Page 37 of Red

“I promise.”

We don’t speak, as he lifts his hand to rest on my back.

Tingles climb up my spine as the warmth from his hand spreads. I don’t move away, staying still with him. His hand traces up and down, the trail of sensations lingering.

I have no idea how much time passes.

Eventually, multiple voices echo down the hallway. Stark leaves, closing the broken-handled door behind him after a few attempts to get it to hold.

The room’s darkness closes in on my mind, leaving an emptiness inside that I can’t explain.

Chapter 14

The morning sun shines through the windows closest to the table. The entire kitchen is filled with people. A few heads turn to eye me as I shuffle past them to grab some fruit. For spirit’s sake, this is like living in a human frat house. Making my way to the table, I look for a seat.

“I missed you last night.” Jocko smiles from a chair. His smile is infectious, so like Pratt’s.

Hudry rises from a chair next to him. “You should’ve come even like that. Take my seat, I think they’re about to start.”

Start what? I take it offering him a strawberry from my bowl and he hovers just behind us.

Many others join around the table. Stark enters off the far end of the house—I still don’t know what room is over there—along with two Elders, Otis and Graden. They stand at the end of the table.

Eyes up.

Stark gets everyone’s attention, his calm self towers over both Elders flanking him. All the chatter in the room dissipates into a silent hum.

Otis clears his throat before addressing the room. “We’re happy everyone had a great full moon. Now, due to the increased sightings of rifled humans venturing into the central of all cohorts territory, we are now on strict cohort watch. Everyone will stay here in the bunks to help with the extra hours and simplicity of rotation. If you have any questions, ask them now.”

He can’t be serious . . . there are already too many pack members here most nights.

“What about our mates? Do they get to stay?” asks a man I’ve never seen before.

“Of course, as normal. Mates are welcome to stay. Children are to remain home. It’s safer for them away from the chaos and realities of cohort work.” Otis talks like he’s the one who is welcoming them into his home. He won’t be the one walking into a room full of werewolves who despise him every day.

“Stark, do you have anything to add?”

He nods and stares over the table. “One thing to note is the furnace in the house has been inconsistent so you may notice it cooling off or heating at random. Please do not touch the thermostats. It is being worked out.”

My stomach somersaults as the rest of the group nods like it’s no big deal.

His eyes pass over the room until he looks right at me. “Also, as you all know, Pratt Tutten’s younger sister Aloka is staying here.”

All heads turn toward me—‘cause I didn’t already get enough attention walking in.

Oh, great. We get to live with a human.

Aren’t humans the problem?

I wish I wasn’t listening right about now, but after last night, I can’t risk not hearing Stark. Except that comes along with the consequences of everyone else.

“If I hear or if Aloka mentions a single issue with any of you, you will be punished appropriately. No one unless given permission can enter past the bathroom door in the hallway. Don’t think I won’t find out if you do cross it.”

What is she? His little pet project now?

We could remove this issue in seconds.

I glance around the room, trying to figure out whose thoughts they are.