Page 18 of Destined to the Lycan
“It is true,” she confirmed carefully. “There are clear signs when Lycans meet their other half.”
“You mean fever, dry mouth, high pulse rate, dilated pupils, and a darker sclera,” I asked.
Misty’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s correct. Although you missed the aching fangs and change of scent. Still, you know a lot about my people.”
I shrugged to hide how flattered I felt by her impressed expression. “I had a couple of days before I set off on my journey here. So I read everything I could about Lycans to have a better idea of what I would be dealing with.”
“Smart girl,” Misty said approvingly. “But cast away any fears you may feel. Remus is a good male. He truly is like a son to me. You couldn’t have hoped for a better guide to take you on this perilous journey. There is no doubt for any of us that you are Twin Flames. He wouldn’t have brought it up to you until the mission was over. He will not pressure you in any way. Justfollow your heart and your instincts. Fate will sort the rest. None of this is a coincidence.”
“Thank you,” I said, genuinely grateful.
“Now enough chit chatting. Have a seat so that I can properly feed you before you set off,” Misty said in a tone that brooked no argument.
I chuckled as she shooed me towards one of the stools at the bar before vanishing inside the kitchen. She returned moments later with a mountain of food. I shamelessly dug in, chowing down far more than I thought myself capable of. The greedy side of me wanted to keep going but making myself sick from gorging too much would be counterproductive.
Just as I was pushing back my plate, the front door’s discreet whine claimed my attention. My heart skipped a beat upon seeing Remus walk in. By the gods, he looked good enough to eat. I had been too distraught the first time we met to fully appreciate his beauty, but that man was truly stunning.
He had to be at least 6’5, and 230 lbs. of pure muscle. The silky, dark brown hair that cascaded in soft waves down below his shoulders had my fingers itching with the need to sink into it. The possessive yet protective glimmer in his golden eyes as they glided over me had my toes instantly curling. Seeing his white sclera steadily darken as he approached me messed with my head. This physiological response confirmed beyond any doubt that we were indeed matched. Lycans had no control over this.
Instead of freaking me out, it sent a pleasant heat spreading through my chest. I hadn’t been looking for love, and I couldn’t deny that my desperate circumstances likely influenced my positive response to this situation. But this only gave me something more to live and fight for. I didn’t know this man, but I was happy and willing to explore what could possibly be.
He made a beeline for me, a gentle smile stretching his generous lips. I had never been much into hairy men. While hehad a nicely trimmed mustache and beard gracing his square jaw, there were only some patches of fur on the outer edges of his shoulders and arms and a few strands of hair peeking through the loosely laced collar of his sleeveless shirt. My shameless mind immediately wondered if it continued down into a happy trail under his garment.
Yes, Remus is truly a delicious-looking male. And he’s mine…?!
I nervously slipped down my stool to stand before Remus as he was closing the distance between us.
“Good morning, Amara,” Remus said as he stopped in front of me.
“Good morning, Remus,” I replied, feeling stupid as I tried to repress an inexplicable urge to giggle like a schoolgirl.
“I’m glad to see that you’ve already eaten,” he said, apparently unaware of my inner turmoil. “I hope you are well rested as I would like us to set off immediately. Ideally, we will ride hard and fast today as the weather forecasts are iffy at best, and I can smell storm rain in the air. If we make good time, we should be able to reach the Hunters Lodge before nightfall, and hopefully before the storm begins.”
I nodded and cast a furtive glance outside through one of the large windows before returning my attention to him.
“Sounds like a plan. But what if we don’t make it?”
“There are caves along the way that we can shelter in. It won’t be as comfortable, but it will keep us dry and warm,” he explained in a gentle tone.
“Perfect,” I replied, relieved.
Obviously, I would sleep wherever we needed to, but I’d never been too keen on roughing it outside. Creepy crawlers and I didn’t really get along.
Misty walked out of the kitchen with a couple of leather bags, which she extended to Remus.
“Here is some food to hold you over for the first leg of your journey,” she said in that maternal tone I was growing used to. “It’s nothing fancy, just some breads, dried meats, nuts, and fruits.”
“Thank you, Misty,” Remus said before kissing her forehead.
I smiled, moved to see her ruffle his long hair as if he was but a young boy. It was all the more endearing that she looked so petite and fragile compared to his impressive height and mass.
“Take good care of my girl, out there,” Misty told him with false severity. “I’ll have a feast waiting to celebrate your return.”
My throat constricted as I smiled back at the elder woman. She caressed my cheek and ushered us out of the inn. To my surprise, only two horses awaited us outside. I glanced towards the stables, expecting Voss to bring out my carriage only for Remus to give me an apologetic look.
“We cannot use your carriage. Not only will it be too slow, but we will also leave the horses at the inn once we reach it in four days. We must travel light. I’ve already packed everything we need,” Remus explained in a gentle voice.
Although I should have expected it, I still felt a little distraught to have so few things with me. Aside from the candles and reagents for the summons and a few changes of clothes, I couldn’t bring any of the other creature comforts I had hoped to carry with me, including a rolled sleeping mat.
