Shadow of the Day (Wolf Moon Sequel)

Chapter 44: Seize the Day

"Let me get this straight. The one time I'm not around is when you go full wolf, Jared apologizes, and there was a group hug with the vamps, werewolves, and one demon?" Matt asked, arms folded over his chest, the absolute picture of doubt.

"I didn't go 'full wolf' but yes. What's so hard to wrap your head around?" I huffed, exasperated. I had already rehashed yesterday's events to him at least three times, and yet he still thought I was yanking his chain. "Call the Pack, they'll confirm it. Hell, ask Wyatt and Blake, I'm sure they're still as shocked and confused as you are."

"Yeah, I'm going to have too because honestly it makes absolutely no sense, unless the world is suddenly ending or we've entered some weird alternate universe," he said, leaning back against the porch rail. He had come over early to pick up Ivy and I, claiming he was going to drive us to school, but really he had come to get the details of what he had missed yesterday. Luckily, Ivy loved to sleep in so she was still out of it and even when she woke up she'd have to get ready for school. It gave us the perfect opportunity to talk. "And Wyatt actually volunteered to be the one to do it?"

"Yes," I said. I wasn't thrilled about it, but couldn't help feeling relieved that the burden didn't have to fall on me. "We all agreed it was best if either Wyatt or Natasha took care of it. We're looking into alternatives right now but if all else fails, whoever has the opportunity is going to take it. Natasha is the first choice, but worst case it'll fall to Wyatt to be the back-up."

"And if neither is able to do it for some reason?" 

I took a breath, reminding myself that it probably wont come to this. "Then it falls to me."

"And you're okay with this plan?" he asked, doubt coloring his tone.

"Yes. It's the best plan we've got. I don't like the idea of leaving Devin to his own devices for the next few weeks, but if there's a chance to save Joe, we owe it to Ivy to try. I'm hoping Natasha will be able to do it, but who knows what Devin's plan is and we have to be ready for anything in case. If he makes the slightest move towards her and I'm there alone then I wont have a choice. I'll just deal with it like I have been since Caleb."

"You mean...by not dealing with it at all?" 

I punched him in the arm. "There's been a lot going on since Caleb, okay? Let me live."

He chuckled. "Alright, alright. As long as you promise not to wolf-out without me next time."

"How about I wolf out right now? That might keep you from sassing me in the future."

"Pass. But you do know you can talk to me about stuff like that right? I know I'm not always the best at that sort of thing, but I can at least lend you an ear to listen," he said, slightly more serious now. 

"I know. But I think I'm okay for now. Yesterday kind of helped and I feel better, even if I'm not 100% yet," I said, finding a smile. It was true, at least. I hadn't totally faced all my trauma, but it had been a baby step in the right direction. At the very least, the breakdown helped release some of the emotions I'd bottled up and much like taking the cover off a boiling pot, the pressure had eased.

"After all this is over, maybe therapy would be a good idea."

I couldn't help laughing. "You know, I don't think telling a stranger about turning into a werewolf and killing a demon is going to help. Unless you define help as going to jail or a padded cell."

He rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean."

"That's a problem for another day anyway. Right now, we have bigger issues to deal with," I said. "We should probably head inside, Ivy's going to be up soon and I'd like to eat before we go."