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Chapter 11
Margo
Dorian had assured me that the pack were finally on board with the townie invasion on their land, but that didn’t stop me from feeling apprehensive. The drama group was the first up to try out the new space which didn’t seem like the best idea to me. People were already suspicious of me. Nathan Evan’s self-defence classes seemed like a much better place to start.
For all her talk about going on as normal, Tammie looked a little unsure of herself as we stood outside pack property. Perdita had already come out to greet us, giving each of us a reassuring smile upon our arrival.
“Ready for this?” Perdita asked me. She seemed completely relaxed.
“Yeah.” I glanced at Tammie who kept fidgeting at her bag. “Not sure about everyone else.”
“Don’t mind me.” Tammie managed a nervous laugh. “Just hoping most of the gang show up.”
Most of the group did. Chloe and Emma chatted together at a fast pace while we waited. Sometimes I couldn’t follow what they were on about. They didn’t seem to mind me listening in though.
After about twenty minutes, Tammie looked at each of us. “I think that’s everyone. Bethany called me earlier to say she wasn’t coming in.”
“Is she sick?” Emma asked.
Tammie looked uncomfortable. “Not exactly.”
“She was too chicken to come here,” Chloe scoffed. “I can’t believe she ditched us.”
“It’s all right,” Perdita said. “Nobody here will take offence, and when she hears how well today’s rehearsal goes, she’ll be back next time, right?” She glanced at Tammie who nodded, though she didn’t look as sure as Perdita sounded.
“It’s getting late,” I reminded Tammie. We couldn’t put it off forever.
“Right.” She clapped her hands. “We should head in.” She looked to Perdita again. “Lead the way?”
“Of course.” Perdita beckoned for us to follow. The grass behind the row of houses had a trail worn in, a long patch of faded yellow grass that we followed straight to a massive shed. I couldn’t imagine rehearsing there.
It was eerily quiet, with nobody coming or going. I imagined the alpha had warned the pack to keep away, but I kept getting the feeling that somebody was watching me. Chloe and Emma moved closer to me, bumping against my arms as if I could protect them.
From the outside, the shed looked depressingly dank. I expected a complete disaster. Inside, my mouth gaped open with surprise. Instead of a cold, dark shed, a cheery space greeted us, and our group’s mood immediately turned positive.
“This is great.” Tammie sounded relieved. “This might actually work.”
The walls had been freshly painted then decorated with pictures and fabrics. It was warm, with the radiators blasting. The floor was full of brand new mats. Dozens of chairs had been stacked to one side, while children’s toys and equipment were neatly gathered in another corner. Even the radiators had been covered with child-proof guards. A few pieces of playground equipment were stored in the back, next to the raised seated area, ready to use. At the front of the shed was a brand new platform that could easily hold our entire group.
“Byron’s installing a proper play area outside,” Perdita was telling Tammie. “It’s just taking longer than expected for things to arrive.”
“He put a lot of money into this,” Tammie said. “Was that necessary?”
“The centre had a lot more damage than expected. They’re predicting the repairs will take months, if not longer. In the meantime, there are a lot of people who need somewhere to go. Some of the smaller night classes can use the library, but this space is large enough for everyone else.”
“What’s in it for him?” Tammie made a face. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful, but isn’t he trying too hard?”
“He’s trying his best,” Perdita said sharply. “None of this was easy. All he wants is for the community to accept what he’s doing here.”
Tammie held up her hands. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Good reputation points. Like I said, I am grateful.” She glanced around. “I hope he doesn’t change his mind.”
Perdita looked stern. “He won’t.”
Chloe linked arms with me and drew me over to the makeshift stage. “Not bad,” she said. “We can definitely work with this.”
“As long as it’s not for long.” Emma pouted alongside us, flicking a lighter on and off. “I can’t believe I thought I was finally getting out of drama.”
“Stop messing with that,” Chloe said irritably. “It’s getting on my nerves.”
