Claire snapped her purse shut and tossed it on the floorboard. She slammed the car door and turned to head back to Matthew—and at that exact second, she heard the first low growl behind her.
Claire’s eyes were still blind from the interior light of the car. All she could make out was a dark figure weaving through the trees at the edge of the forest. Another snarl rang out. The threat had been issued in a very familiar voice, and the flash of recognition that shot through Claire burned like an electric shock.
It was Zahlia. Behind her, Matthew knelt in the center of the blanket, focused on getting the food back into the cooler. The car stood between him and the wolf on the other side of the road, so even if he looked up, he might not see anything.
Claire edged around to the far side of the car and hunched down behind it, confused and scared. Whatever would make Zahlia show up in front of Matthew, it had to be serious.
At the edge of the forest Zahlia hesitated. Claire couldn’t figure out what Zahlia wanted, and she didn’t have much time before Matthew came looking for her. Claire threw off her clothes and transformed. Her true nature shattered her human disguise, and Claire stood in the shadow of Matthew’s car, surprised by how much more complete her change was. She’d expected the transformation to be the same as it had been at the last full moon, but she looked every inch a werewolf. Still, she could feel something missing, could tell that her strength and her senses hadn’t yet reached their full potential.
Zahlia, what’s going on? Matthew will see us! It was the first time Claire had needed to communicate the way the rest of the wolves did, since her lupine mouth made speech impossible. It felt as natural as talking, and Claire’s confidence grew.
Watch yourself, Young One. Zahlia’s warning echoed off the trees. Claire laid her ears flat against her head. She hoped Matthew hadn’t heard that . He would notice that she was missing any second—she had to get back into her human body. Zahlia took a step forward, stalking her.
What are you talking about? I’m trying to save my mother. If Matthew sees you, it’ll screw up everything! Why didn’t you just call me back? Can’t we talk later? Claire could smell her own fear and frustration. Her confusion. It made her smell weak.
Zahlia, upwind, caught the scent, too. She gave a little leap, bounding farther into the clearing. At the same moment, Matthew called out.
“Claire? You okay over there?”
Zahlia took advantage of Claire’s distraction and launched herself at Claire.
You. Stay. Out of this. Zahlia growled, and pressed closer, knocking Claire into the car. Your mother has made more than her share of mistakes, and you are following in her footsteps. If you don’t back off, I will be more than willing to let that boy pay for your errors.
Claire crouched low, her shoulder aching where it had slammed into the wheel well. A guttural rumble tore against her throat, and in spite of her confusion she tensed to spring, ready to defend herself.
Zahlia, what is going on with you? I’m trying to ask for your help. Why are you pissed? I don’t understand!
Zahlia squared off against Claire. She panted in anticipation, her hot breath washing over Claire’s face. It reeked of the hot-pepper scent of fury. I’m helping you by not crushing you here and now. Consider yourself warned. Zahlia turned and streaked off into the woods.
Crouched behind the metal bulk of the car, Claire squeezed herself back into her human form and yanked on her clothes. She kept one shocked eye trained on the woods as she stood. Her hands trembled.
What the hell just happened?
The wolf who’d just threatened her was nothing like the person—the friend—that Claire had trusted so much. She’d been sure Zahlia would understand, that she would want to help.
And she threatened Matthew, too. Crap.
“Matthew?” she called, hurrying back to the blanket where he lay on his back in the pale glow from the lantern.
“Yeah, you okay? You were gone awhile. I was starting to worry.”
“Sorry. I couldn’t find what I was looking for.”
Claire stared at the trees, thinking she saw Zahlia lurking in every shadow.
She leaned in and kissed him.
“Claire,” he whispered.
Claire cut him off with another kiss before he could say anything else.
“Let’s get out of here,” she murmured against his lips. She looked over his shoulder at the woods, wondering where Zahlia was. Had she gone? Claire scanned the trees. No eyes flashed in the lantern light, but the black wolf was a master at hiding from her prey.
“Sure, no problem.”
Together they wadded up the blanket and headed for the car. The drive home was quiet, with Matthew focused on the dark roads and Claire scanning the ground on each side, looking for wolves. It was too soon to press him anymore about getting in to see the lab. She knew that. She could smell it. But all the same, the words “please take me to see my mother” were ready to leap out of her mouth, and she struggled to keep them contained.