Chapter 9

Kalen led me out of the pack house and through the town to a simple-looking home. “You’ll stay here while not with me,” he said as we walked inside. “I have a few things I’ll need to do, then I’ll be back tonight. Tomorrow you’ll start work as my assistant.” He stopped and turned to face me. “And so you’ll save your energy. I have total control of the house from my phone.” He held it up as if to prove his point. “All the exit doors are five-inch wood with a steel center and the windows are practically bulletproof.”

“Wow, not creepy at all,” I said, my tone coming out more playful than I intended.

“More like cautious,” Kalen replied with a hint of a smile. He held out his hand. “I’ll take my jacket now.”

It took me a second to realize I was still wearing it. “Oh, um, right,” I said, then took it off and handed it to him. I glanced at my feet as I stuffed my hands in the pockets of my pants. A wave of embarrassment washed over me. Why was I acting like this?

“Thank you,” he said and sta