Page 32 of Incurably Cupid

“You’re such a good girl,” I whispered, and she panted happily, whining as she nuzzled my legs gently with her nose.

“She’shuge!”Indie said again, her eyes wide in amazement.

I nodded, trying to keep Lady’s cold nose from exploring the wounds she’d already detected by scent under my shirt. “Yeah,she’s a St. Bernard. They get pretty big. They’re really smart, as well.”

Indie knelt next to Lady and started petting her hesitantly. “Don’t the humans use this breed of dog for avalanche rescues?”

“It’s true, they do well in the snow, but I think they use a few different breeds—ones that are intelligent and have a good work ethic.”

Indie hummed in thought, then yawned as she stood. “Well, I’m heading to bed. I have a class to teach tomorrow, and I wanted to search some more for your soulmate. Leo put together a few places for me to try.”

My heart broke a little. “Thank you, Indie,” I said gravely.

She nodded. “It’s what I do.” Then she turned to my friend. “Dante, call before you come back, or I will not be held responsible for your hospital bills.” Her tone had turned icy.

Dante nodded, wide-eyed. “Yes, ma’am.”

With that, Indie spun on her heels and left us to get as much rest as possible before she had to teach in the morning.

“Mes?”

“Yep.”

“You’ve got a wild one there.”

I sat back in my wheelchair, casting a last glance at Indie’s closed door. “She’s perfect,” I said softly.

Chapter 11

Indie

“Love seeks to understand.”

Cupid Inc. New Recruit Training Manual

Iarrived at Glacier Falls near Interlaken, Switzerland, around three the next afternoon. Ether travel was instantaneous and, thankfully, could take me anywhere in the world.

This area was nestled in a narrow valley between the lakes of Thun and Brienz, surrounded by dense forests, Alpine meadows, and freezing glaciers.

In short, it was magical.

Glacier Falls was encircled by emerald forests and cascading waterfalls. Wildflower meadows stretched out beneath the towering silhouettes of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. A network of crystal-clear mountain springs fed into hidden grottoes, while the Silberbach Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall, crashed dramatically into an underground river beneath the west end of the city.

It was a perfect blend of old and new.

The streets were paved, yet classic timber-framed houses with flower boxes lined the roads at every turn. Luxury Swiss chalets stood side by side with medieval stonework, and the gothic spires of beautiful churches pierced the sky.

At the center of town stood an enormous cathedral with soaring spires, stained glass, and a bell tower that tolled the hour.

The savory aromas wafting from the main street downtown drew me in, and I stopped at a cute café for fondue and crusty bread. As I ate, I kept an eye out for anyone who sparked my cupid senses for Mesmer. After my snack, I wandered through the shops and the entire downtown area, waiting for a soul to resonate with me... but no one did.

Dejected, I climbed a hill alongside the Glacier River and sat on a wooden bench. The falls roared behind me, distant enough that I could still hear myself think.

I had been searching for his mate for a year now. I’d never had an assignment last this long or be this difficult before—and I had faced some tough assignments in my past. Some tough,failedassignments. But it was because of those failed assignments that I refused to give up. Mesmer deserved someone special.

I was actually getting used to having Mesmer around. My little house wasn’t as starkly quiet anymore. It had the sounds of another soul puttering around—showering, eating, sleeping, joking with Leo about something. It was bizarre how comforting his presence had become in my life. I worried that I was growing attached to him. There was attraction there, more than I cared to admit. But I could never be what he needed.

He needed his mate.

---