Page 101 of Taming of a Wolf

Outside, Jess’s and Bailey’s familiar voices get closer and closer. My heart sinks. They sound happy, and I’d hate to be the one to turn their happiness to fear.

Jamie gives my shoulders a squeeze. “I love you, Anders. You’re so brave, and I’m proud of you.”

I cough around the suspicious lump in my throat, then lean in to kiss his forehead. “Love you too.”

When the key turns in the lock, I’m so nervous I’m worried I’ll vomit. Jess and Bailey enter the café, smiling and laughing. Bailey waves. “Hello, lovelies!”

“Morning, guys,” Jess says, locking the door behind her.

I try and smile.

Bailey gives me an odd look. “Why do you look constipated, Andy?”

“Anders.” I really don’t hate the nickname as much as I should.

Jamie clears his throat. “Hey, can we talk to you real quick?”

Bailey and Jess exchange looks before Jess asks, “Is everything okay?”

“Oh, let me guess. You’re engaged!” Bailey squeals.

“Sort of,” I say, and Jamie elbows me.

“Let’s sit down,” Jamie suggests, leading the way to a booth by the window. He and I remain standing while Jess and Bailey sit.

Jamie clears his throat. “So. Uh. There’s really no easy way to say this… Werewolves are real.”

Jess and Bailey exchange amused looks, and then Bailey laughs. “This is cute. I have no clue what you’re doing, but I’m here for it. Go on.”

They think we’re joking, and it’s disheartening. “It’s the truth, though where I’m from, we call them ulfhednar.”

“Like those Vikings who’d wear the skins of wolves and go berserk?” Jess says, eyes lighting up with interest.

“Aye!” I say, feeling more optimistic. “That’s it! That’s me.”

Bailey coos. “Aww, bless. I love how committed you are to this bit, Andy.”

“I think,” Jamie says, cutting in, “it would be easier to show you.” He motions to me.

Heart racing, I pull up my fur hood. Jess and Bailey shout in shock as the fur comes alive, consuming me. I drop to all fours, and when I look up, they’re both gaping at me.

“You saw that, right?” Jess whispers.

Bailey gawks at me. “Think I put too many shrooms in my cereal…”

“Bailey! You do drugs?” Jamie asks.

Bailey looks around nervously. “No! Okay, just a little. I’m not high or anything. It just… opens my mind more.”

“Shut up about drugs. There’s a big fucking wolf in here!” Jess shrieks, standing on top of the table in her panic.

“He’s not going to hurt you!” Jamie holds up both hands placatingly.

“He’s a freaking wolf!”

“I know that!”

I frightened her. That’s not what I wanted at all. Ducking my head, I lie down on my belly to make myself smaller and unimposing. Did I scare my friends away for good? They hate me. They must. I’m a monster to them. A whimper escapes me. This was a terrible idea.

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