“Fine.” He let go of her arm and handed her a couple blankets.
It took us about fifteen minutes to unload everything and bring it into the house. Addie had directed us to drop our belongings into a corner of the living room. Henry opened the box containing our dwindling food stock, handing her a couple jars and bottled water.
“I apologize that I can’t spare more. We haven’t had much luck finding more food as of late. We hope that, once we get settled somewhere, we’ll be able to plant a garden.”
Addie hesitated. “Why don’t you keep these then? I have a garden out back. I also have a couple chickens, and by the looks of y’all, I think you could use a nice meal.” My mouth watered.
“Oh, that sounds fantastic!” I couldn’t control myself.
Henry glared at me. “Now, love, we’re asking a lot from her already. Let’s not put her out any more.”
“No. No. It’s fine. I insist. I miss cooking for a crew.” Addie smiled at us for the first time. “Would one of you girls like to come with me and keep an eye out while I slaughter the chicken?” I shuddered.
“I’ll go.” Thankfully, Claire volunteered or I might have thrown up. I had been getting used to the blood being passed around in front of me, but I really didn’t think I could handle slaughtering a chicken.
“Alright. Follow me.” Nick handed Claire his gun. Addie grabbed the supplies she needed out of the kitchen, and they went out the backdoor. I was a little nervous with Claire out there by herself. I wasn’t sure if Addie was packing some heat, besides the giant butcher knife she took with her. I stood there chewing my lip, keeping an eye on the situation. I felt Henry’s presence behind me.
“She’ll be fine,” he said in a hushed tone as he wrapped his cool arms around my body. He nestled his face into the side of my neck and laid soft kisses on it, letting out a groan that tore through my body.
“Henry, stop!” I swatted at him.
“You tease me all the time. The way you walk when you know I’m behind you. The way you flip your hair. The way you purposely bend over in front of me. It kills me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten hard just watching you.”
I smirked. “I would never do that.” I tried to sound as innocent as I could. He was swaying back and forth. He kept moving his hands up and down my sides in a sensual manner.
He groaned again and whispered, “I want you so very badly, my black-haired beauty.”
The rasp in his voice could make me buckle at the knees. His tongue traced up my neck to my ear. His cool breath made me shiver. He pressed his hips into my lower back, and I felt his arousal. I had to pull away before I dragged him somewhere and released my pent up tension.
“Quit distracting me!” I swatted at him again. “I’m trying to keep an eye on Claire. Go sort your socks or something.”
He smirked at me, then slapped me on my ass. “Later, love.” I turned around and gave him a dirty look. He laughed and left the room. I looked back out the door and watched Claire. She stood there, tall and strong, watching for undeads, chatting it up with Addie.
All of a sudden, she collapsed. I burst through the door without even thinking. As I ran to her, I pulled out my Sig, ready to take out whatever hurt her.
“Claire!”
***
“So, Addie, this is your home?” Claire was trying to make small talk, while continuously watching for undeads in all directions.
“Yes. I’ve lived here my entire adult life.” Claire heard the sickening whack of the butcher knife. An intense wave of nausea rushed through her body. With her stomach being off, she was afraid the slaughtering of the chicken would send her over the edge.
“You okay? You look a little peaked.”
She put her hand over her mouth, and couldn’t hold back any longer. Claire fell on her knees and heaved. Addie ran over to her and grabbed her ginger locks and pulled them back.
Once Claire finished, she sat back and began crying, her hands covering her face. “Sweetheart, it’s alright.” Addie stroked her hair and face.
“No. It won’t be alright.” She continued to cry into her hands.
“How far along are you?”
Claire pulled her hands away from her tear-streaked cheeks. “I’m not even sure if I am.”
“I have a knack for these things. Between your family there treating you like a delicate flower, your rosy complexion, and the fact that you just vomited, I have a good idea that you’re with child.” Claire looked into Addie’s eyes and broke down. Addie wrapped her arms around her. “Shhh… It’ll be okay.”