Page 84 of Plug and Drain

Although I’m not sure Harry’s horror story is what we need right now.

Molly drew a deep breath. “When?”

“In about an hour and a half.” She jerked her head at the bag slung over her shoulder. “It’s a sleepover.”

Molly’s expression lightened as she considered the offer. “Where?”

It was Susie’s turn to glance around to make sure they were alone. Unlike the dorms, the back room of the library truly was their sanctuary. It had a secret entrance disguised as a bookshelf that the librarian, Mrs. Andra, had revealed to them. Most of the staff didn’t even know of the room’s existence, and the knowledge was a special privilege for their pack.

Although they’d tried to spruce it up, the back room was still a little dank and full of mouldy books and dusty, long-forgotten furniture. But it was home.

And it was the perfect setting for Harry’s tale of the undead.

“We’re meeting in the library,” Susie said carefully, not willing to share the secret for anything less than a commitment from Molly. “I could meet you near the reception desk, if you like?”

Molly seemed torn, her mind clearly hard at work as she weighed up the pros and cons.

“There’ll be cookies,” Susie smiled, purposefully neglecting to mention they were raisin bran. “I’m actually heading to the kitchens now to help one of our pack members bake them. You could come if you like.”

“That sounds nice,” Molly said, offering her a small smile. “But…I’m not sure I’m feeling up for it…”

“Maybe next time?”

Susie nodded, masking her disappointment. There was only so much she could do. Encouraging Molly was one thing, but the wolf had to find her own inner strength. “Next time,” she agreed.

“And Susie? Thank you for thinking of me. You’re a kind person. I appreciate all that you’ve tried to do for me.”

Susie nodded and left. She’d only made it halfway down the corridor when Molly fell into step behind her, the hood of a peacock-blue cloak pulled low over her face. Susie glanced at her in surprise.

“Actually…would you mind walking me to the cafeteria?” Molly asked. “I haven’t eaten yet, and…” She gave what Susie assumed to be an attempt at a brave smile. “I can’t keep relying on you to bring me food. Yet another kind act I should thank you for.”

Susie returned her smile. “You’re welcome.”

Molly started strong, seeming to relax once they’d passed the guard on their floor and started up the stairs, but she grew jumpy again when they reached the foyer. She constantly adjusted her hood and even jumped at her own shadow.

It was…extremely sad.

Molly looked relieved when they reached the cafeteria. Aside from a group of older students studying in the corner, it was empty. The sound of running water and dishes clinking came from the kitchens.

“Thank you, Susie, I’ll be fine now,” Molly smiled, approaching the counter.

“Are you sure?” Susie asked, hesitating outside the kitchen’s entrance. “I could escort you back.”

And risk bumping into Arken.

Returning to her room at all had been risky enough, although it was still relatively early—vampires rarely did anything exciting before midnight.

“No, that’s all right,” Molly said lightly, her attention on the bundles of sandwiches—the only food left on the counter.

“Did you want me to see if there’s any hot food left in the kitchens?” Susie offered.

But Molly had scooped up several bundles and was already walking away, barely aware of her surroundings as she meticulously pried open the bread slices and poked at the ingredients.

Susie stared after her, shaking her head.

Absolutely nuts.

“Is she coming tonight?” Sarah asked, sticking her head out of the kitchen.