Page 33 of His Sold Fated Mate

“You all do love your nature, don’t you?”

She chuckled. “Well, we are mostly all shifters. It’s natural to like the outdoors.”

I nodded. “Of course. That’s nice to offer, but I don’t want to intrude.”

She raised an eyebrow at me. “Would you rather rock climb?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “No, not really.”

“Then join me. We have people joining and leaving all the time. We don’t mind extra people. We actually are heading out in ten minutes. I can take you.”

I thought about it, but I’d be stupid not to agree. This gave me something to do other than go back to the house. I ended up going because I had nothing better to do. It turns out Cally had a close friend, Rachel, whom I liked. I started joining the walk weekly and found myself enjoying it.

“Better than rock climbing?” Cally asked as we stopped at a creek during the walk.

I nodded as I wiped at my brow. “It is, but I’m still sweating my ass off in the same way.”

Rachel laughed, fixing her hair. “I think this is more fun anyway, and the view is different every day.”

We all looked out over the creek. We were about two miles into the woods. We walked past a large lake and up a hill into a mountain area. The view was breathtaking, and each week I was seeing a little more of the pack. I was starting to get to know people and learning names. I felt like I was starting to feel normal again.

“It is beautiful,” I added, staring over the water.

“So, how are you adjusting to living in town?” Cally asked, stretching out next to me.

“I’m adjusting. It’s interesting how tightly knit everyone is. It’s different.”

Rachel nodded. “Oh yeah. I’m sure it takes time to adjust.”

“Have you guys lived here your entire life?”

Cally nodded. “I am. My brother and I have a long line of family living here. We’re part of the first settlers.”

“My family moved here a few years ago,” Rachel added. “I joined these walks to get to know the pack.”

I glanced over toward the group that was sitting a few yards away from us. Some people were snapping photos while others just took in the view. I couldn’t help but smile.

I’d gotten some weird looks when I first joined, but I ignored them now. I mean, no matter where you go in life, someone is going to look at you anyway.

I enjoyed my time with Cally and Rachel. Cally was a kindergarten teacher who lived in a small apartment with her boyfriend. She was eager to get married and start having kids. Rachel was already married with a son.

“Looks like the group is starting to turn back,” Rachel said as she pulled herself up. “You want to join us for lunch, Aubrey? We’re going to the Chinese place on the corner of Birch. They have the most amazing wontons.”

“Sure.”

As we made our way back, I couldn’t help but feel giddy. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d spent time like this with friends. I lost all of mine when I started dating Mike and couldn’t make any new ones while I was with him.

“You’re falling behind,” Cally chirped over her shoulder.

“Coming!”

The hike back was forty minutes, and every muscle in my body was screaming by the time we got back to the parking lot. I threw myself onto a bench, panting for air.

“You good?” Cally asked.

I nodded. “Yeah, just out of shape.”

She chuckled. “Yeah, which reminds me. We were going to ask what you were doing before this.”