“Would you like to see the upstairs?” The realtor asked. “I’m sure you will find it just as impressive.”
I jumped in before Kylarai could force me up the stairs. “No, thank you. Could you show me something a little less high-maintenance? Preferably on the edge of town if possible.”
A few minutes later, we were following the real estate lady across town in Kylarai’s Escalade. I caught her sneaking covert sidelong glances my way. Her brow furrowed, and she fiddled with the radio.
“Go ahead and ask, Ky. I know you want to.”
Her face fell, and sympathy flooded her eyes. “I’m sorry. I suck at poker face. How are you doing? He’s been gone for two weeks now. It must be hard.”
“It is hard. It was hell those first few nights. I cried like a lovesick teenager.” I grinned, showing her I was fine. I wasn’t though. Not really. I missed Shaz so much it was all I could do to hold myself together. “It’s getting better though. I’m happy that Shaz is doing what’s best for himself. He needs to.”
“Ok, good.” Kylarai nodded a little too enthusiastically. “I’m glad to hear that. You know I’m always here if you need to talk.”
“I know.” I reached to pat her shoulder affectionately. “Thanks. I love you a lot, you know.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“Is it also mutual for Coby?” I teased.
Her cheeks grew pink, betraying her. “Why whatever do you mean?”
“Nice try, lady.”
Kylarai thought I didn’t know she’d been sneaking over to Shaz’s apartment to visit Coby. I was pretty sure Coby had been making himself comfortable at her place, too. Last I’d heard, Jez and Zoey were still getting cozy, as well. I was genuinely joyful for them. I wanted my friends to be happy and in love. Nothing else took the place of love.
We passed the golf course and took a left on the edge of town. I shook my head, not certain that I liked what I was seeing. It was mostly a stretch of farmland along the back road between Stony Plain and the neighboring community.
We passed a rickety old house on the same property as the old cemetery where I’d once killed a trespassing werewolf. Then we hung a right into a driveway lined with thick foliage. The cemetery was close, but a patch of trees so thick it was almost forest blocked the burial grounds from sight.
The house was of average size with two floors and an attached garage. On one side of the property lay the forest thatch and the cemetery; the other side opened onto a farmer’s field with more trees far off in the distance. A spark of hope flickered to life inside me. So far, the place had potential.
I eagerly followed the realtor inside. The house wasn’t nearly as large or fancy as the last one we’d viewed, but it had a cozy feel to it the other had been missing. The front door opened into a long hall. Directly to the right, a set of stairs wound around a corner, disappearing on the way to the basement. A few steps down the hall revealed a second staircase, which wound its way to the upper level. Continuing straight ahead, the hall led into a large kitchen and living room.
The kitchen wasn’t a chef’s dream, but it was complete with all appliances and island seating. A set of sliding doors led to the backyard, which I could see held a furnished patio and luscious green grass. Nothing fancy out there, but it had plenty of space.
The living room was on the small side, but the gas fireplace beneath the TV nook gave it a cozy feel. I flashed a smile at Kylarai who looked less than impressed. Following the real estate agent upstairs, I was overjoyed to find a large master bedroom with a Jacuzzi tub in the attached bathroom.
It was a three-bedroom house with a partially finished basement, a little more space than I needed, but I was sure I could utilize it. We walked around the property outside, and my interest continued to grow.
“I think I really like it,” I said, trying to judge the distance from the yard to the forest far beyond. It was a fair jaunt away, but a wolf could do it in a minute or two. The thatch of trees next to the house provided enough space to be wolf in my own backyard. The only house nearby was on the other side of the graveyard. Perfect.
“As you can see, the cemetery is hidden from view completely. It’s owned by the town, and they go to great lengths to ensure it’s well-kept and undisturbed by rambunctious teens.” The realtor continued her sales pitch though she already had me. “If you have any questions or concerns, I’d be happy to address them.”
“Thank you. I think I’d just like to take another walk around, if that’s ok.”
“By all means. I’ll give you a few moments to think it over.” She disappeared around the house to the front, leaving me to ponder what looked like a promising decision.