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“And the nose plug?”

She scrunched her nose up. “Because I was hunting for a few things, and some insects and fungi have a rather unpleasant odor.”

I pulled my laughter together and walked closer. “Okay, so why are you so excited?”

She pulled her hands up. “I found Hericium Erinaceus, and ginkgo biloba.”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Which is?”

“Lion mane mushroom, and maidenhair tree pines.”

“Okay, so the next question is, why do you need those?”

“They are both great at brain health. I thought that if Sam had taken some of them, it would have helped her vision. Or at least keep her brain strong enough to keep whatever happened before from happening again.”

I was a little surprised. I knew that Katie was smart, but seeing her like this while she was in her element. It showed just how brilliant Katie really was.

“Did you find anything else?”

She nodded. “I found a bunch of stuff. I’ve been trying to think of ways to help the human body fight against viruses and found astragalus and sambucus, which are great for fighting against diseases. I think they would be good for anyone with the virus.”

My eyebrows went up. “Do you think that will help?”

“It’s worth a try,” Katie said, pulling her goggles off. I watched as she shoved her goggles into her bag and shuffled things around in her bag. I couldn’t help but stare, feeling amazed at her.

I stuffed my hands into my pockets. “Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?”

She blushed and looked at me, confused. She stammered for words.

“You’re out here looking for ways to help the packs, and you don’t even realize how special that is. How much you care about everyone else around you. And I’m guessing people don’t tell you that.”

She chewed on her cheek. “No, not exactly. I’ve always been…the odd one out.”

“Well, the outfit doesn’t exactly scream red carpet.”

She rolled her eyes. “If you're done mocking me, I have stuff to do.”

“I’m teasing,” I said as I walked closer. “And what else are you looking for?”

“Just samples to take back to the lab. I need some ginger root, turmeric, and sap.”

“Can I help you?”

She blinked and once more looked at me, stunned. “You…you want to help?”

I nodded. “Yeah, sounds like fun. As long as you don’t make me wear what you're wearing.”

She threw her arm out and hit me in the stomach. It was a little tap, but enough to cause a spark to go up my entire body. She stood closer now, and I inhaled her scent. She smelled like the woods.

She looked up at me now with her arms crossed. “I could make you wear my goggles.”

I leaned closer. “You think so, do you?”

She nodded, holding her ground, and I loved it. I expected her to step away or shy away from me standing in her space, but she didn’t. Katie was standing her ground, and it was amazing.

Chapter 9 - Katie

I chewed on my cheek as I stared at Henrik. I could smell his cologne, and it was intoxicating. Being in close proximity to a man wasn’t something I did often, and normally I would back down, but when it came to Henrik, I didn’t feel the need to.