My temper cooled a bit on the drive home, but I was still worked up enough I was happy the house was empty. At least I wouldn't have to inflict the rage still bouncing around inside me on my family.

The anger I felt fell away in a surge of relief as I trudged into my bedroom and almost tripped over Galleytrot. Shaylee reached for him instantly, breaking through the static of my anger enough I realized I'd missed feeling him because of it.

He swiped his tongue over my ...