Chapter 14 #3
“Does it hurt when you transform?” The thought of someone’s body turning into a completely different shape is incomprehensible. “It sounds terrifying.”
“Not at all. It’s almost a relief sometimes. Mind you the first time can be uncomfortable to say the least. Especially if you turned from a bite instead of being born a werewolf.” He tilts his head to the side and I find my eyes being drawn up into his.
“And I’m guessing as your mum and dad were both wolves then you were born one?”
I try piecing together all the information I’ve been told.
He smiles. “Exactly. My dad met my mum when she joined the pack.”
“I still find the idea of you growing fur and walking on four legs crazy I must admit.” I laugh as I drink more cider.
“Maybe I’ll show you sometime.” He offers with a smile.
“Umm… ok.” I smile back. “But is it not like… I dunno… It feels like a private thing for me to watch.” I feel my face go red.
“Well-“ He’s cut off by my dad calling everyone’s attention as he stands next to the camp fire.
My mum is next to him holding his hand as he raises his beer in the air.
“I propose a toast! To being reunited. To those we lost and to our future and most of all to Krista whom I could not be more proud and grateful!” His exclamation is drowned by cheers of “To Krista!” and if my face wasn’t red already it certainly is now.
I raise my can back to everyone and Lukas puts his arm over my shoulder in a half hug as he clinks his can with mine.
After the noise dies down my mum raises her hand. “And now we’ve all eaten our fill how about we help Penny tidy up as you know she’ll only do it all herself otherwise!” She laughs.
Everyone gets up and starts carrying plates and used utensils into the main house.
I pick up what I can and follow Izzy into the kitchen.
It’s a lot bigger inside than I first thought.
The kitchen is huge with state-of-the-art appliances and a granite worktop.
The lighting is from chandeliers made from various antlers woven together.
Izzy spots me looking around.
“It was like this when we got here.” She explains.
“Kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms were all set up like some Airbnb. Plus most of the cabins were as well. Thankfully as Caleb likes his own space and Jason and Penny desperately need some time to themselves.” She winks with a giggle.
“It’s been nice getting settled into my own little cabin.
Actually having privacy!” She blows a long whistle. “You cannot imagine how nice it is!”
“It looks amazing in here! It's weird though don't you think?.” I ask.
“Yeah but I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth!” She laughs. “I see you and Lukas are getting along very well?” She gives me a side smirk as she washes up some plates.
I grab a tea towel and start drying. “He’s been showing me around and helping me settle in.” I answer nonchalantly.
“Mmm… and? What do you think of him?” She pries.
“I mean he’s nice to look at don’t get me wrong! But… wait are you and him?” I do an awkward show of locking my fingers together.
“Oh hell no!” She laughs. “He’s like a big brother to me! We grew up best buds and as lovely as he is there’s no way me and him could be a thing! Yuk!” She shakes her head side to side with her tongue lolling out. It has me cracking up.
We have all the clearing up done in no time with everyone’s help and before long we’re huddled around the camp fire.
It must be coming onto midnight but I don’t want the evening to end.
I’m on my fourth can and everyone is happy and laughing.
I can’t stop myself from smiling as we all chat and I get to know everyone.
Izzy is the life of the party. She’s so energetic and positive not to mention hilarious with her quick witty remarks.
Caleb is the quietest and keeps looking down at his tablet but even he joins in with the nonsense sometimes.
Jason and Penny are snuggled together under a blanket.
Her head resting on his shoulder as he delicately runs his fingers through her hair.
“So when are we going to hear about how Krista bested Alistair anyway!?” shouts Jason. “Honestly I’ve been dying to hear the gory details all day!”
Izzy swivels in her seat to look at me. “Yes! Me too! It’s about time someone made him feel pain!”
“It wasn’t just me. Mum was there too. It was a team effort.” I look to her to carry on. She seems to get the point that I don’t wanna give a play by play.
Partly because I’m worried it would open our connection and cause me to feel like I’m having a heart attack but mostly because I don’t want to feel my connection to him in the first place. I don’t want to be tied with him. He’s an evil monster. I’d rather forget he even exists.
“I helped until I was unconscious! We buried him under mud and stone but when he burst free I was thrown. When I woke he was bound to a tree with its branches and Krista looked like she was about to pull his head from his shoulders. It looked like a tornado had swept through!” She says proudly.
“So how did you get Hades to let us go? Carter said it was some sort of trade?” Caleb asks, leaning forward holding his thumb and forefinger to his chin. His eyes bore into mine searching for answers. It feels like he’s challenging me to confess to something.
I straighten my back to show I won’t be intimidated. “I gave Hades a choice. Free you all or watch his son die.”