Filed to story: The Wolf Prince’s Fated Love
“Sure,” she called over her shoulder, not tearing her eyes away from whatever the two of them were studying.
“Oh, I see. But what about the moon? I mean, human medicine has a longer history of study, but we’re not really a one-to-one?-“
I tuned them back out as I pulled out her phone. It was easy to spot in its bright teal case,
Smart Bitch written on the back and studded with black rhinestones. Leigh’s gift to her for Christmas last year. To match the one she’d made me, in purple, with
Fierce Bitch, and her own
Alpha Bitch in hot pink.
Leigh was special. Even if she did have an abnormally large collection of clothes to sweat in.
Bri had a text, so I swiped in her unlock pattern and checked, expecting something-hopefully not too raunchy-from Kane, but finding instead a message from Aunt Kari.
Aunt Kari:
I’ll be in town tomorrow.
Aunt Kari:
Are you still with the Johnson City pack?
Aunt Kari:
I’m glad you reached out. I’ve missed you.
“Bri? It’s from your aunt.”
“What?” She straightened, and I watched as it clicked. “Oh. Olivia, can you excuse us for a moment? I was waiting to hear from her. Family matter.”
“Of course. I’ll keep reading.” Olivia smiled, not a hint of malice detectable on her by look or scent. The time spent watching the two of them geek out over their shared love of medicine had only underscored my impression of her as a sweet, nervous wolf. But I now had to add to that list that she idolized Brielle.
If I wasn’t mistaken, she had a total girl-crush thing going on.
“What did she say?” Brielle whispered.
I held up the phone, which she took and then quickly tapped out a response.
“Thanks,” she murmured, handing it back. She left it open so I could see the exchange.
Brielle:
Yes, we are. I’ve missed you too.
Aunt Kari:
Three p.m. tomorrow. My place on the lake?
Brielle:
Sounds perfect.
I didn’t know where her aunt’s place was, but nervous anticipation already filled my belly at the thought. Would she know more about the curse, or were we about to run full speed into a dead end?
Despite her own future being up in the air, Brielle was already smiling when she crossed the small clinic back to Olivia, where they immediately jumped back into their discussion.
A familiar warm, tantalizing scent of cedar and bergamot filled the room, and I was on my feet, spinning toward the door before I consciously realized what I was doing. He was my magnet, always drawing me in, pulling me closer without meaning to do it.
Dirge grinned, wide and predatory, as I closed the distance between us.
“Everything okay?” I murmured, not wanting to disturb Bri and Olivia.
“Everything is fine, but I was wondering if I could steal you for bit? I’m itching for a run, and I’d much rather do it with you.”
I cast a regretful look over my shoulder, but Brielle had turned to face me with a stern look, hands on her hips.
“Go.”
“But-” I protested, even as excitement thrummed in my veins. A run with my mate sounded glorious after days of packing and waiting. My wolf was itchy too. Loyalty, though, demanded I stay with Bri.
“I mean it, go. You two have had barely any time together, so take it where you can.” She stepped closer, lowering her voice as she put her hand on my shoulder. “I’m fine, and things aren’t slowing down any time soon, that I can tell. Please, spend some time with your mate and stop worrying about me. You deserve it. Both of you.” She looked up at Dirge, encompassing him in the demand with a smile.
“Okay, but we’re going to send someone else to hang out with you guys,” I insisted, even as Dirge pulled me out of the small clinic, not needing to be told twice.
“I can handle that. You two have fun!” she called cheerily after us as Dirge dragged me out the door.
FORTY-FIVE
Shay
The ride to the lake house the next morning was long and bumpy. Dirge and I had stayed out way too late, our wolves not wanting to cut the run short under the waxing moon. It wasn’t full yet, but the pull was already getting stronger. Now, as our rented black SUV bump-bumped down the pockmarked clay road, I had a pounding head and regrets about not getting more sleep.