Wolf's Fire

Chapter Eight

| Cameron |

Kat sets her computer on the glass coffee table. We've been working for two hours, and have just wrapped up the assignment. It was simple and Kat did most of the work, but she seemed to like the company while she worked. I sure as hell prefer it here to home.

"Where are you from?" She asks suddenly.

"I was born in Montana," I answer with a shrug. "You?" She smiles. I like it when she smiles.

"Here." She gestures to this house. "Where in Montana?" This time I smile, leaning back into the comfortable cushions on the leather couch. "I'm sorry if I -" I wave her off.

"No, no. It's fine. Just, no one's ever asked." She watches me. "Flathead National Forest." Before she can say anymore I add, "I was born a wolf." Her eyes go wide and I find myself chuckling. "What?"

"I've heard of Wolfskin living in the wild." She says. "But I mean I guess I never thought it was real."

"Really?" She throws her hands up.

"A see it to believe it type of thing?" funny. She's funny. The front door opens, and a woman Kat's height comes in. She has her blond hair, though a bit darker in color, cut just above her ears. She carries bags. Another woman follows in behind her.

"You can just put them on the counter, Sarah." Sarah's an Omega. I can tell by her mannerisms. However as Kat's mom and her talk, I realize the conversation is pleasant. Friendly.

"Is there anything else you need?" She asks, setting the grocery bags down.

"No, thank you." Kat stands. The Omega gives her a nod of the head, before disappearing through the back door. Unsure what to do I stand as well, and follow behind Kat as she heads into the kitchen.

"Hi sweetheart." Her mom says, kissing Kat on the head.

"Do you need help putting those away?" She asks, reaching for a bag. Her mom pulls it out of her reach. There's a glint in her eye.

"No. I've got it." Her cool blue eyes study mine. "Who's your friend?" She knows who I am.

"Cameron," she says. Her mom smiles. I expect her to put her hand out, as her husband had done earlier, but no. She walks around the island and pulls me into a tight hug. No one's ever hugged me like this. Ever. My entire body goes rigid. Kat's got a smirk on her face when the Luna pulls away.

"Nice to meet you, Cameron, I'm Shira."

Her smile's contagious.

| Kat |

Maybe I should've warned him that Mom's a hugger. He's stunned by the contact. Mom doesn't seem to notice, but I do; The twitch in his eye, and the way his body stiffens, hands clenching at his side. Even as she moves away, turning her back to put away groceries, he has to stretch his shoulders to calm himself.

"How do you like Russell Springs?" Mom asks, setting a can of black beans in the pantry. Cameron doesn't answer right away.

"It's nice." He answers shoving his clenched hands in his pockets. "Though I haven't really seen much of it." Mom humphs.

"Really? Well, Kat's going to have to change that." It's my turn to tense. I turn to her wide eyes, but she's oblivious. Dad told us to have minimal contact. Cameron here is not minimal. Taking him out after school is not minimal. I don't argue with Mom though. Not with an audience.

I need to get us out of this.

"Let's sit outside and finish that assignment," I say sharply. His brows furrow as he looks at me. I grab my laptop from the couch and pull him with me out the door.