“And you need to apologize for being bitchy.”
I stumble and have to catch the edge of the desk before I face plant on the floor. People in Winter Falls don’t call each other names. And I hate being called the b-word. Accuse me of being a hussy? Fine. A bitch? Them’s fighting words.
“I’m not a bitch.”
“Didn’t say you were. I said you were acting bitchy and need to apologize.”
Is this really happening? Can someone explain to me why I wanted to live in Winter Falls again? This conversation would have never happened in White Bridge. The owner of theWhite Stagcould not have cared less about my private life. Seriously.When I gave him my notice, I tried to explain why I was quitting, but he stopped me and told me those exact words.
“Go before I decide to change my bet.”
“Change your bet? What does your bet have to…” I cut myself off. I’ve learned it’s better not to ask questions when people in Winter Falls start talking about bets. Bets are serious business in this town.
I hook Diva up to her leash and wave as I make my way to the exit.
By the time I arrive at Cedar’s house thirty minutes later, I’m working up a good mad. How dare Lennon say I’m bitchy? How dare he insist I apologize to Cedar?
“This is some bullshit,” I tell Diva as we trudge through the forest to Cedar’s place.
“What’s bullshit?”
I scream. I’m not alone in the forest. What’s out here? Do I want to know? I pick Diva up and race through the forest.
“Stop!”
Not happening. I’m not listening to some scary werewolf telling me to stop. I’m not an idiot. I quicken my pace. It’s dark out here. Why didn’t I bring a flashlight? I have one in my car. It wouldn’t have been difficult to grab it before I ventured out into the woods. And now I’m going to be eaten by a werewolf.
“Aaaaggh!” I scream as I run as fast as my legs will carry me to the clearing where Cedar’s house is parked. “Cedar! Cedar! Come out here and kill the werewolf for me!”
Something grasps my shoulder and twirls me around. I slam my eyes shut and cling to my dog.
“Please don’t eat Diva. She’s innocent.”
“I’m not going to eat your dog.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what werewolves eat.”
He chuckles. “Werewolves?”
I open one eye to peek at the speaker. It’s Cedar. I slap his shoulder.
“Why didn’t you tell me you aren’t a werewolf?”
“Because werewolves don’t exist.”
“Are you certain?” I gesture toward the sky. “It’s a full moon. They could be out there at this very moment getting ready to eat us.”
“Wolves don’t eat humans.”
“But werewolves do.”
He leads me toward his house. “Let’s get you and Diva inside before the imaginary werewolves attack.”
While I unlace my boots and shrug out of my coat, Cedar places a bowl of water and food on the ground for Diva.
“What are you feeding her?”
“Dog food. What else?”