“No, you can’t,” I interrupted. I pushed my plate away and met the gazes of everyone sitting at the table. “Shifters aren’t immortal. I think sometimes we take for granted that we can heal. Yes, it takes a lot to kill us, but my mama died in a car accident. She hit her head and went into a coma—one she never woke up from. Once the human hospitals took her in, I couldn’t get her out. She spent days on their machines.” I wiped away a tear, my emotions raw. “When they declared her brain-dead, I had to make the decision to take her off life support.” All eyes were downcast. “We’re not immortal, and we shouldn’t live our lives as if we are. Accidents happen, so maybe we shouldn’t take each other for granted.”

The room quieted.

“I’m so sorry,” April said in a soft voice. “I know how you feel. I lost my father in a car accident.”

“Honey, I didn’t mean to stir up bad memories,” I said ruefully. Once again, I’d worn out my welcome, so I stood up from the table. “I’m sure little Maizy will be fine—you all take such good care of her. I’ll call Lynn and make sure she knows what’s going on. It would be nice if someone changed the sheets on Maizy’s bed and fixed up her room for when she gets home. If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the heat house.”

As I left the room, I glanced over my shoulder and noticed Wheeler pouring his second cup of coffee. He took a sip and grimaced, holding it up to me in silent approval.

Chapter 18

Delgado never called. I kept my phone charged, but the more minutes that ticked by without contact, the more nervous I became. Austin was wrong about which weapons make a man dangerous. We’re all armed in some form or fashion, but pride is the worst weapon of all.

Even if I left the Weston pack, they were already involved in a way that couldn’t be undone. The only honorable thing for me to do would be to see this thing through until the end.

When nervous, I had a tendency to clean. I spent the rest of the morning polishing every corner of my room, including inside the cabinets. When I found myself cleaning each leaf of a fake plant, I decided it was time to mingle with the household. I changed into a pair of red shorts and another white shirt that tied at the bottom. Since I was now a guest under their roof, I went barefoot, respecting their rules.

Austin remained home, waiting for Prince. I helped him move some of the cars out front. Lexi had called us with periodic updates on Maizy. By midafternoon, she confirmed they were still in the waiting room. April invited me to sit with her by the stereo, and she turned on some blues music at a low volume. We talked for a little while, but eventually the chatter died down and she began to read. April was a friendly girl—more shy around men than women—but I adored her sensitive nature.