Page 82 of Dead Wolf Rising (Bad Moon Academy 3)

I hold my hand up to stop her. “Geesh, I get it, okay. I’m warning you though, Joan isn’t taking this challenge lightly.”

If she weren’t so cute, I’d bite her ass.

Really, Joan? I thought we’d gotten past that phase.

She chuffs.Nope. Ass biting for life.

Moons save me.

Bea rips open the front door and shifts, landing on four paws and darting away. Narrowing my eyes, I shout, “cheater” then jog down the front steps, letting Joan take control with practiced ease.

Prepare to eat our dust, pup,Joan says even though Bea can’t hear her thoughts, and we tip our head back and howl before racing after her.

Moons, I love my life.

Epilogue

Three monthslater

RAVEN

I’m pacing in front of the door, waiting for Aunt Lou to arrive. She’s never late, but I can’t help the anxious feeling bubbling up inside of me. I think part of me is still worried she’ll leave me too, even though she’s proven time and time again that she won’t.

Insecurities are hard to work through, but I’m getting there. It helps that things at the academy have settled down a bit. After the initial influx of students, I found a rhythm and figured out my work routine. Some days are better than others, especially for the newly changed shifters, but life has been really good.

Even that dark, yawning void within me has receded, like all I needed was time and distance from the sinister power of Death. From time to time, I still feel a twist in my gut which steals my breath and tries to pull me into the darkness, but the men are always there to help ground me. The bond, their nearness, and simply talking through everything I feel in those moments conquer the pull of the Underworld.

Mazzikin was right. Completely cutting myself off from the magic was the best plan. There’s no telling where I’d be if I still messed around with it, not that there are any ghosts or near-death situations happening, but like with alcohol, abstaining is the only way to stay safe.

Tires crunch over gravel, pulling me out of my thoughts and I rip the door open and race down the steps. I’m at her car before she can fully stop.

Shaking her head at me, she beams and cranks the vehicle into park before opening her door.

“Hey there, Raven Girl.” Her voice makes my heart swell, and I go around to the passenger side where I see a pile of food.

“Hey, Aunt Lou. Pie again? The guys will be head over heels for you.”

“Bah, like they aren’t already,” she says with a snicker.

I chuckle and grab a few containers, kicking the door closed behind me and following her inside.

“The drive okay?”

With a sharp nod, she says, “Yup. The roads were clear of most traffic. I guess everyone is already where they’re going.”

It’s the day before Thanksgiving, so I’m surprised there wasn’t more traffic, but she made it safe. That’s all that matters.

“Hey, Auntie Lou!” Bea races through the foyer and launches herself at my aunt.

“Sweet girl, what have you been up to? Causing trouble?” Aunt Lou gives her a rueful look and hugs her tight.

“Only a little,” Bea says. “Let me take those.” She grabs the containers from me and heads to the kitchen.

We watch her go and Aunt Lou sighs.

“She’s such a good kid.”

“Yeah, she is.” I turn to her. “Brayden’s starting the turkey first thing in the morning, so we’re in charge of side dishes.”

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