Page 49 of Campfires & Canines
"If that was you being bitchy, I think I like you,” I murmur, freezing when I realize what I just said. I try to continue, “Besides, you didn't know what was going on. I'm sorry." I kiss the top of her head. I shouldn’t, but I can’t resist.
"I like you too." Her sleepy voice is almost inaudible.
I listen to her soft breathing and wait as long as I dare before untangling myself and returning to the isolation of the kitchen. I can still feel her heat against my chest and across my ribs.
9. Tours & Transformations
Hazel
Iwake up on top of the quilt still fully dressed. Someone took off my shoes at some point. I feel the ghost of another person and the memory of Slate's embrace drifts back. I smile, burying my face in my pillow as my cheeks heat.
But then the prior hours fill in. Okay, wow. So, one side of my family can turn into wolves. It's impossible now in daylight. I'll go out there and everyone will yellSurprise!
Marigold sits in the kitchen, sipping apple juice with her feet propped up on the chair next to her. Her freckled face is darling with twin braids framing her bright expression.
"Good morning, sunshine."
I sigh, glancing at the clock on the stove. 11:36 A.M.. That's quite late, even for me.
"Did you need to teach today?" I ask, guilt eating at me.
"It's Saturday." She smirks.
"Oh." I've lost my sense of time completely.
Marigold pushes a plate across the table towards me. It’s stacked with chocolate croissants.
“Thanks, these are my favorite,” I say between bites.
“Slate brought them over.” She winks.
“He did?” After guarding me all night, he got up early to get my favorite breakfast.
"Heath asked me to keep you company today and answer whatever questions you had." She rubs her hands together. "I was thinking we owe you a proper tour."
"Sounds good." I head to the bathroom and change clothes. I feel like I need to be ready for anything today, so I grab a workout set and top it with my softest hoodie.
"You doing okay?" Marigold asks as we leave the cabin.
"I mean, I found out the little community I wanted to join is actually a pack of magical wolf-people." I laugh awkwardly. "Totally not a big deal."
"I can't even imagine," she empathizes. "I mean, I've known since I was a kid. It’s my normal."
"I could have grown up here too if my dad hadn't left," I mumble.
The conversation with Slate last night rattles around in my head. The unfairness needles at me. I need to let it go, but not before a little self-pity party.
"Hazel, he left because he loved your mom and didn't want to put her in danger," Marigold says.
"Of course, but she could’ve lived here. He didn't give her the option." I know it isn't entirely logical, but it still hurts. "Like they're going to make me leave."
Marigold frowns at me, her feet slowing. "Hazel, we're on your side. I'll support you in whatever you want. But you need to listen to your uncle and try to see the big picture."
"Ouch," I sigh. She's right. I'm navigating a world I don't understand. I need to listen and learn. For today, I can at least get my bearings.
"I'm sorry." She pulls me into a hug.
"Thanks." I squeeze back. I've never had a friend like her and I don't want to let her go, or any of them.
