Page 5 of His Sunshine Baby (The Silver City #2)

I stay silent, as Granny Reagan looks sincerely overwhelmed by the information. I’m not even surprised about my uncle not saying anything. He avoids the topic half of the time and pretends he doesn’t hear when someone brings it up.

She sighs, scratches her head, and drinks more beer.

“Poor people. Those good kids. I can’t believe your uncle! That idiot will hear from me when I get back!”

“Granny Reagan, you can scold uncle all you want but first, answer me, please! You really don’t want to tell me anything about my birth parents?”

“You stubborn little punk! I’ll keep saying what I said: they are dead! And I found you in the North, that’s all I have to say!”

“You’ve been living in the wild for years now, don’t tell me you can’t remember where you found a three-year-old girl, Reagan, you have to know! What is it that you want to hide?” I yell, annoyed.

I’ve always known that this woman knows a lot more than what she’s willing to say. For some reason, I have to argue with her for hours before she ever tells me anything about whatever she knows about me from before she brought me to the pack. Why does she have to make my upbringing such a secret? I know there’s a lot more than what she has told me, I heard her talk to my parents! She said they had to hide me no matter what, and never tell me the truth. What truth?

“Why is there always so much foam in this?”

I can’t believe she’s complaining about her beer in the middle of this! I growl, but Daniel puts his hand on my shoulder, whispering to me to calm down.

“Granny Reagan, Elena’s almost twenty-two now. Whatever it is you’re hiding from her, isn’t it about time she knows? If her dad doesn’t survive, you would be the only one left who knows the secrets of her origin. What if you don’t come back next time?”

I have a hard time holding back my anger, but Daniel’s words might be more effective than mine. For a while, Reagan stays silent, looking at her beer with a strange expression. I exchange a glance with Daniel, hoping this time she will talk.

But after a long wait, Reagan suddenly burps very loudly.

What?

“Damn, I knew this beer was no good,” she growls while looking at her cup.

After a second of consternation, I start yelling.

“Are you kidding me? You old hag! Is this a joke to you? We’re talking about my family here!”

“They are gone, kid. Now stop yelling, you’re going to give me a headache.”

“I don’t care! All you do is drink all day when you come here! Can’t you help me a little? I’ve spent most of my life trying to figure out who I am! And now, you come here, with all the answers, and burp in my face? You old witch!”

Suddenly, she frowns, looking angry for the first time, and glares right at me.

“Don’t you dare call me that, Elena.”

“What? Old witch? Is that worse than old hag?”

“You have no idea what witches are, so don’t you dare.”

“I’ll call you old witch if I want to! Old witch!”

“You little runt!”

We keep yelling at each other. Between us, Daniel sighs while looking at his beer.

“The level of this conversation is extremely low and childish, ladies.”

“Shut up, Daniel! Elena, come outside with me! You little pest!” suddenly growls Reagan.

“Elena, don’t,” whispers Daniel.

But it’s too late, I’m already pissed and on my feet. I follow her outside, driven by my anger. As Danny said, this is childish and stupid, but I don’t give a damn. I’m tired of being in the dark and Reagan is just playing with me.

Once outside, she takes off her worn-out leather jacket. She might be old, but she’s still in pretty good shape. Is she fifty, sixty? Hard to tell. Anyway, this won’t be a pleasant moment, she looks really pissed now.

After all, she was my teacher.

Half an hour later, I’m exhausted, with a burning cheek and bruises all over. Damn, my whole body is aching. Reagan, however, is still standing there, looking calm now.

“What’s this? Is that all you can do?” she sighs.

“You’re a monster, Granny. Elena is still the best fighter in our pack,” says Daniel, looking sorry for me.

“Then you’re a whole bunch of weaklings!”

I knew she’s always been crazy strong, but I never thought that old hag could still be good enough to beat me so easily! I wipe off a bit of blood from my lips. The worst thing is, I know she went easy on me. When I was younger, she would make me fight until I couldn’t stand up anymore or passed out. Everyone in the pack thought I was naturally strong, but whatever natural skill I had as I child, Reagan sharpened it by teaching me how to fight all those years.

She puts her jacket back on, still grumbling.

“Where is this damn clan going? So weak. Is Clark lazy now? Damn dogs.”

“Granny, if the Alpha hears you…” says Daniel.

“So what? Let him come at me! That runt could use a lesson too! He needs to be taught some manners!”

I massage my shoulders. Reagan has always been like this: at war with the whole world, and happy to growl at anyone. She takes out a cigarette and lights it up. Like this, with her long waves of gray hair and her leather outfit, she looks like some biker. I’ve always admired her, as my mentor, but I still don’t know much about the woman who taught me pretty much everything about being a wolf.

Sometimes, I wonder if Reagan only comes back to Silver City because she feels some responsibility toward me. Since the day she brought me here, whenever she comes back, she never looks for me, but we always see each other at least once somehow. I know she used to see my parents a lot when I was young. After that, she sorts of became my mentor, teaching me how to fight, hunt, and become one with my inner wolf. She never acted nice or gentle towards me. There was always this distance between us, so I never considered her as family. Only as my mentor, my teacher.

“Why did you teach me?”

She looks at me, surprised by my question.

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you become my teacher? I could have been raised like the other pups, taught how to fight with the rest of the pack. You could have left me and never come back. But you came back and insisted on being the one to teach me how to do all this, how to be a werewolf. Why?”

She clicks her tongue, something she does when she’s annoyed. She takes the cigarette out of her mouth and crushes it under her boot. After looking at me for a while, she sighs.

“I made a promise to watch over you, kid. I’m not one to go back on my word.”

“A promise? To whom?”

“Now stop asking questions, I’m done.”

She turns around and leaves. I want to ask more, a lot more, but this stubborn woman won’t stop, and to be honest, I’m too exhausted to run after her. I sigh.

Daniel walks up to me, giving me a hand to help me up.

“She was almost nice this time. But girl, those bruises will remain for a couple of days.”

“Who cares. I can’t believe she still won’t talk to me.”

“Well, at least it’s good to know she still comes back. It’s been, what, two years since last time?” asks Danny.

“Twenty months or so, yeah,” I sigh.

“This promise. She never mentioned it before, did she?”

I shake my head. That one’s a first. Question is, who did she promise this to? To my birth parents? Or to the ones who adopted me? Someone else? I sigh while massaging my neck. When will she ever tell me the truth?

Daniel helps me back to the apartment, where I indulge myself in a cold bath. Meanwhile, I keep thinking about this whole secret surrounding my birth. For twenty years, everything I’ve found out about it comes from Reagan or my adoptive parents, and it’s not much. I was found in a forest when I was around three, alone and famished. Reagan brought me to the White Moon clan, where Clark, the Alpha, gave consent for my dad to adopt me. Reagan left right after I came to live with the Whitewoods, and only came back five years later, when she started her ruthless training.

That’s it. If that’s all of it, why do I remember nothing of this forest? Whenever I try to think about a forest, nothing comes to mind. It just feels wrong. I don’t even know how to explain it, I just know this forest thing is a lie. Moreover, when I was around ten, I found a box my mom kept in the bottom of her wardrobe. After asking a lot, she finally revealed this box contained everything I had on me when Reagan found me. The box was almost empty. It only contained two things: a blood-stained child’s dress and a necklace.

I get out of the bath, grab a towel, and walk up to my room. Reaching under my bed, I finally put my hands on the tiny box. I took it from my mom’s bedroom after the accident, to keep it with me. I take a deep breath and open it.

My old dress is there, as usual. Still white and red. The smell has faded over the years, but anyone could recognize blood. The only thing I could recognize from this dress, even back then, was Reagan’s smell. After all, she carried me while I was wearing it. I leave the dress where it is and grab the little box laying on top of it.

It’s a simple jewelry box. But when I open it, my most precious belonging is right there, shining as always. A gold necklace, with a thin chain and a unique pendant. It’s a golden sun pendant, encrusted with diamonds. But the biggest mystery is the inscription on the back of the sun. It’s written so small I had to use a magnifying glass to actually read it.

“To my Sunshine, G.”

Who is G? I keep staring at it, as clueless as always. Why did I have this necklace on me? Is it even mine? Who would call me Sunshine? Isn’t it odd to even compare a werewolf to the sunshine? We are creatures of the moon!

“…Babe?”

Daniel found me, sitting in the middle of my messy room while staring at this curious necklace. Unlike the dress, the sun necklace feels strangely familiar whenever I look at it, as if I had seen it a lot before.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks.

“That I wish that old hag talked more. I can’t believe she still won’t say a thing.”

Daniel sighs and scratches his goatee. “She probably has her reasons. So did your parents, babe.”

“Question is, what was the reason? What did they have to protect me from?”

I keep thinking, but I guess the answer won’t just fall from the sky. Gosh, this is so enervating! Daniel puts an arm around my shoulders, comforting me.

“Hey, Elena, you’ll find out eventually. Okay, babe? You know, I don’t care where you come from, even if you turn out to be some weird alien.”

I laugh a bit. Danny and his thing for sci-fi movies.

“Anyway, you’re my babe, my bestie, okay? You can always count on me. I’m here for you.”

I smile at him. I love my Danny. He’s always been there for me. When we were kids, when we were teens, and now. I know he’ll never ever let me down. He knows how scared I am for my dad, how badly I want to know who I really am, and how messed up I am inside.

I sigh and hug him back. If it wasn’t for Danny, I would be a wreck right now. I might not even be here at all.

“Alright, who was going to take me to Pepe’s and get me laid? My turn to get a guy!” says Danny, suddenly excited.

I sigh and show him my arm.

“Danny, I’m covered in bruises. I’m not sure I can go out looking like this.”

“To hell with that. Put on your purple jumpsuit, I’ll take care of the rest!” he says, then kisses my head and gets up.

I obey and get dressed as he said. Indeed, my legs are completely covered, all the way down to my ankles, but the neckline is still quite low and the purple spots on my arms are still exposed. However, it turns out Daniel has a solution for that too. After a few minutes and with a bit of foundation, most of my bruises have disappeared. Now I just have to make sure not to accidentally stain my jumpsuit with it. I grab a few bracelets that his mom made; the bohemian style compliments my outfit. Daniel is all dressed up too, in a sexy shirt and tight pants that enhance his thin legs.

I slap his butt when he walks past me.

“Hey, nice booty!” I say with a laugh.

“Stop it!”

I laugh at his outraged expression. For someone who always talks so bluntly, Daniel can be such a prude! I love to tease him like this. He doesn’t like to let it show, but he’s such a romantic at heart. He secretly reads mushy stories and he’s the first one to cry when we watch a sappy movie.

Alright, tonight, I’ll find a good guy for my Danny! While putting my hair up, I try to think of some mental criteria I should keep in mind. Danny loves tall guys, the muscular hunk type, preferably Latin. He’s crazy for Spanish accents.

“You ready, babe?”

I nod, and we exit our apartment and head to Pepe’s nightclub. It’s small, but the most famous one downtown. Notably, a hotspot for good Latin music and dancing. Daniel and I ventured there before we were even of age and have loved the place since. A lot of the patrons are regulars; hence we see a few familiar faces in the queue. Some friends from our pack come to say hi, but as we enter the nightclub, I suddenly feel a strange sensation of disappointment overcome me.

I know this place almost by heart, so why do I find myself comparing it to The Rain right now? I follow Danny, looking around, looking for someone who has no reason to be here. I’m stupid, alright. There’s no way one of the Black brothers would get lost in a small nightclub in the Latin District.

I feel stupid for being so disappointed! What the heck am I thinking right now? This is supposed to be our fun night! I go ahead of Danny to order myself a Cosmopolitan from the barman. Daniel goes for a caipirinha, one of his favorites. By the time our drinks are ready, the crowd has grown rapidly. I don’t recognize the DJ, but he looks young, probably a newbie. Pepe lets the young ones start the night, as usual. Daniel is already moving his feet in sync with the music, but I’m not really in the mood yet. I don’t even pay attention to the mix playing. I’m just looking around, with that little, silent hope of finding a pair of sky-blue eyes.

“Elena!” Daniel’s pinch on my arm makes me jump.

“What?” I ask, a bit ashamed.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! Really? Snap out of it, girl!”

“I was not–”

“Oh, shut it!”

It’s no use lying to Danny, he knows me better than anyone. Instead, I avoid his glare by putting my lips on my glass of Cosmo. I hope I’m not blushing like a tomato. He’s right, he’s right. I’m stupid and I need to snap out of it, for sure. I sigh.

“Alright, found anyone you fancy?” I ask, in a desperate attempt to change the subject.

“I’ll look as soon as I know I can take my eyes off you! Elena, you forget you-know-who right here and now! Come on, the nightclub is full, just go dance with some dude!”

The nightclub is full for sure, but about two-thirds of the venue right now is most likely gay. It’s Pride Month, and as George said, Pepe’s club is the perfect place for the community to celebrate that. Indeed, I spot a lot of same-sex couples cuddling and rainbows proudly displayed or worn.

But before I can even say a thing, Daniel puts me in the arms of the first person he sees. The guy, a bit surprised, laughs and makes me spin. He’s got curly brown hair, round glasses, a cute denim romper, and sure enough, a warm smile. I smile back by reflex and start dancing with him. I see Daniel give me a wink from the bar before he steps off and joins the crowd.

Alright, I should have some fun. Tommy, as my partner introduced himself, is not very good, but he’s nice and here to enjoy himself. His boyfriend joins us a couple of minutes later, and we keep having fun a bit longer as more of their friends join our little dance.

I’m having fun and let the beat wash away all thoughts about a certain blondie. The last notes of “ Con Calma ” are mixed with those of a new song, a Latin romantic song, clearly a couples’ thing. It’s my chance to excuse myself and retreat all the way to the bar and take a break. Moon Goddess, I’m exhausted but feeling alive! Where is Danny?

“Elena!”

I turn around. It’s Bianca, the girl from earlier. She’s holding a large glass in her hand and I immediately frown. She’s freaking underage! But seeing my expression, she shakes her head and offers me her drink to try.

“It’s just orange juice. I’m only here to mix, Pepe is letting me do the next set!”

Sure enough, it doesn’t smell like alcohol. I nod, and she sighs in relief. I’m still her trainer and older than her, I could have made her exit the club if I decided to. But I’m not the type to be so strict. She takes a sip of her glass and looks around.

“You’re alone?” she yells trying to be heard despite the crowd and music.

“Danny is here too, but I don’t know where!” I answer.

“Oh, I think I saw him! Dancing! With a big guy!”

Well, that would be good news! I try looking for him again, but with the crowd, and that weird purple lighting, it’s hard to tell anyone apart. Bianca puts her fingers on my knee to get my attention.

“By the way, is it true?” she asks.

“What?”

“About the meeting? With the Blood Moon?”

What meeting is she talking about? With the Blood Moon? Why would we even meet with them? Our Alpha and the King, the eldest Black brother, don’t even see eye to eye. I shake my head, confused.

“What are you talking about?”

“I heard it just before coming here. Iris said the Black brothers want to meet with Clark!”

Where is this coming from? Bianca, seeing my confusion, shrugs. She just overheard my cousin talking about it at the Main House today. Why now? This timing is so weird! If the Black brothers come here, to our territory, then that means I might see him again!

Moon Goddess, this is only a rumor, right? Iris often overhears stuff like this from my uncle, but that doesn’t mean it’s true, after all. I empty my glass in one go under Bianca’s surprised eyes.

“You okay?” she asks, a bit confused.

“Yeah, yeah. Where is Danny?”

“I saw him near the entrance, on the left side. But, Elena…”

“I’m okay, Bianca. Have fun mixing, I’ll be listening!”

She’s obviously a bit confused by my attitude, but she just nods obediently. Meanwhile, I get off the chair and try to go in the direction she indicated. It’s only a few feet away, but I must walk across the crowd of dancers. The song playing is a bit wilder, so I have to be careful not to get hit by an elbow or a hand.

But honestly, my thoughts are elsewhere. What’s wrong with me? I promised Danny! Even if he comes by, that doesn’t mean anything! A one-night thing, Elena, one night only! Get your ideas straight, girl! Did I drink too fast? I feel a bit dizzy as I stumble among the dancers.

After a while, I finally spot Daniel, standing against a pillar, and he’s not alone. A super tall guy is facing him, but I can’t see the guy’s face. I suddenly hesitate. Daniel’s obviously busy flirting. He’s extra close to the tall guy, and I recognize his flirtatious eyes. He’s got one hand on the guy’s shoulder and the other on his torso. The guy’s hand is on his waist, too. Damn, those two look good together, almost like a couple. A couple being flirty! Their faces are so close, from the wrong angle you could think they’re kissing!

What do I do now? Daniel didn’t notice me, too busy with his current partner to notice anything else. Do I even need to tell him? It’s not confirmed yet and, if it turns out to be true, he will probably prevent me from doing something stupid.

Yes, something stupid. Am I overthinking? Probably. Even if I see Nate again, it’s nothing! Right? He said one night. It’s over! I look around, feeling lost and a bit lonely in this crowd of dancers. I sigh and decide to step out. I don’t want to bother Danny with my stupid ideas.

I take a few steps outside, breathing in. I feel better being outside. It’s a bit cooler, and there’s no crowd either. I look at the line of people waiting to get inside. Everyone’s here to have fun, yet here I am, thinking about an impossible scenario. All worked up because of a few words.

“Babe?”

I turn around. Daniel just came out too, followed by his love interest of the night. Damn, the guy is even taller than I thought now that I see him up close, and not Latino either. He looks kind, with big, dark green eyes and a soft smile.

“Sorry, I just needed some fresh air. You should have stayed inside, Danny.”

“I was worried, I saw you leave.”

“I’m fine, babe.”

He doesn’t really trust me, making his suspicious face. So I decide to turn my attention to the boy next to him.

“Hi, I’m Elena.”

“Boyan. Nice to meet you.”

“Boyan?” I repeat.

“Yeah, but you can call me Bobo.”

Eventually, Daniel convinced me to have fun. Let it all go, dance until my feet were sore, and let my thoughts drown in a glass of Margarita. Several of them… Enough to explain this morning’s mild headache.

I massage my neck, and get up from my bed, grabbing my kimono. It’s a fancy and hot pink, but I love the embroidered flowers and the feel of silk on my bare skin. Danny gave it to me for Christmas last year, and I always wear it on the weekends, especially on Sundays. I hear some rummaging in the kitchen. What is he doing? I exit my bedroom and walk barefoot to our kitchen.

To my surprise, it’s not Daniel who’s being nosy, but a big, dark guy standing in the middle of the room. Oh my gosh, I didn’t think his man slept here! I came home early and didn’t even hear them come back last night. He spots me, standing like an idiot at the doorway, and smiles.

“Good morning, Elena.”

“Ahem, morning.”

It would probably be a bit awkward if he didn’t have a warm smile. Instead, he is acting natural, walking around in our kitchen as if he’d been here before. I walk up to the kitchen counter and sit on a stool, a bit amused. There are a bunch of new ingredients on our kitchen counter. Did he buy groceries?

“I bought coffee. I didn’t know what you guys drank, so I got several.”

Really? I take a look at the paper cups. He brought four of them: macchiato, black, latte, and tea. Gosh, we have a coffee maker! So cute though. I grab the macchiato.

“He likes his coffee as dark as possible,” I tell him with a smile.

Big boy nods.

“Noted.”

I look at him cooking with all those ingredients. I’m not a good cook, so I’m just impressed to see him doing this. There are eggs, milk, sugar. Is he making a cake? I want to ask, but I suddenly realize. What was his name again? Boyan? Oh right, he said to call him Bobo! Even his name is easy and simple to remember. I lean over the counter to take a peek at whatever is on the stove.

“What are you cooking?”

“Crepes. I don’t cook much but this recipe is easy. My nieces love it.”

“You have nieces?” I ask, interested.

He nods with a smile, still focused on his pan.

“Yes, twins. They are my brother’s kids and are four years old.”

He seems so genuinely happy while talking about those children, my heart melts. Damn, he cooks breakfast for us, loves kids, is super nice, polite, and he’s even good-looking! Danny, you better hold on to this one!

“You have other roommates?”

I take a sip of coffee and answer him, a bit surprised by the question.

“No, just Danny. We started renting this place about two years ago now. Daniel wanted a place quieter than his parent’s house and I, well, let’s just say it was at a time when I needed a fresh start.”

He nods and grabs the butter. I appreciate that he doesn’t ask more than that. I wouldn’t want someone to get curious about my complicated past.

Now that I think about it, two years have already passed since those events. A shiver runs down my spine. Moon Goddess, I never want to see that guy ever again. Me and my bad judgment. I sigh, and Bobo notices it. With a smile, he doesn’t say anything and just hands me a crepe. Surprised, I hesitate a second before taking it. Oh my, this is so good! He just put lemon and sugar on it, but it’s deliciously hot, and the lemon’s sourness and the sugar’s sweetness melt in my mouth.

“Moon Goddess, this is so good! Can I just eat it all before Danny wakes up?” I ask while licking the juice off my fingers.

He laughs.

“I’ll make enough for the two of you, don’t worry.”

Indeed, there is already a good pile! How many is that? Thirty or so? There is enough for the whole floor!

“So, Bobo, what’s your story? What pack are you from? I’ve never seen you around. The Purple Moon?”

He shakes his head and flips another crepe.

“The Blood Moon.”

I almost spit out my coffee. Seriously! The Blood Moon? Of all clans, he’s from the King’s pack? Moon Goddess! That guy’s not even supposed to be here!

“You okay?” he asks, seeing me coughing miserably.

“The Blood Moon, seriously? Bobo, you shouldn’t be here, what if our pack members find out?”

But he shakes his head, very calm, and hands me a napkin to clean the mess I just made on my chin and the kitchen counter.

“Don’t worry, your Alpha allowed me to be here. I came to deliver a message from my boss.”

How can he be so calm? His boss is none other than the King! Once I’m done wiping off the coffee from my mouth and chin, I put down my cup and frown.

“Can I ask what message?”

“Nothing big or secret. He wants to meet your Alpha, Clark Hamilton. He’s looking for someone.”

While saying those last few words, Bobo’s green eyes suddenly darkened. The Alpha King is looking for someone? Who could it be? Judging from Bobo’s expression, it’s not about just a fight or any simple issue. I wonder what kind of person the King is looking for.

“So, the King wants to come here? Mr. Black?”

It feels odd to call him that. Not only because it’s Nathaniel’s brother, but because, well, nobody really uses his name. He’s just referred to as the King whenever he’s mentioned, from what I know. Actually, he’s just so feared that most people avoid talking about him altogether. His influence is just that impressive.

But Bobo shakes his head.

“No, not the boss directly. His brothers will come in his stead. He doesn’t like to meet people.”

I freeze almost immediately. Bobo doesn’t notice, but I’m petrified just sitting there, and my mind enters a flurry of emotions. Oh, Moon Goddess. Nathaniel might come here, on our territory. Nate. Here. Those two words put together cause unfathomable confusion. What am I thinking? Once again, I’m flooded with memories of our night together. Don’t, don’t, don’t, Elena. Stop reminiscing, this is stupid! It doesn’t mean anything. Just because he’s coming to the White Moon territory doesn’t mean I’ll necessarily meet him again. There is no guarantee.

I breathe in and drink a big mouthful of coffee. I burn the tip of my tongue, but who cares. I need to cool down those thoughts.

“Good morn-’.”

Daniel, who was walking in, just spotted Bobo and froze instantly, visibly shocked. I see his eyes go to Bobo, then to me, and to Bobo again. It’s like I can hear his brain’s breakdown from here. Yep, he had no idea Bobo was, well, still here. Then, after a second of embarrassing silence, Bobo walks up to him with a smile and kisses him like it’s totally natural for them. I see Daniel’s eyes grow bigger and the next second, he’s as red as a tomato.

“Good morning,” says Bobo with his disarming smile.

“Go-good mor-morning,” stutters Daniel.

I can’t help but chuckle behind my cup, and despite my attempt to pass it as a cough, my best friend sends me a deadly glare.

“ Don’t. You. Dare. ”

“ Not my fault you two are so cute! Seriously, Danny, if you could see your face right now- ”

“ Shut it! ”

He ignores me and walks very awkwardly to the available stool next to me. Once again, I must repress a laugh. Danny's gait is quite telling; I'm surprised I wasn't alerted to Bobo's being here with how thin the walls are. I can’t resist teasing him, and my best friend has to ignore my intense suspicious staring to address Bobo.

“Um. What are you making?”

“Crepes. Here.”

He hands a plate to Daniel. His plate is nicely stacked with a little pile of crepes, and he even has a strawberry on top! Moon Goddess, how can he be so adorably cute and obvious! He’s even looking at Daniel with those ravishing green eyes. I can see my best friend’s ears blushing, while I’m struggling not to gush!

“Thank you.”

Daniel’s voice is as tiny as a mouse. I finally have some pity for him and hand him the cup of black coffee. Meanwhile, I turn to Bobo with a smile.

“I’ll go get changed. Thank you for the crepes, Bobo, loved them!”

“You’re welcome. There’s more if you want it.”

I give him a wink and finally leave them alone, heading for the bathroom. Now that I don’t have Daniel’s silly embarrassed face to entertain me, I’m suddenly left alone with the news. Nate is coming to our territory. How am I supposed to react to that?

I let the cold water wash away the last effects of alcohol and my thoughts. I shouldn’t think about this. Even if we had a great time together, that’s it. I shouldn’t hope for more. Move on, Elena, don’t start making the same mistakes again!

I won’t go. I won’t be at the meeting, or near the main house. Let’s not create occasions, it would only create more confusion, right? I need to be reasonable. Remember what Reagan always taught you: the first thing you need to strengthen is your mind. Don’t be stupid, Elena, don’t fall for it. Don’t make another mistake over feelings.

I walk to my room to change and hear Danny and Bobo casually chatting in the living room. I hope this pair works somehow. I suddenly remember Bobo is from the Blood Moon. Shit, Daniel probably doesn’t know either. This will definitely be an issue later, but for now, I want him to enjoy this a bit longer.

I find a pair of shorts and a tank top. I don’t intend to wear them long anyway; I need a good run, in my wolf form. I quickly say goodbye to the guys, and leave the apartment. Sunday mornings are usually quiet in our neighborhood. Those who aren’t sleeping are enjoying a family breakfast or are at church. I walk down a few empty streets, enjoying the early sunshine. What time is it anyway? Around 9:00 a.m. probably. I regret not taking more of Bobo’s crepes; the sweet smells of the Monteiro Bakery wake my wolf’s appetite.

I keep walking until I reach the border, where the White Moon territory stops, and the North Forest begins. A vast, dense forest reaching farther than the eye can see. I’ve always loved running in the forest, running as far as I can.

I take a few steps past the tree line, and take off my clothes, putting them in between a couple of tree branches. Stretching a bit, I shape-shift into my wolf form. An intense feeling of satisfaction runs through my body as I get on all fours. I love being a werewolf.

I start running casually, just heading north as usual. Why am I always so attracted to the North? It’s an odd feeling, like something’s there, something waiting for me. Something I’ve forgotten, maybe. I keep running, chasing a few rabbits for play, and climbing and jumping rocks for fun. I come across a couple of wolves, probably lovebirds who spent the night out. Are they hiding their idyll from their packs? I don’t recognize them, but they stay away from me anyway. I just keep running my own way.

The feuds between the packs make it so hard to interact nowadays. Silver City is only a few centuries old, but some packs have fought so many times, they just can’t see eye-to-eye. So, bonding or marriage between wolves of different packs is always a complicated topic. Sometimes, the lovers are lucky enough that both clans tolerate each other, and one of the two can change their allegiance to join their mate’s pack. But I’ve only heard about this, I’ve never witnessed it myself.

Having sex with Nate was totally forbidden. If my Alpha heard about it… I don’t even want to think about it. Nathaniel is his own Alpha, so he probably would have a different kind of pressure about that. I slow down, I’m on a cliff, with a splendid view of the forest below.

If only we were… No, stop, Elena. No ifs. Just face the reality.

This is never happening again.