“Maybe they kicked him out,” Holly said. “Could be he did something shitty.”
It was possible, but not probable, unless there were werewolf politics involved. He was a fundamentally good guy, I could feel that about him. If he really didn’t have a pack, I didn’t think it was through any fault of his own. I moved the subject away from him, though. I didn’t need to think about him any more than I already did.
My phone began to buzz with incoming text messages, and I pulled it out of my handbag, frowning down at the screen. An unknown number was texting me.
I opened the screen, immediately spotting the messages, one after the other.
I’m so sorry. Please take me back. I was wrong.
I glared at the phone, annoyance and disgust streaking through me.
“What’s wrong?” Emma asked.
“My ex. I blocked his number, but he must have got a new one.” I turned the phone around so they could see the numbers.
“Ugh,” Aria said. “It’s like he sensed you were talking about another man and felt the need to blow up your phone.”
“It’s a bit stalkerish,” Holly said.
“Kind of, if he weren’t so lazy.” I blocked the number and put the phone back in my bag. “But if Tommy is anything, it’s fundamentally lazy. That’s why he wants to keep me around so badly. I did everything for him.”
“What a loser,” Tabitha said. “And I can guarantee that’s not the only reason he wants you around.” She looked me up and down. “You’re hot.”
I grinned, flushed with pleasure. “Thanks.”
“You sure you’re not worried about him?” Emma asked.
“Annoyed, yes. Worried, no. He’s not violent, never was. He’s just annoyed that I left and probably had a few pints too many.” But I was getting sick of his messages. I wanted him out of my life entirely. “I might need to get a new number, though.”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Aria said. “Kick him to the curb once and for all.”
I liked that idea and shoved Tommy from my mind. He’d lost me, but that wasn’t my problem.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter and wine. We didn’t finish until the bar closed down at one. Outside on the street, I called the cab company for Anita, but it went straight to voicemail.
“Oh, no,” Holly said. “Did you take a cab in?”
I nodded. “I figured I’d have some drinks and wouldn’t be able to drive back.”
“Well, that was smart, but the cab company closes at midnight.”
“Crap.” How the heck was I going to get home?
“I’ve got some sober-up potions in my flat, right above here. Let me get one, and then I’ll drive you home.”
Sober-up potions—I should have thought of that. I’d had enough to drink that the idea of going upstairs in my heels sounded like a bad idea, so I told Holly I’d wait for her on the street. The wind was chilly as I huddled in the recessed alcove of the wine bar’s door, but it didn’t take her long to return.
“Here, I brought you one, too.” She handed me the tiny vial before throwing hers back.
I drank mine, grimacing at the bitter taste. Almost immediately, my head felt clearer. “Thanks. This will really help me out tomorrow when I have work to do.”
“They’re the perfect remedy after a girls’ night.” She waved for me to follow her. “Come on, let’s get my car.”
Rafe
I turned onto Foxglove Lane, wondering if I was being an idiot. I’d spent the last several hours in wolf form, running underneath the full moon. It was a pleasure that I allowed myself rarely, since I usually felt worse afterward—as if being in that form reminded me of my lost pack.
But with the full moon and the sight of Isobel still in my mind, I’d needed the run. Anything to release the tension that bound me up tightly whenever I saw her. She threatened my hard-won peace, and I really couldn’t afford to lose what little serenity I had.
Of course, I had my meeting with the Jade Sorceress soon, so hope was on the horizon. With any luck, I’d have answers about my pack. That kept me going. Kept me sane.
When I’d returned home from my run about half past midnight and she hadn’t been home, I’d realized she’d probably stayed out beyond the time that the cab ran. So I’d hopped in my car and driven into town like a lovesick fool.
Or maybe I was just being a decent roommate. I didn’t want to live with her, but I also didn’t want her stuck in town on a chilly autumn night. As I pulled up to the wine bar, I saw two figures walking toward the side street. Both wore dresses, and one was unmistakably Isobel. Even if she weren’t the most captivating person I’d ever seen, my wolf would have recognized her.
She must have heard my car approaching because she looked over her shoulder. I pulled up beside them and rolled down the window.
“Rafe?” She frowned at me. “What are you doing here?”
“Um.” This was the part where I felt like an idiot. “It got late, and I realized you weren’t home.”
“Oh, and you remembered the cab wouldn’t be running!” the woman next to her said. “How thoughtful!”
“Very thoughtful.” Isobel sounded a bit suspicious, and I couldn’t blame her.
“So, do you want that ride?” I asked.
“Yes. Thank you.” She turned to Holly. “Thanks anyway.”
“Sure thing.” Holly smiled. “And don’t forget that offer about joining the coven.”
The idea of her joining the local coven was a new one. It would make her life here more permanent. Not that it already wasn’t. She had a house, for fate’s sake, and even though it was in bad shape, she was determined to change that. I wanted her out of the boathouse, but if she moved up the hill, she wouldn’t be going that far. I didn’t think I could survive having her so close.
Isobel walked to the passenger door and climbed in. Immediately, her honeysuckle scent enveloped me. I inhaled deeply, unable to help myself, and hoped she didn’t notice.
“Thanks again,” she said as I turned the car around and headed toward home.
“Sure.” I shot her a sideways glance. “But don’t get used to it. I’m not doing it again.”
“All right, Grumpy Pants.”
I rolled my eyes and repressed the smile that tugged at my lips. We rode in silence to the boathouse, but that was somehow worse. I could hear the faint sound of her breathing, and it was enough to drive me to distraction.
We arrived, and I climbed out, grateful to have the space and fresh air. It didn’t last long, however. When I went to push open the door to the boathouse, I found it locked. Isobel, who must have expected me to open it and walk right through, bumped into me. She made a startled noise and stumbled backward.
I spun, gripping her shoulders gently to keep her from falling.
“Sorry.” She looked up at me, so beautiful in the moonlight that it made my heart clench. “I thought it would be unlocked.”