Page 32 of Whisper Woods

They are quick to agree and then, right there in front of my friends, Rafe cups my cheek and bends down to give me the most torturously sweet kiss. His lips linger over mine for half a moment before he straightens, leaving me rendered dumb to face my friends.

“Whatwas that?!” Edith screeches the moment Rafe disappears up the staircase. Honestly, I am lucky she waited that long. Tor—my absolute favourite being on the planet—interjects.

“Gossip later Edith. Theo, you were explaining how you canspeak to animals.”

Edith pouts at the command, swinging her finger between me, Seldon and herself mouthing “later” and miming drinks. She only stops when I nod, rolling my eyes with a smile.

Thankfully, Theo’s explanation about how his newfound powers have expanded rapidly over the past weeks returns to be the sole interest of the table. The conversation even results in a brotherly breakthrough and a group hug.

Once we disband, everyone getting ready to go about their business for the day, my phone buzzes on the table. Picking it up from the table I see the messages from Dad on the screen.Shit. I completely forgot that was why Rafe came down in the first place.

Swiping to answer, I plug the other ear with my finger and walk away fromthe group to hear properly.

“Hey! Dad, what’s up?” I can hear the noise of the site in the background. I work with Dad at his construction company, Everfyr Construction Co.

“Where are you?” I stop pacing, my face scrunching up in confusion.

“Uh, the Black Stump? I sent you a message yesterday. Theo was kidnapped. Brodie said he’d fill you in.”

Dad lets out a frustrated grunt.

“He did. He was found wasn’t he? All safe and sound?” My stomach knots and I pace the length of the flagstones of the empty hearth.

“Yeah, Dad. We found him. His ex was trying t—”

Dad cuts me off with a huff. “Look Seff, I know all this stuff with your friends is important to you. But you’ve got responsibilities. To the job, to your family. To thepack.” I stop pacing, stretching backwards to try to stop the wave of vomit rising in me. I can feel Seldon hovering behind me, and so I turn to face him, forcing my face into a reassuring smile. He smiles back, but it’s hesitant. I turn again to face the empty fireplace, suddenly exhausted.

“Yeah, Dad. I understand. I’m sorry. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” After a tense goodbye Dad hangs up and I exhale, long and slow. Guilt at fucking up the crew’s morning eats at me, and I’m so distracted that I don’t even notice Seldon right behind me until his hand is on my shoulder.

“You okay, big guy?” I jump when he asks, causing him to snicker. I lift my cap to run my hand through my hair and then settle it back down, pulling the bill lower over my brow.

“Yeah, I uh, just gotta run. Dad was expecting me and I’m late.” My leg is already bouncing and my eyes cut from Seldon’s confused, puckered brow to the staircase. “Tell Rafe I said bye okay?” Frustrated tears burn at my eyes, so I press at them with the heels of my hands, providing the added benefit ofnothaving to look at Seldon and his concerned face.

“Why don’tyoutell him goodbye?”

I laugh, not a funny haha laugh. Just a self depreciating huff.

“Because ifIgo up there, I’m gonna end up even more late for work and the pack will have my guts for dinner. I gotta book it.”

This time it’s a little easier to manoeuvre my face into the easy-going smile they’re used to. But fuck it’s exhausting. Seldon’s eyebrow quirks and his lip hitches in a charming, lopsided smile.

“An entirely valid excuse. I’ll pass along your message.”

“Thanks, appreciate it.” I give him a quick hug and make my way towards the front entry. It’s only when I am patting my pockets for my phone, grateful that I already picked up my keys and wallet for reasons only known to the Gods, that I remember.

Turning back to Seldon, I yell across the tavern hall. “Oi! Give him my number too, yeah?” When Seldon laughs and nods his agreement, I make my way out of the Black Stump and jog to my car.

Seff

Four Years Ago

“What are you doinghere Jacobson?” Honestly, it’s kind of bullshit that he thought he’d be able to follow me without me noticing. I’m almost offended.

The charcoal coloured wolf slinks out of the treeline near the creek I’m resting by, his head low in submission. I snort inwardly, what a fucking act.

I keep my back to him, an insult when a predator shifter is in their animal form and you are not. It is a giant, waving flag that you think they are weak, that they aren’t a threat. And really, screw him for following me out here. The air shimmers behind me while he changes, but I keep my eyes squarely on the gently trickling stream of the creek in front of me. The reflection of the moon ripples with the current.

“Thought you might like some company. It’s the full moon after all.”

---