Despite the fact that I had not given them any specific roles for the day, everyone seemed to know what to do. I knew I had my brothers to thank for that. So far it felt like I’d been a pretty shitty boss, but I was determined to change that.
I stepped outside to get a bit of fresh air. Taking a deep breath, a tingle ran down my spine and my wolf awakened.
What is it?I silently asked him.
Mate,I heard in my head and my whole body stiffened.
I wasn’t sure how long I stood there in shock.
A mate?
For me?
I was just coming to terms with my new job and responsibilities. I couldn’t take on a mate. This was quite possibly the worst timing ever in the history of mating.
It would be a lie if I didn’t admit to my curiosity though.
I looked around but I didn’t see anyone in the vicinity.
“Who’s there?” I called out.
There was no response.
Suddenly I heard a whinny that made me jump, not that I’d admit that to anyone. I was just so on edge and didn’t understand why.
My wolf surged but not in a normal aggressive way.
Around the side of the closest barn a horse peeked out her head.
I nearly laughed at myself. Why was my wolf acting weird because of a horse?
Settle down,I told him.
When I realized the horse was outside the fence and it didn’t appear anyone was with her, I walked closer.
“Clementine? Is that you?”
The horse stopped and turned to look at me.
“What are you doing out by yourself, girl?”
I always spoke to the horses like they were real people and who knew, maybe one of them was? I spent part of my life in the form of a wolf, so who was I to judge?
I sniffed the air again.
Mate,my wolf said again.
My head whipped around looking for her—my mate. But still I saw no one. The place was deserted except for Clementine.
My eyes locked with the horse.
Mine,my wolf said with certainty.
I just stood there in shock as she reared up on her hindlegs, snorted on landing, and then took off at a full run right towards town.
Clementine was my mate?
I clearly recognized what my wolf was trying to tell me, but she was a horse. When our eyes had met I felt a strange sort of recognition, but not the life changing, pass out in the middleof the grocery store, kind of moment Oliver had mentioned the first time he locked eyes with Peyton.