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“If we get it up and running, could I get you to teach a couple of classes?”
“That sounds like fun. I need to check with Mischa…”
“I know. Big, tough alpha males think they need to control everything.”
“They do, don’t they?” laughed Simone.
“So, what can I help you find?”
“I came for some toiletry items that I forgot to pack, but honestly, your cheese section looks amazing. Any chance you’d sell me that whole wheel of gorgonzola? I have a pasta dish I make with it, and I’d love to help Mrs. Perkins prepare it for the pack.”
“Mrs. Perkins,” Annie sighed. “My god, that woman can cook. Oooh, do you think she might do a class or two?”
“I have no idea, but I can certainly ask her. She is a marvel.”
Annie helped Simone find the items she needed. When it came to the wheel of gorgonzola, Annie refused to let her buy it. Instead, she gifted it to Simone as a welcome gift and added, “If nothing else, if I could get some of your recipes, that would be great.”
“That is far too kind and far too generous, but I love gorgonzola far too much to turn it down.”
“Why don’t you leave everything in here while you explore Otter Cove? You’re parked right out front. When you’re ready to head back to Tangled Vines, I’ll help you load it up.”
“That’s an excellent idea. Thank you so much, Annie.”
Simone headed out and enjoyed the sunshine and the crisp, cold air. Mischa’s sweater was surprisingly warm. Her cell rang. Before she could even say hello or find out who it was, she heard Mischa’s voice.
“Simone? Valentin told me you’d driven into town.”
“I did. I took the restored farm truck. You’re going to have to fight me for who gets to drive it.”
He ignored her attempt to humor him into a more jovial mood. “I need you to meet me down at the public dock. I want to head over to Mystic River. Doc Hadley can see us this afternoon. I need to find out what’s wrong with you.”
What’s wrong with me?It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him there was absolutely nothing wrong with her, but she bit back the snarky response. She didn’t know what he’d been dealing with all day.
“A romantic boat ride with my mate and lover? Sounds wonderful.”
Mischa snorted. “Just get your ass down here.”
CHAPTER13
MISCHA
Mischa ended the call and then stared at his phone. That last bit had been a bit harsh, and he might have been more solicitous. He’d been surprised when Valentin had told him she’d taken the truck and headed into Otter Cove. Valentin had also been quick to tease him that sleeping in the alpha’s bed had done wonders for his mate.
“I could hardly believe it was the same girl,” Valentin had said. “That knot thing you alphas have must have magical powers.”
He’d then related she’d been lovely and gracious to everyone at breakfast, and that Mrs. Perkins and Nancy absolutely adored her.
She found the dock easily enough. Otter Cove wasn’t big, but the sheriff himself, who happened to be Annie’s brother, escorted her.
“Mischa,” he said, extending his hand to him. “Simone here tells me you’re her new mate.”
“I am. We will be having a bonding ceremony in the next couple of weeks. We haven’t gotten the invitations out yet, but we’d be pleased if you and your new mate could come; your sister and Campbell, as well.”
“Deke might be out of town, but let me know when it is, and if possible, we’ll be there.”
“I’d also like a chance to talk to you about some more serious matters involving Mystic River.”
Zak Grayson smiled. “I was hoping we might be able to enlist your help and that of your dire wolves.”
