Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [57]
“Screw you.” The answer was so defeated it galvanized Liz into walking away, tossing words like knives over her shoulder.
“If you could ask that of me, expect that of me… then you aren’t the sister of my heart. She loved me too much.”
Liz had walked away, tears of hurt and sorrow burning at her eyes, Rachel’s stunned silence following her. But she’d forced herself to put one foot in front of the other until she was around a bend in the river and out of sight. She’d cried, harsh wracking sobs and wondered if she could leave Rachel to die. She’d never had to make the decision. Less than ten minutes later, Rachel walked up next to her, and said in a watery voice, “Let’s go.”
Conversation between them had been sparse and uncomfortable for the next couple of hours. Liz tried to keep the river in sight, but eventually the embankment grew too steep, forcing them into the tree line. Every now and then, she’d catch a glimpse of the sun off the water, or hear rapids through the trees. She wished she had an idea of how far they’d gone.
“What’s the first thing you’re going to do when we get home?”
The sudden question broke the silence around them. “What?”
“You know, the moment we find civilization, what are you going to do first?” Rachel kept her eyes closed and her cheek resting against her knees.
“I don’t know…take a shower?”
One brown eye opened and regarded her with disdain. “Boring.”
“I suppose you have a better answer?”
Rachel’s eye closed and she gave a breathy sigh. “Right now I’m torn between getting a massage and pedicure or eating the biggest double cheeseburger I can find. With a chocolate shake. And fries. Chili-cheese fries. Yeah. Definitely chili-cheese fries.” She licked her lips. “Or maybe a steak, with a huge baked potato. Loaded. Mountains of sour cream. Or…”
Liz shoved her over, forcing Rachel to uncurl from her sleepy position. “Shut up.” She laughed. “I’m hungry enough already.”
“Then come up with something better.”
So many things sounded good. A soft pillow and a warm bed. A hot shower. Calling home. “Depends on where we are. I don’t even know what country we’re in.”
“It’s a fantasy, Lizzy. Turn off practical and dream a little.” Rachel looked at her, humor dancing in her eyes. “Don’t you have any imagination at all?”
Liz tilted her head back and closed her eyes, searching for a response.
“Hmm, well, if we’re fantasizing…”
“Yes?”
“Guess I’ll hop the first flight, call Ethan Fischer.”
Liz rose as Rachel’s disbelieving giggles filled the air around them. “You and Ethan? Right.”
“What can I say, last time was great. He’s good with his hands.”
Rachel choked on her laughter. Liz gained her feet and resumed walking, wondering how long it would take Rachel to string words together.
“Last time?” Rachel squealed, falling in step in an instant. “Oh my God, how long has this been going on?”
Liz smiled and increased her pace. Only Rachel. Gossip motivated her where werewolves wouldn’t.
“How long, Lizzy? I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!”
“About as long as you’ve been giving me a hard time about it.” Liz smirked. “I don’t tell you everything.”
“I knew no one could study that much! I want all the details.” Rachel pressed, Liz’s personal life crowding out thoughts of fear or hunger.
***
The sun’s warm glow had kept the worst of the fear in the shadows, constantly on their heels but out of sight. Now that night blanketed the forest, the full moon lit their path, casting everything in shadows that lunged at them with talons of trees and branches. Liz pushed them harder and faster with every snapping twig and every swaying shadow.
The third time Rachel stumbled, she forced herself to stop.
“Need a break?” Liz leaned against the tree behind her, wondering if it would be better to try and climb a tree. Wait for daylight. The temperature continued to drop and they were both exhausted. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could stay on her feet, let alone keep Rachel on hers.
“Yeah.” Rachel slid down the trunk of a tree, groaning as she went.
A cool breeze picked up,