Page 24 of Monster

“Who are you?”

Drake spun to see a man standing before a small fireplace.

His eyes swirled with color as he stared at Drake. “Who are you?”

The same question I couldn’t answer before.“A friend,” he murmured, giving the same response he’d given the last time in the back of the truck a few days before.

“I’ve never seen you here before.”

“I’m new,” Drake quipped, smiling.

The man frowned and turned back to the fire. “I made some stew.It’s not much, but I can spare a bit if you’re hungry.”

“I am,” Drake said, stepping forward.

“Have a seat.”

Drake moved to the small, rough-hewn table near the fire. He took a seat and watched as the man scooped up two bowls of stew and brought them to the table. After he’d placed them on the surface, he tore at a hunk of bread and handed a piece to Drake.

“I don’t get visitors here… ever.” The man lifted his stare and held Drake’s gaze.

“I’m grateful to be your first,” Drake murmured as the man sat across from him.

He handed Drake a small, wooden spoon.

When their hands met, Drake felt a shiver race up his spine. The other man seemed to sense it, too.His head whipped over, and once again he met Drake’s gaze.

His eyes were pale gray and looked silver as the light danced in them. Drake allowed his gaze to move over the man’s handsome face. Strong, masculine angles formed the face, but were softened some by the full bottom lip the man had.

Altogether, the man was beautifully made, in a strong, manly way.

He tore his gaze away and focused on the stew for a moment to collect himself.Drake was there to guide this man out of his imprisonment, not jump his bones.

This can’t be Bull’s father. He’s too young.

The man could only be in his mid to late twenties.If he had a son who was easily in his thirties, there would be some slight signs of aging.

This is his mental projection of self… perhaps he still sees himself as a young man.

“By the way, I never told you my name or asked yours,” he said, offering a hand.“Drake.”

The man looked at his hand, frowning. After a moment, Drake realized he wouldn’t get that shake.

What did start shaking was the shack around them. It started slowly, but soon grew in violence.

“You need to leave,” the man demanded.

“I just got here.”

“Leave!” the man roared, jumping to his feet.

A picture flew off the wall, the glass shattering upon impact.

“I didn’t mean to upset you… you don’t have to tell me your name.I won’t ask again.”

“Leave!” he roared, the sound echoing in Drake’s mind.

The animals’ roaring grew, coming through the walls and making Drake’s ears feel as if they’d bleed.He raced from the shack, passing the roaring panther on his way out. Drake ran back to where he’d entered, the screams making it hard to remain upright.

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