Page 10 of Woven Souls

The sound of the chair’s feet slamming back to the floor causes my back to stiffen. Unwilling to be approached from behind, I turn to face him as he walks over. Immediately, his hands rise in surrender as he draws near. He moves around me, purposely exaggerating his movement so I know he means no harm.

“Here.” He opens a cabinet and reaches up for a box of crackers. Turning, he offers it to me.

Without a word, I take it and move to leave the kitchen. I pause at the threshold. When have I evernotspoken my mind? I look over my shoulder to find Theo watching me from exactly the same spot.

“In case no one’s told you recently, you’re an asshole.”

“I am.”

His agreement, followed by a sigh full of unspoken contrition, doesn’t make me feel better. In fact, I feel worse. Theo did what he thought was best, and knowing how far he was willing to go to protect his family… How can I fault him for that?

I can’t.

Theo walks back over to the table where he sinks back into his chair. Slowly, he props his elbows ups and rubs his eyes with his fists. When he’s done, Theo lets his fists fall with a soft tap onto the table. He looks up at me.

“If you’re going to glare at me, why not eat and glare?” He waves at the chair across from him. “I promise I won’t move, if that would make you feel safer.”

I don’t say anything to this. Logically, I probably should still feel wary around him.

I walk over to the table and sit down stiffly before opening the box of crackers. Taking it slow, I eat one cracker and wait, seeing how my stomach takes it. I want to cheer when I don’t want to immediately throw up. My hunger intensifies. This time when my stomach growls, IknowI’m not the only one who hears it. Theo’s brows come together slowly.

“Viktor is just getting some necessities. When you’re feeling up to it, maybe you can make us a list, and we’ll get everything you want or need so you’re comfortable here.”

I inhale five crackers, one after another, before I reply.

“I can’t believe you sent Viktor out to shop.”

Theo’s mouth twitches, as if he too is picturing Viktor pushing a shopping cart around.

“Keeping Viktor busy is the best thing I can do for him. It will take him some time to find anything.”

We both glance at the clock on the stove. It reads 4:00 AM.

“Grocery stores are still closed at this hour, so it’ll be a few gas station runs until he’s gotten everything on the list.”

Is Theo always thinking of others? I have the feeling that the answer is yes. After Kwil’s story, I have so many questions, but as I sit across the table from Theo, I decide not to dive too deep into his past at the moment.

“How long are we staying here?”

Theo shrugs.

“Honestly, I don’t have a plan.”

“Are we waiting for your family to arrive?” It’s a sensible conclusion. With Theo Fallen, and his family in danger, it makes sense why he wanted me to keep quiet when I woke up. It’s not like the other safehouses we’ve stayed at because this isn’t for Ghosts, it’s for a queen and a princess or two. Royalty who are most likely on their way here now.

The pained expression on Theo’s face makes me wish I hadn’t opened my mouth. His elbows sit on the table while he places his face in his hands.

“If they are on their way here, I hope we’re as far away from this place as possible by the time they show up.” His voice is small. “But I have a sinking suspicion they haven’t left Everlast yet.”

“But they’re in danger, aren’t they? Why wouldn’t they come here if that means they’d be safe?”

Theo says nothing right away. I sit there quietly, waiting for him to speak. While I wait, I eat. The crackers are barely touching my empty stomach. The box will be gone before I’m content.

Finally, Theo lifts his head to stare at me. His mouth is pressed into a hard line as his unusual fuchsia eyes lock on to mine.

“Kwil told you about my family, didn’t he?”

I nod slowly, trying to determine where his head is at.