I get down on my knees and reach out my hand towards the capybara. The funny little thing comes padding towards me immediately, and pushes its head against my palm.
“Fascinating,” the vet mutters. “It seems to fully trust you already.”
Silence descends around us while I keep looking at the capybara. I can’t deny that they are hilarious, cute animals. There is just something so lovable about them. I constantly want to smile when I look at it.
“And what now?” I finally ask.
“I will look for its owners,” the man promises. “As for now, it seems to have taken a liking to you. Would you mind keeping it?” he pauses. “For now, at least.”
I know me. If he won’t find its owners, it will not bejust for now.I can already feel a bond forming with this capybara.
Sighing, I get up. “What do I need to know?”
“I will give you a list of food they eat – for now, stick to vegetables, especially lettuce and cabbage, and some fruits. I will put together all the information you need,” he promises. “I have your number. I will contact you later today.”
At least it doesn’t sound too complicated to keep it fed. “Do I need to entertain it in some way?”
“No, capybaras usually just like to sleep and eat,” he says. “And take a bath. They are also not aggressive in any way.”
He reaches out his hand to shake mine and smiles. “Until later, Elsa.”
“Thank you, Doc.”
I watch him leave before turning to my newpet. “You are not going to leave, are you?” I ask. “You came here to stay.”
The capybara squeaks before lying down, chattering with its teeth.
“Yeah, I will get you something to eat. Fruits and bananas, huh?” I take a generous amount of salad from the fridge andsome bananas, and put it all in a bowl. The capybara instantly starts munching on it.
I keep watching it for a while before Tiger flutters towards me, demanding my attention. To be honest, this is not the worst way to spend my morning. The peace is only disrupted by the door opening and Faye bursting inside. “Good morning!” she squeals.
“Hello, Ann,” I pull her into my arms, but Faye’s attention is immediately elsewhere. Her mouth drops open, and she tosses her bag aside before going down on all fours and staring at the capybara.
“My,” Donna chuckles. She has entered the house right behind Faye, handing me a basket with freshly made cake and sandwiches. “You have a new guest, it seems.”
“I doubt he will stay a guest,” I say. “If my feeling serves me right, then he might stay indefinitely.”
“You just have a way with animals, don’t you?” Donna smiles. “Animals can always tell if someone is good or bad. You are a good person, Elsa… or whatever your true name is.”
My heartbeat picks up frantically.
“Don’t worry,” Donna mutters. “I don’t know your reasons for hiding who you are, and I don’t care. I will make sure to keep your secret. But are you safe?”
“Honestly, I don’t know,” I whisper. “It’s just a precaution.”
“Who do I need to watch out for?” she asks quietly.
“Men my age,” I say. “Especially when they look strong and like they don’t belong here.”
“Okay,” she nods. “Is it her father?”
That thought has honestly never struck me. I was lying low in case the alpha did mind that I ran from his pack. Not that anyone ever cared about me, but you never know what’s going on in their heads. Maybe he is scared I am going to disgrace him, or maybe it’s about control. Maddox made sure we could leave in secret.
It’s just a precaution, but it means there is a possibility of danger.
But Faye’s dad? Would he really care? After all, he sent Marina and her away, leaving Marina in this horrible state. If he wanted Faye, he would have certainly kept her.
“I see,” Donna says quietly before I can answer. “There is a story behind it all. I won’t pry. I will make sure that Ann is safe whenever she is with me.”
