Invited

Zara

“Miss Zara! Miss Zara! Tell us a bedtime story!”

I let out a sigh, a mix of exhaustion from the day and a touch of warmth from their request.

Their eager faces were all turned up to me, scattered across the carpet, cushions, and pillows.

I’d been with them all day, as usual, but today we were inside the palace.

We’d done some arts and crafts, had a snack break thanks to Raphael, and even took a mini tour of the palace. I showed them paintings and sculptures that had been in the family for generations.

Then we played a good old game of dodgeball out in the courtyard.

That was Alex’s idea. He brought the equipment and acted as the referee. He wasn’t too strict, though. He let all the kids stay in and keep playing.

He was really sweet and seemed to enjoy being around the kids. I hoped he’d keep up his new role in the nursery school, for his sake and mine.

I figured it helped him unwind, considering all the stress of being the temporary Alpha. As for me, I could always use an extra pair of hands.

Luckily, a few folks from the other packs volunteered to help out. Some of the kids were theirs, after all.

It was a lot to handle.

Especially now, as I was trying to get them to sleep so their parents could enjoy the party that was about to start. Then the volunteers would take turns watching them—with me overseeing.

“Please, please, please!” the kids kept pleading, all teaming up to persuade me.

These little rascals were persistent.

With a gentle laugh, I said, “Okay, you guys, settle down. I’ll tell you a story. But you have to be quiet first.”

And with that, I started one of my favorite stories.

The story of my best friend, Katherine.

Of course, I left out the gruesome parts. The real ending of her story wasn't exactly kid-friendly.

I just kind of drifted into my memories and thought back to all the fun times we used to have. Playing in the woods. Picking wild berries and baking them into fresh pies or pastries.

I included every charming little detail, true to the story.

But in this version, the only difference was that Katherine lived.

By the time I finished, only a few pairs of sleepy eyes were still open. Most had already closed, lulled off into dreamland.

Like a family of forest animals in hibernation, my kiddos lay all worn out and curled up in our big makeshift nest.

They were so adorable; it warmed my heart.

“Goodnight, friends. Sleep well,” I whispered.

I looked over and saw Alex leaning against the doorframe. He was watching me with a big smile.

I felt myself blushing, though I didn’t know why.

I tiptoed over to meet him, guiding him out into the hallway.

“Hey, welcome back,” I said.

“Glad to be back. I just wanted to make sure bedtime was going smoothly.”

“Oh, thanks. So far, so good,” I reported. “But give it a few minutes, and I'm sure one of them will wake up crying or yelling about needing the bathroom. Which will, of course, start a whole beautiful chain reaction.”

He grinned. “Yeah, like dominoes, right?”

“Except louder and even messier.”

“I can’t wait to experience that.”

So he was planning on coming back to the daycare? That was… interesting. I tried not to look too excited.

“So, uh, if everything’s all set here,” Alex said, suddenly seeming awkward. “Do you want to head over to the party?”

A swarm of butterflies took flight in my stomach.

Was Alex, the current Alpha of Shadow Moon, really asking me to go to the party with him?

~No way! Calm down, Zara. Play it cool.~

~He isn’t asking you on a date or anything.~

Nervously, I checked my watch. Eight o’clock.

“Has it already started?” I asked.

Alex half nodded, half shrugged. “Last I saw, Sky and Harper were still arguing over decorations. But the drinks and appetizers are out regardless, and this indie band from Green Mountain is warming up. There’s also a high-energy electronic group from Coastal Cliff. Word is they’re playing later.”

“Wow, cool! Sounds like Coachella,” I joked.

“More like a solid frat party, to be honest. But you can still wear a flower crown if you want.”

I laughed.

“I’d love to check out the party with you,” I said sincerely. “Lead the way.”

Quinn

Bored in the tent, wishing I were at the Shadow Moon party, I decided to go find Jax. He was sitting on a tree stump nearby, his back to me.

I snuck up behind him and suddenly wrapped my arms around his wide chest.

I pressed myself against his strong back and nuzzled my face into his neck, kissing behind his ear. His skin was cool and damp, contrasting with the warmth of my breath.

Judging by his jump a few inches off the ground, I’d definitely surprised him.

“Ka—” he gasped, turning his head to look at me. “Oh, it’s you.”

I tilted my head. “Uh, yeah. Who’d you think it was?”

Stepping back, I noticed his pale cheeks. The dark circles under his eyes, which hadn’t been there just minutes before.

“Whoa, Jax, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” I said.

Rubbing his eyes with his hands, Jax responded, “I think I just did.”

“Um, excuse me?”

He took a deep breath, steadying himself. Then, the words came rushing out. “I’ve been having these weird visions—I don’t know if they’re delusions or hallucinations or what, but I know they’re not dreams. Unless I’m dreaming now. Am I dreaming now? Hit me! It’s the only way to know for sure!”

What the—?

I had never seen Jaxon so completely flustered.

“Quinn, seriously, you need to slap me,” Jax pleaded.

“Um, alright.” I reached out and smacked his shoulder with a firm hand.

“Ouch!” he yelped.

He stood up, rubbing the spot that was already turning red.

“You asked for it!” I retorted. “What’s going on with you, Jax? You’ve been so distant and preoccupied lately. I already watched my mom lose it today. I can’t handle you going off the deep end too.”

He let out a sigh.

“What are you seeing?” I asked, hands on my hips. “Sugar plums?”

“If I tell you, you have to promise not to get too mad.”

Yeah, right. Those were always the last words before a bombshell.

~What’s he hiding from me?~

Part of me wanted to explode at him just for keeping secrets, but I held back. I’d at least hear him out.

“Okay…” I conceded. “I won’t get ~too~ mad.”

“I don’t want to see what I’m seeing, Quinn. It just happens. Like an intrusive thought I can’t shake. But I’m starting to think maybe it’s not just a thought. Maybe she’s real?”

“She?” I echoed.

“I… I shouldn’t even be talking about this,” Jaxon stammered, caught red-handed.

God, he was pushing my patience.

“Just say it!” I practically shouted.

“I’m seeing Katherine!” Jaxon blurted out.

I froze.

Wait. He was ~what?~

Slowly, I echoed his words, just to make sure I’d heard him correctly. “You’re seeing…Katherine?”

He nodded, eyes cast downward.

I was confused. “Seeing as in…dating?”

“No! Like, hallucinations or something.”

~Oh my God.~

“Jaxon, do you not see how this makes me feel insecure? That you can’t stop thinking about your ex from years ago, while I—”

He looked sick with guilt and ready to explain.

But then, out of nowhere, we were interrupted. By a voice.

Speaking in my head. Shaking my brain.

Carl

Hello again, old friend.

Carl

Long time, no speak.

I stood still, hands clutching my head.

He was back.

Back in my mind.

Looking at Jaxon, I saw he was just as disturbed.

“Is he—?” I began.

“In my head too, yes,” Jax confirmed. “He says I can listen, but he only wants to talk to you.”

~He only wants to talk to me?~

~What the hell?~

Carl

Yes. Just like our first meeting.

A chill ran down my spine as the memory came back.

~Damn it.~

“Screw you, brother,” Jax growled, looking around as if Carl could be hiding behind any tree.

He had to be nearby, right? He could only connect with our minds when we were close.

Carl

Good girl. You are correct.

Quinn

So where are you then? What do you want?

Carl

Contrary to what you probably believe, I’m not here to cause any trouble. In fact, I want to invite you into our home.

Carl

Ours, meaning mine, and soon yours.

Carl

Fort Vulpes.

Quinn

We’re close??

Carl

So close.

Quinn

So… are you going to give us any instructions, or should we search Rogue Fortress on Google Maps?

Carl

Very funny Quinn

Carl

Walk east for thirty minutes along the base of the mountain. Head through a curtain of vines. We’re in the canyon between the two mountains.

Carl

Is that clear enough for you directionally challenged folks?

Quinn

I was expecting some troll’s riddle

Carl

No time for fun like that. We’re ready for you now.

Are you ready?

Ready for what?

Naturally, my thoughts drifted to my Aunt Jodie. To the vague memories of her playing with me when I was a kid. To the pictures I’d seen of her, with her intense eyes and wild smiles.

A rebel, according to my mom. And more than that, the unintentional killer of my dad—or at least, a passive witness to his death.

But who was she really? And what would she mean to me?

Carl

Come on, Quinn. You’ve come so far. Just a little bit further, and you’ll finally be where you belong.

Carl

See you soon.

My heart started to pound, thumping loudly in my chest.

~Finally be where I belong?~

Carl’s words echoed in my mind, just as elusive the second time.

Jaxon and I exchanged a look.

~What now?~