They drove down the long driveway slowly, Sage looking all around, fascinated, nerves and excitement tickling her insides in equal measure. Trucks lined both sides, and beyond them grew thick evergreen trees. The place was surrounded by forest.
Sage fidgeted in her seat, popped her seatbelt off, and leaned forward to clutch the back of the front seat, peering up the driveway. The way opened up into lawn and concrete, and the house came into view—big with two stories, oversized windows, and a large front porch. Lights shone from the windows and people moved around inside.
The forest continued around a wide yard, extending past the house. More vehicles were parked in front of the house, and picnic tables were set every few feet in the grass. A tactical tent stood near the garage, its flaps closed and woodsmoke coming from the vent on the top.
“Gotta drive slow now that there’s pups running around,” Canyon said. “Trevor and Ella’ve got two pups, named Track and Treena.”
“How old are they?” Sage breathed, trying to look every way at once.
“Three months.”
Canyon found a spot to park, turned the truck around, and eased into it. He got out, then opened Sage’s door and helped her to the ground. She left her purse in the truck but put Mina’s phone in her back pocket, then she clung to Canyon, feeling dazed and very curious, but also feeling torn.
“Hey,” she said, patting Canyon’s chest until he looked down at her.
“I’m a spy, I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be seeing this. What if I tell my family?”
Canyon grinned. “Maybe before, but now you’re unitingfoxenandwolven. You’re probably supposed to tell your family.”
Sage didn’t know what to think.
Canyon kissed her softly, then said, “Tell them. I trust you.”
Sage smiled at him, but then she clutched his shirt. “What about your boss? What if he finds out?”
Canyon kissed her on the forehead, then pulled her into his chest and said, “Shit’s gonna get bumpy for a while. We can handle it.”
Timber came around the back of the truck with the robot at his heels, saying, “We’ve got your back with our boss. He’s gotta change his attitude, and that’s hard for a wolf.”
“Takes a while,” Canyon said.
Timber nodded. “Maybe a few black eyes.”
Sage shook her head. “No black eyes. Not because of me.”
Timber shrugged. He walked backwards, hooking a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m heading to Graeme’s place.” The robot followed him.
“Got it,” Canyon said.
Sage shivered at the name. Graeme was adragen, possibly the last one alive, and rumors ran wild about his young.
Near them, coming from the tree line, a voice asked, “Is that Sage?”
Sage and Canyon turned that way. A pretty female with long black hair, a curvy body, and light blue eyes came their way. She wore a hoodie and jeans, and in her arms was a small black wolf pup wearing a diaper and a sleeveless white onesie.
“Hi!” the woman called, rushing over. She pulled Sage into a hug, the wolf pup cocked on her hip. “I’m Ella.” She held the wolf pup out and asked, “Will you hold her please?” Withoutwaiting for an answer, Ella plopped the wolf pup into Sage’s arms, on her back like a baby, her little paws up in the air. Ella handed Canyon a tiny pink jacket. “If she shifts, put this on her.”
“Will do,” Canyon said.
Ella backed away, saying, “I need to check on Track to make sure he’s still napping. Most everyone’s out in the pasture, helping fix the shelter for Cerise’s horse. A tree branch fell on it last night.”
Ella turned around and went onto the porch and into the house. Sage grinned at the adorable black pup and her fuzzy fur, blue-grey eyes, and teeny-tiny teeth. “You’re cute,” Sage cooed. “Just a little cutie-cutie.”
“That’s your niece, Treena,” Canyon said.
Sage’s breath caught and she looked at the little wolf pup with fresh eyes. Her niece? Treena’s little paws waved and her tongue lolled. She moved her head this way and that, grinning fiercely at Sage and whining cutely in the back of her throat. Sage pulled the little pup close and kissed her furry cheek. Treena kissed her back, first licking her, then pressing her muzzle against Sage’s cheek like a kiss.
“Awww,” Sage cooed. Treena nipped at her hair and whuffled in her ear, and Sage’s heart split open.
