Chapter 36
The day passed swiftly inside the small cabin. Reuban lounged on the bed with his arms crossed behind his head while I sat cross-legged on the floor and surveyed my new wardrobe. Reuban had embarrassingly bought me underwear and bras as well. When I grilled him about it, he only shrugged.
Damn vampire.
I still couldn't understand why we weren't using this free day to travel closer to Ali and the camp, but I was afraid to bring up the subject. I feared if I mentioned my thoughts, he would change his mind and have us leave right away. I didn't want to leave. I would be happy staying in this cabin for another week. Another month, even.
"A blue dress, really?" I asked in disbelief as I held up the silky material. It had long sleeves with white lace trim and a plunging neckline. It wasn't exactly my style, though I could appreciate its beauty. However, it definitely wasn't hiking approved clothing.
"Ah, I must have grabbed it by accident." Reuban replied quickly. I glanced at him incredulously, but his eyes were shut.
"You grabbed a dress by accident? That doesn't sound like you." My voice betrayed my cynicism.
"Vampires make mistakes too."
"Sure they do." The sarcasm seeped from my voice as I tossed the dress away. There would be no need for it. The remaining clothing was very practical. I could see myself picking out almost all of the items. Reuban understood my style choices. Although, there was a lot more color than the endless black I usually wore.
Aside from the clothing, there was some food tucked away in my pack: trail mix, energy bars, ready-made tuna salad pouches, jerky, oatmeal packets, tortillas, and instant noodles. It was enough food to last at least week. I had a feeling Reuban didn't really know how much food humans needed. He must have popped over to a hiking supply store after buying the gun.
"I guess I'll make some dinner now." Reuban grunted in response as I put my backpack together again. When I was done, I glanced at him curiously. "Um... what about you?"
"I don't have to eat human food. I can, but I don't have to. We usually only eat at gatherings for traditions sake." He answered without opening his eyes.
"I know. I mean... what about you. You know... blood." I stammered out in embarrassment. He opened his eyes suddenly in surprise. "Did you bring something?" He sat up in the bed and regarded me carefully.
"Vampires don't eat as often as humans."
"So... you're not hungry?"
"No." I started to walk to the kitchen, but I changed my mind and walked back over to him.
"How often do you eat? Drink? Whatever you want to call it."
"Once or twice a week." He continued to observe me as the wheels in my head turned.
"So, you're not going to eat for the whole trip?"
"No, I will."
"What?" I asked stupidly. My mind raced. Would he eat an animal? Would he go hunting?
"I'll be fine, go make your food." He dismissed me with a wave of his hand. I remained rooted in place.
"Surely you aren't expecting me to volunteer." My voice came out more bitter than I intended. My disgust and unwavering contempt for his lifestyle was evident in my facial expression, but I couldn't find the willpower to hide my emotions. Reuban stood from the bed and gazed at me wearily. I could see the hesitation behind his clear mask.
"Of course not." His voice was calm and collected. He was trying to stop my train of thought before things got out of hand.
It was too late for that.
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