Nicole gives a small, humorless laugh. “That’s an understatement,” she says, her voice quieter than usually. “I’m... managing, I guess. It’s just a lot—finding out I’m adopted, that I’m part of this whole werewolf world, and now my mom—Ciara—is missing.”
Grace nods her head sympathetically. “You’ve been thrown into the deep end, that’s for sure. But you’re handling it better than most would. Not everyone would have been able to shift under pressure like you did yesterday.”
Nicole looks up, meeting Grace’s steady gaze in the rear view mirror. “I don’t feel like I handled it well. If you and Drake hadn’t been there…”
“You’d have found a way,” I cut in from the driver’s seat, my tone firm but not unkind. “You’re stronger than you think, Nicole. Don’t sell yourself short.”
Nicole blinks, s
