Made in Moonlight

Eleven

That night, Blake leaves sooner than I expect.

His conversation with Ethan rings in my mind for the rest of the day—the tracks in the woods, the patrols, Blake joining them at midnight.

Through the last bits of today's training and meditation, it's all I think about.

When I step out of the bathroom, a cloud of steam behind me, I instinctively search for him. I glance down the hallway at his closed bedroom door, then at the kitchen, where Leyla and Thomas sit chatting quietly.

That silver string that usually shines from my chest is missing. Not even a whisper of the string shimmers, telling me he's far from the cabin.

For a moment, I doubt myself. Maybe I misheard him. Maybe he didn't say midnight, but his words stick in my mind so clearly.

I frown, shuffling into the kitchen to join the others.

"That was a long shower," Thomas remarks.

"I sweated in places I didn't know I could sweat in," I reply with a simmering look. "If you want me to take shorter showers, maybe we should reduce my training sessions."

"Nice try," he says, laughing.

Really, I'm just enjoying the hot water and the roof over my head. After spending so much time on the run, not knowing when the next hot shower will be, it's like torture each day to turn the water off and step out.

I can't imagine going back to life on the street. It's just another reason to keep hiding Bianca from Blake. If he decides I'm more trouble than I'm worth... I can't risk it. I can't go back to looking over my shoulder every five minutes.

No. I made the right decision, keeping my past hidden. Bianca, her husband, my so-called family... I just want to leave them all where they belong—in the past.

All that matters now is that I'm living in this cabin with a bunch of werewolves and soon, I'll be a werewolf too.

Speaking of werewolves, we're one werewolf short right now.

I grab a glass, fill it with water and take a seat at the kitchen table. A second passes, until I can't hold it in any longer.

"So," I start as casually as possible, "where's Blake?" Thomas chokes on his drink while Leyla only offers me the barest hint of an amused smile. My whole face warms. "Don't look at me like that."

"He's at the pack dinner," Leyla explains. "They're held around once a week at the main house. Gives the pack a chance to get together and speak to the Alpha."

"Why aren't you two there?" I ask. Thomas and Leyla share a grim look and embarrassment washes over me. "Oh. Sorry, I—"

"No, it's fine," Leyla cuts in. "We're not technically part of the pack, so..."

"We're unwanted," Thomas says.

"I'm sorry," I say, frowning. "Couldn't Blake do something about it all?"

Leyla's smile turns pained, and she looks away, sighing. "The pack hates his policies enough as is. He's doing the best he can."

The way she says it, it's clear she wishes she could be a true member of the pack. I search for words that could be considered comforting, but there's nothing to really say.

I have no idea how the pack works. I've never actually met any members other than Blake. All I can do is offer a sad smile and pat her hand.

"Anyway," Thomas says. "Sometimes they have a party after dinner. You know, to celebrate a birthday, or an anniversary, or some kindergarten graduation—"