Chapter 5: Jealousy in Wolf’s Clothing

One day, while Hank wasn’t paying attention, Lila waited until the house was quiet. Then she slipped down the hall, heart pounding, and sneaked into Sylvia’s room.

She wanted proof—something to show Sylvia had her sights on Hank. She rummaged through drawers, shelves, looking for anything that might reveal Sylvia’s true intentions.

She searched everywhere but found nothing. The room was neat, every item in its place. Her frustration grew.

Just as she was about to give up, she found an old leather-bound book. Inside, she read about a ritual that could bind a human and a werewolf. Her hands shook as she read.

Lila’s heart skipped a beat. This was it—exactly what Sylvia wanted. Her anger flared, hot and sudden.

She slipped the book under her coat, determined to keep it hidden. If Sylvia wanted Hank, she’d have to get past Lila first.

The door creaked. Sylvia walked in and saw Lila standing there, the book clutched to her chest.

Sylvia’s face darkened. “Lila, what are you doing?” Her voice was low, dangerous. She stepped into the room, closing the door behind her.

Lila panicked, but forced herself to stay calm. “Nothing, just looking around.” She tried to sound casual, but her voice shook, and she clutched the book tighter.

Sylvia didn’t buy it. She stepped closer, her eyes glinting gold. “Did you find something?”

Lila felt a chill under her gaze. She backed up, voice tight. “I didn’t find anything. Don’t accuse me! You’re the one with secrets.”

Sylvia laughed coldly. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. For the record, nothing happened between me and Hank. Stop stirring the pot!” She stared Lila down. “I’d never betray your trust, Lila.”

Lila was furious. In a flash, Sylvia’s body rippled and grew—fur sprouted, bones cracked—and suddenly a huge white wolf stood before her, teeth bared. Lila shrieked, stumbling back.

Lila stumbled back in terror, but Hank rushed in just in time, grabbing Sylvia and pulling her away. “Sylvia! Stop!”

“Sylvia, what are you doing? Why are you fighting with Lila?” Hank looked from one to the other, confusion and fear written all over his face.

Sylvia looked at Hank, her eyes full of hurt and disappointment. She shifted back to human form, voice rough and raw. “Hank, she…she accused me of seducing you!”

Hank froze, then everything clicked. He turned to Lila, his face hardening.

He turned to Lila, his tone reproachful. “Lila, how could you say that about Sylvia? She saved our lives!” His disappointment was plain as day.

Lila, seeing him defend Sylvia, grew even angrier. “So what if I said it? She’s a werewolf—who else would she want if not you?” Her voice cracked, pain and jealousy all tangled together.

Hank lost his patience. “Lila, why are you being so unreasonable? If Sylvia wanted to seduce me, she would’ve done it long ago. Why wait until now?” He shook his head. “You know me, Lila. If something was going on, I’d tell you. Don’t you trust me?”

Lila had no answer. Tears stung her eyes. She turned away, wiping her cheeks, all the fight gone.

She knew Hank was right. Maybe she’d let her jealousy get the best of her. Without Sylvia, they’d have never survived out here.

She lowered her head and mumbled, “Fine… I won’t do it again, okay?” Her voice was small, defeated.

Hank relaxed, patting Sylvia on the shoulder, his tone gentle. “Sylvia, Lila’s admitted she was wrong. Let it go, will you?”

Sylvia looked at Hank, a complicated expression in her eyes. She nodded, the tension easing from her shoulders. “All right, for your sake, I’ll let it go.”

Lila quickly added, “I’m sorry, Sylvia. I was wrong. Please, make this your home from now on.” Her voice trembled with sincerity.

Sylvia smiled gently. “It’s all right. Let’s leave the past behind us. From now on, let’s get along.” Her smile was warm, her forgiveness genuine. Outside, the snow kept falling—a clean slate for them all.

But some wounds don’t vanish with the snow.