Page 4 of Amaris Rejected

I can't go back to my pack. The humiliation alone would destroy my soul, leaving nothing of my wolf, Lyra. No, I need to find my place in this world. Since Alpha Black believes I'm going with Devon, while Devon clearly has no intention of me doing so, I’m free to go where I want, and no one will be the wiser. I have a year of stipend payments to establish myself somewhere.

I put the keys in the ignition and let fate guide me.As I slip away, I feel a tear form in the fragile bond I share with Devon. I don't even bother glancing back in the rearview mirror.

As I drive, my thoughts wander. I blink and become aware of my surroundings, finding myself miles away in a small college town. I pull into a nearby parking lot, and after checking that the doors are locked, I recline my seat and close my eyes. Since it’s night, I quickly drift into a fitful yet desperately needed sleep.

The sun streaming through the windows wakes me up to my bleak situation the following day. As I look around at the strip mall where I’m parked, I notice it’s filled with shoppers busily entering and exiting the various businesses.

I check the clock on the dashboard and see it's mid-morning. I must have been completely drained to sleep for so long. I exit the car and smooth my wrinkled clothes, running my fingers through my long black hair. I decide that a short walk is exactly what I need.

As I stroll down the strip mall, I’m drawn to a business displaying ahelp-wantedsign on the door. It’s a small shop called The Healing Hand.It resembles an antique apothecary, with several tall shelves behind the counter visible through the large storefront windows. The shelves are stocked with decorative and unique jars and bottles of various sizes.

Back home in Little Silver Creek, I trained with the doctors and healers. In fact, I have all my certificates and degrees stored in a portfolio in the car. I have a knack for working with potions, treatments, and hands-on healing. I’m told I have a gift. I’d planned to study it further after my mating, but that dream has clearly vanished.

As I enter, I browse the shelves and am amazed to discover that I actually know how to make most of the items on display. Not only are there blends for healing nearly every imaginable ailment, but there are also herbs available to use as ingredients for creating your own remedies. I run my fingers across the labels--lotions and creams for skin issues or pain, potions for upset stomachs, and other treatments. The selection and variety are impressive! I’ve never come across a shop like this where the items are pre-made.

While there isn't a large supply of each remedy, since I assume they lose their potency over time, customers are snatching them up, almost like it’s a Black Friday sale.

"Julia, I'm so glad you restocked this," a nearby female exclaims as she grabs a bottle labeledNocturnal Sleep."My insomnia has been acting up."

"I can't keep up with that one," replies the shopkeeper behind the counter, who I assume is Julia. "It has to be fresh to work. I think the whole town suffers from insomnia." Both females laugh at the joke.

As the press of customers dies down momentarily, I approach the proprietress. I can tell by her scent that she is a wolf shifter, as are most of the patrons in the store. "Hi. My name is Amaris. I want to inquire about thehelp wantedsign in the window. Can I get an application?"

The older woman with kind eyes looks at me. "Hi, I'm Julia." she smiles. "I don't have any applications. We really are informal. What are your qualifications?"

"I’ve been training since I graduated high school three years ago. I have certifications, knowledge, and experience making many of the medicinal products you sell in your store, including a good insomnia blend that is shelf-stable." I pause and smile. "I also have experience with hands-on healing, working under doctors. I plan to enroll in university this fall. I need to get a job and find a place to live."

I realize I word-vomited all over her, but I am desperate for work.

Julia returns my smile. "I can give you a try. Bring me your certificates and any letters of recommendation you have, and we can sort out the paperwork this afternoon. I have an extra bedroom upstairs in the apartment that can be part of your wages. If everything clears, you can start tomorrow."

"That would be great! Thanks, Julia!" I walk out the door to text Dr. Shannon.She may not know exactly where I am, but I can still ask her to email me a letter of recommendation regarding my work and experience there. And that's how the rest of my life began.

Chapter 4 - Shadows from the Past

Amaris - Three years later

TheHealing Handis quite busy today. If this trend continues, Julia and I will need to buy the space next to the shop. We became business partners two years ago, after I graduated with honors as a certified and licensed healer from the University of Sparksburg. At that time, we acquired the vacant offices to the left and expanded it to include a healer's clinic.

We’ve also broadened our line of remedies to include not only the basics but also my shelf-stable potion for insomnia, along with several new items I’ve developed. Everything continues to sell out quickly. The business is thriving, with customers coming from all over the territory to purchase and seek treatment at the clinic. My reputation for the gift of healing attracts them in large numbers. Additionally, we are preparing to launch an online store that will offer shipping for at-home shoppers.

We also expanded upward to include a third floor, so now we have two spacious apartments above the shop. Julia and her mate occupy the second floor, while my three-year-old daughter, Zoe, and I live on the third floor.

Shortly after arriving in Sparksburg, I found out I was pregnant. The problem was I didn't have Devon’s contact number. We hadn’t shared much during our few hours together, and honestly, I had no interest in tracking him down. After all, he’d abandoned me, his fated mate, without a single thought. We were legally married, and I had the certificate, but we’d never completed the mate bond by marking each other. So, Zoe and I were just left in limbo.

After following my last patient out of the exam room, I handed the file to my med tech for follow-up. "Jace, since that’s the last patient, I’m heading up to my apartment. Is there anything you need from me before I go?" I ask as I lock the entrance and turn the sign toClosed.

"I don't have anything else," Jace replies. "Have a good night."

"You too, Jace." I stifle a yawn. As I head upstairs, the lights are off in the apothecary, so I assume Julia is back in her office, tallying the shop’s daily sales.

I get to the third-floor landing and punch in the keycode to the door. "Mama!" I hear my three-year-old daughter shriek as I enter.

"Zoe, my darling!" I swing her into my arms. Looking at Mrs. Clark, I ask, "Has she eaten yet?"

Mrs. Clark shakes her head. "Afraid not, dear. I couldn't get her to sit still long enough even to take a bite."

"Zoe!" I sigh. "How will you grow up to be big and strong like Mama if you don't eat?"

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