“Ready?” he asks.
To learn more about you, Healer? Yes.
I adjust the satchel. “Let’s cut through this thicket.”
He laughs and we set off. It’s been a long time since I got outside like this. Senior year had been lot of projects, and cramming. I savor the rich aromas of the earth, the sharp tang of the pines, and the pungent scent of the turning leaves.
Mother Nature’s artistic display soothes my soul. I find calm amidst the chaos as we continue our hike.
“How was life outside of the pack?”
I’m shocked he bothered to ask. Everyone acts like there’s no life outside of our town.
“Refreshing. I made the choices I wanted to without thinking about anyone else, and I didn’t stand out. In Tennessee, there was a place and person for every interest or activity. We lack that here and I think it's driving people away.”
“I agree. The pack could stand for some serious revamping.” He flashes me a bright toothy smile that makes my body tingle.
He continues to impress me. “That’s not what I expected you to say.”
“There are plenty more liberal-thinking people scattered among us. We just keep our thoughts to ourselves because the climate doesn’t appreciate them.”
“But you know we need change,” I protest.
“Yes, but the Alpha isn’t ready to hear that yet.” The joy leaves his face. “And you wouldn’t like his methods for showing his displeasure. I think after six hundred years he’s lost some of his humanity.”
“Do you think it’s possible for him to set his prejudice aside to save us?”
“I don’t know.” He winces.
We drift into a comfortable silence. I step over a thick root. He holds a branch back for me and I smile, and we continue up the mountain. After an hour, the sounds of others begins.
The brush moves around us, and a man appears. He’s wearing camo trying to blend into his surroundings. A dark scowl lines his thin lips. I tense. Is he a friend or foe?
“Doc?” Camo man’s facial expressions morphs into something friendly.
“Hey, Taylor. I brought a friend with me.”
I wave my fingers.
“Come on I’ll lead you back.” He releases a strange whistle.
The brush comes to life, leaves and branches separate to reveal a previously invisible village. What the hell? How had they managed to keep this place a secret?
I rub my eyes wondering if this is some sort of heat induced mirage. When the sight remains the same, I seek out the wards, trying to gather more information. They push back at my examination. Properly scolded, I turn my attention to the wood buildings are lined up on the left and right, and further back there are cabins.
“Wow,” I whisper.
“We’ve come a long way in the past fifty years or so,” Taylor grins. His chest swells, and he nods.
“You’ve been here that long?” I ask, amazed. This goes against everything preached to us growing up. Not only are they disconnected from the pack, they’re thriving.
What has gone on under my nose? Had my feelings of rejection blinded me to things going on in the pack?
“When you demand change and it doesn’t happen, it’s up to you to make the life you want to live.”
“I like that.” I smile and Taylor winks.
“We’ve been trying to get Doc up here for ages. Maybe you can help us convince him.” Taylor gestures at Kirk. “Are you here to see Maggie?”
“Yes, is she in her apothecary?”
“Should be. I have to ask why we should allow you to bring a stranger in. You know the rules.” His eyes darken, and his spine straightens.
“She’s my mate.” Kirk steps in front of me. “We’re bonded. What I know, she knows.”
Taylor’s eyes bulge. “When did this happen? Why didn’t you send word?”
“Days ago, per Alpha’s orders. It took us all by surprise.”
Taylor’s lips flatten into a thin line and he grunts. “We’ve warned you about him—.”
Kirk holds up a hand. “I know.”
Taylor looks away. “You’re responsible for her actions then. Think about what we’ve said.” He focuses on me. “I’ll see you around. Nice to meet you.”
We head to a small building with the word Apothecary scrawled across it in black cursive.
We step inside, and the bell above the door rings. Greeted by the smell of fresh herbs, my eyes are assaulted by glass jars, books, and hand handmade goods.
