“There’s blood on your shirt,” Mary said. “I’ll go get the clothes from the line.”
I stood and moved to the double doors as she walked outside. Though the men had given their word that they wouldn’t pursue me, I didn’t want to linger in the room. The building was quiet as I climbed the stairs and closed myself into our bedroom. I dropped my bag beside the dresser and started to unpack.
In the hall, I heard the creak of another door and froze. Mary wouldn’t need to go into any of the other rooms. I strained to hear more and almost screamed when someone knocked on my door.
“Who is it?”
“Thomas.” His familiar voice held a note of impatience.
I crossed the room and opened the door. With crossed arms, he stood in the hall.
“I wanted to let you know that Gregory and I will be staying in the room next to yours. Henry and Paul will be in the room to your right. Several other men will be staying in the rooms downstairs. We wanted to know what we should work on next.”
My mouth fell open. They were moving into the building?
“Why?”
“I thought telling you would be considerate. And we have no idea what your plans are.”
“No. I mean, why are you staying here? I thought...”
“You thought we’d leave?” He gave a dry laugh. “Not after your pretty little speech about being different.”
“I didn’t give a speech. I said that to Gregory in the—”
“Main room where we could still hear. You said no more biting, and we agreed. That doesn’t mean we’ve given up. It means we need to figure out how to Claim you without using our teeth.”
I stared at him, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure how I felt about their intent. Knowing the biting would actually stop was a relief, yet I didn’t like that I had no say in their decision to continue pursuing me. However, their presence could be an advantage.
“How many are willing to help?”
“Seven, so far,” he said.
I glanced at the window. We had several hours of daylight left.
“Let’s meet in the main room after I change my shirt.”
He nodded and walked down the hall to his room. I closed the door, still slightly shocked by this new turn.
When Mary and I entered the common room, there were three rabbits roasting on the fire. My mouth watered at the smell. But, I ignored my need for food to address the men who waited.
I knew Gregory and Thomas, and Henry and Paul, but not the other three. One I recognized as the man who’d arrived with Thomas. The other two I was certain I’d never seen.
“I’m Charlene,” I said, extending my hand to Thomas’ friend first.
He looked down at my hand, grinned, then wrapped his fingers around mine. It was less of a handshake and more of a handholding.
“I’m Grey, Thomas’ brother.” He released me. “These two are Bine and Zerek.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said politely. “Thomas said you wanted to know what I planned to do next.” They all watched me, even Mary. “Honestly, I don’t know what to do next. For me to live here through the winter...well, it’s a long list. And I don’t know what your plans are. Will all of you be staying too? It could change what we should do first.”
“What do you mean?” Thomas asked.
“If it’s the eight of us, we need to consider how we’ll feed ourselves. I’m guessing as hunters, you follow the food. If you’re staying in one place and the game leaves, then what? Also, if you’re living indoors without your fur, how will you stay warm? You’re going to need shirts, shoes, socks, and other things. We’ll need more bedding, a large supply of wood, and jackets, mittens, hats. And we can’t steal what we need. If we mean to stay here permanently, robbing the surrounding homes and communities would put us at risk. We need to find a way to earn money. Money will buy us the food and clothes we need.”
“Bine, head out to find an ax,” Thomas said. “Zerek, pull any deadfall from the woods into the clearing. Enlist whoever is willing to help.” The two nodded and left, shutting the outside door.
That took care of the wood.
“Do you have suggestions how we can earn money?” Thomas asked, turning to look at me. My neck ached as our gazes met. I tried to ignore the sensation and promised myself I’d take a pain pill before bed.
“There’s always the route Winifred took. Go out and get jobs.” He didn’t appear to consider that option so I moved on. “There were some useful things at the junk yard. Perhaps more could be found there and sold in town. If we can spare any wood, we could also sell that.”
Thomas glanced at Gregory and Grey. As if Thomas had spoken an order, they both nodded. Gregory held out his hand to Mary, and she went to him with a grin.
“We’ll find something good,” she said to me, and Gregory led her out the door.
Thomas waited until the door closed behind them before speaking again. “I heard you had one of the buildings dismantled for the boards. How do you plan to use those?”