Twenty-nine: metal against my skin

Temperance

Once we all get back to the mansion, Alec runs towards me. He takes me in his arms and holds me tight.

I place my head on his shoulder and take a deep breath.

"Where were you?" He pulls back, keeping his hands on my shoulders.

"Just walking around." I know there will be a wave of questions. But I don't want to answer any of the ones he's bound to ask.

"I'm dirty and tired." I blurt before he has the chance to ask anything else.

He looks at me and sighs in defeat. "You need to eat. I know you haven't been eating."

I frown at him. I don't want to eat. I can't. I won't be able to hold the food down. And I don't deserve it anyway.

"No, Alec, I'm fine." I roll my eyes taking a step back.

"Temperance, you're going to eat."

The other guys pull up. The ones that have been looking for me, I presume. They stop the cars and park them.

"No, I'm not. You're not going to force me." I grit my teeth as they walked past us. I know if Alec and I aren't talking that they'd come up and hug me