lla

y beep of a machine nearby. To my right, Dad was asleep, and on my lef

more clearly. I noticed the IV line running from a bag into my vein. "Mom," I whisper

," Mom exclaimed, gentl

d, he quickly rose from his chair, approaching my bedsi

murmured, his voice heavy with r

sking about any pain. I mentioned not only

come back for a follow-up in a week," the doctor informed me. He then directed a nurse to re

me to the hospit

replied. "I haven't had a chance to meet and thank him personally,

as I out?"

," Mom

ers found Julie

y were you on the same route near the fores

w I was on that

ith the officers, looking for any clues related to Julie

ting to explore the forest to see if the legends about lycans and wolf shifters w

t like that again," Mom warned, her voice filled with co

I said, now concerned for her health, espec

nosis was hopeful, it still weighed

ght now, you need t

eckless again and put you and Dad through that kind of worry," I said. Sh

piece together everything that happened. I remember my car skiddin

ction, I opened my laptop. There were pending emails and messages from my employees and the insurance company's bo

ith desperation, calling out for help. The chilling image of the wolf and the Lycan locked in battle made my skin crawl. Being pur

**

. However, my dad, concerned about my well-being, insisted on driving me. The drive to

mad at me?" I

replied

ou so quie

la. I've been so worried about you," Dad

zed. Dad nodded and gave me a reassuring smile. "I no

She hasn't had much sleep sin

ook dinner. Please ask Mom to rest," I

home," Dad replied. I acknowledged him with a nod, watching him drive away. I then made

They were engrossed in their books on the oth

me friends. Do you mind if I join you?" I asked with a charming

s is Bianca." I shook hands with each of them as they offered me a seat. Somehow

ws about Julie?" C

d me about Grace and how her situation mirrored

st book Grace re

same book to Julie. I'd picked it up from an aisle in the store because

ve a copy of Lost

book club after Julie's disappearan

mean by 'weir

want that book available in this store anymor

ppearance and occasionally to Kellan. I paused before the cherry Pop-Tarts, Kellan's favorite snack, and added them to our cart. As I reached out, my hand brushed against another's. I glanced up to

le snapped me out of my daze. "I have got

l be there in a

The man handed me a box, took one for himself, and then walked away. A strange sense of familiarity washed over

okay?" Dad asked

counter, my phone buzzed with a call from my manager. Knowing it was necessary, I h

wering, "Hey Stella,

anette," I replied a hin

ou right now, Stella," Ja

he loaded a significant amount of groceries into the trunk of his car. It looked as though he was preparing to feed a large group. As he headed to the dr

from sight, leaving me second-guessing myself. Had