Page 26 of Siren in the Rain

“I escaped with only the clothes on my back, so I don’t really have anything in the way of money or worldly possessions.”

Dallas waves a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about that. We have a generous fund for that stuff. We can help you get essentials for now and assist you in starting over elsewhere if you decide that’s what you want to do.”

I freeze. “What do you mean?”

Harper chimes in again, his voice gentle. “What Dallas means to say is that, once you’ve had time to get back on your feet and we know the threat against you has been neutralized, you get to decide what you want to do next.”

“You’re of course welcome to stay here as long as you want,” Ruby adds from where she’s seated across from Emma. “But we support you finding your own freedom and happiness, whatever that might be.”

“Some of those we’ve helped have gone on to move to Sanctuary Havens that protect Otherkind from danger,” Dallas adds.

I blink. “Sanctuary Havens? What are those?”

Wolf Boy gasps like I just ripped a loud fart in church or something. “Shae! How have you never heard of them?”

I cross my arms defensively. “After my mother died, I wasn’t allowed to learn anything about Otherkind.”

In response, I hear a faint whimper and when I dare to glance at Wolf Boy, I see his eyes welling with tears and his bottom lip trembling.

What’s with this guy? I mean, I get that he’s an empath, but he cries all the time.

Over me.

My heart does that weird thumpity-thump again.

“Don’t mind Griff,” Cal says, waving a hand in the air. “Because of his magical gifts, he’s a lot more sensitive than most people. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Or maybe I should say tail? Anyway, he’s a lot more tender-hearted than the rest of us, but he’s a good guy.”

Wolf Boy sniffs loudly and looks like he’s trying to will his tears away. He reaches over and takes my hands in his. “Don’t worry, Shae. We’ll teach you all about Otherkind.” He brightens suddenly. “And I can teach you all about Wolfkin.”

I stare at him.

He grins and pops those cute canines again.

And a motherfucking dimple.

I’m so screwed.

Chapter

Six

Griff: What did the wave say to the surfer?

Shae: Uh, why am I part of this text chain?

Cal: *cue evil laughter* You’re one of us now! *chants* One of us! One of us!

Shae: Excuse me while I go hitch a ride on the 405…

Griff: Have a swell time! Get it?

Ruby: Okay, that one’s better. Nice work, Griff.

Shae: Why isn’t Emma suffering through this?

Ruby: She refused to have her number added.

Shae: Clearly, she’s smarter than me.

---