“And, you of all people know this. You and I have relied on our gut to guide us dozens of times a day since we were born. It’s instinctive. Let it happen in this instance also.”
Melinda chewed her bottom lip. She knew her grandmother was right. “We don’t agree on that damn casino project,” she blurted, as if that changed everything.
Mimi laughed, a rare full-belly laugh. “Of course you don’t. No way would Fate deal you a boring mate that agreed with your politics on all things. Nope. Not my granddaughter. Fate dealt her two men and made them contrary. I would expect nothing less.”
“I’m worried it’s more than that. I get a very bad vibe when I drive past that construction site. And it was worse today.”
Mimi hesitated, and then spoke. “I get the same feeling. And it’s very hard to discern if it’s legitimate or just my complete distaste for the entire concept leaking out.”
“Exactly. But Keegan works there. He’s the building inspector in charge of that project.”
Mimi’s face scrunched up. She cringed. “I see.”
Melinda figured Mimi could “see” far more than she shared, but she’d learned not to bug her for details. Mimi operated on her own timeline. When she wanted someone to know something, she told them in no uncertain terms. When she wasn’t ready, she did not open her mouth.
“One day at a time, child. Now about those mates of yours. You worry about that first. The rest will fall into place.”
Melinda took a deep breath. Mimi was right. Of course. She finally smiled. “You think I can take them both on?”
“I know you can.”
“I’m scared.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
“I won’t be the same. My life is going to change.”
“Yes. It is.”
Melinda giggled. “Is this supposed to be helping me?”
Mimi brushed her hand over Melinda’s hair. “This is reality. There will be changes. Some good. Some bad. But in your heart you know this is unavoidable. Look at your hands.”
Melinda glanced down, confused. She lifted them in front of her, fingers spread. They shook.
“That unease won’t rest until you follow your destiny, child.”
Melinda tucked her hands between her knees and held them tight. She stared off into space, looking at nothing. After she licked her lips, she continued, “Is it like this for all women?”
“No.” Mimi understood her without Melinda having to elaborate. “It’s harder for you as a medicine woman. You’ll always sense things. Often before your mates. Sometimes it will drive them crazy. Sometimes they won’t believe you. Sometimes you’ll fight.
“It’s tough. I won’t lie to you, child. Your grandfather and I butted heads more times than I can count. But it’s worth it. Trust me. Your mates will relax over time as they learn to accept your idiosyncrasies.”
“What about me?” Melinda looked down at her lap. “When will I learn to accept them?”
Mimi hesitated for several moments before speaking again. “Fate brought you together for a reason. Any turmoil between the three of you is part of Her plan. It’s hard to see that now, but trust me. You have to follow your instincts and believe She won’t lead you astray.”
“Keegan makes my blood boil.”
“No. Keegan’s line of work and what it stands for makes your blood boil. The man himself makes your heart pound. It’s difficult to separate the two emotions.”
“You’re right.” As usual.
“Trace is a cop all the way in Cambridge.”
“Rebecca was a nurse in Cambridge. Griffen worked there too. They worked it out. You will too. Don’t forget you have land on the edge of the reservation just like your brother. Build there. It will all fall into place.”
Melinda leaned into her grandmother. “How did you get so wise?”
Mimi chuckled. “I’m not wise, child. Just insightful. Open your heart and your mind. Let your mates in. Trust in the way of our people.”
Melinda blew out a breath. “I think I need a run. In the mountains.”
“You could do that. But take your mates. Don’t go alone.”
Melinda eyed her grandmother. “You think there’s still some sort of danger lurking out there?” It had been months since anyone from the pack came forward to Mimi or Melinda with news of a spirit sighting. Not since the earthquake that shook all their worlds both literally and figuratively.
Mimi shrugged. “I don’t know. But there’s no sense taking any chances.”
“You don’t think all the sightings last year were related to keeping Rebecca safe from that quake? Or bringing her together with her mates? Or even keeping anyone from being killed by my father or grandfather?” Melinda shuddered at the memory of a father she’d never met—one who had raped her mother to produce Melinda and her twin Miles.