Conon

‘Rain won’t be happy when she returns.’

I pretend to work on my laptop, hoping Taos will leave me alone.

‘You promised her,’ he insists.

‘I can’t do it, okay?’ I snap at him.

Because if I do go to Caleb’s grave, then I will have to finally admit that he is dead. Despite seeing his body with my own eyes, I had hoped that, somehow, it was not him. And bringing flowers to his resting place means that he is no longer here. I am not ready to admit it.

The door to the office opens.

Thinking it is Conrad, I say, “The things I bought for the Christmas party will be here sometime late.”

The scent of violets wraps around me, making me dizzy.

Violets.

I look at the door.

My heart beats like crazy.

Taos wags his tail so hard my head vibrates.

‘She is back.’ He is so happy, he is almost purring like an Alpha. Not that it is possible since Beta wolves don’t have that ability.

I put the laptop on the coffee table.

Tristan, Glenn, and Zeke are behind her.

Act cool.

Act cool.

“Katherine.”

My voice is