Exton

Raina awakens to Erik asking Star some questions about her cabin, trying to find out what he can about the room thats been nailed shut. Star has a stricken expression on her face, her mouth is open, but no sounds are forthcoming. Raina notices her little hands are clenched into fists at her sides. She must be frustrated. What the hell is Erik trying to do? Cant he see how confused she is? And how terrified she is of that room?

“Erik! Stop! Please, this isnt helping. I know you want to find those responsible but it wont be today anyway.” and she leans close to whisper “Look at her face and hands, she wants to tell you, but she cant like this..”

Erik sighs, “Gods, I am sorry Star. I dont know what got into me. Please forgive me.” and he turns to Raina, “I need some air. I'll be back in a few...” As he leaves the room he and Star exchange a long look.

Raina sighs and sits down on the loveseat. “He doesnt mean to be insensitive. He wants to find out who did this to you. And make them pay, dearly, if I know my brother.”

Nodding, Star sits next to Raina. “Is he mm..mad at mm....me?”

“No Star, he isnt mad at you. His first reaction is to kill anyone who hurts you and he cant do that when he doesnt know who they are. He thinks there might be some clue in that room or maybe a scent that Tiger or Wolf could pick up on. He doesnt mean to make you re-live the whole thing again. Thats the last thing he wants...”

Raina watches Stars face closely, her eyes keep changing color and her forehead wrinkles as if deep in thought.

“You ss..stayed and he ss..stayed... with me... all nn..night...”

“I dont know what those pigs told you, but it isnt true.” Raina takes Stars hand and feels all the confusion her feelings are causing her. Love, lust, fear, its all mixed up in her head.... "You're beautiful, who wouldnt want to be with you? What those men did to you has nothing to do with love or truly giving yourself to a man you care about. When you do that, thats the first time for you, not what happened before.”

Raina sees the barest hint of a smile, but her eyes are still serious and changing colors. Star looks at Raina as if she is contemplating what she just told her.

“All rrr..right.” she says. “He cc..can look at the rr...room. I will tt..tell him.” and she stands and heads towards the door.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Raina stands and grabs her vest.

“Nn..no... I am nnot a bb...baby... bbut thank you..”

Well, well.. so she does have a backbone. Good. And she must be pretty strong to have endured so much and for the most part on her own. Raina smiles, “All right. I would bet he is on the widow's walk and I am going to see if there is anyone around making breakfast this early.”

Raina watches as Star climbs the stairs, hoping her brother doesnt stick his foot in his mouth....