Clara tensed slightly, releasing the boy. "Oh, uh, yeah… it's just… reflex."
Emma laughed, but the incident reminded Clara of the line she needed to keep between herself and this human world. Although she’d left her pack, she remained different—a wolf among humans. She had to be careful.
They walked in silence for a few moments, until Emma broke the tension with a warm smile. "You seem like you have a lot of energy. Maybe you should come to the gym with me. I'm sure you'd love it!"
Clara nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, why not. It could be fun."
As they parted for the day, Emma left Clara with an address and a friendly smile. "See you tomorrow, Clara! I promise you'll enjoy it here."
(Clara’s POV)
I hoped so. Maybe here, in this human town where no one knew my past, I could finally find some peace. Maybe even new friendships…
But as she returned to her small hotel room, Clara felt a familiar loneliness creep over her. This life she had chosen, far from her pack, from her kin, wasn’t without sacrifices. She placed a hand on her heart, still feeling that dull ache of loss.