24. Maeyve

Islammed the door behind me as I left Anevae's cabin. I'd felt like I was leaving a piece of me with her, but I tried to ignore it. Her words hurt me, and I couldn't entirely blame her for being mad. I was just trying to protect her in my own way. I shouldn't have kept things from her, but I was still trying to figure things out before dragging her into something she wasn't prepared for. Damn, vampire. At least I knew what and who she was now.

As I walked away, the cruelty of my words began to sink in, and a pit of regret formed in my gut. I spoke out of anger, wanting to hurt her as much as she had hurt me. When tears began welling in my eyes, I dropped everything I'd been carrying and shifted into my fox form to get home faster. With my injuries fully healed, the shift was painless.

I took off in a sprint, heading to my cabin. Behind me, I heard the door to Anevae's cabin open, but I wasn't turning around. She needed space? Fine. I'd give it to her. It didn't mean I wouldn't watch over her.

After the door slammed shut, I heard her scream. Panic filled me, and I stopped in my tracks. I wanted nothing more than to turn around to make sure she was okay, but I reminded myself that she wanted me to leave. I continued as my heart pounded and concern sank deep into my chest. I reassured myself that the vampire couldn't get inside her house without an invitation from Anevae.

When I reached my cabin, I shifted back into my human form and shoved the door open. I was still angry and concerned about Anevae, but depression began to settle in; I was alone again. Anevae made me feel alive and happy, unlike I'd ever felt before. For the first time in my life, it felt like someone actually cared about me. Tears welled in my eyes, and I wiped them away as I wandered into the bathroom.

I headed straight for the shower, making the water as hot as my skin would handle. Then, I stepped in, trying to melt away my disappointment and sadness. Whenever the water started to get cold, I'd turn the temperature up until it couldn't go up anymore. After exhausting the hot water, I forced myself to wash up and climb out of the shower.

Grabbing a towel from the rack, I wrapped myself up and plodded to my bedroom, where I collapsed onto my bed. I lay there staring at the ceiling, unsure what to do with myself. Unknowingly, I had started letting my life revolve around Anevae. She was something new and exciting, and after so many years of monotony, I welcomed the distraction and desire without a second thought. How could I have been so careless?

Arturo had been the closest thing to a friend I'd had in years. Since I avoided the towns as much as possible, I didn't interact with others. Until Anevae came along, I didn't think I needed friends; I didn't think I'd need anyone. I thought I'd be okay all alone, but she made me realize I was wrong. I was desperate to have her be a part of my life. I didn't know how much time she needed, but I knew I needed to tell her how I felt and explain what I could. I'd give her all the time in the world if it meant I could be with her.

Closing my eyes, I felt tears stream down my cheeks. I hated crying, but I gave in, rolled onto my side, and curled up into a ball, letting the tears flow. I'd check on her in a little bit, but for the time being, she was safe as long as she stayed inside her cabin.