“I’m not pissed at you. I like you. You’re the first girl to snag one of my brothers. And he is gone on you. It’s great. I’m worried that one of them is going to date a total bitch, and I’m going to have to pretend to get along with her.”

Tanya plops down on the bed, and I bounce as the mattress responds to her suddenly added weight.

“But I’m the reason your mom is getting exiled,” I remind her.

Tanya stretches out beside me, and as we lie on the bed next to each other, I realize that despite her giant personality, I’m still a few inches taller than her.

For a moment, I think Warner’s sister has decided to ignore me as she fiddles with her phone. Then, she holds the device high, tilting the screen so I can see. There’s a photo pulled up, a selfie of Tanya as she presses a kiss to the cheek of a handsome boy who wears a rapturous expression.

“That’s Carlos. My boyfriend. He’s human.” She lets her arm fall back to her side.

Tanya is dating a human. I wonder if anyone in her family knows.

As if hearing my question, she explains, “Isaac knows. We all go to school together. He likes Carlos. But I haven’t told anyone else.”

“Warner wouldn’t mind.” Then, I hesitate as I consider my words and decide to add on a caveat. “I mean, he wouldn’t mind any more than a brother usually would. My brothers have always made my dating life a struggle.”

That prom car ride pops back into my brain.

In my peripheral vision, I watch Tanya nod, and I wonder if she has her own list of Occurrences. Maybe we could share stories one day.

“Yeah, Warner will probably be the next one I tell. Maybe Uncle Mason. But Roderick and my mom worry me. Roderick’s life is the pack, and he’s said multiple times that werewolf-human relationships complicate things. And then Mom … well, you saw.”

I nod, trying not to cringe.

“I don’t want her to be exiled. I mean, I’m not worried about Isaac and me. We can take care of ourselves. Plus, Roderick and Uncle Mason are pretty good surrogate dads. So, it’s not like I’m freaking out about that.”

I turn my head on Warner’s pillow and catch the teenager biting her lip.

“My mom showing up today was a surprise. I’m getting by fine on my own, injuries and all, but it’s still nice, having her around. I missed her.” My offering is a quiet one.