I share it with some wolves, but they’re good guys and don’t usually cause trouble.”
“I don’t think that’s—”
“They’ll also be able to keep other wolves and coyotes away,” she added quietly. “And to warn you if any get close. It’s a benefit to having them around. They take territory seriously and spend a great deal of time making sure people stay away from their part of the city.”
I took a deep breath. I knew I couldn’t stay at the shelter forever, but I hadn’t even considered moving in with a witch—especially someone I didn’t know and who terrified me just a little. “I don’t think I can impose.”
Her lips compressed to a thin line as she studied me. “There are a few other witches in the city, none of whom are particularly helpful or welcoming. I was in a position once where I needed help and no one was there. I know what it’s like to stand on your own. I know how tiring it gets. I’m offering this because I want to and because you look like you could use a safe place to land for a little while. You’re under no obligation to stay. Just come and hang out for a couple of days—recharge, get your plan together, and then take your next step.”
My chest ached. She was right—I was tired. And it wasn’t just being alone that made me tired—it was running from Rocko and all the other mistakes I’d made, waiting for the other shoe to drop and for those mistakes to catch up to me. I didn’t know what to say. At all.
Deirdre must have read something in my expression, because she knocked her knuckles on the table and slid her chair back. “Think about it. I have a few errands to run, but I’ll be back in an hour or two. You can tell Kara if you want me to swing by to pick you up.”
I was still searching for a response when she got up and headed for the door, not looking back. I stared after her for a long time, my coffee gone cold and the breakfast burrito unfinished on the plate. She offered me a lifeline, but was I brave—or crazy—enough to take it?
Chapter 10
Henry
Henry almost threw his phone across the yard when he heard Nola’s voice. His older sister hadn’t reached out in years, since he left the pack, and he hadn’t expected to hear from her ever again. That she called meant something terrible had probably happened. He didn’t talk until he was far enough away from the house that no one would overhear. “What do you want?”
Her tone cooled. He could practically see the disapproving look on her face. “It’s time for you to come back.”
“I told you five years ago I wasn’t coming back. Nothing has changed my mind about that.” He pushed away the darkest memories and clenched his jaw against the rest.
“He’s gone.” Nola took a deep breath. “And the pack needs an alpha.”
Henry shook his head, even though she wouldn’t see it. “I’m not interested.”
“It’s your duty,” she said. “You’re the first son, and—”
Part of him wondered if he should have gone back and fixed up all the things his stepfather had destroyed. “I’m not going to be an alpha.”
Nola took another deep breath. “We need you, Henry. Come back and take a mate and lead the pack. It’s time.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t have a mate and that’s not going to change anytime soon. Just cross me off the list, Nola. We both know I’m not meant to lead the pack. It’s better for everyone if someone new—someone not from the family—takes over.”
“This pack has been in our family for generations. We’re not going to stand by and—”
“Then you do it, Nola,” he snapped. “You stand up and be alpha, instead of trying to pawn the responsibility off on me.”
The silence stretched until he thought she might have ended the call, but after a long time, she sighed. Her voice came out tired and defeated. “Henry, we miss you. Can’t you at least come back to visit?”
“I have a life where I’m at,” Henry said. He hardened his heart. The moment Nola got him back to Montana, he’d never escape. It had taken all of his strength and courage to leave the first time. “I’m happy, Nola, and I hope you are, too. I’m not going to be the alpha.”
She kept arguing, trying to convince him, but Henry had