ÒYou want to talk about not knowing yourself? Try to blame it on shape shifting? Are we really the first freaking teenagers to feel that way? Do you think that being a Protector makes you weak to admit it? Why? Why is it so bad to admit it? You are fighting for who you are, but if you buy into the lie that youÕre fighting alone then Ð then youÕre the one hurting yourself!Ó
The silence was as quick as her anger. She had raised her face, holding it tightly shut against any expression until the end, when whatever control over the rise of her voice had shattered. She looked scared. Not of me, but of what sheÕd said. She stared at me, nearly panting, waiting to see what I would do, if IÕd fall into the bed sheÕd pushed me back against, or if IÕd fight back. But it wouldnÕt be her IÕd be fighting.
I could shift out.
I could disappear.
That would have been easiest.