If it were any other male wolf in Pine Falls, I’d assume he was trying to court her. But one of Thad’s reasons for wanting to leave his last pack was their rampant homophobia. If he is gay, then he’s not here to woo the librarian.
But then I recall the lecture Tanya gave me about how sexuality isn’t necessarily a fixed thing. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Thad met Juliet, felt attraction toward her, and realized men weren’t his only preference.
My wolf wants to growl and snap at my pack mate. Drive him away.
But that’s irrational. Juliet is not mine.
Yes, she is, my wolf grumbles.
“If you’re out for a run, then go on. Keep running.” The librarian has the audacity to shoo me with a flick of her hand.
Frustration flares hot under my skin—that I would be so easily dismissed while my pack mate gets a chair and a coffee and what smells like the remnants of a delicious bagel.
I must be hungry. That’s why I’m irritated.
And that also must be why I end up saying the first thing I can think of.
“She knows about werewolves,”I sign to Thad.
The pack should be informed about which humans are aware of their animalistic halves, I reason.
Thad flinches back in surprise, glancing between the two of us. I can understand his shock. My reaction was just as rocked when I realized the truth.
Juliet waves for Thad’s attention before signing,“Yes. I know about wolves. I hope we can still be friends.”Her movements are slow—she’s clearly still getting used to speaking with her hands.
My pack mate must appreciate the effort as he goes on to assure her that he would also like to remain friends.
“I’m glad I can be honest with you now,” he finishes.
Juliet offers the guy a happy grin.
And I want to shove Thad off his chair.
The irrational urge arises from my wolf, who paces in my chest with jealousy.
Juliet returns her focus to me. “Happy now? Or do you want to call me a liar some more?”
I grit my teeth, breathing deep through my nose before answering, “You going to tell me why you changed your name and moved to town?”
She rolls her eyes, then affects a sickly-sweet voice as she says, “I was looking for a hot werewolf to bang. And look”—she gestures at Thad—“found one!”
Fury rips through me. “You will not bang Thad!”
Juliet rockets from her chair and snarls, “I’ll bang whoever the hell I want!”
Thad tugs on her arm, drawing both our attention.“We’re not having sex! I’m not here for sex!”
Juliet sighs dramatically. “Damn it, Thad. I know. But you could’ve played along for a minute or two at least.”
Thad snorts. “Not if I want to stay alive.”
He’s got that right.
Wait. No. I’m not murdering people for sleeping with Juliet.
I will.
Unaware of the argument in my head, the librarian returns her gaze to me, the emotions on her face some combination of bewilderment and frustration. “Why are you here, Roderick?Why?Use multiple words that make some kind of sense, please!”
