Page 32 of The Hidden Guardian

Onai looks at me knowingly. “It’s not unheard of for a Guardian. I think you’ve had this gift for longer than you’ve known.”

“Maybe I have …” My flowers always blooming, the orchid Vicky killed that I’d nursed back to life. My abundant garden even in winter, the apple tree …

“Maybe, when this is all over and you’re permitted to stay, you can help me tend my garden. We’ve got a ton of vegetables, and some you’ve probably never heard of, like the bumbleberry tree. They are from before. The wolves are carnivores, but there’s something about the bumbleberry fruit that they love. I’ve had to kick a few of them out of the garden before for filling their arms up with them and leaving none for the rest of the pack.”

“That sounds nice, I would love to see that.”

“Since the garden is said to be one of the best in years, my Mother believes my affinity is to earth.”

“Affinity?”

“Wow, they weren’t kidding, you really don’t know anything, do you?”

“No.” I sigh. “I didn’t even know werewolves existed until last week or so.” It’s been hard to tell what day it is underground.

“My Mother was adamant I was only supposed to watch you. Do not entertain her, Onai,” she mimics in a stern feminine voice. “Don’t ramble on, Onai, she is still an outsider.”

“I don’t think your Mother likes me,” I point out.

“It wasn’t easy rising to the top so soon, there have been circumstances that made her … the way she is. She’s become weary of strangers. Plus, there are few who don’t believe you to be worthy of Renall. A wolf from Warrior Clan needs a strong Guardian; they need the most protection, after all. You’re not even close to being trained.”

“Then why won’t they train me?”

“I guess they are waiting to see what happens with the trial.”

“What you’re saying is, my fate and Renall’s are intertwined?”

“In a way, yes, a mated Guardian can’t remate without her wolf dying. Even then, it will never be a soulbond.”

“But I’m not mated.”

“Exactly, which puts you more at risk.”

“If you’re mated to Renall, your lives are bound together until death.”

“His death or mine?”

“Either.”

“It gives new meaning to ‘til death do us part’, I guess.” Onai’s eyebrow raises. “It’s a human tradition to recite that vow during marriage.”

“Well, wolves don’t marry as humans do—we mate. The first time is called the Joining, it’s supposed to be magical.”

“Mate,” I repeat, letting it soak in. There will be no romance or wedding planning in my future here. “This cave is all about sex, isn’t it?”

Onai shrugs. “Well, if you remain unmated, you could technically be mated to anyone else.”

I balk. “I don’t want to be mated to anyone.”

“Then you will have to learn really fast how to fend them off.”

“How do you fend them off? You’re not mated, are you?”

“I am not, but my father put it into an Alpha order that I was to remain untouched until I was of age and he has given his blessing.”

“He can use his Alpha order to protect his own daughter, but no other female in the cave?”

She nods, a fleeting shadow crossing her face.

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