Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 69734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 279(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 279(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
My inner thighs slap together at the mention of the full moon. I’m still spending far too many thoughts on who my mysterious lover was and the things he did to me.
“He doesn’t. Or if he does, he’s discreet.”
“He’d have to be careful. He’s supposed to be a role model to all his players. He’s the one providing them with all the straight talk about sex and she-wolves,” I say.
What if…he was my full moon romp? Heat crawls across my chest. Maybe my lover isn’t already in a relationship. Maybe he didn’t show himself because he’s an important figure in the pack and has to be careful about gossip. I find myself looking over at his booth, too.
“I’m going to follow him next month,” Olive declares.
“Do you know what his wolf looks like?” I try to make the question sound off-hand.
“Doesn’t everyone? He’s a huge grey.”
Grey. Not black. Not my mate.
Brianna turns her dark-eyed gaze on me. “So? Did you have a human boy-toy in Chicago?”
I flush and put my lips around my straw to stall. “I had a roommate with benefits, but I ended it when it got old.”
“Ooh, was it awkward?”
I shake my head. “No. This guy’s ego was so big, I don’t think he even understood he got dumped. He was still trying to get with me every night he was home until I moved out.”
Brianna wrinkles her nose. “Ew. Did you kick him in the nuts?”
“Nah. It was annoying, but not dangerous. I had other things to worry about–like finding a job that covered rent.”
Olive gives me a sympathetic look. “Did it suck there? I think it would be impossible to live in a city.” She reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “We’re so glad you’re back.”
“Yeah…thanks.” My voice sounds hollow.
Brianna doesn’t miss it. “You don’t want to be back, do you?”
I wince. “Not really. The art scene here is non-existent.”
“What about Scottsdale?” Olive asks. “It’s just down the mountain. They have tons of art galleries there. You should take your stuff and see if they’ll show it.”
“Yeah, but you need to know someone to make that happen. You know, be a part of the scene. My former roommate might have a connection for me, but I haven’t heard back yet.” I watch myself as I throw up roadblocks. Why am I so afraid? Why don’t I follow up with Andy? I try to shake off my resistance. “But that’s a good idea. I should try anyway. You never know what might happen.”
“I’ll go with you if you need moral support,” Olive offers.
My lips fall open in surprise. “You would? Really?” Fate, I’m so used to thinking no one in this town supports my art, her offer comes as a shock. Especially considering what a shitty friend I’ve been.
She shrugs. “Sure. I know how to deal with snobby humans. It’s what I do all day at work.”
My vision goes wavy for a moment, and I hold my breath until it passes. “Amazing.” I bob my head. “That would be absolutely amazing. Thank you.”
“Girl, that’s what friends are for. Pack sticks together.”
Pack sticks together.
That statement tumbles around like a square peg that can’t find its hole. I’m not sticking with this pack. I’m going back to the human world where I can flourish as an artist. And yet, this taste of support and camaraderie I’ve been missing makes me feel like I can inhale a full breath for the first time in years.
I may only be here for a few months, but I don’t have to push away friendship to survive anymore. I lean forward and snatch one of Brianna’s fries. “So, wait until I tell you what happened to me on the full moon!”
Chapter Seven
Lotta
I shiver against the breeze. In the desert, the temperature drops significantly at night, and I’m still in my shorts and midriff top.
I’m sketching under the soft glow of the Christmas lights I strung up under the roof of my back patio. The front patio of the studio casita my parents rent to me faces the pool and their house which is why I prefer this side. Here I have some privacy. I face the wilderness which inspires the backdrop of my sketch.
In the foreground is a giant she-wolf. It’s not me. This one is an alpha wolf. I see her in my dreams. She’s white like the snow. Sleek. Powerful.
I set the charcoal and sketchpad down and wrap my arms around myself as I stare into the darkness.
Tonight the wild is calling to me.
Shift. Change. Run.
Find your mate.
Perhaps it’s not the wild. Maybe it’s just my wolf itching to be free again.
I haven’t been the same since the full moon run. It’s been impossible to sleep. I lie awake, feverish and full of energy. When I do sleep, my dreams are haunted by him.