Page 19 of The Howl
“I’ll get it,” I said, quickly leaving my chair.
The moment I opened the door, I regretted leaving the table. Fenris stood on the front stoop, wearing the same clothes he’d worn to school and looking just as delicious. His scent teased my hunger, and I quickly started mouth breathing.
“Hey, Fenris. We’re actually eating dinner right now. Sorry.” I started closing the door, and he put a hand against it, his smile unwavering.
“I won’t keep you long.” He held up my pink insulated lunch bag with his free hand. “I tried catching you after school, but I don’t think you heard me.”
We both knew that was a lie.
“Thanks,” I said, taking the bag.
He didn’t release the door.
“Kelsey and Zoe are taking a shift at the Roost tonight. Want to meet me there to help keep an eye on them?”
Taking a shift meant that they would be sitting at a table in Uttira’s only teen club so all the underage creatures in this town could practice their hunting skills. It wasn’t safe for the humans and was something that Megan was against. So was I. But, going anywhere with Fenris that involved him mingling with the opposite sex would be a colossal mistake.
Even with my mouth breathing, I could taste the change in his scent at the mention of the Roost.
“Kelsey and Zoe will be safe enough with you around. I should really spend tonight going over what I missed today. Thanks for the invite, though.”
“That reminds me,” he said, reaching into his back pocket and producing a piece of paper. “I got some notes for you.”
He handed the paper over, and a zing of heat coursed through me at the brush of his fingers against mine.
“Thanks,” I said, stepping back and pushing the door against his hold.
He exhaled heavily and dropped his hand.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
His gaze didn’t flinch from mine even as I slammed the door in his face.
“That was a bit rude,” Adira said from behind me. “You should meet him at the Roost tonight to apologize.”
I wanted to stomp my foot in irritation at her ill-timed appearance. Instead, I turned toward her with a bright smile and thankfully clear eyes.
I didn’t know when I’d gained a backbone or how long it’d last, but I took advantage of it while I had it and held her gaze.
“Is that an order or a suggestion?” I asked. “It’s sometimes hard to tell.”
Like Fenris, Adira exhaled deeply and stepped aside.
“Only a suggestion.”
My new defiant attitude faltered for a moment, and I almost thanked her. Instead, I moved to rejoin the Quills in the dining room.
“Was that Fenris?” Mr. Quill asked.
“Yes. He brought my lunch bag and notes for the classes I missed,” I said, setting both on the table as I resumed my seat.
“You missed more than one class?” Mrs. Quill said, obviously doing her best to sound surprised.
Did they honestly think I didn’t know that Adira kept them apprised of every move I made or that they likewise kept Adira informed? I wasn’t simple. My weekly calls with Mom made it very clear how watched I was.
“Yes. After I pulled Eugene from the pool, I left to change.”
“You were gone a long time,” Adira said, watching me closely.
