Page 12 of Challenged Mate
“No problem.” The silencing barrier disappeared.
Chase moved to where Kayla waited.
I followed and asked, “What’s with the four-wheelers?”
“They’re electric, and more eco-friendly than driving cars or trucks around our territory.”
“Ah.”
“I can teach you to ride one if you want,” Kayla suggested. She didn’t seem at all bothered by being left out of our earlier conversation.
My first instinct was to reject Kayla’s offer, but I resisted.
For the foreseeable future, this would be my life. And Chase was right—I could someone to talk to. If only to help pass the time.
So, I said, “Sure. I’d like that.”
Kayla beamed.
Chase straddled the second four-wheeler and gestured for me to sit behind him. I obliged, taking care to leave as much space as possible between us, while still being able to hold onto his waist.
Though Asher and I wouldn’t be solidifying the bond between us, I noticed my wolf became antsy whenever I drew to close to another male—yet another problem I’d have to deal with whenever I mated the alpha.
Once I was settled, Chase pushed the start button and gripped the handles.
Kayla did the same, revving the electric engine before hollering, “I’ll see you guys in town.” Then, she took off, laughing excitedly as the wheels bounced her up and down over the terrain.
“Hold on,” Chase said right before taking off.
I released a surprised squeal when I nearly flew off the four-wheeler. I leaned forward and wrapped my arms tighter around Chase’s waist, ignoring the stupid bond telling me to put space between us. I was not going to get a concussion to appease a failed bond.
Chase’s chuckle vibrated against my fists clenching his shirt. “Want me to go faster, little alpha?” His teasing tone negated the sting of the nickname.
Unable to resist the urge to rise to his challenge, I said, “Give it all you’ve got.”
He barked another laugh. “You got it.”
The engine whined. Then, we were driving on only two wheels. I clung to Chase like my life depended on it. Then, the front wheels hit the ground again, and we raced towards the Wilds Pack town like the devil, himself, was on our heels.
And for the first time in days, I genuinely smiled.
Four
Rather than drivestraight into town, Chase steered the four-wheeler along the edge of the community, abandoning his race with Kayla as she turned onto one of the wider roads leading into the heart of town.
The detour allowed me the opportunity to take it all in, as well as admire the surrounding nature. Through the tree line in the distance, I could make out a layer of snow. I’d leaned forward and asked Chase about the controlled environment within Wilds Pack territory.
Over the sound of the engine and wind, he explained that some Wilds Pack shifters were gifted with weather-controlling abilities. All sorcerers and sorceresses had the skill, but some were particularly talented with it. Those pack members were tasked with keeping their community hospitable, despite its location in Alaska.
I marveled over the unique ability, acknowledging it would take time before I was completely comfortable hearing shifters discuss magic.
I’d grown up in a world where magic was taboo, and those who wielded it were to be feared.
But, apparently, I was one of them.
My adjustment to this new life extended far beyond simply accepting my future mate. I would need to accept myself.
I just didn’t know where to start. How does one undo a lifetime of beliefs?
