Chapter 35

She took a deep breath in order to stifle the irate words that were rising to the surface of her throat. "I was trapped in here and needed to get out." She massaged her arms by moving her hands up and down her limbs. "I called up my good friend."

Phil nodded. You really needed to have a conversation with somebody who, for lack of a better description, is normal. I understand."

"You do? Have you ever had those feelings before?

"Of course, every so often." When he saw her shocked reaction, he simply shrugged. "Over the course of the past few hundred years, I've had what I suppose you could call woman companions from time to time. Not for use with prey. Not for sexual use. Simply for the purpose of companionship. Just to have the opportunity to experience being human for a week or two."

He took a few steps back, at which point she strolled over to the sofa and sat down on it. "Did you ever love any of them?" is the question.

While his brow furrowed in concentration, he slid his hands int