Winter's Bite

Chapter 24

'Cait, I'm going to pick you up and fly you back to the manse,' Owen said. 'It'll be quicker.'

'You can fly?' I stared at him, dazed.

'Yes.'

Before I could say anymore or protest that I was soaked with blood, he swept me into his arms. He struggled to get launched while holding me.

'Don't drop me,' I warned.

'I won't. I'm okay now we're up,' he said.

'I took one quick peep down. It looked a long way to the ground. I turned away. I'd had enough excitement for one day. I buried my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes.

We landed behind the manse and entered the kitchen through the french doors. I grimaced as I looked down at myself covered with blood and dirt.

'Any chance I could get cleaned up?'

'You can take a shower in my room,' Owen said. 'I'm sure Chloe...' his voice trailed off.

'No.'

I stared at him.

'Estelle will have some clothes,' Owen said.

Estelle's clothes would be too long on me but I didn't complain. Anything was better than the filth I wore. Owen led me upstairs. Jeb stared after us, a strange look on his face.

'What's his problem?' I asked.

'Later,' Owen prevaricated.

I didn't question anymore. I stifled a yawn. Fighting for my life was tiring.

Owen left me to go look for clothes. His ensuite shower was the best thing I'd ever felt. I stood under the water while my aches and pains flowed away. I washed until all trace of the woods had been scrubbed clean, only getting out when I my skin pruned.

Estelle was putting clothes on the bed when I came out, wrapped in a bath towel.

'Hi, I brought you some clothes. You wouldn't believe what Owen had picked out.'

She rolled her eyes.

'Men! They haven't a clue. I can fetch something else if these don't suit.'

'These are fine.'

I picked out dark green leggings, (three quarter length on Estelle but full-length on me), a cream camisole and a thick russet cardigan. Her shoes didn't fit so I slipped my brogues on again with thick cream socks Estelle fetched from her room. She also brought her hair-dryer.

'I don't think Owen even owns one.' She glanced around the room.

She insisted on drying my hair.

'I love the way your hair waves but you should try it straight sometime,' she said. 'I'll straighten it for you some day if you want.'

I wondered why she was being so nice to me. I'd just killed her sister.

'There. Lovely.' She turned me towards the mirror.

For some-one who'd had a life and death encounter I didn't look too bad.

The house had grown noisier since I'd started my shower.

'I think everyone must be back now,' Estelle said. 'Come on.'

'Wait, my aunt and uncle will be worried about me.'

I felt guilty I hadn't remembered them until now.