Page 25 of Aine

I nod. “I will.” It’s odd talking with somebody who outwardly shows so much concern for me. Even my parents didn’t dare do so, fearful of what our leader would do should somebody overhear.

Jenna doesn’t stick around for too long, excusing herself just as quickly as she arrived.

I suppose I’m up for the day, and I put my hair in a loose braid before heading to the dining hall. I still worry about getting lost, so I make sure I don’t stray from the thin trail already made from Damien and Olivia walking it each morning.

I’d like to get some breakfast before meeting Alex in the gardens. It’s surprisingly hard work, and I have a feeling I’m going to need all the energy I can get.

The place is just as empty as it was yesterday, and I’m grateful nobody tries to make conversation as I sneak to the back and fill up my plate. There are more beasts here than I originally thought, but thankfully, none seem particularly excited to meet me. They’re polite but a bit standoffish.

I find a table to myself in the back and shovel down my food before heading to work. I’m not quite as lucky finding the gardens as I was yesterday, and by the time I arrive, I’m covered in sweat. My body tenses as I search the field for Damien, then relaxes when I realize he’s not here.

Good. It’s easy to work when I don’t have his beady eyes staring at me all afternoon.

Alex is standing next to the shed speaking to Abby, and he waves me over as I start to maneuver through the crowded rows. He frowns as he watches me, the action causing me to pause and glance down to make sure I’m not stepping on anything important.

I’m definitely not, my feet planted securely in the dirt between the rows and far away from any of the goods.

Alex is already walking toward me by the time I look back up, and I rush to meet him halfway.

“You’re wearing jean shorts to garden?” he asks, his tone indicating how crazy he thinks me to be.

I don’t blame him.

“I wore the only athletic clothing I have yesterday,” I admit.

The corners of his lips turn down, and he gives me another onceover before sighing and gesturing for me to follow. He doesn’t wait for my response before heading in the direction of the woods. I watch him for a moment, shocked, before obeying and scurrying behind.

Nobody seems to care about our departure, and the few beasts we do come across barely spare us a glance before continuing with their day.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

Alex points to a house up ahead. It’s hard to see from here, but I’m able to spot what looks like a chimney and front porch.

“My mate had a lot of good gardening clothes. You can have them.”

It doesn’t go unnoticed that he used the past tense when speaking about his mate, but I don’t comment on it.

“Thank you.” I whisper the words but know he hears them by the way his head dips.

The remainder of the walk is quiet, and I patiently wait outside while he runs in and grabs the clothes. I’m shocked when he comes out with a giant bag of items, my eyes widening at the sheer amount.

“I’ll carry this to your cabin so you don’t have to do it later,” he says, throwing the bag over his shoulder without breaking pace.

I can feel my cheeks warm as I follow. To say I’m flustered would be an understatement. I hadn’t expected anybody here to be so generous with me, especially a beast I just met.

“I appreciate you giving me these.” I jog slightly to keep up with his fast pace.

Alex shrugs, but I notice him holding back a smile. “They weren’t doing any good sitting in my closet collecting dust.”

A comfortable silence stretches between us as we walk to my cabin, and I take the time to try to memorize the way. It’ll do me good to pay attention to the woods and learn the lay of the land, especially if I’m to stay here long term.

“How do you like it here so far?” Alex eventually asks. My cabin is just visible up ahead, and I notice him tense as we approach.

“I’ve got no complaints.”

Alex’s eyes are wide as he walks up the steps to my home, his eyebrows raising as he pushes open the door and welcomes himself inside. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Clearly, the people here feel more than comfortable entering each other’s personal spaces.

“This is where he’s got you living?” Alex mumbles to himself. “I thought he would’ve had it made nice.”

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