Hunt

Chapter 74: Refugees

It doesn't take long before I'm discharged from the clinic. Between the antibiotics Dr. Green gives me and the mandatory bed rest I seem to recover in record time. Reyna insists that it's because of my lycanthropy, that it's normal for lycans to heal much faster than normal humans do. But I'd rather believe it was due to the miracles of modern medicine than the curse that afflicts me.

After I'm given the all clear by the doctor I'm taken to where the others have been crashing in the time since fleeing the Silverlock pack. The Cascade Runners had set up shop at an old abandoned camping ground, using the prebuilt cabins found there as residence buildings. They've all been fixed up rather nicely by those in the pack who have knowledge of construction, totaling in about fifteen cabins situated in a loose arc around a central pavilion area. Reyna, Nyx, and Walker, were all sharing one cabin at the end of the arc. Which was now to be my new home as well. Making four in a cabin really meant to comfortably house two. It was cramped, but we would have to make do.

"Welcome to your new home." Reyna says with a smile as she opens the door for me.

I step inside, looking around the darkened interior. From what I can immediately see there isn't electricity in the cabins, leading me to believe that there wasn't going to be running water either. It would be a big change from what I was used to, but I know I'd learn to live without it. Each of the cabin have three distinct rooms: The combination living room and kitchen, the master bedroom, and the loft. Basic furnishings appear to be present which is a great sight.

"No electricity or running water I assume?" I ask Reyna as she enters behind me. Nyx and Walker had left to tend so some assignments and jobs given to them by the other runners, leaving just the two of us alone in the cabin.

"There's running water and indoor plumbing, just no electricity. The gas power is touch and go depending on if the pipes want to work properly. So a hot shower and stove might be off the table most of the time." Reyna replies, much to my surprise.

I spend a couple minutes exploring the small cabin. All in all there wasn't that much to see. Eventually I make my way back to the living area, sitting down on the couch as I let out the sigh that I had been holding since being discharged from the clinic, finally feeling like I could relax. "They've really got a good thing going here. Nice and cozy. Out of the way of prying eyes."

Reyna sits next to me on the couch, seemingly hesitating before leaning against me. "It's really a great place, we've been very grateful that we've been allowed to stay for a long as we have."

Placing an arm around Reyna I can feel her relax into me. The tension leaving her body as she tucks in tighter to my side. "I'm sure the alpha will want to talk to you soon, seeing that you're feeling better."

"What's he like?" I ask. Trying to gauge how I'll need to act. I didn't want to be walking in blind to a meeting like this.

"He's kind. A good person. I'm sure you two'll get along just fine." Reyna sighs as she closes her eyes. I rub her shoulder as I try to relax into the couch, trying to not stress too much about when I'd be called to meet their leader.

It doesn't take long before I receive the summons. Word had apparently spread pretty quickly through the pack that another refugee had arrived in camp. Audrey had assured me that she had already gone ahead and put a good word in for me ahead of time, but it still didn't relieve the uneasiness I was feeling in my gut as I knock on the door to the largest cabin at the center of the arc.

"Come in." A man's muffled voice calls from the other side of the door.

I tentatively open the cabin door. Stepping across the threshold I'm greeted by the feint scent of tobacco and woodsmoke as soft candlelight illuminates the interior. My eyes adjust quickly to the darkness, revealing the man sitting on a recliner across the room. He stands as I enter.