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Chapter Five
Every year, my family planned a vacation to get away from our small town. This year, they’d decided to go on a spirit walk, but I wasn’t going with them. Their hearts were in the right place, but walking to get ‘in touch’ with my wolf wasn’t an option. I’d spent most of my adult life fighting with my wolf. Between the shifts and the harsh comedown after the fact, I’d sooner stick to my human form more than anything else.
So once I realized our family vacation lined up with Kate’s time at the bakery, I knew exactly what I had to do.
“What do you mean you aren’t going?” my mom asked as I followed her down the steps.
“I’m just not feeling that well.” It was the same thing I’d been telling my folks for close to a week.
“If it’s because of the spirit walk–”
“It isn’t, Mom, I promise. I’m just not up to it. That’s all.” More like I had a cute girl I wanted to hang out with, but that wasn’t any business of hers. “Besides,” I said when my mom didn’t say anything, “this will help you save some of the funds you would’ve had to put out for me.”
“You aren’t a burden, love.”
“I know, and I don’t mean it that way. But with business being the way it is…” I trailed off and left it at that.
Living in Oaksprings, we were one of the only families around who could patch things up as fast as we did. That didn’t make things easier on our funds, though. A family of four wolves required more food than humans with a family of six. We ate constantly, and because of our high metabolism, we had to keep ourselves topped off throughout the day.
My mother hesitated, looked at my Dad who’d been quiet up until now, then finally gave in. “So long as you don’t bring anyone to the house, it’s fine with me.”
“I’m a wolf who can’t stand to be in her pelt,” I reminded them. “Who’d want to hang out with me?” Okay, so maybe it was a little harsh, but it was also true.
“We’ll be back before the full moon,” my father said as he lugged their bags to the car. “I want you to call us if there’s any trouble.”
“I will.” I waved to them and held back a giddy smile as a swarm of butterflies swirled inside my stomach.
“I see you,” my brother said once he walked out onto the front porch, “and I know exactly what you’re doing.” He grinned, then clapped my shoulder. “Go get her. Be happy. And tell me all about it when I get back.”
Shaking my head if only to myself, I hugged him, then watched as my dad’s tiny blue truck rolled down the driveway. As I did, a deep sadness tightened in my chest. My family was my life, and while I’d been looking forward to this since last week, I couldn’t do anything about the regret I felt once my family was gone.
One week,I thought as I turned to go back inside the house.
I had one week all to myself, and I knew exactly how I was going to use it.
Starting with a trip to the bakery.
* * *
When I arrived, Kate was busy helping another customer. So once I grabbed my table by the window, I took out my phone and tried to look normal instead of the ball of nerves I actually was.
Dustin had already sent me a massive list of texts, each of them as hilarious as the last.
Mom and Dad are singing again.
I don’t think Mom knows the words.
And now Dad’s screaming over top of her.
