Wolves in the Shadows (The Wolf Clan Chronicles) by Sharon McLaughlin

available.  “And even more so that he didn’t leave his number.  Then at least you’d have some sort of lead when I turn up missing.” 
    Michelle giggled.  “You’re so jaded and melodramatic!” 
    “Me, melodramatic?” Elizabeth poked her playfully in the ribs.  “This from the girl who spent a week eating nothing but cookie dough and marshmallows and listening to nothing but the soundtrack to Titanic after Bob the bum broke up with her.” 
    “Robert and I were soul mates,” Michelle tried to sound dignified but her comical squirming kept her from succeeding.  Living together in close quarters for almost two years had ensured that they both knew exactly where the other one’s ticklish spot were. 
    “You went on like three dates,” Elizabeth said with a grin
    “That’s it!” Michelle said dramatically.  “It’s on!”  She slid the computer off her lap and started to tickle Elizabeth’s neck. 
    Any further discussion was drowned out by giggling until they were both red in the face. 
    #
    “Okay, okay, truce!” Michelle threw her hands up in surrender.  “You’re just too fast, Lizzy.” 
    “One of the benefits of being small,” Elizabeth said.  “I need something to drink now.” 
    “There’s some soda in the fridge,” Michelle said.  “Get me one while you’re at it.”
    Elizabeth tossed a can to Michelle and sat down at her desk to drink her own. 
    “Are you coming out with us tonight?” Michelle asked after she had taken a gulp of her soda.  “Emily is going to get us some vodka, and we’re all going to that party at Sigma Tau.” 
    “I can’t tonight,” Elizabeth said. 
    Michelle tilted her head to the side at looked at her suspiciously.  “What are you up to, Lizzy?” 
    “I’m just busy,” Elizabeth said.  “I’m not trying to blow you off or anything.” 
    “It’s a Friday night.” 
    “And you know I like to get my homework done early.” 
    Michelle rolled her eyes. 
    “Lizzy, you need to get a life.  You’re always studying and being a little hermit.  We’re in college!  We have to live it up!” 
    “I’m sorry, Michie, I really am.  I just have something really important to do tonight.” 
    “Just please tell me that it has absolutely nothing to do with school.” 
    Elizabeth smiled.  “Michelle, I promise that it has nothing to do with school.” 
    “Yes!” Michelle said.  She pumped her fist in triumph.  “Is it some hot date that’s not Chase?  Do you have multiple guys interested in you?  Tell me everything!” 
    Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply, but Michelle was not finished yet. 
    “Does it have something to do with why you were out all night last night?  You wouldn’t tell me anything, and I let it go because you were obviously tired, but now that you’re awake-” 
    “Michelle!” Elizabeth interrupted.  She knew her roommate well enough to know that she was about to go on one of her rants.  It was best to stop her early.  “It’s not a date.  I’m just meeting some friends.” 
    “Who do you know that I don’t know?” 
    Elizabeth chuckled and shook her head. 
    “You don’t know everyone in the world, Michie.” 
    “Well, I should,” Michelle said with a grin. 
    “Shall we get some food?” Elizabeth asked.  “The commons should be open for dinner, and you know what happens to you when you drink on an empty stomach.” 
    Michelle grimaced at the thought.  “Good point.  Let’s go.” 
    “Excellent,” Elizabeth said.  She helped Michelle to her feet and got her keys and meal card out of her backpack.  “I don’t know what it is, but I’ve been starving all day.”
     
     
    Chapter 7
    Sir Marcus was leaning indolently against the wall with his eyes half closed as Elizabeth slipped through the gap into the grove.   
    “Hi,” Elizabeth said with a shy smile. He seemed so much less threatening tonight even though he was every bit as big as she had remembered.  She