The Pain Thief

Chapter 19

EXPLANATIONS

Jack knew he had felt someone else there when he finished the fight, and reluctantly left Zoe's side. He knew she shouldn't have been fighting, but she was just so stubborn. 

He swallowed when he saw Sarah standing behind the fence, looking at him suspiciously. Without a second thought, he grabbed her arm and dragged her over to where Zoe was standing. It was clear she had been watching them, so that only left one question: How much did she see?

He had a feeling she saw enough, especially when Malachi and Reyna disappeared a little too late. 

Zoe was standing when he got back, looking at him with confusion. When she realized it was Sarah, her face went white as a sheet and her eyes went wide. Jack reacted to Sarah angrily, trying to figure out what she knew. 

Apparently she'd seen everything and Jack had no idea what to do. He'd never said anything on purpose and was scared of what she'd think of him. He loved his family more than anything and didn't want this to be the reason he lost them. 

Zoe seemed to understand his dilemma, seeing through his anger and looking him in the eyes. Her gray eyes seemed to calm him a little, and even though she looked more freaked out than him, she tried to take control of the situation. 

"Sarah... we can explain everything," said Zoe hesitantly, "but you've got to come with us back to my place. It'll be easier there."

"Why?" asked Sarah. 

Zoe bit her lip and Jack had to try not to get distracted. Ever since he had seen her bleeding on the pavement like that, he had been feeling even more protective of her. He wanted to be close to her in a way that wouldn't be described as a friendship, but he wouldn't ruin their friendship by telling her. Every time she bit her lip though, he couldn't help but to stare sometimes. 

"Well... there's someone who can explain just a little better than we can," she said with determination. 

Jack marveled at her attempt to control things, figuring he should probably be the one to explain it to his sister. 

She was right though. Mr. Z had explained a lot to them over the years and he knew he would be the best option to let Sarah in on the secret. 

Sarah turned with a "humph," keeping her arms crossed. 

Zoe sighed, probably feeling nervous. She swallowed and yelled out, "Malachi! Reyna!"

The two wolves responded to the call, appearing behind Zoe in a hurry. Jack watched in amazement, smiling at the way Zoe seemed to relax with the two of them there. He could tell they both made her feel at ease despite the situation they were in. 

They circled around her legs majestically, fur shining in the afternoon light. Zoe ran her hands over their heads affectionately, a small smile on her pale face. 

Jack panicked for a second, realizing that Zoe was still a little weak. He looked over to Sarah though, who looked much worse. Sarah's eyes were wide and her mouth was open as she stared at the large wolves. They would be as big as a grown man and bigger than Zoe if they stood up, so it was no wonder they were intimidating. Jack would be scared if he didn't know how much they worried about both he and Zoe and how gentle they could be. 

"I can ride on Malachi and Reyna can carry you two," said Zoe. 

Jack nodded. 

"Whoa whoa whoa," said Sarah. "Back it up. Zoe... do these wolves... belong to you?"

Zoe patted Malachi's head. "You could say that I suppose. Anyway, this is Malachi, and this is Reyna. Both are a part of me so they come when I call."