After one last examination to ensure everything is healing correctly, Johnnie finally releases Adam so we can go home. It seems strange calling it home after spending so many nights at Johnnie’s cabin.
Adam isn’t interested in being at his townhouse, not while his mother occupies his home. He prefers distance until he can process his own feelings. His siblings are on his side and even though they don’t live in town, they’ve shunned Susan in their own way.
I don’t understand the whole story but I think it’s for the best. Susan is used to control. This might give her time to think about her role in the pack.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come,” I ask Johnnie as he helps Adam into the car.
Sarah wants to have a small get-together to celebrate Adam’s recovery. Johnnie blankly stares at me. Sarah’s parties are never small. I don’t blame him for not wanting to come. I had to push the point that Adam is still healing but I don’t think she listened.
“Give Sarah my best,” Johnnie calls before heading back into his cabin.
Adam takes my hand into his as we drive. It’s warm but different. The callouses aren’t nearly as deep. It feels smaller and bonier.
Slowly edging the car into the driveway, both of us look for signs that Sarah went to the extreme. There’s nothing. The house is bare. Adam exhales. If Sarah is good at reading people, then she’ll keep it small. Adam never wants attention.
Sarah races out of the house, “Adam.” The door flies open as her hands pry him out of the seat.
I wonder if Adam’s reconsidering coming here. He winces as she squeezes him. Adm puts up a hand to keep her from apologizing before we walk into the house.
“Now you’re starting to show your age,” Sarah chides as we lower Adam to the couch, “I think he’s faking it just for the attention.”
Adam smiles, enjoying the distraction from the pain. She busies herself in the other room as Tim finishes her cooking.
“She might be right,” I continue, taking a seat next to him.
The expression is priceless. What I wouldn’t give to remember that for the rest of my life. Adam still needs to take things slow. The hollow tip to the torso did a lot of damage. Even though I joke with him, I’m still desperately afraid I might lose him.
“Give him a reason to be faster,” Sam suggests, coming in from the back porch with Isaac, “A little tail does it for me.”
My mouth shoots open before I snap it shut. Sam is just as vile now as he was before the attack. I just have more respect for him.
“I’ll give it a go if you’re too sore,” Sam continues pointing towards me.
Adam glares. It’s hard to tell where their friendship ends, and the line of disrespect begins. Isaac’s frosty gaze continues to watch Sam. I’m sure he’s going to learn another lesson tonight.
“Get him up, it’s time to eat,” Sarah yells from the other room.
“I just got comfortable,” Adam whispers as Sam and Isaac grab his arms and pull him from the couch, “Give us a minute.”
Everyone leaves as I remain with Adam. He’s talked very little since getting hurt and I don’t want to miss one word he has to say.
His warm hands settle on the side of my face. How I have missed moments like this. I let him pull me into his arms as mine dangle gently around his wounds.
"I’m so sorry," He whispers, kissing the top of my head.
I try to lean back to defend him, but he continues to hold me close. He’s apologized so many times, especially after learning I got shot, but he did nothing wrong. If anyone needs to apologize, it’s me. He took a bullet and I left him.
“I’m sorry for what’s about to happen,” Adam continues as I back away to see the amusement in his eyes.
He glances towards the dining room door. How did this turn into something about me? Adam shrugs with a large grin, not about to give away a single detail.
“It’s not that bad,” Sarah’s muffled voice yells.
Now I’m scared. My hand rests on the door. Adam motions for me to go in but doesn’t provide any support. What could Sarah have planned for me?
“Surprise!” Sarah yells.
I scan the banner against the wall, “Really?” I reply, taking a seat at the head of the table, “How is it my first birthday?”
Everything is so baby specific that I’m concerned this is a baby shower. Everyone’s amused as Sarah brings out a giant cake in the shape of a baby wolf swaddled in a pink blanket.
“It’s been exactly one year since you first shifted,” Sarah continues.
Sam bursts out laughing and quickly excuses himself. Sarah scowls as he rushes out the door. His laughter echoes through the house. Now I know why Johnnie refused to come over.
Adam continues to smile. Bending and wincing, he kisses me before falling into the chair next to me. Tim keeps his head bowed between his hands, his body rattles from his silent laughter. Isaac’s eyes apologize as he shakes his head.
It’s official. I will be leaving town during both my birthdays next year. It will be years before I trust Sarah to throw a party.
It’s strange to think it’s been exactly one year since I became a wolf. So much of my life has changed. I wonder how my second year will compare to my first year.