Rejected Mate and Following Fate novel Chapter 102

A Solution

“I do. I happened upon some helpful hints in a grimoire or two in my luggage that gave me some answers. We’re lucky enough to be in a part of the world that grows what I need, so I’ll be back before we leave…. I have to go find some very rare plants.” That upbeat tone of a woman who is smug with her new discovery and confident in her own remedies.

“Wait.” Colton hesitates, grabbing her arm as she moves to pass and my heart stops in my chest, which is already hammering like a war drum. I know he’s hesitating about whether he wants this or not. He probably has the same thoughts swirling in his head as I do about the outcome should Sierra be free of my life burden.

“This is a good thing, Cole…. Sierra and Alora unbound. Sierra is already so far through her life cycle, Alora has barely begun ….. you know when Sierra’s time comes, Alora will leave too if they are still bound.” Meadow is the voice of reason even if that time is a long way away in our life cycle. She’s right though. Being connected to a much older wolf, reduces my life span no matter how we look at it. I will leave when she does, and so will Colton. Now we have babies to think about, suddenly that thought terrifies me. Every day and moment I have is precious and shouldn’t be bound to another life form for an expiry date.

“My mom, she’ll…” he chokes on the words and I reach out for him, taking his hand in mine to offer comfort once more. Feeding on his sudden lurch in anxiety and fear and swallowing hard on his emotion as it clogs in my throat.

“Then it’s one secret we keep….and she’ll never know. No one in this room will tell her. To keep her safe, to stop her doing anything dumb…right?” I raise my voice and sigh with relief at the unanimous chorus of strong ‘right’s’ that come our way without a second of hesitation. Radar’s being the loudest. The witch nods in agreement and it gives me a sense of calm that we’re all thinking the same way about what she would do if she knew I was free of her. “She won’t feel it will she? She won’t know?” I ask meekly, needing to be sure that Sierra wont suspect. Not even a hint, just in case. I know her heart and her will to take Juan out of this picture, even if she has to die to do so. She’s ready to self-sacrifice all over again.

“No. I’m not a sloppy worker. She won’t know if I don’t want her to. Let her live her life thinking she is bound to you if that’s what you want, BUT……. If Juan falls, because I can’t be sure that Varro won’t go there….. at least you won’t fall with her. You, your mate, will live. The world isn’t done with you two yet; you have something to do for the future of your species.” She nods at my stomach and my body stiffens at that, prickling all over my skin. My head coming to a halt from its racing thoughts.