on my mate’s head and the other on his heart. Placing his hands over mine, he chanted some more. By the time he was finished, I could feel the beginnings of what would eventually become our bond.
Gasping, I looked the healer in the eye. “What kind of sorcery are you using to begin the bond for us? I had no idea such a thing was possible. But yet… I can feel his pain, and if I push deeper, I can sense his sweet soul.”
With a sage nod, Isaac managed to appear even more mysterious. “It’s not always possible, but the goddess allowed it as she does in certain, desperate cases. Just as you can sense his soul, he can feel yours as well. His unconscious mind will allow his wolf permission to absorb your strength and recognize you as their alpha mate. Sharing the pain will transfer its burden to the stronger mate and help the weaker body find the strength it needs to heal.”
“Seriously? Then pile it on. I have wide shoulders and a strong back. I can carry all of his pain.” I meant it too, every word.
Isaac smiled, the expression startling and almost gruesome, despite its raw beauty on his weathered face. “And your answer, young man, is exactly why the goddess allowed a partial bond to be put in place. The strongest part of you is your warm heart. I would urge you to remember that and let love guide you through whatever life throws your way. If you lead from compassion, you will never go wrong.“
Unsure how to respond, I swallowed uncomfortably and nodded toward my mate. “What happens now? Will he need surgery? Or do we gotta wait and see what happens overnight?”
Shaking his head, Isaac tutted as he turned for the door. “Now we sleep and wait for the boy to awaken. My advice would be to shift and curl up beside him tonight. It will strengthen your bond and keep him warm and allow your wolf the comfort of protecting your mate.”
He started to leave, then turned back with one more thought. “You can move him from the table. His body is out of danger now. There’s a bed in the corner—feel free to make use of it. You will both rest better there.“
Until I found myself alone with Thirteen, I didn’t realize Matt and Eli had disappeared at some point. I didn’t blame them. They had a newborn sleeping upstairs, along with their two other children—actually Eli’s brothers, but Matt had adopted them as his own. At six and twelve, the boys deserved a happy childhood and needed every bit of the protection a strong alpha like Matt would give them.
When Matt met his mate and found a family in the process, I hadn’t thought I could ever be happier. Funny how finding my own mate completely eclipsed my joy for him.
Taking Isaac’s advice, I carried Thirteen over to the bed and got him settled before stripping and allowing my wolf to emerge. Isaac was correct, I quickly discovered, as I curled protectively around my mate and finally felt at peace. My wolf and I were in complete agreement; this was absolutely where we needed to be right now.
In this form, I could feel the bond more strongly, smell his scent, and even better, imprint mine on him. It wasn’t much, but it allowed me to rest. Using my teeth, I grabbed the blanket and pulled it over us. Not only would it keep us warm, but it would save my mate from potential embarrassment if he woke in human form and found himself naked. Closing my eyes, I let go of the stress of the night and allowed his sweet fragrance to lull me to sleep.
As I slowly began to wake, I felt more rested than I ever had in my life. My first urge was to stretch and flex my muscles, except then I would have to open my eyes, and I wasn't sold on the idea of leaving this perfect cocoon just yet. Except I was also aware of two other things—my face warming from the sun streaming through the window and the overpowering, sweet smell of… Mate.
My eyes popped open as last night came flooding back to me. As I remembered, a new awareness spread over me. Someone was watching me. Obviously, it wasn't a danger since my stupid wolf was too busy preening and licking his paws, preparing himself for our mate. Idiot. Except… Maybe I