"Oh, yes, of course. That makes sense. Well, then, I'll just add—"
I interrupt, "I can pick them up. No need to trouble anyone. And Hilde, you don't need to make special bags. I'm more than capable of coming down to the cafeteria like everyone else."
She smiles softly. "Since you're staying in the main cabin, your kitchen will always be stocked. Wolves are always in and out of there for disputes, work, clan business, that kind of thing, so it's one of the things I provide for Lune's pack. It's just easier for all of us. You'll take this—" Hilde picks up one of the brown bags and plops it in Doc's arms, "and once I get a better feel for what you like, I'll add it into their deliveries."
She shoves the second bag into my arms, then she steps back, observing me, before adding, "Even if you weren't Gray and Orion's new mate, you're still an omega. It will be exhausting for you to come here all the time. The wolves, especially once they get comfortable with you, will want your attention. Couples seeking children, lonely single wolves for affection, hormonal and out-of-control children, all of them will want to stand next to you and hold your hand. Until you feel comfortable enough to set some boundaries, Doc and I, and your alphas, will do that for you. So, for now, come to the cafeteria when you want to socialize, but it's okay to stay away, too."
Someone calls Hilde's name. She winks before rushing off to the other side of the kitchen. Doc and I turn to leave—me, a little stunned—but we pass everyone without interruption, though I swear at least two people reach out and graze my arm as I walk by.
We exit the opposite side of the barn where we entered and amble around until we get to the truck, tucking both bags by my feet while Doc starts the engine.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, totally," I assure him. "This is all a lot, yes. But that's the thing… it's weird how good I feel. I mean, physically, sure. Being a wolf feels amazing. I told you, I used to be sick a lot whenI was younger. But being here, I feel like it's the first time since the change that I've been able to enjoy it. Beep and I—"
"This is the second time you've mentioned this Beep person. Who is that?"
"My wolf."
"Ah. You've named her. Interesting."
"Is it?"
Doc shrugs, shifting into gear as we rumble forward. "We have a symbiotic relationship with our wolf. It's not common to name them, as they are a part of us, but there's nothing wrong with that."
"What do you call them when you're talking to each other, if they don't have a name?"
"Hmm?" He tilts an ear toward me. "What do you mean?"
"You know, like, when you're having a conversation?"
The truck lurches and my hand whips out on the dashboard. Fortunately, there's zero traffic, but we sit idling in the middle of the road for a good thirty seconds.
"Conversation?"he finally sputters.
"Uhh… yeah. Like, if you're discussing something? You know… having a conversation. Like you say something, then they say something, then you get annoyed and want to bitch-slap them…"
"You haveconversationswith your wolf? As in, your wolf speaksbackto you?"
I open my mouth. Then close it.
Beep?I hiss in my head.Is it not normal for us to talk?
She just yawns and ignores me.
Chapter 22: Mona
The door rattles in its frame, the knob jiggling aggressively, like he might snap it off. "This is serious, Mona," Grayson growls, voice rumbling through the wood. "Open up. We need to talk."
I fold my arms across my chest, leaning my full weight against the door. "Not until you call Doc!" I shout back, ignoring the sound of his closed fist banging. He snarls on the other side.
I should be scared.
Any other alpha I met on the road would have me cowering or running by now, and they were all significantly less powerful than him—instead, rebellious heat courses through me. My omega shudders with excitement the more pissed off he gets. I don't get it.
"Or Orion!" I add, just to piss him off.
I should've known something was wrong yesterday when, after Doc's rapid-fire interrogation, he determined that yes, my wolf has a voice of her own.
