Chapter 7. He's Not My Mate

Ainslee

Laughter spills from inside our house. I stand outside with my arms wrapped tightly around my body, watching the familiar forms of our neighbors’ pass between the candles lighting the small dwelling and the windows. A smile takes over my face. I can’t remember when I last heard that sound—laughter--but it makes me happy to know that, at least for one night, some of the people in the village here can find something to be joyful about.

“Cold?” Lenny’s voice cuts through the darkness as he comes to stand next to me.

“A little,” I admit. The two of us back further away from the house, finding shelter beneath our favorite pine tree. We’ve spent many hours sitting here together, discussing the fate of Beoutown and our fellow wolf shifters. I’m always cynical and pessimistic. My pragmatic friend often reminds me that things tend to work out for the best. I’m not sure I agree with that, but today I feel more hopeful than I have in years.

Beyo