Chapter 13 - Xander

I cradle Arya in my lap as Devin drives back to the packhouse.  He holds her hand, rubbing his fingers in a soothing pattern.  I rub her back, my face in her hair.  I alternate light kisses with words that I hope are comforting.  Honestly, I don’t even know what I’m saying, I’m just trying to keep her calm.

She doesn’t speak the entire 40 minute drive back to the packhouse.

Once we get there, I carry her to Brandon’s room, which is where we have been staying.  We’ve moved some things into the room and, even though we have both been fairly out of it lately, we asked Charlie to stock some things for Arya as well.  I immediately take her into the bathroom, settling her so that she is seated on the counter.  Devin follows behind, grabbing a towel and loofa from the linen closet and bringing them