18. Ylfa
Night falls over thebeach, and it appears the humans have finally accepted us into their midst.
And it was all thanks to Hunter.
He never leaves Ethel’s side as we gather around a fire, and I’m not jealous. I don’t envy the attention he gives the old psychic woman.
Hunter has always been a flirt. It’s coded into his DNA. Besides, he has probably saved us. Ethel won’t stop laughing as he tells her jokes, and sure enough there are many smiles around the campfire when everyone sees how kind he is to their most senior member.
Who knew wolves could be so genteel, after all. Hunter is no monster. He is charming and definitely has a way with the ladies.
Chelsea, Annabel, and Tiffany look a little sickened by his display as their eyes drift to me, and Annabel actually throws me a sympathetic look.
I’m losing my man to Ethel.
The lyrics to an old country song play in my head, and now I can’t get them out. Stupid Ethel, stupid country music...
Paddy watches me curiously, and at least I still have my childhood best friend.
“You okay? You look ready to gut Ethel.”
I roll my eyes, eating my seagull. It tastes like chicken. “I’m fine. I just wish he wouldn’t have to be so obnoxious about it.”
Hunter’s own chuckle echoes back to me, and I throw my seagull back onto my plate, losing my appetite at last.
“I need air.”
I get up and leave the cave. The humans trust us now, so we can come and go as we please.
On my way out of the cave, my eyes fall on Butch. He’s talking with Tim, and I see the wolves and the humans are getting acquainted. Nice.
This was what it was all about, after all. Even though Raven may not be here, we can still make a truce with these humans. They will pass on word to more of their kind.
Next to Butch and Tim is Zack, my fellow dud. He’s talking with the young guy who vomited earlier, and it turns out that he is Ethel’s grandson. His name is Jack.
I see Zack and Jack are getting along. They’re laughing about something, and that’s good. They look to be about the same age, and their names rhyme.
I hike up to the beach, and once I’m there, I do a double take. The sea is even more beautiful at night. It’s hard to tell where the sky starts and the sea ends.
The water is pitch black, and it terrifies me.
I still hear the distant cry of gulls over the black waves, releasing a sigh. It’s just water. It can’t harm me.
I approach the shore, then slip my feet out of my boots, letting the icy water wash over my toes. I wince. So frigging cold, yet invigorating.
It was the wake up I needed.
“Enjoying the sea, I see...”
I turn, my gaze landing on Butch. I have no idea why he has decided to join me. He seemed to be in deep conversation with Tim earlier, but I suppose I could do with the company.
“Do you need something from me?”
The old shifter shrugs, coming to stand beside me. He slips his own boots off and dips his feet into the water. He glances up.
“I thought you needed company.”
The sound of gushing water passes between us. He’s dying to ask me something, but he appears to be too afraid to get it off his chest.