I guide Eldra down the hallway, my pulse picking up. Time to put Drake’s plan into action. Time to make friends.
Fuck my life.
The door to Room Two is open. Inside, a human female with blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail is preparing a tray of supplies. She glances up when we enter, and I quickly look at her name badge.
Emma Scott.
Not Wren.
Thank fuck. I’m going to give that particular female a wide berth.
“Good morning.” Emma smiles at Eldra, then her gaze shifts to me, and the smile tightens.
I help Eldra up onto the exam table. She gives a grateful sigh.
Then I turn to Emma and smile. I can do this.
I can!
It feels wrong. Like my face doesn’t remember how to do this anymore.
“Hello,” I growl.
The word comes out rough and harsh, more animal than human. Emma actually takes a step back, her eyes widening.
Shit. Fuck! What the hell is wrong with me?
“Um…” Emma glances at Eldra, then back at me. “Is everything okay?”
“Fine,” I force out, trying to soften my expression. My face feels stiff. Uncooperative. “Just…how are you?” It’s a very normal thing to ask, isn’t it?
Emma blinks at me like I’ve grown a second head. “I’m…good?” It comes out as a question. She’s still watching me warily, like I might lunge at her.
This is going well.
Not!
Fuck.
Eldra is smiling, looking between us.
“Um, sorry,” I say. “I’m Grim, by the way.” Maybe she’s new here.
“I know who you are,” Emma says. She sets down the syringe she was preparing and studies me with concern. “Are you feeling okay? You’re acting…strange.”
Strange. Great. That’s exactly the impression I want to make.
I nod, probably too enthusiastically. “Fine. I’m fine.”
She turns to Eldra, pulling on a fresh pair of gloves. “You must be Eldra. I’m Emma. I’ll be administering your vaccination today.”
“Such a lovely young lady,” Eldra says, completely oblivious to the awkward tension in the room.
Emma starts going through her routine. Checking Eldra’s file. Asking about previous reactions. Preparing the vaccination.
I stand there like a fucking idiot, trying to think of something to say. Something normal people say when they’re being friendly.
“Anything I can help with?” I ask.
