Cage

Chapter 12: Survivor

Chapter 12: Survivor 

            “Cass,” a hushed-toned voice trickled out from somewhere above. I whimpered softly as a vague image of two demonic eyes flashed behind my eyelids. Then, a low and undeniably dangerous grow slipped through the wolf’s forming snout. Paralyzed by fear, I continued to watch each limb of the wolf materialize before me. Then, before I had time to react, a paw with blood-crusted claws ranked out toward me and-

            “Cassidy!” Will’s loud voice tore straight through my dreamy state. I gasped and opened my eyes in shock. Will’s questionable look was the first thing I saw as my wolf-heightened sight began to clear. The fact that I could see so well in the dark continued to amaze me. “I’m guessing you didn’t have a very restful nap,” he gave me a crooked smile and plopped down on the edge of the bed. Yawning and sending him a sheepish smile, I nodded.

            “My mind just wont shut off I suppose.”

            “I understand,” Will tilt his head and bit down on his lip. “Actually, I came up here to ask you something and I think it might be exactly what you need.”

            “What?” I questioned after pushing up into a sitting position.

            “Riley, Seth, and I were thinking of going out for a run to scope out the Ice Wolf property. Actually, Alexander might also come along and show us this incredible spot he knows by a clearing not too far from the pack house,” Will grinned, looking excited. I, too, began to feel excited with the thought of getting some fresh air. “And it’ll be great for you to let your wolf out and continue to work on settling into your skin,” Will pointed out happily. Though he seemed to be in good sprits, I felt an uncomfortable chill run up my spine.

            “That sounds so great Will but… I’m feeling really worn out. I think I’ll stay inside tonight,” I whispered, fingering the soft white comforter around me. I needed to keep my face as composed as possible or I knew Will would pick up on my sudden change. Out of all of the people in my life, he could read me like an open book.

            “Are you sure?” Will asked slowly and no doubt, looked concerned. Still, I kept my gaze down and face blank.

            “I’m sure, but tell me how goes, okay?” I half-smiled and finally looked up. Will gazed at me thoughtfully for another few moments before he let out a soft sigh.

            Home free.  

            Yea, alright,” he grinned and stood up from the bed. “On another note, you slept through dinner so there’s a hot plate downstairs in the kitchen for you,” he shrugged and slowly walked backward toward the door. I thanked him softly and watched as he went before I decided to shake myself off and salvage the rest of my night.

* * *

            I tried my very best to stomach down the delicious meal I’d been left for dinner. However, the nerves in my stomach had pretty much prevented me from eating any more than half. Once I’d given up, I decided to just wander the halls and maybe find out where Hayden had drifted off. Just before dinner I decided to check his room, which was conveniently right beside mine, but I only found it to be empty. 

            Sighing tiredly, I continued on through the halls and took an abrupt turn into what looked like a large, spacious living-room area. The space was no less of what I would’ve expected of Christopher’s elegant mansion. A large flat screen TV hung on one of walls and on it, some local news broadcasted on it quietly. Walking slightly further into the room, I took in the rich brown leather sofas, glistening hardwood, and matching side tables.