Page 6 of Bait Wolf
“What’s your name?” I asked, remembering the order of conversing a little too slowly. The omega didn’t seem to mind though.
“Maple,” he said softly. Then, seeing that the fruits were nearly all gone, “I’ll get you something more substantial when you’re ready. What would you like?”
“I can have anything?” I asked uneasily.
“Of course.”
“Like a last meal?”
His face paled.
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
We both fell silent and after a moment of stillness, he went behind me and grabbed the shampoo bottle.
“You don’t mind, do you?” he asked.
I shook my head.
I was sure Maple had been given orders. They wanted me cleaned up, after all. Still, I appreciated that I was being asked as though I had a choice.
Truthfully, it had been so long since anyone had touched me with gentleness and kindness that it felt nice. A shiver traveled through me as my hair was washed and rinsed. Maple took great care with it, being as gentle as he could. When he was done, he asked me if he could cut it. Again, I knew it wasn’t up to me, but I nodded and relaxed back, my eyes drooping in a moment of peace I hadn’t felt in too long.
When he was done with the razor and scissors, he tried to wash my body, but I drew the line there. It was nice to be cared for, but I could do it myself.
I took my time with the cloth and soap, noting the way the water was beginning to turn gray as layers of filth came off me.
It was strange, surreal really, and so very easy to shut my eyes and forget about everything but the relief in my body and my mind—no matter how short lived it would be.
When I was helped to stand, a soft towel was offered to me. When I was dried, I was given clothes that were even softer.
Maple gave me some privacy while I changed. Again, I could hear the soft clattering of dishes from the other room and my stomach rumbled from the thought of more food, despite how digesting the fruit I had eaten was already proving a struggle after so long with so little.
Leaning against the cold marble of the sink, I pulled the cotton pants up my thin legs. The shirt was a bit easier to do up. When my gaze landed on a pair of fluffy white slippers, a smile touched my lips.
I slipped my feet in, reveling in the warmth after a minute of standing on the cool tiles.
How would I ever go back to that cold cell after this?
The smile dropped from my face.
I wasn’t meant to, was I? That was the whole point of this. This was really meant to be my last little bit of time on earth.
My gaze flew to the window. Icouldfit.
Edging toward the door, I couldn’t even see where Maple was. He was in a different room somewhere, preparing my last meal.
Fuck that!
Adrenaline shot through my body.
With a sudden hunger for life I didn’t know I still possessed, I stumbled to the window.
I was clean and dressed. Even my aches were diminished from the warmth of the water I’d soaked in.
This moment was my best—myonly—chance.
I hoisted myself onto the counter, weak arms shaking, and stood. I yanked the window, then had to jiggle it, rattling the glass in an effort to get it open. Suddenly, it slid up with full force, banging against the frame and I slipped. The soap dispenser fell to the floor, clattering loudly against the tiles.
