Page 3 of The Wolf's Mate

Any sane person would, but I think I’ve established I’m far from sane. Especially agreeing to something so outlandish and reckless. Who in their right mind would willingly agree to be swept away from the world they know, only to end up in a completely different time and place, about to marry their king?

Someone who is finally doing right by their family.

Someone like me.

I never pictured myself settling down. Not when my life is in constant motion, and stopping leaves me to deal with emotions I’d much rather keep buried. If not, the hurt, embarrassment, and pity would snake their way in, pulling me down until I can’t find my way out of the black hole I created.

I’m not thrilled about marrying a stranger—let alone anyone—but the way I see it, this is a mutually beneficial business deal. I get the assurance that my family will be free of my baggage and cared for, and my future husband gets whatever The Guardian promised him.

Still, I’ve been burned one too many times to fully trust this stranger. “My family will be taken care of? Just as you have listed out in the document?”

“Just as I have listed out. They will receive the financial assistance and resources they need to either improve their home or upgrade if they choose. Your rather extensive list of misdemeanors will no longer be an issue, and your family will no longer be responsible for those fees. Your father’s medical bills will be paid in full as well,” The Guardian explains. He reminds me of a doctor explaining their patient’s prognosis, knowing they’d have to do this again right after.

I don’t care how he speaks to me as long as he delivers what we agreed upon.

“How will I know you actually did your part?”

He sighs, but soon his mask of indifference is back in place. “Because, Ms. Ortega, this contract magically binds the signers to their word. Just as you can never leave Mescos, I’ll not have peace until my end of the bargain is complete. I’m quite fond of my peace and am unwilling to give that up.”

I pause, my body stiffening. I’ve read the damn contract over and over again and know there’s no coming back. I’ve accepted it, but I still mourn the life I’m leaving. It’s strange—perhaps even naïve—to believe him, but something about him makes me feel like I can trust him. Maybe it’s his name. The Guardian. He wouldn’t have that name if he wasn’t in the business of protecting people…would he?

I’m also so damn tired of being lied to, I want to believe there are still good people in this world.

“Okay,” I finally say, and my acquiescence is enough to get The Guardian walking to the back of his house. I take it as my sign to follow and have to jog to keep up with his long strides. He doesn’t slow his pace for me, but he looks over his shoulder to make sure I’m not far away. Grass stays close to me, matching my speed.

“Mescos will be your new home?—”

“Yeah, you keep saying that. What is Mescos exactly?” I interrupt, never one to let a question go unasked.

“Another realm. Quite different from this one. Your home will be in the Lycan Forest.” The Guardian gives me no further explanation than this. Questions burn on the tip of my tongue, and I nearly ask them, until he stops so suddenly, I almost plow right through him.

At first, nothing remarkable stands out. Small rocks are laid out in a large circle before us. In the center is an archway made of stone; moss and vines cover the pedestals. The Guardian touches the arch, and slowly, a shimmer appears. A creamy-white layer that looks like satin covers the opening of the archway.

“What the fuck is that?”

If the Guardian is upset by my vulgarity, he doesn’t show it. Instead, the giant of a man takes my hand. His grip is surprisingly gentle, and his hands are soft against my own.

“This, Ms. Ortega, is the portal we will use to get to your new home.” He starts moving forward. Whether of my own volition or because he’s pulling me, I move with him, tugging on Grass’s collar so he stays close. “No more dallying. Your alpha is waiting.”

My…what?

Before I have the chance to process The Guardian’s words, we step through the shimmering veil, and the world around me is no more.

Chapter 2

Hettie

“What the hell was that?” I choke out, falling on my ass in the dirt. The door—or portal, as The Guardian called it—felt like riding a roller coaster in pitch darkness. It wasn’t scary as much as it was disorienting and something I would love to never experience again.

Of course, The Guardian looks like he stepped off the fashion runway. He offers me his hand, and I allow him to help me up. Grass barks behind me, letting his displeasure be known.

“Me too, dude,” I mumble, shakily getting to my feet with The Guardian’s help. Soft fur nuzzles against my leg, and Grass licks me with his slobbery tongue.

Once my world stops spinning, I take in my new surroundings.

We stand on a dirt path in the middle of a woodsy area. Trees the size of three-story buildings loom over the town, providing protection from the sun. All around me are beautifully built cabins, varying in size. The air smells of burning logs, reminding me of cozy nights by the fire. I feel like I’ve stepped into a Hallmark holiday movie.

Behind us appears to be a market full of women, men, and children weaving in and out of stores. Large dogs, far larger than any dogs I’ve seen before, walk amongst the crowd. A few people catch my eye but quickly turn away to whisper something into their friend’s ear. I know they are talking about me because they keep looking back.

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