Page 34 of Soulmateless
My jaw tightens. What if some creep comes upon her? What if she runs into criminals? Into dreamscreechers? Maybe she'll get infected.
“What's on your mind, dove?”
I glance to Mother before looking back to the window. “It's nothing.”
She scowls. “Your foot’s swinging.”
I feel my foot tap the side of the examination table. I force it still and titter at Mother.
“Today's not a day for secrets.” She folds her arms. “Tell me what's going on.”
I take a deep breath. She's right. I don't need to make her more anxious. “There's a girl I saved back there. I met her yesterday. She has wounds from a panther attack recently and she's homeless. She refuses to go to the hospital though.”
She slowly nods her head. “How old is she?”
“She's eighteen. She doesn't have any family…or friends even.” I can't even begin to imagine what that's like. “I was going to search for her, but I knew the news of the attack would worry you, so I came here instead. ”
Her gaze flicks towards the window and her lips twist. I wait for a response. What is she thinking?
“You'll restock your bullets?” Mother raises a brow at me.
“Yeah. Why?”
She purses her lips. “You should go find her.”
I give her a side glance. She really wants me to go? “Mother. If you need me here-”
“I'll be fine.” She lets out a huff. “As much as I hate to admit it, your father's right. I have too much anxiety over you, and I need to learn to step back as a mother.”
“And you're sure? I'll stay here if I need to.”
“Yes. It's hard on me but I'll manage. If you think she's in need of help, go find her. Just go after your brother leaves and come back at ten, when Grandmother’s home.”
So she's really letting me go? Out of all things, I never would've expected this!
My grin grows as I lean over to embrace her. "Thanks Mother."
"You're welcome, little dove."
Chapter 13
Amias
I had stayed to enjoy the warm milk with her, leaving right after Erasmus to take off into the city with my chauffeur. People my age walk the streets near the mall despite what had happened earlier. Women show off their New Year's tan in short skirts and crop tops alongside men who have ditched their shirts in the humidity. The streets are doused in light from the heart shaped lamp posts. The only difference from other nights is the amount of police among everyone.
It's a Saturday night. It’s the nicest time to go to a nightclub or dine in a fancy restaurant.
Only thing it's not perfect for is trying to find Clara. At least the articles about the incident haven't shown her face among the victims.
I have my chauffeur drop me by the streets a few times and ask people walking by about her but no one's seen her.
The fifteenth stop, I hop out by a nightclub with a bright red sign that saysLustful Dancing. I ask people in line, and still, everyone shakes her heads. Lastly I walk up to the security guard upfront, checking everyone's ID before letting them in. "Excuse me sir?"
He doesn't even bat an eye at me. "Back of the line."
"Oh, I don't want to go into the club sir. I just wanted to ask something real quick."
He checks one more ID before waving them off before rolling his eyes towards me. "What do you want, kid?" He mutters.
