To my surprise, he didn’t advance. Instead, he stopped and sat at the edge of the field, his piercing gaze locked on me. His eyes held a quiet intensity that made my heart skip, but he didn’t seem threatening. It threw me off. He just... watched.
But I didn’t wait to find out what he wanted. Without another glance, I turned and ran, retracing my steps through the woods.
“Note to self,” I sighed under my breath, “never go for a run when you’re out of your mind.”
By the time I made it back home, I spotted Mom standing on the porch, worry etched onto her face. The moment she saw me emerge from the woods, relief washed over her, and she rushed toward me, pulling me into a tight hug. Her hands ran through my fur, soothing my frayed nerves. Dad quickly followed, bursting out of the house with a blanket. He wrapped it around me just as I shifted back into my human form.
“Honey, we were worried sick. You’ve been gone for almost a day! Where on earth have you been?” Mom asked, her voice a mix of relief and concern.
I forced a small, reassuring smile. “Sorry, Mom. I just needed to clear my head. I’m fine, really.”
They both nodded, though I could see the unease still lingering in their eyes. As they led me inside, Dad suddenly said, “Sweetie, you have some guests.”
My heart sank, a wave of dread hitting me. Jasper. Was it him? Had he come back—and worse, brought Briana with him? The thought made my blood run cold. Dad must’ve noticed the change in my expression because he quickly added, “If you don’t want to see them, I’ll send them away.”
But before I could reply, Carmen—Jasper’s mom—stepped out of the living room. Her smile was warm, but it didn’t ease the knot forming in my stomach. Behind her was Jasper’s brother, Jake, and he looked furious.
“Daphne,” Carmen greeted softly, her eyes filled with something like sympathy.
But all I could focus on was Jake’s clenched jaw. Why was he here? What did they want from me now?
