I can't say I'm surprised that so many people are at David's funeral. He was a pretty well-liked person and a relatively active member of his community. If I'm being honest though, driving two and a half hours to come here isn't what I had planned for the day. I wouldn’t be here if Elijah hadn’t shown up at my apartment and dragged my ass out of bed. I’ve never enjoyed wearing dress clothes, even before the curse; and these slacks are making me shuffle around uncomfortably.

“How long do I need to stay? I’m not saying I don’t feel bad, but people keep looking at like they know I don’t belong here.” I try to keep my voice down as I glance around nervously. “Or like they know I’m the reason David is getting put in the ground.” Elijah grips my arm when I say this and squeezes gently.

“Dude, keep your voice down before someone hears you. I literally have no idea how your ass hasn’t gotten caught yet.” I give him a sheepish smile and shrug.

“Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. After that time with the sheep and that farmer finding me naked in his barn, it’s a miracle my head isn’t mounted above some hunter’s fireplace.” The back of my neck is prickling and every time someone brushes against me I hold my breath. The wolf seems to be sleeping after eviscerating David two days ago, but I’d still rather avoid too much human contact. Almost everyone here smells like grief and fear, and I feel like a fox in a chicken coop. Four years ago, I probably wouldn’t have been able to be here, surrounded by grieving humans in a space this small. Even now I can feel my mouth water as flashes of what I could do to these unsuspecting sheep play in my mind. They wouldn’t see it coming, and their flesh would tear so easily.

I have to shake my head to get a grip on myself, those kinds of thoughts are dangerous and can’t be entertained. Elijah must notice my internal struggle because he pinches my side, hard.

“Well just try and keep yourself together for another half hour. If you’re good maybe I’ll take you to the dog park later.” He really must think he’s the funniest motherfucker around, huh? I glare at him and continue my way through the line to see the casket. I’m not surprised to see it already sealed, I kind of did a number on David.

I guess I do feel a little bad when I see his fiancé crying at the front. She doesn’t deserve to lose someone so young, but it’s not like I could apologize for eating the man she loved. I wish I could say David is the first person I’ve attacked, but I’m not that lucky. Cole, my ex and the dickwad who turned me, was the first person I tried out my new teeth on. Unfortunately, he made it out alive but only because he’s an older werewolf and I had just experienced my first change. I have to say though, I haven’t seen him much since then so I’d like to think he learned his lesson.

I don’t remember everyone I’ve taken a couple bites out of when I go furry in the four years it’s been happening. The wolf is its own being, we just happen to be roommates in my head. I change every full and new moon, so twice a month. Except for the time I had silver poisoning and went completely mad and tore my way through the surrounding national park, eating pretty much anything or anyone I could get my teeth on. If Thomas hadn’t found me and dug the silver fragments out of my leg, I would probably be dead.

I guess Elijah has been trying to get my attention, because he decides to kick my leg like it’s a fucking soccer ball.

“Ouch! What the fuck was that for?” I hiss at him and he rolls his eyes and nods his head to the front where I see David’s family standing by the casket, along with Jenna, his former fiancé. I realize there are only a couple people ahead of us and I try to hide my grimace. “Do we really have to talk to his family? They didn’t even approve of our relationship.” It’s a struggle to not cross my arms and glare at the grieving parents of my ex.

“Bailey, you’re an adult. You can go up and say a few nice words to his family. Especially since you ate David’s liver.” He adds the last part quietly and I roll my eyes. Like I could forget that part. I may not remember my nights as a wolf, but I can’t forget waking up naked twice a month covered in blood.

We’re finally at the front and my dread settles into the pit of my stomach. Everyone up here smells too good to the drowsy wolf and I can feel my gums prick. I say something about needing some air and quickly escape the awkward situation. Breathing through my mouth isn’t doing anything to help and I practically run out of back door and into the small courtyard behind the funeral home.

My breaths are coming out quickly and I can feel the wolf pressing against my mind. I knew this wasn’t a good idea, but what am I supposed to do? I hear gravel crunch behind me and pray that whoever came out will just think I’m out here on a smoke break. After a new moon there’s not a huge chance the wolf will make an appearance, but after the way things have been going, I’m not so sure. Whoever this is though, they could use some new cologne in my opinion. Whatever they’re wearing is burning my sensitive nose and making my eyes water. I sneeze when the smell of a cat mixes with the cheap cologne, then I feel a tap on my shoulder.

“Bless you, here’s a tissue if you need it. If you’re anything like me, I’m sure your allergies are going crazy too.” The voice makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand straight up. It’s a little deeper now, more gravelly like he needs to clear his throat. I turn around and try to get by him without letting him see my face.

“No thanks, I’m good dude,” oh yeah Bailey, totally convincing. A hand grabs my wrist and I’m spun back around to face him. My eyes meet his, green and gold clashing with a startling grey. I take in his features; less soft than the last time I saw them and more mature. He has more piercings now, double brow and a hoop through his bottom lip. There’s no harsh glare of hospital lights now, and no tears streaking his cheeks either. Those smoky eyes widen as he takes in my appearance. I can imagine he’s just as surprised to see me. I’m sure he heard I wasn’t sick anymore, but I’d assume it’s still shocking to see it in person.

“Bailey? How are you here right now? Why are you here?” There’s hurt bleeding into his voice and I’m not sure why. It’s not like he has a right to be hurt. He left me, on my deathbed I should add.

“I don’t see how that’s any of your fucking business, Wesley. So why don’t you let go of me and fuck right off, take your bullshit tissues with you.” Oh Bailey, you have such a way with words, don’t you?