#Chapter 119: The Outcasts

Abigail The air smelled different tonight—sharper, like the kind of cold that only comes with a storm, or maybe just my terrible sense of smell. I don’t know, maybe I was just nervous. Okay, definitely nervous. Everything felt way too big tonight, like the forest clearing and the pack were all auditioning for some big reality show, and I was somehow the awkward contestant who didn’t even know the rules. It was all happening, and it felt like everything was about to explode into a dramatic soap opera. I looked over at Owen, his eyes sparkling, wide with excitement, though he was controlling it, hiding it. His walk was strong, tall, confident, just like Dad’s. But I could tell he was practically vibrating, and I had to admit, I felt the same way. This was our first official pack meeting. A rite of passage. I mean, kids our age are supposed to start attending—but somehow, it felt too soon, especially with everything going on. But I wanted to be here. I wanted to learn. And most