Melinda’s Wolves(37)

And his father, no better than him. An elder in the tribe. The last living elder of his generation. Hopefully the last holdout who ran her mother off for twenty-seven years with threats against her and her children if she stayed on the reservation after mating a white man.

Melinda sincerely hoped those days of racism were over now that the son, Randal Junior, had been killed, and the father, Randal, committed suicide in prison. She tried not to think too often about the fact that those two men were her own father and grandfather.

Mimi pursed her lips, hesitating a moment. “It’s possible. But just like your gut tells you to mate with Trace and Keegan, my gut tells me there’s more to come. I wish it were an exact science, but it’s not. And you know that.

“I feel the unrest in the air. The unease. The spirits are not at rest. They’re agitated. I don’t know why. But I know they demand our diligence. And that extends to you. You’re the next generation of medicine women in our tribe. You are the future. It falls to you to complete this mating and focus your energy on honing your skills, listening to your intuition, paying attention to your surroundings.”

“That’s a lot of pressure, Mimi.” Melinda’s voice was soft.

“Yes. And like many things in life, it’s your burden to carry. You’re chosen, child.” Mimi grasped her hand and squeezed it. “You’re the flesh of my flesh. The spirits have chosen you to guide the tribe and lead everyone down the right path.”

“Mimi, you are doing that. And you do it well.”

“I am an old woman, Melinda. I won’t be here forever.”

“And Mother? What about her? She’s back now. She’ll also be able to help.”

Mimi shook her head. “Your mother has skills. It’s true. And if she had been here for the last three decades, she would be a valuable asset. But she has been away. Her abilities are weakened. She’s not sharp. We spoke for many hours last night. She may, in time, regain some of her abilities. But I fear not all. My visions do not include her. They direct me to you. Besides, she can’t be here right now. She has her mate’s extended family to consider. Her other three children.”

Melinda held her breath. Mimi’s words were powerful and daunting.

And true.

“Why have I not sensed this same unrest as you?”

Mimi cupped her face. “Because you’ve been on a path toward your mates.”

“Did you know this?” Had Mimi foreseen Melinda meeting Trace and Keegan last night? Hell, had she known who Melinda’s mates were?

Mimi shook her head. “No. What I knew was that something huge was about to occur. I felt the rumbling. I have meditated often. I feel the unrest in the peaks of the mountains. The spirits are many. They’re gathering. They’re multiplying.

“I have watched you closely and noticed that you did not sense the same unrest. It has weighed heavily on my heart for many weeks. I worried why the spirits were not manifesting themselves to you in the same way. Now I have my answers.

“You have much on your plate, child. The return of your mother to our family. The addition of her mate and three half siblings you have not yet met. And most importantly, your mating. One step at a time. I’m sure it will all come together in good time.”

Melinda hugged her grandmother tight. “Thank you. I love you.”

“And I love you, child. Now when are those two gorgeous mates of yours returning?”

“As soon as I call them.”

“Then, I’ll be on my way.” Mimi hefted herself off the couch and brushed her hands down her dress as though smoothing out imaginary wrinkles. “You’re strong, Melinda. You’ll be fine. I’ve seen it.” She winked and then walked out the front door without another word.





Chapter Twelve


After Melinda finished her sandwich in the quiet stillness of her condo, she texted Trace and Keegan in a group message. No way would she risk hurting either man’s feelings by choosing one.

I’m ready.

Those two words were filled with innuendo. Ready for them to come back? Ready to let them claim her? She recognized her vague statement immediately, but it was too late to change it.

Be there in ten.

Keegan sent that text. It made sense. Trace was driving.

Calmer now, Melinda entered her bedroom and packed more of her things. Obviously she wasn’t going to spend much time here in the near future. Whatever she’d packed hastily that morning hadn’t had even half of her concentration. This time she opened a suitcase and stuffed it with clothes.

She heard the truck pull up and headed for the front door before her mates reached her small porch. With a smile, she opened it and lifted her suitcase.