Chapter 18: Unplanned

Bloodrose Camp; Neutral Territory

Shani felt safe with her hand clasped in Harkin’s, even when he sighed amicably, “Come on, I’ll help you pack.”

“I’m not leaving yet,” she protested. “Are you trying to get rid of me now?”

“D*mn right you’re not leaving yet,” Rossie snapped. Shani whirled around only for her mother to snatch her other hand and stalk away. She saw him stare after her for a moment before returning to camp.

Alone, Rossie smacked Shani’s head lightly. “What the f*ck, Shani?! Where did this...notion come from? When?”

Shani clutched her mother’s hands, desperate. “Mom! It doesn’t matter. I just realized I need to learn that I deserve better than the life I’m living now.”

Rossie’s gaze softened surprisingly fast. “You do. But you’re my pup...”