You’ll be fine.” Keme took her hand, smiling widely. Rain tried to smile back at him. The Pack had been arriving for the last hour. She had never realized there’d be so many people here. She’d tried to blend in toward the back of the group only to have Keme and Alicia pull her closer to the front. She’d give anything if her mom was here, but Harmony had explained that she couldn’t be there. Because it was Rain’s first shift she might feel too much pressure if her mom was present. None of those who were going to attempt their first shift had parents present. Some had cousins or aunt and uncles. Even with Keme there she had never felt so alone in her life. Closing her eyes, Rain took a deep breath, trying to remember everything they’d been taught in the classes. She took another breath. So many familiar scents were almost overwhelming. Focusing, she realized one stood out—Keme’s strong hazelnut scent. Curious now, she opened her eyes then turned to him. “Keme, what do I smell like?”
