Page 38 of Wolf Forgotten

I looked around, wondering at what point the neighbors were going to come out and watch the show. Someone would probably catch the display of alpha possessiveness on their doorbell camera and share it all over social media.

“Forest Hill pack.” It sounded like a good pack name to me. “Can you stop before the neighbors call the police?”

“I’ll give the alpha ofForest Hilla call.” Silas stepped back and ran a hand down the front of his black shirt before looking at me with a smirk. “Just head west if you decide you want to be around real wolves, bunny.”

Bunny? What the hell kind of name was that? My wolf was insulted.

He slid his helmet over his head, never taking his eyes off me, and got on his bike. I put my hand on Cole’s arm and squeezed as Silas peeled out down the street.

“I knew this was a bad idea.” Cole went to the porch where he left a box. “He’s a fucking asshole.”

“I thought that title belonged to you.” I laughed and then cleared my throat when he frowned at me. “He's the alpha of the other pack, right? What was he talking about sharing toys for?”

Cole put the box he was carrying in the back of the truck and climbed up to strap them in with bungee cords. “We used to be best friends and literally shared all of our toys. We lived right next door to each other. Then the pack split.”

Sounded like a bunch of unnecessary drama to me. Who knew men could have so much? Didn't they usually punch it out, fist bump, and call it a day?

“There are a few more things I want to pack.” I walked backward toward the house. “Give me five minutes?”

“Sounds good.” He sat down on the tailgate and pulled out his phone. “I should call my betas about Silas making an appearance.”

I ran up the steps and went into my office off the entryway, shutting the door behind me. I needed to make sure my friends weren’t freaking out about where I was.

I opened my laptop and several email and messenger notifications greeted me. I quickly replied to Jessica, who probably had already tried coming to my house. I told her I was fine and just needed a break. I had been going nonstop since graduating high school and hadn't really had a break.

I opened the messages from Riley and sighed. She was going to be harder to placate. It had been a big change to our friendship when we went to college two hours apart and then when I moved four hours away from our hometown.

Riley:Your phone goes straight to voicemail.

Riley:Your work says you took a leave. What the fuck?

Riley:I’m about to get in my car and drive there. Let me know if you’re okay!

The last message was sent the day before. I wondered just how much I should tell her. Yes, she was different like me, but I didn’t know what her kind would do if they knew there were others besides them. Plus, I didn’t know who might watch her messages.

Me:It’s complicated. I need to go away for a while. I guess we now know why the sheep and goats from that field trip in elementary school hated me so much…

It didn’t take long for the three dots to appear. I hoped Cole wouldn’t come looking for me.

Riley:I’m confused. Why do you have to go away?

Me:I’ve changed. Like you during senior year, except with a lot of hair and a penchant for deer.

Riley:Let us help. We can come get you.

Me:And end up locked away? No thanks. Don’t tell anyone, even the Three Stooges. I'll contact you as soon as I can.

The door to the office opened, and Cole gave me a look of disapproval. “Ivy, what are you doing?”

I quickly closed out of everything and shut the screen. “Making sure my friends don’t call the police or come here looking for me.”

He ran a hand over his head and down his face before shaking his head and looking around my office at the photos on the wall. “Are these your parents?”

“Yes.” I grabbed my laptop bag and slid it in with the charger. “They died in a car crash on the way to my graduation.”

“I’m sorry.” His brows arched in concern, and I avoided his stare.

Do not cry.

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