Hunger Awaits

Kendra's POV

I couldn't believe that Ryker was finally gone and that I had watched his death no less. The hospital was a short visit since I wasn't hurt anymore. They did say it looked like I had a very small crack in my leg but it wasn't anything to worry about. In fact, they said it looked like it was already almost healed. Audrey stayed with me at the hospital while Bree and Paxton went back to the resort and got all our things. Paxton already had a flight for us for that night and was eager to get back home. I still hadn't figured out how I was going to tell them all that I wanted to come back and stay with Matto, especially after everything that happened with Ryker. They would probably think I was completely nuts, but I knew that I wanted this. I couldn't explain it, but something inside me hurt when I wasn't with him. "Ok, now that we are alone missy. What happened with that very attractive man? There is something different about you so dish." Audrey said to me, as she took a seat next to me on the hospital bed. I looked at her and laughed. She was very good at reading me, that was one of the reasons why we had been so close.

"Nothing really. I mean we kissed a few times, but nothing more than that." She eyed me as I said this.

“Really? That's all? I don't buy it. There is something different about you, you are practically glowing." I smiled at her. She was my best friend and I didn't think I could keep my decision from her for long.

“Well, there is something. It is hard to explain and if I tell you I need you to keep it between us for now. Can you promise me that?" She cocked her head a little and then nodded.

“I promise. What's going on Kendra?" I played with the bed sheet in front of me nervously.

“Well, I have decided that I am moving here with Matto." She sat there with her mouth open in complete shock.

“What do you mean you are moving here? You have only known the guy for like a week. Are you crazy?" I knew that she would respond this way, but I honestly had no explanation for her.

"I don't know what it is Audrey. Since the first time I saw him, there was something that was pulling me to him. I thought it was just lust at first, but after spending the last few days with him alone I know it isn't that. I genuinely hurt right now because I am away from him. It is crazy, but this is what I want." She just sat there looking at me for what seemed like forever. I could see her mind working hard to make sense of all this. Then her expression lightened.

“Does he make you happy?" I looked at her and smiled.

“Yes, I think. I mean I have only known him for a week, but like I said it is like fate is pulling us together." She took a deep breath and smiled.

“Then I say go for it. I have always believed that when you find your soulmate you know right away. Maybe he is your soulmate and that is why you feel the way you do. Plus Ryker will never find you here." I felt a little bit of guilt hit me when she mentioned Ryker, but I couldn't tell her about that so I just played along.

"True. Plus I feel safe with Matto."

"So how long before you come back?" Audrey asked.

“Well, I have to get everything ready and packed. I also want to give the bakery a two-week notice. Mrs. White has been really good to me and I want her to find someone else before I leave." She nodded.

“So when are you going to tell Paxton and Bree?" I thought about it for a minute.

"When we get back home. I am going to make a big dinner and I will tell them then. Can you keep this to yourself till then? It's only for a day." She put her hand up at me.

" scouts honor." She said making me laugh. I was so lucky to have her as my best friend. I just hope that Paxton and Bree would be as understanding.

After about three hours at the hospital, I was cleared and released. We all headed to the airport and checked in. Our flight didn't leave for another hour so we found a little place to grab some food while we waited. Bree and Audrey chit-chatted as we ate and Paxton sat next to me. I noticed him looking at me out of my Peripheral vision. I turned and smiled at him. "What are you looking at Paxton?" He smiled back at me and throw his arm around my shoulder.

“Just at the prettiest woman, I know. Are you sure you are ok?" I nodded.

“I promise I am fine. I just want to get home." Audrey looked over at me and I could see the laughter in her eyes knowing that I wasn't going to be there for long. We finally loaded the plane and headed back to Spokane. I looked out the window on the plane and watched as we left the ground. I hated to fly but somehow I found peace when I could look out the window and see what was going on. After we were safely in the air I laid my head back and fell asleep. It had been a long week and I just wanted to relax.

The next night I stood in the kitchen making my dinner for everyone. I was nervous about telling Paxton and Bree about my decision. I was making chicken fettuccine Alfredo with a salad and garlic bread. I had gone and bought some wine for us girls and beer for Paxton. "Hey, girl how are you holding up?" Audrey's voice startled me from behind. I turned around and just shrugged my shoulders at her.

“Ok. I am nervous but otherwise ok." She gave me her most sincere smile.

“They will understand. Besides, you are a grown woman. It's your life. You just better make sure you visit and call or I will come out there to get you." I laughed. I had no doubt that she would do just that if I didn't call her at least once a week.

"Ok, here we go. Dinner's ready guys." I hollered out as I brought the last of the food to the table.

"Damn woman it smells so good," Paxton said as he took his seat at the table. Bree followed behind him and then Audrey and I sat down as well. Everyone made their plates and I poured the wine and got Paxton a beer. I watched as my sister and my friends dug into their food and chatted amongst themselves. I would miss this, but I promised myself that I would visit as often as I could and would have them come to visit as well. Once we had finished our dinner I cleared my throat to get their attention. Everyone stopped talking and looked at me. I started to feel clammy and started breathing heavily. Ok get it together Kendra, they are your friends. They will support you no matter what.

“So I have an alternative motive for having you all here tonight. I have made a decision that affects us all." Everyone watched me attentively as I looked at them all.

“Well, what is it, Kendra?" Paxton finally spoke.

“I have decided that I am moving to Colorado to be with Matto."

The room grew deathly silent, as Paxton and Bree took in what I just said. Bree finally broke the silence. "What are you talking about? I didn't even know you and him were together." I looked at her and her eyes were focused on me waiting for an answer.

“Well, it just happened. I really don't know how to explain it. I feel something different with him. I feel safe and comfortable when he is with me." Bree watched me for a minute then got up and walked over to me. She wrapped her arms around me in a big hug.

“I just want you to be happy sis. So I support you. If it makes you happy." I hugged her back and smiled into her shoulder.

“Thank you, Bree." Audrey soon had her arms around both of us. I heard a noise and looked over to see Paxton walking away from the table. Oh boy. I thought to myself. "Can you guys give me a minute?" I said to Audrey and Bree. They nodded and let me go. I walked after Paxton.

He walked out onto the back porch. I stood in the doorway and just watched him. I knew he could feel me there. He always had a sense about me. "Paxton please don't be upset." He let out a sarcastic laugh.

“Don't be mad! Are you crazy?! You have known this guy for a week tops and you are willing to drop everything and move in with him." I knew that Paxton might take this hard but I never thought he would be so mad.

“Paxton, like I said I feel safe and comfortable with him. He makes me happy." He looked at me and I could see the frustration and hurt in his eyes. We stood there for a few minutes in silence. Paxton finally took a deep breath and walked up to me. He wrapped his arms around me.

“I'm sorry Kendra. I just care about you and after what happened with Ryker I just feel this is to fast." I sighed into his chest.

“Paxton I love you all, but I want this. I promise he is nothing like Ryker and I will visit as much as I can." I could feel his hand stroking my hair and it calmed me a little.

“Ok, Kendra. If he makes you happy then I support you, but I swear if he hurts you I will kill him myself." I laughed. "When are you leaving?" He asked.

“In about two weeks."

Unknowns POV

"Don't worry buddy I'll get you all healed up." I put the lifeless body over my shoulder and carried him back to my home. He was in bad shape but somehow he was still alive. I placed him in the spare bedroom and tended to his wounds. "You are one lucky bastard. I don't know how you are alive, but I will get you all fixed up." I finished cleaning and covering his wounds and then covered him up. I walked out and then went to my room and fell asleep. The next morning I woke to some noise coming from the spare bedroom. I jumped up and went into the room. The man was trying to get out of bed but was having difficulty. I walked over to him and put my hand on his shoulder. He looked up at me and his eyes were as black as night. I backed away slowly. "Hold on now buddy. You are pretty messed up. You were attacked by a wild animal or something." He seemed to calm down and laid back on the bed. "Do you want some water." He nodded his head so I went and grabbed him a cup of water. When I came back in I handed him the glass and he finished it in one gulp. "Now, what's your name son?" He looked as if he was trying to remember and then he finally spoke.

"Ryker."