“Does anyone else know the rhyme?”
“I don’t think so. But Talon was pretty serious about no one leaving the peak or having contact with the outside world.”
One of the reasons I never tried to leave. He warned me so many times about how dangerous it was outside Clover.
“But he did leave,” Shawn says. “What changed?”
“My father…I think he convinced Talon that we needed resources. I’m not exactly sure. It’s not like I was included in the plan, and the attack happened very suddenly. I’d been isolated at home for days, so I was completely surprised to hear Talon and the warriors had left. Especially to attack Eccles.”
It was the shock of my life, actually. If you told me the sun had turned green, it would have been less of a surprise.
“Hmm,” he mutters. “Interesting. I’ll have to follow this up with Rex and Brad. Your father will explain all of this if I ask him?”
“Yes,” I say. “I’m sure he will. He’ll be more than happy to talk with you.”
“Good,” Shawn says thoughtfully. He raps his knuckles lightly on the table while rubbing his chin, and I find the gesture just a little endearing.
“You’re going to chat with the other alphas about a kid’s story rhyme?” I ask, challenge in my voice.
“Yes,” he answers. “I will. If you think of anyone who might know more about it, let me know.”
“Okay,” I whisper, shaking my head.
This guy is full of surprises. Why would he be so interested in a kid’s story?
“I’m sorry,” Shawn says suddenly. “Here I am talking about official business when you’re sitting there hungry and tired. You look like you’ve had a rough day. Would you like me to make something to eat?”
His words are so foreign to me that for a few seconds, I just stare at him in shock, my mouth hanging open.
“What?” I ask, my voice a harsh whisper.
“I’m pretty good in the kitchen, and you look like you could use a rest. I know you said there might not be much here, but I’ll go through the cupboards and sort something out. Would you like to wash up while I cook?”
My body feels frozen, as if I’ve been dropped into an icy lake, and if I move even slightly, I’m going to shatter my own bones.
I wait for a full minute before I answer, expecting him to take the words back or make a cruel joke. He just keeps watching me with his big, green eyes, a small smile on his lips.
“Okay,” I say, hesitantly. “I’ll go and wash up. You…check out the kitchen. I guess.”
“Sure thing,” he grins, and it makes his eyes light up. It’s such a genuine expression, I can’t help but smile back. For a moment, there is a feeling of warmth between us, but as soon as my heart starts to leap, I yank it back down again.
Don’t! This is a trick, you know it is! The abuse is coming any second. Don’t fall for his nice-guy act.
I get up and practically smash my chair back in, turning to go down the hall. Right before I leave, a slight tug in my chest makes me turn back around. Shawn is still watching me, and there seems to be appreciation shimmering in his big green eyes.
Was he…checking me out?
I shake the thought out of my head, reminding myself that this guy was so shocked by the idea of marrying me, my father had to pay him.
“There’s a garden out back,” I say softly. “It might not be flourishing, I don’t think anyone’s tended it since Jess and Talon died, but there’s usually some fruit and vegetables in it you might be able to use.”
“I’ll take a look,” he says, smiling. “You rest up, and don’t worry about a thing.”
I can’t stand looking into his handsome face for one more second, so I hurry down the hall to the bathroom. The main bedroom is just across from it, and when I go inside, I have a horrible, crawly feeling like I’m trespassing.
I’ve never been in here before, but I suppose this is my room now.
I go over to the closet and find some of Jess’s dresses. She was a similar shape to me, and they should fit well. It almost feels like sacrilege to touch them. The fabric and cut are finer than anything I’ve ever worn.
