My face stung from the icy breeze that whacked against my skin like 𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴.
If I were being honest to myself, I really wasn't sure what would happen to Claw. I couldn't just leave him there, but Chase was right.
Claw would get bigger, like 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 bigger and would need to eat more. I did not want to admit it, but I couldn't forget all that Chase said.
But I wasn't being honest to myself so-
Claw started to move from inside the jacket.
𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 go back to sleep.
But no.
My body tingled with anxiety as Claw yawned. I had to get to my room. They'd kill him if I got caught.
Why was I protecting him so m-
"Hey!" Yapping sounded from my right as I bumped into someone. Claw gave a low grumble.
My heart dropped.
"Hungry much? I bet being injured and useless takes a lot from you." Devin snickered.
I wasn't in the mood to fight back right now and pulled a tight smile.
"Can't help when I'm hungry."
I tried to shuffle away when he moved to block me.
"You look a 'lil tense. What, afraid daddy might scold you for being out late? Unless he already did. 𝘈𝘩."
I was 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘰 close to knocking his lights out - wolf or no wolf. I didn't know how much longer Claw would be able to keep quiet.
"Skyler!" Chloe came running up from behind me.
𝘖𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵. 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵?
"Your father needs to talk to you. He said it was imp-"
"Maybe later, Chloe. I really need to get to my room. I'm busy."
"But-" she started but stopped as I walked faster, leaving her behind and grateful that when I turned around Devin wasn't there anymore.
*
I walked into my room and shut the door behind me, thanking the Heavens there were no other encounters with people.
I unzipped Chase's jacket and Claw jumped out.
His eyes looked fazed.
"You okay?"
Claw already started walking around the room, venturing and sniffing out his new hiding place. I laid down on my bed and sighed. I had to find a way to take care of him.
Eventually like every other wolf beast, he would grow big. I wouldn't be able to hide him then. I have to do something. I have to let him go soon.
Rolling to my side, I peered at a curled up Claw, already sleeping. My lips perked up.
"Skyler?" Anvis shouted a short while after.
My eyes snapped open.
"Come-" I shut my mouth.
I had to hide Claw. I jumped off of the bed and scoffed, feeling the pain in my side that wasn't completely gone.
𝘋𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵.
"Skyler?" He called again.
"Just a minute!" I grabbed a blanket and covered Claw.
I didn't need him waking up now and moving the blanket. I reached the door and opened it, trying to make my breathing level.
"Anvis."
I nodded in his direction, hand on my oblique.
"How are you feeling today?" he asked and I flung my hand down.
"Fine," I replied, looking at him.
He looked at me skeptically.
"Training practice today?"
"Yes." I almost shouted and immediately after, "No. Um, I mean...give me a minute."
Closing the door, I turned to the hump on the floor.
I couldn't just leave him, right?
Gently, I picked him up and walked over to my closet. It was always too big, but right now it came in handy. I placed him down and left a couple of snacks if he woke up.
Hopefully not anytime soon.
I closed the door, flung my bow and arrow over my back, winced, and headed out of the door.