Page 118 of Red

Noises float into the room from the open door.

“I swear it was bigger than Stark,” someone says.

“I bet it could take on all the Elders at once,” came a wicked taunt.

Those types of comments will not help.

I stay down behind the desk. If Stark wants to find me, I’m sure he will.

For now, though, all I can envision is the white of his fist, the veins pulsing in his arms. Did he figure it out? Does he feel the sensations when we touch? I don’t think he’d hurt me, but what if he changes his mind? If magical healing doesn’t intimidate him, me being a werewolf who shouldn’t exist could. I’d never be able to hurt him. If he wants to kill me, it’ll be my fate.

I push up onto my feet, and a white envelope sits on top of a stack of papers in the open drawer. STARK LAMONT is written on top. My hand stops the drawer from closing all the way. That handwriting.

I pull out the drawer and reach for the envelope. It’s light, and my fingers run over Pratt’s block letters. I slide my hand in and pull the papers out. Two pages, each folded up in three.

My hands shake as I realize Pratt left these for Stark. When?

I unfold the first and sit back down on the ground against the large window. I take a deep breath before beginning to read.

Alpha Stark Lamont,

If this has come across your desk, then I assume you have learned my fate. I’m not sure if you remember it, but we had a conversation many years ago while scoping out smaller human tracks. Another pack member made a joke about my sister Alo, saying I hid her for embarrassment and that she should leave the pack, and you didn’t say a word. Later that day, you told me you thought she was brave for staying. Braver than anyone you’ve ever met.

This decision doesn’t come lightly. Alo isn’t just brave, she’s more than any of us could ever be. So, with this, I ask that you take her in and protect her. Keep her from pushing her limits.

One day, I hope she will build enough trust in you to show her true self.

I’ll owe you when you get here,

Pratt Tutten

My arms and chest ache as a sob breaks free. I reread the letter over and over. Pratt knew one day I’d have to tell someone.

I flip over the second paper to find a small list.

A Guide to Alo

- She loves to be alone. Don’t take it personally.

- Rose-scented everything for products.

- She just needs somewhere to read. She hates how oversized everything is.

- She won’t listen to you if she makes her mind up. I apologize for her in advance, saying sorry isn’t really her thing.

Good luck,

Pratt

I laugh. It’s the perfect list. Pratt knew nearly everything about me. I hug the letters tight to my chest.

Footsteps break my trance, and I look up to find Jocko standing at the edge of the desk.

“He finally gave them to you. I’m so glad.”

“You knew about the letters?”

“I’m insulted. He’s my best friend. Of course, I know about the letters he got making this random girl he never met move into his home.” The words don’t match the massive smile on his face. “I heard he finally announced you’re mates. I have to say, I’m hurt I wasn’t told first.” He leans down, face scrunched. “What’s wrong? I can smell the puke.”