Chapter 63

• “I’m okay, and you’re right … I’ll eat later. I just need some quiet time to think.” I play it off coolly, but inside, so many warring emotions are kicking me in the ass, ripping my heart to shreds at the realization I have a chance of a real pack family with these people, and I’m leaving them behind. It’s hard to swallow, words sticking like glue in my throat, and my face aches with the effort of keeping my expression neutral.
• “Are you coming to the com room after chores?” Cesar startles me with this one, and I blink at him, completely non-plussed. Panic setting in that we might have some sort of meeting I have to show up for, or Colton will suspect.
• “Yeah, we decided we needed some pack hanging time, a few beers, movie ... all chilling together.” Radar finishes it for him, all eyes on me, standing awkwardly, poised, and I hesitate. Struggling to think up an instant refusal, while dying inside, I’m being asked to initiate, bond, and I can’t. If ever there was a moment I wanted to kick the Fates in the ass, it’s now.