The Wolf Girl

Chapter Thirty One

  Molly's POV

"You're never doing that again," Alex breathes, pulling me even closer so that there is no space between us. I bury my face into his shoulder. "Not on my watch."

"I probably won't have a reason to try," I mumble.

"I'm serious," he says firmly. "I thought you were going to die." More of his warm tears drip onto my head. "I-I've known you for too long to let you go."

I shut my tear-filled eyes. "I won't leave."

"Promise?" he whimpers.

"I promise."

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"Stay away from Wolfloxes," I mutter as we all land on the ground. "Got it."

"There are more creatures out here, you know," The Dreaming Wanderer sighs.

"I know," I say. "At least I know what one of the species is capable of now."

"It's too bad that we had to learn the hard way," Alex mumbles flatly.

"Don't be a Debby Downer," I laugh, nudging him gently. He smiles lightly.

  "Yeah, yeah," he snorts. "As long as you don't mope about anything along the way."

  "Deal," I giggle.

  "I hate to break the moment," The Dreaming Wanderer interrupts, "but we need to find another place to stay for the night."

  "I forgot about that," I admit, looking at the moon, which rises steadily.

  "Sorry about that," Jason apologizes. "I believe there's a cave around here."

  "There is," Adrianna says. "I know where it is. Follow me."

She sets off, and it isn't long before we come across a small cave surrounded by trees. One clear area leads to a glimmering river.

"This is a beautiful area," I breathe.

"It'll do for now," Adrianna sighs. "The cave only holds three people, so some of us will have to sleep under the stars."

"I will," Bella volunteers instantly. Jason looks over at us.

"If you three are really going to be in so much trouble if you get caught, then maybe you should sleep in the cave," he suggests. "If you're alright with it."

"That's logical thinking," The Dreaming Wanderer praises. "We'll do that, then." Alex and I nod.

Alex and I break away from the group to gather kindling for a fire as Jason walks off to get firewood. He glances over at me as we walk and break twigs off of trees.

"Have your nightmares gotten any better?" he asks.

"No," I reply softly. "I think they're getting worse." Images of a bloody, beaten Alex, dead family, and endless gray hallways flash through my mind, sending shivers down my spine.

"I'm sorry," Alex whispers. "W-we shouldn't be here in the first place."

I smile at the ground as we walk. "I'm glad that, if nothing else, someone I know is here to help me through it."

I look up to see him grinning at me. My own smile widens. "I could say the same," Alex chuckles.

I let a small giggle pass my lips as I continue to grab small branches from the withering trees that signify the oncoming winter season.

"Alex?" I mumble.

"Hm?" he hums.

"What happened in the worst nightmare you've ever had?" I ask hesitantly.