Chapter 16: Hunting Expedition

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The hunger had grown into something beyond discomfort; it was an all-consuming ache, gnawing at my insides and whispering thoughts I didn't want to acknowledge. I gripped the edge of the kitchen counter, focusing on each breath as I tried to ignore it, but every scent that drifted through the house set my senses on edge.

Jaime watched me, arms crossed and brows furrowed. "Alright, this is getting out of hand," she said finally, breaking the silence. "You're starting to look like you're about to gnaw on the furniture."

I let out a humourless laugh, feeling the hunger sharpen at her words. "I don't know how much longer I can hold it back, Jaime. It's... it's like it's taking over."

She nodded thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "Alright, desperate times call for desperate measures. We're going hunting."

I blinked, thrown by the idea. "Hunting?"

"Yes, hunting. You're obviously craving protein or something raw, and since we're trying to keep you away from anything that talks, we're heading to the woods. Come on." She grabbed her jacket, clearly not taking no for an answer.

Reluctantly, I followed her, already dreading whatever embarrassing plan she had in mind. We trekked out into the woods, the air crisp and sharp against my skin, the smell of pine and earth settling over me. Oddly enough, the scents calmed me, taking the edge off my nerves. Jaime seemed focused, eyes scanning the ground as we walked deeper into the trees.

After a while, she stopped and motioned for me to crouch down beside her. She pointed toward a small clearing where two rabbits hopped around, sniffing at patches of grass. My stomach growled instinctively, and the hunger flared up so suddenly that I had to grit my teeth to keep from groaning.

"Perfect," Jaime whispered, nudging me. "Go catch one of those rabbits."

I turned to her, horrified. "You want me to... what?"

"Go. Catch. A rabbit," she repeated, each word punctuated by a poke to my shoulder. "Think of it like survival training. Or would you rather we just let you starve until you... well, you know?"

I let out a sigh, shaking my head. "There's got to be a better way than running around like a lunatic chasing rabbits."

Jaime grinned, clearly enjoying herself. "If you're going to keep whining about it, maybe I should do it for you. Or do you just not have what it takes to catch one of those little guys?"

I glared at her, feeling my pride flare. "Fine," I muttered, "I'll do it. But if anyone asks, I was... doing research. On... animal tracking."

"Sure thing, *Kevin the Hunter.*" She barely contained a laugh, gesturing for me to go ahead. "Get out there and show those rabbits who's boss."

Grumbling under my breath, I crept forward, trying to stay low and silent. The rabbits hadn't noticed me yet, and I edged closer, hands outstretched, trying to anticipate their next move. I was so focused that I missed the root sticking up from the ground, and the next thing I knew, I was face-first in the dirt, the rabbits scattering at the sound.

Jaime doubled over in laughter behind me, her voice carrying through the trees. "That was some impressive stealth there, Kevin."

"Glad you're entertained," I grumbled, getting back to my feet and brushing dirt off my face. "I'm a little rusty."

"Well, you better un-rust yourself because they're getting away." She pointed as one of the rabbits dashed across the clearing, pausing by a fallen log.

I shook off the embarrassment and gave chase, lunging forward. But the rabbit was quicker than I'd anticipated, darting left and sending me sprawling in the other direction. The chase continued, me stumbling and tripping over every twig and root, while the rabbits darted and weaved with ease. Jaime's laughter was a constant backdrop, her sarcastic commentary adding fuel to my determination.

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