Chapters 11-17 have been rewritten to improve story flow and pacing. [June 27, 2024]
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"Sorry, she isn't normally like this," I apologize, tugging Selene away from the man.
"Such a pretty dog," he says, squinting at me from beneath a wide-brimmed hat.
Something about him sets off my paranoia radar, but I don't scent anything strange. He's dirty, with stained brown pants and shoes that have seen better days.
Homeless, maybe.
Uncomfortable, I step to the side, tugging Selene away as she continues to growl. "Sorry," I apologize again, wondering why he doesn't try to leave.
His head turns to me, and he looks me up and down. "Pretty girl, too," he says, revealing a gap-toothed smile, with yellow teeth and breath that could knock down any wolf shifter within a hundred mile radius.