Out of this World

Chapter Ten

We've all been staying in Orik's cabin for a few days now as the guys help prepare the village for the imminent cold front. It's supposed to hit any day and I'm dreading every second it looms closer. The only plus is that random males won't be trying to catch a peek of me from outside Orik's house since it will be far too cold to linger, even for them.
The locals have lost a little of the excitement that I stirred up, I'm suspecting the storm is to blame for that (thank you weather). Although, It's not like I'm ever in any danger from them. I'd have to be left alone for that and my bodyguards take their self appointed jobs very seriously.

"Mia get down from there!" Caine has his hands around my waist in second, picking me up off the chair I was standing on.
"I'm fine! Caine seriously I can get something off the shelf by myself, I'm not useless."
Okay, maybe I've been feeling a little useless lately. While I've been stuck in this glorified shack everyone else is working themselves to the bone. The guys have come home exhausted the last few days.
Orik on the other hand seems fine and dandy. He probably gets off on ordering everyone around. I bet someone feeds him grapes and fans him while he does it. Jerk.

Caine sets me down and moves his hands to my shoulders. They're so massive that my shoulders are covered from the start of my neck to partway down the tops of my arms.
He leans down closer and stares me down. "Mia don't. You are not useless. Did someone tell you that?" As he says the last sentence his hands tighten up a little.

I make a noise of frustration. "No one had to. I'm well aware that I'm nothing but a drain on supplies. If you told me any different you'd be lying." I look him in the eye when I say it. I've been cooped up for too long, I'm beyond cranky.
His hard expression flattens as he releases my shoulders and takes a step back before answering. "I'm going to tell Jas that you think of yourself as useless. It will break his heart."
At my blank look Caine turns and grabs the cup I had been trying to reach and holds it out to me. "He's not going to let you go a second without hearing how much you mean to him. You'll be deaf before the storm hits."

As soon as I take the cup from him Caine practically runs past me and out the door. Honestly I'm surprised the walls are still standing after seeing how these males handle that door.
None of these guys are very good with feelings. Except Jas, his communication skills are probably better than mine.

I sit there a minute, my anger drained. These males are practically saints and I jump at the opportunity to call Caine a liar. That's how I thank his kindness? Stupid. Mean. Idiotic.

I grab a cloth rag and start wiping up the now melted snow that had drifted in when he opened the door. I will apologize and thank him again for everything he's doing for me. I deserve to be kicked out on the street after that. Or I guess... banished to the wilderness or something? I don't know how they do things here and I don't want to find out.
What if he's telling on me to Kreshna?
No, he wouldn't do that.

The longer I stew in silence the more worried I become. I've been asking for alone time since we got here but the second I'm without a babysitter I'm a mess. Going to look for him is a mistake, but I can't help but feel tempted.
I haven't been outside in days, peeing in a bucket sucks. It's beyond embarrassing even though the guys act like I'm silly for thinking so. I guess we're all going to be in the same boat soon. Man is this place going to be cramped with everyone in here. I bet Orik was thrilled to hear he was hosting us. What a treat we are peeing in his buckets and eating his food.

It won't hurt to just check if Caine's right outside.

I'll just do a lap around the house, no biggie. I get up and start putting on all my gear. By my gear I mean anyone's stuff that's sitting out.
The stuff is far too big but all that matters is that I stay warm for the minute or two that I'm outside. I'm not exactly taking a hike so mobility isn't a huge concern for me right now.
It takes me a ridiculous amount of time to get everything on but I'm finally ready as I start waddling to the door. I reach up and try to get a firm grip on the handle before pulling with all my strength.
It doesn't move.