“That’s what I said!”
“She’s not joking,” Caelan said. “I watched it happen. She shifted. Full transformation. White fur, gold eyes, the whole thing.”
“But she’s human.”
“Apparently not.”
Thessa’s eyes widened. “Oh. Oh shit.”
“Yeah,” I said. “Oh shit is right.”
Caelan showed her the watch. Explained the inscription, the Mirabelle connection, my mysterious birth parents. Thessa’s expression grew more confused with each word.
“House Mirabelle,” she murmured. “They were wiped out decades ago. A tragic fire, the whole family...” She stopped. Looked at me with wide eyes. “But if your parents were Mirabelle wolves, if you were born with dormant blood that the claiming somehow awakened...”
“So it IS his fault,” I said.
“I don’t... that’s not...” Thessa rubbed her temples. “I need to go back. Talk to our parents. Access the archives. There might be records, genealogies, pieces that explain...”
“Do it,” Caelan said. “Now.”
“I’m going.” Thessa was already heading for the door. Then she paused, turning back with a glare. “Also, you told Jade about us. About wolves. Without consulting me.”
“I told Riley’s friends,” Caelan corrected. “All of them.”
“CAELAN.”
“It was relevant at the time.”
Thessa made a sound of pure frustration. She turned to me. “Can you please explain everything to Jade? That I have to go. Apologize for me. Grovel if necessary.”
“I’ll handle it,” I said.
“Thank you.” Thessa shot her brother one more murderous look. “I’ll be back as soon as I have answers.”
She left. The apartment fell silent. We stared at each other.
“I’m still mad at you,” I said. “This might still be your fault.”
“I know.”
“And we’re going to have a very long conversation about all of this when I’m less... in shock.”
He moved toward me slowly, carefully, the way you’d approach a wild animal. Which, I supposed, I literally was now.
“Whatever happened, whatever the truth is... you’re still mine. And I’m still yours. That hasn’t changed.”
I stepped back, kept the distance between us.
“I don’t know who I am anymore.” The words came out quieter than I intended. “I thought I knew. I was Riley Hawkins, romance novelist, disaster human, regular person. And now...”
“Now you’re Riley Hawkins, romance novelist, disaster human, regular person, and also apparently a werewolf.” He tried a small smile. “Same person. Just... more.”
“That’s not how it feels.”
He didn’t try to touch me again. Just stood there, patient, steady. “But we’ll figure it out. Together.”
“Find me answers,” I said, cold and distant. “And then we’ll talk.”
