I Accidentally Joined a Wolf Shifter Group Chat

SLOANE TEN CUPCAKES, ONE PERSON, UNKIND MATH My mother called from somewhere in Europe where church bells were ringing in the background and immediately asked why I had thrown away my future. She didn’t even say hello first. “Sloane,” she said with a strained patience that told me I was in for a lecture, “your…

“How short?” my father asked. My mother must have put me on speaker. “Not much. Two of my clients paid late, and all my software subscriptions renewed at once. I’m waiting on three invoices, but my rent is due before any of them will clear.” “How much do you need?” Mom asked. Hope rose too…

I ended the call before she could provide additional instructions for attracting a married middle-aged man who still had all his hair. For several seconds, I stood in the middle of my kitchen, holding the phone against my palm. I leaned against the counter, suffocating under the weight of my own endless waiting. I was…

I typed. Me: I made way too many cupcakes. Want me to bring some over? My thumb hovered above the send button as I considered the implications. If I went over, I would have to stay, make conversation, answer questions. I’d have to explain work, money, my parents, and why I had disappeared again. Missy…

I pointed toward a thicker limb below his feet. “I need you to move your right foot down about six inches.” “I can’t,” he whimpered. “You don’t have to let go.” “I’ll fall.” “You won’t.” “How do you know?” Because I wouldn’t let him. Because every person below us would throw themselves under him before…

“Well, children used to have better judgment.” “Grandpa Alfonse was arrested when he was twelve because he stole the mayor’s goat,” I said. “That was political.” I glanced at the Carpenter house. Levi was currently reenacting his rescue for two younger children with more bravery than he’d had during the actual event. “Send me the…

I shook my head. “I don’t want your money.” I pointed toward the plastic frog on his shirt. “You’re going to make me a key chain.” He went from defensive debtor to hyper-focused entrepreneur in a single heartbeat. “Seriously? What kind do you want?” “Dealer’s choice.” He glanced at Mason, then back at me. “I’ve…

I pinched off a corner of a roll and popped it into my mouth. “I told Karen I’d read the planning documents.” Mom studied me. “You’ve been busy. Are you sure you have time?” It wasn’t phrased as criticism, though I heard the concern in it. “I have time.” She looked away. “You always have…

I pulled out my phone. I’d received an invitation to join a new app. As soon as I clicked on the link, a notification banner crossed the screen. You have been added to THE PACK. Then another. Grandma Ruth: HELLO FAMILY Trevor: why are we here Karen: What is this? Mason: Did the old chat…

A photograph filled the screen. Someone had posted an old family picture where half the people appeared to be squinting directly into the sun. Patty: Why does Hudson always look like he’s ready to run into a burning building? Byron: Bc he is. Three laughing reactions appeared almost instantly. I squinted, trying to make out…