Fishing

Emily’s POV

I watched Nolan and sensed he was brushing me off, probably because I woke him. Guilt crept in—am I just making things harder for him? He has to watch me, and that distant look makes me wonder if he hates it. But I also resent the need for supervision at all. Should I apologize or just ask if he wants to leave? Maybe I hope he’ll say he doesn’t mind. Or just show that he cares if I’m here.

After lunch, I told Ana I wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t be doing chores anymore, and she agreed to let me take the rest of the day off. Needing some time alone, I slipped away toward my hiding place.

Moved the branches and the leaves, I grabbed the spear. It was fishing day, strange how much I craved fish.

The river feels good as I wash myself, the water cool and smooth against my skin, flowing around my ankles and tugging gently at my clothes. The muddy riverbed is soft under my feet, and tiny pebbles press into my soles with each step. The air is thick with the scent of wet earth and wild herbs growing at the bank, and I catch the sharp mineral tang rising from the rocks. Somewhere upstream, birds chitter, and a frog croaks hidden among the reeds. I dry off, the breeze prickling my damp skin as sunlight glints on the rippling surface. With the rush of water still in my ears as I get dressed, I feel almost clean inside and out, ready to fish.

Spear fishing was fun, though not as simple as it sounds. You need skill, patience, and steady hands; every slight movement sends ripples that scatter the shadows where the fish hide. When you're hungry, you learn fast. I remembered when Natalie, one of the women in our group, taught me everything I know about it.

Eventually, I caught one and started walking out of the river, but I lost my balance. Suddenly, a strong arm pulled me out.

Nolan said, "Why are you so stubborn and not listening? You are pregnant."

I smiled at him and said, "I see you’re still mad at me, but I can share the fish with you."

His stern face softened, and he smiled. Nolan was a warrior, built like a wall, maybe the same size as Hunter. His dark brown hair was long, and he had kind amber eyes. He was maybe in his late twenties.

Nolan said, "Okay, I will make a fire, but be careful…"

"Yay," I said as I went back into the river and caught three medium-sized fish. "Not bad for a human fishing for a wolf," I said to him.

He chuckled, mouth full. "You…did well," he said as we ate the fish off the small branch, cooked like rotisserie.

 One was still cooking on the fire.

"This is so good," I said, biting into the fish. I licked my lips, savoring every bite. Suddenly, Nolan leaned close and wiped a bit of food off my cheek. His fingers brushed my skin, lingering just a second too long. A knot twisted in my stomach. The touch sent a tingle through me, and my breath caught. Was he just being kind, or was there more in the way he looked at me? My pulse fluttered between hope and confusion. Maybe it was nothing, or maybe everything had changed in that tiny action.

Nolan laughed and said, "Emily, officially, I will bow to you for your fishing skills."

 I know I can be difficult sometimes…

 "Sometimes?"

I laughed. What I am trying to tell you is…thank you for being here for me, and protecting me…chasing my nightmares away…did I forget something?

Nolan replied, "Nope, you listed most…"

Wait, for taking the whipping for me…I paused. How did you know I was pregnant?

Nolan said, "Uhhh, I lied, what else would it get you out of the whipping?"

Why do I feel like Nolan’s hiding something? The way he dodges my questions makes my stomach twist. What if his secret changes everything for the baby or me? My mind fills with worry. Is he protecting me, or is he afraid it’ll hurt me? I try to read his face, but he just looks away, and the silence grows heavier.

His head snapped towards the woods. "Get behind me," Nolan said. "Now."

Ted walked between the trees. Man, do announce yourself next time, Nolan said

 "Fucking smelled good, I’m surprised no one showed up yet…" Nolan handed him the fish from the fire on the branch.

"Emily is the skilled one," Nolan told him.

Ted said, "What? No fucking way, a human did this?"

Nolan got angry and said, "Stop calling her that. Humans are not that different from us, Ted. Your pup is from a human; have some respect."

"Emily, I’m sorry. I do respect you… Forgive me."

Only because Nolan trusts you, and you helped me get into the dungeon, I joked.

We laughed. "This is good," Ted said. "We need to do it more often," Nolan growled.

Ted said to Nolan, "Hey, no need to get vicious with me. I got your message."

I didn’t understand the message, but okay, he was my guard.

After Ted finished eating, we put out the fire and headed back together. As we walked, I turned to say something to Ted and tripped. Nolan caught me before I hit the ground, holding me close.

Watch where you’re going, he told me, and I moved away from his embrace.

Sorry, I said as I tried to understand his change in demeanor.

Nolan said, softer, "You’re pregnant, you can’t get hurt…"

Yeah, thank you for …

Why does it feel awkward between us now? Or is it just me?

"Nolan, can I see Hunter tonight?" I asked.

Ted chuckled. "Not tonight, Kaden’s men are guarding. But tomorrow night I will be there."

Back in the room, Nolan mumbled something, and his attitude shifted again. We walked inside, and I turned to him, unsure what to say.

"If you don’t want to babysit me anymore, just leave, Nolan. I do understand you have a life too," I said.

He stared at me with his amber eyes, as if he was seeing me. "That’s what you think I’m doing, Emily?" he asked. He took a step closer. His eyes never leave mine.

"No, I …" I said, stammering. "I see you as a trusted friend and…"

He turned and left.

Great, now I made him mad. I lay on the bed and thought about my miserable life.

Hunter and I will escape this place and start a new life. That’s the only thought that kept me alive.