Chapter 12: It was real

“You know, as a pack wolf,” I growled back, feeling my skin prickle, “one would think you’d be able to read the room better.” “I’m trying to help you, Claire,” Viola hissed.

I gave her a wicked grin. “I don’t need your help, Viola.”

“If you would just—”

The door opened a third time, and I braced myself, expecting Brock to show up or Gage to reappear. Instead, it was Kaiser. His eyes fell on his mother, and he scowled, a low rumble falling from his lips. “Mother,” he growled. She jumped as satisfaction flooded through me. “I thought I made myself clear.”

She stood up quickly, brushing off her expensive dress. I hope the left leg snags, I thought, unable to deny myself a bit of pettiness.

“I was just looking for Brock,” she said breezily, heading for the door.

Kaiser said nothing else, staring daggers at the woman’s back as she disappeared back inside. Once the door shut again, his shoulders slumped, some of the tension in him unravKaiserng.

I patted the empty spot on the bench next to