Chapter Fifty-Three

Howling.

It sounded like howling.

While Kiera was trying to make sense of what she was hearing, Simone rushed out carrying an axe that Kiera had never seen before. Simone looked at her with wide eyes before opening her mouth. "Stand away from that door!"

She did as she was told. "What's going on?"

Kane's door opened. He limped out and glanced at both of them. There was sweat trickling down his face, which she found odd because it wasn't that hot inside the house. Was he feverish?

"Ma, are you ready?"

"Ready as ever," Simone said, holding the handle of the axe with both hands. "Don't you dare try to shift. I can take them."

"You haven't done this in a long time," he argued. "I don't want you to get hurt. I'm well. I can shift, nothing's going to happen."

"Who're you trying to fool?" she asked. "Look at yourself. You're sweating all over the place. You're not ready. Don't force it, Kane. I mean it."

He sniffed the air. "What's that smell?"

"They're close," Simone said. "Kiera, I want