Epilogue

EPILOGUE

B eth

I burst through my apartment door, a giddy smile plastered across my face.

"Rob! Guess what? I decided to—" My words catch in my throat as I take in the scene before me. Rob, my boyfriend, is tangled up with Tiffany, my (former?) friend, both very naked and very much not expecting me.

For a moment, I'm frozen, my brain trying to process this surreal tableau. Then, almost despite myself, I hear a giggle escape my lips. "Well, this is … unexpected."

Rob and Tiffany scramble to cover themselves, a flurry of limbs and bedsheets.

"Beth! I thought you were on your trip!" Rob sputters, his face a comical mix of shock and guilt.

"Clearly," I reply, surprised by how calm I sound. "Though I'm thinking now that might have been the better choice."

Tiffany covers herself with my comforter. I make a mental note to burn it later—in a cleansing ritual, of course. Positivity and all that.

"I can explain," Rob starts, but I hold up a hand.

"You know what? I don't think that's necessary. I think it's pretty self-explanatory." I take a deep breath, reminding myself that anger won't solve anything. "I'd appreciate it if you both got dressed and left. Now. Rob, please leave your key."

As they hurriedly gather their clothes, I retreat to the living room, sinking onto the couch. My heart aches, but a small part of me whispers that maybe this is for the best. After all, the universe works in mysterious ways, right?

Once they're gone, I allow myself a good cry. It's okay to feel hurt, as much as I want to push it away. I remind myself it's all part of the healing process. It better be, ‘cause the crying is coming in waves now.

But ten, or maybe it's twenty minutes later, when the tears subside, I sit up, wiping my eyes.

"All right, Beth," I say aloud, "time for a change of scenery."

My eyes fall on the brochure for Alex's camping trip. Guilt washes over me as I realize I totally abandoned her. Some friend I am.

"That's it!" I exclaim, an idea taking shape. "I only have a few things to sort out here, and then I will go up there to join her. We can have our girls' trip after all!"

Energized by the plan, I start packing, humming again. Sure, today didn't start great, but who knows what adventures await?

I zip up my backpack and try to think what I might want to buy at the store. Then I pause, struck by a thought.

"You know," I muse, "maybe this whole thing is a blessing in disguise. Out with the old, in with the new!"

I giggle at my own optimism, but hey, it beats the alternative.

Rob was a douchebag, anyhow. I just didn't really want to see it. I take the concert tickets out of my pocket that I was gonna surprise him with, figuring I can surely find a more deserving recipient for them. Whatever.

He's in the past now. And who knows, maybe I can find love on some mountain trail?

With one last look around the apartment, I head out, ready for whatever comes next. After all, every cloud has a silver lining—and I intend to find mine.

I hope you loved this short story! Keep your eye's peeled for Beth's story! In the meantime, if you want to learn more about where Red came from here's a link to Shifters of the Realm Box set! It's more of a straight steamy fantasy series, but if you like this I think you'll love it ; )