Page 52 of Campfires & Canines
"Absolutely not," I cut him off.
"Someone needs to tell him that." Onyx snorts.
Marigold squeezes my wrist. "We shouldn't have said anything." She glares at Onyx again.
"Why, though?" I ask gently, hoping for an actual answer.
She purses her lips, thinking. “He is kind of acting like you're his girlfriend. He won't let any other guys even look at you."
"Seriously?" I huff, irritated Slate is acting like a caveman. "It doesn't matter. I'm still supposed to leave."
"You can't leave," Cedar says like it is the most obvious thing in the world.
"I don't think I have a choice," I argue.
"Fuck that. You're part of the pack now." Onyx crosses his arms.
Affection blooms in my chest as sadness balls up in my throat. "I'm not."
"I don't think Slate will want you to leave," Marigold muses, staring into space for a moment.
"Oh, he wants me gone," I insist. It's easier to focus on the times he's pushed me away, and not on the heat between us last night. Right before the wolves attacked, when I was sure he was about to kiss me. And afterward, he held me so tenderly. My skin heats thinking about it.
"Hazel." Cedar's tone is firm. I snap up, listening. "He doesn't want you gone. The opposite, actually. But ultimately it's up to you and Heath."
I nod, mutely.
Marigold has had enough of the somber topic. She claps her hands together. "This is her welcome tour. What else can we show her, boys?"
"What do you want to see?" Onyx asks, smirking.
I take a breath, gathering my courage. "Could I see someone turn into a wolf? Shift? Is that weird, I don't want to offend anyone." My words get away from me as I lose my nerve.
"No, it's cool," Onyx reassures me.
"We better not do it here. Heath is still maintaining she doesn't know anything," Marigold cautions.
"Training gym. Everyone is patrolling for the day. It'll be empty," Onyx suggests, leaping up. He cleans up our plates for us and jogs to catch up.
We duck into the industrial-style building. The walls are metal too, with a garage door that's currently lowered. A selection of staffs, crossbows, and a row of increasingly large daggers line the far wall. I'm a little surprised.
On the left side is a small collection of gym equipment. Mostly weights. Benches span the right wall, and in the center is a sparring ring. There are no ropes around it, only paint on the floor.
"This is something," I whisper.
Cedar turns, opening his arms wide to indicate the room. "This is our dad's domain. He is very serious about everyone being capable and ready for anything."
"Okay, boys, show her what you've got!" Marigold croons.
I shift my weight, twisting my ring around my finger. "How do you do it?" I ask.
Marigold winks and motions to the twins.
Onyx tugs his shirt off his head, tossing it to the side. My gaze traces the dark tribal tattoos across his shoulders and chest, curling around his ribs. It makes me think of Slate.
I drag my eyes up, seeing Onyx grin at me. In an instant, he is gone and a dark gray and black wolf is trotting forward. He's larger than I expected, especially up close. I react on instinct, my brain screaming danger. The terror of last night washes over me and I stumble back. Marigold grabs my arm and holds me steady.
"It's only Onyx. It's okay," she soothes. I take a shaky breath and repeat her words in my head until I am somewhat calm.
