Ten.

Bella

I watch from the window as they leave. They drive off without even looking up to see if I’m watching.

I knew what they would find. I knew that Aiden would pick up the scents in my old bedroom and he would know that things had been a lot worse than what I had let on. The scarred back was nothing.

An hour goes by before I check the door. I was surprised it wasn’t locked. But we had made a deal. I could at least stay here until there was news.

Heading back to the window, I pull the chair over and make myself comfortable. Watching the people on the street below.

The knock interrupts my thoughts. Halle doesn’t wait for permission to come in. She swans in, her raven hair fanned out over her shoulders.

“Are you okay?” She beams at me.

“Fine.”

“Do you want to grab something to eat?”

“No.”

“Is that all you ever say? One word answers?”

I flash my golden eyes in her direction and don’t say anything.

“Geez, I’m just trying to be nice.” She folds her arms across her chest and pouts.

Rolling