Page 35 of Monster

Once the fire was roaring, he turned to see how much wood he had left.

The pile had replenished itself, as if he’d never taken one log.

Frowning, he rose and crossed the small space.Upon the table was a bucket of water. After giving the man a drink, he added some to a cauldron, along with some root vegetables and herbs he saw on the table. Inside a small cupboard with a thrawl, he found a small piece of smoked pork upon the cool stone slab. He had no idea where it had come from, but he scented it to ensure it was safe and then tossed it into the pot. It wasn’t much, but it would be better than nothing.

It’s not truly food at all.This is a world made within his mind. Even so, the psychic projection of the man needed to be cared for. Giving succor was necessary to his mental health. The mind would not live without the body—and vice versa.

While the soup boiled over the fire, Drake checked the man’s body for wounds. His skin was warming, finally, and becoming overwarm. The cold sweat became a fever, his skin growing heated.

Drake grabbed the bucket of water—which had refilled, too. He poured some into a large porcelain bowl and found a small towel.After, he used the water to bathe the man’s face, chest, and arms.

“Thank you,” the man whispered.

“It’s the least I can do,” he said.

“You asked me a question last time,” the man said. “I can’t remember it now.”

Drake knew the question had led to his dismissal.He was hesitant to ask it again. “You don’t have to worry about my questions.We just need to get you well again.”

The man turned to him, his gaze imploring. “You asked my name. Didn’t you?”

Drake continued to wipe the cool water over the man’s chest.“I don’t need an answer. Just rest.”

Silence fell between them.

“Luca,” the man whispered.

“What’s that?” Drake asked.

“My name is Luca.”

Drake paused and smiled softly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luca.”

Luca smiled.“And you’re… Drake.”

“I am.”

Drake scented more of the mating scent circling him, and he clenched his jaw.

“Why do I… why do I feel a connection to you?”

Unprepared for the question… or the answer… Drake considered his alternatives a moment.“You said you hadn’t had visitors.I’m sure having someone to talk to is exciting.”

“I talk to the panther.”

Drake turned to meet Luca’s stare.“You do?”

“Well, not exactly talk. He makes himself known.”

“That he does.”

Luca smiled. “You’ve talked to him, too?”

“I have.Just before I came in.He seems very protective of you.”

Luca grinned.“He is.” The grin faded. “Not like the others.”

“Do the others talk to you? Like the panther?”

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