Page 20 of Blood, Shadow & Claw

Dr. Baker's expression remained unreadable as she continued,"I appreciate your assurance, sir. I have treated Ms. Green's struggles with depression and anxiety for years. She may not have the clarity to make sound decisions for herself now. Perhaps if she underwent an evaluation?"

The officer's eyes narrowed. "We cannot force an evaluation unless there is cause the individual intends to harm."

"I wouldn't hurt anyone—ever," I interjected.

Dr. Baker's nostrils flared. "I only want to do what is best for my patient."

"If that is all, officer?"Ajax added, shutting down whatever nonsense Dr. Baker hoped to add.

"Yes, that's everything. You may not want to disappear again, Ms. Green. I'm glad no harm was done."

I felt a flush of embarrassment at his words. I hadn't meant to worry anybody. Honestly, I hadn't thought anybody would notice I wasn't around. I also felt a mix of anger and frustration bubbling within her.How could Dr. Baker question my agency and autonomy in this way?

"Very well,"Dr. Baker's gaze seemed to spear me through the computer screen. "I will expect you at your next weekly appointment."

"Respectfully, Dr. Baker,"Ajax snapped. "I think you've had more than your fair share of using Mazie's name and subsequent fame to bolster your career."

I hadn't even thought of that. No wonder Dr. Baker was all over the news. It cut that the one person from my old life wasn't worried about me. They were cashing in on their ten seconds of fame. Tears filled my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

"Dr. Baker, I appreciate your past care but no longer need your services. Your concerns are noted, but I would like to officially inform you that any additional interviews or comments on me or my name will result in litigation."

I felt Ajax's gaze snap to my profile, but I refused to look away from the woman with whom I'dshared my darkest secrets and deepest fears. The tension was palpable as we faced off with one another.

The officer broke the silence by telling me, "Should you need any assistance with that, feel free to reach out."

Dr. Baker's inhalation of outrage was audible, and I couldn't help but feel a weight being lifted from my shoulders. The call endedshortly after, and silence descended. As happy as I had just been for finally standing up for myself. Embarrassment flooded me as I worried about what Ajax would think.

"Mazie, look at me,"he commanded.

I would've ignored him if it hadn't been his alpha voice. However, my umbra knew who her alpha was. I looked up through my curls, unshed tears still lingering in my eyes.

"I am so fucking proud of you,"he whispered before crushing his lips against mine.

My heart pounded as his lips pressed against mine, sweet coffee and the earthy scent of his skin filling my senses. My eyes fluttered shut, leaning into the kiss that told me more than words could. His hands cupped my face, holding me close and secure. It seemed as if time slowed as I molded my body against his, feeling the warmth of his lips and the reassurance of his strong arms around me. When he pulled back, he smiled softly, running a thumb across my cheek to wipe away the remaining tears before speaking.

"I am so proud of you,"he repeated, voice low and rumbling. "You stood up for yourself when you didn't have to."

Despite the situation, I felt a sense of gratitude for Ajax's support and admiration. He understood what it meant for me to face someone who had used my story for their gain. It was almost as if he saw into my soul; he knew how hard it was for me to speak up and stand up for myself in front of a room full of strangers - especially when one of them was someone I trusted. The echoing applause from the kitchen was faint but encouraging, as everyone seemed to enjoy the moment between us.

"Thank you,"I whispered back simply,wrapping my arms around his neck. I pulled him close, allowing his stubble's roughness against my cheek to feel familiar yet different now that we were mates. It sent shivers down my spine at how right it all felt. "I was scared they wouldn't believe me,"I admitted, resting my forehead on his chest.

"They should have known better,"he said firmly, leaning down to nuzzle my hairline. "You're safe here, with us."

8

MAZIE

The days flew by as I became more familiar with the pack. I had mastered many of the defense moves that Ajax had taught me. Our bond was more vital than ever, and I finally felt like I belonged. I had friends now. I'd become one of the gang between Eva, Janica, Hope, and Faith. Faith still hero-worshipped me a little, but it was all good fun. I'd even filmed a few new TikTok’s with Faith in them and watched with amusement as her platform began to take seed. She was a beautiful, curvy black woman with so much love and enough sass in her pinky finger to knock the world on its ear. I couldn't wait to see her star soar.

I struggled to balance my old life with the new one, but I was more confident every day that I'd made the right choice. Sighing, I watched as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor as we continued our journey through the heart of Umbra territory. The scent of pine and damp earth filled my senses, grounding me in this moment, in this new reality that was slowly becoming mine.

After a long day's run, Eva and I lay in the grass, watching the day come to a close.

"Okay, shoot," Eva said with a grin, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation. "What's burning a hole in your curiosity, Mazie?"

I hesitated, my thoughts tangling like the surrounding underbrush. "It's... well, it's how you communicate without words. I've noticed little things, scents, and movements that seem to mean more than they usually would."

"Ah, yes!"Eva clapped her hands together, delighted by the topic. "Umbra communication is all about the subtleties. Scent marking, for instance, is a big one. It's how we let others know where we are, how we feel, or even who we belong to."

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