Death Be Shifted by Katie Epstein

Author:Katie Epstein [Epstein, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Katie Epstein

22

After pacing didn’t settle me, Anya told me of a list of chores that needed doing. It wasn’t as if I had case files to work on, or reports to update, so the waiting made me antsy. Hating the look of every chore on the list, I chose to pick corn from the fields. At least then I could keep watch on the horizon to see when Kaleb and the others arrived.

Out in the fields, enjoying the distraction, I appreciated the graft of it—working in nature, and connecting with the food’s source. The time ticked on by, early dusk fast approaching. Anya spent some time with us in the fields. Regular updates came to her from the healer about Ethan. The look on her face each time didn’t settle me any. He grew worse with every message, and I got a crick in my neck from looking up into the distance so often, waiting for my friends to appear. Eventually, Anya made her apologies and headed back to cabins to check on him for herself.

Another half-hour passed by. Plucking an ear from its stem, I looked up yet again. Having resolved myself to seeing nothing, I did a double-take when I caught sight of something coming in from the border.

My heart beat faster with relief.

Asking the female shifter next to me if I could give my half-filled basket to her, she nodded with a smile. Shouting my thanks, I ran most of the way to meet them.

Mayra. Zax. Kaleb.

I almost knocked Mayra to the ground when I caught hold of her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

She laughed, holding on. “We’re here.” She patted my back. “We’re here.”

“Kaleb.” I turned to him. He took my hand and pulled me close.

“What is it?”

“Will your wolf ride Mayra to the cabin? Ethan’s getting worse.”

“Sure.”

Kissing me full on the lips, he quickly shifted soon after, and Mayra climbed on his back. Wary onlookers stopped what they were doing as more strangers entered their lands. But it would be Mayra who put them on guard the most.

As they disappeared, I snatched Zax into a welcome hug. “Only two days away and already you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

“A lots happened, eh?” He squeezed me in return, rocking me back and forth.

“Yeah.” I kept my arm around his waist as we walked. “Is all okay back on Earthside?”

“No noise from the prisoners, if that’s what you mean. So far, the radios are only reporting your common crime and deviancy.”

“Could Kaleb not get in touch with Bernard and Libby?”

“No, but he’s left them a message, giving them directions to the border of Caladonia Moor. Hopefully, they’ll pick it up when they get a signal.”

“Did the watch comms work or did Kaleb need to come to fetch you?”

“They worked,” he replied. “And he used the Doris code. Cracked me up that he fell for it.”

I laughed at that. “You should have suggested worse.”

“Yeah. He put me the spot. And it’s strange how quiet the house is without you all.

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