59

Lucy

I studied hard for the next few days. I didn’t come out of the room. I didn’t even let anyone come see me, no matter how many times Yvonne allowed me to make that choice.

The beta was outside the door this time. I stepped out and met his gaze.

“I am not your luna,” I said. “Please stop coming to talk to me about it.”

He winced, but he nodded and turned away.

Yvonne grinned. “I think all this practice is giving you some oomph.”

I smiled and slumped forward. “All I feel right now… is drained.”

She laughed. “That makes sense.”

We ate lunch at her little table, and another knock came. This time it was Matt. I went stiff, watching him warily. He cleared his throat and lifted his head.

“I’m here to talk about the luncheon tomorrow,” Matt said. “The Liaison said we have to… make sure you’re getting time to socialize outside of the pack, so we’re taking you to a human luncheon.”

I swallowed and nodded. “Okay.”

“Great. We’re going shopping—”

“I don’t want to,” I said, meeting his gaze