Cecilia cracked the door and peered out before saying, “Virgil, can you run down and tell Robyn we’re coming?”
Which answered my question: Virgil hadn’t shifted.Thank the fates.He sometimes shifted in the shower or at random times, and because his wolf was hyperactive and unpredictable, I kept my distance.
“Is Robyn’s yoga class over?” I asked.
“Everyone just left.” Cecilia rotated her wrist, which knocked the charms around on her bracelet. “I wish Hope could come with us.”
“Same. It was lovely having a tea party at your bookstore last week, and I think Hope really enjoyed it since we had the whole store to ourselves. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in ages,” I said, thinking about how we had read random passages from steamy romance books. “We should do that again so she can join us.”
“I bought a storage locker last week filled with popular books, so a lot of new people are stopping in to look at the new inventory. Maybe in another week or two, it’ll slow down and we can have another tea party or whatever Hope wants.”
Since becoming pregnant, Hope wasn’t venturing out as often. She worried that public spaces might trigger an anxiety attack, which could cause her to involuntarily shift. That was incredibly dangerous for a pregnant woman. Her attacks were unpredictable, but most of the time they occurred when she was either stressed out or in public. To curb her anxiety, she’d been religiously attending Robyn’s yoga and meditation classes, which had gained paying members from neighboring packs. Sofar, there were only about five at any given time, but it brought in money and gave her an important role in the house.
“Perhaps we can dream up something else fun,” I suggested before entering the hall. “The poor thing. She still has five months to go.”
“Maybe we can rent a private room at the Rabbit Lounge on an early Monday morning. They’re soundproof, and Bear could cater from the kitchen. That way she’s still getting out of the house but without all the noise and triggers. We could decorate it with magazines, candles, flowers, music—oh, won’t that be so much fun! Lexi’s aunt runs a bakery and candy shop, and we could order cakes and sweets and arrange them on those three-tier silver stands.”
“That sounds scrumptious.” I hooked my arm in hers. “It’s wonderful to have a group of friends.”
“Family,” she said, correcting me. “But I know what you mean. After my father died, I felt so alone, especially with Noah keeping me at home all the time. It would’ve been nice to have a friend or sibling to talk to. Even though I’m not the social butterfly in the group, I wouldn’t give up this pack for the world.”
“And we wouldn’t giveyouup for the world.”
I often sensed Cecilia needed more reassurance than others because of her quiet nature and abusive past with someone she’d trusted.
I felt close to all the women for different reasons. Mercy’s fun-loving personality was contagious, and she could handle any sticky situation like a pro. While Melody was a little on the wild side, she was always encouraging me to take my knitting hobby to a professional level by studying more and practicing. Hope brought out my introspective side with her maturity and wisdom, and Robyn’s expressive and compassionate nature reminded me that we were all a little human.
When we reached the second-to-last hall on the right, Cecilia loosened her hold and flashed me a mischievous grin. “I’ll be down in a minute. Archer came upstairs to change and grab his prosthesis, and I want to say a quick goodbye.”
“Don’t you lovebirds take too long.” I winked at her as she eagerly rushed to their bedroom door. The love between each couple in the house warmed my heart.
When I reached the staircase, Salem was ascending. His beard needed a trim, and I wondered when he’d last cut his shoulder-length hair. He often wore it tied back in a knot and didn’t seem to give his appearance much consideration.
Salem halted at the landing and leaned against the wall. “Where are you going this time?”
“Today was Melody’s pick, and she wants to go to Dragonfly’s. That’s why Hope’s staying home.”
“I heard.” He stared vacantly at me while heaving one of his drawn-out sighs. “What happened to your eye?”
“Mascara mishap. Aren’t you supposed to be helping Tak with staining the fence?”
“I thought it would be prudent to watch over his mate while you’re out, don’t you think? Tak will understand.” He wearily rubbed his eyebrow. “Wouldn’t you rather stay home than engage in frivolities?”
I gripped the handrail. “Not especially.”
An awkward silence descended between us.
“Stay away from Vampires,” he finally said. “And don’t leave your drink or food unattended. Someone might spike them with sensory magic like what happened last week to Montana.” He hiked up the steps. “And stop ordering sugary drinks.”
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Catcher met my eyes as if he’d been waiting for me the whole time. He cocked his head, then startled me with a suppressed bark.
“Go find a rabbit to hunt,” I whispered. “Shoo!”
Mercy sashayed into view, her silver hair styled beautifully. “I’m fixin’ to lose my mind.”
“What’s happening?”
She stuffed her hands in the pockets of her short leather jacket. “I’m gonna have to take a rain check. Calvin called, and he’s in a pickle. That klutzy gal he hired didn’t show up, and Bear’s fixin’ to start serving food any minute. I sure hate to skip out on a fun afternoon with the girls, but duty calls.” She bustled past Catcher toward the front door. “Y’all have fun without me!”
