Page 142 of Moon Claimed

“Thanks for organising this, Cam.” I felt bad that organising Wade’s big day was my task and I didn’t actually do anything except buy a cake and make a crown.

She threw me a smile. “It was more for me, believe me. I really need this.”

I inhaled her worry and sorrow again.

I wish she’d tell me what was up,I whispered to my wolf.

She might in time.

I gave over control of my senses, following the others down a steep trail while clutching my massive tube.

No one is around,my wolf said after a beat.

My shoulders eased some. I’d clarify claimed territory next time I saw Sascha. He’d be so worried.

“Here’s a dry bag for your phone,” Cameron said.

No reception here either. I tucked the phone in and clipped the bag to my waterproof backpack.

Don’t get us too wet,my wolf glowered.

Yeah, yeah.I settled my pack on my front, kicking out until I entered the rapids ahead of Cameron. Better that we go first to search for danger.

“So tense, wench,” Wade called. “Relax. It’s only water. We’ve done this dozens of times and a school group came through yesterday afternoon.”

That did make me feel better.

“I thought we were drinkingaftertubing, King Wade.” I eyed the beer tin in his grip.

He took a sip, righting his cardboard crown with one hand. “I did hear you say that. I thought it was a hilarious joke.”

Cameron had a cider.

“Can we entice you to join?” she said.

I smiled. “Fine.”

I’d pour it out on the way. Sometimes, I couldn’t understand people my age. I wished relaxing and letting loose came easy, but the consequences of drinking in the water wouldn’t leave me alone.

Coast still clear?I checked in with her.

All clear. Sascha is on the move west, but not fast. Just into the human building bubble.

You mean town?I grinned.

“Something you’d like to share with the team?” Wade asked.

Nope.“What’s happening in your love life?”

He scowled. “Not enough.”

Conversation paused as we clung on through a series of rapids. I wiped water from my face after, shaking my much lighter cider tin. This would be easier than I thought.

“No one catching your eye?” Cam said to him.

“Everyone but Andie catches my eye.”

They laughed as I splashed him.