Wolf Woes

Chapter 4: Josie's Home (Pt 2)

The next day went by fast for Hope. She got up, went through her morning routine. Had breakfast with her aunts as they caught her up to speed on everything they had learned so far. After breakfast she took two more tests to take, which she was positive she aced.

After lunch she had a free period, which she spent messaging Josie, who was excited to be coming home. Hope was right there with her. All they had to do was wait a little over twenty-four hours, then they could talk in person.

She headed to the gym after classes ended to work off some of her anxiety. The full moon was a few days away and the need to turn was a real as ever. She knew she couldn't do that though. She would be risking too much if she did.

Once she had spent as much energy as she could, she headed to the library where her friends were already waiting. There was a small stack of books between them, the last of the books Dorian was sure would yield result. He joked that after this they were going to have to take to the internet.

Hope was sure that would only bring up fiction, seeing as werewolf folklore was everywhere in pop culture. Still, they read through each of the books, with no results. After giving up, they headed to Hope's dorm to watch a movie.

The next morning, Hope was summoned to Alaric's office. The urn had glowed during the night, signaling the arrival of the next monster. He had a bundle of crossbows lying on his desk, along with a sharpening file, so she grabbed them and started sharpening away at them while they talked.

Alaric had just finished saying something when both doors flew open to reveal the twins standing there, their luggage still with them. "Girl's. What are you doing here? You're not suppose to get home until tonight."

Caroline stepped up in between them. "I got us direct into Dulles."

"Caroline," he said in shock. "What are you doing here? I didn't know you were coming home."

"Oh no? Maybe if you had checked your text messages, or your email, or your fax, you would have known," Caroline snarked. She rolled her luggage into the room.

"I'm sorry. Things have been hectic around here," Alaric apologized.

"Yeah," Hope agreed, then tried to back him up. "We've been in crisis mode around here."

"Oh, I am aware, Hope," Caroline said, then smiled widely at her. "After our little chat, I called Dr. Saltzman to make sure you were okay, and he told me all about what was going on. I've come to help."

"Oh..." Hope said awkwardly, then looked to Alaric, who returned her look with a sheepish one of his own. She turned back to Caroline and said, "That's great."

Josie left her luggage by the door and walked towards Hope. Before Hope knew what happened, Josie had her arms wrapped around Hope tightly. Hope quickly relaxed into the hug and wrapped her own arms around her.

"I'm glad you're home," Hope said quietly.

"So am I," Josie replied.

Alaric cleared his throat, "Um... why don't you girls go get unpacked, and settled in. Give your mom and I a chance to talk."

"Sure Daddy," Lizzie said, and turned without waiting for her sister.

"You too Hope," he said. "Stay vigilant though."

Hope nodded then practically pulled Josie out of the office. The last thing she wanted to deal with was parental drama, especially when that parental drama included her. She grabbed Josie's suitcase on their way out, not bothering to close the doors behind them, and didn't stop until they were safely on the second floor.