Primals (Reverse Harem 1)

And if I can hear and smell them, then they can hear and smell me.

Or maybe not.

Moving back further into the den, I crouch on the ground, cover myself in the leaves that the den’s previous boarders must have used, close my eyes and try to concentrate on clearing my mind.

The footsteps come closer and I concentrate harder.

Good. So far, I’m not picking up any of Sebastian’s thoughts. I can only hope he isn’t hearing mine.

Out of nowhere, Theo appears in front of the den. As he peeks inside, I wrap my arms tighter around me and squeeze my eyes tight, hoping he doesn’t see me.

It seems like an eternity but finally, he leaves, footsteps fading. In moments, the scent drifts off, too.

I open my eyes.

Theo hadn’t seen me? Or did he pretend not to see me? Could he somehow have read my mind, too? But if so, how come Sebastian was not able to?

More questions. No answers.

I should just be grateful they didn’t find me because I don’t know if I can face them just yet. Or how.

Shrugging off the leaves, I crawl out of the den and after looking around to make sure the coast is clear, I head back to the city, listening carefully until I hear the sounds of traffic and civilization.

And hoping that whoever the Lab sent for me is already there, ready to bring me back home at a moment’s notice. I’m ready to go.

“I’M SORRY,” LT. CURTIS, the officer behind the desk, shakes her head. “We haven’t heard from anyone. Would you like to make another phone call or send another email?”

“No, thanks.” I look down at my hands, my heart sinking.

“You’re staying with – What’s his name again? – Theo Anderson, right?” she asks after quickly checking something on her computer.

“I was.”

“Did something happen?” Her eyes narrow in suspicion. “Did he do something?”

“No, no.” I shake my head quickly. “I just wanted to stay at a hotel, you know, with a TV and with more privacy, maybe better food.”

She grins.

“But I don’t have money and neither does he, so I was hoping for some good news.”

“I’m sorry about that. It must be tough on you, going through something so tragic and being alone in a city miles away from home.”

“Yeah. A bit.”

She reaches for my hand. “If you like, I can ask my sister to let you stay at her place for a few more days. She’s a good cook and she’s got a spare room. She’s pregnant right now and could really use some help with her kids, so you could work out an exchange of sorts.”

“Really?” My eyebrows go up but go down again as I consider the idea of Sebastian and Theo coming to that house with small kids. I could never forgive myself if I’d put someone else in danger for my sake. Especially those kids.

“It’s okay,” I tell Lt. Curtis with a shake of my head. “I’ll figure things out.”

“If you can’t, just come back and we’ll see what we can do to help you,” she says, withdrawing her hand. “Sure you don’t need a doctor?”

“I’m fine,” I assure. “Thanks for all your help.”

I walk out of the police station, head bowed and shoulders slumped.

Now, what am I going to do? Where am I going to go? The shelter still doesn’t sound appealing and what if kids are around there too?