say so the guys can help me. And Alistair’s never gone more than a few weeks without getting himself into trouble.
If he doesn’t have anyone looking after him, what’s going to happen to him? I left him enough money that he should be fine financially for a while. But what if he gambles it all away? It wouldn’t be the first time. What if he hires someone to help find me, and he ends up signing away his life—or worse—in a contract? What if Thaddeus is holding him captive or did something horrible to him like he did to me, just because Al wouldn’t get back together with him?
Alistair’s powers are getting stronger too, and I shudder to imagine what he might do by mistake out of anger and fear at losing me. How many innocent people might he accidentally kill? How many supernaturals will he piss off? I’ve protected him in the past to the best of my abilities, but who will help him now?
Horrible memories flash through my mind and threaten to swallow me up. Blood, screaming, dark alleys, the laughter of cruel men, rough hands, fire, death. All the things Alistair and I have been through together. It’s never mattered that he constantly gets himself into trouble and frequently drags me into it. I would protect him from anything.
It feels silly to cling to the hope that Lord Rian and the witch, Matthieu, might take care of Al. But it’s the only hope I have. If they really are Al’s mates, they’ll help him, right? Mate bonds are strong and sacred for any creature. And Lord Rian seemed so sure that night at his party.
He seemed pretty sure I could be his mate too. And look where I am now. It’s too confusing and gut-wrenching to let myself think about that too hard, so I shove the idea away and swallow the lump in my throat.
There’s a loud crash outside, and I tilt my face toward the window. It’s not like I can see anything from here, but it’s a good reminder that I’m not alone. Maalik, Reule, Audun, and Caelan are good men, and they’ve taken good care of me so far.
Lying here feeling sorry for myself, worrying about Alistair and my mates, isn’t doing anyone any good. I need to just keep moving forward. Keep learning everything I can about my mates, this world, and their language. And is it really so bad if I enjoy myself in the process?
I decide to get up and shower so I can join Maalik outside. Maybe he doesn’t want me for a mate, or maybe he’s shy, for whatever reason. But we’re not going to get closer unless I force him to endure my presence. Besides, I’ve realized way too quickly that being left alone is the last thing I want. I dress in multiple layers along with a scarf, hat, and gloves since I’m sure I’ll be outside for a while.
Before I lace up my boots and leave the cabin, I decide to grab a quick snack. When I walk into the kitchen, I grin like an idiot when I see a plate of muffins sitting on the counter. I have no idea which of the guys made them. Caelan does nearly all the cooking, and it’s possible he made these early this morning.
When I touch them, they’re soft and still the tiniest bit warm. Which means they’re fresh and they haven’t been cooling for that long. Butterflies erupt in my stomach at the realization Maalik probably snuck back inside while I was sleeping and made them for me.
I snatch two of the muffins, shove my feet into my boots, and walk outside with renewed determination.
Despite the fresh snow on the ground, it’s sunny and not as cold as I expected. Or maybe I’m just getting used to the climate up here. It’s getting easier to walk in the snow too, and I only stumble once before I make it to the back of the cabin where the shed and Maalik’s workshop is.
There are nervous butterflies in my stomach as I take a step into the outdoor workshop. Maalik is nowhere to be seen, and I can’t help widening my eyes in awe. It’s bigger than it looks on the outside, and there are so many tools organized neatly around the space. I bite my lip against a grin when I see hand-crafted shelves and drawers set off to the side.