Page 39 of Rhett

Nyx nodded. “Agreed. Pay no attention to any bullshit anyone gives you about having Hunter blood. Especially when we have bigger issues to worry about, like the lack of mates for our unmated males.”

“Bonnie told me about the feral situation.” I took a sip of my mule, enjoying the flavors of fiery ginger beer, vodka, and fresh lime.

“It’s a fucked-up predicament,” Imani stated. “I’m hoping the spell brings more fated mates.”

“That’s the plan,” Nyx said, tapping her copper mug against mine, then Imani’s.

“I’m not staying in the Ridge, y’all.”

The server arrived, placing a huge silver platter onto the table. “Enjoy,” he said, then walked away.

My eyes widened at the sight of the roasted pig head on the platter with tortillas and condiments in small glass jars.

“What do you mean, you’re not staying?” Imani asked, taking a fork and filling her tortilla with all the fixings. Nyx and I followed suit.

Between chews, I said, “I’m renewing my contract for another year in Africa. Midwives are in short supply.”

“Black Forest needs you,” Imani said. “And so does your mate. Rhett.”

I nearly choked. “What are you talking about?”

“Okay.” Imani sighed heavily. “I didn’t want to tell you because, well, it’s really not my place. But Rhett’s your fated mate.”

My eyes widened. “But how do you know?”

“Your scent,” she replied. “A shifter knows his or her fated mate by their distinctive, alluring scent that calls to them like no other.”

My stomach flip-flopped. “But he doesn’t like me.”

“Not true,” Imani countered.

“I beg to differ with you,” I argued. “Anyway, I’m not giving up my life for a town that hates what I am.”

Nyx and Imani eyed each other silently.

I stopped chewing and asked, “What?”

“I felt the same way when I arrived in the Ridge and found out what I am.” Imani spread her arms wide. “But here I am. Not only am I the part owner of a B and B, I’m working in the career that I adore, and I found the love of my life.”

Nyx took another chug from her mug. “You see, having love and a career are not mutually exclusive.”

“Exactly,” Imani chimed in. “The Ridge is in desperate need of a midwife, and Rhett needs his fated mate… you.”

Nyx nodded. “That’s a win-win situation, if you ask me.”

I frowned. “And what about what I need?”

“It’s apparent that your career is important to you,” Imani said. “You can have that easily here.” She popped a morsel of pork into her mouth. “The question remains, do you want a good man in your life?”

“Good man?” I asked. “Is there such a thing?”

“In this town,” Nyx replied, “plenty… like Rhett.”

I snorted.

“When Quinn and I met, we argued, pushed each other away even when we knew that we belonged together.”

Nyx shook her head. “I don’t know why fated mates waste so much time fighting the inevitable, but they do.”