Hope(less)

by Melissa Haag

  * * * *

  The second Friday after school began, I sat on my bed with the door to my room closed. Clay lay in his usual spot beside me, his eyes devouring the words of his current book. He’d spent enough time reading next to me that I’d grown used to our system, a nudge when he needed a page turned. Trying to turn the page with his nose hadn’t worked out well for him or the first book.

  When he nudged me, I turned his page without looking up from my own book. When he did it again, I lifted my head. He read fast, but not that fast. He briefly met my eyes then turned toward the door. Just then, I heard the front door open, and I froze at the sound of Rachel’s voice.

  “...and this is where I live. Please have a seat, and I’ll change quickly. My roommate and our dog should be around here somewhere.”

  “No rush,” a man answered. “Our reservations aren’t until six.”

  I turned wide eyes to Clay. Rachel had brought a man home? I didn’t have time to think about it further because she knocked on my door. I wanted to ignore it, but instead, quickly closed the book in front of Clay.

  “Come in.”

  Rachel walked in still wearing her scrubs. Her smile and flushed cheeks spoke volumes, as did the way she tactfully closed the door behind her.

  “There you are. Come meet Peter.” She walked close and leaned in so she could whisper more. “Don’t kill me, but he has a friend without a date tonight, and I said I had a friend without a date tonight...please come with.”

  I groaned quietly. “Don’t do this to me, Rachel. This won’t end well, and you’ll probably never forgive me.”

  “Come on...please?” she said, sitting on the bed next to me. “I really like this one.”

  “That’s the problem. Remember what I said? It’s always a guy that ruins a friendship. I don’t want to go out tonight.” I looked at Clay from the corner of my eye. He glared at Rachel. Not good. Too human. I nudged him with my foot while keeping my focus on Rachel.

  “I like having a friend,” I said.

  She smiled at me. “If he hits on you, then it wasn’t meant to be. Don’t worry so much.” She pulled me off the bed, and I reluctantly followed her out the door. Clay was close behind.

  Peter, a pleasant looking man with light blonde hair and blue eyes, stood when we walked into the living room. He was an inch shorter than Rachel and, with his coloring, seemed her polar opposite. He immediately smiled at Rachel, and I could tell he had eyes only for her. I sagged with relief. His kind were rare.

  “Peter, this is Gabby. Gabby, this is Peter. He’s going to med school. I bumped into him at the library last week. Peter, why don’t you tell her about Scott while I go get dressed?”

  Rachel left the room in a rush, probably so I couldn’t retreat. I smothered a grin as I watched Peter’s gaze follow her. It took him a moment to collect himself.

  “Nice to meet you, Gabby.”

  “You too. Want to sit?” I motioned him back to the couch and took the chair for myself. Clay settled on the floor between us. “This is Clay.”

  “He’s huge,” Peter said, appearing to notice Clay for the first time.

  A huge pain in the butt, I thought without any malice.

  “Yeah,” I said instead. “So, who’s Scott?”

  “Oh, a friend of mine,” he said looking up from Clay. “He’s also in med school. We had plans to go to O’Donell’s tonight for dinner and a drink or two. Then, I ran into Rachel and invited her to join us. We thought it’d be more fun if you could come, too.”

  Rachel waltzed back into the room at that moment. Amazingly, she had already changed into a skirt and complementing silky top. She’d heard Peter’s last comment.

  “Of course you will, won’t you, Gabby?”

  Two love-struck fools, who wouldn’t even consider my presence if it weren’t for Scott, had me cornered. Rachel really didn’t know what she was asking of me. A public restaurant wouldn’t be enjoyable. Yet, as she watched me hopefully, I knew my answer.

  “Okay...but I need to be home early enough to let Clay out.” A lame excuse, but I needed to prep the idea now so I would have an out later.

  “I’m sure he’ll be fine for that little while.” Rachel waved her hand dismissively at Clay. Clay huffed, but she didn’t notice. Instead, she shooed me toward my room.

  “Go get dressed.”

  I stood to go to my room, but Clay leapt to his feet in front of me. I stepped to the right to go around him but he mirrored my move, blocking me.

  Rachel laughed. “Come here, Clay. Come here and let Gabby get ready.” She squatted down and patted her leg.

  I’d seen her do this a few times before. Usually, Clay grudgingly responded. Not this time though. He kept his gaze focused on me and copied my feinted attempts to get around him.

  “I’ve never seen him act like this,” Rachel said to Peter.

  I kept my narrowed gaze on Clay.

  “I’m surprised you have such a wild looking dog. It seems too big compared to the house...and the two of you.” Peter eyed Clay, too.

  Giving up, I dropped to my knees and wrapped my arms around his thick neck, pretending to hug him so I could whisper in his ear.

  “I’m not crazy about the idea either, but you have to let me go and stop acting weird.” I pulled back. “Ready to be good, Clay?” I said as I stood and scratched him behind the ear just as a pet owner would do.

  He turned and trotted into my room. Nope, not ready to be good.

  Rachel laughed again. She knew I usually kicked him out when I wanted to change and had already teased me about it. I’d pointed out she wouldn’t know how awkward it felt because he never tried to watch her change.

  Resolutely, I followed Clay into my room and closed the door. I could just barely hear Peter and Rachel talking as they waited for me. Clay sat on my bed, watching me.

  I folded my arms and kept my voice low. “I am not changing in front of you.”

  My words evoked an eerie canine smile from him, and he settled down onto my comforter and continued to watch me.

  “Fine. I’ll change in the bathroom.”

  I went to my closet and started looking at my clothes already knowing very few things in there compared to the style Rachel wore. The skirt I’d bought a few weeks ago would look nice but added to my pull, it would scream “hit on me.” Biting my lip, I reached for the skirt. Clay began to growl fiercely.

  “Zip it,” I mumbled and grabbed one of the dressier tops I owned, a fitted cowl neck top with three-quarter sleeves.

  Clay started barking, a deep menacing sound that raised the little hairs on the back of my neck. I spun toward him.

  “What the hell, Clay? Cut it out.” I knew he didn’t like that because he got louder.

  Rachel burst in without knocking, and Peter followed right behind her. Clay, who had been sitting at the end of my bed, sprang to his feet as soon as they entered.

  “What’s wrong?” Rachel looked at Clay, who continued to bark at me.

  If possible, his volume increased, and I had to yell over him.

  “Nothing. Just give me a few minutes to calm him down, okay?” I walked to Clay with the clothes still under one arm, and he growled at me. I faltered and eyed him with a hint of fear.

  “Uh, I’m not so sure you should do that right now,” Peter said.

  Clay turned and started barking at Peter.

  “Enough.” My voice echoed in the small room. It apparently took Clay by surprise because the noise stopped. However, his attitude hadn’t changed. Teeth still exposed in a fierce snarl, he glared at all of us. At least he’d finished barking and growling. For the moment. I turned toward Peter and Rachel.

  “I’m fine. Thank you. Just give me a few minutes to change.”

  They shared a glance then left the room and shut the door behind them.

  Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. Without trying, I could “s
ee” Clay in a painful burst of light. A first. My other vision usually required an amount of focus.

  With a sigh, I opened my eyes and turned to him. He looked seriously pissed. My stomach churned. Sam had promised he could control himself.

  “Will you bite me if I sit next to you, Clay?”

  He snorted, and I watched the silent snarl ease from his muzzle. His hackles slowly laid flat. When he settled onto his haunches, I knew he’d calmed down and sat next to him.

  “You know I don’t understand dog, right? It’d be so much easier if you just told me what was wrong.”

  I turned my head to meet his gaze. Our faces were close together. Because of his height, he was looking down at me. He let out a gusty sigh and bent his head to nudge the clothes I still held.

  “You don’t like the clothes or that I’m going out?” I watched his face, trying to figure out what he was getting at. He actually bobbed his head yes.

  “You don’t like both?”

  He lowered himself down onto the mattress and watched me with his sad puppy eyes, not trying to communicate further.

  “You’re really frustrating me, Clay.” I moved to get up, and he growled again.

  “Now, hold on...” I did get up, but spun with my hands on my hips to look him in the eye. Aware that only a door separated us from the suspiciously silent couple in the living room, I kept quiet despite my anger.

  “I’m trying here, Clay, and you’re not. So stop growling at me. Got it? And so what if I go out? Do you trust me so little? Have you not been paying attention? I’m not comfortable around guys. It’s not as if I’m going to go out tonight and come back with a boyfriend or something. So, just chill out about your Claim, all right?”

  He continued to growl at me and gave me a dog-eyed glare. In his mind, he and I shared a tie. I knew that. I also knew from a werewolf standpoint, in a strongly tied pair, the male often acted in an extremely possessive manner. If other unMated males came near before the Claim was completed, a fight typically broke out. Sometimes to the death.

  “But we’re not talking unMated males,” I whispered to him, thinking aloud. “They’re just men.”

  He chuffed out his canine laugh and hopped from the bed to walk toward me. I couldn’t help it, after all that barking and growling, I stepped back from him. His sides heaved as he sighed and stopped advancing. I knew my fear disappointed him.

  “Sorry,” I mumbled automatically. Although, he’d done nothing but try to communicate why he didn’t want me to go out tonight, I didn’t appreciate his chosen methods of communication. They could use improvement.

  “Let me think, Clay.” I sat on the edge of the bed while he stood on the floor, and watched me. I still didn’t understand what continued to bother him. The date wasn’t with a werewolf. I had no interest in Scott. I only wanted to go as a favor to Rachel. And the clothes were the only going out clothes I had.

  “Can we compromise? I don’t want to spend the entire year sitting at home with a possessive dog who won’t talk to me.” Yeah, that sounded weird. “What if we went somewhere dog friendly? There’s a bar with cute little bistro tables on the sidewalk. If you’re on your leash, you could come.”

  He stood, turned around so he faced away from me, and sat again.

  “Is that a yes?” I leaned to the side in an attempt to see his face. He didn’t move.

  “I’m taking that as a yes. If you turn around while I’m changing, I’m going to have you neutered.”

  He just laughed again, so I hurried into my skirt and switched my t-shirt for the fitted top. As my head cleared the neckline, I met his eyes in the mirror. Thank the stars I hadn’t changed any underthings.

  “Hope it was worth it,” I said. “You’re on the couch tonight.”

  Rachel and Peter sat talking on the couch when I walked out of my room.

  “All set, but can we change our plans? I think Clay was freaking out because he knows we’re leaving. He’s been left alone so much this week...”

  Predictably, Rachel made soothing noises and went to cuddle Clay. He tolerated it with as much dignity as a man in fur and a collar could muster.

  “What if we went to that bar with the bistro tables that you were telling me about?” I said to Rachel.

  Rachel leapt at the idea. “That’d be perfect. It’s still nice enough out. Besides, I think this is the last week they do the outdoor dining. We should go before it’s closed for the season.”

  Peter stalled. “Are you sure he will be okay? He looked pretty aggressive in there.”

  Rachel stopped petting Clay to look back at Peter. “He’s never done that before. I think Gabby might be right. We’ve been leaving him alone a lot. I even forgot to let him out this morning before I left.”

  Peter looked adoringly at Rachel, and I knew we’d be going to the bistro bar.

  “Let me grab my shoes. I’ll follow you guys in my car just in case I need to leave early.”

  “I’ll let Scott know about the change in plans.” Peter pulled out his cell and started tapping the screen.

  “I’ll let Clay out.” Rachel got up, walked to the back door, and called to Clay. Clay looked at me imploringly but, after what he’d just pulled, I had no pity.

  “You know the drill. Go do dog business.”

  He left the room without a backward look. I went to the hall closet to search for my black flip-flops, the best footwear I had to offer the outfit, and grabbed a light jacket.

  “You talk to him like he’s a person,” Peter said.

  “I tease her for it all the time,” Rachel said with a smile as she rejoined us. “You should hear her scolding him at night for taking up too much room on the bed.”

  Annoyingly, I started to blush. “Well, he’s huge. Most of the time I have to sleep curled up. But, I’m sure I’ll appreciate him more in winter.” I slipped my feet into the plain flip-flops and made my way into the kitchen where I grabbed my keys.

  I locked the back door while Rachel and Peter left via the front.

  Clay already sat in the passenger seat when I turned toward the car. It meant he’d switched into his skin to open the door. I shook my head, got in, and started to buckle up.

  “You’re going to be seen doing stuff a dog shouldn’t do. That or someone’s going to call the cops because a naked man keeps popping up in my backyard.” He didn’t laugh this time. I turned to look at him while I started the car.

  “You okay?”

  Clay met my eyes, but I couldn’t tell what bothered him now. I wished I could read him better.

  “Fine. No growling, no biting, no barking. Pretty much no anything but acting like a passive, well-behaved dog,” I said, laying down the rules as I backed out of the driveway.

  I followed Peter’s red compact through traffic with ease.

  “I’m really nervous about this and don’t want to worry about you, too.” I sighed and started to doubt my decision. Although Clay had witnessed how the man who’d sold me the car had acted, he didn’t know how guys acted around me in general. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. He would flip out when someone started to hit on me.

  “Clay, you should know...men make me uncomfortable because of the way they act around me. They usually start flirting or ask me on a date. Most girls would be flattered, but if you really pay attention, there’s something unnatural about it. It’s like they can’t help themselves. And sometimes, after I tell them no enough, they walk away with...”

  I groped for the right word, but came up blank.

  “I don’t know...a look. Like they’ve been caught doing something they’re ashamed of. I just want to try for normal tonight, okay? It’ll be hard enough being in a public place. You’ll see. I just need to know you’re not going to make it any harder on me.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him turn to look out the window and reached over to ruffle his fur gently.

  With increasing fr
equency, I caught myself touching him as if he were a dog. If I didn’t think about him as a guy, petting him comforted me.

  “Does it bother you when I pet you?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the road. I knew his answer when he contorted his large body to lay down with his head against my leg so I could reach him better. I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in a long while.

  “Okay. If I start annoying you with it, just move away. I promise I won’t pester you.”

  Peter considerately picked a parking spot with a free space next to it for me. Clay unwedged himself as I parked. I grabbed the leash and snapped it on. He watched me exit, hopped out after me, and stayed close to my side as we walked.

  Rachel and Peter politely included me in their conversation. It helped distract me from my nervousness about meeting Peter’s friend. I knew what to expect even if neither Rachel nor Clay fully understood. Peter’s lack of reaction had pleasantly surprised me. But, his response wasn’t the norm. I just hoped Clay would behave.

  Scott waited for us at one of the outside tables. He stood and flashed a welcoming smile when he saw Peter. From a distance, I saw several female patrons at nearby tables cast speculative glances Scott’s way. Fit and tall, with light brown hair and a carefree smile, no doubt his good looks warranted it. But, something about the way he held himself bothered me. It sent off an insincere vibe as if he’d practiced his pose.

  His smile turned secretive and cunning as his pale blue eyes fixated on me. The subtle change probably escaped everyone else’s notice, but not mine. Depressed, but hiding it well, I rested a hand on Clay’s back. Whether in comfort or restraint, I couldn’t be sure.

  “Scott, this is Gabby,” Peter said when we stood next to the table.

  I smiled a tentative greeting but didn’t offer my hand.

  “A pretty name you don’t hear often,” Scott murmured, pulling out a chair for me.

  Taking the chair he offered would put me across from Rachel and force me to sit between the two guys. Clay wouldn’t like that. He didn’t like the comment about my name either, but other than a twitch I’d felt with my hand on his back, he behaved.

  “Would you mind if we switched spots, Scott? That way our dog won’t be so close to people walking by. He’s very friendly, but big. I don’t want anyone to be intimidated by him.”

  “No problem.” He gave me a reassuring smile and pulled out his own chair for me.

  Loosely holding Clay’s leash, I moved to the chair next to Rachel. Scott politely pushed the chair back in as I sat. Then he leaned close to move his drink. Clay quickly went to lie between my chair and Scott’s. He nudged Scott’s chair further away before Scott could sit. I pretended not to notice.

  We made small talk while we perused the menus. I felt Scott’s gaze continually return to me but refused to look up.

  After we ordered, each of the more experienced students shared their knowledge of the university. Scott offered—twice—to take me on an official tour when I admitted I didn’t know many of the campus locations they mentioned. As soon as I declined the second time, he looked less like the nice guy I’d met and more like a guy who would give me problems. I looked down at Clay. He still lay next to me, head on his paws. Only the twitch of his ears indicated his attention to the conversation.

  “Why not have a drink with us, Gabby?” Scott asked, pointing at my water.

  He hadn’t worried about what I drank until I’d turned down his invitations for a tour.

  “I’m a bit younger than the rest of you.” I glanced at Rachel and saw her studying me. Crap! Was she noticing? Was she getting mad? I should have stayed home. Folding my hands in my lap, I tried to play it cool.

  “Really? How old are you?”

  “Eighteen. I’m not much of a soda drinker either, so water works.” I tried to turn the conversation off myself. “How much longer until you graduate?”

  “It depends on how far I want to go,” Scott said, his intense smile relaxing a little. He nodded toward Peter. “Peter told me he declared his major freshman year and has never changed. I, on the other hand, have changed twice. I like what I’m learning now, so I hope I won’t change it again, but you never know. What about you?”

  “I’m going for massage therapy. So, I won’t be here as long as the rest of you.”

  “Massage therapy? I hear they ask for volunteers to come in for those classes.” He leaned closer with a fascinated smile on his face. “If you ever need someone to practice on, let me know. I’d be happy to come in.” He reached over to pat my hand. The timely arrival of our food saved me from having to avoid his touch.

  Clay nudged my leg with his surprisingly warm and dry nose, and I glanced down. He stared at me a moment then shifted his gaze to Scott, who was moving his drink for the waitress. Clay returned his glance to me and pulled his lips back in a silent snarl. Without the growl, it looked more like a scary, crazy wolf smile, but I got his meaning. Scott was getting on Clay’s nerves, and Clay wouldn’t put up with too much more.

  Peter spoke up while Scott was distracted. “I think you’ll both be in some of the anatomy classes next semester, Gabby. If you want a study group, you should let Rachel and I know. I’ve already been through them.” He gazed admiringly at Rachel. “And since you’re graduating in spring, I know you have, too.”

  “Thank you, Peter, but I really do study best on my—”

  “That’s a great idea,” Scott said. “We should start now so the class won’t be so hard later. What do you think about Tuesday nights?”

  “It’s a good idea to get a head start,” I said ignoring Clay’s insistent bump against my leg. “But I’m so swamped with classes and homework now that I don’t even have time to take poor Clay for walks.”

  I reached over to pat Clay reassuringly, but stopped when I noticed Scott’s gaze drop to my chest. The cowl neck had dipped away and revealed a little glimpse of the shadows within. Scott’s eyes went from glassy fixation to glazed obsession. This was getting ridiculous.

  Turning back to my dinner, I stuffed a few bites in my mouth to prevent me from needing to converse. Unfortunately, Scott took the opportunity to try to slide his chair a little closer. Thankfully, Clay didn’t give an inch.

  “What’s your dog’s name?” Scott asked, looking down at Clay.

  “Clay,” Rachel answered after seeing my mouth full.

  Clay, I noticed, didn’t look up at the sound of his name. Instead, he tensed and laid his ears back. Time to go.

  “Nice name,” Scott said, but I could tell he didn’t care. “Let’s bring him home after this and go out to a new club that opened downtown.”

  “Rachel?” I looked at her pleadingly, hoping she’d know that I wasn’t begging to go out dancing. Her perceptive gaze locked on Scott.

  “I see it,” she said with a serious expression.

  “See what?” Peter said. His gaze bounced between the three of us.

  “Exhaustion. She’s been studying like crazy.” She waved over the waitress and asked for boxes and the check for the two of us.

  “And she needs rest, not a night out. Although, I am really glad we came.” She looked at Peter with a smile.

  My weak smile didn’t cover my gratitude at her diplomacy.

  I reached for my purse which I’d hung on the back of the chair. Desperate, Scott moved to grab my hand. Clay stood abruptly. He successfully knocked Scott’s hand out of the way but also bumped the table in the process. Peter reached out to steady his and Rachel’s drinks, and I hurried to pull a twenty from my purse.

  The waitress returned with the bill and the wrapped up leftovers. Since Rachel was still digging in her purse, I just handed the waitress the twenty after a quick glance at the bill. I was willing to pay for Rachel if it helped us leave faster.

  “I better drive her home,” Rachel said to Peter. “You have my number. Give me a call if you want to do something next weekend.” />
  I stood, and Rachel shadowed me, ready to go. Clay bumped into me, knocking me off balance so I had to grab Rachel for support. I looked down at him and noticed Scott stand and hand the waitress his portion of the bill.

  “Rachel, you can stay with Peter. I don’t mind taking Gabby home,” Scott said. Oily enthusiasm dripped with each word, and I didn’t even need to look at Rachel for her to decline.

  “No, Scott, I think we’re done for tonight.” She waved to Peter and grabbed my hand.

  Poor Peter looked at us all, bewildered. His night out with Rachel had fallen apart fast, and I truly felt bad about it.

  I went with Rachel, relieved to escape before Scott’s recklessness grew. An “oof” sounded behind us, and I panicked, realizing I’d forgotten Clay. I spun around in time to see Scott hit the ground. He’d tripped over Clay in his hurry to catch me. I suspected Clay had done it purposely to slow Scott down.

  Clay wasted no time. He ran to me and bumped his head against my back to get me moving before Scott could pick himself up again. There wasn’t yet enough distance between the table and us to mute Peter’s next words.

  “What the hell is wrong with you, man? You come on too...” What he still had to say faded as we quickly walked away.

  “I’m sorry,” Rachel said. “You told me, but I didn’t really get it. Even the men sitting around us were eyeing you.”

  I’d been too busy keeping an eye on Scott and Clay to notice. We continued to speed walk to the car.

  “No big deal. You should see me in some of my classes. ‘No’ is the most common word in my vocabulary. Scott’s reaction was worse than most because he already considered me his date. If you say ‘no’, consistently and to everyone, it doesn’t get so bad.” I handed Rachel the keys when we reached the car. “You really can drive.”

  She nodded, and we got in. Clay climbed into the back and stretched out so his head lay on the console between the two front seats. Rachel wasted no time backing out and leaving.

  Halfway home, she pulled into a gas station. “Tonight’s an ice cream night. Be right back.” She jumped out and strode into the convenience station with the determination of a girl on a shopping spree.

  Laying my head back, I sighed, and my hand found its way to Clay’s soft fur. I pet his head and ears. He exhaled loudly, but stayed still so I figured he didn’t mind. I was just glad he wasn’t rubbing in that it’d been a disaster of a night out.

  I looked out the window, watched traffic zip past, and allowed myself just a small amount of self-pity. I’d wanted normal so badly. No werewolves. No second sight. No weird pull on men. Yet, I knew I would never be normal. I would never have a normal date. I kept trying to mold myself into something I could never be. Why?

  Clay lifted his head under my hand, and I reigned in my emotions, knowing he could sense my melancholy.

  “I’m fine,” I said as I met his gaze. “How are you doing?” He scooted forward to lay his head on my lap in response. Yeah, that was pretty much how I felt.

  The door opened, startling us both.

  “I got double fudge brownie for each of us,” Rachel said as she slid in behind the wheel and handed me the bag. “Sorry, Clay. Chocolate’s poison for dogs. None for you.”

  She made me smile.

  When we got home, I went straight to my room to change. Clay stayed with Rachel as she praised his good behavior and good sense to trip Scott when he’d started to follow us. No doubt, he’d get the other half of her burger before I finished. Tossing the shirt into the closet, I vowed never to wear it again and pulled on the comfortable clothes I slept in.

  Shaking off my mood, I walked into the kitchen.

  “Where’s my chocolate?”

  Clay moved to my side, and I patted him again. I’d asked a lot of him tonight, and he deserved a real reward. He’d been surviving on sandwiches and leftovers from Rachel. Tomorrow, we’d go to the store, and I’d buy him a big steak.

  Rachel handed me my pint with a spoon standing in it. She’d already dug into hers. After eating another spoonful with a blissful groan, she set her container of ice cream on the table.

  “I’m going to go change. Want to watch a movie or something?” Rachel stripped out of her shirt on her way to her bedroom.

  I looked at the wall clock and savored another spoonful of ice cream. It was only seven, but I was tired. I put the lid back on and tucked my container in the near empty freezer.

  “What do you think?” I asked Clay, noting he watched me and not the striptease Rachel had unknowingly put on or the chocolate ice cream she’d left unguarded. “Stay up and watch a movie, or go to bed early? Lead the way.” I waved him forward, and he trotted through the living room to my room.

  “Rach, we’re just going to go to bed early. ‘K?” I leaned against the wall in the living room, waiting for her answer.

  “It’s okay. Go ahead,” she said, appearing again. She wore short shorts and a tank top for bed. “I won’t keep you up with a movie, will I?” She glided past me and flopped on the couch.

  “I’m so tired I doubt anything will keep me from sleeping.”

  “‘K. Night, Hun. Thanks for going with me even if it did suck,” she said, giving me a smile.

  “Don’t worry about it. Night.” I walked into my room and closed the door behind me as she turned on the TV.

  Clay lay on the foot of the bed, his usual spot. His head rested on his paws. He still had his eyes open.

  “Thanks, Clay.” As I passed him, I stopped to kiss the top of his furry head. He made a funny grunt noise that made me smile. Probably his wolf version of “no problem.” I crawled under the covers and wiggled my feet under his body to the spot he’d already warmed.

  I felt Clay relax a moment before he let out a gusty breath. He started to breathe deeply, and I tried to unwind as well. Going on a double date hadn’t turned out as badly as it could have.