1
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU GRIMOIRES…
MURIEL
Muriel walked through the forest,new fronds unfolding from the soil with each step. In the distance, she heard the excited squeals of wolf pups playing again. It was one of many signs that life was finally improving for the Shenandoah pack since Jace, the new alpha, took over after Lucas’s reign of terror.
But her? She felt more alone and lost than ever.
The warm, buttery sweetness of baking oats and brown sugar drew her toward the Sablewolf homestead on the edge of the woods. Muriel often found her way there when she was feeling out of sorts. She and Jessie had been inseparable growing up, and Muriel was as comfortable in Jessie’s family home as she was in her own.
“Come in, dear,” Elsa called out before Muriel even made it to the door. “I just made a pot of tea.”
Muriel spied two cups set out on the table and a plate of cookies, fresh out of the oven. “Are you expecting someone?”
“Just you.” Elsa gave her a motherly smile. “I knew you’d find your way here. I made your favorite, oatmeal raisin.”
Her weakness. No one could say no to Elsa’s homemade cookies.
Muriel sank down at the scarred wooden table, as she had hundreds of times before. She’d eaten meals here, made cookies and crafts, giggled and shared secrets and snacks in the middle of the night during sleepovers.
She missed those days.
“Want to talk about it?” Elsa asked, sliding into the chair across from her.
“Talk about what?”
“Whatever’s put a thorn in your paw.”
Muriel’s lips curled at the familiar expression. “I don’t have a thorn in my paw.”
“Right. That’s why you’re wandering around like you’ve lost your best friend.”
“Ididlose my best friend.”
“No, you didn’t,” Elsa said, softening her tone. “Just because Jessie’s mated and living in Mythic doesn’t mean you can’t remain close.”
No, but it did make it harder. “I know. I just misshaving her around.”
“I do too,” Elsa agreed. “Jessie suggested I move to Mythic to be closer to her and the pups.”
“And? What did you tell her?”
“That I will visit often, but I’m quite happy where I am. My life is here. Jace even asked me to sit on the pack council as an advisor.”
“He’s a smart man.” Elsa Sablewolf was as kind as she was wise, and she’d been around long enough to know everyone in the community.
Elsa smiled. “He is. But what about you? Jessie told me she talked to you about Mythic too.”
“She did.”
“And?”
“It’s complicated.”
Under other circumstances, Muriel wouldn’t think twice about relocating. Jessie’s new home was amazing, teeming with all sorts of fascinating preternaturals, including those of the magical variety. If Muriel moved there, she could learn so much, maybe make some friends, be a part of that community.
But Mythic was where Brandon was.