Whenever she’d bring up memories from her former life, which was seldom, my claws begged to spring free to hunt and slaughter every single person that had ever held her captive.Guilt still gnawed at me that I fell into that category. Another vow was to make it up to her for the rest of my life.
“What are you thinking about?” That sweet, melodic voice broke me from my trance.
“You, as always.”
She scrunched her nose with a smile, and I leaned down to kiss her head. My arm hung lazily over her shoulders, tucking her close to my side as we strolled. We took our time, enjoying the afternoon sunshine, basking in the green countryside scenery. Mira had wanted to walk, so I obliged. After almost an hour, we arrived in Point Hollow. Significantly more populated than Solei, the buildings fit together in a more uniform construction. Dozens of people walked the streets, stopping in and out of shops and establishments.
Claudya gave us clear instructions on how to find the town’s mayor. He’d reluctantly agreed to marginally increase grain supplies for several weeks. While I didn’t explicitly have King Nicholas’s approval, or Radhak’s, to speak on their behalf, I’d decided to make the journey here anyway.
No longer existing permanently as a terrifying wolf creature, I had the ability to connect with people in ways I hadn’t in decades. I didn’t want to become the person I’d been before, no, that Dante died a long time ago. And good riddance, but I did wonder if I possessed any of my former charismatic charm. It’d served me well in business negotiations once upon a time, and I thought I’d try my hand at it again. The worst he could do was say no. So, here we were.
“Do you think we can get something to eat before meeting with the mayor?” Mira asked, raising a hand to her stomach. In that same moment, it chose to speak up on her behalf, rumbling to convince me. All I could do was smile and stroke her arm.
“I’m surprised you have any room left in there,” I teased. Cluckina was a fertile egg layer, and Mira had three before we’d left, along with several pieces of toast doused in blackberry jam.
“The baby is hungry.” She shrugged.
“Whatever you want, green eyes. Claudya gave me a couple silvers in case we needed something while we’re here.” Though her heart rate had sped up as she deposited them in my hand. I’d started to feel slightly bad that the welcoming middle-aged woman was still anxious around me, but I didn’t see my predatory instincts regarding Mira dying down anytime soon. What was a half-wolf, half-human, shifter man to do?
Mira perked up at the sight of a bakery cart. A woman stood behind it, kneading a ball of dough. The scent of verbena and vanilla decorated the air, wafting off the trays of cookies and breads. Mira released a vibrating hum that shot straight to my cock. She floated toward the woman as if her growing belly was suddenly weightless.
“That smellsdelicious,” she moaned, and I had to actively concentrate on not stiffening in the middle of a semi-busy street. Battling the ridiculous notion that I was jealous over a baked good, I asked the vendor for her prices.
They were more than reasonable, and after convincing Mira that she was allowed to take a dozen cookies and three bread rolls, I began my mission of diplomacy. “This is our first time in Point Hollow, and I have a feeling you will be our new favorite baker. Please, keep the change.” I slid a silver across the wooden counter, and she blinked in surprise.
“Thank you, that is very generous. Where are you folks from?”
“Argora Vale,” I answered with an unfaltering smile, holding her gaze.
Surprise flashed briefly across her face, but she tamped down her reaction. “Oh. I didn’t know anyone still lived there.”
“Quite a few of us, actually. But by invitation of the king and queen, we’ve been welcomed to establish ourselves in Solei,” Mira replied, speaking over her hand to try and cover the mouthful of cookie she’d already begun to devour.
We’d discussed our game plan on the walk here. Only associating residents of Argora Vale and our move with positive wording would naturally sway opinions to be more accepting. “We’re helping to restore the town to its former glory.” Mira beamed, though I suspected it was less to do with intentional persuasion and more to do with pure, undiluted happiness from the lemon cookies.
The woman visibly processed the information we’d dumped on her.
“I’m Dante, this is my wife, Mira. We’re expecting our first child.” Saying it out loud rocked me every time. Nothing brought me more joy than having Mira bear my child. I placed my hand over Mira’s stomach, holding a steady smile.
“Oh. Congratulations,” she said, glancing between the two of us and Mira’s belly.
“What’s your name?” Mira asked through filled cheeks as crumbs flew out of her mouth. I fought to hold in my snicker.
“Jesinine,” she replied like she was unsure if she wanted us to know.
“Well, thank you again, Jesinine. I’m sure we’ll see you again.” I dipped my chin.
“Lovely to meet you! You’re an incredible baker!” Mira gushed before we veered down the sidewalk.
I would have offered to hold the bag of baked goods, but Mira was digging through it again. “I think that went well. Wife, huh?” Her voice dropped playfully low.
We’d held no ceremony. Technically, I hadn’t even proposed, but we both knew. Had things been different, a curse not plaguing the land, forced migration of our people, we wouldhave done things the old fashioned way. “You know I’ll make good on that once things get settled.” My hand had been fastened to her hip since we left the bakery cart and I idly stroked my thumb along her side.
“This is my husband, Dante. Oh, you’re looking for my husband, Dante? He’s just over there.” Mira faked imaginary conversations, testing out the title and I couldn’t hold in my laughter.
She came to a sudden stop.
“What’s wrong?” My spine stiffened. Instantly I held her tighter, scanning our surroundings for potential danger.
