“With humans. A lot of them.”
“I’ve been doing this for years.”
“Even so, watch yourself. And stick with Pryce. He’ll help you if you get in any trouble.”
“I don’t need a babysitter. I could go alone.”
“We don’t send anyone in alone. Alpha’s rule, one I agree with. We have a few establishments we favor, ones we tend to know the owners and they know or have guessed we’re shifters, given the quantities or what we buy. Even so, you never know if a new employee, patron, or random human on the street is WSSO or supports them.”
That sends a shiver down my spine. “I’ll stick with Pryce.” I look past the shed where the pack’s only truck is stored. “You’re sure he’s coming?”
“He’s not the timeliest of shifters, but he’s good in the field. You can trust him.”
As if on cue, Pryce appears at the top of the hill and jogs down to us. “Couldn’t help it. Someone needed, um, my services.”
Langdon’s ocean blue eyes twinkle. “What services you providing sweet Winnie?”
“I didn’t say Winnie.”
“Son, her scent’s all over you. Isn’t it, Lina?”
I scent nothing on him, except the jam stain in the shape of little fingers on his sleeve. “No comment,” I say, even though I think Langdon’s spot on.
Pryce mouths a silent ‘thank you’ to me as he takes the keys from where they’re hanging in the shed. “We’ll be back by dinner.”
The truck starts with an awful clanking like someone threw a bunch of tools into a washing machine. “Doesn’t sound pretty, but it runs. You ever been to Devil’s Peak?” Pryce asks as we drive down the long, snow-covered road that I’m sure doesn’t appear on any map.
“No, but I’m sure it’s not much different than Crooked Elk. A bunch of smaller stores and humans just trying to live their lives.”
“That about sums it up. Plus tourists. Great views of Devil’s Peak from the town. We avoid the tourist shops, stick to getting supplies, and then leave, got it?”
“I thought you’re the pack’s medic. I’m surprised Damien doesn’t want to keep you close.”
“Mila, that’s Hayden’s mate, she’s a doctor.” He glances my way. “I guess you haven’t met her.”
“I saw her my first day. Very pregnant.”
“Which is why I’m going to town. Don’t want to risk her on these icy roads. We need medical supplies on top of the usual odds and ends, which is why I have today’s run. Once you learn your way around, you can pick another shifter to go with you. We always have volunteers, but it’s based on highest need. Medicaltrumps all else, or you’d be sitting here with Theo today. He’s itching to look for a special present for Ellis.”
“Just as well. She warned me to stay away from him.”
Pryce laughs. “You get that too, huh? Those two need to blood-bond already so they’ll stop threatening everyone.”
“Amen to that.”
“How long is Langdon’s list? I’m guessin’ he has everything possible on it. One good snow storm can keep us landlocked for a few months so he tends to stock up when possible.”
I unfold the paper Langdon handed me after we finished counting of the dry goods. “Boy, his handwriting’s tiny. This list is three times what I expected for one small piece of paper.”
“Please tell me he gave you money. I forgot to ask before we left.”
I tap my pocket. “Lots of cash.”
“Good. Damien doesn’t believe in buying on credit, or leaving a paper trail even though some of the owners have probably guessed we’re shifters. That’s another thing. We don’t talk about the pack or being shifters, got it?”
“Smile, neighborly attitude, offer a helping hand where possible, get the goods, leave on a good note. No lingering.”
“Exactly. We’ll split up, but I won’t be far. Howl if you get into trouble.”
