“I don’t think that’s true, Archie. And perhaps why fate brought us together this summer. So I can help.”
“We don’twantyour help!” Archie whirled on him, fists clenching. “Paige doesn’t want you. None of us want you! So why can’t you just butt out?”
“Because I’m a jerk.” Conleth met the boy’s furious gaze, not backing down. “The sort of jerk who can’t stand back and do nothing when he discovers a problem.”
“You’re right,” Archie spat. “Youarea jerk. You don’t deserve my sister, and I’m gonna make sure she sees that. You’re not taking her away. Nobody’s taking her away! Not ever!”
Archie charged blindly out of the washroom, dropping to all fours as he went. Angry paws thundered away, heading back to the cabin.
His pegasus gave him a mental nudge.He needs us. They both do.
I know, he replied silently.I just wish I understood why.
He followed Archie, scooping up the boy’s scattered clothing. One thing was clear, at least.
He was going to need a plan.
CHAPTER 14
The next day dawned bright, clear, and way too early. Having spent a mostly sleepless night fretting about her campers, the clamor of the breakfast rush felt like someone was beating pans against the inside of her skull. Paige was sitting at the staff table, staring blearily into her cereal and trying to remember how spoons worked, when a large mug of coffee appeared in front of her.
“The first night is always rough.” Leonie patted her on the shoulder before sitting down. “It’ll get better, I promise.”
“It certainly can’t get any worse,” Paige muttered. She took a grateful swallow of coffee. “Thanks for this.”
“You looked like you needed it.” Leonie leaned her elbows on the table, wrapping her hands around her own mug. “We missed you at the staff campfire last night.”
Paige felt a lurch of guilt. Leonie—and all the other senior staff—had treated her with genuine kindness. Even though she was human, they were doing their best to make her feel welcome.
But she had to keep her distance. It was hard enough to keep her guard up around Conleth. She didn’t need Leonie and the others prying into her secrets as well.
“Sorry. I thought it was best to stay close to the girls on their first night.” That was true enough, if not the whole truth. “Especially Hetta. I was worried she’d be even more upset if she woke up and I wasn’t there.”
Leonie pursed her lips. “Is she finding it hard to adjust?”
“She cried herself to sleep, despite the other girls trying to cheer her up. Leonie, I don’t know what to do. She really doesn’t want to be here. Did you know she can’t shift?”
Leonie nodded. “Her dad mentioned it on her registration form. He expressly requested that we try to encourage her to step out of her comfort zone while she’s at camp. I think he’s worried that she’s so timid, it’s interfering with her connection to her inner animal.”
“Do you know what kind of shifter she is?” Too late, Paige remembered Archie’s impromptu lesson on shifter etiquette. “I mean, if you don’t mind telling me. Sorry, I know it’s rude to ask a shifter about their own animal, but I don’t know if you can discuss someone else’s.”
To her relief, Leonie didn’t look offended by the question. “As a general rule, we don’t. It’s like gossiping about someone’s private life behind their back. We do ask parents to disclose their child’s animal on the application form, if they’re willing, but we don’t insist upon it. In this case, no, I’m afraid I don’t know. Her dad didn’t say. I think we’ll have to wait until Hetta feels comfortable enough to tell us herself. Try to make her feel at home, okay?”
“I’ll do my best. Though if she’s here to learn how to shift, I’m the last person who’s going to be able to help her.”
Leonie sipped her coffee. “Do you remember what I said to Zephyr the other day, when Conleth was being an ass?”
“You’re going to have to be more specific.”
Leonie chuckled appreciatively. “Oooh, burn. Remind me to repeat that to Conleth. I was referring to why I objected tohim throwing all my pack assignments out the window to suit himself. Ring a bell?”
Now Paige remembered. “You said you worked hard to ensure all the kids were matched up with the right counselors.”
“That’s right.” Leonie’s amusement faded, her tawny eyes turning more serious. “I meant it, Paige. I don’t play games with the pack assignments. I didn’t put you with those campers to give Conleth a hard time. I think you’re exactly the counselor those kids need. All of them.”
Paige looked across the hall, to where Beth, Hetta, Estelle and Nancy were picking at breakfast. “And Conleth?”
“I think they’re exactly the campers he needs.” Leonie looked around as well. “Speaking of which, where is Conleth?”
