Page 14 of M.A.Y.A
She didn’t respond. He already knew the answer.
“In my world, the world you’re in right now, wolf shifters are born from divine fated mates. A fated mate is when destiny pairs shifters together, sometimes with humans or bi-species individuals. Souls are matched, hearts are inextricably tied, and minds connect. There is no science behind it. There is no religious component. It’s more…universal magic.”
Her heart began to beat faster, erratic and quick to the point where her alarm on her control panel let out a soft steady beep. “I’m not—I’m not human anymore. I doubt this universal magic applies to robots or other inanimate objects.”
He stroked the side of her neck and used his thumb to tilt her head up so she could meet his eyes. “There is enough humanity within you that fate decided you’re for me. From the moment I saw you in the clearing, and from the moment you opened your eyes to me, we’ll always be attuned to each other in ways that no one else will ever understand.”
“So, you don’t have a choice? You’re now…just stuck with me?”
His jaw clenched. “No, we’re stuck with each other.”
She wanted to apologize, to tell him that she’ll do what she can to get him out of this mess she created when she landed in his world. He had been kind to her, and here she was, her very presence ruining his life. She took a step back, feeling the loss of his touch more than she wanted to admit. Her fingers clutched at the towel she’d wrapped around her body. “I have so many questions.”
Isaiah nodded. “Then we’ll talk. Why don’t you get dressed? I had my Betas bring you some clothes.” He motioned to the small stack of what looked like leggings and T-shirts on the bed. “Then eat something and meet me outside when you’re ready.”
Before she could predict his next move, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. The brief contact sparked a shiver through her body.
She watched in stunned silence as he turned around and walked out of the room.
* * *
Maya had to compose herself before she dressed. It took her a minute to feel comfortable with the serviceable underwear and bra, as well as the jeans that were just a touch baggy at her hips. After years of nudity, her skin felt overly sensitized at the constant brush of fabric. The blouse felt too restrictive, so she switched it for Isaiah’s button down instead.
Isaiah. Her…mate. His scent was still in the fabric she draped around her shoulders. She didn’t know if the idea of a mate was something she could get behind, especially if it meant that she’d changed the trajectory of his life. She’d have to talk to him about figuring a way out.
In an effort to distract herself, she slowly nibbled on the food that Isaiah’s soldier brought her. The flavors were intense, almost painful in her mouth at first, but she felt weaker than usual, so she ignored the sharpness of the meats and cheeses so she could regain her strength. From what she learned in the lab, she didn’t need to eat more than what she’d consumed when she was fully human as her body generated the energy to keep her computer parts running. However, it had been a long time since her last ration. That explained why she finished most of what Isaiah’s Beta Alex had set out for her.
When she finished, she realized the soft cheese that was labeled brie, paired with the apricot jelly, was her favorite combination. She hoped that when she achieved her mission, she’d be able to try it again. Maybe she’d ask Isaiah if he had any more.
Maya picked up the discarded wrappers and carried them into the large living space. There was a fridge in the kitchen area and a waste bin under the sink. She then crossed the room and peered through the front window curtains. Isaiah said to meet her outside, but she didn’t see him in the field that reached the tree line.
She slipped her bandaged and sore feet into a pair of sneakers that were tucked against the wall next to the entryway. They were her exact size. Then she opened the front door and stepped through.
It took Maya a minute to adjust to the warmth, to the bright sunlight, and to the strange feeling of peace she felt. She crossed the clearing, tilted her face up to the sky, and let the warmth wash over her. The artificial light produced in the bunker lab was nothing like the real thing. Her breathing slowed, her mind cleared, and she felt the tension in her bones relax as she stood, palms outstretched, soaking in the rays. It brought tears to her eyes. She was free.
She remained in stillness for what had to be twenty minutes at least, healing under the open sky. It wasn’t until a rustling sound in the brush had her body tensing again. She turned slowly to scan the clearing. Her eyesight was better than when she was fully human, but it didn’t detect anything until a wolf the size of a small car pushed through the trees.
The animal had a shock of black fur with gold eyes, and a dusting of white on the muzzle. His steps were slow and sure, and his gaze was locked on her.
Maya’s breath caught. Her stomach tightened. The panel on her arm beeped, and she recognized it as a stress response.
Wolf. Predator. Dangerous.
Should she run? Would hiding in the safe house protect her, or would he be able to get inside? Could she fight him off with her brute strength? She wasn’t sure how strong she was, if she could take on an animal of that size, but she’d gone toe to toe with Isaiah, hadn’t she? Maybe she had a chance.
Before Maya could make her move, the wolf crouched low to the ground. She watched in shock as the thick glossy pelt receded and turned into smooth tanned skin. The sheer size shrunk to that of a human, as front legs became arms, and back legs extended. Then the muzzle changed into Isaiah’s face.
He stood from his crouched position in all his naked glory. The definition of his abs, the cut lines of his thick shoulders and arms, and the angles of his Adonis belt led to a large cock that rested against thick, muscled thighs. His hair hung around his face and framed his sharp features, and his eyes twinkled as if he knew exactly what had captivated Maya’s attention.
She was frozen in her spot as he casually walked across the field until he was inches in front of her. “Shifter. Alpha of a wolf pack. Does that make sense to you now?”
“I feel like I’m dreaming or something,” she said, her breath coming out in short puffs. He was an actual wolf. When he claimed to be one, she never imagined he was a living breathing wolf and thought it was more of a mindset. Whatwasthis world, this dimension? What else was real? Vampires, fairies, universal healthcare? Sure, she could suspend disbelief to a certain point. Half her body was robotic…but a werewolf? That was fairytale material.
The corner of Isaiah’s mouth tilted in a smile. He spoke as if he’d read her mind. “You jumped through a portal into a different dimension, and you’re surprised that wolf shifters exist?”
She giggled at the silliness of their conversation,actuallygiggled, then slapped a hand over her mouth in shock. Had she ever giggled in her life? Why was the sight of him making her feel so lightheaded? More importantly, how did she know that he was amused by her reaction to him? It was as if her intuition when it came to Isaiah was in high gear.
Isaiah’s stern mouth curved into a smile. “Tiny warrior, your laugh is wonderful to hear.”
