Page 12 of Claimed By the Hunter

“Not for long,” Tamara laughed. “Do what you said you’d do. You’re the only friend I have left. If you don’t help, I’ll kill myself.”

“Dear,” the woman said. “You’d have friends if you’d let people in.”

“Most of the pack are disgusting animals.”

Malani sighed. “That’s your mother talking.”

“She was right. Now, do what you said you would.”

Malani walked over and knelt beside Nicole. “Hello. I’m so sorry.”

“Can you help me?” Nicole asked.

Tamara screamed behind them. “No. She’s my friend.”

Nicole saw the concerned look in the older woman’s eyes.

“I’ll need to take some blood.”

“Why?”

Tamara screamed in frustration. “Malani, do it, or I’ll just kill her now.”

Malani raised her hand. “I’m doing it.”

Nicole watched the woman take some things out of her bag.

“I’m going to draw some blood from you. You’ll just feel a little pinch.”

Nicole flinched when the needle went into her vein. The woman took a small vial of her blood.

“Won’t you need more than that?” Tamara asked.

“I can only take a little at a time because I don’t have the equipment to keep any other vial I get fresh. The blood will congeal, and then I can’t use it. I’ll have to come back a few times and get more. It would save time if we took her to my cabin.”

Tamara shook her head. “No, there’s a chance she’d be found. She stays here.”

“That’s fine.”

The woman started putting things in her bag, gave Nicole a look, and winked. Nicole showed no signs of seeing anything because Tamara watched them like a hawk. The older woman held up a syringe.

“What’s that?” Tamara asked.

“It’s to keep her blood from clotting. You’ll need to give her water after I’m gone.”

“I’m leaving her here and coming with you.”

Malani closed her eyes before concentrating on the shot.

“Then get her a bottle or jug so she has it by her.”

Nicole watched the younger woman walk over to the counter.

“The shot will help with the heat and headache.”

“What are you saying to her?” Tamara screeched.

“I told her to relax, and we’d be back soon. Is that okay with you?” the older woman snapped.

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