The dirt

- Riven

I’m used to being in charge. There’s been a few times in my life where I’ve had to fall back and listen to my superior wolves, but this is the first time in my life that I’ve ever had to take orders from a human, and it’s the highest insult.

Humans are far more disorganized than they would have you believe. Over the last day, I’ve watched at least a half dozen humans shuffle in and out of this cabin, exchanging information with Cody that he’s already said at least three times before. Why are they so stupid?

More importantly, why am I allowing myself to be held captive by them?

I look to the right of me, where Cody is sucking down a to-go bowl of soup that he got from a local restaurant. Steam rolls off the plastic bowl, and he clamps his fingers tight around it, as if he’s concerned I’ll lunge forward and take it from him. Taking it from him wouldn’t be out of the question, though. I can’t remember the last time I ate.

I clear my throat. “Hey. I’m hungry.”

Cody loo