Chapter 50

“Joy!” Bianca pushed past her to pull the lever on the smoking toaster.

“Sorry,” Joy mumbled. “I’m not awake yet.” It’s been days. How much longer can Nik’s wolf hold him?

“It’s okay.” Bianca buttered the black toast. “You have a right to be distracted. Law just got back from the barn, still no change. Is there anything I can do?”

“You’ve got enough to worry about.” Joy pointed to where Chessa and Trax ate breakfast. “He’s really going to school with her?”

“He is, and I think it’s helping her first-day-back anxiety. The mayor helped us get him enrolled without any issues. I’ve been trying to get Trax to reach out to his parents. He told me how his dad let his uncle take him away after the bite. As a parent, I don’t understand how that man let his child go.” Bianca put the cover on the butter dish and glanced over at Trax. “He’s a great kid. I wish he’d stay with us, but at least he has a nice room in the common house.”

Joy smiled, nodding. Knowing Trax would be with Chessa made her heart happy. “He liked the clothes and bedding you bought him. Mom had a blast helping you shop.”

“I enjoyed getting some one-on-one time with your mom. I want her to like me.”

Joy reached out and squeezed Bianca’s hand. “She does. Law loves you, and that’s all she needs to like you. Thank you for making my brother happy.”

Bianca’s lip trembled and her brow furrowed. “Right now he’s not very happy. I’m worried. Nik is his best friend, and without a beta, his position as alpha isn’t secure.”

“And the decision to punish Kort equally to Nik isn’t very popular.” Joy scowled. “Some of the pack thinks Kort was too young when I was taken to be held accountable.”

“That’s a steaming pile of bullshit.” Bianca looked over her shoulder to make sure the teens hadn’t heard her. “Well, it is.”

Joy chuckled, but it came from a darker place in her soul. She put her hand on Bianca’s arm, glad the human was in her brother’s life. “Agreed, but right now Law has a lot of reasons to be unhappy. You aren’t one of them.”

Bianca flushed. “He makes me happy too. He’s more than I deserve.”

“I love to hear you say that. I never had a sister, but so far having a sister-in-law is great.”

Sadness crossed Bianca’s face. “I’ve enjoyed having you in my life too, but I miss Kloe a lot. Before you came along, she was the closest thing I’d ever had to a sister. I wish I didn’t have to push her away. I’ve made up a million excuses to remain absent, and she’s stopped calling me.” Bianca sighed. “It’s for the best, but it hurts to lose her.”

“Losing the people we love is never easy.” Joy knew that better than most people. “But you’ve gained a whole pack.”

Chuckling, Bianca took a bite of the burned toast. “Yuck.”

Joy grimaced, guilt over her inattentiveness mingled with fear. After years of abuse for every little mistake, terror surfaced out of nowhere. “I’ll make you another one.”

Bianca turned to look at the kids. “Don’t worry about it. No time. I have to get these two to school, and then I’m going back to work. I’m as nervous as Chessa is.”

Joy bit her lip. I have to stop being afraid and focus on something else. “How is Law handling you going into town without him?”

“Like an alpha male.”

“That bad, huh?” Joy put the butter knife in the sink.

Sighing, Bianca shook her head. “Worse. He thinks I should never leave the farm or his sight, but this is important to me, so he didn’t press the issue. I can feel him freaking out, and that’s fueling my anxiety.”

“Pick up some wine on the way home. We could both use a drink,” Joy teased.

“I like the way you think. See you later.” Bianca grabbed her purse. “Come on, kids. Time to go.”

The teens wore miserable expressions as they picked up their backpacks.

“Oh, and in case Law panics when I’m not right home after work, remind him I’m going to be packing up some stuff at the house in town.”

Joy nodded. “Can I help?”

“That would be great. Meet me at four. It’s the little yellow house on the corner of Oak Street.”

“I know it. I’ll be there.”

Bianca left with the kids. Ches and Trax marched to the car as if Bianca were driving them to an execution instead of school. Joy watched from the window as they drove away. She needed a distraction. Maybe she could surprise Bianca by finishing her packing while she was working. Joy hurried off to find her brother.

* * * *

After wrapping the last knickknack in the living room, Joy stood up and stretched. She’d already packed the kitchen, bathroom, and office, carefully labeling all the boxes so Bianca wouldn’t have trouble finding what she needed. The only rooms she hadn’t packed were the bedrooms.

A high-pitched squeal made Joy jump and turn around. Her old friend Peyton was standing in the hallway. She still had long brown hair that shimmered in the light. Joy had envied it when they were young. Peyton’s friendly hazel eyes were wide, and her large, red lips curved up in a happy grin. Her makeup displayed a polished adult professional, but Joy could still see the teenager she remembered and didn’t resist as Peyton collided with her and enveloped her in a tight hug.

“I let myself in. I’m looking for Bianca, but I’m so glad to see you!”

“It’s nice somebody is,” Joy muttered.

Peyton squeezed her tighter. “I know a thing or two about ostracism. That’s why I’m here.”

Joy pulled back. “What do you mean?”

Peyton chuckled. “Ben asked me to come out and talk to Bianca and Chessa. My experience is similar, and I want to help.”

“I’m sure you will. They should be here soon. Today was everyone’s first day back to town.”

“I picked the right time to show up offering moral support. I hope it wasn’t too rough for them.”

The door slammed open and three teenagers rushed by without even a hello. Bianca came in looking frazzled. She tossed her purse on a chair and flopped down on the couch. “Hi.” She regarded Peyton curiously. “Wow, you two have been busy. I feel like I owe you something. Take a teenager with my thanks, maybe two.”

Peyton put up her hands. “I just got here. Joy did all the work, so she deserves all the teenagers. I’m trying to talk Ben out of kids, so the last thing I want to do is bring one home.”

“No, take a teen, it’s the perfect way to change his mind.”

“Nah, I’ll pass.” Peyton stuck out her hand. “I’m Peyton Allen, Ben’s girlfriend.”

Bianca shook her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you. Ben mentioned you might have an interesting story about being bitten as a teenager. I’ll call Chessa and the others down. We can go into the kitchen and have a cup of coffee.”

“Nope,” Joy said. “I packed your coffee pot, the cups, and the coffee.”

“Well, I have tap water. The finest Wild Rose Valley has to offer.”

Joy laughed. “Nope. I packed your glasses.”

“I’ll grab us some pop. I hope you both like generic.”

“My favorite.” Peyton’s good-natured tone made Joy smile.

The women crossed the hall, but Bianca stopped at the stairs. “Come down here,” she yelled up. “There’s someone I want Chessa to meet.”

Sitting down at the kitchen table, Bianca looked around. “You’re my hero. Seriously, Joy, you’re the best.”

Pleasure over the compliment gave Joy a warm glow. In Tobias’s pack, no one ever noticed anything good about her. “Packing kept my mind busy.”

Peyton chuckled. “I have a bunch of stuff you can clean at my apartment if you need something to do tomorrow.”

“I might just take you up on that offer.” Joy looked at the empty shelves and counters. A sense of accomplishment filled her and chased away some of the darkness that always lingered on the surface of her emotions.

The smile slid off Peyton’s face. “Ben told me about Nik. I’m sorry.”

Joy shrugged. “He’ll pull out of it. I know he will.” He has to.

Peyton nodded, but the sympathy in her expression was almost too much for Joy.

Chessa, Trin, and Trax came down. The kids passed where Chessa’s baby and school pictures had hung. The wall bore traces of discoloration. There was something bleak about that, and Joy tried to ignore her melancholy.

“How was school?” Joy asked.

Bianca grimaced. Chessa burst into tears.

“That bad?” Joy got up and hugged Chessa.

“Is that where the black eye came from?” Peyton asked Trax. When Joy sat back down, she noticed the shiner.

“Yep,” Trax said. “The jerk is one bitten-hater who’ll be eating soup through a straw for supper.”

Chessa caught her breath. “He—he was so brave.” She dissolved into sobs again.

Trax’s expression pinched, and he looked ready to start another fight. “I didn’t do anything brave.”

Trinity scowled. “I tripped the other guy and his girlfriend.”

Ches stopped crying for a second. “Sh-she was brave too.” She hiccupped.

Bianca slapped her palm against the table. Joy jumped, then quickly looked around to make sure no one had noticed her reaction. I’m safe. I’m safe. I’m safe. Joy repeated the mantra in her head, shaking off the residual fear.

Bianca’s eyes narrowed and her lips twisted. “I’m surprised the principal didn’t call me. I’m going to have a word with her tomorrow.”

All three kids flinched and stared at Bianca. Ches stopped crying.

“What? Is there something else I need to know?” Bianca asked.

Trin and Ches exchanged looks. “Do-don’t get mad,” Ches said.

Bianca sighed. “Nothing good ever starts out with those words. What else happened?”

“She must have called Mayor Wolfe. He came and talked to my teacher today, and I was moved into a homeroom with all bittens.”

Bianca’s eyes went wide. “He did what?” She stood up, and Joy reached out and put her hand on Bianca’s arm. Bianca sat back down. “That son-of-a-bitch!” She scowled. “I’m going straight to his office and tell him to stay the hell out of our business.”

“No, don’t. I like the change better,” Chessa said. “I’ve had a lot of support. Trin is helping me deal with the borns, but I kind of need this. They understand, you know? Trax is in that class too. The teacher is even a bitten.”

Joy’s heart went out to the kids.

Bianca stood up and hugged Chessa. “Would it be easier if I asked Law to bite me?”

Chessa wiped away a stray tear as she gazed at her mother with wide eyes. Her lower lip trembled. “No, please don’t change. I like you as you are, and so does Law.”

“I just want to do the right thing.” Bianca’s tone was heavy with defeat. “But I am going to tell Mayor Wolfe to back off. I don’t know what’s gotten into him, but he’s taking too much interest in our family.”

Chessa wiped tears off her face with the back of her hand. “I like the mayor. He’s been nice to me. He even brought me a cheeseburger and chocolate shake for lunch when he came to school. The principal called Trax and me to the office, and the mayor asked me how school was going. Trax helped me finish the food because the burger was huge.” She shrugged. “And the mayor was nice to me when you were hurt too.”

Bianca frowned. “That was generous of him, but I want you to stay away from Mayor Wolfe.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m your mother and I’m telling you to avoid him.”

Chessa rolled her eyes. “Whatever, fine.”

Bianca nibbled her lower lip. She looked around at everyone. “So, what’s it like being a wolf?”

Joy covered Bianca’s hand with hers. It must be so hard for her, being a human in our world, so confusing.

Chessa’s exasperated snort was the first reply. “Oh my gosh, are we really having this conversation?”

Bianca blushed. “I’m just curious.”

Peyton chuckled. “Depends on the day.”

Joy shrugged, but she turned to look at Chessa. “What do you want your mom to know about it?”

“It’s okay?” Chessa looked away shyly. “At first, I didn’t like it, but when I run I’m happy. I—I think it’s kind of cool now.”

Joy squeezed Bianca’s hand. “Are you thinking about asking Law to bite you?”

“Maybe.” Bianca shrugged. “It might be better for everyone.”

Chessa’s eyes widened. “No, Mom, don’t change.” She put her hand on Bianca’s arm.

“Being a wolf is overrated,” Trin added, crossing her arms over her chest and shaking her head.

“This talk stays between us, please,” Bianca said, leaning forward. “Okay, subject change. Peyton was bitten as a teenager, and she’d like to share her story with us.”

“Really?” Chessa leaned forward. Trax appeared interested too. Trin rested her head on her hands.

“My mom and dad were bittens.” Peyton made eye contact with everyone sitting at the table. “So I was born human. My dad’s mom was a bitten too and mad that I was human. I didn’t know her well because of the fighting. She argued with them about biting me. She wanted Dad to bite me as a baby, but both my parents wanted the choice to be mine.” Peyton paused.

The kids gazed at her, absorbed in the story. Joy hadn’t known Peyton before the bite. She tried to imagine her as a human.

“Around Easter, I turned fifteen,” Peyton said. “They’d invited Grandma for dinner, and she’d gone off about how the smell of human was ruining her appetite. She hurt my feelings, but I had no reason to fear her.” She sighed and shook her head. “I wish I’d been less trusting. The next week when I left school, she was waiting for me and said Dad was hurt. I went with her. After driving a few blocks, she stopped, bit me twice, and told me she’d fixed my problem.” Peyton wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and cleared her throat. Joy’s heart ached for her old friend. “I managed to get the car door open and fell out onto the sidewalk with my school bag, lying there in a pile of scattered books and papers, hurting, until one of the sophomores found me and called his dad.”

“What happened?” Chessa asked. She and Trax hung on Peyton’s every syllable.

“I changed, and so did everyone who loved me. I wasn’t happy, but then I met Ben, and life got better.”

“He’s a wonderful guy,” Joy said, pulling her chair closer to the table. “So why aren’t you his mate?”

“I don’t want some primal wolf connection.” Peyton frowned. “I’m waiting for the man to do right by my human side and marry me.”

Bianca snorted. “The mayor can take care of any cold feet. Just find a reason to piss Kane off, and Ben will be your lawfully wedded husband. Just ask Law. The mayor needs to stop meddling.”

Joy laughed. “I doubt Kane had to twist Law’s arm very much.”

“Well, it was hardly the wedding I’ve always imagined.”

“You do like Law, right, Mom?” Worry trembled from Chessa’s voice.

“Oh, I do. I’m teasing. I might have wanted a bit more romance, but Law is fantastic. I’m very happy with the way things worked out.”

Trax crossed his arms over his chest. He appeared uncomfortable.

Joy grinned, changing the subject. “So, tell the kids about school after you became a werewolf.”

A faraway look came into Peyton’s eyes. “Being a freshman always sucks, but after the bite, it was like I wore some kind of damaged label. Born friends who liked me when I was human suddenly wouldn’t eat lunch with me anymore. I was more like them, but that pissed them off somehow.”

“Sounds just like my day.” Chessa threw up her arms. “I’m mad at most of my friends. I had no idea I was part of the popular born clique.” She leaned over and hugged Trinity. “I’m glad you aren’t like the others.”

“If they don’t like my bestie, I don’t like them.” Trin grinned. “I was getting sick of Melody’s drama anyway.”

“Yeah, me too. Now we have Trax, so at least we have our own group. The bitten kids are nice too.”

Trax stayed quiet, but the furrowed brow and downturned lips spoke volumes.

“What do you think about school?” Joy asked him trying to keep her tone neutral. “You missed a year, so being the oldest kid in your grade has to be tough.” Sympathy for the boy put her on the verge of tears. Lately, everything made her break down. Her soul seemed ripped in half without Nik. Why did you leave me?

Trax shrugged. “Whatever, I’m just doing time until I get sick of going.”

A small gasp whispered from Chessa, and she paled. “You’re leaving again?”

“Maybe,” he said. “I haven’t figured it out yet. I told you I wouldn’t ditch you.”

“I like being in class with you. I hope you stick around.” Chessa bit her lip.

Trin chuckled. “I’m not going anywhere, so at least you have me.”

“Thanks, Trin.” Chessa gave a casual nod.

“What’s your advice, Peyton?” Joy asked. “You’ve lived it. How did you manage?”

Bianca leaned forward, attention piqued. The kids also sat up a little straighter.

“Stop fighting.” Peyton looked Trax in the eyes. “It won’t change the way borns feel. They have more strength than we do, and bad blood can carry over into adulthood.”

Trax put his foot up on the table leg and leaned back in his chair. “I don’t care. If a guy deserves to be punched, he’s getting punched.”

Bianca frowned. “What did the boy do?”

Trax’s scowl deepened, and he slumped down a little further. “He told Chessa she was a mutt because some wolf slummed with a human and now Chessa is polluting the blood.”

Joy wanted to punch the kid too. Bianca’s eyes widened. Peyton just shook her head.

“It’s not like I asked for this,” Chessa grumbled.

Bianca took her daughter’s hand. “No, you didn’t. If you want to homeschool on the farm, I’ll look into what we need to do.”

Trin’s quick intake of breath and her devastated expression twisted Joy’s heart.

“I’m not going to let them make me hide. If they don’t like what I am, too bad. I’m staying,” Chessa declared.

Trin brightened. “I have your back.”

“I know. I just don’t understand why it has to be like this.” Ches exhaled and slumped, looking as melancholy as Trax.

“Does anyone want something to drink?” Bianca stood up and walked toward the refrigerator.

“Nah, I should get going,” Peyton said. “I’ll stop by the farm sometime and check in with you guys.” She stood up. “See you later.”

Chessa grabbed Peyton’s hand as she walked past. “Thanks.”

Peyton smiled at her. “No problem. There are more good people in this town than bad ones. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t.” Chessa frowned. “I guess.”

After Peyton had shut the front door, Joy stood up. “Let’s get some of these boxes in the truck. Do you want to pack up the bedrooms tonight?”

The kids groaned. Bianca gave the teens a long perusal. “I think they’re bushed from the stressful day. We can finish this weekend. I still have three weeks before we have to be out. Most of it’s done, and I owe you for that.”

“You don’t owe me a thing. I’m glad I can help.” A strong sense of family filled Joy, and she reached out and took Bianca’s hand. “I’m happy to see you settling in with Law. You’re part of the pack now.” But am I? Can I ever really be in the pack again?