Free Claws and Effect by Jessica Sims Page A

humans sat together in this motley group, I thought wryly. Someone shoved a plate of burgers and chips into my hands, and I ate, listening to the rapid-fire conversations going back and forth across the tables.
    "Hey, scoot down," came a voice from above me. I looked up to see Ellis squeezing his plate in on the table between me and Marie's Dad.
    Really? He was trying to protect me from Marie's Dad? Ryder giggled at my side, and I frowned as everyone shuffled around to make room for Ellis so he could sit next to me.
    "I'm fine," I whispered to him as he sat.
    "I don't care. Eat up. You're pale."
    Rolling my eyes, I took a big bite of my burger, noticing that a few others were sending smirking looks in our direction. I didn't blame them. I was feeling a little uncomfortable myself. My position here with the group was already tenuous. It was clear they all knew each other and hung out, and I was just the resident captive. I didn't know what to think.
    "Eat," Ellis said, nudging me with his elbow again.
    So I ate.
     
    ***
     
    I didn't get a chance to talk to Marie after all. She was clearly the center of attention, surrounded by shifters at all times. We chatted a bit in passing, but I ended up talking with her dad and Ryder more than Marie. That was okay, I supposed. She just looked so darn happy that I couldn't think ill of her. Maybe the biting thing was just a rumor. Or maybe Marie was really good at pushing those kinds of thoughts away.
    I wasn't, though. I still had nightmares about Andre and his teeth. They were less now that I slept snuggled next to Ellis, but they were still there from time to time.
    After dinner, everyone went out on the grounds and I thought they were going to play more football. My eyes widened when they started to strip, Ellis included. So...he hadn't been joking about that. They were all going to change and run together? I looked at the motley mix of men and women on the field, pulling off clothing and chatting as if this was a totally normal sort of thing.
    "Ladies...and Dad, shall we head in and have some coffee?" The woman named Bathsheba said, ushering us all into the house. "We can let the shifters do their thing."
    I glanced back at Ellis, and noticed he was watching me, his shirt wadded in his hands. I gestured that I was heading off with Bathsheba, and he nodded slowly. Then, Bathsheba was steering me inside, and sitting me down at the kitchen table. Everyone chatted idly as we drank coffee, but I only sipped mine, thinking. If all the shifters were in the woods, now would be an optimal time to escape. Once the idea was in my head, I couldn't shake it. I toyed with my mug, thinking as Bathsheba chatted happily with Marie's father about Marie's new job as Bathsheba's husband's assistant.
    "You okay?" Ryder asked, looking over at me.
    I nodded slowly. "How long do you think the others will be gone?"
    She gave me a knowing grin. "Missing lover boy already?" I rolled my eyes in response, and she went on. "I imagine they'll be gone for a few hours yet. This is a clan run, so it's kind of a bonding thing."
    A few hours? That would give me plenty of time. A weird sort of tension - not exactly excitement - bubbled up inside me. This was my chance. I didn't need to drag Ellis to my side if I could get away on my own. I wouldn't have to hurt him or lead him on. All I'd have to do was lead on a few humans sitting at the table across from me.
    So I clutched my stomach and put a pained expression on my face. "Oh no. I think something's not sitting right. Where's the bathroom?"
    Bathsheba's look turned to one of concern, and she immediately bustled to a nearby counter, producing a bottle of antacid and pushing it into my hands. "Just down the hall, honey. Take your time."
    I nodded, clutching the antacid and heading dutifully toward the restroom. Luckily, the hall had a bend and no one could see me pass the door and head right on out to the front. I winced as I eased the front door open a few inches,