Then I retreat from the kitchen, not ready to see what reaction my actions had on the monster.
27
Bo
Jack keeps his word.
On the evening of the first full moon since my freedom, he knocks on the door of the RV. I just finished my dinner of microwave ramen noodles and was trying to ignore the tingling in my bones that precedes the call of the moon.
When I open my door to find the wolf waiting, barefoot and only wearing a pair of athletic shorts, I still have trouble believing he’s here to keep his promise.
“Sun sets in twenty. You coming?” His words ride a growl, but I suspect that’s more from the urge to change than because he’s angry.
“Yes, sir.”
Jack scowls. “Gods, don’t call me sir. I’m not an alpha, and I don’t want to be.”
I turn over his words and what I know about Jack as I tug off my shirt and pants before following him outside.
He’s a lone wolf in a town with two packs, and from his tone, the guy has no respect for alphas.
I’d hazard I’m not the only one who’s had negative experiences with a pack.
Tonight, it’ll just be the two of us then, and that’s fine by me.
“You heading out?”
I jerk my chin to the side at the question and find Ame exiting the library, cradling her black cat. Suddenly, I’m wishing I’d kept my pants on until we made it to the tree line. The witch has seen me in less, but that doesn’t mean I should be strolling around their property in boxers.
And as if the gods want to compound my embarrassment, Mor follows her sister, blinking slowly as she catches sight of me. Luckily, the dying light should hide most of my blush.
“Yeah. Bo is coming with me. We’ll be back before sunrise.” Jack plucks Lucky from his mate’s arms and sets the cat on the ground despite its meow of protest. Then he tugs Ame into an embrace and kisses her deep.
I avert my eyes, not because I think the two care about privacy, but because I can’t help the pang of envy deep in my gut as I observe their affection.
What would it be like to love and be loved in return the way those two do?
Could I ever hope to find that kind of happiness, or am I doomed to walk my life alone?
“Bo.”
At the sound of my name, I climb from my dark thoughts and find Mor’s eyes are still on me.
“Jack will watch your back, and I don’t think anyone will bother you, but if they do, come back here.” She stands on the top step of the porch, her arms crossed, red hair loose around her shoulders in a fiery riot. “This is my territory. You’re safe here.”
I gape at her, this witch who keeps giving to me.
She’s claiming she’ll protect me. Me. A grotesque monster who strikes fear into the hearts of those who look upon my mythic form.
And Mor offers me safe haven.
“Thank you,” I finally choke out.
She nods, then turns on her heel to go back inside, Ame soon following after.
When I face Jack again, he’s breathing heavy, and I would swear he’s gotten taller.
“Come,” he rumbles, then lopes toward the woods as the last glow of sun disappears and the moon takes over the sky.
