In spite of Zahlia’s bragging, she really didn’t have much information about the seule. No one knew where the lone wolf had come from or where she was hiding. Claire was surprised when Victoria complained that the seule hadn’t presented herself to their pack.
I mean, I know that seule s aren’t exactly all about following the rules, but come on. If she’s not going to move on, she should at least have the courtesy to let us know how long she’s planning to stay here—and why. The sandy-brown wolf shook her head once, like she was trying to clear it.
If she is hunting humans, I assume she believes that we would not receive her with great warmth. Claire’s mother sat very still, confidence pouring from her steady gaze. We must either force her out, or find and confront her. She will do nothing—it is up to us to resolve the situation. I believe that with all of us searching, we can find her tonight and end things before they get even more out of hand.
I already suggested that, Marie! Zahlia gave an agitated whine. That’s why I was out pacing the woods long after the rest of you had gone home the night of the full moon. You can’t act as though no one else has thought of that idea! I’m the best tracker here—there’s no reason for the rest of you to be out confusing the trail.
The black wolf began to pant, and Claire wondered if she was imagining the faint smell of panic—thin and biting—that seemed to waft from Zahlia’s fur.
Send me, Zahlia begged, bending her head low to the grizzled wolf next to her. I will find her for you, I swear it. I don’t need the pack’s help for this. It will be better if I go alone.
No. We act as a group—you know that. Claire’s mother laid her ears back. We should all search.
Agreed. Judith’s eyes were bright in the firelight. You cannot cover the whole area alone, Zahlia. And since Katherine and I live in the opposite direction, there is no reason for us not to search that portion of the woods. You are not the only decent tracker among us.
Victoria lay down in the dirt, hiding her nose between her paws. Obviously, she wasn’t going to be hunting a crazed seule— not while she was pregnant.
Beatrice stood up, the claws on her four feet digging into the earth.
I will not force anyone to participate in this—especially considering that two of our number are unable to do so. She glanced at Claire. Nor will I prevent anyone from working alongside Zahlia, if they so wish.
A soft grumble rolled in the black wolf’s throat.
I will go with you tonight, Zahlia. Together, we can cover more ground. Claire’s mother got to her feet, ignoring Zahlia’s irritation.
As will we. Katherine pressed against Judith, who flicked her ears in agreement.
Good. I think I would only serve to slow you down, and I can see that Victoria would not be very helpful, either. The disappointment in Beatrice’s posture was faint, but it was there. The sandy wolf dipped her head. We will make sure Claire arrives home safely, and then we will return to our house.
Claire’s mouth dropped open. They were really going to split up and search the woods for some sort of freaked-out lone wolf serial killer .
Oh my God.
“Wait—” Claire’s human voice sounded strange even to her as it echoed off the trees surrounding the clearing.
The wolves all turned to face her, surprised that she had spoken. The knife-sharp gaze Marie trained on Claire stopped the rest of the sentence from leaving Claire’s mouth. Panic fluttered in Claire’s chest like a sparrow. Her mother had told her to keep quiet, and she couldn’t even get that right. Crap.
“Never mind, sorry,” Claire mumbled, staring down at the ground. She couldn’t meet her mother’s disappointed eyes. Of course. I would screw it up right at the very end.
Are you ready to go? Beatrice’s voice was gentle but firm.
Claire nodded.
Then you may lead the way, and we will follow you.
Claire nodded again, her skin crawling with embarrassment. Her eyes filled and before she started to cry, Claire wheeled around and ran through the woods, her feet pounding down the now-familiar path back to her house. She could hear Victoria and Beatrice behind her, following, but not intruding.
When Claire reached the wall at the edge of her yard, she heard Victoria give a quiet yip before the two wolves turned and left her alone.
Claire stopped and leaned against the cool, uneven bricks. The salty tears stung her cheeks and she welcomed the discomfort. She wanted to punish herself for being so stupid, for doing something that could damage her mother.
And I did just exactly what she told me not to. All I had to do was keep my freaking mouth shut, and I couldn’t even get that right. How could I be such an idiot?