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I reluctantly listed my address and prayed to the gods it wouldn’t be used for anything that might reveal I was human.

Number of guests?

One.

Dish you plan to bring?

Cupcakes.

Do you need overnight accommodation?

I stared at the question, calculating the logistics. The Blackwell Community Hall was nestled deep in the valley, approximately thirty minutes from my apartment in the city. Navigating winding, unfamiliar mountain roads at night while coming down from a massive anxiety spike sounded like a recipe for a highway disaster. However, I needed an exit plan for if things went awry. I chose no.

The final question asked for any additional information relevant to pack safety.

I stared at the empty box, tempted to type out the truth. Human imposter with no wolf form, poor cardiovascular stamina, and an incomplete understanding of supernatural law.

I doubted that would go down well, so I left it blank and submitted the form.

The group chat was celebrating before I could reconsider.

Grandma Ruth: SLOANE IS COMING.

Patty: YESSSSSSS

Julie: Wonderful!

Trevor: bring cupcakes

Sloane: I already put them on the form.

Trevor: bring more than u think u should

Karen: Someone should clarify whether the frosting requires refrigeration.

Hudson’s private message arrived moments after.

Hudson: You said yes.

My heart pounded so hard, I had to press a hand against my sternum.

Sloane: I did.

Hudson: I’m glad.

I stared at those two words until my face hurt from smiling. Then I opened a new browser tab. The search bar waited.

How to convincingly pretend to be a wolf shifter.

I had three weeks to figure it out.

7

HUDSON

HYDRATION INSPECTION: PASSING

The community hall always smelled like cedar and fresh-brewed coffee. Even empty, it carried the feeling that people belonged there.