Page 108 of Big Bad Wolf

“Where’s Rafe?”

“Unloading the truck.”

Theo nodded. “How did everything go?”

“Uh … well, I met your mom.” It was the first thing that came to mind that didn’t involve entering into a mating bond with Rafe or bringing up their terrifying third brother.

The smile fell from Theo’s face. He ran a hand over his curls. “Oh yeah? How is she?”

“I think she misses you.”

It was the wrong thing to say. Theo’s expression darkened and for the first time since she met him, Ruby could imagine him as an animal.

“Lena’s a little shaken up,” he said, gesturing up the stairs and bypassing Ruby’s comment. “But I think she’ll believe you now.”

“What did you do?” All other thoughts left her mind as worry for her sister crowded back in.

Theo shrugged, his casual charm returning. He flashed Ruby a smile. “Seeing is believing. So, I showed her a few things.”

“You shifted in front of her?” Ruby strode through the living room, already heading for the stairs. “I wanted her to take me seriously. I didn’t want to kill her!”

Theo laughed. “She’s not dead. Just a little … surprised.”

“Surprised? Shit, Theo. You’re the worst babysitter ever.”

He laughed again before opening the front door. “She’ll be fine. I gotta go. See you around, Ruby.”

He was gone before she could tell him he was an asshole like his brothers. She took the stairs two at a time until she reached the top. Lena’s door was closed, and Ruby hesitated, not really wanting to face her yet, but also needing to know if she was alright. Or as alright as she could be after witnessing a man turn into a wolf and back again.

She knocked and held her breath.

“I’m not letting you in.” Her sister’s voice was strong and angry from the other side. At least she wasn’t cowering in fear or, worse, slipping into another episode.

“It’s me. I’m back.”

Stomping footsteps approached, and then the door swung open. Lena’s eyes blazed bright and her hair was a wild halo around her head.

“Jesus, Lena⁠—”

“No.” She held up a trembling hand in front of Ruby’s face. “No, Ruby. I’ve had enough for one day. No more of this … this … whatever the hell this is.”

“Okay, Lena, I’m sorry. I just⁠—”

“Nope. No more. No more strange men staying here with us. I don’t need a babysitter. I need everyone to leave me the fuck alone.”

The door slammed in her face before Ruby could speak again. Shit. Ruby had never seen her sister that angry before, especially not lately, not with all her strength leached from her body. Maybe anger was better than submission to whatever this power was that was eating her from the inside.

Ruby knocked again. “Lena, I know it all seems crazy but⁠—”

“Go away, Ruby.”

She blew out an impatient sigh. “I tried to tell you.”

“Ruby, I swear to God…”

“Okay, okay … you need a little time to process this.”

Her sister scoffed and Ruby heard it loud and clear through the door. “I did warn you,” Ruby muttered. “Just try and remember you liked Rafe before. And he’s the same guy now. And you have to admit, Theo is pretty charming.”