Mrs. Stein and Virgo walked a respectful distance away to give me a chance to talk to the werewolves. I looked around at the expectant faces. Several were battered and bruised from their encounters with the felgul, and everyone appeared anxious for my reply.
“You’re free,” I told them.
“Free to do what?” a beefy werewolf newly named Joven asked.
I opened my arms to indicate the forest. “Free to be werewolves. To run, play, eat, hunt, whatever you want to do. You can try to integrate into the human world or live your lives as wolves in the wild if you prefer. It’s entirely up to you.”
I thought my words would be met with enthusiasm, but instead, only silence followed. I glanced at Mrs. Stein. She gave me a kind smile before addressing the werewolves.
“I know that Mrs. Willard wouldn’t mind having civilized and caring werewolves live in the forest behind her house until you find the place you would like to be.” She smiled at them. “And I would be more than happy to bring meals. I have other recipes I’m dying to try and my garden is full of squash ready to harvest.” She winked. “I may have worked a spell or two to keep them producing all year long, but don’t tell anyone.”
Answering smiles appeared on several faces and relief on others.
“If you’re sure she won’t mind,” Safira said.
“I’m positive,” Mrs. Stein replied. “Head on over that way and we’ll see that you all get the meal you deserve for helping to destroy that wraith.” She shook her head with a shudder. “Those things give me the creeps.”
I watched as the werewolves made their way through the trees. Worry filled me at the thought of them returning to the Willard’s forest.
“Are you sure Mrs. Willard won’t mind?” I asked. “I didn’t mean to bring this to her doorstep.”
Mrs. Stein gave me another motherly smile as she and Virgo walked beside me. “Of course she won’t, dear, and of course you didn’t. These things happen.”
“These things?” Virgo repeated in a doubtful tone.
Mrs. Stein glanced back at the Lair. “Well, not these things in particular, thank goodness, but we learn to roll with it.” She gave a slight frown and shot me a searching look. “Speaking of which.”
“What?” I asked.
Her eyebrows pulled together and she hesitated before asking, “There’s a coven up north we’ve been having trouble with. Is there a chance you wouldn’t mind helping out?”
I thought of all the things the Steins, the Willards, and Brickwell had helped me with, and knew what my answer had to be.
“Count me in.”
Mrs. Stein nodded with a pleased expression. “I’ll make some calls. Keep your lavender on hand.”
“I will,” I replied, then realized I had no idea what that meant.
Before I could ask, Mrs. Stein jaunted on ahead with more energy that ten of the werewolves. Virgo was hard-pressed to keep up with her. I let them go. The scent of Mitch and Alia passing on before us lingered on the leaves and the grass. I closed my eyes and took a breath. Morning dew, the faint musk of a martin, and the telltale crisp of winter lingered in the air. I opened my eyes with a contented smile at the fact that I would be around to enjoy it.
About the Author
Cheree Alsop is an award-winning, best-selling author who has published over 50 books. She is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her with his imagination, his humor, and his love. Cheree works as a fulltime author and mother, which is more play than work! She enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, riding motorcycles, spending time with her wonderful children, and going on family adventures while planning her next book.
ALSO BY CHEREE ALSOP
The Haunted High Series-
The Wolf Within Me
The Ghost Files
City of Demons
Cage the Beast
Ashes of Night
The Silver Series-
Silver
Black
Crimson
Violet
Azure
Hunter
Silver Moon
The Werewolf Academy Series-
Book One: Strays
Book Two: Hunted
Book Three: Instinct
Book Four: Taken
Book Five: Lost
Book Six: Vengeance
Heart of the Wolf Part One
Heart of the Wolf Part Two
The Galdoni Series-
Galdoni
Galdoni 2: Into the Storm
Galdoni 3: Out of Darkness
The Small Town Superheroes Series-
Small Town Superhero
Small Town Superhero II
Small Town Superhero III
Keeper of the Wolves
Stolen
The Million Dollar Gift
Thief Prince
When Death Loved an Angel
The Shadows Series
Shadows- Book One in the World of Shadows
Mist- Book Two in the World of Shadows
The Monster Asylum Series
Book One- The Fangs of Bloodhaven
Girl from the Stars
Book 1- Daybreak
Book 3- Day’s End
Book 4- Day’s Journey
Book 5- Day’s Hunt
The Pirate from the Stars
The Dr. Wolf Series
Book 1- Shockwave
Book 2- Demon Spiral
Book 3- The Four Horsemen
Book 4- Dragon’s Bayne
The Wolfborne Saga
Book 1- Defiance
Book 2- Ricochet
Book 3- Dark Coven
The Prince of Ash and Blood
Game Breaker
Orion’s Fall
Find more books by Cheree Alsop here: Cheree Alsop’s Website