I hadn’t meant to hurt Stephanie. I had intended to convince her we could be friends, so she would feel comfortable enough to let the effects of the alcohol take control. Then she was supposed to tell us everything. In the pale light of morning, it was hard to see my actions as noble. My stomach tightened when I thought of the way Eric had bragged about killing Stephanie’s sister. He wasn’t a bad man; not that she would ever know that by the way he had acted last night. He was just fiercely protective of those he cared about. It was our common ground. The whole night was one colossal mess. Despite his terrible tactics, Eric was right. We needed to protect the people of the community. Maybe they hadn’t always welcomed me with open arms, but they had offered me safety. Twice. I couldn’t forget that. I sighed and pushed my feet faster toward the infirmary. Louisa had been moved there due to her failing health. The closer she got to her due date, the worse she became. Cramping. Shortness of breath.
