Page 44 of The Wolf Prince

I barely remember to grab my bag before hurrying across the parking lot.

The Wolf stands.

His tail moves.

Once.

That's his thing.

He's too dignified for actual tail wagging.

Apparently, one thump is all I'm getting.

But I’ll take it.

“I missed you too.”

I don't know that he missed me. But I'm choosing to believe it.

I drop my bag beside me and crouch.

Then I give up on crouching and get right down on my knees in the grass.

I'm wearing pants today.

See? I can learn.

“I came prepared.”

I reach into my pocket.

Candy bar.

The Wolf looks at it. Then at me.

“I know. I'm becoming predictable.”

He comes closer. His cold nose presses into my palm as he takes the first piece.

That same strange warmth moves through me.

I've started expecting it, which should probably concern me more than it does.

“Good morning to you too.”

I run my fingers through the thick fur around his neck.

He leans into me.

And that's all it takes.

I start talking.

“I had the worst week.”

His ears twitch.

“Remember Coach Williams?”