Warner’s sister waves a hand, dismissing my words.
“I was there.I know.”She pushes off from the wall and meanders around her brother’s room, fiddling with his stuff, but never picking anything up.“Still, I’m pissed off.”The girl raps her knuckles on the top of his dresser, the sound ringing so loud that I wonder if she’s dented the wood.
That’s when I realize I’m alone with a werewolf who now probably has a vendetta against me.
I should be scared.But she’s Warner’s little sister, no matter if she’s ten times stronger than I am.I don’t want to alienate his entire family in one night.So, I don’t try to make a quick escape, deciding to wait for the berating she’s about to deliver.Hopefully not served with a side of violence.
Her golden eyes, a few shades lighter than her brother’s, examine me, and she smiles in a way that is both humorous and sad.
“I’m not pissed atyou.I like you.You’re the first girl to snag one of my brothers.And he is gone on you.It’s great.I’m worried that one of them is going to date a total bitch, and I’m going to have to pretend to get along with her.”
Tanya plops down on the bed, and I bounce as the mattress responds to her suddenly added weight.
“But I’m the reason your mom is getting exiled,” I remind her.
Tanya stretches out beside me, and as we lie on the bed next to each other, I realize that despite her giant personality, I’m still a few inches taller than her.
For a moment, I think Warner’s sister has decided to ignore me as she fiddles with her phone.Then, she holds the device high, tilting the screen so I can see.There’s a photo pulled up, a selfie of Tanya as she presses a kiss to the cheek of a handsome boy who wears a rapturous expression.
“That’s Carlos.My boyfriend.He’s human.”She lets her arm fall back to her side.
Tanya is dating a human.I wonder if anyone in her family knows.
As if hearing my question, she explains, “Isaac knows.We all go to school together.He likes Carlos.But I haven’t told anyone else.”
“Warner wouldn’t mind.”Then, I hesitate as I consider my words and decide to add on a caveat.“I mean, he wouldn’t mind any more than a brother usually would.My brothers have always made my dating life a struggle.”
That prom car ride pops back into my brain.
In my peripheral vision, I watch Tanya nod, and I wonder if she has her own list of Occurrences.Maybe we could share stories one day.
“Yeah, Warner will probably be the next one I tell.Maybe Uncle Mason.But Roderick and my mom worry me.Roderick’s life is the pack, and he’s said multiple times that werewolf-human relationships complicate things.And then Mom … well, you saw.”
I nod, trying not to cringe.
“I don’t want her to be exiled.I mean, I’m not worried about Isaac and me.We can take care of ourselves.Plus, Roderick and Uncle Mason are pretty good surrogate dads.So, it’s not like I’m freaking out about that.”
I turn my head on Warner’s pillow and catch the teenager biting her lip.
“My mom showing up today was a surprise.I’m getting by fine on my own, injuries and all, but it’s still nice, having her around.I missed her.”My offering is a quiet one.
Tanya blinks, her eyes extra shiny.But then she sits up abruptly.“I don’t want her exiled, but she can’t do what she did to you!”The girl leaps off the bed and starts pacing.“That was super messed up.Especially when you see the way Warner looks at you.”
“What way?”
Tanya smirks.“Warner is friendly to everyone.This whole town, even the human half, loves him.You’d think he’d date more.Girls are always after Warner because he’s the best kind of guy.”
The thought of girls being after my werewolf makes me want to growl possessively.Some of my jealousy must show on my face because
Tanya points at me and gives a triumphant laugh.“Look at you!You’re all about him.He deserves that.And he’s all about you.And he never has been before.All the girls walked away with smiles on their faces, but moping on the inside because Warner never wanted anything from them.But you … hell, he’s ready to piss on your leg—he’s so possessive.”Her smile fades into an angry scowl that she directs at the window.“And Mom was going to ruin it all.”
“I wouldn’t have let her.”
No matter what the wolf woman threw at me, I would’ve taken it.Because Warner is worth fighting for.
“But you shouldn’t have to deal with her weirdness!And neither should Carlos!Or anyone I decide to date!”Tanya collapses back beside me.“You want to know why I’m not pissed at you?There it is.I want my brother to be happy, andIwant to be happy.No matter who we choose to love, it’s our choice.Not hers.I don’t want her to be exiled,” the girl repeats for the third time, “but I think she needs to be.At least until she understands what she did wrong.Until she agrees not to torment the people we date.”
Tanya’s logic chips away at the guilt I feel.As her declaration sinks in, I don’t feel as horrible about the choices I’ve made.Our relationship has caused a rift in their family, but maybe with time, that gash will heal, and it might shape the Jamesons into something different.Something a little bit better.
