Page 32 of Cursed Wolf

“From talking to Aria and Riley, it seems their wolves began awakening from dormancy once they began spending time with their mates,” Griselda said. “They started feeling like another being was inside them, talking to them. And when things became physical,” she arched an eyebrow at me, “more of those possessive mating instincts came through. The urge to bite and claim, and to have animalistic sex with their mate as soon as possible. Both women told me this, so there does appear to be a pattern of symptoms.”

“That’s good to know, but two people is hardly a sample size,” Gran pointed out.

“I know, but it’s a promising start.”

I scratched my beard, contemplating. “I could ask her about the biting, maybe. She seems a little shy, though. And things are still new between us.”

“She’ll be less shy once her wolf starts making demands.” Gran chuckled, then became stern. “Be careful, bear. You shouldn’t be out in the human world near or on the full moon.”

“I know, Gran.”

“Yes, you know, but the pull to your mate will be extraordinarily strong during that time, especially if you have not yet claimed her. It may be physically painful to stay away, but until she knows what’s going on, you have to.”

“Right. I got it.”

“She will likely feel the effects too, if her wolf is indeed waking up.”

The thought of Emmaline alone and unbearably horny on the full moon was enough to make my wolf whine in distress. I know, buddy, I told him. It was awful to think of our mate in such pressing need, so much frustration that only I could satisfy, and being forced to stay away from her. It would feel like torture for her, and certainly would be for me, knowing I couldn’t be there to soothe those aches and pains.

“The full moon is in a week, by the way,” Gran said.

My teeth clenched in my jaw. “I know that, Gran.”

The ancient witch held up a finger in warning. “Don’t you growl at me, pup. I’m not one of your packmates you can snarl and bark at.”

“I’m sorry.”

I forced myself to relax. Gran was so much more than a witch, more than my family. She was a pillar of Vargmore, descended from one of the first witch families to make their home in the land of the wolves. The moon’s magic ran deeply through her bloodline. She was ancient and wise, commanding respect even from the oldest, most grizzled wolves in the territory.

Gran softened at my apology. “Don’t try to rush things, bear. Ensure your human feels safe with you. This will be a hard moon to get through, but you will get through it. And so will she.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Gran.”

She smiled broadly at me. “Trust in fate, son. Trust that she will love and accept you for exactly who you are.”

“I hope so.” Pushing my chair back, I proceeded to stand, and my grandmother did the same. “No, don’t get up?—”

My protests were met with a growl that would make any wolf lower their head, and a loving hug wrapped around my waist. The moment we separated, my phone went off.

“Is that her?” Griselda’s eyes widened eagerly.

“No, it’s Derric.” I too had hoped it was Emmaline, giving my apparently strange six-digit number a try.

“Tell the Alpha I said hello.” Gran settled back in her chair with her blanket and her tea.

“Will do.” I bent to kiss her forehead before answering the phone on the way back to my bike. “Hey, Alpha.”

“Where are you?” Derric’s voice was clipped, all business.

“Witch’s lodge. I was just visiting Gran. She says hello, by the way.”

“Meet us at the northern border by Helios.” He didn’t even acknowledge Gran, which meant this was super serious.

“What’s going on?”

“Vampire sightings in the angels’ city.”

Well, that was some bad fucking news. “I’m on my way.” I ended the call and rode like hell toward Helios City.

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