Page 9 of The Wolf's Mate

I don’t believe Tallie has the answers, but maybe she can give me some insight into this strange new world. I’d rather not be locked away in some bedroom, waiting for my fate to be sealed.

“I would love a tour. I’ll follow your lead,” I say.

“This is our main shopping center in town.” Tallie gestures to the stores, all clustered together in a semicircle. More cabins line the cobblestone path leading to the town’s center with small signs I recognize. Seamstress. Café. Grocers. Medicines.

If I didn’t walk through a portal this morning, I wouldn’t ever think I left Grym Hollow.

“It’s not usually this busy. We just have more people here than normal. Many of these people had cabins in different parts of Lycan Forest, but many have moved closer for safety reasons,” she explains, justifying the hordes of people coming in and out of stores. Multiple times I had to step out of the way to avoid getting run over by someone not paying attention to where they’re going.

“Why are there more people here? Is something going on?” My curiosity gets the best of me.

Tallie stiffens next to me. She seems to mull over my words, like she’s not sure the best way to answer. “I can’t say much…” she trails off. “Rip will kill me if I do. But I will say that things here aren’t good. We are facing new enemies and conflicts we’ve never encountered before. That’s why you are here. To help us.”

I’m taken aback by her answer. “Me?” I laugh, but it sounds more panicked than anything. “How the hell am I supposed to help you?” I couldn’t help anyone back in Grym Hollow until I left, and I doubt I’ll be much help here with literal wolves and monsters.

Tallie just shrugs. “Ender said you would. He was right when King Malix asked for assistance and brought Rose to him. Now he’s brought you to us, which means things will get better.”

I’m not sure if she says that last part for her benefit or my own. Before I can dive deeper into that, Tallie takes my hand. “Let’s keep going. There’s a lot more to see.” She pulls me into a busy shopping district.

Many people walk in groups. There’s very little laughter, just tense whispers and the occasional shout. Many of the shoppers look over their shoulders as if waiting for something to pop out unexpectedly. There’s an undercurrent of fear here that I can’t shake.

If Tallie notices, she doesn’t comment.

“This is shift-change time for the wolves. Morning workers are being replaced by the night workers. That’s why you see so much activity right now. Everyone here has a job, usually one they pick for themselves, and they’re required to report to their duty when they are able,” Tallie says, smiling at an elderly couple walking by her.

Since the start of the tour, I’ve seen many people of all ages come up and speak to Tallie. Maybe it’s because she’s the cousin to the King Alpha, but I think she’s the type of person others are drawn to because of her friendly disposition. She takes an interest in people, asking them about important happenings in their lives. It appears effortless for her, and I envy her ability to connect with people. It’s not something that comes easily to me.

“Why do you call them wolves?” I ask, since this isn’t the first time she’s referred to her people as such.

“Because that’s what we are,” she says simply. “Our wolves are our natural form. Who we identify as. These human-like bodies we have are useful in many situations, so that’s why you’ll see most of us walking around in this form when we’re in town.”

“So, if you wanted to change into a wolf right now…you could? Does it hurt?” I try to wrap my head around it.

“It hurt the first few times I shifted, but you kinda get used to the pain. Do you want to see?” Tallie grins, all too happy to magically turn into a wolf for my benefit.

“Uhm, maybe next time.” I’ve reached my limit on what I can handle today. The woman in front of me turning into a wolf might just push me over the edge.

Sensing my discomfort, Grass nuzzles my leg. He has stuck by my side since leaving the packhouse, and, despite my cautious attitude toward my new home, Grass is having the time of his life. He loves all the open areas to run. Everyone we pass stares at me with curiosity, but their face transforms to one of wonder when they see Grass next to me.

And apparently everyone is his best friend now because he hasn’t growled or barked at anyone. He’s gone up to people without fear and instantly rolled over to show his belly. I’m certain Grass has never had this many belly rubs in his life, and he’s absolutely loving it.

“Totally understandable. I imagine this is a lot to take in.” Tallie reaches out to squeeze my shoulder. Her touch is gentle, making me think of a friend’s concern. Maybe Tallie and I could be friends. She’d be my first real one.

“It is.” I nod. “Everything is new and overwhelming. Plus, I’m not used to so many people staring at me.”

Not even trying to hide their stares, either. It’s full-on stop and stare. Even when I catch them, they continue to take me in.

“Ah, yeah, it must be strange. People here aren’t used to seeing a human. They know very little about the situation, except that you were brought here for Alpha Rip. You’re the talk of the town. But don’t worry. Everyone’s been instructed to leave you alone and let you get acclimated before they bombard you with questions. Rip didn’t want this to be any harder on you than it already has to be.”

That is…strangely sweet of him. Maybe he has a sliver of a heart.

The sun is quickly setting, and a new chill stings my skin. I shiver, not prepared for cold weather.

Tallie notices. “Let me show you to your room, so you can get settled tonight.” She loops her arm through mine, and I let her lead me back to the packhouse.

“Do you live here too?” I ask.

“No, but I do have a room here if I wanted. I live back in one of the residential areas with my mate.”

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