Chapter 19

I woke up and saw brown eyes filled with concern staring into my own. Stretching I sat up and walked into the bathroom, not ready to talk about my history. I know my males were smart enough to know that it’s not just Erik’s scars that upset me so much, and I wasn’t ready to talk about the real reason why. I walked out a few moments later and found Frode sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning forward onto his knees with his chin in his palm.

“Sten gave me the overview of everything that happened yesterday. Something tells me that this is bigger than just what happened with Erik. But, first are you feeling better this morning?” He asked as he pulled himself to his full height.

I nodded, wrapping my arms around myself.

“Good. I realize that we’ve skipped over all the beginning stages of a relationship. It’s been a busy couple of weeks since we found you, and we really haven’t spent any time to get to know each other. We’re still strangers with a pull to each other.” He took a step towards and me pulled me into his arms.

“I wish I could delegate this next job we have to do, but I can’t. We should only be gone a day or two at most. The healer will be by to check your back, but you should be able to start training again. When I get back, I’ll tell my parents that we need some time to bond. I’d really love to hear your story, Astrid.” He touched his nose to my cheek, nuzzling it.

I nodded and leaned into his touch. He was right, we barely knew each other, but there was a pull. I wanted to share my story, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to yet. I was thankful he wasn’t pushing this topic, despite his wanting to know.

“I’ve added all of our cell phone numbers to your phone and it’s charged on the nightstand.” He said, kissing my forehead before he turned to the door. “Don’t give them too hard of a time while Rune and I are gone.” He said with a grin before he left.

I picked up my phone and sat on my bed. I didn’t talk to a lot of people, but one of my foster moms, Anne, I talked with and a friend from medical school chatted regularly. I saw I had a message from Anne making sure I was doing well and didn’t need anything. I shot of a quick confirmation that I was doing well when a knock sounded from the door.

“Hey, angel. Frode and I are headed out. I just wanted to say I’d see you when you get back. Frode told me you had our numbers, keep in touch. I’ll look forward to chatting with you.” He said with a wink.

“It’s only going to be a day or two.” I rolled my eyes.

“I know, but it’s too long for me.” He said with a pout. “Careful with the eyes, I’m not kidding, Frode will lose his mind.” He added.

“I’ll text you, Rune.” I said, getting up and moving to him.

He grinned as I stood and walked to him, he must of thought I’d stay on the bed. I realized that of all the pack, Rune was the one I’d spent the least amount of time with. I leaned up and kissed him, and his strong arm went around my back.

“See you later, angel.” He hummed against my lips before pulling away and walking back down the hall.

I watched him leave but froze when movement caught my eye. Erik was standing the doorway to the master bedroom. His eyes moved down over my body, as if he was making sure I was alright. When his eyes moved back to mine, I saw they were filled with concern. He took a step toward me, and when I didn’t move, he continued.

“Are you alright, kitten?”

“Yes. I’m sorry about last. It’s not your fault. I-“

“It’s okay, I know it’s more than what just happened. When you’re ready to talk, I’m here. We are all here.” He said, kissing my forehead.

“Come get breakfast, the healer will be here shortly.” Sten yelled up the stairs.

We turned together and Erik walked behind me with his hand on the small of my back. Sten smiled at me and handed me a coffee and plate of food before ushering me to the table. Once we were all seated, I turned to Erik.

“If the healer clears me, I’d like to start training this afternoon.” I said.

He nodded and continued eating.

“We’ll probably just go for a run today. We haven’t shifted in a while, so if you’re cleared, we can take a run around the lake. I know my fur is itching to get out. It’s been a busy these last few weeks.” He said with a frown.

Sten nodded and finished his breakfast.

“I’m going to keep doing some research. I’ll prob go to Dad’s, I have some questions I need to bounce off him. Otherwise, I’d join you. Maybe if I get back and you’re not here, I’ll come meet. you.” Sten said.

Red flags went off in my mind about his questions. I wasn’t sure why, but I felt like they were more important than he was letting on. I couldn’t help myself from trying to push the topic.

“Is everything alright?” I asked over my coffee.

“Yes, I just found some conflicting information in my research and wanted to see what he knows about the topic. He’s just as into research as I am.” Sten said with a grin that didn’t meet his eyes.

“Okay. I wanted to see if you had some of the material you found about my magic that I could read through.” I grabbed my plate and mug to take to the sink.

“Sure, I’ll leave it on the table when I leave.” He said, bringing his plate to the kitchen.

I watched as his posture stiffened.

“The healer is here.” He said, all but throwing the plates and mug into the sink and running upstairs.

Before I could ask about his odd behavior there was knock. I went to answer it but was stopped by Erik. Erik opened the door and greeting the shifter at the door.

“Good morning, Erik. I’m here to check on your mate’s back. I’m hoping it’s almost healed by now.” Said an older female with a thick European accent, as she stepped inside, she smiled when she saw me. “At least she’s upright and conscious today. Hello, child. I’m Emerald.”

“I am, thank you for your help a few days ago.” I said, returning her smile.

“No thanks needed, child. Let’s look. Have a seat at the table here.” She pulled out a chair and patted it, signaling for me to sit.

I did and I pulled my shirt over my head. Erik had taken up post in front of me and I caught the darkening in his eyes as my skin was revealed. My face heated under his gaze which made him smirk.

“Any pain?” She asked, gently touching my back.

“Not really. Just occasionally tender.”

“Well, it looks good considering it was done with magic. Had it been done with claws you’d have been fine with a day, but three days is faster than I expected you to heal. I think you’re ready to shift. It’ll help heal you faster too. Listen to your body, but I’d say you’re fine. Try to have less violent dreams, maybe, but good to resume normal activities.” She patted my shoulder and looked to Erik.

“Beta, is there anything else you need?” She asked.

“No, we are all set.” He said with a grin.

“Sten, I’m leaving. It’s safe to come out.” She called up the stairs, before walking to the door.

Erik held the door open for her, chuckling as she left. Sten appeared at the top of the stairs, his face red with embarrassment. I turned to face him after pulling my shirt back on. Before I could ask him why he was apparently afraid of the healer, Erik pulled me to the door.

“We’ll see you later, Sten.” He said pushing me out the door. “Don’t give him a hard time. He’ll tell you in time.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but he arched an eyebrow and I decided better. They were giving me time to tell my story, the least I could do is grant them the same respect.

“Let run.” He said, stripping and shifting into his fur.

I moved behind the tree line and called to my fur side. My wolf answered and pushed forward, starting the shift. Erik waited for me to come out from behind the tree and took off towards the lake. I followed, easily catching up to him. Usually shifting was uncomfortable for me, and I felt pushed back and caged as my wolf took over. Today, I felt free, and light. Maybe shifting more frequently did have its perks.