Page 110 of The Howl
“You weren’t going to touch me, huh?”
“Shut up, Fenris.” If possible, my face grew warmer.
“Oh, now I gotta know where.”
“Nowhere.”
I tried to step away, but his hands stayed firmly planted on my hips.
“Hmm, let’s see. It’s snowing outside, and ‘tis the season...were you thinking of my jingle balls?”
I wanted to disappear, but his hold wouldn’t allow that. Staring down into his thoroughly amused gaze, I wrinkled my nose at him.
“I’d like to unfriend you now.”
He laughed then leaned in to sniff my chest again.
“It’s still there,” he said after a moment. “Try wiping it with lemon juice tomorrow. The acid might help cut some of the smell. And the glow.”
He released me and leaned back.
“This whole thing just made your day, didn’t it?” I said, noting his unrepentant grin.
“You have no idea just how much.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re amused.” I returned to my chair with a scowl. “No doubt LuAnn will report this to Adira, and that giant pain will find some new way to twist our lives around because of this.”
“Would it be so horrible if she found ways for us to spend more time together?” he asked. Though he was wearing his usual smile, I could sense the hurt I’d inadvertently caused.
“No. Of course not. I do like spending time with you, Fenris. I just don’t like being forced to do anything. No one does.”
Once the bell rang and the distraction that was named Fenris wasn’t in the immediate area, I focused on finding Ashlyn. The druids were nowhere to be found during lunch, and Ashlyn’s car was still in the parking lot when I checked.
Debating my options for only a moment, I sent Adira a text.
Ashlyn wasn’t in second session, but her car is in the parking lot. Should I be worried?
I’ll look into it. Focus on your studies.
I rolled my eyes and went to the next session, watching the clock until the final bell rang. When I went out to the parking lot, Ashlyn’s car was gone.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I went home. It wasn’t until I pulled into the driveway that I remembered Mom.
I parked in the garage and turned off the car but didn’t go in. I stared at the kitchen door and tried to sort through what I felt. Yes, I was sad. I wished my mom hadn’t sided with Adira’s crazy idea that I was dying and needed to hop in bed with someone to save myself. But mostly, I was relieved. It was hard enough fighting Adira’s manipulations, but facing Mom’s disappointment and worry day in and day out would have been too much. I would have given in eventually and hated myself for it.
It was better this way.
I repeated those words in my head as I left the car and made my way into the kitchen. Mrs. Quill was by the fridge and turned at the sound of the door.
“Eliana,” she said with a smile. “Dinner will be ready at six. I’m making something special to celebrate.”
“That sounds good. Thank you, Mrs. Quill.”
I managed a return smile, and as I hurried away before she could say more, I told myself her excitement was a good sign. It meant everything had a chance of going back to normal. But why did her good mood make me feel like I was on the verge of tears, then?
The house seemed so empty as I made my way upstairs. Too quiet.
I’d barely had the thought when I heard a laugh ahead. My steps slowed. Further down the hall, the steady, familiar beat of music started.
