Page 38 of This Mate Thing

I heave a sigh.

Zahrah rolls her eyes."It's for the best, trust me."

"I don't believe you."

"I know, but he will miss you, and he'll be so happy to see you when you come back, you'll thank me."

I look at Mom, hoping she'll somehow make me feel better.She shakes her head.I don't know why, but it makes my heart sink.

"I don't like manipulating him."

"It's not manipulation."Then Zahrah grimaces."Not really.It'll make him see things he's too stupid to realize while you're there.He might not know what's going on, but the pull is there.He looked like he was about to forbid you to go when we said goodbye."

I sigh again.I think I'll spend the next three days communicating in sighs.It's easier.

"You're such a baby."Zahrah slaps my arm."Come on, let's get going."She opens the trunk and shoves a backpack at me.

* * * *

Chapter 18

Simon

I pace.The darkness is thick outside the kitchen window, and there isn't a single light on in Boris' house.It's been two days, but he isn't back yet.They said a couple of days, and I've waited the entire day.I've kept watch out the window.I was sure he'd be back by the time I got Ira from school, but no.

What if something's happened to them?How dangerous are wolves?I don't know where they are.Why didn't I ask where they were going?

I curl my fingers around my phone.I've been about to text him several times but refrained.Now, though...What if something happened?Maybe he's on his way back and is tired.I could ask if he wants something to eat.We've already eaten, and Ira is in bed, but I can reheat some leftovers.Except I don't have any leftovers.

We ate the venison, then I froze what was left of it.It's enough for another meal, and I figured it would be good to have toward the end of the month when I know I won't have any money.

I could scramble some eggs.

I type a quick message.

Simon: Where are you?

Then I realize it might come across as rude and frantically try to come up with something else to write.

Simon: Are you on your way home?

Several minutes go by without any answer, and my fingers itch to write something else.Or should I call?What if he can't text back because he's in a ditch somewhere?It's below freezing outside.The roads might be slippery.What if he's frozen to death?Who goes camping in November?

Insanity.

Right as I'm contemplating calling in a search party, my phone buzzes in my hand.

Boris: Hi, honey.How are you doing?

I stare at the words.How am I doing!HowamI doing?

Simon: Where are you?

The dots are dancing at the bottom of the screen, and I hold my breath while waiting.

Boris: By the north-east border of the Rutchester Nature Preserve.

The air leaves my lungs.