The clock read seven when I finished checking and rechecking everything in my small backpack. It had long elastic straps designed to survive a shift without snapping, which was apparently the invention of a wolf from New Moon pack. I chose leggings, a baggy shirt and lightweight shoes. Practical and nothing more. Today was going to be the longest stretch I had ever spent running in wolf form. I had hunted before, yes, but never for more than an hour or two. Eight hours was the estimate, and that was without rest stops.
I stood in my room for a moment looking at the guest door down the hall. My parents had arrived late and exhausted and I had given them the grace of a night to settle before I descended on them with everything that needed to be said. I missed them and I was dreading the conversation in equal measure. I could not let myself fall apart in front of them, not today. Not before we left.
I sighed and headed downstairs.
