things alone. Not anymore. You have Jaxson and me, and when the chips are
 
 down, all the others will have your back. We look after our own.”
 
 “That’s what people keep saying, but I don’t believe it. I’m not pack. I’m
 
 not even really a wolf—just a LaSalle with a bad hair and nails problem.
 
 Maybe I look it, but I’m not part of this family. When the time comes, I’m
 
 going to be the first one voted off the island.”
 
 She hesitated a suspiciously long time. “You’re more a part of this pack
 
 now than you can know. You have Jaxson’s protection, and that means
 
 everything to us. Hell, I lent you my favorite shirt. I wouldn’t do that if I
 
 thought there was the slightest chance someone would hand you over to the
 
 sorcerer.”
 
 I looked down at the faded purple I Hit Like A Girl shirt and blinked.
 
 “This is your favorite shirt?” I said flatly. It was bottom of the hamper
 
 stuff.
 
 I saw her flip her hair through the crack. “Absolutely. I like keeping
 
 trophies of all my conquests.”
 
 I laughed. “Oh, and what other trophies do you have?”
 
 “That’s a conversation for another time. After some very heavy drinking.
 
 But speaking of deviant behavior, what in the name of the gods are you doing
 
 to that door, anyway?”
 
 I paused for a second, then started on the last letter. “Carving a sorcerous
 
 enchantment.”
 
 “Really?” Her voice hushed and had the slightest hint of trepidation.
 
 Wolves were so superstitious.
 
 “No. I’m joking. I don’t know how to do that yet. Bathroom graffiti is the
 
 best I’ve got.” With a flick of the blade, I unlatched the door and swung it
 
 open to let Sam inspect my completed handywork.
 
 I WILL KILL KAHANOV
 
 She raised her eyebrows, and I shrugged as I dismissed the Soul Knife