Page 74 of Mated to the Wolves

I rub my eyes wondering if this is some sort of heat induced mirage. When the sight remains the same, I seek out the wards, trying to gather more information. They push back at my examination. Properly scolded, I turn my attention to the wood buildings are lined up on the left and right, and further back there are cabins.

“Wow,” I whisper.

“We’ve come a long way in the past fifty years or so,” Taylor grins. His chest swells, and he nods.

“You’ve been here that long?” I ask, amazed. This goes against everything preached to us growing up. Not only are they disconnected from the pack, they’re thriving.

What has gone on under my nose? Had my feelings of rejection blinded me to things going on in the pack?

“When you demand change and it doesn’t happen, it’s up to you to make the life you want to live.”

“I like that.” I smile and Taylor winks.

“We’ve been trying to get Doc up here for ages. Maybe you can help us convince him.” Taylor gestures at Kirk. “Are you here to see Maggie?”

“Yes, is she in her apothecary?”

“Should be. I have to ask why we should allow you to bring a stranger in. You know the rules.” His eyes darken, and his spine straightens.

“She’s my mate.” Kirk steps in front of me. “We’re bonded. What I know, she knows.”

Taylor’s eyes bulge. “When did this happen? Why didn’t you send word?”

“Days ago, per Alpha’s orders. It took us all by surprise.”

Taylor’s lips flatten into a thin line and he grunts. “We’ve warned you about him?—.”

Kirk holds up a hand. “I know.”

Taylor looks away. “You’re responsible for her actions then. Think about what we’ve said.” He focuses on me. “I’ll see you around. Nice to meet you.”

We head to a small building with the word Apothecary scrawled across it in black cursive.

We step inside, and the bell above the door rings. Greeted by the smell of fresh herbs, my eyes are assaulted by glass jars, books, and hand handmade goods.

A tall slender woman with ebony skin, and black hair peppered with gray that frames her round face stands behind a counter.

She greets us with a kind smile. “Doc what brings you here?”

“I need a few hard to come by ingredients. Dittany of Crete and Hellebore.”

Maggie’s eyes widen. “Those are powerful herbs.”

“It’s for a big spell.”

“I didn’t know you dabbled in magic, Doc,” Maggie observes him intensely.

“Need, must, and all that.” Kirk meets her stare.

“Hmmm.” She looks at me. “You haven’t introduced your friend.”

“This is Ylva Eskildson, my mate.”

Maggie’s mouth forms an o. “The time must be nearing.”

I turn to Kirk who shrugs.

Running her fingers over the bottles on the shelf behind her, Maggie hums. She chooses two, and places them on the counter in front of us.

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