Page 136 of The Wolf King's Mate

We could never go back to the way things had been before my first heat screwed up everything, but maybe things could be okay again.

If not now, then eventually.

Clay cleared his throat. “Well, here are the basics. We’re closing our borders for now. No new groupies. No new humans at all. Our people can still go in and out, but no one without a Crimson River ID can rent property, get a job, or anything else. They won’t be participating in the mess. Any woman with an ID who wants to be changed will fill out an application. Mates will get first priority, of course.”

He continued, “Before we get to the applications, we give priority to a few women who are part of a trustworthy mated pair that is willing to offer their services to help transform more women for at least a year. There will be contracts involved. Whether or notwe can enforce them will be legally debatable, but we’re hoping the fine for breaking it will convince people to take it seriously. We’re going to need a lot of women who are willing to transform others.”

Nods went around the room.

“What does this have to do with us?” Nova checked, gesturing between herself and Sydney.

“I’m getting there.” Clay gave her a deadpanned stare.

She lifted her hands.

“The sooner we can get a few women mated and willing to do this for us, the sooner we can settle the city and clear out the threat in the forest. As long as that exists, we can’t hunt rogue wolves. If someone goes rabid, people are going to die. Potentially a lot of them.”

Sydney paled a little.

Nova glared at Clay and put a hand on Sydney’s shoulder.

“It’s okay,” Sydney said quietly. “You want me to try to turn someone?”

Clay nodded. “If you’re willing. We only have five days until the eclipse, so it would be best to do it now. So we can get those couples fully mated, beneath the next full moon. If you do, it will likely take longer to recover, because you don’t have a mate. Or an almost mate.”

That comment was geared toward me and Enzo.

She let out a breath. “Does it have to be someone you’re romantic with? Could another man help?”

“No one else tried to touch Aspen,” Clay said. “So I guess we don’t know. I would be willing to hold your hand or something to try it out, if you wanted.”

“I’m definitely willing to try,” Sydney agreed. “If just so we can get your people back into the forest to prevent the rabid problem from getting worse. The doctor gave me a clean bill of health. The transformation healed me completely, and fast. I should be okay to do it whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you,” Enzo said.

A few people looked surprised.

I wasn’t one of them. I barely caught myself in time, but I did catch myself.

Nova chewed her lip. “I’m supposed to go into heat next week. I’d need a ride up to my apartment in Greenview pretty soon afterward. Or some really strong drugs.”

Hunter snarled.

Everyone looked pointedly away, except Nova and Silas. They both glared at him.

“I’ll take care of it,” Hunter bit out.

“I amnotspending heat with you. I know how that story goes.” She gestured between me and Enzo. “I’d rather suffer it out alone. Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Ouch.

Enzo squeezed my thigh. I put my hand on top of his. Considering our conversation earlier, I figured he was probably feeling bad. Or worried. Or something similar.

“Then I’ll get you safely to a place where you can suffer without a risk of getting attacked,” Hunter gritted out.

“Fine.” She scowled at him again, but there was less heat behind it. “I guess I’m in.”

“You don’t have to do it,” I said. “No one will be upset if you choose not to. It’s hard on your body.”

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