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Sometime later, both women walked down the path adjacent to the single road in town. They had already spoken about their respective hometowns, their love for the city and somewhat about how they'd ended up in Aspen Creek. Anna mentioned that she was a newer addition to the town. She'd mostly glossed over the details, mumbling something about a bad alpha in Chicago and how her and Charles instantly mated. Piper wasn't too fond of mate bonds at the moment, so she didn't ask too much about Anna's Indian. After running out of small talk Anna had finally asked, "So why is Leah threatening you about Bran?"

She shrugged. Sure, Piper may have had bad intentions about the man when he was standing in her doorway looking all mouth-watering and available. But now she knew he was off-limits, she was sure the attraction would cool. Piper wasn't stupid enough to get into that pychodrama. Besides, mate-bonds were a life-long thing. Mac had explained the finer dynamics of it. She remembered how hopeful he'd looked while talking about how the bond took place. Her chest hurt at the thought of him never meeting his mate.

"Because she's a crazy?"

Anna nodded, "She is... But something must have started the accusations."

Piper hesitated and Anna looked embarrassed, "I'm sorry. It's none of my business…" She huffed in frustration, "Living with these have-to-know-it-all men, has made me so nosy!"

Piper laughed and found herself wanting to confide in the woman. "It's fine…Leah said something about him having a change in attitude when he got back…and I guess, with me arriving it just seemed related."

Piper saw the question hanging form the edge of Anna's lips, Is it related? The women didn't ask but Piper was curious of the answer herself. Was Squints happy she was here? Was he affected by her as much as she had been by him?

Piper shook away the thoughts and decided to change the subject. She asked Anna more information about the town and the local inhabitants. Anna told her it was a small place, where everyone knew about the wolves, mostly because everyone was related or mated to one of them. Most people lived deep within the more wooded areas, outside of town. The few local amenities included a bar called The Rusty Boar, a Sporting Goods shop, a small shopping center, post office and of course, the motel she was staying in.

"It's such a small place," Piper remarked, "Does everyone know each other?"

"Yeah, and the gossip runs as wild as the werewolves, unfortunately."

"Lovely."

The women placed a slender hand on her shoulder. "It's not so bad… And remember, you're not the only newbie."

Piper felt somewhat better at the thought and returned the smile, "Thanks for doing this. I'm sure when Squints ordered you to babysit the new human, you weren't thrilled."

Anna chuckled and looked like she suddenly remembered something, "Oh, Bran didn't order me…He can't actually, I'm an Omega."

It was a blow to Piper's gut. In fact, she nearly fell over from the physical pain. That was why she'd been drawn to the whiskey-haried woman. Why she had felt so comfortable. Why she felt like she used to when she was with Mac. This woman was known for making wolves and humans feel all warm and fuzzy, for making them calm, for making them confide...just as Mac had done."

"Did I say something wrong? Piper?"

Piper locked away the emotions, though the woman could probably smell her pain. "I'm sorry. I have to go." She fled but Anna caught her arm.

"Piper, I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry..."

Piper aimed to deflect, "It's not you. I just realized I left my stove running."

"Will you please come tonight? You shouldn't be alone your first night in a new town." Piper remembered the casual invite Anna had given to visit the Rusty Boar tonight. Not knowing what else to say, she agreed and fled to the safety of the ugly orange room.

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