Page 35 of Jackal's Pride
Jackal
“You alive?”
Maureen’s snarky voice filtered through the fog of pain and exhaustion. I managed seven cities this time. And the one hundred and thirty-seven seemed at peace with my good deeds. It was almost like they thought I’d follow through with what she wanted even if she didn’t have me shackled by a collar.
I was done complaining about it. I was at an impasse. I was strangely coming to understand humans more than ever before. Before I was cursed, I couldn’t figure them out nor did I want to make the effort. Judging them was easier until I had my own emotions to manage.
Making matters worse, the uncontrollable state of mind I was currently in erased my desire for things I previously wanted—not that I had desires but there was one thing I always wanted.Death.The Devil made a promise to me long ago, so long ago that when he rose, and the end came, I could finally cease to exist which was why I was glad to hear it was upon us… until the witch and the one hundred and thirty-seven altered my life and forced me with sentiments. I’d admit that some of these moods seemed absurd. I was still wrapping my mind around the idea of something intangible determining how I reacted.
How odd it was to be a living, breathing, and emotional creature? How bizarre it was to have all these feelings and not be able to explain why you reacted a certain way?
Being alive wasstrange.
Everything in life was at odds with each other. The day could start out bright and hopeful and then something happened draining all color and promise. Hot and cold. Good and bad. Light and dark. All these thoughts and more poured through my head.
But the most important thing about humans, I’d yet to figure out. Why did one still wish to live in a world that could be so happy one second, then so horrible the next?
I was torn between what I’ve always wanted and the unknown, curious about being alive. I was an entity who had only ever wanted to not exist, but I didn’t think I’d ever truly lived until now.
My bones ached. My gums hurt like my canines might fall out. The bright light forced my eyes shut. Once again, I leaned against Maureen as she faded us back to her place. But through all that misery, something in my heart raced along with the smell of lavender. This time instead of pushing away, I let myself lean closer until my nose nuzzled the nape of her neck. I breathed her in. It was both foreign and comforting at the same time. I didn’t imagine the goose bumps on her neck as I let my lips graze across those chills. She smelled of more than lavender. Eventually, I’d share my truth.
“Okay, Jack, you can barely stand. Stop breathing on my neck.” She didn’t sound upset though. She dropped me down on her sofa once more, but I still noticed the silky smoothness of her skin against my own. Healing humans was worth it if it meant experiencing her warm touch. My thoughts of Maureen were becoming obsessive.
I wondered when she’d notice the beast residing in her home.
Or would it be too late when she did. I almost hoped that would be the case so when this collar finally snapped, I’d have her cornered.
Being alive was indeed strange. The need to be both good and very, very bad came together over and over.
Chapter 12
Maureen
There was something to be said about silence. It gave the illusion of peace for a little while. Too much and it woke me up—especially when it was the eerie kind. The type that wasn’t really silent at all, but a moment before all hell broke loose.
My eyes opened, and I took in my dark room. Immediately, I saw what awakened me. Jackal—or should I say Jack—stood over my bed. My heart thrummed in my chest even though I was aware there was no way he could get to me. At least not yet. My breath rushed out before I could force myself to calm down.
“What are you doing in my room?”
“I’m restless now that I’m awake.”
“And?”
He reached for my blanket, and I was too slow to stop him. Jackal yanked it, but I didn’t think he could see anything in the dark. As if answering me, his green eyes glowed a soft amber. Thankfully, I chose to sleep in a pair of boy shorts and a tight white tank top. Otherwise, he would have gotten a good glimpse at my naked body.
“Get up and let’s be restless together,” he said.
Red crept over my cheeks, fire descending over every part of me. I scoffed to hide other instant reactions, but he paid no attention to me, anyway. He was too busy ogling my body.
“Like what you see?” I taunted before yanking the blanket back over my legs.
“You’re always wearing too much clothing.” He touched the bottom of his shirt in disgust. “It’s not cold here. I see no point in keeping so much of yourself covered.”
I nodded. “All right. I guess I could wear less,” I played along nicely.
A few minutes passed before Jackal spoke again. “Tell me something about you.”
He wanted to know something about me? Instead of my normal reaction where I’d assume he wanted leverage over me, I reddened head to toe again. I fell back onto the bed, covering my face with the blanket. “This is weird. Stop being weird.”