Hayley's newfound wealth had sharpened her claws. She prowled through the pack with a confidence only a wolf who felt untouchable could muster, her teeth bared beneath polite smiles, her mind always circling for weakness to exploit. "Alright. It's set, then," Alice finally said, bowing to the predator's plan. She would play along for now.
Meanwhile, in my own world, the rhythm of my pack life carried on. Friday morning arrived, and Jared's teacher pinged Anastasia with a message: "The family activity will start at 2:00 PM today. We hope all parents will attend on time."
She forwarded it to me, and moments later her landline buzzed my voice calling through the static of her apartment like the low growl of a wolf asserting territory.
"Hello?"
"Meet me at the parking lot at 1:00 PM sharp." My voice was magnetic, commanding even in its casual tone.
Anastasia exhaled softly, a subtle shiver running down her spine as she replied, "Alright."
