What it Means to Have You

Dodging a Bullet

Kine

Knowing that we couldn't wait any longer, we stopped in front of the door and Nagol leaned forward, grasping and turning the knob after unlocking it. When the door slowly opened, we both stepped back, our eyes locked onto the werewolf standing just beyond it. He looked tired, but as soon as our eyes met, he straightened and stepped inside. The atmosphere in the apartment turned south quickly as I stepped back and made my way to the small dining room table. Nagol followed and took the seat to my right while Tanner shut the door and sat in front of us on the other side. My pulse was sky-rocketing while I tried to keep the fear I felt off of my face. When Nagol's hand softly settled atop my right one, I forced a quiet but deep breath into my lungs.

It's okay, baby. Deep breaths.

I did my best to believe him and calm myself as Nagol began to talk to Tanner.

"I can't say we're glad to see you."

Tanner shook his head slowly, grinning at Nagol's words. "I knew you wouldn't be able to stay mad at him, no matter how terrible he is."

I felt my body tense, but quickly relaxed again when Nagol squeezed my hand.

"We've come to an understanding."

Tanner seemed amused by that, since he leaned forward, putting his elbows on the table to lean his chin on his hands. "Oh? Pray tell what amazing understanding you've come to that will make him repent for the things he's done?"

I looked down at the table nervously, waiting to hear what Nagol would say.

"I don't know about repenting, because you can never truly make up for lives lost, but he has only helped and supported those he's met since you've been here last."

The look on the other man's face told me that he was actually somewhat surprised, but definitely not convinced. "Alright, so he's helped people. That doesn't add up to the amount of lives he's taken, and it never will."

Sorrow weighed heavily on my shoulders. He was right, being nice didn't make up for the pups I had killed, but when Nagol responded calmly, I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"You're right, it might not add up in your eyes, or mine, or even Kine's... but it can change someone's life far greater than you might think."

Tanner's eyes narrowed, likely trying to figure out what Nagol was trying to get at. I actually understood, but I didn't want to use the kids like that.

They'll be okay. I think it's your best shot, and quite honestly, I think Cody would be heartbroken if you suddenly disappeared. Nagol thought to me. He was right, of course, but I still felt uneasy when he looked toward the stairs and shouted, "Cody! Miguel! Come down here for a minute please!"

The thumping of hurried footsteps sounded on the stairs, followed by much slower, hesitant ones. I had no doubt that Cody could smell our guest and likely didn't want to meet him.

Don't worry, kid, I didn't want to either, I thought to myself as Miguel stepped around the corner with a curious smile at seeing Tanner.

"Hello?" he said, a question in his greeting as he moved to sit at the end of the table next to Nagol. Tanner didn't look very happy to see Miguel, likely because of me being there as well as a kid, but he held his tongue and nodded, then looked toward the stairs where we could all hear Cody slowly descending. When he finally appeared, it was just a brief glance around the corner before he ducked back into the hallway. I knew it was coming before Tanner even turned to me and spoke, so I braced myself and began thinking of an answer.