ShroomForager3000 shakes his head hard, waxed beard swaying as a whole. “No way, dude. I didn’t know the shrooms were yours, man. If I had known, I wouldn’t have made an offer, hand to God.” He raises his hand. “I don’t want any trouble.”

Draken just stands there, growling.

My wolf whimpers, and in the silence, it resonates in my own throat.

ShroomForager3000 glances at me.

“You don’t look at her.” Draken steps to the side to block me from view, puffing his chest, broadening his stance.

“Whatever you say, man. You’re the guy with the fangs.”

Draken looks at me. “You smell—afraid? But also like you’re gonna puke? Why?”...