"Ava, you don't know everything about why he left," she says.

I look at her, keeping my face blank. Thing is, I do know why he left. Either she doesn't know I know, or she bought whatever story he fed her.

"So who's this new Alpha they're throwing the party for?" I ask, changing the subject.

She glances at me quick. "Leo, the Alpha's son. Been gone a few months, training with other packs. Used to come by the cafe every day before he left. You'll probably run into him soon."

Great. Like I want to see any Alpha or wolf. They just tick me off.

I drop it and look out the window. Greenwood's got this huge forest, but the houses are all packed together. After a few minutes, we pull up to this little row house. Pretty normal looking. All the houses back up to the forest - makes it easy for shifters to run.

"We need to stretch our legs," Puna says. Been too long since we shifted - all that traveling.

Ella's house looks nice. Reminds me of Mom's place. I push that memory away fast. Can't go there.

I get out and head for my suitcase when I freeze. Someone's watching.

"Puna, you feel that behind us?" I ask without turning. Whatever it is has my cat on edge.

"Don't like this place," she growls. "Everyone's weird - could be us, could be this Alpha coming back. Something's not right."

Totally agree. Can't put my finger on it though.

I catch Ella staring past me, poker-faced. "Let's get you unpacked. I need to close up the cafe," she says, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the door.

"Sure, Ella." I follow her in.

The place is nice - small living room, open kitchen in back, stairs right in front. Before she shuts the door, she does this weird scan outside, then locks up quick.

"Everything cool, Ella?" Something's definitely up.

"All good. Let's get you settled. You can shower and crash. I gotta check on Olivia - make sure those ceremony cakes are done," she says.

Upstairs tour: her room, main bathroom, then my room with its own bathroom. "Got this put in last week. Figured you'd visit, but now you're staying, it'll come in handy." The room's perfect - way better than all those tiny spaces, rough spots, and tree branches I've crashed in.

"Got you basics, but we can grab whatever else tomorrow at the cafe. Want some shifts there?" she asks, heading out.

I nod, thinking about the extra cash. "Yeah, that'd be-" My stomach cuts me off with this huge growl.

She cracks up. "I'll make you some sandwiches. You should crash after food and a shower - been a long day."

Another yawn hits me when she mentions sleep. She smiles. "Food'll be up while you're in the shower."

I hug her. "Thanks. When're you heading to the cafe?"

"Right after I make your food. Won't be long." She turns, then stops. "I'm gonna lock you in - just to be safe. Don't want anyone coming in while you're out."

I stare at her. She's joking, right? Who'd break in here?

"OK," I say, that weird feeling hitting me hard.

"You good, Ava?" Puna asks, picking up on my tone even through her yawns.

"Yeah, but Ella's acting weird. Did you catch that?"

She nods. "Probably being protective. We can handle ourselves, but... man, we're running on empty. Need sleep. We'll run later, but I'm fading too."

Her tiredness seeps into me. Another yawn. Ella's still watching me. "See you later, Ava," she says, heading out.

I try unpacking but I'm dead on my feet. Grab PJs, take the world's fastest shower - I'm about to pass out. Back in my room, there's sandwiches on the nightstand. Ella must've snuck in during my shower. Pull on PJs, dump the suitcase, hit the bed.

I'm out cold the second my head hits the pillow.