Maria’s first thought was that she had to tell someone—anyone—what she’d seen.

She pulled herself up onto her feet, then began the long walk home.

But who would believe her?

That was a good question, especially after she’d told everyone that her sister had been taken by wolves, only to have her suddenly appear and say she’d been at a boy’s house.

No, she couldn’t do that again. It would be her word against the Brocks’, and who in their right mind would believe her now? People would laugh at her again, including that, that…wolf, Tora Brock.

She needed proof.

And she would get it.

No matter what the cost.

Chapter 10

Tora had a million things on her mind. With everything that had been going on she’d forgotten to do a math assignment last night and would have extra homework tonight because of it. She and Michael Martin were having a silly little argument over what movie they should see next weekend and hadn’t spoken to each other all morning. Harlan had forgotten his lunch at home and she’d have to share some of hers with him at lunchtime. And finally, Argus had ripped his pants picking up a book for Jesse Borges, one of the prettiest girls in the school. He was so embarrassed he was hiding in the library—of all places—and wouldn’t come out.

And so, a confrontation with Maria Abruzzo was the last thing Tora needed at that moment. Unfortunately, a confrontation was exactly what she got.

Tora was leaving the library after speaking with Argus when she turned the corner near the principal’s office to find Maria standing there with three of her friends behind her. Maria stood with her hands on her hips, her elbows jutting out from her body like teapot handles. Her head was tilted slightly to one side, and there was a smug sort of smile on her face that told Tora something bad was going to happen.

Tora stopped in her tracks a moment, deciding whether or not she wanted to be bothered with Maria right now. There were so many things going on, she’d rather not have to deal with the girl. So she stepped right, trying to go around Maria and her three friends. However, the group of girls matched Tora’s movement, blocking her way and ensuring that a confrontation was going to take place right then and there.

Tora took a deep breath and sighed. “What is it, Maria?”