Page 55 of Dead Wolf Rising (Bad Moon Academy 3)

Slowly sucking some more of the mediocre coffee, I eye her. Her lips are pursed, her brow furrowed, and she’s trying to discreetly eye the shotgun she has hidden between the refrigerator and cabinets.

“You have every reason to hate me. I waited a long time before I made a move to change her, but I don’t regret it. I do regret everything that happened as a consequence.” I lean forward and stare at her.

Most people would flinch, but she’s unshakeable. I see where Raven gets it.

“It may sound silly, or too soon, but I love your niece. I love her sadness, I love her happiness, I love her anger, and I love her love. I don’t deserve it one bit, and I’m sure you agree with me on that. I swear to you I’ll do everything within my power to keep her safe.”

Lou studies me over the rim of her cup. The quiet which settles around us is possibly the most infuriating sound I’ve ever heard.

“Charming bastard.” She scoffs and takes another sip. “You’re lucky Raven’s crazy about you, otherwise I already would have shot you.” She gestures around her kitchen. “This isn’t much, but it was all I had to offer her. I tried my best to help her, but it was never enough. You don’t know how much I hate that she’s finally happy and it has nothing to do with me.”

I shake my head. “You’re part of Raven’s happiness. She won’t always be this way either. Something will happen and she’ll get sad, or mad, and she’ll need you. Not me, or any of the guys. She’ll need Lou because Lou is the only one who might possibly understand how she feels.”

I don’t say Mirabelle’s name, but I know she understands what I’m talking about. The guys and I will never comprehend the depth of her sorrow. Lou can’t be replaced by us, and we’d never try to replace her.

Grunting, Lou pushes away from the table. “I’m making eggs. Grab the bacon and do something useful with yourself.”

With a grin, I dip my head and stand. It’s not an apology, but it’s acceptance. I’ll take whatever she’s willing to give me.

* * *

RAVEN

After spending another day at Aunt Lou’s, I decide it’s time to go find Bea. I’ve already waited so long, I’m worried she’ll be mad. Or worse, I won’t be able to find her. I’m dreading having to use my mother to get to the Other World, but I’ll suck it up and deal with it if it means finding my little friend.

Aunt Lou hums along with one of the country songs on the radio, and I grin at how content she appears given the fact that five giant men are piled in the back of her SUV. The third row is hardly big enough for Adler and Carter, but they look a lot more comfortable than Brayden, Everett, and Draco who are squeezed together on the middle seat.

Turning on the road which leads to the academy, Aunt Lou shoots her gaze in my direction. “You’re sure that demon is gone?”

“Yes.” I don’t explain how I know, because I don’t want her worrying about Death coming back to visit.

She nods and slows the car as we hit the driveway, avoiding a few potholes as we roll through the gates. With a low whistle, she wrinkles her nose. “This place is a disaster.”

I take in the broken windows, crooked front door, and the pathetic looking lawn. “It’s rough for sure, but a little TLC will spruce it up.”

“A little? This place needs a truckload of TLC and even then, it’ll probably need work.” She shakes her head. “There’s plenty of room for you all at my house.”

We both know that’s not true. She only has four bedrooms, and I don’t think she’d be keen on me sharing one with all five of my guys, even though she knows they’re mine and I’m an adult. Some motherly habits die hard, I guess.

A familiar flash of brunette hair catches my eye when a woman bursts out of the academy. I smile and wave to Layla. “Good thing we have some shifters to help.”

Penelope, some of the other women, and even some of the guys come out as well. Erron is nowhere in sight, but I didn’t expect him to stay. He’s probably terrified of what Blaze might do to him when he comes back, and I’m not exactly sad to know he’s not here. He would have been a reminder of all the bad, and I’m hoping to replace all of those memories with good.

Blaze’s offer has been lingering in the back of my mind. I hadn’t truly decided what I wanted until we started the drive to come here. Somewhere between Deckerville and Bad Moon Academy’s gates, I decided to say yes to running the school. I can’t let someone else be in charge, especially not after what Peter did. This way I can make sure new shifters are taken care of and have a home for me and my pack. Trying to join another pack is off the table. There’s too much distrust from what happened with Pack Olympic.

Pack Luna won’t be like that.

Pack Luna?Joan asks.

You have a better name?

I didn’t say it was bad. I kind of like it, though I think Pack Joan is better.

Of course you do.I mentally roll my eyes at her.

Joan sticks her tongue out then settles in for a nap, and I focus on Aunt Lou again.

She stops the car in front of the academy with a sad sigh. “I’m coming to visit next weekend.”

---