She risked her life to save his, believing she'd never see him again.

But he has returned, challenging her destiny as an alpha wolf, leaving her doubting her past and fearing her future.

"So what are you doing tonight?" Stefan asked as we walked out of Great Ideas.
"Outlining this essay." I tapped my notebook. "I'm starting to fall behind because of . . . everything."
"Can I come over?" he asked, holding up his full page of notes. "We could do it together."
"I don't think it would be a great idea for you to be at my house."
"Why not?" He held my books while I opened my locker.
"My mother wouldn't like it."
"But I'm such a nice boy."
"That doesn't—ouch!"
Jeremy had nailed me in the back with a soccer ball. "Score!"

I grabbed a water bottle from my locker, squirting him in the face.
"Good comeback." He grinned, wiping his face. "But you shouldn't shoot the messenger."
"You're still breathing," I said. "What's the message?"
"Aiden's playing at the Roadhouse tonight. He asked us to come."

"What's the Roadhouse?" Stefan asked.
"It's a bar just west of town." I slipped on my jacket. "More of a shack than a bar, really."
"Come on, Allie. You love it there," Jeremy said, bouncing the soccer ball on his knees. "Don't pretend dive bars aren't up your alley. Besides, we haven't done anything with both pa—, er, all of us since State. We need to blow off steam. Together."

"What time?" I asked.
"Ten."
"I don't know." I glanced at Stefan. Jeremy followed my gaze.
"You should come too, Stefan. Hang out with us tonight," he said. "We have a good time even when we're not eating lunch."
"How will you guys get past the doorman?" Stefan asked. "Or do you all have fake IDs I don't know about yet?"

"Aiden's got an in with the owner," Jeremy said. "No IDs needed."
"Sounds great." Stefan threw a wicked smile at me.
"Uh, yeah." I swallowed a groan. "That sounds just great."

Jeremy beamed. "Josh's gonna pick us up after nine. It's just off Highway 24, Stefan. There's a gravel road on the right. Follow it and you'll get to the bar."
"I'll be there," Stefan said.
I rummaged through my coat pocket, tossing Jeremy keys. "You can drive us home, Jer. I'll meet you at the car in a sec."
"Really? Cool!" He made a dash for the parking lot before I could change my mind.

Once he was out of earshot, I glared at Stefan. "Are you insane?"
"For wanting to hear Aiden play?" Stefan smiled placidly. "I don't think so. I hear he's good. Though I suppose Josh's opinion might be biased."
"You know what I mean." I didn't smile back. "Klaus will be there."
"That seems likely."

I couldn't stop thinking about both boys in the same dark, cramped bar. The night spelled disaster in garish neon lights.

"He'll want . . ." I bit my lip.
"To be your boyfriend?" Stefan's eyebrow shot up. "In public?"
I dropped my gaze and nodded.
"I understand."
"Thanks, Stefan," I said, relieved he wasn't putting up a fight. "I do wish you could come hang out."

"Really?" He grabbed the top of my locker door, swinging it back and forth. "And why is that?"
I frowned. "Can't you just take it at face value?"

"I don't think so." His lips curved playfully. "No."

"Why are you always so difficult?" His smile made my chest ache, reminding me of how much his mischief could make me laugh. It would be a stressful night without his company to take the edge off my anxiety.

"Just tell me."
"I don't know if it matters, but I'll miss you." I edged closer to him. "Sunday feels like a long time from now." The minute the words were out of my mouth, I bit my lip.
Why did I just say that? I should never say anything like that.
"That's nice to hear." Stefan's smile was dangerous. "But I'm still coming tonight."
"What?" My heart skipped a beat. "But I just told you—"
"I know, Allison," he said, squeezing my hand. "See you tonight."
I stared at him. He just laughed and walked away.

Mason turned his Land Rover up the gravel drive. The imposing vehicle looked out of place next to the motorcycles and muscle cars that belonged to the bar's regulars.

Caroline unbuckled her seat belt. "I don't know why we had to come here. I'd much rather be at State."
"Aiden doesn't play at State," Mason said. "Besides, it's good to be well rounded."
"Trust me, this is better than State." My gut knotted at the thought of returning to Richard's club. Mason and I exchanged a glance. We didn't say it, but I knew what we were both thinking. Tyler would never show his face at the Roadhouse.

Jeremy slid his arms around Bonnie's waist, pulling her from the car. "You'll have a good time and you know it." She pouted until he kissed her, and then she beamed.

The Roadhouse had been built on the remains of a roadside café ravaged by fire a decade earlier. Rather than tear out the ruined building, the new management had simply built the bar around and over the old site. Charred, smoke-stained wood appeared throughout the small space like misplaced modern art. The hardwood slats that composed the floor had a definite upward slope, so sharp at some points that it was easy to trip over.

The only light in the bar flickered from the variety of neon beer signs that hung along the walls. A haze of smoke hung in the air like a veil, filling my nostrils, masking other scents. A collection of grizzled regulars perched on mismatched stools along the bar, and leather-clad bikers clustered at tables in the more-shadowed corners of the room. A squat platform that served as the stage faced the bar.

Aiden sat on the edge of the stage with his legs dangling off, guitar at a casual angle across his lap. Stefan leaned against the platform. Aiden caught sight of us and gave a brief nod. Jeremy and Mason immediately headed for the stage.

Caroline laced her fingers through mine. "Their music talk gets pretty intense. Want to grab a seat?"
I followed her gaze to the opposite side of the room, where Klaus, Matt, Rebekah, Liv, Bonnie, and Luke sat together. "Sure."
As we approached the table, Klaus got up, stretching his hand out to me. "Glad you're here."

My pulse stuttered, but I walked to him, letting him tuck me into the curve of his body and lead me to the chair beside his. However, in a bold move I sat on his lap instead.
"Thanks," I murmured into the folds of his leather jacket before we sat down. Caroline sank into the chair on the other side of me.
"Hey guys." I smiled at the other wolves. "Good to see you."
"Hey Allison," Matt said.

Rebekah smiled briefly. Elena spoke too quietly for me to hear her over the buzz of the bar crowd.

"Liv." I glanced at my packmate as I settled into the lap of my 'boyfriend'. "Josh said Matt gave you a ride here."
"Yeah." She edged her seat closer to Matt.
I opened my mouth but thought again and kept quiet. Better to see how this plays out.
Klaus looked toward the stage, his eyes settling on Stefan.

"Your fan club arrived earlier. He's been waiting for you."
I bit the inside of my cheek. It will be a miracle if I make it through this night.
"Jeremy invited him."

"I'll have to thank him for that," Klaus said with a smile full of knives.
"I think it's a good thing," Caroline said, sounding a little defensive. "Tyler wanted us to look out for him. Allison shouldn't have to do all the heavy lifting. It's a pack responsibility."

"Of course." Klaus's irritated tone faded. "We should help her take care of the kid." "We'll see if he can hold his own outside of school." Luke grinned.

Liv whispered in his ear and he laughed loudly.

"Something you'd like to share?" I leaned over, catching her wrist in a vise grip.
She tried to twist out of my grasp. "Not really."
Caroline drew in a hissing breath and Liv stopped struggling.
"Sorry, Allie. I didn't mean any disrespect," she said quickly. "It was an inside joke."
"I understand." I stared her down until she looked away. I dropped her wrist when Klaus squeezed my shoulder. "Easy now," he said. "It's our night off. Matt, go get another round for the table."

Matt nodded, patting Liv's thigh before he went to the bar.
Jeremy, Mason, and Stefan settled into the other chairs at the table.
"Hey guys." Klaus offered them an easy smile. "Glad you could join us, Stefan." I tried not to notice the sudden sharpness of Klaus's expression, that of a wolf on patrol.
"Isn't that the bartender from State?" Caroline's eyes were on the stage.
Two men had ascended the platform with Aiden. I recognized the Lockwood from the club, but now he had a bass slung over his shoulder.
"That's Caleb," Mason said. "And yeah, he works at State. He's a good friend of Aiden's."
"Who's on the drum kit?" Jeremy asked.
"Tom," Mason said. "He owns this place, and he likes to sit in with the local musicians who play here."

Aiden spoke into the mike. Even amplified, it was tough to hear his quiet voice over the din.
"Rebekah. We could use you. Why don't you get up here and bring your chair."

My packmates all looked at her with surprised expressions, while the Lockwoods just smiled at each other. Klaus dragged my chair even closer to his, slipping his arm around my waist. I met Stefan's eyes for a moment before looking back at the musicians, feeling like I might as well be the rope in a tug-of-war.

Rebekah went to the stage, dragging her chair along. Aiden handed her a tambourine and put a mike in front of her. "What's going on?" Katherine asked.
"Rebekah sings backup for Aiden. Sometimes they do duets," Klaus said. "She's got a great voice."
"Really?" Liv said, grabbing a handful of peanuts. "Who'd have thought?"

Elena glared at her.

"Evening." Aiden's voice drew our attention. "I'm Aiden. Caleb's on bass, you all know Tom, and the lovely Rebekah is gracing us with her presence tonight."

The only applause came from our tables. Apparently the other bar patrons weren't here for the music.

Aiden nodded at Tom. The bar owner and Caleb exchanged a quick glance and in the next moment, bass and drums had set off at a slow, grinding rhythm. A smile ghosted across Aiden's lips; his fingers moved over the guitar strings, and he began to sing.

Mason flashed a grin at me and I nodded. Yeah. I get it now.

Rebekah took up the harmony. Her voice was sweet and dark like the first shadows of twilight. The music poured into my veins, a mixture of grit and silk. Subtle and intoxicating.

The Lockwoods leaned forward in unison, drawn into the pulse of Aiden's song. My own limbs felt like they were humming with the bass line.

I could see Bonnie's feet sliding over the floor, moving along an invisible river of sound. She looked at Jeremy, eyes alight. "So I was promised there would be dancing."

"Already?" Jeremy objected. "I'd kind of like to just listen for a while." Her lips cut into a thin line, but Stefan spoke up.
"I'll dance." He turned to my brother. "If you don't mind."
"Ladies' choice." Jeremy gestured to Bonnie.

Bonnie couldn't quite hide her startled expression, but she quickly offered Stefan her hands and a playful smile. "Let's go, then."

Stefan led her onto the uneven floor. A few interested glances from bikers passed over the two of them as they began to move together in front of the stage. Aiden nodded, smiling as Stefan slipped his arms around Bryn and guided her body with his.

"Huh," Jeremy murmured. "He's good."
"Nervous?" I laughed.
He grinned at me. "Hardly. She's not the one Stefan's after."

"I wonder where you got that idea." Klaus's hand tightened on my waist.
Jeremy cowered. "Sorry, man. I wasn't thinking."
"I suppose he's a decent dancer." Klaus's dark eyes flashed. "But I think we should show him how it's really done."
I tensed but was more than surprised when he turned to Katherine. "Feel like dancing?"
Her large eyes went even wider, but she smiled shyly and nodded. He took her hand and they left the table. Matt grabbed Liv's arm and they followed the other couple.
I couldn't stop my frown.

"That was weird," Jeremy said. "You okay?"
"Fine," I said, trying to ignore my irritation at Klaus's sudden departure with Katherine.
Is this what it will be like after the union? Will he go off with other girls whenever he feels like it?

"Don't worry about it, Allison," Mason said. "Stefan's a thorn in his paw and he's trying to make you think he doesn't care."
"Never mind," I said, embarrassed by their concern. "I don't need to dance with Klaus."
Mason tapped out a quick rhythm on the table with his knuckles. "But you do need to dance."
He stood up, offering me his hand.

"Great, the only one without a partner," Jeremy said as I rose. "Where's Rebekah when I need her?"
"I think Rebekah might bite you before she danced with you," I said.

"True enough." He grinned. "I'll just wait for Bonnie to remember she likes me."
"Good plan," Mason said, pulling me away from the table.
We'd barely made it alongside the stage when the music took a decidedly slower turn.
"How romantic." Mason kissed me on the cheek.
I laughed, following his slow circles over the bumpy floor.

Mason's arms suddenly dropped from my waist, and another set of hands moved along my hips.
"I'll take it from here, Mason," Klaus said from directly behind me.
"Of course." Mason inclined his head.
Klaus turned me in his arms.
"That was rude," I said, more irked by his earlier abandonment than the interruption. "You could have waited." He just smiled. "No. I wanted to dance with you now."
"Fine. We're dancing. Are you happy?"
"Almost." He brushed his lips against my forehead. I focused on not tripping over the slanted floor.

"Don't you want to know what would make me happy?" he teased.
"I'm not sure." The stormy darkness of his irises made my skin crackle, electric.
"Let me give you a ride home tonight." He reached into his pocket. "I want to show you something."
"What?"
There was a flash of silver before my eyes. Keys.
"Our house."

I stared at him and then at the keys again. "Our house?"
"At the new compound. It's ready. I asked Tyler if I could take a look and he just handed the keys over. I'm sure I could get you a set if you want."
"Our—Our house?" I stammered again.

"Yes, Allison." He grinned. "It's that place we'll be living together after the union. When we're the alpha pair. Remember how that works?"
"You want to go there tonight?"

"Just to check it out."
"And Tyler said it was okay?"
"Tyler doesn't have to know I brought you along." He jangled the keys in front of me. "Besides, aren't you curious?"

"A little." I was even more curious about what Klaus wanted to do when we got there.
He smiled, sliding his arm back around my waist.
My eyes narrowed. "And you'll take me right home after we see it?"
"If that's what you want," he said softly, running his thumb along my cheekbone. "But I'd be tempted to see if I could convince you to stop acting like the proper lady your mother wants you to be."
"So you did hear her." I groaned, blushing. As if I want to be a lady. All it means is that I have to pretend I don't feel anything but a sense of duty.

"I can't blame her for wanting to protect your virtue. Or rather, what little virtue you have left," he said, grinning. "I'd like to be in her good graces, but maybe I could have a little slumber party with you at our new house. It would be our secret. I promise I won't kiss and tell."

I kicked his shin lightly. "I can't believe you. Just stop it."

"Or maybe that would spoil the anticipation," he continued, eyes merciless. "I'm pretty limber. I'm betting I could get onto the roof, swing down, and sneak in through your bedroom window. Surprise you some evening in the near future."

I froze in his arms. "You wouldn't."
"No, I wouldn't." He laughed. "Only if you asked."
My heart's rapid drumming countered the slow rhythm of Aiden's song.
"This is where you belong, Allison." He pulled me closer, tilting my chin up. "Be with me. Tell me it's what you want."
I couldn't tear my eyes from his. "What I want?"
"Yes. Anything, everything you need, I'll give you. Always. I promise. Just tell me one thing."

"What?"
"That you want this, us." His voice dropped so low I could barely hear him. "That someday you'll love me." My hands began to tremble where they rested around his neck. "Klaus, you know we're going to be together. We've both known that for a long time." But I knew that I was only saying that to hide what I truly wanted to say.
He gave me a hard look. "That's not what I'm talking about."

"Why are you asking me this?" I tried to pull back, but he held me against him.
The glimmer of a smile appeared on his lips. "Why not?"

My temper flared. "Are you trying to say that you love me?"
I meant it as a challenge rather than a serious question, but his eyes seemed to catch fire.
"What do you think?" He touched his lips to mine, softly at first, gradually building pressure, parting them.

Startled, I stiffened in his arms. But he continued to caress my lips with his own, gentle and measured, but insistent. I sank into the kiss, drowning in Klaus's warmth, moving slightly against the weight of his hands on my waist, knowing it would make him pull me closer to his body.

The crash of wood and shattering glass brought me back to the room.

Damn it. I knew this was a terrible idea.

I whirled, expecting to see Stefan charging toward us. But he wasn't looking at us. No one was.

The music had stopped. The table where the young wolves had been sitting was turned on its side. Glasses lay broken on the floor; those that remained intact were rolling along the slanted hardwood into the far corner of the room. Matt held a fistful of Mason's shirt and stood snarling at him. It looked as though Mason had caught Matt's other fist mid-swing, and he now grasped the larger boy's hand in his own, pushing it away from him. Liv stood alongside Matt. Josh's hands dug into Matt's forearm, and he struggled to pull the Lockwood away from Mason. Stefan stood just behind Jeremy, muscles tensed. Caroline had half risen from her chair and glared at Liv.

Klaus pulled away from me. "What the hell?"
He bolted toward Matt, with me at his heels.
Mason's face was twisted in a scowl. "You have no right."
"And you need to learn to keep your mouth shut."
"Stop being an ass." Jeremy tugged on Matt's arm but didn't manage to move him an inch.
"He's right, Matt," Stefan said. "What's your problem?"
"Shut up and stay out of it," Liv snapped.
Aiden shoved his guitar at a startled Rebekah, jumped off the stage, and came to Josh's side. He glared at Matt. "Knock it off, man. What do you think you're doing?"
Matt ignored him.

I glanced around the bar, worrying we were about to get booted. But the rest of the patrons had returned to their

drinks, unconcerned by a run-of-the-mill brawl.
Klaus gripped Matt's shoulder. "Let him go, get outside, and wait for me. Now."
Matt released his hold on Mason's shirt, throwing one last angry glance at him before turning and walking out

of the bar. Liv took a few steps after him.
"Where do you think you're going?" I blocked her path.
"Sorry, Allie." There was a flash of steel in her eyes. "I'm with him on this one."

"Watch yourself, Liv," I growled.
She didn't balk. "Do you have a problem with me?"
"I'll let you know when I've heard what happened."
"Fine." She stepped around me, running after Matt.
Aiden started to follow them, his eyes livid.

Klaus grabbed his arm. "Get back onstage and start playing again. Whatever just happened, it's over."
"But—"
"I'm fine, Aiden." Josh put his hand on Aiden's shoulder. "We'll sort this out. Go play."
With some reluctance Aiden headed back to the stage, and a moment later, the music picked up again, though on a noticeably angrier riff.

"Someone want to tell me what's going on?" I asked.
"It was nothing." Mason helped Cosette right the table. "Like Klaus said, it's over now."
"It wasn't nothing," Jeremy protested.
"What happened?" Klaus asked.
"Really, let's not make a big deal out of it," Mason said, his face drawn. "He lost his temper, that's all."
"I don't think you can just drop it, Mason," Stefan said quietly. "It is a big deal. Matt was out of line."

I turned to Katherine. "What did Matt do?"
She glanced at Mason and Jeremy. "He didn't like something Mason said . . . about Aiden."
Klaus's jaw tightened. "I see."
He started toward the door, and I was right behind him. We were halfway across the room when he turned

abruptly.
"I'll take care of it, Allison."
"I should be there," I said. "This affects both of us."
He shook his head. "I can handle this. Matt already knows he's in for it. It would be better if you stayed here and tried to convince the rest of them that it's going to be okay."
"All right." It was already happening. Klaus was in charge now.

I watched him leave the bar.

How am I supposed to convince anyone that things will be okay? Nothing feels okay.
I was so angry my muscles began to ache from tension. I hated being treated like an inferior. I'd always led my pack and suddenly it was as if all those years of being their alpha meant nothing. I was only Klaus's mate. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to find Stefan standing beside me.

"That was pretty intense."
I nodded. "It's a problem. Matt and Liv aren't handling Aiden and Mason's relationship very well."
"I noticed that." He glanced at the door. "What do you think Klaus's going to do?"
"I'm not sure," I said. "But I trust him." Like I have any other choice.
"You must," he said, the corners of his mouth crinkling. "Well?"
"Well, what?"
"May I have this dance?"

I blinked at him. "Excuse me?"
"Klaus had his turn on the dance floor," Stefan said. "Now it's mine."
"I don't remember agreeing to that arrangement." I stepped back. "Besides, I have to talk with the others. Get things back to normal."

"That's what I thought," he said. "I'm going to help you."
I frowned at him, puzzled, as he put one hand at my waist and grabbed my other hand. He pulled me close while stretching our arms out, straight as an arrow.
"What the hell is this?" I asked.
"The tango," he replied, guiding me across the floor with melodramatic, sweeping steps.
"How is this helping?" I glanced at my packmates. They were all watching us, looking befuddled.

"Music doesn't soothe the savage beast, Al," Stefan said, dipping me so low my hair brushed the floor.

"Laughter does."

I looked toward our tables again, startled at what I saw. Stefan's plan was working. Jeremy and Mason were already chuckling. Caroline giggled madly and even Katherine couldn't stop smiling.

Stefan sighed and spun me away from him before jolting me back as if I'd been a coiled spring. "It would be much better if I had a rose between my teeth. Wouldn't I be dashing?"
I started to giggle. "That would be ridiculous."
"Ridiculously dashing." He grinned. Even the bikers around the bar were laughing now, morphing their hardened faces from Sid Vicious to Santa Claus.

I leaned into the warmth of Stefan's body. When he held me close, I could actually believe everything would be okay. I wondered if he knew how happy he could make me, despite my constant fears about the future. Regret suddenly constricted my chest, cutting off my laughs. Seeing me lip-locked with Klaus earlier must have hurt Stefan

so much. He deserved better, more than I could ever offer him.
"So you're not angry with me?" I asked as he made me pirouette like a ballerina.

"About what?" he asked. "You aren't the bigoted one. Liv and Matt can go to hell as far as I'm concerned."
He didn't see the kiss.
Cool relief spilled through me, followed by a nip of guilt.
Why don't I want him to know? Hiding the truth isn't fair.

Nothing could change what lay ahead for Klaus and me. Stefan needed to understand that more than anyone. But looking at his smile, the warmth in his eyes, I couldn't bring myself to say anything more about the kiss.
"I think you'd better share this brilliant plan of yours with Aiden," I said. "I wouldn't want him to think we're mocking him."

"Aiden's got a great sense of humor," Stefan replied, dipping me again. "I think he'll get it."
"If you're sure." I glanced at the stage. Stefan seemed to be right. Though Aiden looked a bit thrown, he was also grinning from ear to ear.
"You know, if I kissed you at the end of this number, it would be a real showstopper," Stefan said, keeping me tipped upside down.

I couldn't stop my smile at his devilish grin. "If you kiss me now, Klaus will kill you."
"All's fair in love and war," he said. "And at least I'd die happy."
"You're terrible." I dug my nails into his shoulder. "Pick me up again!"

"I just don't want to disappoint our audience," he said.
"They'll have to live with disappointment, then." I was getting woozy from all the blood rushing into my head.

"I've been very clear about what will happen if you kiss me again. I think you'd miss your hand."
He lifted me upright only to dip me low again on the other side. "Do you solve all your problems with threats of violence?"

"No."

"Liar." My head was spinning when he set me on my feet, but my body felt light as air.

I broke down into a fit of giggles as Stefan began to polka. Aiden shook his head, but he was laughing too. The music stopped; Aiden said something to the rest of the band I couldn't hear, but in the next moment they broke out a punk-rock cover of "Roll Out the Barrel."

Stefan turned us in circles, faster and faster. "I told you it would work!"

I collapsed against him, dizzy but ecstatic, resting my cheek on his shoulder. Then I caught sight of Klaus. He stood just inside the door, eyes fixed on us. He was so still he could have been carved from stone.

I pulled out of Stefan's arms. "I think the show's over."

"Great," he muttered, following my gaze. "Go talk to him."
"I'm sorry," I said as I took unsteady steps away from him, still unbalanced from all the twirls and dips.
"I know you have to." His smile was flat. "I'll go hang out with Mason and Jeremy, see if anyone wants to know where I got my badass polka moves."

I started to turn toward Klaus, but my stomach lurched violently. He crossed the dance floor, his scowl making my own temper flare. I hadn't done anything wrong. I thought about the drive home, our new house, the union, suddenly wanting to do nothing that Klaus had asked of me.

"What was that all about?" Klaus snarled.

"We were just trying to break the tension." I kept my own voice steady, waving toward our tables, where the pack sat laughing. "It was a joke. Behold our success."

"Could you have thought of a way to settle them that didn't involve having Stefan's hands all over you?"
"It wasn't like that," I snapped. I wish it had been like that.
"Fine," he said, taking my arm. "Try not to do that again. I don't like to see another man touch you."
Another man? Klaus had pointedly been referring to Stefan as "that kid" since we'd first met him. Jealousy really was eating at the alpha.

"Of course, Klaus." I shook him off. "But if you'll excuse me, I think I've had enough of this for tonight."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm leaving," I said. "I did what you asked. The pack is happy. Now I just want to get out of here."
"Don't be like that." Klaus sighed, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. It only made me feel like a child, and I swatted his hand away.

"I wasn't trying to come down on you." He tried again. "You're right, that kid bugs me. I don't like feeling jealous. It's not your fault."
He seemed sincere, but I was too angry to let it go. And there it was again, "that kid"—only now he was scolding me like a little girl too.

"Thanks for being honest," I said. "But I don't want to stay. Please don't make me."
I knew he could and I hated it.
"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I'm going to the woods. Where wolves belong at night." I flashed a sharp-toothed smile at him. "Maybe I hear the moon calling."
"I'd like you to stay with me," he said slowly. "But I'm not going to force you."
"Great." I walked away before he could speak again.

I slammed my way out of the bar, breaking a chair that I kicked a little too hard. Outside, cold night air bit my skin, taking long pulls of tension out of my limbs. Liv and Matt were still standing in the parking lot, heads close together, speaking in low tones.

Matt looked surprised and annoyed. "Did Klaus send you out to give us another round of scolding?" he asked, flexing his broad shoulders as he faced me.

"I have nothing to say to either of you," I snapped, walking past them and then breaking into a run. I shifted forms and plunged into the forest without looking back at the Roadhouse.