Page 34 of The Vampire in the Potting Shed

“Or cut herself on purpose to cover her tracks.”

“And give her a reason to call Dad, who sent Mercer, yanking me out of town in the nick of time.” Under the cover ofthree strikes, you’re out, I was safely hustled onto Sartori territory and away from the danger the pack helped manufacture. “This is all so messed up, and now Jess…”

“What’s wrong?” Sloane cocked her head, wolflike, studying me. “You don’t want her here?”

“Rían uprooted these people for my benefit. Like I’m a sure thing.”

A snort ripped out of her, and she slapped a hand over her face. “Pollen allergy.”

“Liar.” I pivoted toward the front door. “But seriously.”

“Are we to the point in our friendship where I can tease you about sex?”

“You’re the only friend I’ve got,” I said baldly, “so I would say yes.”

“Just checking.” She bounded next to me. “I’m yourfriend.”

“We just established that, yes.” Wariness prickled my nape. “What am I missing?”

“I’m yourbestfriend.”

“You’re my only friend.” I relaxed as a silly grin swept over her face. “So, yes?”

“Cool. Cool.” She quit bouncing like an excited puppy. “It’s just that I’ve never had a best friend.”

“Me neither.” That same stupid urge struck me, and I flung myself at her. “Thank you.”

“Oof.”

Mortification stung my cheeks, and I leapt back, hands in the air. “I amsosorry.”

“Never apologize for hugs.” She slung her arms around me, locking me against her. “Bestie.”

Tears pricked my eyes, blurring everything, and I wanted to believe this was real so badly.

But the wounded parts of me whispered Sloane was only being nice because it was her job. That she had followed me out of a sense of duty to my father. That she didn’t care one way or another about me.

Fear that she would exploit this weakness of mine, this miserable loneliness, left me tasting bile.

But even if this was pretend, Sloane was putting more effort in than anyone else ever had.

She would deserve a promotion, and maybe an Oscar.

Before my glum outlook spoiled our moment, Sloane started jumping and whooping and spinning us.

I let it happen to me, unsure if I wanted to join in, but the impact must have shaken those grim thoughts out of my head. The next thing I knew, we were crashing into the side of the house. We bounced off, not letting go, giggling like children.

From the sidewalk, a woman called, “Is this a team building exercise?”

The woman beside her grinned at us. “Or a best friend mosh pit?”

Sloane and I broke apart, my brain still bouncing in my skull, and I almost face-planted in front of the newcomers.

“The second one,” Sloane told them, giddy from the fun. “Rochele and Mindy, right?”

“The dog trainers,” I supplied, impressed I remembered them too. “What brings you by this morning?”

“We’re in a group chat with Jess. She mentioned volunteering here today, and we thought we would ask if we could pitch in too.” Mindy linked her hands behind her back. “We’re all waiting on furniture, so our apartments are white walls and blow-up mattresses. Frankly, it’s depressing. Very mental institution.”

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