Page 138 of Shrouded in the Dark

Cody grinned and held his hands up. “We’re all still alive!”

“He actually was pretty well behaved. Mostly because there weren't a ton of cars out during the night.” Jasper clapped a hand on Cody’s shoulder. “Good job.”

Seth just shook his head, took my hand in his, and had us follow him as he closed the garage door behind us.

“Everyone is still sleeping. It was a late night.” Seth didn’t turn on the lights inside, not that any of us needed them.

I still loved that I could see in the dark after so many years of being basically blind. I let my eyes take in the décor when a particular scent hit my nose.

Felicity. I’d recognize that perfume anywhere.

Seth noticed when I stopped. He waited until I spoke.

“She’s okay?”

He nodded. “Wyn has arranged for her to leave this afternoon for Alaska. She’s extremely skittish.”

That didn’t sound like the Felicity I knew. My best friend was always ready to take on the world. Whatever she’d gone through must have been bad. I took my hand from Seth’s.

“Why don’t you guys go back to bed? I’m going to go talk to her. Tell Wyn there will be no maiming involved, promise.” I crossed my heart with my index finger.

Seth gestured toward where she was staying. “Let us know if you need anything.” He bent his head to capture my lips briefly. He used just enough pressure to make my knees shake, and, judging by his smug look, he was fully aware of it. “Come on, trouble maker.” He grabbed Cody by his upper arm and dragged him off to the other room where he must have been sleeping. Jasper offered me a hug before going with them.

“Oh, he’s asleep!” Cody’s tone suggested he was thinking of doing something bad. “CANNON BALL!”

There was a grunt, followed by Wyn cursing up a storm. Cody jumped on top of Wyn. I wish I’d seen it.

I was grinning when I knocked on Felicity’s door softly. She was a light sleeper, so I suspected she woke up when we were talking. It only took a few seconds for the door to open and I was face to face with her.

“You look like shit.” I could have face palmed. That was the first thing I said to her? Even if it was true, I could’ve started with something different. Her once bouncy, full of life hair was dull in color, as if it had drained away and the spark in her eyes was gone. She had dark circles underneath her eyes.

Her lips twitched. “You don’t look that great, either.” Felicity stepped back, letting me into the room. She closed the door after I was inside.

My animal sniffed at her. I’d expected her to rage about being near the woman who’d set her sights on one of our mates, but surprisingly, she was calm, just curious. She didn’t have the same attachment to Felicity as I did.

As I faced my best friend, she looked me up and down. She frowned in confusion.

“Somethings different.” She rubbed her arms. “Becca? What happened to you?”

“Ah. Um, about that.” I forgot that she didn’t know. “I, uh, I’m like Wyn. Surprise, shorty?” I shrugged with my palms out.

It took her a few seconds. When the realization hit, her eyes widened and her mouth gaped open comically. “What?”

I sat on the edge of her bed. “I was attacked at the cabin by an ex-experiment of the Venandi. He was out for revenge against Gary, who turns out is an ex-hunter. The rogue got me instead. I died.”

She gasped, her hands covering her mouth in horror as she stared at me. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. “Becca!” She threw herself at me, hugging me tightly.

I tried to stay impartial with her, but who was I kidding? She was still my best friend. I hugged her back, making sure not to squeeze too tightly. We cried into each others’ shoulders.

After some time I pulled apart from her. I brushed my hair out of my face. "Felicity, we have a lot to talk about and not a lot of time.”

She nodded and moved to sit next to me. “I know. I kept so many things from you.”

“It’s not just that.” I took a deep breath. “You targeted Axel. You may not have wanted to, but you still did it.” My fingernails grew as my animal growled at the reminder. “Remember how I said I liked him on the phone? It’s more than that. I...” Glancing down, I pulled on the bottom of my shirt. “He’s one of my mates and I love him.” I really hoped he couldn’t hear this. I wanted to tell him that I loved him to his face.

Felicity was silent for a little while, until she sniffed. I looked up to see her wiping her eyes free of tears.

“Becca, I am so happy for you.” She slowly took my left hand in hers, making sure to avoid the sharpened nails. “I knew you were strong, I just didn’t realize how strong. Will we be okay? I’ve lost my family, except for Wyn, I really don’t want to lose my best friend.” The last part she practically whispered with defeat. “Please.”