Chapter 22. Fear

It was slightly warmer inside than it was outside, when they entered the house.

Heating was non-existence in a place predominantly inhabited by people who could turn into furry beasts at will, so the cold was something Carla was forced to deal with until she was (she shuddered at the thought) turned.

Mark immediately jumped to action, leading her over to the couch where he set her down and draped a blanket over her.

"Thanks," she whispered through chattering teeth, her numb cold hands tucking the thick covering tighter around her body.

He said nothing as he disappeared into the kitchen and emerged few minutes later with a tray in hand that he set down on her lap.

"I thought I would be the one doing the cooking, from what I've seen so far," she commented to fill in the silence, feeling uncomfortable with the care she was receiving.

Growing up, this sort of care was rare and when it had to be done it was carried out, robotically, by her nanny, a sto