Chapter 56

HOPE POV

“It’s up to you. Do you want to stay or would you prefer to leave?” Nicco had explained to me what had happened between his mom and sister. I was cautiously optimistic.

“Do you think she’s trying?” I asked. She had seemed remorseful at the pool.

“No.” Nicco was blunt. “I think she’s planning her next move and us leaving will make it harder for her to work on me.” He used his fingers to put air quotes around “work on me.” I was amused.

“Is there anything to work on?” I asked. “Pretty sure you already marked me. My understanding is that you can’t take that back.” I turned my neck to him and ran my fingers over the mark, watching him shudder. I didn’t really understand how some of this wolf stuff worked, but I enjoyed manipulating it to my advantage. Nicco’s eyes darkened and he lunged for me. Shrieking, I danced out of his way.

“I can’t!” I said, gasping with laughter as he caught me and tossed me over his shoulder. “I need to shower. I can’t go to dinner with