Maya's POV
"He's just a human now."
"What? How is that possible?"
I stared at Tew; to say I was confused was an understatement. I knew Toke was different and that something had happened to him. But how can a werewolf, or shifter or whatever they called themselves, suddenly become just a human? Did his wolf die? Can his wolf die, but he lives? I've been listening to them for a long time; I didn't really feel I had much to give in this meeting, but this part.
"His wolf left him or died. I am not sure; he is vague in answering that question. Bottomline is that he is a wolfless man. This makes him easier to interrogate; his wolf can't protect him or heal him."
"So, he just told you everything else? Just like that because he doesn't have that safety anymore?"
It still sounded too easy in my ears. I didn't know Toke that well, but I knew him well enough not to give up like that. It didn't sound right, and that part with Loki? Did he make a deal with an old heathen god? I still don't believe that even if they all claim it to be possible.
"Not really; he wanted something in return."
Tew paused and looked over at Arcane and Hades. So, I did; what did he want? What could he possibly want that they were willing to give him? Not Eir; I knew they would never do that. They can't do that; why find her and save her if they would only give her to them? Arcane's hand snaked around my shoulders and pressed me closer, and despite that making me feel even more insecure about the situation, I could not help the calming feeling it gave me. So, I turned my attention to him,
"What? What did he want? And where is she?"
"He wanted to stay here. He gave us all this information for free, but the last piece of information he is holding back to secure his place and safety."
"What? Here? Are you letting him stay here? You can't be serious?!"
My eyes darted back to Hades and Tew. They both avoided me and didn't meet my questioning gaze, something that sparked anger. I am not sure why, but this place, this is a safe place! So many found their peace and quiet here, a good life! The story Arcane told me and the stories of the women that helped me get dressed and change popped up in my mind. They can't seriously consider letting him stay here?
"That is not a decision I can make on my own. We will need to have a vote; everyone should have a say in this matter. But we have always taken pride in never turning people away, and he was supposed to live here before all this happened. That was the deal made. However, circumstances have changed."
"He is not someone seeking help or a peaceful life! He is a lying, fucking scumbag using information as leverage!"
Arcane's grip around me tightened a little, but the anger seething through my veins even managed to keep the blush away when his lips pressed against the top of my head. To freaking frustrated and angry to even think about it that he kissed me; no, I was not. Not really, but to aggravated to take note of it right now!
"Come, let's go for a walk."
I wanted to object, but he guided me out of the cabin like a willing lamb. I wanted to stay there to argue, But still, I didn't want any part of it! I just wanted to know if they found out where Eir was! To know we could just go there and pick her up and then never have to see Toke ever again. Why can't he just go back to his pack? He belongs there; his family is there. I am sure they will take him back, no matter what level of shitstorm he created.
"Sit down, I know you want to be part of this, but I think it is a decision that has to be made by this pack's members. Okay? No offense, you should have a say, but I hope you understand what I mean?"
I did, so even if I were sulking, I nodded, plucking my nails.
"Good, we will figure this out! I will get you some warm tea, and I will be right back!"
He patted my head and ruffled my hair a little. Enough to irritate me and then some, but his infectious laughter made a smile tug on my lips while he swatted his hand away and walked out. Leaving me sitting there on the edge of his bed, staring into the open fireplace.
I'm unsure what came over me, but the part where he was now human would not leave my thoughts. That meant he was no more than me, no better than me. A little devil appeared in my mind, and I acted on his whispers. I jumped up and rushed to the door, slightly creaked it open, and peeked out. Everyone was at the cabin, and Arcane was nowhere to be seen. Like when I was a teenager, I tiptoed out and carefully closed the door behind me. Holding my breath, I stopped and listened before I scurried away like a naughty little rat over the green grass and in between the empty cabins.
The door was open, and nobody was guarding it, but when I came inside the little dark room, I understood why. His hands were chained to the wall behind him, and his head was just hanging there. Closing the door behind me, I stood there for a second, just staring at him. He was different; he looked tired and wounded. However, the moment he lifted his head and saw me, he smiled, and all that doubt faded in a second.
"I know what you are asking for; I am here to say that will never happen."
He tried to laugh but ended up coughing for a good minute before he resumed his laughter. He leaned his head back and grinned,
"They will give me what I want. They all are so desperate to find her, even you! Just wait, I will be accepted in this pack, and you will never get rid of me! You will spend the rest of your life clinging to Arcane's side and looking over your shoulder."
I walked over to the wall and studied the instruments hanging there: torture instruments, some still with dried blood on them. But looking at Toke, I knew they had not used them on him. He was a weak and defenseless human, after all. Not what I was looking for, and I completely overlooked him as I went over everything.
"You know, here I am, seen as this helpless little girl. A girl raised by her father, but besides that, nobody cared to figure out who I was. And yes, I know all about your little files and stuff, but that is not who I am, and it says nothing about what I can do."
I smiled as I found what I was looking for.
"I grew up in a little neighborhood where I was the only girl. The boys bullied me, picked on me, and did whatever they could to break me from a young age. And my father let them; he wanted a boy, after all, not a weak little girl. So why not let this build some character."
"Oh, buuhuu. Poor little princess, did they dirty your dress? Oh, or did they touch your special place?"
He laughed, but I kept smiling.
"Maybe, maybe not. Did you know one of the most painful places to get pinched is under your arms? Or that it is possible to scramble your brain through the nose? Oh, and don't get me started on what I can do just by inserting a couple of long, thin objects into your ears! Best part? Here, in this world, why would they check your ears? Or that the worse kind of fear and pain is not knowing? Do you know what sound alone can do with your mind?"
"Oh, so you are taking the torture job? Go ahead, little girl, do you really think you have anything on the ones that already tried?"
"Yes, yes, I do! But don't you worry. I will start off easy by just covering your eyes!"