This time I don’t avoid him.
A short while and a whole lot of making out later, Jasper and I are washed and dressed and ready to attend the school-opening celebration.
“You look…like, super fresh,” I say, eyeing Jasper, whose hair is still wet from the shower.
He’s wearing a loose, cream-colored linen shirt and a pair of khaki shorts. He’s really made an effort. The moon gods only know how he’s managed to keep a set of smart clothes clean this whole time.
“Thanks. You look pretty great too.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever.” I’m in the cleanest T-shirt I could find, which isn’t saying much—although I do like the scent of this earthy handmade soap they have in the showers here.
“Ready?”Jasper seems eager to get to the party, which is very cute.
“Sure.”
“So when can I hear more about your moonwalk?” Jasper asks as we make our way through the Sanc.
“Woof, maybe in like ten years’ time?”
He eyes me sideways with a smug grin. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“And what about you? You seemed to be having fun earlier. Helping out with the rogue school wasn’t so bad in the end?”
Jasper keeps his eyes forward as we move through the tents.
“I think perhaps I understand now—why my mother cared so much about these people.” A couple of kids run by us, one kicking a ball and one waving a ribbon. Jasper turns as they pass. “There is no difference between a rogue pup and one from a pack.” After the kids are gone he turns back to me. “Except the privilege they were born into. We should do more,” he says, nodding gently. “To help. The packs should do more.”
“I bet that’s what your mom would have said.”
He stops suddenly, the hint of a smile cracking his pensive expression.
“I think you’re right. And…” He takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I am glad we came here. I’m glad I got to see this place she cared so much about.”
“You feel closer to her than before?”
“I do. Thank you.” He pulls me in for a soft, meaningful kiss, and while we have our eyes closed music begins to play nearby, an upbeat song heavy on the drums and the horns.
“Sounds like the party is underway,” I say. “Shall we?”
The party is in full swing when Jasper and I arrive. Under the new school tent and all around the surrounding area wolves are gathered. Balloons and ribbons have been strung up on every tentpole. Off to the right, one of the large industrial barbecues has been set up and Miss Sammy is the grill-meister. She’s flipping ribs, stacking cheese on top of burgers, and piling sausages high on a platter, bellowing for people to come and get it. Music is blaring from a number of speakers set up around the edge of the tent, and as I glance around I spot some familiar faces in the crowd.
Mal is sitting in a foldout chair with Kairos next to her by a campfire just outside the tent. Tomas is talking with some of the rogue teachers we saw the first day we were here, pointing out areas of the floor space, I assume discussing how best to use the space once the kids start attending classes. Yoki is swirling a long rope on a couple of sticks on the far side of the tent, making giant bubbles out of soapy water, while kids jump and dance around them. The other council members are knocking about as well, as are a few of the rogues who apprehended us at our campsite. The only person missing is Omar.
I squint harder to try and find him but come up short.
“Let’s get a drink,” Jasper says, keeping my hand in his and leading me over to a table with a very full punch bowl.
As Jasper pours and hands me a solo cup of pink, sweet-smelling liquid I take a closer look at the inside of the tent.
“Looks pretty sturdy,” I say. “Must be well constructed.”
“It’ll stand.” Jasper turns to face into the tent, looking proud of his accomplishment, which makes my chest all warm and fuzzy. Then his attention catches on something and a growl rolls in his throat.
I follow his eyeline to where George Peng has just entered the tent.
Jasper takes a small step forward and instinctively I put a hand on his arm to stop him.
“What’s he doing here?” Jasper asks.
