The brunette human grabbed a nametag from the counter and began walking around the store, fixing items on the racks. A chime rang as I pushed the door further. Her head looked around for me, and she called to me, “Welcome! Can I help you find something in particular?”
“No,” I cringed, trying to act normal. “I’m just looking.”
“Okay, well, let me know if I can help you with anything.” She bustled around the shop, not really paying me any attention. Her brown hair was twisted with a gold headband, and her floral shirt and white jacket emanated innocence.
I felt bad for watching her, my fingers twitched as they touched the objects on the shelves. She had to know I was looking at her, I could feel it, and it made me anxious.
She appeared at the end of one of the aisles and looked at me happily. “Find anything?”
I shook my head, unconsciously grabbing at a pair of shoes I could never fit into. She didn’t mind my awkwardness and continued to set things in their correct places.
“It’s really beautiful out today, huh? Sunniest weather we’ve had in a while,” her voice called. I looked around; there was only one other woman in the store, and she was leaning against the counter with headphones and writing in a log.
“Yeah,” I agreed distantly. “Was that your dad?” My tongue moved too fast for me to stop it, and a sense of horror bloomed across my chest.
She paused. “Outside?” Her voice was hesitant as she jerked her hand towards the store window. “Yeah, that was my dad. Why do you ask?”
“Nothing,” I denied, raking my brain for an explanation. “I uh, just recognized him.”
“Oh, yeah.” She relaxed, fixing her hair. “He’s a pretty social guy. It’s just us now, so he’s made a lot of friends around town. Where do you know him from?”
“Do you know if he’s involved with any groups or anything? I’m new here, I just can’t remember where I’ve seen him.”
“Uh, I don’t know about any groups,” she thought out loud, pursing her lips. “He’s usually with a few of the other guys, I’m pretty sure they’re all dads, they just need to get out of the house every once in a while. They’re kind of hard to miss, though-a bunch of big, burly old guys.”
“Oh,” I nodded, scratching my eyebrow, and then soothing the hairs back into place. “I just thought I knew him from somewhere.”
“I’m Hazel,” she introduced, reaching her hand out.
“Sloane.” I touched her hand, shaking it once, and then releasing her.
“You said you’re new around here? If you want, we could get coffee sometime, and I can show you around?”
I stared at Hazel. Her warmth confused me, her father had been so brash. “I’d actually love that.” She perked up and gave me her phone number, telling me to message her anytime, and we could grab coffee or lunch, and she would tell me about the town.
I met Kenna and Griffin back at the bakery and helped them bring back ingredients and a cake platter back to the packhouse.
Rush met me in the kitchen and asked how our time was in town. I told him it was okay and that I went into the shop to look at a sweater. He kissed my cheek and left back to his office.
I pressed a button on my phone, looking at Hazel’s number. I had never been a liar, but if it meant helping my family and protecting them, I would lie to each and every one of them.
Requisite
It had been a week since I had talked to Isla, and she was finally coming to visit. She was only able to stay for one night, but even the minuscule time with her was exciting.
She pulled up in our dad’s sedan, throwing the door open wildly. I jumped off the porch and ran towards the vehicle, ignoring Rush’s booming laughter. I caught her in my arms. She closed the door, holding her body tightly to me.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” I said, muffled by her shoulder. She giggled with me and rocked us back and forth. I broke off from her and stepped back into Rush’s chest. He set his hand on my shoulder and reached out in front of us.
“I know we’ve met before, but I’m Rush,” he said warmly.
Isla smirked, narrowing her eyes. “It’s nice to meet you again.” She took his arm against hers and shook it. “I’m excited to get to know you since you’ll be spending the rest of your life with my sister, and therefore, me.”
“I’d love that,” he responded honestly.
I grabbed Isla’s hand and brought her into the packhouse, showing her all the areas I knew. She was in awe of the vastness of the house; the Intrepid packhouse wasn’t half the size. Isla jumped on our bed, spreading her arms out in comfort.
“I could get used to this,” she sighed, snuggling further into the covers.
“Just wait,” I hopped up next to her and grabbed the remote from the side table. The fireplace flickered on and then roared, the room settling into warmth and a yellow glow. She scoffed at the extremity and sat up.
“I want to be a Luna,” she whined, bumping her shoulder with mine.
“It’s not all glamorous,” I assured her. “Rush’s mother hates me; most of the older women in the pack hate me too. The Beta, Beckett thinks I’m a traitor and a spy, and I’m pretty sure none of the other pack members think of me as a Luna.”
She heard the helplessness in my voice and stood up. “Come with me,” she demanded, holding her hands out in front. I rolled off the bed and took her hands. She pulled me back to the French doors that led to a balcony.
I opened them for her, and we stepped out into the sunlight, nearing the black, wrought-iron bars that stretched around the balcony.
“Repeat after me,”
