Page 154 of Howlin’ For You

With that epiphany, I restart my walk. I have a few things to do before tonight, and I want everything to be perfect for my first chase with Izzy. I’ll have a conversation with Dane soon, though.

Look at me, hiring apprentices and thinking about going to therapy. It’s like I’m a whole new werewolf.

And all it took was the love of my life walking into town.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

ISABELLA

Istare at my spreadsheets all day. I read them over and over again, trying to add more information because I still have things I need to do before the event next week.

I need to check in with the vendor coming to lay hay down on the pathways in the park, so it doesn’t get muddy.

I need to email the potential band again and figure out a time for an audition.

I need to make sure I have enough twinkle lights to hang over the dance floor.

I need to make sure I have a dance floor.

But I can’t do it.

Words aren’t flowing today because all I can think about is tonight. I kicked Nick out last night after we agreed to some rules, and while I was confident in my decision before, I’m regretting it now.

I wish I had woken up to him wrapped around me.

My skin crawls, and my leg bounces underneath my desk as I sit here. I can’t focus on anything but how it’ll feel to have Nick hunting me.

I groan out loud, flopping back in my chair. I don’t know why I’m even trying to work anymore. It’s obvious I’m a distracted, lust-ridden monster, and I doubt anything will change that.

I shoot off a quick text to Georgie. I promised her a girls’ night, and while it’s definitely not tonight—or tomorrow—I want to get it on the calendar now.

And I’m left with nothing to do once more. Nick is supposed to send me a map pin at six for where I should meet him, but until then, I just have to wait.

Should I eat first? Should I shower? Pace around and try to protect my ever-dwindling sanity?

Georgie: Yaasss, next week would be great. Can’t wait!

I grin at Georgie’s enthusiasm. It’s always been hard for me to connect with people, but with Georgie, it’s just as easy as it is with Nick. I’ve always felt out of step with everyone around me. Maybe I just needed to hang out with more werewolves.

Georgie is funny, intelligent, and a badass boss bitch. She has the kind of confidence I wish I had. Even just a portion of it would be fantastic.

And on top of that? She’s genuine. She cares so much about the people around her. It’s been impossible not to like her.

My anxious energy wins out, and I make myself a small snack before jumping in the shower. I plait my long hair in a braid down my back so it’s not in my face when I’m running.

When was the last time I went for a run? It’s definitely not going to be a difficult chase for Nick, that’s for sure. But that’s not the point—at least I don’t think it is.

My phone pings, and my skin erupts in goosebumps. I look down at the text I’ve been waiting for. I won’t need to go too far, but it’s a part of the woods I haven’t seen yet. We agreed I’d go to the location and then... well, then the hunt would begin.

I dress in all black—yoga pants and a tight long-sleeve shirt over a sports bra—and lock my front door behind me.

As I walk, I think about Nick—as is pretty standard for me lately. I think about how much he’s been through, and despite that, how open he is with me. He answers any questions I have with kindness and honesty.

No one has treated me like a true equal before in my life, not until Nick. My parents underestimated me. The social circles they forced me into growing up weren’t filled with authentic people. It was all social climbing and backstabbing. I never stayed in a town long enough to make enduring friendships once I hit adulthood.

Nick? Nick sees the work I put in. He sees what I’m capable of and validates me. I think that’s the only reason I feel so open and safe to try something like this.

The walls around my heart fell around him so fast that I sometimes question if they were ever there in the first place.