She laughed, the sound coming out more like a cackle. “It had to be Blake then. He has a horrible sense of smell.”
“But it’s a wolf shifter.”
“Excessive amount of blow would destroy your sinuses, shifter or not,” she said, bitterly. “Aside from gambling, that was where the rest of the money went.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too. Starting over fresh financially in my thirties sucks big hairy balls. But I know I can do it.” A look of determination crossed her face.
“I know you can, too. I have faith in you. You’re very brave.”
She chuckled. “Me? No way.”
“Don’t even deny it. I saw you pick up the hatchet.”
She beamed. “I’m not sure I could’ve gotten a hit in, though. He was fast. I’ve never actually seen his wolf before, but I knew immediately it was him. Do you think he’ll be back?”
“No. Not for a while. The pack is onto him.” I peered into the trees and at the new wolf scents that had joined us, which were much more familiar.
Ella looked too, curious, and two light gray forms slinked out from behind a large tree. Unlike the previous wolf, these wolves had thick fur and were even larger.
“Oh wow,” Ella muttered under her breath.
“That’s Levi,” I said, gesturing to the one on the left. “You met him yesterday.”
“Oh yes! Thank you for letting my family know I’m safe.”
Levi chuffed a “You’re welcome,” at her.
“We’ll be fine,” I said. “Just watch him and make sure he doesn’t cause shit for anyone else, especially Ella’s family.”
The two wolves disappeared back into the forest. I checked one more time that the tree was secured on the sled, and we were soon on our way home.
Chapter 11
Ella
Arounddinnertime,myphone buzzed on the counter. I glanced at the screen before picking it up.
“It’s the garage,” I mouthed, as I wiped the glitter from my hand onto my pants, then picked up the call.
“Hey, is this Ella?” asked the voice with the southern drawl, except instead of peppy like it was this morning, she soundedlike she’d been running around in circles all day and was ready for a long nap.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“This is Caroline from Grind and Shine. I’m just calling to update you on the pickup.”
“Are you guys ready to come out?”
“Afraid not, hon,” Caroline said with a sigh. “They’re still working on clearing the city routes, and your road’s way down the list. Best estimate is tomorrow around noon. You okay where you are?”
I looked over at Axel, who was obviously listening to the conversation with his enhanced hearing.
“She’s fine,” he said, loud enough for Caroline to hear. “She’s with me.”
“Is that you, Axel?”
I frowned. How did she figure it was him by just his voice alone? Did they know each other? And how well?
