Lost

4

Chapter 4

You all realize that I cant stay till the morning, right? hours had passed in silence.

Their heads snapped up at the sound of my voice and their faces held the same look of sadness.

What do you mean you cant stay? Adolphas voice held so much sadness when she spoke. It was amazing how connected we all had become to each other after spending under twenty four hours together.

I cant risk being found out. If I go back with you all, the police would be called and doctors would be involved. What happens if they take a blood test and find a little more than what they were looking for? they were silent. Forlorn looks on their faces. As much as I would love for us to stay together, I cant risk it. My heart hurts thinking about us separating. Was it even possible to leave the? The pain from earlier was unbearable.

Take us with you. Lyall said after a tense pause. My head snapped in her direction along with the other three, and I held her gaze.

Lyall I started to shake my head. I couldnt take them away from their lives.

Please? We have nothing to go back to! I know we just met you but I feel connected to you in a way. I feel like Im supposed to go with you. I looked at the other three and they were all nodding in agreement to what Lyall just said.

Lyall is right. I dont think I could deal with leaving you. I looked at Melle and he had his head down staring into the fire, and then he lifted his head and caught my gaze. I thought about what they were asking. It oddly felt right being around them, and ever since Id arrived in camp Nadia had been purring nonstop. If they wanted to come with me I wouldnt stop them.

Are you all sure about this? they looked at each other and then back to me and nodded their heads in unison. If I take you all with me you need to realize that- I cut myself off when I heard Avery stomping her way back from the woods. She barely stopped to give anyone a second glance and made her way towards her tent. When I heard the zipper close I continued what I was saying with a sigh. You need to realize that I live in the woods. I hunt for my food and often times you go a while without a bath. My existence is wild. There are other people out there like me and most of them wont think twice before ripping your head off. I stopped to read the expressions on everyone faces, but it looked as if their minds were made up and they wouldnt be deterred by my little rant. If anything they looked as if what I had just said only strengthen their resolve. My life isnt easy. I said in a softer tone. And I dont know exactly what makes me soconnected to you all, but I know that if you are one hundred percent sure that you want to come with me, I will protect you with every fiber of my being till the day I die. Now I ask you one last time. Are you all sure that you want to do this? this time they did not look at each other but instead they nodded their heads firmly, looked me straight in the eyes and responded.

Yes, Asena. I felt Nadia stir at their response. She was pleased.

Pack lightly, one bag per person. Food water are necessities. Clothes and personal belongings are optional. We leave at midnight.

~

When eleven fifty five rolled around every one was standing in a huddle around the fire. Everyone had a bag slung over their shoulder and a serious look on their faces. Adolpha had packed a bag for me containing an oversized shirt, a spare blanket, food, and a few bottles of water. Similar to everyone elses bag. Chase, Morgan, and Averys snores could be heard emanating from their tents.

Do you all have everything you need? they looked at me and nodded their head.

Yes. We dont really have any personal belongings. Nashoba said with a shrug, and I let out a sigh.

All right lets go. I turned and started making my way into the woods. Everyone in single file behind me.

Do you have a set destination, or do you just go where the wind takes you? I heard Adolpha whisper from my left.

I go whatever direction feels right. thats how I found you guys. I said smiling at her. since you guys didnt sleep, Im going to stop in a few hours somewhere safe for yall to rest. When we get a few yards up here Im going to shift into my fur. If any of you so much a get a splinter I need you to tell me immediately, okay? I looked behind me to see every nod their heads. Satisfied I turned back around and kept on moving. When I was in a spot I was comfortable making my shift I stopped and turned back around to face the four. I sniffed the air and checked my surroundings.

When Im in transition no one touch me, okay? when they nodded their heads I started to peel the shirt Chase had given me over my head. When it was all the way off I saw the constipated looks on everyones faces. Mainly the guys. Yall may as well get used to nudity if youre going to stick with me. Its natural. I let out a little chuckle. The guys had their heads turned, and the girls eyes were landing on everything except my naked body. Look at me. I said with a little power in my voice. The response was immediate. The four whipped their heads around and stared directly at me. Night people dont follow the same social norms that you may be used to. Everyone sees everyone. You cant be shy in my world, and if you are you need to pull some confidence from somewhere or else you wont survive. When I was sure that they were all looking directly at me I crouched down slowly and began my shift. I pictured in my mind what I wanted to happen, and I focused on Nadia and her presence in my mind. I slowed my shift down so they could see exactly what was happening with my body. How my bones shifted and realigned themselves. How my skin stretched and my fur being brought forth. I heard them gasp over the sound of my joints popping and when it was all over I saw the looks of amazement and awe on their faces. I shook my fur and sat down on my haunches. Nadia was curious of the four. She wanted to observe them in a way that wouldnt scare them. Lyall was the first out of the Four to step forward she walked up to me and slowly reached out her hand. I licked her palm and tilted my head into her hand. I heard her release a sigh and a breathy chuckle. The other three made their way towards me and I repeated my actions with each of them.

Your fur is beautiful. I heard Lyall whisper. The others nodded their heads in agreement, and I felt my chest hum in satisfaction and pride. I stood up, my stature coming about to their waist, and I nodded towards the group hopefully conveying the message that we needed to continue moving. I raised my snout skyward and sniffed the air. I smelt water further east of where we were and started off in that direction, the four following close behind me. After maybe an hour of walking and jogging I started to hear running water. We continued at the pace we were going for maybe another thirty before I yipped towards the four behind me and they seemed to get the message to slow down. The roar of the river was almost deafening. It looked to stretch at least a half a mile across and there was no telling how deep it was. I turned north and continued down the waters edge till I came across a shallower and calmer portion of the river. I turned towards the four and shifted back into my skin.

We can make camp around here for tonight. I shifted my eyes around the area. There is a little cave over there under that ledge, we could probably use it as shelter.

What if something is already living in there? Melle said eyeing the cave.

Well. Its not deep enough for a bear so if an animal is there it is will most likely become diner. My mouth watered at the thought of fresh meat but the others didnt seem to share the same thought as they shifted uneasily on their feet. I sent them reassuring smiles and started to creep my way towards the cave. I couldnt hear any heart beat and the scents lingering were days old. Looks like nothings been here in a while. I said with a sigh. Fresh meat sounded really good right now. I turned towards the group. You all get some rest. Ill guard.

Are you not going to sleep? I looked at Nashoba and shook my head.

I slept earlier. You all get some sleep, we have a long day tomorrow. They looked as if they wanted to protest but exhaustion was evident on their faces. I shifted back into my fur as the four began situating their blankets on the ground and began guarding the mouth of the cave.