It’s obviously a lie—there are dark circles under her eyes that indicate she hasn’t slept in several nights. Now that I think about it, it’s a solid possibility that shehasn’tslept since meeting me—probably wanting to stay alert to protect herself and Leisel.
My wolf, who pestered me to seek out Sierra from the moment we parted, lays down with a whine, upset that we’ve caused our mate distress.
He was in complete agreement with me last night on punishing Sierra, furious that she struck out at us with lethal intent. He wasn’t, however, happy to see her go—wanted to soothe her, at the very least, before parting ways.
Unfortunately, I don’t see my presence being soothing to my mate any time soon. The dilemma between knowing that Sierra will need her space and wanting to constantly have her around me will certainly play on my self-control. Self-control that has been trained into me from a young age and has never faltered—until I met my mate.
“I need to saddle and prepare our horses,” Sierra tells me. “It’ll take twenty minutes.”
She calls over her shoulder, “Leisel, it’s time to go, sweet girl.”
Within moments Leisel appears at Sierra’s side and stares right into my eyes with an anger that belies her small size. I’m mildly surprised that she’s able to hold eye-contact with me, but I shouldn’t be. Whatever bloodline these sisters come from, it’s remarkably powerful. If they were shifters, they’d both undoubtedly be dominant enough to be Alphas.
“I have horses you’re welcome to ride,” I offer.
Sierra wrinkles her nose at the thought. “No, thank you, we’ll take ours. I assume there’ll be a place for them in whatever stable you use at Kinrith?”
I incline my head. “The Alpha's stable is on the same land as my home, a fifteen-minute walk from the house. The stable hands are all very good at what they do—your horses will be well taken care of.”
My mate snorts. “Nobody touches our horses but Leisel or me. I was there through their births, when they were broken in, and have been taking care of them singlehandedly for a decade.” She pauses, looking surprised at how much she’s divulged. The bond’s coercing her into revealing more about herself which satisfies me, though I doubt it brings her the same satisfaction.
“I want to know more about that,” I tell her.
She gives me a look of such contempt it almost makes me wince, bringing a growl of displeasure from my wolf.
“I bet you would,” she says, and walks away, hand in hand with Leisel.
I lean against the wooden logs making up the exterior of the cabin, watching as the sisters traverse through a field of crops, and go right into a small, red-painted stable. Then, once they’re out of sight, I wander into the house.
My objective is simple; learn more about my mate. The more I know her, the more I’ll know what to do to get in her good graces.
I glance around the main area, marveling at the cleanliness of the space. My eyes flit briefly over the row of books stacked strategically in each corner of the room, as well as a collection on top of the fireplace mantle. On a worn sofa are two small bags that I have no doubt carry Sierra and Leisel’s meager belongings. On the kitchen counter, I see a note lying on top of a white letter titledDeeds to the Land and Cabin.
I glance over the note with interest.
Mariketa,
I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the many ways you have helped Leisel and I over the years. I can’t describe how fundamental yourteachings were when Leisel was an infant, or how much it meant to know I had someone to turn to.
It’s with my deepest regret that I must leave Aesara, on orders from Camden Kent. He found a technicality that puts Leisel under his pack’s reign, and where she goes, I go.
I’ve signed over the deed to this land to you and Parker. The cabin, fields, and stables are yours to do with as you please—whether that be to use the land or sell it.
I’ll never forget the days you spent here, teaching me to care for Leisel when she was born. I’ll never forget your generosity or kindness during the most difficult times in my life. I’ll forever treasure everything you taught me.
I hope I can use any influence I gain to return resources to humans—especially considering they were ours to begin with. I envision myself walking through Aesara one day, not greeted by poverty and difficulty, but instead by a booming, progressive town filled with opportunity.
Please give Wesley a hug for me and thank him for all the time he’s spent with Leisel. She adores him and will miss him dearly, as will I.
With my deepest appreciation,
Sierra West.
I set down the letter, wishing there was more information and more specifics on Sierra’s life. It’s obvious she faced difficulty from a very young age, difficulty that grew as she did. She’s learned to be so independent that I’m not sure she knows how to let someone else care for her, which will be another hurdle in our relationship. Those seem to be piling up.
I peek into the two bedrooms, not finding much of interest, but am frozen in astonishment when I step into the last room at the back of the cabin.
It’s covered in paintings—beautifulmasterful paintings that depict everything from landscapes to nature to inanimate objects. On an easel in the center of the room is a stunning painting of a luminous moon hanging over an intricately detailed forest. The midnight sky is covered in stars so picturesque they might as well be diamonds, and the forest is remarkably realistic and intricately detailed, looking like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
