“And how do you know Ever?”

I waited a few seconds, trying to figure the best way to present this information, but decided to go with the truth. Or as much of the truth as I thought he could handle. I took a deep breath. “You introduced us.”

That got his attention. He stopped walking, turning around to size me up. “That’s impossible. How could I have introduced you to Ever when I don’t know who you are?”

“Fine. You didn’t introduce us. How else would I come to know her?”

“Anybody at The House could have mentioned her name.”

“I don’t know how much time you’ve spent in The House, but the girls there only talk about their One. It’s like you said, you weren’t the topic of conversation. They don’t know anything about anyone outside of The House.”

“Which leads me to another question. You have no mate. You didn’t belong at The House. So, how did you get there?”

“Ever dumped me off there,” I said.

James laughed. “This time, I believe you. That sounds like something she would do. The question is why?”

“I came here…” I hesitated.

“Yeah, I know. You told me last night. You came here for me. I think you actually believe that, even though it makes absolutely no sense.”

“I believe it because it’s true. I came to Judaculla for you. Ever found me, drugged me, and trapped me at The House.”

“You seem to blame Ever for a lot of things that have gone wrong in your life.”

“Well, she and I aren’t exactly friends,” I said. “So yeah, I kinda do blame her for things that have gone wrong in my life.”

“Since I’m the one who introduced you two, does that mean I was something that had gone wrong in your life as well? Are you here for some kind of revenge?”

No. You are the one thing right.

“Where are we going?” I asked, changing the subject.

“I have to gather today’s meals.”

“You mean aside from the food you already stole from me?”

“That wasn’t exactly right of me.” James dug through his backpack, fishing out the brown bag. He tossed it to me. “These should last you a couple of days.”

“I thought you were going to take me to the Elders to get back on their good side.”

“I am,” James said. “But they won’t hear cases for a few more days.”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll leave?”

James laughed again, infuriating me. “No one leaves Judaculla.”

“Gee, that’s exactly what Ever said.”

“Stop saying her name,” James said, suddenly irritated. “Ever’s a friend of mine, and I don’t feel comfortable with you talking about her.”