48: Chatterbox

ADRIANA’S POV

“The name’s Candace sweetheart,” the woman’s voice pulled me from my disturbing thoughts of Xander. I was grateful for that, because the last thing I wanted to look into was why I was anything but terrified, or even disgusted at what he said. I also needed to figure out why that wolf attacked me. All in due time.

The woman’s unwavering gaze reminded me of my manners and I sputtered a silent apology. My voice came out raspy, my throat feeling a lot drier and even more worse than the voice.

“I’m Adriana,” I introduced myself. Not getting over my head and thinking she would know my name. She shot me another warm smile and then turned after that, she was picking up the pillows that have been kept around me. Almost like the person—Xander, if my memories weren’t actually hallucinations or a bad dream—didn’t want me to fall off. I wasn’t a baby, though I was grateful for the thoughtfulness.

“Oh sweetheart, I know.” She said, her tone suggesting how hilarious the thought of