“Thanks, Ashley.”
Ashley lived across the hallway from Tessa, Slater’s mate, last year. Tess originally wanted me to room with Stephanie, her old roommate; but that spot was already filled. When she heard there was an opening in Ashley’s room, she pushed me to put in for it. I’m glad it worked out. It’s nice to have someone kind of know the person you’re going to move in with. Tessa said she’s a sweetheart. There’s a knock at the door, and I quickly open it. Quint strides inside, and I hold the door for him and Reid as they drop off boxes. I use one of the boxes to hold open the door. “Ready for round two?” I ask the guys.
“We can get it if you want to stay here and unpack,” Reid says.
“Speak for yourself,” Quint says, punching him in the stomach. “We need her muscles.”
Reid just shakes his head, and I laugh. “That would be great. Thanks.” The three guys head out to grab more boxes, and I start unpacking. There are two single beds, one on each side of the room and a single desk in between. There’s a door that leads to the bathroom that we’ll share with our suitemates. I can’t help my goofy grin. I’m so happy to finally be here. I start making my bed, and the guys bring up the rest of the boxes. That’s the perk of having guy friends that are shifters; they’re strong and fast movers.
“You need anything else?” Quint asks.
I turn around. “No. Thank you so much, Quint and Reid.” I really appreciate it.
“See you, Riley,” Quint says as he heads out. Reid doesn’t say anything as he follows Quint. I turn back around and see Zane still standing there. “You too, Big Brother. I’m good.”
He looks around the room. “You sure? It’s a lot to unpack.”
I wave him off. “I don’t mind; I’m actually looking forward to it.”
“Unpacking?” he asks skeptically.
“No, just being here, being away from home, getting a fresh start...you name it.”
Concern lights his face. “It’s been a tough year.”
I nod. “It has, and mom and dad haven’t let me out of their sight.”
“There have been some pretty significant threats to you, Riley.”
“I know. I really do; I’m just...I’m ready for a new start.”
“I get that.” He steps forward and drops his hands to my shoulders. “Just because we haven’t heard anything doesn’t mean the threat is gone.”
I sigh. “I know; Dad reminds me every day.”
Zane’s brows knit together. “He’s just worried about you; we all are.”
“I know, but I’m also no longer a little girl,” I remind him gently. “In a few weeks, I'll be able to shift and then I won’t be without protection. While we’re talking about this, do you know anything new? Dad will never talk to me about any of it.”
He drops his hands from my shoulders. “No. We really haven’t heard or seen any activity from the skinwalkers since the attack.”
Zane’s words make goosebumps break out on my arms. I take a step back, hoping he doesn’t notice. The skinwalkers are a pack of sorts that use black magic to shift because they’re not actuallywolves. They’re led by a master who has a personal vendetta against my family. They’ve been actively working against us. My father led an attack against them about six months ago, killing most if not all of them. The only one for sure we know we didn’t kill is the Master, but our father has been hunting him every day. I have every confidence he will be found and killed soon. Our father won’t give up until the threat is gone, especially when the threat is against our family. Because of the threats made to me specifically, my parents have really pulled me in tight. My last semester of high school, I was only allowed to attend school, go to practice and games, and come home. I know why they did it, but it’s been hard. I'm a social person by nature, and it was my senior year. I push those thoughts away; I refuse to get bitter towards my parents whom I love so much. I’m just ready to move on. The threat is pretty much past. My father will find and kill the Master any day now, and we’ll all be able to move on with our lives. In the meantime, I am so excited to be here and be free. I want to try everything and anything.
“Did I lose you?”
Zane’s words snap me back to the present. “Nope. All right.” I step away from him, and his hands drop from my shoulders. “You need to leave, so I can unpack and put my room together.”
He frowns again at all the boxes. “You sure you don’t want help?”
“Nope. I’m good.”
“What about if I bring Evie over when she’s done at the shop?”
I laugh. “Zane, I’m fine. Evie will be tired, and I know you two will want to spend time together. Don’t worry about it; I’ve got this.”
He finally caves. “Okay, but text if you change your mind. And let me know when you’re finished. Evie and I will take you to dinner to celebrate your move.”
I grin. “You don’t need to worry about me, Zane.”
