Chapter 21

Rachel

The day had gone fantastically. The time to myself in the car that morning had been like a day at the spa. Not even thinking about Joanie could keep me from glowing with satisfaction. Wolf was present with me, and perfectly behaved. I was anxious to let her out for a run once I got back to pack lands that afternoon, but I needed to finish up a few things first.

I told Kyp at lunch that I’d meet him by my locker after school so we could follow each other back home. As co-president of the drama club, there were a few things I needed to straighten out and bring home with me to organize for the spring musical we were already planning, and I’d put it off with everything else going on. I didn’t have to be at play practice tonight, but there were still some other things on my mental checklist. And I needed to move back toward normal—at least, whatever my new normal was going to look like being a werewolf, and having Mom, Dad, and Joanie halfway across the country for the time being.

Jennifer was still on her shift when Kyp and I pulled into the driveway and just as I took my keys out of the ignition, my phone dinged.

—Come up to the cabin. I’ve got dinner started. Miss you—

My insides warmed at the text from Megan. We’d seen each other at school, but I felt it down to my bones that we hadn’t had enough best-friend-time the past few weeks.

—Let me check with Kyp—

—Bring him, too—

I smiled and grabbed my backpack and purse and shoved open the door. Crisp air hit my nose and Wolf rose within me, scenting, exulting in the way my senses spread out and understood the world in such a vastly different way than ever before.

Kyp smiled at me as he stuck his key into the lock on the door.

“Megan just invited us up for dinner. Want to go?”

“Sure. When do they want us?”

“Probably right now.” I groaned. “Although I have a few homework things I have to get done tonight. Most of my teachers are done with their leniency.” I sighed dramatically. It’s not like any of my teachers had been devoid of mercy, but I was still a student and I did have things I had to get done to keep my grades where I wanted them.

“That’s fine. I’ve got some physics to do tonight, too.”

“I’ll never get things done if we go over there first. I’ll just want to sit and talk and be with friends and run around in fur all night.”

Kyp chuckled. “So text Megan back and tell her we’ll be over after homework is done.”

“I suppose. You’re doing a great job with this Alpha thing and making sure all the things get done,” I teased. His smile faltered slightly, and I wondered if I’d said the wrong thing.