Page 65 of The Wolf's Mate
I try to put myself in her shoes. How I would feel if Rip was the one leaving today? Images of last night flood my brain. How he made me come undone on the counter and carried me to bed after. I remember being slightly delirious from lack of good sleep and amazing fucking, and I may or may not have said the “L” word to him. I hope it was a dream. He’s said nothing about it, and neither have I.
But if he were leaving today like Zora’s mate, would I say it again? I don’t know. But I don’t think I’d be handling myself any better than her.
I search through the group of wolves saying goodbye, but I don’t see the one person I’m looking for. “Excuse me—sorry—” I push my way through people to get to Thorne.
Thorne is rarely without a smile or a teasing gleam in his eyes. The man I see before me is one of military caliber, dishing out orders and providing comforting words to family members. His face brightens marginally when he finally notices I’m here and excuses himself from his conversation.
“Luna, it’s good to see you here,” he greets formally. I know it’s for the benefit of others, but I still don’t like it.
“Where’s Tallie?”
Thorne sighs. “Back at home. We said our goodbyes already. We didn’t want to prolong it anymore.”
I nod, feeling partially responsible for this, even though that’s not the truth. I just think if I did more to find wolfsbane, or could magically defeat the rogues and Nephilim, no one would be teary-eyed right now.
It’s irrational, but guilt usually is.
“I have no right to ask you this, but while I’m gone, could you look after?—”
“Of course,” I say before he can finish asking. “I’ll watch over Tallie and keep her company. She has Grass too, and he is the best cuddle bug.”
That earns me a smile, and I reach out to squeeze his arm. “Bring back help. Let’s end these bastards.”
Finally, the silly, wolfish grin I’ve come to associate with Thorne makes its appearance. “I like your spirit, Luna. It’s going to take our pack far.”
I only hope he’s right.
I hang around a little while longer, waiting until Rip needs to go over the final details with Thorne before I leave. It takes me only five minutes to get to Tallie’s, and I let myself in for once.
“Tallie?” I call but get no response, so I push my way inside.
As always, the house is immaculate and cozy. A roaring fire burns in the fireplace, and a woolen blanket is draped over the blue couch. Breakfast still lingers in the air. The doors leading to the backyard from the main room are open, and I see a flash of golden fur.
“Tallie?” I call again, and this time Grass picks his head up. When he notices me, his tail wags in excitement. “Hey, boy.” I smile. “Where’s Tallie, sweet boy?”
“I’m right here,” she calls from the porch. I don’t see her until I exit the cabin. Tallie is curled up on the wooden rocking chair, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She smiles at me, and I’m relieved to see it’s genuine. “Hey.”
“Just came by to check on you.” I take a seat next to her. Grass, who thinks he’s a lap dog, crawls up to situate himself on me.
“Honestly, I just want this all to end. I’m so tired of living in fear. So tired of not knowing if I’ll get the sickness or if someone I love will. I would rather have Thorne with me, but if this means ending this cursed war, then it’s a small sacrifice.” She takes a sip from her mug.
Tallie and the rest of the pack have dealt with the rogues, Nephilim, and sickness longer than I’ve been here. I can only sympathize with a fraction of their pain.
“It needs to end.” Tallie puts her mug down on the table before turning to me. “If we had more able-bodied wolves to fight, we could defend our kingdom better. But the cursed sickness is wiping us out rapidly.”
“I know, we need to help the sick wolves?—”
“We should find the wolfsbane calling for you.”
I blink, uncertain I heard her correctly. When she doesn’t laugh or say she’s kidding, I snort. “Weren’t you the one who told me to wait yesterday?”
“Yeah, well?—”
“And that it would be dangerous for us to go?” I add.
“Yeah, but?—”
“Tallie, if Rip knew I left, especially now, and with you…I think he might actually kill me.” We had somewhat of a breakthrough last night, building trust. Not only within each other, but also as a couple. I don’t want to jeopardize that.