He’s an alpha so he should be in charge. If he’s not, there must be a reason.
Did you ask Kai?
He shakes his head.
Don’t want to bring up the alpha issue.
I frown now, not sure I’m following.
What issue?
Too complicated. I have to go.
He writes something else then crosses it out before I can read it, then writes:
Sorry.
He hands me the quill back but I don’t know what to say. I don’t know whether I should be worried about him or not. I am worried, but perhaps that’s irrational. He can take care of himself and I don’t have any real claim on him, not like a soul-bond or a real mate would.
I finally just write two words:
Be careful.
He takes the quill and hesitates for a second, looking conflicted. For the second time, he starts to write something, then crosses it out vigorously, before writing two words of his own:
You too.
Idon’t have as much interest in going down to the training field now that Fox is gone, but it does seem like the ideal opportunity to return to the hot springs for a bath. Hopefully there won’t be anyone there, since the wolves will all be out on their hunts or at the training field.
I listen carefully as I approach, though I realize it’s pointless—anyone there would likely be silent, anyway.
Sure enough, I step out of the trees and pause. I’m not alone.
Three women occupy the hot spring—one is submerged to her shoulders in the steaming water, while two others perch on the rocks with just their feet dangling in. Those two are wrapped in towels and chatting silently. One is blonde and from her swollen belly I can only assume is nearing the end of her pregnancy. The other is a red-headed woman I recognize immediately as Inga, Kai’s mate. Or, his wife? I’m not sure what their relationship is, as I’ve only heard him refer to her as the mother of his children, and he hasn’t introduced us.
All three women immediately turn to look at me without speaking. I can’t tell whether they’re trying to be rude, or they are trying to speak but forgot I can’t hear them.
“Hi,” I say out loud, hoping it will remind them they have to actually speak to me. “Sorry, I didn’t think anyone would be here.”
The woman in the water glowers at me and immediately climbs out of the water and strides over to a bag that I assume contains her clothes. Rather than bothering to redress, she shifts into a wolf, takes the bag in her mouth, and trots away into the trees without a backward glance.
I sigh. I’ve never seen that woman before, but her reaction is exactly what I’ve gotten used to since arriving at camp. Apparently the smiles I received this morning are not shared by everyone.
I turn back around to find the pregnant woman and Inga exchanging a loaded glance. Inga’s mouth quirks up at one corner, then she turns to me. “It’s alright, anyone can use the springs.”
I offer her a small smile. “Thanks. You’re Inga, right?”
“Yes, sorry, can you remind me of your name?”
I clear my throat. “Aurelia, I’m, er—” I break off. I was about to say, “I’m Fox’s mate,” but the word “mate” sticks in my throat. It sounds strange on my tongue. Fae don’t say “mate”—we say “soul-bond,” but that feels like an equally strange word coming out of my mouth. “—I’m in desperate need of a bath,” I finish instead.
“Well we’re certainly not going to stop you,” Inga says, gesturing for me to carry on.
“Er, right. Thank you.”
I hurry over to the opposite side of the spring, suddenly feeling vulnerable. I’m not shy and I never have been, but I don’t make a habit of getting naked with strangers either. Deciding there’s no better option, I quickly undress and get into the water as fast as possible.
Just like last time, the water feels so good; it instantly relaxes all my sore muscles. Unlike last time, I can actually float here for a while without being suffocated by the tension.
