Mattie perched on the very edge of the couch. Her muscles were tensed to the point that she looked like a feral cat preparing to bolt. There was no way she was relaxing, not yet, not now. She swallowed and avoided eye contact with Jacob.  

"It wasn't bitten, if that's what you were thinking, so no more impromptu amputations," replied Mattie, her voice somewhere between a hiss and a squeak. Then it softened just a little once she reminded herself that this man was showing them hospitality. Incredible hospitality. She pushed a few strands of hair out of her face. "I had to get out of my apartment. The door wasn't an option. Jumped out the window, and landing on my feet isn't always a talent of mine." Clearly she was too worn-out for the long story. She smiled slightly, but there was a flood of anxiety behind it. "I can take care of myself. Nicholas really is the only one who needs attention here." 

She pulled out a container of baby food and started to feed Cole. Frankly it was all she felt useful doing.