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“We can leave you alone to paint now, if that’s what you want?”
I do want that, but there’s something else I need more. “I need someone to really explain to me what this mating round is, and what it entails.”
The term “mating round” has been lingering in the air, mysterious and tantalizing, but shrouded in uncertainty. I can’t continue this journey blindly, especially if it involves something as intimate and significant as mating, whatever that might mean in this supernatural context. I know the wolves have talked about bonding and making emotional connections, but I have a funny feeling that there’s something more going on.
Finally, Lars nods and gestures for me to follow him. “Alright, Mahalia, let’s talk about the mating round.” His voice is gentle, and I can sense that he’s choosing his words carefully. “It’s an important part of our mission, and you have a right to know. I’m happy to explain it to you.”
I swallow hard and nod before following him to the edge of the cavern, right where the water splashes on us. Lars, with a focused and skilled demeanor, takes charge of creating a fire. His movements are deliberate, showcasing the expertise of someone well-versed in outdoor survival. He crouches near the fire pit, a determined look in his eyes as he begins his task.
With deft fingers, he arranges dry leaves and twigs into a small mound at the center of the pit. He then reaches into a pouch hanging from his belt and withdraws a flint and striker, the tools of a seasoned outdoorsman. Holding the striker firmly, he strikes it against the flint, creating sparks that fall onto the dry kindling.
Tiny embers ignite, and Lars gently blows on them, coaxing the flames to life. The soft glow grows steadily, illuminating his features and casting a warm, flickering light across the cavern. Lars’s face remains stoic, his attention wholly devoted to the task at hand.
As the flames dance and crackle, he carefully adds larger pieces of wood, allowing the fire to grow stronger. The warmth radiating from the blaze begins to push back the chill that lingers in the underground chamber, and the scent of burning wood fills the air.
Once satisfied with the size and stability of the fire, Lars leans back on his haunches, his eyes never leaving the mesmerizing dance of the flames. The firelight paints his features with a warm and comforting glow, contrasting with the shadowed recesses of the cavern. I guess it’s time for him to tell me everything…
SEVEN
LARS
My heart pounds as I sit across from Mahalia, the fire casting flickering shadows across her face. I can’t believe that I’m about to reveal the truth about the mating round to her, especially when I harbor a desire for her that runs so deep, that it aches in my veins. It’s a secret I’ve carried for so long, born out of my desire for her from the moment I saw her in my best friend’s arms. A secret that has haunted me as we’ve worked together in the coffee shop, and that has made me feel dreadful with the blackmail… but that’s something I kept up, not for the good grades, but to keep her in my life, to keep us connecting. I hope one day she can forgive me for that.
I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words to explain everything to Mahalia. She’s looking at me with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, clearly unsure of what to make of the situation. But I have to make her understand the gravity of our circumstances and the importance of the mating round.
“Mahalia,” I begin, my voice gentle yet firm, “I’m going to tell you everything about the mating round now, but please listen to me with an open mind. This is very common with us wolves, it’s not as strange as it might sound at the outset.”
She leans in, her expression attentive, as if sensing the seriousness of the matter. “Go on,” she urges.
“The mating round,” I explain, “is a time when eligible male wolves and a human female come together to form bonds, both emotional and physical. These bonds are not just about love and companionship; they’re also a source of strength and power.”
Mahalia raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but still not entirely convinced. “Strength and power? That’s what you were talking about before, right? That’s why I’m here to help close the Rift. Because I’m the chosen female.”
I nod, choosing my words carefully. “Yes, you see, we have a unique ability, a kind of magic, which is most potent when we’re connected to a mate. It enhances our physical abilities, our senses, and even our control over certain elements of nature. During the mating round, we form these bonds with one another, and it’s not just about romantic love. It’s about creating a network of support and protection for our kind.”
I can see her starting to grasp the concept, though it’s undoubtedly a lot to take in. “So, the mating round is just... a way to make your people stronger?”
“Not just that, but that’s what it’s needed for here,” I confirm. “And it’s not just about strength against external threats. It’s also about emotional support and unity within our community. The bonds formed during the mating round are deep and lasting, and they help us weather the storms that life throws our way.”
Mahalia absorbs this information, her eyes thoughtful. “So, I’m only here for the emotional connection?”
I take a moment to gather my thoughts before continuing. “Yes… unless you don’t want it to be that way.”
Do I tell her that past packs have bonded in ways that were unexpected for all of us? I don’t know, the last thing I want to do is put pressure on Mahalia. Plus, I don’t know how Vaughn will feel if Mahalia falls for all of us. I know it was hard for me to see her with Kit, so I can only begin to imagine what it did to Vaughn’s heart. He doesn’t have any idea how I feel about her. I’ve never dared to tell him.
“So, there can be something more then?” she asks, but I don’t know how much she’s really talking to me about this. “There can become something more… if I want.”
“Mahalia,” I stay with a cheekier tone of voice now, trying to lighten the atmosphere, “spending a year under the waterfall with us can be... quite enjoyable. Nights can get long and lonely, and I happen to know a thing or two about how to make them more... interesting. I think you’ll end up having a very good time.”
I can’t resist slipping in a hint of flirtation, a sly smile playing at the corners of my lips. Mahalia’s cheeks flush, and she looks away for a moment, clearly flustered by my remark.
“Okay, Lars,” she says, her voice a mixture of exasperation and amusement. “You certainly know how to keep things interesting, I’ll give you that.”
I can’t help but chuckle at her response. It seems that despite the gravity of the situation, Mahalia is starting to warm up to the idea, or at least to the idea of spending more time with us. And for me, that’s a small victory in itself. It makes my heart hammer with excitement to imagine that me and her might grow closer over the year. Even if she’s growing closer to the other wolves as well. I don’t mind that, it really is a great part of our nature.
“Interesting such as the blackmail.” She cocks a knowing eyebrow at me. “Are we going to talk about that properly—alone, without everyone interrupting?”
Taking a deep breath, I meet her eyes, which are filled with a mix of curiosity and frustration. “Okay, Mahalia, I’ll tell you the truth about the past year. It’s not easy to admit, but here it goes.” I can feel my heart racing as I begin to unravel the tangled web of secrets. “I’ve been in love with you for a long time, Mahalia. It started back when I first saw you with Vaughn, and I couldn’t get you out of my mind. But obviously, I couldn’t act on those feelings because you were with him.”
