"Are you about to faint again? Come on, that would be the third time!" Ingrid exclaimed, carefully placing the food tray on the couch before rushing to Jodie's side. "Come with me. It would help if you sat down. You look like you've seen a ghost."
"No!" Jodie cried, jerking away from her like she'd been burned. Startled by the outburst, Ingrid took several steps back, confusion closing over her gentle features.
"I-I didn't mean to offend," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I was only trying to help. I'll take my leave; I'm sorry."
Her feet moved quickly. She'd already reached the door before Jodie realized what was happening. She hadn't meant to scare her away, but Ingrid's sudden appearance from nowhere came as a huge shock. It was clear fate had brought her to this place where they would meet. But what for? Could anything be done about it?
"No, wait!" Jodie called after her. "I'm sorry. I-I was just surprised to see you."
Ingrid turned as Jodie approached the door and took hold of her hand. "I'm sorry," she repeated.
A corner of Ingrid's mouth tugged up in a smile, and she nodded, accepting the apology with an understanding look.
"I know you must be confused. It's not every day one wakes up in a strange place. You still look very pale, though. Can I offer you some coffee? I hope you like it sweet and creamy."
"Sweet and creamy," Jodie repeated, allowing Ingrid to help her to the bed, although she could walk well on her own. "That's fine. I'll have some."
"Good."
Once she was seated, Ingrid went back for the food tray and balanced it in between them. Laid out on it was much more than what she had informed Ares she was bringing—bread and pastries, a side of bacon, a cup of coffee, a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, and honeyed butter with jam. Jodie tried and failed to hide the rumbling of her stomach. It seemed inappropriate to think about food at a time like this. But her mouth watered as the arrangement heightened her hunger. It had been days since she saw a spread this nice.
Ingrid took the cup of coffee and handed it to her with a saucer.
"Thank you," Jodie said as she lifted it and took a delicate sip. Ingrid wasn't sure if she was imagining it, but she thought she saw a faint tremor in Jodie's hand.
"Are you feeling ill?" she inquired with genuine concern.
Jodie raised a surprised brow. "Err....no, not really. Very tired, yes. But I'm fine."
Ingrid nodded, but her mind continued to swirl. Jodie looked so pale earlier, and even now, color was yet to return to her face. And hand tremors weren't normal. She knew she shouldn't care so much, but she couldn't help it. Something about Jodie pulled her in. It was either that or just her natural interest in shiney new things.
"My name is Jodie, what's yours?"
"It's Ingrid," she beamed, then leaned her head close to whisper conspiratorially. "Just between us, I'm like the boss around here. Ares, the guy who brought you here, he thinks he is, but I have him under my pretty thumb."
Jodie glanced at the thumb that was wriggled before her, and it was pretty indeed. Her nails were neatly manicured, and her hands were smooth and soft. Everything about Ingrid was pretty. Her fair skin had a sprinkling of freckles on the nose and cheeks, and lovely brown eyes. She had long, curly black hair and full lips. A white rose flower was nestled against her left ear, and the red gown she wore complemented her well.
Jodie frowned. Why would anyone want to kill her? Was it jealousy? Revenge? Blind rage, in a fit of anger?
"Is this Ares, your mate?"
"What? No," Ingrid chuckled. "He's family—my brother. We only have each other." her face took on a sudden sad smile. "We only trust each other."
Silence settled in the room as Ingrid's mind roamed for a bit. Her gaze had a faraway look to it, like she was reminiscing about something. Suddenly, she snapped out of it and turned to find Jodie watching her.
She smiled at her. "You should eat something. Try the toast."
Jodie obliged. She grabbed a toast point and shoved it into her mouth. The salted butter that melted across her tongue was very delicious, but the heaviness in her chest prevented her from truly appreciating it.
"It's delicious," she forced a smile.
"Enjoy your meal," Ingrid rose to her feet. "I must let him know you're awake before he finds out himself. He can be a bit grumpy, but he doesn't bite."
"Oh," Jodie dusted her hands and stood too. "Well, will you be back? I-I have many questions to ask, and I'm not sure your grumpy brother would be inclined to answer."
Ingrid laughed, and it was so full of life. The sound was one Jodie knew she wouldn't be forgetting in a hurry. "He'll only tell you what he thinks you need to know, but I'll tell you a little more," she said. "I'll be back. I promise."
*
Long after she was gone, Jodie roamed the room listlessly, her mind refusing to settle because, up until now, everything she'd seen came true. She tried to erase the vision, but it kept replaying in her subconscious. Worse was the realization that there was nothing she could do to prevent Ingrid from being killed. If she tried to warn her, then she'll risk herself. How was she to explain that she was a werewolf yet did things that transcended beyond the wolf's strengths?
Her breath quickened in agitation as she recalled, for the umpteenth time, the pain on Ares' face as he held Ingrid's lifeless body in his arms. It was terrible. The man was going to feel terrible pain. It shouldn't be her cup of tea, but after meeting Ingrid, it was difficult to abandon things to fate.
Her breathing slowed, and she sat on the edge of the bed, a plan already decided. Jodie had nowhere to go and no one who cared for her. But Esmeralda had told her to head north. Perhaps it was for this very purpose. She had to find Ingrid's killer and take him out. The tension in her stomach seemed to ease, and Jodie sighed, relieved that the matter was decided. If she could find him before the act was committed, then Ingrid's fate could be changed.