Page 31 of Not Your Ordinary Shifter

Twice the Destiny

MAUREEN SHIGENO

Chapter

One

REECE

I’ve worked hard all my life, and for what?

Fucking wolves.

This shouldn’t have happened. Coming to the mountains should’ve been refreshing. It should’ve given me a chance to get to know myself. Instead, I’m trying to fit into wherever the hell I’ve just stepped into.

I fight to steel my nerves when I notice the wolves creep closer. They stop as our gazes connect.

Shit.

Even they know I don’t belong here. The story of my life. As an orphan, I’ve never belonged anywhere. I thought these mountains would accept me. The three hungry-looking wolves seem to disagree.

They crouch down in the snow and growl. I take a step back, but freeze as they snap their teeth.

What the hell do I do? Run? Play dead?

I glance around.Damn. There’s nothing to defend myself with. I’m in an open field with nowhere to hide and nothing but snow to throw at them.

I should have stayed closer to the house, where I could have darted inside, but I was itching to take a walk. To feel the serenity of the forest echoing inside me. I desperately needed the crisp air to clear my mind so I could understand why my life was so empty.

I have no friends, no family, not even a dog. There’s no job waiting for me back in the city or a home to call my own.

Considering my life from an outsider’s perspective is even more pathetic than living it. I sigh.

God. Is this really how I’m going to die? Denied of a promotion I worked my ass off for, quitting a dead-end job I stayed at for over ten years in a fit of rage, and freezing my ass off in the middle of nowhere on the first vacation I’ve ever taken? This trip was meant to help me turn a new page, restart my life.

Instead, when my life is already at rock-bottom, I’m going to be torn to shreds by wild animals.

Just fucking great.

Chapter

Two

GRANT

As I meander through the pasture, fresh fallen snow coats my thick fur. I try to shake it off, but more accumulates. In my bison form, I can trudge through the snow much easier than in human form. Seems crazy to take a walk in this mess, but I can’t stay at home with my brothers any longer or I’ll go nuts. Charlie and Kimberly’s happy-go-lucky attitude is too much to bear. I’m happy my brother found his mate and is living the blissful life we all dream of, but it’s torturous to watch when you feel it may never happen for you.

My twin brother, Connor, struggles with it as well; that’s the worst part. With our bond, I don’t only have to deal with the pain I feel, but also with Connor’s despair telepathically swirling inside me.

It’s a lot to handle. I may not voice my emotions much, but deep down, I’m struggling. The years of waiting has taken its toll on our sanity. It would be nice if we shared a mate. It’s uncommon, but not unheard-of. Having to watch Connor find his mate before me would be my undoing, and vice versa.

A gust of wind blows more snow into face. I shake my head to remove it. My nose tickles with a flowery scent.

I stiffen. We’re in the middle of a continuous winter storm in Wyoming. There are no living plants except evergreens.

Curiosity has me following the alluring fragrance. Being a shifter, my sense of smell is strong, as are my other senses. Visitors are rare during this time of year. There are a few cabins for rent, spaced out by miles to give everyone privacy.

I stop at the tree line and stare out into the open pasture. A woman stands surrounded by three wolves. Ringlets of her blonde hair blow in the wind. The blue puffy jacket she’s wearing swallows her whole.

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