CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN – GROWING FAMILIAR

The next morning, Cassie arrived at Ivan's shop early, eager to share the events of the previous night. She found the old werewolf sorting through a new shipment of herbs, his nose twitching at the various scents. "Ivan!" she called out cheerfully. "You'll never guess what happened last night!" Ivan looked up, a knowing smile on his face. "Let me guess, the pup finally took my advice and loosened the leash a bit?" Cassie blinked in surprise. "You... you talked to Florian?" Ivan shrugged, turning back to his herbs. "Might have mentioned something in passing. Boy needed a kick in the pants if you ask me." Cassie felt a rush of affection for the gruff old werewolf. "Thank you, Ivan. Really." Ivan waved her off, but Cassie could see the pleased glint in his eye. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get all mushy on me, American. Now, make yourself useful and help me sort these wolfsbane leaves." As Cassie set to work, she found herself reflecting on how much her life had changed in such a short time.