In the yard below, the men, who’d only minutes ago fought each other, now gathered in small groups. Most cast subtle glances at the newcomers Winifred had rejoined near the front of the truck. She was speaking to the man who made my stomach flip, but I couldn’t hear anything she said.
The man stood with crossed arms as he listened to Winifred. I hoped they weren’t still discussing me. My presence didn’t warrant that much debate. If they wanted me to leave, I’d move on as simple as that. Well, not that simple. I still didn’t know where to go. But, this place was only ideal if they wanted me here, and except for Mary, I really wouldn’t mind leaving.
A tap on the bedroom door distracted me.
“Charlene?” Mary said, peeking in.
“How did it go?” I asked, turning away from the window. She opened the door further, and I saw Gregory standing behind her. I glanced at her neck. It was unblemished.
“Gregory wants me to go outside with him to speak to Winifred. I didn’t want to leave you in here alone. Will you come?”
“Of course,” I said. I didn’t really want to be inside alone, either.
I stepped into the hallway, and Gregory nodded in greeting. He stood aside so Mary and I could precede him down the stairs. Mary remained quiet as we made our way through the main room to the outer door. There, she hesitated and glanced back at Gregory.
His gaze met hers, and he gave her a reassuring smile.
“I’ll go first,” he said.
He pulled open the door and stepped outside. Most of the men stood with their backs to the door so Gregory had to nudge his way through. When those he nudged turned and saw me standing behind him, they made room.
“If she’s so important,” a raised male voice said, “take her back with you and keep our sanctuary safe.”
The men around me growled in response. Whoever was speaking wasn’t making friends. I wondered if the rest would challenge the speaker as they had Anton.
“As you can hear, they don’t want her to leave,” Winifred said.
Gregory took a few more steps forward, with Mary and me closely behind him, then stopped. The men quieted as I passed. Gregory reached back to offer a hand to Mary. She shyly wrapped her hand in his and stepped forward, leaving me alone in Gregory’s shadow.
“I acknowledge Gregory as my Mate,” Mary said.
She stood facing Winifred. At least, I thought she did. I wasn’t ready to peer around Gregory to find out. Instead, I glanced at the men around me. A few gave me small smiles. Given the current conversation about Mates, a topic I wanted nothing to do with, I nervously returned my gaze to Gregory’s bare back.
“But I’ve asked him to wait to Claim me,” Mary continued.
“And I agreed for as long as Charlene is here,” Gregory said.
He stepped aside, exposing me. Automatically, my gaze lifted to the leader, the one who so obviously didn’t want me to be here. The man’s sullen expression changed to one of disbelief. His arms fell loosely to his sides as his gaze swept from my dirty shoes to the top of my blonde head. As he studied me, I studied him.
His eyes were a deep blue, blanketed by thick brows that matched his dark brown hair. His nose was strong and proud with a slight bump on the bridge. A hint of a shadow covered his jaw and upper lip. He was dangerously handsome; and when I found my attention settling on his lips, I averted my gaze and glanced at his other friend. The one beside him grinned widely and winked a startling light grey eye at me. I blushed and glanced away.
I wished I’d stayed inside. My heart picked up its beat.
Mary withdrew her hand from Gregory’s and moved to hold mine. The new men continued to watch me, and a few of the ones behind me grew restless. No doubt, they didn’t like me receiving additional attention.
“If it’s all right, we’d like to go back inside,” Mary said.
Winifred nodded, her watchful gaze never leaving the dark haired man. I didn’t think he was the one she needed to worry about, though. Under the scrutiny of over forty pairs of eyes, I walked the path to the door.
Mary closed the door behind us, spun, and briefly hugged me.
“I didn’t think he’d say yes. And I half-expected Wini to object. I’m so glad I get to stay with you.”
And I was, too. Now that I knew I couldn’t control any of the men out there, the idea of staying without someone who didn’t want to bite me, bothered me. I walked to the table and sat down. My cookie and Coke still waited for me.
Mary tilted her head as she studied me, and I knew she was speaking with Winifred.
“Wini wants to know how you’re doing.”
Every time I thought I was okay with things, something new came my way. If I were honest with myself, I was tired of the men out there and more afraid now than I was before I walked out the door this morning. I couldn’t control their wills; and while Winifred could, she wouldn’t use her control to force them to leave me alone. Doing so would be an abuse of power, and I understood too well how dangerous that could be. Yet, if I could figure out how Winifred split her will and try to duplicate it, I wouldn’t feel so powerless here…if I stayed.
Though a small group wanted me to leave, I didn’t think the majority would allow that. I wondered if that meant I was stuck here whether I wanted to be or not.
But I couldn’t say all of that to Mary. So I settled for part of the truth.
“I’m tired. And on edge. Would it be possible to put off the rest of the meetings until tomorrow?”
Mary nodded.
“She’s telling them, and then she’s going to bring in the rest of the groceries and supplies.”
Other than waking us, she’d stayed outside since she had gotten here, trying to keep the men in line. She probably wanted a break, too.
There was a brief tap on the door; then, Winifred walked in followed by Gregory and the broody dark haired one. My stomach did an odd somersault again, and I couldn’t help the quick glance at his very bare chest. I struggled to keep my expression neutral though I was annoyed with myself.
“These are the other groceries I brought up,” Winifred said, motioning to the bags the men carried. “Where should they set them?”
“By the pump, please,” I said quietly when Mary said nothing. The table would have made more sense, but I was sitting at the table and didn’t want the men that close. I tried to keep my focus on my half-eaten cookie but couldn’t, so I discreetly watched them walk to the pump and set the bags down.
Outside the door, another fight started. I looked up at Winifred. Her shoulders lifted and fell in a silent sigh. Weariness radiated from her, and I didn’t think it was because of actual exhaustion. I wondered if she wished she was back teaching her kids.
“I will be right back. Mary, perhaps you could make me something for dinner?” Winifred asked as she walked toward the door.
“Sure, Wini,” Mary said. But Mary wasn’t looking at Winifred. She was staring at Gregory. Gregory was returning her regard with a confident grin.
“I can help you,” he said.
Mary nodded shyly, oblivious to me and the other man in the room.
“Since you have help, I think I’ll go lie down for a bit,” I said, standing.
Mary tore her gaze from Gregory and eyed me with concern. “Don’t you want to see what Wini brought?”
I glanced at the bags near the pump. They rested at the feet of the one who didn’t like me. He stood there with his arms folded across his chest, watching me with an undecipherable expression.
“There’s no hurry,” I said. I’d had my cookies and Coke and paid the price. I wasn’t ready to pay anything more for whatever treats Winifred had brought.
I turned and left.
When I opened the door to my room, I sighed. The bed, marooned in the center of the room, called to me like the oasis it was. I sat on top of the quilt, kicked off my shoes, and pulled the spare blanket over my shoulders as I lay down.
After so little sleep the night before, it didn’t take me long to drift off, away from the troubles of this place.
“Are you hungry?”
Mary’s voice penetrated the fog still clouding my mind, and I blinked awake.
“What?” It was less of a word and more of a yawn. I lifted myself up on an elbow and tried to focus on her.
Squatted down beside the bed, she grinned at me.
“You must have been very tired. You have sleep lines on your face.”
“It’s not easy to get a good night’s sleep here.” I sat up, rubbed a hand over my face, and glanced at the window. Sunset painted the frame. Since there were no clocks, I didn’t ask what time it was. However, based on the sky, I guessed that I’d slept for several hours.
“Did I miss dinner?”
“No, I saved you some. Everyone’s outside again.”
“Did Winifred get anything to eat?” I asked as I threw back the blanket and stood with a stretch.
“She did. And she thanks you for your concern.” Mary moved with me as I went to put on my shoes.
“How did it go after I left?”
“The fighting quieted down once they knew you weren’t coming back out.”
“I meant with Gregory,” I said with a laugh. I didn’t care much about the rest, though I was grateful they’d let me sleep.
Mary blushed a pretty shade of pink. “He seems sweet.”
“Oh? How so?” I asked as we left the room. Shadows obscured the corridor. I kept one hand on the wall and wished I’d grabbed Anton’s candle.
“Careful, stairs ahead,” Mary said.
I immediately slowed. Once I was on the first step, I counted until I stepped onto the lower level. From there, it was easy to set my hand against the wall and find my way to the main room. A fire burned low in the fireplace, and a lantern lit the table.
“A lantern,” I said with excitement. “That’s perfect.”
“It was in the bags of supplies. Wini thought we might need it.”
I sat at the table to inspect it. I recalled my grandmother having a hurricane lamp in her living room. This lantern was similar in that it had a wick, but the glass globe completely protected the flames. The handle and hood made it safe to hang from a hook and not burn down the building.
Mary set a plate before me and sat across from me.
“Thank you.” My stomach growled when I saw a quarter of some type of fowl, a baked potato, and peas. I picked up my fork.
“You never answered,” I said before I took my first bite. “How is he sweet?”
“He doesn’t know how to cook. But he cleaned the pheasant while I opened the can of peas and washed the potatoes. We didn’t talk. We worked together without needing to.”
I stopped chewing and studied her hopelessly infatuated expression. I didn’t understand their race. There was no courtship or time to get to know each other from what Mary said. The man decided whom he wanted, then bit her. Sure, she might fight back or decide to let someone else bite her, but that decision was based on what? Strength? We weren’t living in the prehistoric age where only the strongest survive. The world had changed. Why didn’t they see that? Winifred did. But she was trying to convince the men to change. In my opinion, she needed to start with the women.
I swallowed, took a sip of my Coke, and snapped my fingers before Mary’s eyes to get her attention.
“He didn’t do anything more for you than he would have done for himself. I’m not saying he isn’t sweet. I’m saying you’re labeling him sweet for doing ordinary things. Give him a real reason to be sweet.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ask him to do something for you that your men normally wouldn’t do.”
She frowned and studied the table. I knew she was trying to think of something so I went back to eating.
“What would you ask for?” Mary asked after several minutes of silence.
I grinned at her. “You’ve slept in my bed. Which do you like better, floor or bed?”
She laughed.
“Bed.”
She stood and walked to the door. Gregory must have been close because he filled the frame within seconds. She motioned him in. I turned back toward my plate and pretended I couldn’t hear them.
“Hi, Gregory,” she said softly.
“You want a bed,” he said flatly.
I cringed. Just how well could they hear?
“Yep. I do. Charlene’s bed is clean and comfortable, but too small for the two of us. I won’t take hers. She needs it more than I do. But it sure is nice.”
There were several long moments of silence. I kept eating and stifled the urge to turn around.
“Fine,” he said finally. The door opened and closed again soon after.
Mary came back to the table and sat down with a grin. She didn’t seem at all put off by his less than accommodating attitude.
Before she could say anything, there was another knock on the door. She popped up again to answer it.
“Your father and Gregory are waiting for you outside.”
I turned at the sound of the voice. Him again. The dark haired leader who made my stomach go crazy. He watched me, not Mary.
“Waiting? For what?”
“You said you wanted a bed. Gregory’s not foolish enough to pick one without you along. He knows how this game is played.”
Did his eyes just narrow slightly?
“Game?” I said, since he seemed to be talking to me.
“She won’t like the one he brings back, right?” he said with a hint of anger.
I shook my head slowly, unable to believe he was so clueless. Trying to do something nice for a girl was a game? I turned away. Maybe she wouldn’t like the one Gregory brought back, but that would be because of the quality of the item. After all, I had sent back the mattress that appeared gnawed on. Wait, did those men think I was playing games with them because I rejected some of what they’d brought? I mentally sighed at the thought.
“Charlene? Do you mind if I go?” Mary asked.
“Why are you asking her? Is she your leader?” he asked.
I couldn’t help it. I turned around to stare at him. Even Mary’s mouth hung open for a moment.
“I’m asking because Wini wanted to be sure she’s okay staying here alone.” Mary sounded like she was ready to smack him.
“She won’t be alone. I’ll stay with her.”
Mary and I shared a look. Alone would be better. But I didn’t say that.
“I’ll be fine.” At least, I hoped I would be. Winifred was right outside the door; and, apparently, they could hear everything. “Thanks for your concern, Mary. And have fun.”
She gave me a last apologetic glance then left. The guy closed the door, and I turned back to my plate. When he suddenly spoke from behind me, I barely refrained from jumping.
“I’m Thomas.”
Good for you. Now, buzz off. “Hello,” I said, instead.
I took a bite of potato. A full mouth couldn’t speak rude things. Though my parents had taught me to respect everyone, I was having a hard time with him. His complete and obvious resolve to be rid of me probably had something to do with it.
He sat across from me and watched me eat. My stomach did a weird flip again, which I ignored. I kept my eyes on my plate and not his naked chest.
Although he was pale, he wasn’t sickly. I couldn’t recall seeing many men without their shirts, but he seemed unusually muscled. Several defined cords decorated his shoulders and his crossed forearms. I totally wanted to stare.
Several minutes of silence passed. When I finished eating, I threw the slightly charred potato skin in the flames along with the bones then went to the sink to wash.
He didn’t move, but I felt his eyes on me. I pumped enough water into the tin washbowl to wash my hands and face and plate. When I set the plate aside to dry, he stood.
“Winifred said you’ve made some changes. Show me.”
I turned and studied him. He looked mildly annoyed, and I couldn’t decide if his tone was a command or a question.
He watched me in return, his arms once again crossing his chest. He didn’t seem like he would accept a polite refusal. Hoping that he’d leave once he got what he wanted, I agreed.
“Of course,” I said, moving away from the pump.
I snagged the lantern from the table and led him out of the main room and toward the first of the small rooms that lined that hall. I pushed open the door and stepped aside so he could see in. He stopped beside me but did not enter. I studied the space as I spoke.
“We’ve gone through the windows, collected the whole panes of glass to create several solid windows, and removed broken glass and debris from the rooms. I plan to board up the windows still missing glass.” I turned to see what he thought and found him watching me. “If I stay,” I added.
His face betrayed nothing regarding how he felt about me staying.
“Which rooms have the whole windows?” he asked.
“The main room and several on the second floor. It will be easier to board up windows on the main floor.”
“Show me.”
We stood facing each other; he impatiently waited for me to lead, and I hesitated.
Take him upstairs? I brought my fingers up to my collarbone, as close to touching the bites as I dared, to remind myself I wasn’t with people who knew how to behave politely. Going upstairs with him didn’t feel like a good idea.
“Have you lost your way already?” he said with a smirk.
Irritation melted my budding worry. What an annoying man. I turned around and led him up the closest flight of stairs. Along the way, I started motioning to the rooms Mary and I had finished. Those doors stood open. Doors without windows remained closed. He barely spared each a glance.
When I stopped at the last one, my room, he looked down at me. Unlike the other repaired rooms, the door was closed. He waited expectantly.
“Does your room have a repaired window?”
“Yes.” I didn’t move to open the door, though. I could just imagine how he’d react to a bed and dresser.
“Show me.”
I briefly narrowed my eyes at him, reached out, and opened the room I shared with Mary. Was he just looking for signs I’d settled in so he could complain? I stepped inside. He followed me, moving further into the room. He took a deep breath as he studied everything. He looked at the bed longest.
His expression changed slightly. Some of the arrogance left.
“Are you comfortable at night?” he asked quietly. He turned toward me, letting his arms once again fall loosely to his sides.
I didn’t like the sudden change.
