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Vivienne

Approximately six months ago

“Vivi, are you sure about this?” Angie asked as I continued carefully packing the plants and herbs I’m taking with me into a protective case. I already have my other supplies in a suitcase and it’s in my Jeep, along with all of my clothes and important papers. I left the more fragile items for last since I didn’t want to risk them. They’ll be the start of my new venture, one I never thought I’d need to have.

“Yes, Ang,” I replied, turning back to my task.

As an herbalist for my pack, I had my degree in herbology since human medicine doesn’t typically work on a shifter. However, when I found out what my alpha had planned for me that my father had agreed to, I knew I couldn’t stay any longer.

Just because I hadn’t found my mate yet, didn’t mean I’m not like most females who longed to find their fated one, blessed by the goddess. I’m no one’s second choice, that’s for damn sure!

“Are you positive you heard your father correctly?” she questioned, roaming around my room and gathering other items for me to pack. I was glad she was here right now because I’m running on emotion and that was a surefire way to ensure I forgot something, since once I left, I was never coming back.

Sighing, I sat down on the edge of my bed and cast my mind back to two nights ago when I overheard my father and Alpha Dawson talking. They were unaware I was awake and thanks to my shifter hearing, I heard every single word.

“You’re sure about this, Alpha?” Father asked. He sounded a little bit worried, which had me focusing on the discussion taking place.

“Warren, my son needs a mate so he can get an heir. Vivienne doesn’t have a mate, so she’ll do just fine,” Alpha Dawson replied.

Horror filled me because Carter, the alpha’s son, was nothing like his father. While the alpha was, of course, hard because of his esteemed position, he ruled the pack with compassion, which earned him respect from practically every member. Carter, on the other hand, was cruel and somewhat capricious in his treatment of others. Oh, around his father, he acted the part, and I chose to believe that Alpha Dawson wasn’t as blind to his son’s shortcomings as Carter thought.

Carter treated us ‘lowly’ females horribly and thankfully, I had managed to stay far away from his lecherous eyes and grabby hands. Many of my female packmates hadn’t been as fortunate, and there were two who had chosen to leave the pack in the middle of the night after the way he treated them.

“I understand, Alpha, I really do, but I always told my Vivi she would find her true mate someday, like I did with her mother. Agreeing to this has me feeling like I’m letting my own mate down as well.”

“Warren!” Alpha Dawson snapped. I heard my father whine and knew, based on the power that was rolling through the house, that his head was tilted, and neck bared in submission. “She’d be good for him, calm him down. I’ve heard the rumors about my son, but I’ve seen your daughter and know she is what he’ll need someday to take over the pack when I step down.”

Their voices became murmurs as my mind started frantically making lists of things I would need to pack so I could leave. I hated leaving my father behind, of course, but I wasn’t willing to be broken like so many others had been just to stay close to him.

“Yeah, Ang,” I told her as I continued packing. “I honestly think the alpha is well-aware of just how cruel his son is to everyone, especially us females. I just don’t know where to go.”

That was the crux of it all; I would have to leave the Pacific Northwest, where our pack was located in order to stay out of Carter’s clutches. It meant I would likely never see my father again, which broke my heart into fractured pieces. He was all the family I had left since my mother died. Normally, Father would’ve followed her into the spirit world since they were fated mates, but because I was so young when she was shot and killed by a hunter while in her wolf form, I guessed the goddess decided otherwise.

She glanced around and then said in a near whisper, “I’ve heard of a place where shifters who are pack-less are welcome.”

I scoffed since the last thing I wanted to do was be surrounded by a bunch of rogue wolves. If I wanted to do that, I'd just stay here and accept my fate with Carter. Thanks, but no thanks. “Yeah, as if that kind of place even exists.”

“No, it’s true. There’s a place down in Texas of all places. The shifters who go there are protected by a motorcycle club.”

Raising my brow I asked, “A motorcycle club? Against wolves , Angie?”

“Vivi, they’re wolves themselves. They protect the townspeople and of course, wolves seeking refuge from their pasts. What could it hurt?” she probed. “At least, I’d know you were safe.”

Sighing, I closed up the case that was now packed so full I worried for the sanctity of the zipper and asked the one question I never thought I would. “Where?”

“Zephyr Hills.”

Fox

Approximately three months after the SAA finishes

“What on earth are ginger chews?” I muttered as I looked over the list that Tressa gave me. “And why the fuck am I running to get these things when both women have mates?”

Sighing, I rubbed my hands across my face as I read the rest of the list. Since Popeye managed to find out who the gems belonged to, Stealth and Chaos went on a run to hand deliver them. I would’ve been perfectly fine with mailing them, but the two of them thought it would be better to meet with the owner and let them know that they needed to find another town to run their shit through, Zephyr Hills was closed to those activities.

“Guess I’m heading into town. Hopefully this shit will fit in my saddlebags. It’s too fucking nice outside to be caught in a cage. Of course, if it ends up being too much, I’ll just call a prospect.”

Happy with my plan of action, I headed out to my bike, strapped on my helmet, then slung my leg over until I was sitting comfortably on my seat. Hitting the start button, I grinned as the unmistakable rumble started then increased when I twisted the throttle.

“Well, this isn’t too bad,” I muttered while walking down the sidewalk toward an apothecary store. Didn’t even know what the fuck that was, but when I asked the waitress about some of the items on the list, she told me I could find them at Vivi’s. Apparently, the owner is an herbalist, and she carried the shit Tressa and Nini swore they had to have to survive their pregnancies.

When I found the shop, I opened the door and stepped inside, only to be hit with the most delicious smell to ever cross my nose.

Calla lilies and mint.

I was barely inside when I heard a female ask, “Can I help you find something?”

Turning, I saw a tall, striking woman standing there and realized the scent was coming from her, especially since it grew stronger the closer I got.

“Hi, my name is Fox and I’m looking for a few things. The waitress at the diner says you carry them,” I replied, handing her the list.

“Vivienne Lafontaine, but most people call me Vivi. If you’ll follow me, I have them over here.”

“Mate, I’ll follow you anywhere,” my mind whispered.