When Chet had said New Orleans, I was thinking the city, but I probably should have known we weren’t going to be staying downtown. We caravanned down some dirt roads that brought back some unwelcome memories of the route to the witches’ house, although these roads were surrounded by swamp and not snow. Marni noticed me tense.
“We’re not taking you to see psycho bitches.”
“Really? I thought that was exactly what we were doing.”
Denny laughed. “Don’t mind her, she’s a bitch herself.”
“Did you just call your sister a bitch?” I knew they didn’t get along, but still that was pretty low.
“Well he’s a jackass so we’re even.”
I attempted to stretch. I was tired of being jammed in the back seat. “Didn’t your mom tell you that girls shouldn’t curse?”
Chet and Denny laughed. “You didn’t just say that.”
“Why not?” I knew very well why it was going to annoy her, but sometimes it was fun to play stupid.
“Please tell me you don’t actually believe such a sexist comment.” Marni glared at me. “Because if you do, you’ve got a lot to learn.”
“Don’t I have a lot to learn anyway?”
“Yes, but this kind of learning is going to be painful.”
“Painful, eh? Chet, what kind of girl are you dating?”
Chet chuckled. That one joke had probably bought me enough good will to keep him from hating me. I needed to tread carefully. I could play around all I wanted, but I didn’t want Chet to actually think I was trying to steal his girl. Men can do stupid things when they think they are losing the one they love. I knew that from experience. “I’d be careful, man. She’s scarier than you think.”
“Scary?” Marni leaned forward in her seat. “You’re the one who should watch it, Chet.”
“Oh yeah? What are you going to do if I don’t?” He laughed.
“It’s more what I’m not going to do.”
“Oh no. Don’t go there with me here.” Denny made hand earmuffs. I felt like I was stuck in some really bad comedy. Except comedies don’t usually involve being a shifter.
Chet slowed down. “All right kids, we’re almost there. Is everyone ready to be on their best behavior?”
“I’m hitting the road as soon as we park.” Denny cracked his knuckles.
“Why did you bother to come then?” It was a big trip just to ditch the second we got there.
“Because I’m part of the pack.” He said it like that explained everything.
“But why?” I asked. “You don’t spend any time with the others.”
“I’m still part of it. You’ll get it eventually.”
“Okay…” I wasn’t sure I would ever understand. I didn’t plan to stay around long enough.
“We’ll miss you, Denny. It’s always so nice to spend time with you.” Marni rolled her eyes.
“Same to you, sister. Hope next time it’s for more than a road trip.”
“Bullshit. You can’t handle spending that much time with other people.”
“You want to bet?” He leaned over me.
“Bet what? Are we kids again?”
“How much are you going to wager?”
“Why would I want to bet on you staying? I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Ouch. Marni, that’s cold.” Chet turned around. “I’ll take you up on it, Denny.”
“Fine. I bet you a hundred bucks that I can stay a week.”
“A week?” I looked at Denny. “Is that really that long a period of time for you to stay?”
“Yes,” everyone said at once.
We pulled into a clearing that housed some rustic looking cabins. There was one larger main building, sort of like the place we’d just left. My guess was it had once been a camp. How’d they even know about this place? I figured that was the least of my concerns. “Okay, then.” I waited for Denny to open the door so I could get out. Marni never did move to the front. I wondered if they’d learn to trust me before I ran. I guess that would be proving their trust wrong, so maybe it would be better if they didn’t.
We were in some sort of swampy area. The ground was soggy and the trees were covered in dangling moss. I eyed the group of small cabins in front of us skeptically. Were they even sturdy?
The last of the trucks stopped, and I looked around at the large group. I still didn’t even know all of the so-called nomads’ names.
“Mary Anne and I will be taking the furthest cabin from the common building. The rest of you can fight over where you want to stay.” Hunter had his arm tightly wrapped around Mary Anne’s waist. She looked uncomfortable.