36. Shya

Chapter thirty-six

Shya

I stepped out of the Alpha House, breathing in the crisp morning air, wearing my favorite rainbow sneakers. It had been fifty-two hours and thirty-three minutes since Mason left, not that I was counting or anything. It was for the best, but my wolf kept trying to force me to Shift so she could run after him; it felt like my heart and soul physically ached, and I couldn't stop scenting Mason in my bedroom and in the house. It was driving me crazy. I needed to get out of the house, and a walk into town was the perfect excuse.

The familiar sights of my territory greeted me as I made my way down the winding path toward the town center. The sun peeked through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and wildflowers to me.

As I walked, I finally felt a sense of calm wash over me for the first time in fifty-two hours and thirty-three minutes (not that I was counting). This was what I needed: some time to clear my head and feel normal again. The shoes helped. I'd been this way hundreds of times in these sneakers.

The town was quiet at this early hour, with only a few early risers going about their business. Everyone nodded at me, though, their eyes downcast.

I passed Mr. Johnson's bakery, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Further down, Mrs. Patterson was sweeping the front steps of her little bookshop. They both waved at me but with wary smiles on their faces. Edmond was right; our people were on edge, nervous, scared about whether another attack might happen.

As I turned onto the high street, a prickle ran down my spine, the hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I felt the unmistakable sensation of being watched.

I smiled as my wolf chuffed.

We knew exactly who was following us.

I continued walking, pretending nothing was wrong. Tucker was getting better. He'd been able to sneak up on all the enforcers, including Danni and Ivan, for the last year. It was only family and, for some reason, Summer, who he couldn't catch unawares. I had no doubt that it wouldn't be long before even that wasn't true.

Not today, though.

I could almost picture him in my mind's eye—his small wolf form, midnight-black fur blending with the shadows, his bright eyes fixed on me as he tried to creep along undetected. My little brother, always up for an adventure, always trying to prove himself.

Deciding I would actually like his company, I slowed. But instead of calling him out, I decided to play along. I made a show of looking around suspiciously, then ducked into an alleyway.

I pressed myself against the wall, trying not to laugh.

I strained, almost not hearing the soft pad of paws on the pavement getting closer. Just as Tucker's nose poked around the corner, I leaped out.

"Gotcha!" I shouted, scooping him up in my arms. Tucker yelped in surprise. When I put him down, his black fur was slightly ruffled, and he wore an expression that could only be described as canine chagrin.

I laughed, crouching down to his level. "Did I spoil your fun? Hey, don't look so disappointed. You're getting much better at this, you know. I almost didn't catch you this time."

Tucker's ears perked up at the praise, and his tail gave a tentative wag.

"Seriously," I continued, reaching out to ruffle the fur on his head. "Give it a few more months, and you might actually surprise me."

At that, Tucker's whole demeanor changed. His tail started wagging furiously, and he pranced in place, clearly pleased with himself.

"Want to come along for my walk?" I asked.

Tucker's response was immediate and enthusiastic. He bounded over to my side, tail wagging so hard his whole body shook with the force of it. I couldn't help but laugh at his excitement.

We set off down the high street together, falling into an easy rhythm. Tucker trotted beside me, occasionally darting ahead to investigate an interesting scent before circling back to my side. It felt good to have him with me, a constant, comforting presence.

As we got further into town, I found myself scanning everywhere, searching for any signs of Tristan's attack. To my surprise and relief, I found none. The shopfronts were intact, the streets clean and well-maintained. If I hadn't known better, I would never have guessed that the attack had taken place here just weeks ago.

"Mom must have worked overtime to get everything fixed up."

At the mention of our mother, Tucker's ears flattened slightly.

I recognized the expression. "I'm guessing she's been extra strict since the attack?"

He let out a small huff. "I know you're worried about her." I thought about him trailing me today. "I know you're worried about me, too," I said, nudging him gently with my knee. "We just need time. We're going to be okay, I promise, Tucker. All of us."

Tucker didn't look entirely convinced, but he bumped his head against my leg just as I spotted two familiar figures walking in our direction. Ethan's hulking form was unmistakable, his closely shaved head gleaming in the morning sun. Beside him, Due-lah's long braid swung with each step, her eager energy obvious even from a distance.

At this time of day, they were probably heading to the Alpha House for their enforcer training. As they drew closer, I saw their eyes widen in recognition.

"Shya!" Due-Lah called out, her face breaking into a wide smile. "It's really you! It's so good to see you out and about!"

Ethan's piercing look softened slightly as he nodded to me. "Welcome back."

Tucker wagged his tail, circling around Ethan's legs. The big man's hand automatically reached down to stroke Tucker's fur, a slight smile twitching his lips.

"Thanks," I replied. "How are things with you both? Are you heading to training?"

Due-lah's eyes lit up. "Yup! It's been so intense since … well, since, you know. But we're learning so much. Ivan's been showing us some new defensive techniques. Ethan has them nailed down, of course. Me? Not so much."

Ethan grunted in acknowledgment. "You'll pick it up. Just need to practice, need to be prepared, given how things are these days."

Something in his tone made me pause. "What do you mean, how things are?"

Due-lah and Ethan exchanged a quick look, and I felt a flicker of unease.

"Well," Due-lah said, her voice lowering slightly. "It's just … people are worried, you know? After the attack, and with everything that's been going on …"

Ethan cut in, his voice gruff. "Some folks are wondering if we're as safe as we used to be. There are increased patrols, stricter security measures. It's necessary, but it makes people—Shifters and humans—nervous."

"That's understandable, but Mom's handling it. She's got everything under control."

Another loaded glance passed between them, and my heart sank. I had hoped it had only been me who had noticed how much Mom was struggling. Due-lah shifted her weight, looking uncomfortable. "Of course, your mom is doing her best. No one is denying that, Shya."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Your mother's a strong leader, Shya. But these are uncertain times. People are scared, and scared people can be unpredictable."

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my expression neutral. "I see. Well, I'm sure once things settle down, everyone will see that we're as strong as ever."

"Of course," Due-lah said quickly, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Ethan looked down at Tucker, who had been unusually quiet during this exchange. "How about you, kid? You haven't joined us for training in a while. Why don't you come by tomorrow, show those youngsters how a real werewolf works out?"

Tucker's tail wagged furiously at the invitation.

"See you tomorrow, then. Nine sharp, Tucker."

Ethan nodded to me as Due-lah waved goodbye.

"Well, that was weird," I said to Tuck as they walked out of sight.

He bumped his head against my leg, and I laughed. "Alright. I'm going."

I knew where he wanted me to go. I just didn't know why.