Page 65 of Dead Wolf Falling (Bad Moon Academy 2)

“It’s okay,” he says, stepping toward me and Draco. “Lou didn’t tell everyone else, but I know why you didn’t want to. You weren’t the only one hiding from the world.”

Swallowing my pride, I glance away and nod. “Together then.”

“Together,” they all respond, each voice rich with its own tone, circling around me and squeezing my heart.

As a pack, we’ll defeat Jinx and escape this place.

* * *

We get backto the library as everyone is settling down for the night. Most of the people are lying in their cots and reading, staring at the wall, or talking to whoever is closest to them. Since it’s nearly eleven, I go to check on Bea, relieved to see her fast asleep in her cot. Layla and a few of the ladies from earlier smirk at me when I appear.

“So, how was it?” Layla asks, fanning her face. “Thinking about it is enough to make me want a harem. Were they big? Different sizes?” She leans closer. “Did they have piercings?”

“Oh my god, stop. I’m not talking about this with you.”

One of the other women sighs. “At least someone is getting laid. Look at her skin, it’s glowing.”

“Pretty sure that’s the light,” Penelope says.

“Whatever,” the other one rolls her eyes, “she’s totally glowing.”

I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing at them. “It was. . . good. Different than I expected in general, but I had a good time.” With a shrug, I sit on the edge of Layla’s bed.

“A good time. Pfft. Please, we need dirt. How many times did you come?” Layla pokes me, all the tension between us is gone, and I’m glad she’s enjoying trying to pry details from me.

Shooting my gaze to where Bea lies, I shake my head. “So what did you guys do while we were gone?” I deflect.

“Nothing much.” Extending her legs, Layla lies down and places her hands on her stomach. “I used to wish for down time, you know? And now that I have it, all I want to do is be busy. It’s ridiculous.”

“Well, down time and being forced to stay inside because of a demon spirit aren’t exactly the same thing.” I scoot forward so she can pull the blanket out from under my butt and toss it over her legs. “Soon enough we’ll be able to do whatever we want.”

I glance around the group, taking in the pursed lips and doubt lining their faces. They fully expect this to be the new normal. That or they expect to die. Closing my mouth, I chew on my cheek and wait for someone to say something or change the subject, but they don’t. One by one, the women all decide it’s time for bed, so I slink off to my little cot and climb in. The men have already fallen asleep, so I lie back and close my eyes, praying to whoever will listen that we all make it out okay.

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