Page 27 of A True Mate Bond

They made their way through the jungle that had grown all over and stepped onto the small porch. “Just remember it probably doesn’t look great inside.” He was worried that she would hate it. He knew it wasn’t what she deserved, at least not right now, and he didn’t want to disappoint her.

“I know, but I’m sure you’re a great handyman and if you’re not, you know someone who is.” She gave him an encouraging smile and he opened the door for her.

He hadn’t been able to come see it before bringing her, and he was relieved when he saw the house was empty. There was no old furniture, only the kitchen–or what it used to be. He’d never been inside but like most homes of the village, the kitchen and living room shared the front of the house while a hallway led to the back. Like his cabin, the kitchen was to the left and the living area was to the right. The room was flooded with light from the four windows, two to each side of the entry door and one on each side wall. To his surprise, there was a small spiral staircase in the back right corner of the living space.

Niev had also noticed it. “Where do you think that leads?”

“Maybe to the attic. Let me take a look.”

She followed him to the stairs. “You don’t think the stairs will break?”

He took a closer look and saw that they were made out of metal. “They seem sturdy enough.” He took slow and careful steps up and peeked into the attic, as he’d expected. “They converted the attic to a sitting area. There are two windows to each end of it and it seems tall enough for a small person to walk in the middle.”

“I’m guessing that is for us,” she giggled. “You might need to crawl on all fours if you wanna be with us up there.”

He came back down and saw that she was beaming. “You like it so far?”

“Yes. Can we look further?”

“Explore as much as you like.”

He followed her to the hallway where she opened the first door to the right and just like his cabin, it led to the bathroom. It looked horrible, more like a nightmare.

She looked at him with an amused face and cheeky grin. “I do hope you know a good plumber.”

“We can make it your dream bathroom.”

She nodded, and they explored further. The two doors to the left led to two small bedrooms, and the door at the end of the hallway led to a spacious master bedroom with a big closet, two large windows, and a door that led onto the wrap-around porch.

They stepped out and walked around to the front of the house. He was nervous. She seemed to like what she’d been seeing, but yet again she didn’t have many other options. “What do you think?”

“I love it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” She looked around as if she was trying to imagine her future here. “Are we allowed to visit Selene’s tree even if there is no celebration?”

“Selene always welcomes you. There is no time she wouldn’t want you to be with her.”

She nodded as she seemed to be taking in every little detail. “You know what I just realized?”

“What?”

“We are having twins and I have no clue how I’d leave the house with two newborns. Anywhere else I’d say a stroller but here…” she trailed off.

He hadn’t even thought about that. All other mothers here carried their children around. He’d never seen one of them use a stroller. “I’m sure there is a way of doing it. You won’t be stuck in this house until they can walk.”

She nodded, though her smile faded just a little. Her gaze fell on the little house to their right. “Do you think anyone would want to live there?”

“Maybe after word is out that we want to move here someone will follow us.”

“Why has no one moved out here?”

“Two sisters used to live here. They were already pretty old as I was growing up. They were loved by everyone, and after the oldest died the youngest felt lonely and followed her on her journey to Selene. I don’t think there is a specific reason for the houses to have stayed empty for so long. I think since they died no one really felt the urge to move. Usually if you find a house within the pack, you stay there for the rest of your life.”

“Well, I love it.” She looked around again as if she was searching for something specific. “Is there a path that leads to the village or only the path to Selene’s tree?”

“There used to be one somewhere to our left. The more we walk it, the clearer it will become again. Would you like to head back so you know the way?”

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