Chapter 40

Sally

After brushing my hair and putting on clothes, I glance down at the floor and snort in amusement when I see Ryan in his black cat form.

“Seriously?” I ask.

“Meow...” He affectionately strokes himself against my leg, and I shake my head.

“I really don’t think this is a good idea. You should just stay here and let me eat breakfast with the others.”

“MEOW!”

My eyes narrow. “Did you just speak back to me?”

Ryan purrs in response and runs for the door, clearly not intending to let me eat breakfast alone. Not that I would be alone. Lydia lives in Ashton’s mansion now, and so does Lara—I hang out with them both every morning.

And no, I’m not suspicious of Lara anymore. She told me Ashton never forced her to be my friend, and I trust her. We get along too well for her friendship to be an act.

As for Lydia...she hasn’t been herself lately. She is in a dark place, but I can’t blame her. She lost her sister, and none of her family members are alive. That girl is living a rough life, which