Page 10 of Rocky Top

Birdie slid off the bike slow, wincin’ as her feet hit the pavement. “Hi,” she said, offerin’ a shy little wave.

“Eliza’s inside,” Smokey said, eyein’ me curiously. “She’s been askin’ about her.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, and ushered Birdie inside before anyone else could get ideas.

“Oh my god, Birdie!”

They hugged like sisters, and I backed up a few paces, lettin’ ‘em have their moment.

I heard Birdie murmur, “I think I saw something out there, Eliza. Something not normal…”

Eliza’s eyes flicked to me over her shoulder. Like I’d done something wrong. She gave Birdie a squeeze. “Let’s get you cleaned up first, okay?”

They disappeared into the bathroom, and I sank onto the worn leather couch in the common room, rubbin’ my hand down my face.

“What the hell happened out there?” Knox’s voice came from behind me.

I didn’t flinch. “Rogue. Came at her hard.”

“You shift?”

“Had to.”

He cursed low. “You think she saw?”

“I think she saw more than she understands.”

He grunted, arms crossed. “I can’t keep it secret much longer, Rock. Eliza’s pregnant… my baby… he’s gonna shift someday.”

I nodded. “I know. We can’t keep pretendin’ we’re just a regular club.”

“We ain’t havin’ this discussion again.” He looked at me for a long beat.

“Morebrothers know, more use they can be.”

“Makin’ more wolves? You know I’m against that.” Knox bristled.

“Make more foxes for all I care.”

“What good would that do? Might as well put Pickles in charge of it.”

That warranted a laugh.

“And Birdie?” he asked.

I didn’t answer.

“Rock?”

I met his eyes. “She’s different. And if she keeps sniffin’ around, she’s gonna find out everything.”

Knox exhaled slow. “Then we better make sure she finds out from us. Not from a rogue. But I need time. I haven’t even broken the news to Eliza. I didn’t want her to find out like this.”

“I’ll go talk to Birdie. Quiet her down.”

Knox gave me a nod while I sprinted to the restroom.

Birdie wasted no time. “I wanna know what that was. And don’t you dare lie to me.”

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