Page 56 of Who Let The Wolves Out?

It’s not hungry like last night.

It’s reverent.

Like he’s still asking for permission even though I’m already in his arms.

“I don’t know what happens next,” I whisper. “Like, after camp. After this.”

“Then don’t think about after yet,” he says. “Just think about right now.”

Right now.

His skin against mine.

The sound of birdsong through the trees.

The soft creak of the old bunk bed as we shift just enough to hold each other tighter.

Right now is enough.

More than enough.

By the time we make it to the mess hall, the camp is fully awake and buzzing with end-of-session energy. Kids are half-dressed, syrup is somehow oneverysurface, and the waffle line is stretching halfway to the lake.

Jason and I walk in separately.

On purpose.

Because we agreed—on the walk over, while pretending not to look like we’d spent the night wrapped around each other likeroots—that it’s better tonotmake it obvious. For the campers’ sake. For the illusion of professionalism.

But of course, the universe has a sense of humor.

We’re barely ten steps inside when Hazel—twelve, a tiny firecracker with a spellbook bigger than her head and a gaze that cuts deeper than truth serum—spots me.

She’s at the center table with a group of Cabin E girls, holding court like the head of a coven, which is basically what she is.

Her eyes lock onto mine.

Then they drift to Jason, who’s trying to look inconspicuous while pretending to care deeply about the cereal dispenser.

Hazel smirks.

“Ohhh,” she sing-songs, voice carrying just enough to make my blood run cold. “Someone’s in looooove.”

I freeze mid-step.

The whole table of girls erupts into giggles.

Jason chokes on his orange juice.

Hazel continues, smug as anything. “Honestly, Miss Alice, I didn’tpegyou for the scruffy type.”

“Hazel,” I hiss, cheeks flaming.

She shrugs. “Hey, I’m just reading your aura. It’s glowing pink. Like bubblegum. And lust.”

I want the earth to swallow me whole.

Jason raises his cup in mock salute without turning around. “Appreciate the feedback, Witchling.”

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