Page 16 of Amaris Rejected (Stone Mountain Shifters #2)

Amaris-Present Day

I take a week to wrap up all my appointments and clear my schedule for the next two weeks. I'm not sure if I can last that long, but I’ll try if he signs the divorce papers without a fight. It’s also a good opportunity to get to know Devon's pack and his parents. That will help me determine whether Zoe will be safe when he has her for visits as she gets older.

I can't dismiss the dream I had. I need to find the she-wolf from whom Zoe needs protection. Zoe is my top priority, and as her mother, all threats must be assessed and neutralized. Everyone knows not to mess with a bear cub, and they wouldn't dare mess with this mama wolf's pup.

I stock the store shelves with enough remedies to last while I’m gone, packing a box of my most popular ones to take with me. While I’m there, I hope to work at the clinic. With my gift for healing, there will always be those I can help, so my time won’t be idle. Plus, it will pass the time.

I’m making my rounds at the hospital on Friday before we leave. Dr. Frances asked me to check in on one of her new patients. I grab my holographic medical chart stand and push it into the room.

"Hey, I’m Amaris, one of the healers here." I extend my hand to the patient. "Dr. Frances asked me to check on you today."

"Amaris?" Charlie asks, gripping my hand. "What are you doing here? I thought you lived in the Still Waters Pack with your mate. We brought you to that Meet-and-Greet three years ago."

"Luna Charlie?" I gasp. "What are you doing here?"

"It's a long story, Amaris," she sighs. "I need you to do me a favor. Don't let anyone know I’m the Luna of a pack or where I’m from. Okay?"

"Okay." I flip through the holographic screens, looking at her chart. "What brings you to the hospital?"

"That's part of the long story, but I... I rejected Jenson and cut my mate mark out a couple of days ago. Then I woke up here."

I gasp.

Charlie lies back on the bed, exhaustion written all over her face. "It nearly killed me. I haven't spoken to the Alpha here yet. I understand he’s been busy. I plan to seek asylum anonymously here.

"This is a wonderful place to live, Charlie, and your secrets are safe with me."