Chapter 75

“It’s okay,” Randy laughed. “I’m done asking for now. Can they come in?”

Vaughn rolled his eyes. “Okay, I guess so.” Vaughn mock-glared at Hannah while Isaac popped his head around the doorframe. “But no coffee this close to bed.”

“Eww,” Isaac mewled. “Coffee is gross.”

They both ran into the kitchen, thrilled, and Randy turned to Vaughn even as he was caught by Hannah’s arms. “You think I can stay here tonight? I’m imagining the house will be mighty cold.”

“Yeah.” Vaughn’s face lightened into an expression more welcoming than a mere smile. “I’d like that.”7: May

The earth underneath his feet was damp, springy, and released an odor rich in decay and growth with every leap he took. Though the dew clinging to his fur was cold, and the deeper, more protected areas of the hills still shrouded their snow patches protectively, he could smell the heat that the not-quite-risen sun was bringing with it. It smelled like spring. Like new beginnings. It smelled like life.