“Show ‘em Disco Leopard first,” Estelle told her. “Disco Leopard is thebest.”
“This isn’t goodbye forever, Flora,” Finley said “We’ll see each other again.”
“Right,” Beth agreed. She looked around at the rest of the pack. “We’re all coming back next summer, right?”
Everyone nodded—or almost everyone. Honey noticed Archie hanging back, oddly subdued. He’d been unusually quiet ever since Zephyr’s farewell speech at the camp closing ceremony. He hadn’t turned into a bear even once today.
“Archie?” she said. Leaving Rufus and Finley to continue attempting to console Flora, she went over to the boy. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Archie muttered. “It’s just… I don’t think I can come back next year.”
“Why not?” Estelle said, overhearing. “You know Zephyr’s wouldn’t really ban you, no matter what Conleth said. You didn’t get inthatmuch trouble over the frog thing.”
“He should have,” Beth muttered.
“It’s not that.” Archie shoved his hands in his pockets. “I only got to come to camp this year because my sister gave my mom the money for it. I don’t think she’ll be able to do that next year. I mean, she doesn’t have a car any more, and I don’t see what else she could sell.”
“If it’s just money that’s the problem, I’m sure we can work something out,” Honey told him. “There’s special support available for families who can’t afford the full fees.”
Archie shot her an offended look. “That’scharity.My mom says that’s for people who really need it, not us. We do just fine on our own.”
“Well, there are other options too,” Honey said gently. “Staff discounts, for example. Non-shiftersareallowed to work here now, after all. Let me talk to Zephyr, okay? He can discuss it with your mom.”
“Okay,” Archie said, looking happier. He gave her a tight, slightly sticky hug. “Thanks, Honey.”
“You’re coming back next year too, right, Iggy?” Flora asked.
Ignatius rolled his eyes, though Honey was certain his air of peeved resignation was entirely fake. “As if I have any choice. Unless I magically learn to shift before next summer, my uncle will insist on it.”
“Are you sure about that?” Honey asked. “I thought he might hold something of a grudge against the camp, after all that’s happened.”
Ignatius shrugged. “Oh, he does. But a dragon never admits to defeat. He wouldn’t want anyone to find out that he lost a dominance confrontation. Especially not against someone who’s not even a dragon. If he didn’t send me back next summer, the other clan alphas would wonder why. They all know that he’s invested heavily in this place.”
Flora wiped her nose on her sleeve, untouched tissue in her hand. “Everyone comes back next year, no matter what. It wouldn’t be the same without you guys. Come on, pinky promise.”
One by one, the campers hooked fingers, exchanging solemn oaths.
“You too, Honey,” Flora said when everyone else had promised to return. She held out her crooked pinky. “Promise you’ll be here next year. YouandBuck.”
Smiling, Honey hooked her finger around the girl’s. “I promise. And I swear for Buck, too.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” Buck growled, coming back from loading bags into the waiting bus. “What are you getting me into this time, woman?”
“It’s too late,” Estelle informed him. “Honey’s already promised she’s coming back to camp next year. And she’s your mate, so that means you have to be here too.”
“I’mnevergetting mated,” Archie muttered, heartfelt.
“You are going to be our counselor again next year, aren’t you, Buck?” Beth asked.
Buck grunted. “We’ll see. Buses are ready to go, kids. Make your final farewells and get out of here.”
With another heartbroken wail, Flora flung herself at Buck, hitting him squarely in the abs. He made a small, windedoof.
“I’m g-gonna m-miss you, Buck!” Flora got out between sobs, arms wrapped round Buck’s waist. “I’m gonna m-miss your grumpy faaaaaaace!”
At that precise moment, Buck looked considerably more alarmed than grumpy. He hesitated, then quickly patted the wombat shifter on the back. Once.
“There now,” he said gruffly. “No need for all that. We’ll see you next summer.”
