Natalie wakes early, her head throbbing from the night's drinking. "Sam, I could use some…"
Her words trail off as she realizes she's not home. The wolf beside her isn't Sam, who'd leap up to brew her coffee or rub her temples at a single word.
The unease from last night surges back. She bolts out of Brandon's place, not even leaving a note.
Clutching a cake from Sam's favorite bakery in Westside, she hurries home. "Sam, I'm sorry. I was swamped last night and didn't want to wake you."
She sets the cake on the table. "Got your favorite from Westside."
But Sam, who'd always rush to the door at the sound of her return, doesn't show. "Sam?"
Natalie checks every room. No sign of him. Then it hits her—Sam left for his hometown yesterday. He's not here.
She exhales, laughing at herself. H
