Page 83 of Ravaged Wolf
“You did? When was this?”
“When Izzy first showed up. You were fixing the rabbit hutch.”
“I don’t remember a damn thing anyone said that day. I hardly remember what happened.”
“Good thing,” Cadoc said, chuckling. “You puked in front of everyone. Very embarrassing, and not the reaction a female is looking for when she shows up.”
“It’s a damn miracle she agreed to stay.”
“I don’t know about that.” Cadoc slapped me on the back. “Your mate knows what she wants, and she’s got a very familiar stubborn streak. I’ll pray for you. The only reason I can sleep at night is because my mate has a gargantuan wolf to back her up.”
My mate’s new stubbornness is on full display today. I told Izzy that Cadoc already agreed that she can stay, but she insists on talking to Cadoc and Rosie herself, and she’s nervous. She spent extra time on her hair this morning,rebraiding it until she felt it hung straight, and she didn’t touch her breakfast.
She doesn’t want me to go with her. I’m compromising by walking her there and sitting with Granddad while she talks to the alpha and his mate. Izzy’s jitters rile my wolf, but I recognize that this is important to her, even if I can’t quite understand why.
“You sure?” I ask when we get to the den.
“Yes.” She smooths her palms down her pants. “You stay here.”
Pale but determined, she takes a step toward the small firepit with the rickety wooden dining chairs and overturned milk crates where Rosie and Cadoc hold court when they’re hanging out, and then she stops and glances back over her shoulder at me. “It’ll be okay,” she says. She’s not telling me. She’s asking.
My heart cracks open. “Yes. It’ll be fine.”
She nods firmly and strides off. I make my way to Granddad and sit on the edge of the vacant rocker next to him.
“What are you doing here, pup? Is it raining?”
“No, it’s nice out.”
“And you’re not busting your ass for that female? Finally letting yourself get comfortable, eh?”
Not hardly. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life, but you couldn’t tell from my body. Every muscle I’ve got, as well as my stomach, is a knot. “I’ll get back to work in a few. When Izzy’s done here.”
Granddad squints across the den. “What’s she doing talking to the alpha?”
“Asking him if she can stay here when he already said she can.”
I’m not really mad—I’m just talking shit—but Granddad bristles, incensed. “Of course she can stay here. She’s yourmate, and she’s a real healer. Those are not easy to come by. Salt Mountain hasn’t had its own for decades. They have to make do with the witch, and I don’t know if I’d trust her if I were them. She wouldn’t piss on half of ’em if they were on fire, as well she shouldn’t.”
Granddad scowls as Cadoc stands and offers Izzy a seat. She declines. Rosie grabs her hand and tugs her down to sit beside her, and Izzy can’t refuse that. She sits all prim and proper, though, which looks especially strange seeing as she’s perched on a milk crate.
“Why’s she asking anyway, if you said Cadoc already said she could stay?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe she feels like it’s something she needs to do for herself.”
Granddad nods in understanding. “Headstrong female. Make the best dams, but the pups will test your patience to within an inch of your life.”
Izzy’s speaking now, her expression deadly serious. Cadoc and Rosie listen intently. I’m sure a lot of males would take offense at their mate wanting to speak to the alpha on their own. For sure, all the males I was raised around, my dad included, wouldn’t have tolerated it. Maybe if things hadn’t unfolded as they had, my pride would’ve been injured, too, but I’m nothing but grateful.
Whatever is driving Izzy to speak for herself now, drove her to sneak out of her apartment all those years ago so I could find her in the stairwell. It kept her together after that horrible night, and eventually, it prodded her back out into the world and led her back to me. I would never want Izzy to be weaker just to soothe my pride.
On the other hand, I’m also going to be right there keeping an eye out, no matter what happens, for the rest of our lives.
Izzy finishes up her spiel. Rosie throws her arm aroundIzzy’s shoulder, squeezing her close. Cadoc begins to speak, his expression kind and earnest. Some of the tension eases from my muscles.
Izzy listens intently, and then she nods, stands, and offers him her hand. He stands and shakes it. Rosie springs to her feet and gathers Izzy into a hug from behind, swaying back and forth with her until Izzy breaks into a grin. I’m able to draw in a full breath again.
“Looks like it all worked out,” Granddad observes and pats my knee. “Good thing. Didn’t want to have to take things into my own hands.” He grins at me.
