Wolf Bargain (Wolfish 3)

She starts to set her book aside and get up, but I quickly wave her back down.

“No thanks,” I say as I go to sit down next to her. “What book are you reading?”

“Oh, it’s actually really good,” she says as she holds it up and shows me the etched leather cover. “It’s about a pair of badass heroines who end up saving their lovers from a huge mess that the men have gotten themselves into.”

Something about hearing Lydia say “badass” makes me giggle.

“Oh, is it an autobiography?” I say, rolling my eyes. “Speaking of a similar topic … I’ve heard the boys talking to Romulus about Remus. I couldn’t hear what they’re planning to do though. Do you know?”

Lydia shakes her head. “No, I don’t think they know yet.”

“I just hope it’s not something foolish,” I say.

“So do I.”

But, of course, we both know better.

15

Sabrina

When

the next full moon comes, I am finally ready. More than ready.

I feel better—not wholly so—but well enough to shift, and I am more than ready to finally experience my first transformation. I’m really hoping that shifting will help repair at least some of the damage that’s been done to the bond between myself and the boys.

I’m looking forward to running through the forest with them tonight on four paws, and with renewed strength and energy. I know that the first shift can be tough, but Romulus said that once it’s done, the rest is pure energy and excitement. Considering that I’ve spent more days in bed than anything else lately; I could really go for some energy and excitement.

It seems I’m not the only one.

The forest itself seems alive tonight all around us.

Even though I’m determined to be well enough to shift, we didn’t want to waste my energy by going far. We’ve traveled just outside the grounds around the house. I know they often move further up into the forest, into the glades and thickets that provide shelter. This here, close to the house, will have to do tonight.

For me.

For my sake.

“Are you ready?” Marlowe asks as he grins at me.

All three boys are with me and even Romulus and Lydia are coming too. This will be my first shifted night with my new family.

“I am so ready,” I say, trying not to hide the slight shake in my voice.

We’re all just waiting on Romulus to join us, which shouldn’t be much longer.

The air outside is crisp and cool, nothing like the stifling air indoors. I take a big inhale of the woodsy-laced air into my lungs, expecting to feel it rush down inside me with invigorating tendrils just as it once did.

But just as fast as I inhale, I am immediately sick.

I double over and start to vomit on the ground as the boys look on in horror. Lydia kneels down beside me and holds my hair back until I am done being violently ill.

Overhead, the moon will soon reach its peak. But I won’t be here in the forest beneath it.

After that, I am too weak to even stand up. Rory lifts me up and my head falls against his chest as he carries me back inside the house.

No. This can’t be happening.