Page 58 of King of Inferno

Wolf Friends

I’m kind of excited. Bradan is taking me to the pack grounds for the first time. He decided to make the trip the human way. We’re riding to upstate New York on the back of his bike—although he did send our things ahead for us to stay the weekend.

I’m still getting used to magic being such a big part of my life. Being able to go for a ride makes me feel normal again. I really don’t mind the long trip. I’m enjoying being on the back of his bike with my arms wrapped around him and the wind blowing in my face. He has kept a hand on my thigh the entire time.

“We’ll be there soon. Are you okay back there?”

I smile as I hear his voice in my head. He’s been checking on me periodically to see if he might need to teleport us there if the ride becomes too much. However, I’m in no mood to rush this.

We’ve grown into a routine that has brought so much joy into my life. I spend my days training and my evening studying, at clinics, or in class. With each day, the connection between us has grown deeper.

Let’s not forget the scorching-hot nights. Bradan has opened up a whole new world to me and I’m not complaining in the least. I look forward to our nights together.

I sigh and snuggle closer to him. It’s like having a huge, warm teddy bear of my own. I’m completely engulfed in his scent, which brings me so much comfort and another level of peace.

“I’m fine. You don’t have to rush.”

“They have planned a feast for us. We don’t want to be late.”

“They didn’t have to go through any trouble for me. I’m excited to get to meet everyone and get some time with the girls in their home.”

“That reminds me. When you see Nik, try not to react.”

“What do you mean?”

“You will see,” he says as we pull off the main road and onto a winding one that leads us deep into a wooded area.

When we come out onto a gravel road, up ahead there’s a gate manned by a few guys I believe are wolves. They have the build and stature I recognize from the wolves I’ve met at the clubhouse.

Bradan pulls up to them and stops. He and one of the guys exchange a few words and laugh. Two others closer to the gate open it and we go through.

I’m in awe of the community we begin to ride through. The road winds through some gorgeous homes in cute little neighborhoods. The farther we go, the nicer the homes become.

We ride into what looks like the town square after a few minutes. There are cute shops lining the area. I smile at the cute signs that have moons and wolves on them. When we come to a little turnabout, I notice the signs note the names of the pack the turns break off into.

“Would you like to stop and go to some of the shops?” Bradan pushes into my head to ask as he takes a second turn around the turnabout.

“Yes, please. I would love to.”

“The alphas are attending to a little pack business. We have a minute to browse for a bit.”

“I can use human money, right?”

He chuckles in my thoughts. “Yes, but even if you couldn’t, it’s my treat. I’ll get you anything you want.”

My cheeks heat, but I don’t reply. He always wants to take care of me. I don’t mind, but sometimes I wonder if it’s just because of the bond between us or if he’s falling for me as much as I’m falling for him.

He pulls into an alley between a couple of shops. It spills out into a parking lot behind the shops. I’m surprised to see a row of bikes lined up in the lot. Bradan parks and cuts the engine.

We climb off the bike, and he leads me into the back door of one of the shops with his palm on the small of my back. I look up at him, smiling like a little kid entering a candy shop.

My smile grows as I note we’re entering a little gift shop. My sisters immediately come to mind. I would love to get some things to take back for them.

“Taylor,” Nika sings as she appears.

She rushes over to pull me into a hug. I love that her hugs are so warm. Nika and the other ladies have really gone a long way in helping me come out of my shell.

I haven’t been as shy around them, and I consider them my friends. Nika has become like a mother figure. She worries and fusses over me the most.

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