan pack are unlikely to find us through the next couple of months, through the worst of the winter snow.
The next night passes in much the same way. And the next. The plans get fleshed out whilst I work the bar. The two males fill me in as and when I come past their table.
Several times, whilst I’m pulling pints or mixing drinks, I feel eyes on me and look up to see Ty just watching me. I can’t hide the smile that catches my lips every time I catch him.
Life slips into a routine that feels a little bit easier to handle.
CHAPTER 11
AURORA
The difference a few weeks has made to the weather is impressive. Travelling to Wintica had only been a challenge because I was fighting my own mind. A few narrow pathways had seemed a little sketchy but they weren’t anything compared to this.
We left yesterday, heading north on a route Ty and Henry had planned. I’ve been cursing them both the past hour as we battle icy wind on a mountain pass that feels more like it should be solely used by the goats that live here. They can defy gravity I swear. The path itself is only visible by the fact it’s lined with a mind-bending drop.
I silently thank the gods the voice in my head, the one that torments me, is quiet today. There’s no doubt that falling would kill me, but luckily I don’t wish to die today.
We descend a particularly tricky part and are finally on a flatter plateau. The snow is deeper here, blanketing everything by several inches. Walking the next section will be harder in a different way but I sigh in relief at being off that track.
“Not much further today, we should be able to reach the valley on the other side of this plain before the sun dips toofar. I’ve read there’s caves we can use to shelter in overnight,” Ty bolsters our tiny party.
Henry’s pulled his backpack off and is using it as a makeshift seat as he rubs his hands together, trying to warm his fingers. “I know I helped make this route but holy lords, I’m less fit than I used to be.”
Ty rolls his eyes. “I did warn you that a desk job would turn you soft.”
“It’s important work.”
“Still, I have decades on you both and am currently kicking your asses.” The smug smile splitting Ty’s face warms my entire body.
“Hey, I’m fit. It’s not the physical exertion I’m minding. It's the cold!” I bite back. There’s no malice in my voice; it’s pure indignation.
“Oh I know how fit your body is, Red.” Ty’s gaze sweeps my body, like he can see straight through my thick layers and is seeing the curves of my toned limbs. My cheeks heat as my confidence flees. I don’t know how to handle him flirting with me. “But you’re still complaining.” Ty adds, breaking the moment, lips curving up once more.
I’ve still kept my distance since the other morning. We touch casually, and I feel like I can talk more openly to him, but I’ve not allowed him to sleep in my bed again. Each morning I’ve woken to find him butted up against the bed and my own body on the edge of the mattress like we’ve been pulled together by our unconscious selves. We’re close but he’s on the floor and I’m on the bed, a foot of distance. An important foot of distance.
Each smile I catch on his face, however, carves a strip off my resolve. I want to give in, give myself to him fully. Then the intrusive thoughts start and I retreat back from my walls.
