Page 105 of Wolf's Providence

“Doesn’t mean you need to be stupid.”

“Sorry.”

Ned grunted and started to lift a box of my art supplies. “You paint anything worth sharing?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Taking my sketch pad out of my tote, I flipped to the latest sketch. It was of a wooden cabin, two stories, nice wraparound porch. “You like?”

Ned grunted as he nodded. “I do.”

“But?”

“He’s an alpha, not an architect.”

I grinned as I swiped at him for his nerve, but he just sauntered out the door, whistling casually.

Doc came in, his head turning to follow Ned. When he looked at me, his eyebrow rose curiously. “Why’s he so happy?”

“Because he’s cheeky,” I told him with a grin.

“I already hate this drive, and you two are like siblings. It’s going to be hell, I’m just telling you now.”

“We’ll behave.” I hesitated. “Do you think I’m crazy?”

I’d told them both what Caleb had told me and hadn’t been in the least surprised when they both knew. Just pissed off they kept it to themselves.

But neither of them felt that the bond influenced my decision, and that had made me feel better. Ned had reminded me, as I had reminded myself, that I was already in love withCaleb before the night on the mountain. The blood magic hadn’t changed that. It just strengthened our connection.

He watched me. “No. I think this was always your choice.”

“I do too.”

“You have concerns?” he asked me carefully.

“Fresh food?” I admitted. “Hospitals?” I sighed. “So much to figure out…” I looked away as I muttered one of my more pressing concerns. “Babies?”

“Crops will be planted,” he told me easily. “It’s shifters’ way of life. There are fields and greenhouses you haven’t seen, lower down Shadowridge Peak. Now that he’s back, it’s likely some of his old pack will come home. Or new ones will want to join. Shifters work their land. You’ll have food soon. Until then, I suggest you bulk buy lots of frozen vegetables.”

“I didn’t know that. About crops and things.”

“You have a lot to learn.” He wasn’t being condescending, he was being himself. And then he looked unsure. “I will speak with Caleb. I’ve already addressed it with Cannon. If your alpha allows, I will split my time between both packs.” He gave me a rueful smile. “You’re actually someone who needs a doctor, your children too.”

Hope surged within me. “Really? You’d do that?”

“Willow, you’re human, with an illness that needs managing. If you are agreeable to it, I would very much like to continue being your physician.”

“He’ll say yes.” I was grinning like an idiot. “I’ll make him say yes.”

“Let’s wait and ask him,” he told me wryly. He grunted when I launched myself at him, giving him a hug.

“Thank you, Doc. I mean it, this makes me so happy.”

He hugged me back. “Yeah, well, remember this when you know I’m only a door or two away to make sure you’re looking after yourself.”

“And then you ruined it,” I mocked playfully.

“I’m ready,” Ned announced. “Let’s go.”

And just as quick as that, I was once more locking up my house not knowing when I’d be back.

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