“We figured out last year that born-female werewolves can turn human women into werewolves with a bite. I didn’t think you’d want to, and I couldn’t reach out until now—but wolves can’t die from cancer.”

“Holy fuck,” she breathed. “Don’t get my hopes up if you’re not sure.”

I looked at Aspen, and she nodded. “We’ve done before and after scans on the sick women. The change wipes out cancer cells.”

“We’re sure,” I said. “Send me your address. I’m coming to get you.”

“It’s a twenty-one-hour drive, Nova. And if I was a wolf, I’d have to live in Crimson River.”

“Then you have forty-two hours to decide whether or not you’re going to let me change you, because I’m coming to get you either way. If you’re going to die from cancer, you’re going to die with me there to take care of you.” My voice was fierce, but my eyes were still burning. There were probably tears on my face, but I was too shocked to feel them.

She let out a long breath. “Alright, I just sent it.”

My phone went off, and I checked the message.

I couldn’t suppress a sound of relief when I saw the address on the screen.

“I’m leaving now. I’ll be there soon.”

“In twenty-one hours, plus a few pee breaks,” she corrected.

“I love you. See you soonish. I’ll pack your shit when I get there.”

“I’m notthatweak,” Olive argued.

“I saw the picture. Just save it for me.”

She sighed dramatically. “Alright, fine. I love you. See you soonish.”

We hung up, and I let out a shaky breath as I stared down at the picture for another minute.

She was going to be okay.

I wouldn’t accept any other outcome. I couldn’t.

“I have to go,” I told Aspen.

She squeezed my hand. “I’ll clean and bandage the work you did, and take care of your machine. I’ve seen how you do it. I have too many appointments to go with you, but you should call Clay.”

“I can’t bring him. I won’t be able to pretend about the claiming thing right now.” My voice trembled.

“I’ll go. Etch just went out hunting, so he won’t be back for a while anyway. We can take turns driving,” Syd offered.

“Thank you.” I choked on the words, my eyes still watering. Now, I could feel the tears on my cheeks.

“Let’s go.” Syd took my hand, and squeezed.

I nodded, and we hurried out to the parking lot.

There were enough spare clothes, snacks, and toiletries in the back of my new bright orange Jeep to get us through the two solid days of driving without stinking too badly.

“Clay was spot on with the vehicle, huh?” Sydney teased me.

I tried to smile, but it probably looked more like a grimace. “Yeah. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

She smiled, gently taking the keys from me and settling in the driver’s seat.

“Thank you,” I repeated, wiping my eyes as she pulled out. I programmed Olive’s address into my phone and stared out the window as Syd pulled away from the Lodge.