Unclaimed

Chapter Twenty-Seven - My Turf

Luka and Miles helped carry the carcass through town, Cassie following behind holding the hide I had skinned off of it. The pack members flocking around the kill, a few lycans even surprised at the commotion.

I walked ahead, the blade in my hand and blood soaking my clothes from the gutting and the skinning. The organs had been harvested and cleaned, Cassie carrying those as well, dragging them behind her on a blue wagon. I spotted Judas in the crowd along with the rest of my family. His eyes roaming up and down at my bloodied attired.

Something primal in his gaze as I walked by him. His supposed friend I've seen him talking to, standing next to him. Tall, well built only a few inches shorter than Judas. Deeply tanned skin with tight dark curls sprouting from his head. Eyes watching me with mild fascination. He says a few words to Judas but he doesn't respond, his attention still solely on me.

The labored grunting of Luca and Miles behind me brought me back to reality. I pick up my pace leading them to a good spot in the open field. Everything had already been set up by Cassie and MaryAnne as I was butchering. The boys set the carcass down on the table as they moved to go set up the stand and start the fire.

Cassie was joined by MaryAnne and a few other women to begin the preparations of the organs. All of them debating on which organ they get, until they all dash off with their own to make a dish for tonight.

I worked on the seasoning. Washing my hands before rubbing down the carcass with as much seasoning as it would take. I grab and syringe for the meat and inject beef stock into the meat. My mother galloping up with my father and Yazmin.

"I didn't think they were serious." My father huffs seeing the huge slab of meat in front of him.

"Help me turn it over." I say grabbing the half seasoned cow by the front legs. My mother the first to rush over and help me, grabbing the back legs and flipping it to the other side.

I start the process again on the other side. My hands coated in thick seasoning as I rub it into the meat.

"Let me help you." My mother says running over to the water spout a few feet away. Washing her hands and running back. Scooping a lump some of seasoning into her hands from the bucket next to me. "What's in the seasoning?"

"Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic seasoning, onion seasoning, some paprika and some other shit I can't remember." I list off still focused on the work in front of me.

"How are you going to roast it?"

"Jam a pole through the spine and spit roast the thing." I say grabbing more seasoning from the bucket. My mother following my actions.

"I'm joining!" Yazmin skips over shrugging off her white sweater.

"Wash your hands." My mother says.

It takes a team to finally mount the carcass over the fire but it's done. Miles and Luca high-fiving each other, proud of their mount. The day goes on but the sun doesn't give up, sending every wave of heat it can before it's pulled away from us.

"I'm going to go take a shower now." I say looking at my over seasoned hands. "If I stay any longer like this, you might as well throw me in the fire too."

The group laughing at me as my parents stayed behind to watch the cook on the cow. Chatting with Miles while Luca and Yazmin kept fanning the fire.

I return home, desperate to get the seasoning off me. My clothes still soaked in blood, dirt, and spices.

Judas was already waiting for me. And he had the hide of the cow in his hands.

I'm sorry, what?