“What are you trying to prove?” she hisses.
“Nothing,” I say, keeping my voice low. “I just want to make sure everyone has a good time, that’s all.”
“It’s hard to do that with you here,” Helen says in a scathing tone. “Witch.”
She says the last word like it’s a curse, and I back away from her.
I’m screwed. Completely and utterly fucked. How can I be back to square one again?
I go over to the barbecue area to take some solace from Rhys, but he barely says two words to me. I try not to take it personally, because all the guys are there together without their wives and there’s a definite male vibe going on, but it still hurts.
Turning back to the main park area, I see Jean wrangling the kids and head over that way. When Cassie sees me, she breaks from the pack and runs over, leaping into my arms.
“Hi, Mommy!”
“Hi, baby girl,” I say, hugging her. “Are you having a good time?”
“We’re playing ball,” she says with enthusiasm.
“What kind of game?” I ask.
“We just kick the ball,” she says, her tiny brow furrowing with concentration. “I don’t know what it’s called.”
“Okay, then,” I laugh. “You head back out there and play. Jean said you were good at sports.”
“I am, Mommy!” she squeals.
I let her go, and she charges back into the group, laughing as she joins the other kids.
“No one is holding a grudge against her,” Jean says. “All the parents are still happy for her to play with their kids.”
“That’s a relief,” I answer. “So, it’s just me they have a problem with?”
“Yes,” Jean says, her tone firm. “This is unprecedented, Sadie. You need to understand that.”
“So I keep being told,” I mutter.
“No, I really mean it,” Jean says. “For as long as we can remember and have recorded, witches are killed on sight. You used your powers on our wolves, and you’re still alive. Quite frankly, it’s a fucking miracle.”
“Okay,” I reply. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”
“I’m not seeing any signs of anyone getting better, either,” Jean says. “It’s a hot topic on the rumor mill.”
“They don’t think Rhys lied?” I ask, shocked.
“No,” Jean answers, shaking her head. “They think Rhys is bound to you and not thinking straight.”
“Oh,” I whisper, looking at the ground.
That’s far worse.
“All I can say is good luck,” Jean says. “I can’t say I’m decided myself, but I have always liked you. Whether I trust you, I just can’t say.”
“Thank you,” I reply.
What am I thanking her for, exactly?
As the day goes by, the pack eats together, sharing food and laughter. Anywhere I go, voices stop and suspicious looks are thrown my way. Rachel makes an effort to talk to me, but I can see the pack’s disapproval shifting to her as well.
