Page 73 of Home: Posy 5

Oh! I got to find out where Mr. Nibbles came from! James and Aiden had bought him for me shortly after I was born. Well, gotMomto buy him for me on their behalf. James smiled when he described how I'd drag the bunny around with me everywhere, even though it was bigger than me until I was about two years old, and Aiden explained I came up with the name Mr. Nibbles after I saw a hungry little mouse character onTom and Jerry.

When it was time to leave Sunday morning, I was a little sad, but knew I'd see everyone again. I had a dozen new numbers stored in my phone and an invitation to visit Crystal Caverns any time. Grandma told me we were welcome to visit her whenever we wanted, too, and I was over the moon when I heard her ask Grandpa to come see her soon.

Even better, he said he would!

Camille and I exchanged secret smiles with Eden, whom we'd looped into our scheme, and we giggled together at how cute the old people were acting with each other.

All in all, though, I was ready to go home. We'd been away from the pack for ten days, and I knew my mates were worried about the paperwork and problems that had probably accumulated in their absence. Even though Dad and Papa told us things were fine, my mates wouldn't be satisfied until they could see that for themselves.

As for me, I missed my friends. Emerson and Tyler and Peri and all the rest. School was starting in two weeks, and Peri was going to introduce me to some people beforehand. Plus, we had back-to-school shopping to do, which reminded me that I needed to plan out our meals for the coming week. That meant doing an inventory in the kitchen and writing a grocery list and—

"What. Is. That. Sound?!" Ash asked for the fifth time as we zoomed along the highway, headed for home.

"I don't know, dude. Are any warning lights on?" Cole asked.

"No. None. Grr! I just got this thing like three months ago! Why is it rattling?"

"I think it's the engine." Wyatt shrugged and turned to look out the window, but I saw his smug grin in the reflection.

Aha. Sothat'swhere the cowbell got to!Covering my mouth with my hand, I swallowed down my giggles.

"But it's practically new!" Ash yelped. "It shouldn't have any engine problems yet!"

"Pull over," Mason told him with a sigh. "Something's caught in the undercarriage, most likely."

"Nah, man, let's just get home," Wyatt disagreed. "We'll look at it there. I mean, it's driving fine, right?"

"I ain't going to be able to stand listening to that rattle - and Ash whining about it - for another hour," Cole grumbled. "Pull over like Mase said."

How are you going to keep from being found out now, Mr. Black?I linked Wyatt.

I might need an assist, shortcake. You up for some mischief?

What do I get if I help you?

The same thing you'll get if you don't—

No, no, no,I cut him off as he wagged his eyebrows up and down.I want something.

Oh? What? You know we'll get you anything your little heart could dream of, cutie.

For one,I began,if the truth comes out about your prank, I had no part in it or knowledge of it.

Done. I would have covered for you regardless. What else?

Wait, I just remembered. Mason said you weren't allowed to use me to play pranks on each other.I bit down on my bottom lip.

Cutie, you control you. Mase Almighty Price doesn't. If you want to do it, do it. If you don't, don't. Besides, it's just between the two of us, and I only need you to distract Ash for a few seconds.

And you won't use it against me later?I felt like I was negotiating a major treaty here, but I could totally see Wyatt blackmailing me with this in the future.

I swear on the moon I won't.

Okay. I'll do it.I nodded, knowing he wouldn't break that vow. No sane shifter would.But I still want my reward.

Which would be...?

I want you and Ash to keep your promise and teach me to drive,I said with determination.I don't need a car of my own. At least not right away. But I want to know how to drive.

---