Page 24 of Siren in the Rain

Maybe long ago, when my mother was still alive.

However, I know that my stepmonster isn’t going to let me go without a fight. I might be safe within these walls, but will I ever be able to leave them? Her power and reach are considerable.

Wolf Boy shifts from foot to foot again, as if he’s desperately trying to hold himself back from entering my room unbidden.

Fucking hell, why is even that cute?

“The bathroom’s fully stocked with toiletries and towels and stuff. There should be some clothes in various sizes in the dresser too. We’ll be able to get you more stuff of your choosing soon.”

I can tell he’s trying to put me at ease, but I haven’t managed much in the way of sleep since I escaped and can’t even begin to process everything that’s happened in the last twenty-four hours. My body’s shutting down and I can barely keep my eyes open. “’Kay,” I mumble.

Wolf Boy’s expression softens. “Get some rest, Shae. We’ll talk more later. Your room locks from the inside only.” He flashes me a shy smile. “Thought you’d like to know that.”

With obvious reluctance, he leaves, and I manage to stand up to close and lock the door behind him. Too tired to take a shower, I strip out of my filthy clothes and crawl naked under the sheets. I’m out before my head hits the pillow.

When I open my eyes again, the sun’s setting over the horizon. I step out on my balcony once more and watch the purple-red sky transition to darkness before returning to my room to take that much-needed shower.

I’m still plagued by a bone-deep fatigue that permeates my entire being, but my mind is clearer after getting some sleep. The hot spray of the shower further revives me, and I can’t stop touching my throat to make sure that the torture collar is truly gone and it wasn’t all a dream.

Once I’m fully clean and refreshed, I get out and dry off before hunting down some clothes. I find a pair of baggy gray sweatpants I have to cinch at the waist and a black sweatshirt that fits decently. Back in the bathroom, I towel-dry my long hair and comb it out. The reflection that looks back at me in the mirror is pale and slightly gaunt.

I can’t remember the last time I had a decent meal. Margaret often liked to punish me by withholding food. It was almost like some sick, twisted game to her. The effects of it are all too visible on my underweight body.

As if on cue, my stomach emits a loud rumble, and I sigh. It looks like I’ll have to face my new roommates sooner rather than later.

I make my way downstairs on soft feet and follow the tantalizing smell of cooking food.

When I arrive in the kitchen that’s connected to an open dining area, I spy Dallas at the stove, stirring something in a huge stockpot.

“Shae!” Wolf Boy cries out happily before bounding over to me from the dining table.

I immediately back up and he stops, his pointy ears and tail drooping along with his smile.

Fucking hell. That’s not playing fair.

I feel an odd pang in my chest when I look at his forlorn countenance, but I stand my ground. After all, I can’t have him getting too close and thinking I’m going to go along with the fated-mates crap.

Clasping his hands tightly behind his back as if trying to hold himself in check, Wolf Boy rocks on his feet excitedly, seemingly over his momentary disappointment.

I don’t think I’ve seen him be still since I met him.

“Are you hungry, Shae? Dallas is making his famous chili with corn bread. You’ll love it.”

My stomach growls on cue and Wolf Boy laughs with delight.

“Whoa, did you hear that, Cap?! I told you he’d be hungry.”

Wolf Boy seems to have several settings, and they’re all variants of excited.

He should annoy the fuck out of me. But instead, I’m drawn to his effusive warmth and bright smile. There’s something about the guy that inspires hope in me, and I don’t want to kill that.

“That’s why I made my legendary chili and corn bread. No one can resist it,” Dallas rumbles.

Wolf Boy gives him two thumbs up and a cheeky grin. “Good job, Papa Bear.”

Dallas narrows his eyes at him. “What did I say about that nickname?”

Cal appears and flops down in a chair at the dining table. He’s changed since I saw him earlier and now he’s wearing jeans and a black T-shirt with yellow lettering on the front that reads, Mage the 4th be with you.

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