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Tavi buried her face in my shoulder and sobbed gently. All the while, I held her, rubbed her back, and shed a few tears myself on Tavi’s behalf.
When the sobs subsided, Tavi pulled back and wiped her eyes with the sleeves of her sweater. “That was exhausting,” she said with a sniffly chuckle. “I think I’ve kept you away from the fire too long. You’re shivering.”
I laughed. “I didn’t even notice.” Tavi’s body heat had been enough to keep me warm, but now that we’d separated, the cool night air was starting to seep in again. “That’s what friends are for, right?”
“Right. Let’s head back.”
Tavi was uncharacteristically quiet on the walk back. I guessed that she might be embarrassed by her tears. Maybe a change of subject would make her feel better.
“Hey, I never told you this, but I met a little boy the day after your birthday.”
“You did? You mean when you were working in the mess hall?”
I nodded. “Yeah! He’s the cutest pup I’ve ever seen. His name is Pax, and he brought his plates and cups to me.”
Tavi brightened. “Oh, I know Pax! He seems like such a shy boy.”
“He wasn’t shy with me at all!” Tavi and I had returned to a different log by the bonfire because our original spot had been taken. “He seemed a little sad, so I asked him what was wrong. He told me that he was upset about being a late shifter and asked me for some advice.”
“Oh, no! Poor little guy. I was a late shifter too.”
“Really?”
“Oh, yeah. Night gave me so much shit about it.”
I giggled, imagining a little Tavi, all bent out of shape about not being able to shift while Night, who would have been in his young teens, teased her like a real big brother. It made my chest feel warm. I wish I could see him…
“Don’t stop the story there,” Tavi said. “I’m dying to know what kind of advice a human could give to a young shifter.”
“Oh! I mean, we had late shifters in the Kings’ pack too, obviously, so I just told him what I’d told them. I said he needed to be a brave little boy and remember to be strong and confident while his body caught up with him.” I laughed. “I mean, it’s a little funny because I don’t feel that way about myself, but I guess you can give advice you don’t relate to.”
Tavi tilted her head, her smile dimming a bit.
“What’s wrong?”
“Never mind,” Tavi shook her head. “Go on.”
“Well, ever since I gave him that advice, I’ve gotten a big hug from Pax every time he’s seen me. He even asked me to sit with his family at breakfast.”
“Wait, wait, wait.” Tavi held up her hands. “Nuh-uh. It sounds like you’ve gotten a new best friend, Bryn, which I won’t stand for. I have best friend dibs. I’m not afraid to challenge him to a thumb war to prove it.”
Bryn threw her head back and laughed hard. “I think you’ll have some stiff competition, Tavi, but you’re welcome to try.”
“I can’t believe you would leave me behind for the first adorable pup who gives you a hug.” She shook her head and gave a long sigh. “Well, I guess since you’ve replaced me already, I don’t have to get you another drink when I get another one for myself.”
I gasped. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“I would!” Tavi hopped up and went to grab a drink. “But if I change my mind, you just have to wait until this next song is over.” She winked at me and sashayed toward the group dancing by the grill.
I smiled after her, marveling at how quickly Tavi had bounced back after her sorrow. Pax should’ve asked Tavi for advice instead. I wish I could be as strong and wonderful as she is.
Shortly after she got up to dance, Jasper slid in next to me, taking her spot. “Hey, stranger,” he said with a grin. “It looks like Tavi’s feeling better.”
“I think she is.” I turned to him and grinned. “You know, Jasper, life here is so different than I’d been led to believe. I wish my mom was here to see how you guys live.”
He nodded. “I lost my mom when I was just a pup.”
“I’m sorry. Did you lose her in the attack?”
