She smiles back at him and decides to be a little sneakier in the future for his peace of mind. Eventually, she has enough photos to keep her busy for a few days and moseys her way homeward. Unless Allison is still around?

Their father is there to pick them up at the usual time.

Allison is already in the car. They’re saying something.

She doesn't bother listening in and jumps into the back seat. "What's the what? Are we moving again?"

"Your aunt Kate has decided to come to town."

He leaves the obvious implications of this unstated.

"She just showed up, unannounced."

"She loves a good entrance. And being places she's not welcome."

"Kate is always welcome in our home," he says unconvincingly.

"I don't mind seeing her. It's just- everything going on right now...aunt Kate tends to add fuel to the fire, not put it out."

"Do we think we can keep all of everything a secret from her?"

"We don't keep secrets from each other. Not about this."

"...if mom-"

"Your mother respects your aunt Kate as a hunter. We didn't discuss this specifically, but she's probably telling her right now."

...this pisses her off. She is pissed off. This is her hunt. Her beta. Her alpha to kill. Her prey. What if Kate comes in and takes over? She'll ruin everything.

"Fine," she says instead of baring her teeth. "Family is family."

Allison doesn't complain. Whatever they decide now, it'll be as a family. She and Regan have just lost their only chance-

She doesn't complain. If this is really what their mother thinks is best, it's what they'll do.

They arrive. Their father hugs his sister.

"Regan, Allison, I'm glad you could join us."

"Unfortunately, we still have to attend school. Such terrible torture."

“You could always drop out. I keep telling your dad-“

“Kate.”

“Yeah, yeah. Responsible role model. How’re my favorite nieces?”

"Keeping busy, thinking about delinquency. You'd be proud."

“Dad seems impressed. I’d ask how you did it, but I think I’m over the pathological need for fatherly approval. Allison, your mom was telling me about your little plan. It sounds like fun.”

“Our plan. Regan and I came up with it, and mom signed off on it.”

“Sure. I’m not here to get in your way, kiddo. I just thought it could use some tweaking.”