Page 20 of Wolf's Whisper

"So," she says eventually, her tone lighter now. "What’s the plan for tomorrow? More wolf drawings? Maybe some pack initiation rites?"

I snort, shaking my head even though she can’t see me. "Oh. I’ll have the kids build a fire pit in the backyard, and we’ll howl at the moon together."

"Perfect," she shoots back. "I’ll bring marshmallows."

"You’re ridiculous," I say, trying to sound exasperated but failing miserably because I’m smiling too hard.

"Ridiculous is my middle name, didn’t you know?" she quips. Then there’s a pause, and when she speaks again, her voice is quieter but still teasing. "But seriously, Janelle. If you need anything—anything at all—you call me, okay?"

A warmth in her voice makes my chest tighten in a way I can’t quite explain. "Okay," I promise, the word barely louder than a whisper.

"And I mean it," she adds, her voice firm. "Even if it’s two in the morning and you just need someone to remind you how badass you are, my phone’s always on."

My lips curl into a smile at that. "I’ll try not to overuse the privilege."

"Please overuse away," she says without hesitation. "I’d rather hear your voice than spend another night arguing with Jackson about whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza."

I let out a genuine laugh at that. "And which side of the debate are you on?"

"Oh, I’m firmly Team No Pineapple," she declares with mock seriousness. "Anyone who disagrees has no taste."

"Clearly," I agree, trying to stifle my laughter but failing miserably.

There’s a pause before she speaks again, her tone soft and laced with a touch of vulnerability. "You know, Janelle... I don’t think I’ve laughed like this in a long time."

Her confession catches me off guard, and I don’t know what to say for a moment. Then I realize I don’t need to say anything profound. "Me neither," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Guess that makes us even," she teases gently, but her words have an edge of sincerity. "You make me feel… lighter. Maybe all the heavy stuff doesn’t have to win every time."

I swallow hard, my throat tightening at her honesty. "Same here," I say softly, meaning every word. "I didn’t think anyone could make me feel like this again."

There’s a pause on the other end, and her voice is warm and steady when she speaks again. "Well, I’m glad it’s me."

My heart stutters in a way that feels both terrifying and exhilarating. I glance at the clock, realizing how late it’s gotten, but I can’t bring myself to end the call. Talking to her feels too easy, like slipping into a warm bath after a long day.

“So,” she says, breaking the silence with a hint of mischief. “What’s the verdict on my pack application? Am I officially in?”

I chuckle softly, shaking my head even though she can’t see me. “I don’t know, Wolf. You’re going to have to prove your loyalty first.”

“Oh, is that how it works?” she asks, feigning offense. “Do I need to slay a dragon or swear an oath under the blood moon?”

Before I can respond, there’s a sudden crash from upstairs, followed by the unmistakable sound of Chloe wailing and Abel shouting, “I didn’t do it!”

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. "And now chaos reigns again," I say with a half-laugh.

Wolf chuckles softly. "Parenthood in action, huh?"

"Every minute of every day," I reply as Chloe’s cries grow louder and Dillon starts yelling something about a broken lamp.

"You better go handle that," she says, but her tone has no urgency—just an understanding that feels like second nature to her.

"Yeah," I groan, bracing myself for whatever disaster awaits upstairs. "But don’t think this conversation is over. I’ll be quizzing you on pack loyalty tests later."

"I’ll be ready," she promises, her voice warm and steady. "Good luck, Alpha Mom."

I laugh despite myself. "Thanks, Wolf. Talk soon?"

"As soon as you need me," she says softly, and the line goes dead.

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