Chapter 2

Chapter

Two

GRANT

A s I meander through the pasture, fresh fallen snow coats my thick fur. I try to shake it off, but more accumulates. In my bison form, I can trudge through the snow much easier than in human form. Seems crazy to take a walk in this mess, but I can’t stay at home with my brothers any longer or I’ll go nuts. Charlie and Kimberly’s happy-go-lucky attitude is too much to bear. I’m happy my brother found his mate and is living the blissful life we all dream of, but it’s torturous to watch when you feel it may never happen for you.

My twin brother, Connor, struggles with it as well; that’s the worst part. With our bond, I don’t only have to deal with the pain I feel, but also with Connor’s despair telepathically swirling inside me.

It’s a lot to handle. I may not voice my emotions much, but deep down, I’m struggling. The years of waiting has taken its toll on our sanity. It would be nice if we shared a mate. It’s uncommon, but not unheard-of. Having to watch Connor find his mate before me would be my undoing, and vice versa.

A gust of wind blows more snow into face. I shake my head to remove it. My nose tickles with a flowery scent.

I stiffen. We’re in the middle of a continuous winter storm in Wyoming. There are no living plants except evergreens.

Curiosity has me following the alluring fragrance. Being a shifter, my sense of smell is strong, as are my other senses. Visitors are rare during this time of year. There are a few cabins for rent, spaced out by miles to give everyone privacy.

I stop at the tree line and stare out into the open pasture. A woman stands surrounded by three wolves. Ringlets of her blonde hair blow in the wind. The blue puffy jacket she’s wearing swallows her whole.

A word growls in my head: mate .

Even though excited at finding his mate, my bison is not happy to see her in danger. As I release a nasally huff, my hoof paws at the snowy ground. Using our telepathic link, I call Connor for backup. I can handle three wolves on my own, but I don’t want my mate to take off or get hurt. I’ve waited decades for her, and the thought of losing her is worse than death itself. I won’t be able to survive it. And neither will my bison.