Page 35 of M.A.Y.A
More importantly, she had a plan to close the bunker portal. She hadn’t shared it yet with Isaiah because he and his pack had devised their own plans, but hers was better. She just needed help in executing it.
With an easy acceptance of her nakedness that she’d found over the years, Maya walked back to Isaiah’s bedroom and into the shower, then quickly got ready for the day. She returned to the kitchen in her workout clothes to make herself a quick breakfast.
There was a note on the counter that she hadn’t seen when she first woke up.
Had early morning conference calls. I didn’t want to wake you. Just know that even though I’m up and about, I’m still living a dream with you in my life.
What was left of her heart nearly burst at the romantic sentiment. She traced a finger over the bold ink strokes and knew that despite his gruff, possessive exterior, it was natural for him to be this romantic with her.
“Don’t be selfish, Maya,” she whispered to herself. She wanted to be with him so much, but she had to think about what was best for Isaiah too. He was always worried about others, and she had taken on the responsibility of looking after him first. It was just becoming increasingly difficult to remain steadfast about her decision.
She put the note down, saving it to look at later, then went about making breakfast.
There was a toaster, which seemed old-fashioned compared to appliances in her world, but Maya enjoyed the slight ding and pop of the bread as it protruded from the two openings at the top of the machine. Then there were eggs, fruit, and yogurt. Isaiah had taught her how to prepare food for herself over the last week. She appreciated that he knew how important it was for her to be self-sufficient.
Maya carefully ate her toast and sipped on the warm coffee she’d also been taught how to brew from the tiny machine. Then she cleaned her dishes, wiped down the counters, and slipped into her sneakers to go to the gym.
Even though she felt a little foolish for her defiance at the clearing the night before, she wasn’t going to miss out on training or complain about it. Not when she realized how helpful it had been in defending herself.
She walked through the Den towards the gym at the end of the long corridor. That’s when she heard someone shout behind her.
“Excuse me! Alpha’s mate! Alpha’s mate?”
Maya turned to see who was calling her. She’d gotten used to the greeting after a few days of running into pack members. And since no one listened to her when she tried to correct them that she wasn’t really Isaiah’s mate, she’d stopped bothering.
How quickly did she acclimate to this world and to the customs in it? Eight days ago, the very concept of shifters and Alphas and mating had been laughable to her; now, it felt as right as breathing.
She faced the woman with brassy-brown hair and an oversized sweatshirt over baggy jeans. “Yes? Can I help you?”
The woman stopped a foot away from Maya. She looked curiously at Maya’s arm and then smiled. “Um, I just wanted to say thank you.” She tucked a curl behind her ear. “I’m Michelle, and I was the wolf you saved yesterday.”
Maya’s eyebrows arched. “Oh! How are you feeling?”
Michelle let out a huff of a laugh. “A little banged up, but some TLC from my packmates helped. I feel a lot better today. If it wasn’t for you…I don’t know what would’ve happened. He, ah, asked if I knew where Unit Thirteen was. I didn’t realize that was you, so I didn’t tell him anything.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Maya said. “He’s not a problem anymore.” She gave Michelle a tight smile and turned to leave, when the young wolf reached out to touch her arm.
“I just…I just wanted to say that I imagine it’s been hard coming here, with how different you are with all the robot stuff.”
Maya’s shoulders stiffened. She flexed her left hand, more aware of her control plate than ever before. “Yes, I can imagine it’s unsightly for people to see.”
“No, no, it’s not that,” Michelle replied with a dismissive wave. “We’re really protective of Alpha Isaiah, so we’re wary of outsiders because we just want what’s best for him. Now I know that the spirits have given him a mate that’s absolutely worthy. You guys aresoalike, it’s eerie. But then again, I’ve never met an alpha female before.”
Maya didn’t know what to say, especially when Michelle flashed a brilliant, bright smile and launched herself at her with a hug. The contact was brief, and Michelle’s arms were surprisingly strong as she squeezed Maya’s shoulders. When she stepped back, Maya felt rather than heard her arm panel go off.
Michelle waved and bounced on her heels. “I hope to see you around, Alpha’s mate.” Her smile was warm and genuine. “I really look forward to seeing you with Alpha Isaiah. He’s much less grouchy with you in the pack.” Then she giggled and turned to walk back toward the opposite end of the corridor.
Maya watched Michelle disappear. She never expected anyone in the pack to accept her with such an easy kindness, and the fact that she was just hugged felt…validating.
She slowly made her way to the gym, her brain still reeling from the encounter. When she entered, she was surprised to find both Sonya and Cindy waiting for her in the center of the training mat.
“You’re late,” Sonya said, her irritation clear in every syllable.
“I was stopped in the corridor by one of your, ah, pack members,” Maya replied.
“Oh, that’s going to happen more often,” Cindy said. “You might want to leave a little early wherever you go around the territory. Isaiah has to do the same thing.”
“Ah.” Maya looked at Sonya then Cindy again. “Wait, are both of you training me today?”
