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*MacKenzie*

I was skeptical about Robbie’s decision to join that mysterious woman and her bodyguards. Not because they all looked scary in their massive wolf forms running around us as if they were escorting us to death, not leading to the safe place. But because the trip itself doubled the uneasiness in my stomach.

We’ve traveled the entire day and didn’t reach the rogue King’s territory. We have camped the night at some cabin in the middle of nowhere where the five wolves guarded it like a fortress with their queen inside. That’s how I’d describe the way they treated Claire. Like the queen, they vowed to protect with their lives.

The next day, we woke up with the sunrise, and after eating breakfast, we continued our journey. My ass was as sore as ever, straddling for so many hours, the wolf running at his most speed. My knuckles turned white with the intensity I gripped his fur, preventing me from falling. I have ridden on Seath before, but it was just for a few minutes and never at his full speed.

When the sun slowly set behind the treetops, I couldn’t stand it anymore and shouted for everyone to stop. Reluctantly, they all did, but I sensed discontent among them. A human who couldn’t hold two days of riding demanded a stop. Seth lowered himself to the ground, helping me to dismount him.

„What’s the matter, sweetheart?” Claire, dressed in a simple gray t-shirt, walked over to me with a concern written on her face.

„I can’t do it anymore. It’s been two days of the intense ride, and my body is slowly shutting down. I need to lay down without bumps, jumps, and constant clenching of my muscles.” I moaned in pain as my feet touched the ground. „I’m not a werewolf,” I reminded them.

„Oh, honey. Let’s get you settled into the cabin. You can take a relaxing bath, eat something hot, and sleep the entire week if you want, okay?” She suggested, and I looked at her as if she was crazy.

No cabin was in sight; the one we left today was miles away, and the thought of running back made my head spin. I looked at the rest of the wolves, and they all shifted back to their human forms, put on some clothes, and started to walk in the direction we were previously heading.

„I can carry you, Kenzie. I’m not exhausted, and you weigh nothing.” Robbie offered, and I noticed he was also dressed in shorts and a shirt.

„We’re about five miles away from the border. Caris and Devon are already waiting for us in their cars so that we can cross the mountains safely. I can walk with you the remaining distance if you want, or as your mate said, he can carry you to the vehicle.” She explained, and I looked behind her.

There were some angry-looking mountains over the forest. But the distance she described to them seemed much longer, and my legs protested to walk that far as my knees gave up, and I almost fell.

„I’ve got you, Kenzie,” Robbie whispered as he scooped me up, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck.

„So we have already handled the transport issues, so please follow me.” Claire smiled as she turned around and walked to a patiently waiting Miles with a set of clothes in his hands.

Claire grabbed the items and quickly put on the leggings and sneakers he offered before she laced her arm with his as they walked ahead of us. Miles looked as if he was explaining something to Clair as she nodded at his words every second.

„How are you feeling, Kenzie? But be honest with me.” Robbie whispered, lowering his head to my ear.

I blushed at the closeness, and my heart skipped a beat, which didn’t go unnoticed by him, who smirked under his nose as he tightened his grip. „I’m fine.” I admitted, „I just felt so uncomfortable on Seth’s back for so long, and I was afraid to fall from him at some point.” I rushed with an explanation.

It was a truth—a part-truth. I felt uncomfortable, and my grip over his fur loosened a few times, but my chest hurt the most. Those stabbing pains I felt right after we escaped from my father’s pack came back. They weren’t as strong as before, but they made me lose focus and grip.

„I just want to sleep and wake up somewhere safe,” I said as we reached the treeline, where Claire and Miles stopped.

„You better stay close. If Garret sees you without us, he might not be as friendly as he looks.” Miles chuckled as Claire smacked his arm scoldingly.

„I think Garret’s your next sparring partner. He deserves a good warrior to help him improve his skills.” Claire declared, causing Miles to pale momentarily.

„You’re not serious, right? He is twice my size, at least 100 pounds heavier, and he is a freaking bear, Claire. His single slap could send me unconscious.” He whined, but Claire looked unfazed.

„If you’re afraid of losing to him, you better stop mocking his friendliness. He is a sweet and loyal boy; it’s not my fault he dislikes you.” She scoffed and walked further into the forest.

I watched their bickering with shock on my face. The scary and intimidating Miles turned into a whining, small kid pleading with an elder to spare his soul. I wondered who that Garret guy was and how he looked to make Miles practically shit his pants.

„I think we’ll be just fine in the King’s territory. If it’s guarded by people who scare Miles, there is nothing to worry about.” Rob commented.

I was about to open my mouth to reply but shut it when I saw a figure walking toward Claire and Miles. From a distance, the silhouette looked big, but when his features became sharper, I gasped in shock at the realization. The guy was a giant, towering over Miles by the whole head. Claire hugged the guy I assumed was Garret, and she practically disappeared in his embrace.

„Come here, kids. Meet my lovely Garret.” She waved at us, and Robbie reluctantly put me down.

„Sweet, my ass,” Miles said under his nose, but we all heard that, especially Garret.

„What did you say, puppy? I think you’re barking at the wrong tree.” Garret moved closer to Miles, and he rolled his eyes and walked away.

„Garret, let me introduce you to my new friends.” Claire grabbed his attention, „This is a lovely Mackenzie, and here is her friend, Robert.” She gestured at us with a smile, and I smiled slightly in return.

Garret looked at us as if he was deciding how to approach us, and if not for Miles's previous comment, I would piss my pants at the sight of him. Not only was Garret as huge as a tank, but his face was decorated with three wide gashes so deep that looking at it made me want to cry with fear.

„It’s nice to meet every friend of an elder Claire. I hope you’ll find peace in our homeland.” Garret tipped his head towards us and turned back to Claire.

„He’s not back yet but instructed me to accompany you whenever Miles is with his mate.” He informed Claire, and she sighed in defeat.

I had no idea who that mysterious HE was, but it was evident he held some power in Rogue King’s territory. I exchanged looks with Robert, but he only shrugged as if it was nothing. Rob was fascinated with the Rogue King, and his biggest dream was to meet the man and join his army. I didn’t understand his motives, but Robbie said nothing would happen to us with a man like King.

„We better hurry up. Our Mackenzie is exhausted and needs proper healing. Has Caris gathered what I asked for?” Claire asked the giant and his terrifying face turned into a smile at the mention of some name.

„Yes, she did. We had fun while collecting the herbs.” He chuckled as Claire shook her head.

„Oh, my Goddess. I knew it better to leave it to someone else. You and your mate probably ruined more than you gathered. Am I right?” She asked but didn’t wait for an answer.

„If you ever need to pick up something, don’t bother to ask them for help. A pair of bears in heat is worse than a whole pack of horny wolves. When the urge comes, nothing can stop them, and the damage I am suffering is unfortunately irreversible.” She took my hand and pulled me ahead of the guys.

„You owe me another greenhouse, Garret. This time, you are paying for it entirely.” She yelled over her shoulder, and I heard Garret chuckle.

„He’s such a sweet guy, but it’s a fifth greenhouse this year, and it's only mid-April.” She whispered into my ear, and I chuckled.

It seems that the sexual life of bears is way more intense than that of wolves. Although they can also damage the room while in heat, can they tear down the whole greenhouse while having it? I haven’t heard of that yet.

I walked with Claire, and she told me about her interest in herbalism and all its uses in medicine, nutrition, and cosmetics. She told me about the tea she invented and its magical healing abilities. The mention of that my wounds on the back stung a bit, and I was hoping for a quick trip to the cabin to try it.

„Caris is just over the hill, and the boys already took off with Devon.” She suddenly explained and pointed towards a small hill.

I smiled and nodded at her words. I looked back at Robert; his eyes watched me like a hawk. I forgot about him. With Claire, the chatterbox, I lost track of time and enjoyed the walk. My muscles relaxed, and the uneasiness subsided. I had a good feeling about Rob’s decision this time.

I don’t know why I was so stressed over going to the rogue’s territory, but if Clair was so friendly, even Miles was too, and to top it all, Garret, the giant bear, was as nice as a puppy, there was nothing to worry about. Maybe I have found my place after all? Maybe there’s no need to go north and cut yourself off from civilization.

We crossed the hill happily, and I noticed a vast jeep parked a few yards from us. The driver’s door opened, and a tall, beautiful, and toned woman got out and sent our way a charming smile. Claire waved her way and helped me down the steep slope. When we reached the car, the girl hugged Claire and turned to look at me.

„Hi, I’m Caris, a warrior.” The lady introduced herself, extending her hand in greetings.

I took it, and slightly intimidated by her posture, I smiled back shyly, „I’m Mac, Mackenzie. It’s nice to meet you.” I said nervously.

„Hello, baby. Did you miss me?” A seductive voice said from behind me, shocking me.

Garret walked past me and pulled Caris to his front as he kissed her deeply, and she moaned into his mouth. I blushed at their display of affection but also felt jealous. I wanted to have someone to treat me that way, too.

„Don’t you baby me here, Garret? I told you to wait for me outside the greenhouse; now I must take double shifts to cover the rebuilding expenses.” She scolded him, and he looked at her apologetically.

Claire laughed at the scene and rushed me inside the car. I watched Garret pleading with his mate for forgiveness as Rob pulled me onto his lap and secured me with a seat belt. I blushed again at our closeness, but he only kissed my head and told me to relax.

„You’re safe now, Kenzie. Whatever happened is over. You are home now.” Claire assured me as Garret took the driver’s seat and Caris sat in the passenger seat.

He ignited the car and drove off towards the mountains. I looked outside the window and sighed in relief. Maybe I found my home finally. With that thought, I closed my eyes and dozed off in Robert’s arms.