I added a generous portion of rice to the already steaming water on the stove. As soon as Mary had the onion chopped, I had her throw it in, too. I stirred the eggs again. They were cooking faster now. I handed the spoon to Mary and went to help Rilla finish cutting up the sausage.
We worked in silence, each of us glancing at Winifred who’d not once spoken. By the time the food was done, my stomach was twitchy with nerves. I made up plates for the kids. The parents didn’t eat, just hovered close.
Having the families present for the breakfast had been a debate. Winifred had worried about their safety. Everyone had, really. But, we’d agreed their presence was part of what we wanted to show those coming to join us. So the parents stayed close and trusted Winifred to keep their children safe.
“We’re ready,” I said, touching Winifred’s shoulder.
She reached up and patted my hand. “I hope you are.”
The door opened at that moment, and Thomas walked in. He looked tired and annoyed. When he stepped aside, the first of too many newcomers poured through the door. Many glanced at the women and children. I tried to gauge their reaction but was soon too busy.
Each man took a plate and stood by the stove. They waited patiently as I scooped a portion of eggs and rice mixed with sausage onto their plate. Those who sat down first ate quickly then brought their dishes to the sink and filed out. Mary and Rilla washed and dried everything, and brought it back to the stove.
It seemed a never-ending loop for a while; but, finally, I saw the last man step through the door. I stopped conserving the scoops and generously fed those remaining in line. It didn’t take the room long to empty after that. After the final newcomer left, one of the Mated men closed the door and the tension eased from the room.
Looking around at the mess, I realized I’d never fed Thomas. I scraped what was left into a single pot, covered it, then went to help with the dishes. With so many hands to help, the room was quickly back in order; and the families returned to their rooms.
I went to the window and looked out. The men milled around the yard. Grey and Thomas walked among them. Many stopped Thomas to talk to him.
I glanced at Winifred and found her watching me. Mary was standing by her side.
“Can you tell us what’s happening?” I asked.
“They’re discussing you now.”
“Me?”
“They scented the Claim.”
I moved away from the window and went to Winifred.
“Is it bad?”
“Not as bad as you imagined, but worse than we’d hoped for. There are several who are willing to accept you as one of us now that they know a Claim is possible. However, the majority are still against you, saying you’re too human. They need to know you’re not, Charlene.”
Mary gave Winifred a puzzled look.
“Not what?”
“Not too human,” I said.
I wasn’t stupid. After Winifred’s and Thomas’ talks about protecting me, about how important I was to their future, and about how they weren’t concerned about my ability, I’d figured it might come to this. That she would want me to reveal my secret to everyone in an effort to win their support and keep me here.
“They will try to use me,” I said.
Winifred shook her head.
“It would expose us. I would never allow that.”
“Then they’ll tell someone to try to get rid of me.”
“I’ll forbid that as well. Revealing you would reveal us.”
“Please, Winifred,” I begged. “Don’t do this.”
“I won’t. You and Thomas will. Show them what you can do.”
“It doesn’t work like that. I can’t just use my ability to show it off any more than you can use yours for personal gain.”
She was quiet for a moment. Sounds exploded outside. Growls, howls, snarls, and barking.
“Save him,” Winifred said, standing.
I knew what she’d done. She wasn’t trying to force me; she was giving me a valid reason to use my powers. Regardless of her reasons, I was angry. I ran to the door and threw it open. Bodies clogged the way. I screamed at them to let me through. Body by body, I pushed my way to the writhing mass.
Winifred, what have you done?
Thomas, the man, twisted and dodged attacks from the five wolves around him. They all moved incredibly fast. Each jump, each pass they made, left a mark somewhere on Thomas. There were just too many of them for him to combat or defend.
My hands curled into fists. I could so easily stop them all as I’d done before. But I wasn’t sure about Winifred. Her will wasn’t like the rest, and now there were two Elders. My gaze shifted to Grey. He remained focused on his brother.
Thomas grunted as one of the wolves clamped down on his arm. I felt his pain. It surged through our connection and stole my breath. A bite to the arm shouldn’t feel—Thomas turned and I saw the wolf hanging from his back.
Get off him.
I hadn’t realized I’d grabbed my will until the body of the wolf jerked away from Thomas. I hit him again and again, beating him until he loosed his hold. Then, I swung out at the ones still circling Thomas. Two flew into the crowd.