The instant I pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store, I knew I didn’t want to be there long. The whispered murmurs of Drew and what happened to him hung on everyone’s lips.

That was living in a small town, though.

Having a young person die before his time, especially in an accident like Drew, was juicy gossip. No one called it gossip, but that was what it was. Everyone just called it compassionate concern in the South.

I tried to tune the talk out as I started toward the entrance of the store. How could they be standing out here in the heat chatting? Weren’t they melting?

My gaze dipped to the list Gran had made as I entered the air-conditioned place. Buns, hamburger meat, sloppy joe mix, and a bagged salad. It would take barely ten minutes to get everything she needed and get out. Then I could get Dad and head home. I wouldn’t have to hear any more townspeople gossip about poor Drew Hopkins and how tragic it was that he’d passed so young in such a careless accident.

It made me sick.

Didn’t anyone realize how much of a monster he was? Was it possible he’d had everyone fooled?

It sure looked that way.

I grabbed some whole wheat buns from the bread aisle and made my way to the canned good section of the store for the sloppy joe mix. Tonight’s dinner might not be my favorite, but it was Gracie’s. Gran was making this for her. I understood. What happened to Violet had freaked her out. It wasn’t something anyone thought would happen to us here in Mirror Lake.

A small group of older women stood at the end of the aisle chatting about Drew. I tried to ignore them, but their conversation floated to me as I searched for the can of sloppy Joe mix.

“His poor mama,” one of them said in a voice laced with sympathy. “I can’t imagine what she must be goin’ through.”

“Oh, I know,” said another. “Having to bury a child is my worst nightmare.”

“Don’t you know it,” the third woman said. “Remember what happened to Eloise Angel a few years back? She got so depressed after burying her little girl she nearly killed herself.”

“I remember,” the other two old women said in unison.

“I brought her a tuna casserole,” the woman continued. “Never did get my dish back.”

“Forget about your dish, Wanda,” one of the other women scolded her as I squeezed past them to grab the mix.

How long would it be before the town stopped talking about Drew?

I clutched the can to my chest as I turned out of the aisle and down the next. Becca was there, studying the different types of flour. My feet faltered as guilt crept through me while I stared at her. I struggled to paint on a more neutral expression, telling myself I had nothing to be guilty for. No one suspected foul play. Everyone thought what Eli hoped they would— Drew had gotten drunk and fallen down the stairs to his basement, breaking his neck. Becca had no reason to suspect anything else, least of all anything that involved me.

She would have insight as to how Shane was handling things and what his thoughts surrounding his brother’s death were, though.

I didn’t care to make sure he was okay. All I wanted was to make sure he believed what everyone else did—that Drew’s death had been an accident.

“Becca, hey,” I said. She jumped at the sound of my voice, but still managed to turn toward me with a smile on her face.

“Oh, hey. How are you?”

“I’m good. How are you?” I asked, noting how awkward this conversation felt. Did she think so? I couldn’t tell.

“I’m okay.” She held up a can of bread crumbs. “Needed to pick something up for the dish I’m making Shane and his mom tonight.”

She was always cooking something. Maybe it was her hobby, or maybe it was her passion; I didn’t know her well enough yet to determine which.

“Speaking of Shane…how is he?”

Becca’s smile slipped. “He’s hanging in there as best he can. So is his mom.” Her eyes dipped to the cheap packets of pudding along the bottom shelf. “I mean, they’re both taking it pretty hard—who wouldn’t—but they’re doing as good as they can, I guess.”

“Be sure you tell him my thoughts are with him and his family,” I said, hoping my words sounded sincere. That was what I supposed to say, wasn’t it?

“What the fuck ever,” Shane said from somewhere behind me. “You don’t have any sympathy for what happened to my brother. Don’t even fucking pretend.”

I hadn’t heard him walk up behind me, and Becca had given no indication he was there.

“I do,” I said, meaning every word. While it was true I didn’t care for Shane as a person, or know his mom, I still would never wish the loss of the loved one on anyone. Not even Shane.

Shane’s eyes narrowed. It was clear he didn’t believe a word coming out of my mouth. “You probably had something to do with it. You look like you have a guilty conscience to me.”

I blinked but was unable to say anything in response. What could I say? That he was right? How could I stand here and deny I had any part in his brother’s death to his face?

I couldn’t. So instead, I walked away. He could take my action any way he saw fit. I didn’t give a damn.

I squeezed past a mom and her three little ankle biters as I made my way out of the aisle. Hamburger meat was next on my list. Once I grabbed it, there was one more item and then I was out of here.

* * *

The bar was as bad as the grocery store when it came to gossip about Drew. Apparently he was the talk of town. The only person who wasn’t discussing what happened to him was my dad. Instead he was at the bar mumbling to himself about something else. Something that probably had everything to do with my mom.

It always did.

“Well hello there, Mina,” Eddie said in greeting as I entered the bar. He flashed me a gap-toothed smile as he continued to wipe off the bar top with a wet rag. “Again, I’m sorry about your dad’s state of bein’. Figured I’d cut him off at the right time, but I didn’t bet on him havin’ his own alcohol on him.”

“That’s how it goes with alcoholics though, isn’t it?” It was a harsh jab at my dad, and anyone else in here who suffered from alcoholism, but I couldn’t hold back the words any more than I could stop my lungs from needing air to breathe.

Eddie didn’t agree or disagree with what I said. Instead he continued to wipe down the bar top.

I stepped farther into the smoke-filled bar. A few of the regulars nodded and mumbled hellos my way as I started toward where my dad sat.

“Hey, Dad,” I said once I reached him. “Eddie called me. He said it was time to pick you up.” I patted him on the back. He jumped and then laughed.

“Mina, you scared the shit out of me,” he slurred.

“Good to know,” I said with heavy sarcasm. “Let’s get out of here. I’ve got groceries in the car Gran needs for dinner tonight.”

Dad stumbled, tripping on the leg of the barstool beside his as he got to his feet. I barely caught him before he face-planted into the bar top. His cane dropped to the floor, and I bent to scoop it up while still helping him stay upright.

“What’s she cooking tonight? I’m starved,” he said without any indication he’d nearly wiped out as he took the cane from me.

“Sloppy joes and a salad. Gracie’s favorite,” I said as I steered him toward the exit. I waved to Eddie. “Thanks for the call.”

“No problem. Take care, darlin’.” Eddie nodded.

“Gracie, how’s she doing? Haven’t seen her in a couple of days I don’t think,” Dad slurred as I pushed open the screen door and we stepped into fresh air. I pulled in a greedy breath as we made our way to my car. I always had hated the smell of cigarettes. It clung to hair and clothes, refusing to disappear until you washed.

“She’s doing fine.” I didn’t know what else to say. When he was hammered, he couldn’t hold a real conversation anyway. Did he even realize what was going on with Violet? What about Glenn? “She’ll be home tonight. She’s spent the last couple of days with Callie.”

“Callie Marshall?” Dad asked. His words ran together, but I could clearly make out the heavy dose of sympathy for the Marshall family etched within his tone. “It’s so sad what happened to her sister. I hear you were a hero, though. The brave and beautiful Mina Beana. My girl.” His hand reached out to touch my cheek, but instead he managed to poke me in the eye.

“Ouch.” My eye watered as I squinted while still steering us toward my car.

Dad burst into a fit of laughter, killing the moment he’d barely been able to create to begin with. I released a long sigh as we neared the passenger side of my car. Before I opened the door, I made sure Dad was propped against the car, knowing I would have to preform my trick with the handle before the stupid thing would unlatch. At this point I figured it would probably be cheaper to sell the clunker and buy something else than to fix everything wrong. Yes, Eli had swapped the battery out, changed the oil, and done a few other small things to it, but it didn’t matter.

It was still a hunk of junk.

Once Dad was in the passenger seat, I closed the door and rounded the hood of my car. It was time to head home and see if Eli’s conversation with his dad was over. I was desperate to know what they’d discussed. What our alpha thought we should do next.

I cranked the engine of my car and backed out of my parking space, ready to head home. Dad flopped around in the passenger seat as if I was going too fast and let out a groan. I prayed he didn’t get sick in my car. Cleaning his puke up was the last thing I wanted to do today.

My mind drifted to Shane while I drove. Did the rest of his family think the werewolves of Mirror Lake Trailer Park had something to do with his brother’s death? Or was it just Shane because he was suspicious of me?

Dad hiccuped, and I reached around to the back floorboard, searching for an unused grocery bag in case he needed to get sick. He acted as though he didn’t need it and tossed it at his feet. I gripped the wheel tighter and bit my tongue.

When I reached the trailer park, I eased up on my grip. I glanced at Eli’s trailer, looking for any sign he was home. No lights were on, but his truck still sat in his driveway.

“You got something going on with that Vargas boy?” Dad asked, surprising me. From the sound of his heavy breathing, I thought he’d been on the verge of falling asleep.

“No.” I pulled into the parking area beside our trailer.

“I wouldn’t be against it if you did,” he insisted.

I grinned and rolled my eyes. “You and a lot of others.”

I cut the engine on my car and climbed out. Dad fumbled with a handle on the passenger door, but he wasn’t able to get it open on his own. I pressed the button and lifted up, opening the door without issue. He nearly toppled out of the car at my feet. Apparently he was more hammered than I’d given him credit for. The ride from the bar to our trailer must’ve allowed the alcohol to work deeper into his blood. I reached for his hands and attempted to pull him up, but he nearly pulled me down with him. I was able to right myself, and with a couple of jerks, I helped my dad to his feet.

“Come on,” I huffed. “Let’s get you inside.”

Dad muttered something, but I couldn’t make out what he’d said. I was too focused on the sight of Eli leaving his parents’ trailer. My heart dropped to my stomach at the look on his face. Pissed off didn’t even come close to describing it.

“Hey,” I called out to him unable to stop myself. Curiosity would get the best of me if I didn’t find out what they’d talked about. I needed to know if he was in trouble with his dad so I could help get him out. What Eli had done was necessary.

I understood that now.

Eli glanced at me. In the span of a single heartbeat, I noticed all of his anger leave his face. His features softened while he continued to stare at me. Maybe I was some sort of a sedative for him too. He always seemed to be one for me during tense situations.

A part of me took comfort in this thought. More than I probably should.

“Hey yourself,” Eli said with a nod. A small grin quirked at the corners of his lips. “Need any help?”

I opened my mouth to say no, but before I could get the word out, my grip on my dad slipped and he fell. Laughter bubbled from his lips along with a few curse words that had me grinning like a fool. Eli was there in a flash, grabbing hold of my dad to right him.

“You know I just asked Mina if there was something going on between the two of you,” Dad muttered to Eli.

“Oh yeah?” Eli asked. “And what was her answer?”

“A flat-out no.” Dad chuckled. “Don’t give up, though. She’ll eventually cave.”

Eli shifted his gaze to mine and winked. “Good to know.”

I rolled my eyes. Even as I did, a wide grin sprang onto my face. Eli walked my dad to the front steps of our trailer. I slammed the passenger door of my car shut and went around to the trunk to grab the groceries I’d bought for Gran.

“The two of you have always had a strong connection,” Dad muttered. “Everyone’s been able to see it. Even Mina. Don’t give up. She takes after her mom. Independent and stubborn as hell, but they secretly love the chase,” Dad whispered as though I wasn’t within hearing distance.

“I’ll remember that. Thank you, sir.” Eli chuckled while he reached for the trailer door.

Where the hell was all this coming from? Was it because I was spending more time with Eli lately? I knew the pack had wanted us together from the beginning. I knew I’d felt something strong toward Eli since day one. However, there was still a part of me that didn’t want to give in and commit to anything with him. A part of me couldn’t let go of Alec.

Was I a bitch because of it? Maybe.

I watched Eli help my dad through the front door. My mind drifted to when the last time I’d heard from Alec was. I grabbed my cell from my back pocket and pulled up our texting thread. Alec hadn’t messaged me all day. He hadn’t called either. I figured it was because he was spending time with Shane, helping him cope with the loss of his brother, but I’d seen Shane with Becca at the store. Alec wasn’t helping him cope. She was.

Was he working?

He had gotten a job at the seed store in town, but I thought he was supposed to be off today. Sometimes he worked around the house for his parents while others he helped at the Pendergrass Farm. The thought of him hanging out with Lily irritated me. Surely, that wasn’t where he was.

My thumb hovered over my keyboard as I thought of what to send him.

Hey, was just thinking about you. Figured I’d see what you’re up to. - Mina

I pocketed my cell again and started to my front door.

Eli had deposited Dad in his bedroom and was making his way back down the hall. Gran stood at the stove, cooking up another concoction for Violet I was sure. I hoped one of the things she’d made would do something for her. Tether her wolf back to her. Help her heal. Something.

“Thanks for helping me with him,” I said to Eli as I set the groceries on the kitchen counter.

“No problem.” He nodded. I watched as he crammed his hand into the front pocket of his cargo shorts. His gaze dipped to the linoleum floor of our kitchen, and I got the impression he had something else he wanted to say.

“Did everything go okay with your dad?” I asked even though Gran was in the room. I wouldn’t press for details with her present, but he could at least answer the question with a simple yes or no.

“Yes and no,” he said.

Not quite the answer I was looking for. “Okay...”

I reached for the hamburger meat and salad mix to put in the fridge.

“Want to go for a walk or something?” Eli asked as he scratched his head.

“Yeah. Sure. Let me set this in the fridge.”

“Before you head out for your walk, I’ve got something for you,” Gran said to Eli as she wiped her hands on a dish towel. She disappeared down the hall only to come back a few seconds later holding a stack of tattered and faded towels. “I was thinking the other day about things you might need besides the skillet or pots and pans and decided towels are always a good thing to have extra of.” She held the stack out to him.

Embarrassment warmed my face. Gran was giving Eli our trash towels. “He doesn’t need towels. He has some.”

She shifted to look at me as Eli took the towels from her. “And how do you know he has towels? Have you showered there?” There was a skeptical look reflected in her eyes. Also a small sense of wonder.

I opened my mouth to say something, anything besides how I knew Eli had towels, but Eli beat me to the punch. Thank goodness because I didn’t want to tell Gran I’d seen him in nothing but one of his towels at one point.

“I do have a couple, but I agree, a person can never have too many. You never know when you might need extra,” Eli said. “Thank you. They’ll come in handy, considering my aversion to laundry lately.”

“You’re welcome,” Gran said as she stepped to the stove again. “If there’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thanks,” Eli said. His gaze shifted to me. “Ready for that walk?”

Something festered behind his eyes, giving me the impression he was eager to get whatever he and his father had spoken about off his chest.

“Yeah. Sure.” I started toward the front door.

“Dinner in an hour,” Gran called after me.

“Got it,” I said as I exited the trailer with Eli hot on my heels.