Finding Course

8

Katherine.

I was able to get back to Daniel's house the following day. Sophia helped me settle back in, and Jack was over sorting through some stuff in the garage. I wasn't really sure what he was doing out there, but left him to do whatever he needed. It was odd, sitting by myself at the kitchen table. Even though I'd only been living with him for a short time, not having a meal companion was lonely.

In the days following my injury, Zane appeared to completely avoid me. A week rolled past, and I opted to stay home from the Friday night bonfire gathering at Zane's, much to Sophia's protests. She stopped by a few times and she reached out to make sure I was doing okay. Jack made multiple appearances, usually working outside the entirety of his visits. He made me a few meals too, and even had dinner with myself and Sophia.

Another week passed and both Charlie and Jack were at my door on a Friday morning. At their arrival, I offered to make breakfast but they both already ate. "What more are you here to do?" I asked innocently.

"Well you need to get this place in shape for winter if you're planning on making it until spring," Jack said, gesturing to the open shed with different pieces of equipment and then held his hand out to the pile of logs needing to be split.

"Offer still stands for you to come stay with one of us, or Sophia, for your first winter. It might get lonely out here," Charlie added. His tone wasn't condescending but rather sounded genuinely concerned. I understood the winters were harsh, but Sophia said the pack did their best to stay as social as weather would allow. However, they kept to their own homes. Too many shifters cooped up in one big house didn't go well for months on end.

"I think I'll be okay. I know to reach out if I need anything or change my mind."

"You know, you really should come tonight. It's the full moon and we will be running as a pack to celebrate Daniel's life," Jack explained, looking over at me with those playful eyes. He'd returned to himself after the incident with the hunters and he no longer looked like a haunted, stressed shifter. A light had returned to his eyes at the rhythm of normalcy.

"I don't know, I'm not sure I want to be around everyone."

"Everyone, or just Zane?" Charlie pried.

"Does it matter?" I challenged with a raised eyebrow and a hint of a smirk.

"Look, do what you want, but we are pack and should stick together. Doesn't look good if you single yourself out." Jack gave me his signature grin and added, "Plus, I'm smoking brisket just for the occasion."

"Well if that's the case, maybe I'll reconsider," I teased and went back inside as they continued their work.

Later that day, I made the decision to go to the gathering. I figured it was the right thing to do, and being present to celebrate my uncle's life was honoring him in the only way I knew how. Dressed in plain jeans, a long sleeve shirt, and a coat, I arrived at Zane's for the first time since that horrible night of Daniel's death. Sophia met me at the driveway, and accompanied me around the back of the yard to the back patio. Everyone was gathered, similar to the first time I'd joined. Instead of at the grill, Jack was positioned at a table on the deck above slicing meat.

"I'm glad you came," Sophia said, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

"Yeah, me too," I added, and instantly regretted my decision as I saw Zane pass by with a serious stare. His tall form approached us, and he glanced at Sophia with a raised brow.

"Can you give us a moment?" he politely asked her. After she excused herself, he focused on me once again. I felt a strange tether with him, different than when I joined the pack. It was an odd sensation, something I had never felt before.