Sins of Mine - Mary E. Twomey Page 0,4

appreciate it.

“He’s not quite himself today,” I explain, wishing Gray was cogent enough to appreciate the adjustment in everyone’s mindset. Perhaps the entire commune’s new appreciation for shifters will melt into the rest of the world, teaching them that shifters are not beneath us.

But those are goals for the illusive “someday.” Today, I’ll be happy if Gray eats.

I find us a seat, loving the setup of the dining space. It’s just two lengthy tables that reach from one end of the enormous tent to the other, with benches that stretch on both sides. There aren’t separate spots for people to segregate themselves. Everyone seems to understand that this is our new start, and it’s up to us to make this better than the futures that have been stolen from us.

I’m ravenous, starved for proper meals with more than just caloric needs met. There’s care that’s gone into this spread. It makes these many ex-cons feel like family, and this tent like a home.

Gray only picks up his fork when I remind him of our purpose for this little field trip.

I’m almost sure he’s about to take his first bite when the entirety of the breakfast crowd stands, their chins dipping with reverence. I join them, but I don’t bow. Arlanna prefers the four she lives with don’t treat her like she’s any different than the rest.

It’s a strange sight to take in the show of respect they’ve robbed her of from the beginning. Arlanna went from having her food tray knocked out of her hands every day to now being given the first spot in the line, though she never takes it. She’s humble, and understands that prestige can be jerked away in an instant.

She also knows who she is, and doesn’t depend on other people to mirror that back to her.

Arlanna’s not sleeping more than a handful of hours a night, which isn’t something she’s ready to discuss, though not for lack of me trying to reason with her. She’s jittery and always making lists, either out loud, in her mind or on paper.

Everly Ann, her yipping white teacup terrier is almost always at Arlanna’s heels, and this morning is no exception. I reach down to pet the dog, but we both know the formality is all for show. It’s clear the dog despises me, but we get along for Arlanna’s sake.

Gray leads her to sit between us, inching his plate to her, which I guess I should have predicted. His bond with her is intense. If she hasn’t eaten, he won’t stomach a bite until he’s certain she’s been fed. I’ve never seen him cut up her meal for her, but I wouldn’t put it past him.

She’s a good sport about his hovering, which is a relief, because it’s the most he’ll interact with anyone.

He gives Everly Ann a low rumble of what sounds like a friendly growl, if there is such a thing, and Everly Ann yips at him and wags her tail.

Those two get along swimmingly.

“Did you get enough fruit?” Gray stands halfway before she stops him.

“It’s more than enough. Sit down and keep me company. I feel like I’ve had a full day already, and it’s barely nine o’clock.” It’s her way of taking care of him. I saw her do this dance two days ago, where he wouldn’t eat on his own, but when she fed him a bite off her plate, he complied. Between the four of us, we take decent care of Gray.

She munches on a grape, and then spears a truckleberry and passes it between his lips.

“You were gone when I woke up,” Gray complains.

She’s not the type to slow her plans down for anyone. I love that about her. “You were gone when I went to sleep,” she counters, though without a note of tartness to her tone.

Gray searches for a pack that will take him in all day, and doesn’t get home until the middle of the night. Arlanna doesn’t like to sleep without him, but she and I have managed to adjust. We have a nightlight and each other, so that helps.

“You alright?” Gray inquires.

She fakes a smile poorly as she pulls Everly Ann onto her lap. “Just loads to do. Wait until you see what’s coming.”

My interest is piqued. “No hint for insiders?”

She shakes her head. “I want to see the looks on your faces when they come. I mean, it’s not going to directly affect you two, but morale is about to shoot sky high.”

I point