Page 79 of Wishing for a Werewolf

“I like this new you,” Autumn says. When I shoot her a questioning look, she adds, “You’re happier with your family here. You look like you can smile without breaking something.” She pulls her lips down in an exaggerated frown.

I grunt and fight down a laugh. “Do I reallylook like that?”

“Oh, I’m sure I can’t match your level of grumpy,” she teases, her freckled nose scrunching in delight. “You usually look much, much worse.”

Riselda laughs as she comes around the corner. “Oh, I like you.” She looks at me while pointing at Autumn. “I like her.”

I snort with amusement. “Noted.”

“I sent the rest of our pack mates back to Alarria,” my sister says. “With instructions to send a new group in four days.”

I grunt and look at Autumn. “Will that work?”

“It should. As long as it doesn’t rain, it won’t take more than two people to watch over the maze while it’s open.”

“And if it rains?” I ask.

“Then we put your super speed to work spreading tarps and hope it clears soon. But not to worry—the weather forecast is perfect for the next few days. We’re having an amazingly mild fall this year.”

“Severin’s doing. He’s babying his plants,” I say. “I imagine every fall will be like this from now on.”

“No complaints here.”

Babybelle comes barreling out of the maze, bleating in triumph.

“You sure did!” Autumn leans over to pick up the mini-goat, and Babybelle bumps her head against the redhead’s chin, squirming with excitement. “She wants me to tell everyone she won.”

The pups tumble from the exit, yipping with excitement. “Babybelle, you were so fast!” “You beat us!”

More happy bleats come from the mini-goat, and she wiggles until Autumn sets her down.

“Let’s try it backward!” The pups spin back toward the maze.

When they finish playing in the maze, they beg for Autumn to take us all to town again.

“Well, sure, if it’s okay with your mom and uncle,” she says. “I thought building the hay maze would take a lot longer than this. I’ve got some free time.”

I share a look with my sister, who gives a pleased nod.

This trip should be a repeat of the one from last week, only it feels completely different. My niece and nephew walk down the sidewalk in their upright werewolf forms, free from any leash or need to pretend to be quiet. Every second brings a new question as they hang from Autumn’s hands and ask her what everything is, little voices chattering and bright.

The redheaded witch answers every query, never tiring of their constant demands.

“She’s good with them,” Riselda murmurs.

“She is.”

“You should do something about that.” She pokes my arm. “Don’t be all stoic like you usually are.”

I grunt.

“Come on. What is it?” My sister’s sharp eyes narrow. “What’s holding you back?”

“All of the wishes I made at the Wishing Well have come true.” I pause. “All but one.”

She makes circles with her finger in a get-on-with-it gesture.

“I wished to find my fated mate,” I say.