Page 16 of A True Mate Bond

Getting out of the truck, he walked around to open her door and help her climb out. She could see the struggle he was going through as they walked down the narrow path. His face hardened with each step he took, and his muscles tensed up more the further they walked.

After a few minutes, they reached a two-storey cabin, which was much larger than most homes in the village. Before she could ask, he already answered her unspoken question.

“We usually use this cabin for when we have guests from other packs. That’s why it’s larger than most other houses aside from the main house where we also host our guests.”

In front of the house sat a gray wolf. As Blake and Niev approached the house, his silhouette began to fade as he shifted into his human form. An older man grabbed a pair of shorts and watched as they came closer.

Niev walked up to him and smiled. “I’m Niev. I wanted to check on all of you and see if you need anything or have any injuries that need to be treated.”

The old man looked from Niev to Blake, then slightly bowed his head. “I’m Clarence.” As he walked toward the front door, he continued, “We do have an injured wolf inside.” Inside he called out, “Katharina, this is Niev. She would like to take a look at Julius.”

A small, curvy, middle-aged woman came into sight. She, as Clarence had before her, looked from Niev to Blake before tipping her head. It made Niev wonder if they were able to sense his alpha blood.

“Hello Niev, I’m Katharina.” She looked nervous and seemed unsure about what to do next.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Katharina. Would you mind showing me the way to Julius?”

“Of course.” She quickly turned toward the stairs to Niev’s right and walked up. “I’ve tried to take care of his wounds as best as I could, but they seem infected.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure I can help.”

“We weren’t sure if we were allowed to ask your healer to come take a look at him. We haven’t officially joined your pack and with everything else, well…” She trailed off and Niev knew she wasn’t sure how openly she could talk about what happened the past few weeks.

“I understand. I assumed you’re all just as unsure on how to approach this as all of us are.”

“That is very kind of you.”

They’d reached the top of the staircase and Katharina led them to the first door on their left. She knocked gently and quietly opened the door.

Niev followed her inside. Julius was laying on a twin sized bed. He had a slim body with red hair and looked to be about Blake’s age. He was pale and seemed to be in a lot of pain. By his bedside sat a woman with long red hair and matching facial features. Holding his hand, she gently wiped his face with a wet cloth. As Niev walked in the woman turned her face, and as the others before her, looked from Niev to Blake and bowed her head.

“Maria, this is Niev. She would like to take a look at Julius’s wound.”

Maria quickly got up and made room for Niev. “It’s nice to meet you, Maria.”

Without having to look far, Niev saw what was causing Julius so much pain. From his right hip down to his knee was an open wound which oozed yellow pus. Niev grabbed the chair and sat down by Julius’s leg so she could take a closer look. Before she could turn to Blake and ask him for her bag, he was already handing it to her.

“We did what we could, but we were never trained to heal anyone.” Maria sounded guilty, as if she’d failed herself.

“You did what you could, and that is more than anyone can ask of you.” She looked up at Julius, whose face was covered in sweat. “Julius, would you like a local sedative while I clean the wound?”

To her surprise he shook his head, but it was Maria who started answering. “You’re no less of a man if you take something for your pain.”

“I don’t want it,” he snapped.

Niev nodded and started her work. “Julius, after I’ve cleaned out your wound, I can heal it for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“My blood has healing strength. It will help your body heal in just a few moments.” She looked up and saw fear in his eyes and remembered Tristan’s mother and how she reacted. “I’ve done so with all of our wolves.”

“Why would you help me?”

“Because you need my help and soon, you’ll be part of our pack.”

He shot an angry look toward his mother. “I won’t be part of your pack.”

“Julius please she’s just trying to help you,” Maria pleaded.

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