I awoke earlier than the others, for intended purpose. I was itching for a run and I needed more than wanted to do it alone. My wolf barely let me get down the stairs before it surfaced, shifting mid-stride. I stifled a howl, one that desperately wanted to be let out to express my joy. The clouds in the sky were so close to pouring down on the forest, I could smell it. Rain would be on us within the hour. This was my only thought as I ran through the trees, farther away from my packhouse. Returning home hadn’t been as hard as I’d thought. My father was so caught up in the rouges he didn’t even know I’d skipped school. I wasn’t a rebellious teen looking for attention, but it had struck a nerve.  My paws padded against the earth as I slowed to a walk, letting the scents of the forest wash over me. It took me a moment to realize where my wariness came from. I lowered my muzzle to the ground and tested the air, noting the dried blood.

  “We need to up the rounds as much as we can.” Benton, Mel’s father and my father's Second, clenched his fists in frustration.  “We’ve already done that.” My father looked stressed.  “A boy is missing. Do you want one of ours to be next?” Benton continued.  I listened intently as they discussed the means of Casey’s disappearance. It had been three weeks since the day in the library, but Hugo’s words were fresh in my mind. I thought of him a lot, even catching myself glancing at him in class from time to time. He stayed true to his word and kept his distance. That only made it worse, for me anyway. My pack was content with the distance. They’d gone back to their usual happy selves, enjoying in each other’s company when it came. Lane and I had reconciled and I learned he was actually an interesting character. He and Axel were the least trusting of the all the youths of

  Sweat drenched the man’s face and stuck strands of his blonde hair to his forehead as he hurried inside, despite the chill of the air outside. He didn’t notice us at first, but when he did, his beady eyes darted between Hugo and I behind thick lenses. His scent hit me like a wave, and I could tell this man hadn’t showered for at least a few days. Human? I felt my impulses settle slightly, knowing I was capable of handling this situation now without shifting.  Hugo moved around me. “Dad?”  The man’s face lit up and he moved to embrace his son with a look of relief in his eyes. I was rooted where I stood. The situation might have been heart warming for Hugo, but I could sense that there was something very wrong with this man. He was on edge, looking like he hadn’t slept and smelling like he hadn’t showered. When he pulled away I saw the strain it took for him to smile and knew he was holding some

  “Natalia…we said we were sorry. Please don’t be angry anymore.” Mel pleaded.   I crossed my arms, which was followed by disapproving looks from Jace, Ash and Ky. I hadn’t spoken to Fyn and Mel for the entire night after screaming at them and shaking my fists in the air for an hour. The silence had seeped all the way into the next morning’s patrol, and lunch. We were relaxing in one of the extra cabins my father used for storage, waiting for dinner when Mel finally decided to address me again.   “I’m not angry.” I kept my voice level. “I’m disappointed.”   Fyn rolled his eyes. “Please don’t use Chano’s method of parenting lines on us. We already know you’re pissed; you might as well yell some more.”   “I enjoyed that.” Ky laughed. “Angry Alpha Natalia.”   I glared at him. “You’re next, Ky. Watch yourself.”   Ash settled deeper into the beanbag in the corner. “So, are you going to tell us why you drag

Fyn draped an arm over my shoulder as we pushed through the cafeteria door. It was a friendly gesture to us, but it drew a few eyes from surrounding tables. I saw Fyn smile, enjoying the attention. I glanced back enough to see Jace take Mel’s hand; the gesture was so subtle but I knew I was seeing the beginning of something. I caught sight of Byron, leaning back in his chair and smiling at Claire, who sat beside him. The Redclaw wolves didn’t look uncomfortable around Chelsea’s friends; the same group they’d spent most of the last three years with. This triggered me, knowing that they’d nearly torn into Shadowfang for befriending Hugo and his friends. So, only they were allowed to hang out with humans? Not likely.  We came upon a table that was erupting in laughter. The group of humans were enjoying themselves and their break time. It was only the sight of us sliding into the empty chairs around the table that silenced them. I sat beside Hu