Confrontational

  “We need to up the rounds as much as we can.” Benton, Mel’s father and my father's Second, clenched his fists in frustration.

  “We’ve already done that.” My father looked stressed.

  “A boy is missing. Do you want one of ours to be next?” Benton continued.

  I listened intently as they discussed the means of Casey’s disappearance. It had been three weeks since the day in the library, but Hugo’s words were fresh in my mind. I thought of him a lot, even catching myself glancing at him in class from time to time. He stayed true to his word and kept his distance. That only made it worse, for me anyway. My pack was content with the distance. They’d gone back to their usual happy selves, enjoying in each other’s company when it came. Lane and I had reconciled and I learned he was actually an interesting character. He and Axel were the least trusting of the all the youths of