The walk from the bus stop to the house felt longer than usual. The entire madness that rolled out during the day seemed to settle into Nadia's very bones. It wasn't until she reached for her keys at the

front door that her fingers brushed against the black card in the side pocket, she remembers shehadforgotten to give Alpha his card. 

"Oh, Goddess," she whispered, pulling it out. The matte finish caught the dying light of the electricbulb above her head. 

She hurried inside, kicking off her sensible shoes. "Mom? I'm back!" 

"In the kitchen, honey," Estelle called out, her voice sounding steadier than it had earlier that morning, thanks...