Mindy was humming a tune while pushing the last box for the day to align with others in the back of a truck. Gideon was in the cabin, making sure they didn't miss anything important.
After double-checking that things were tucked in well, Mindy adjusted the net that covered all the things they put in there, and then she pulled a stretchy cord from one wall of the trailer to the other, to keep the things from tumbling.
Since there was no road to Gideon's house, the warriors drove there a massive truck for rough terrains, customized with an enclosed trailer that could store a lot of things.
The warriors wanted to help, but Mindy and Gideon said that they will need a few hours to pick things and pack them, and they needed to do it personally. Both Gideon and Mindy were werewolves, and it's not like they were lacking in strength.
At first, Mindy thought of packing only some clothes and toiletries, but now that they had a truck and a whole day at their disposal, Mindy and Gideon decided to take with them more. They already had a rough idea of a few pieces of furniture that Gideon needed for his workshop, and the rest will stay behind. Mindy had no emotional attachments to anything other than her clothes.
Mindy was happy. They were moving close to the packhouse, and Gideon didn't object to her idea to move and see if the new place will work for him.
Actually, Gideon didn't care about the location. He wanted to make his pumpkin-infused princess happy, and as long as he had space for his garden, workshop, and privacy, he wouldn't lack anything.
The lot around the house Talia let them use was more than what he needed, and guards would ensure that trespassers don't disturb them.
The rest was Mindy's criteria about being close to the town, number of rooms, and amenities, and with all that accommodated, neither of the two thought they will need to move further. Unless they find something unexpected, that house was perfect.
Mindy's ears perked up when she heard rustling outside of the trailer.
She thought it was Gideon, maybe searching for her. Why didn't he use the mind-link? She left him upstairs, and she was about to let him know she was inside the trailer of the truck when she heard a female voice, "Gidi?"
Mindy's expression stiffened. She didn't need to guess who that was. Nina. Why the hell was she there?
Mindy stuck her head from the back of the truck to see Nina visually inspecting the large vehicle.
"Can I help you?", Mindy asked without bothering to conceal her hostility.
Nina was visibly flustered. "Uhm… Is Gidi here?"
"Shaman Gideon is at home.", Mindy said while emphasizing the 'Shaman Gideon' part. "Why are you looking for him?"
Nina was not happy with the way Mindy (not) welcomed her. "Do I need a reason to come and check on my friend?"
'Friend, my ass!', Mindy fumed. If Nina wanted to check on Gideon, she could use the mind-link. She obviously wanted to see him in person. "Friend. I see.", Mindy mumbled. "Alright. Wait a minute. I will tell my mate that you are here."
"Mindy", Nina called. "I am aware you are his mate."
"If you are, that will make things easier.", Mindy said while walking into the cabin.
Nina made her appearance shortly before the pack run, Gideon told her that she was not needed, and then Gideon announced to everyone that Mindy was his mate. Why was Nina here? Obviously to stir trouble. Did she think that she can win Gideon back?
Mindy entered the cabin to see Gideon coming out of the side room with a bunch of papers in his hands.
"I had these in my desk upstairs.", Gideon said and started arranging papers in the small box that was on the dining table. "I think these are the last ones, but there are probably a hundred more. Once the soil for the garden is ready, I will get plants and seeds from here. At that time, I can check again to see what we left behind." After closing the box, he turned to look at Mindy. "Are we ready to go?"
"I don't think so.", Mindy said. "Nina is here."
Gideon's expression was calm, but on the inside, he felt like crying. Why was Nina here? It took him forever to pacify Mindy last time!
He glanced behind Mindy. "I assume she is outside."
"Oh, I'm sorry.", Mindy said sarcastically. "Was I supposed to bring her to the bedroom?" She knew that Gideon had drawn the line and that it wasn't his fault, but Mindy couldn't help herself from seething in jealousy.
Gideon exhaled helplessly. He walked to Mindy and wrapped his arms around her.
"You know I didn't call Nina to come here", he said. "Come. Let's go and see what she wants."
With one arm around Mindy's shoulders and the other holding the box he just closed, Gideon walked out with Mindy.
Gideon saw Nina looking his way, but he spoke to Mindy.
"Can you close the door, princess? My hands are full."
Mindy was not sure what he was up to. He could let go of her and close the door, but the fact he was holding onto Mindy in front of Nina, made Mindy feel good.
"Make sure you lock it because we don't want stray animals to get in while we are out.", Gideon said.
Nina frowned when she realized that Gideon ignored her, but she waited for him to address her.
"Nina", Gideon said. "I didn't expect you here. Did something happen?"
"I came to see how you are doing."
"As you can see, I'm doing fine.", Gideon responded and turned to Mindy. "You can forgive Nina for the intrusion. For a long time I was living alone here, and she would come and check on me from time to time." He spoke to Nina. "I am grateful for everything you did so far, Nina. But I have a mate now."
"Are you saying that I'm not welcome?", Nina asked, offended that he was dismissing her.
"Just like any other newly mated couple, we seek solitude to learn about each other.", Gideon said. "I hope you can respect our desire for privacy."
Nina's shoulders slumped. "I understand." She looked at the box in Gideon's hand and then at the truck. "Are you moving?"
"Yes.", Gideon confirmed.
"Where to?"
Gideon thought for a moment about how to answer this. "We found a new home, one that will work for both of us. It's within the territory."
Nina realized that Gideon won't tell her. "You are the Shaman, how can people reach you? Or are you going to drop that also now that you found your mate?" Nina's voice was full of bitterness, and she couldn't conceal it.
"I am a Shaman", Gideon responded matter-of-factly. "But I am also a man. Other than numerous congratulations for finding my mate, I didn't hear any requests for my services. But in case of an emergency, people can reach me via mind-link."
Gideon ushered Mindy to sit in the truck on the passenger's seat in front, and he placed the box he was carrying next to her legs.
"Be careful with this one, princess", Gideon told Mindy. "My favorite mug is in there."
He closed the door for Mindy and then he moved to the back to ensure that the double doors were properly secured shut.
Seeing that Nina was watching him in silence, he decided to say something.
"Thank you for stopping by. I would stay and chat, but we have a lot to unpack. Take care, Nina."
Nina couldn't believe that he was leaving just like that. "Can I hitch a ride with you to town?"
"Sorry, Nina. There is no space. You will need to return in the same way you came here.", Gideon said and hopped into the driver's seat.
Nina gaped at the truck that moved over the uneven terrain until it disappeared out of sight among the trees.
Mindy scooted next to Gideon. She hugged his arm and smiled happily.
The truck was massive, and at least four people could sit in front, and there was space in the back also, but Gideon just brushed off Nina, and Mindy liked it. She liked it a lot.
Gideon glanced at his pumpkin-infused princess. "Happy?"
"Yes", Mindy didn't deny it. "I will make sure to show you how happy I am, tonight."
Gideon shifted in his seat to adjust his hard-on. Damn, the evening couldn't come fast enough!
