Enlightening Bloom(15)

The woman stops directly in front of us and clucks her tongue as she chastises us. “Move out of the way, children. You didn’t come all this way to find me only to deny me access to my great-niece.”

I take a deep breath, drawling in her scent. As I let it out I narrow my eyes and I ask. “How? You’re a wolf.”

“It’s a long story wolf, and I promise to tell you, but right now you need to move so I can help your mate.”

I let out a sigh before taking a step to the side so she can reach Bloom.

Bonnie glares at me, and then turns her glare on the old lady. “You take her word that easily? She could be a wolf-witch, and that could be her evil brew she’s planning on pouring down your mate’s throat!”

“Bonnie Anne Harris, I give you my word that no harm will come to your Alpha. If I break that promise you can take my life yourself.” The old lady holds Bonnie’s eyes as she speaks to her.

Bonnie watches her for a several seconds before she moves out of the way and swears. “One hair out of place and you’re going down. I don’t care if you’re older than Betty White. I have no qualms about taking out an old lady.”

The old lady looks down at the she wolf at her side and chuckles. “She’s fiery. I like her!”

The wolf snorts and shakes her head. If she could, she’d probably be rolling her eyes at the woman.

Turning her attention back to Bloom the lady places the mug into my mates shaking hand. “Drink all of this, child. It’ll help ease the pain.”

Bloom doesn’t hesitate. She places the cup to her lips and drinks the contents down in three large gulps. Handing the cup back to the lady she says in a weak voice. “Thank you.”

“It’ll take a little while before the herbs kick in, but it’ll help lessen your pain. Now come inside, child. We have much to talk about.” She holds her hand out to Bloom, my mate takes her hand, and lets her guide her into the house.

I stop by the older Alpha and introduce myself. “Pike Masterson.”

“Forrest Savage.” He holds out his hand for me to shake.

Taking his hand in a firm grip I ask. “Is the lady your mate?”

He nods. “Her name is Amelia. We better get in there before she comes out after us with one of her frying pans.”

I follow Forrest inside. The house has a huge stone fireplace that takes up the wall between the living room and kitchen. There are two mismatched couches and two rocking chairs placed in front of the fire, and a large hand-carved wood coffee table in the center. Amelia places Bloom on the end of one of the couches, facing away from the door and close to the rocking chairs. She hands her a light quilt to place over her legs, and then she sits in the rocking chair beside her. It’s a hot summer day, but my mate is trembling as if it’s the dead of winter and she has no heat. I move to take the seat beside her, but Bonnie beats me there. I suppress the growl that’s bubbling up my throat at her taking what should be my place. Instead of causing a scene I move to stand in front of the unlit fireplace. Forrest takes the rocker beside his mate and reaches for her hand. She willingly gives it and rewards his sweet gesture with a smile.

Turning her smile on us she introduces herself. “I’m Amelia. I know you have many questions for me, and I’ll do my best to answer them all. But first will you answer me one?”

Bloom nods her head.

“I see that you carry your mate’s mark, but you’re still experiencing pain. Did you not complete your bonding ceremony?” Amelia looks between Bloom and myself.

“We completed the ceremony. The pain didn’t start until Pike marked me.” Bloom’s voice trembles as she answers making sure to avoid eye contact with me. The knife in my heart digs itself a little deeper.

“Could you explain your ceremony and everything that happened leading up to him marking you?” Amelia asks.

Bloom tells her about our ceremony, the reception, and with crimson stained cheeks shyly explains everything that happened in our suite leading up to me marking her. Amelia listens intently, nodding at the appropriate times. When Bloom finishes a big smile spreads across Amelia’s and Forrest’s faces.

“You know what’s wrong.” I state.

“We do.” they both answer with knowing grins on their faces.

“Please tell us.” Bloom begs.

“You might want us to do that in private.” Amelia warns.

“No! We don’t have time to be coy. We need to know now.” I demand. I’m desperate to take away my mate’s pain.

“Please.” Bloom pleads.

“First, let me explain to you why you’re having this pain.” She looks at her mate for support and gives his hand a gentle squeeze. Turning back to us she begins her explanation. “When Pike marked you he took the last step needed to bring you into his pack. Being what you are opened you up fully to their connection. It’s that connection that’s causing your pain.” She pauses, expecting one of us to respond, but no-one says a word, probably from shock, so she continues. “Imagine the connection as a faucet. You turn the knob a little and you get a small trickle of water, not enough to make a mess, but enough to get what you need. Now, if you turn that knob full blast, water will be flooding your sink, and left uncontrolled it’ll quickly be coating your floors, causing all types of damage. By being marked your connection has been turned to full blast. You’re mentally receiving every pack member’s emotions, thoughts, and memories. It’s overwhelming your body.”