Page 35 of This Mate Thing

I hum to let him know it's a good thought before speaking."I'm not sure Zahrah knows how to draw.She takes photos.It's not the same."

"I know, but I think she knows wolves."

Yup, can't argue with that."You can ask Boris if she'll want to...talk wolves with you."

He beams.

Why wolves?I wish he could be fascinated by rabbits or woodpeckers or something harmless.I don't want him to get any ideas about going out into the woods and trying to take photos of wolves.Zahrah might have a death wish, but I don't want it to rub off on Ira.Argh.

Boris is exiting his house before we've made it out of the car, and I smile to myself.I hurry out and notice him carrying something.

"Hi."His smile is a little strained, and my alarm bells instantly go off.Boris doesn't do strained.Or hasn't so far.

"What's wrong?"

His eyebrows shoot up."Nothing.Why?"

I don't believe him."You look...Did something happen?"

A car is coming toward us, slowing, and then stops, blocking Boris' driveway.

"Nah, I'm going with Zahrah to snap some photos of wolves, but I made this, and now I won't be eating it, so I figured I'd give it to you."He holds out a Dutch oven."Cook some rice to go with, and maybe some chutney or jelly or something."

I stare at him as does Ira, though we have different reactions.No words come, and I watch as Zahrah exits the car and smiles at us.

"You're going..."

Boris nods and pushes the Dutch oven toward me."Venison.I don't know if you like venison, but--"

I nod, not sure I like venison either.Have I ever had venison?I must, right?

Zahrah joins us, and something close to panic claws at me.

"Hi."She grins widely and reaches out to ruffle Ira's hair.

"Are you going to photograph wolves?"His eyes are so wide I can't help but smile despite wanting to protest the whole idea.

"It's the plan.We'll see if we can get any good ones."

"Can I come?"His voice is so hopeful, my heart cracks.

"No."My tone is firm.

Zahrah grins."Sorry, bud.We'll be tenting in the woods for a couple of days.You can't miss school."

Ira deflates, and I want to try to soften the blow, but I don't know how.Then Zahrah's words catch up with me."You're tenting.In November?"

She shrugs."Sure."

"It's...cold."

"Which is why I'm stealing Boris from you.He's a good heating blanket."

Boris snorts and rolls his eyes but doesn't speak.I don't think he's ever been quiet for this long before, and it bothers me.

"Are you sure it's safe?"I aim the question at Boris, but it's Zahrah who answers.

"Sure, and if not, I'm sure they'll eat Boris before they eat me.He's tastier."She grins at Ira while a chill travels through me.