By the time I made it back home, I spotted Mom standing on the porch, worry etched onto her face. The moment she saw me emerge from the woods, relief washed over her, and she rushed toward me, pulling me into a tight hug. Her hands ran through my fur, soothing my frayed nerves. Dad quickly followed, bursting out of the house with a blanket. He wrapped it around me just as I shifted back into my human form.
“Honey, we were worried sick. You’ve been gone for almost a day! Where on earth have you been?” Mom asked, her voice a mix of relief and concern.
I forced a small, reassuring smile. “Sorry, Mom. I just needed to clear my head. I’m fine, really.”
They both nodded, though I could see the unease still lingering in their eyes. As they led me inside, Dad suddenly said, “Sweetie, you have some guests.”
My heart sank, a wave of dread hitting me. Jasper. Was it him? Had he come back—and worse, brought Briana with him? The thought made my blood run cold. Dad must’ve noticed the change in my expression because he quickly added, “If you don’t want to see them, I’ll send them away.”