Page 118 of Wolf Roulette

“Not since ten seconds ago.”

Rhona was staying with Foley in the cabin he usually shared with Billy.Billyhad wisely elected to stay with Laura.

“I still can’t believe she came back.”

“That’s what you said twenty seconds ago.”

“Okay, but part of me really didn’t think she’d find it within herself to return.”

Rhona somehow found the courage to return, and that put me in danger of hoping for change between us. The thought could be disastrous. Rhona could just as easily be here to reclaim head stewardship.

My phone rang. “Hey, Pascal.”

“Andie. A quick call to inform you that the head team visited Rhona ten minutes ago. We’ve made it clear a return to her position as head steward will not be possible.”

They’d moved fast. “I appreciate you clearing that up.”

That set the tone for Rhona’s return, but what should I say to her? Should I wait for her to approach me or go to her myself?

I had to do better than last time.

That felt possible now all my secrets were out in the open.

“Rhona seems uncertain and not at all like the last time we saw her. Time will tell whether she has truly reflected on her behaviour.”

My sister had proved innovative in the past. “I appreciate the update.”

I hung up and thumped my head on the mattress. “I was literally walking through the halls today feeling great because things had settled down. This will stir the pot again.”

Wade rolled toward me. “If you don’t stir the pot, the food gets burned.”

I scrunched my face. “Is there a deeper lesson in that?”

“I thought there might be, but it didn’t work out.”

I rolled my eyes. “Remind me to use a different analogy next time.”

“In all seriousness, people are mad at her, baby girl. She kicked you out. We didn’t have a say in the matter. Then, Rhona lost our grids.Then, she left us high and dry in our final hour. Between you being a Luther and Rhona being a selfish idiot, I’d say far more people are pissed at her.”

She could still cause shit. “Last time, I tried to rise above her actions and that didn’t work. But what if she wants a relationship with me at some point? Should that possibility change how I approach her?”

“I would have ditched her after the pro-violence rally, but I’m not you. Want some advice?”

“Please.”

“You don’t let many people in. When you do, you openallthe way. But it’s important to know your boundaries for people you love too. That way, you won’t make a compromise you can’t sustain. It may mean a bit of hurt now for less hurt down the road, you get me?”

I did.

“You should have your own talk show, my friend.”

The sister doesn’t deserve you,Booker snarled.

Maybe she didn’t.We need to go for a run.The new moon was on Saturday, and today had proved an emotional test.

I nudged Wade. “Want to hang tonight? I’ll be back in an hour. Maybe see what Cam’s up to as well?”

Wade inspected his nails. “Sounds good. Only if I can pick your outfit, and I insist on doing your hair and make-up.”

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