Looking for Wildflowers

Chapter 19

Riley walked Taylor around the village, showing her where everything was and introducing her to a few people along the way. Taylor took note of the ones she liked, and the ones she wanted to avoid.

Once they were finished, Riley wanted to let Taylor do some exploring on her own while he tried to get her into the clinic.

Taylor sighed as she watched Riley walk off toward the medical clinic and leave her behind with people she barely knew. She was not the best in social situations, which made her incredibly anxious.

With nothing better to do, than to get to know those around her, she slowly made her way around the village, trying to find someone who looked approachable. Just as she was turning the corner of what appeared to be a handmade toy store for the children, she bumped into someone, causing them both to stumble back a few feet.

"Ay, watch it-" The man started but quickly straightened himself once he realized it was Taylor he stumbled into. "I'm terribly sorry, I didn't realize-"

"It's fine, don't worry about it. Please, I don't want special treatment. Just treat me like you would anyone else here." Taylor insisted, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear and offering a smile.

"Well, I should treat you with more respect than I do most of these no-lifers." He returned the smile, and Taylor noticed he was carrying a notebook.

"What's that?" Curiosity got the best of her.

"Oh, this?" He held up the notebook. "It's... nothing really. Just something I need to show the bookmaker."

"Bookmaker?" The sound of it sounded extremely intriguing and Taylor was determined to know more. "Who's that?"

"That's who makes the books, obviously. I can introduce you if you like. Do you write?"

"Yeah, but it's nothing serious... Just a hobby, really." Taylor laughed it off, more curious as to what was in that notebook. The man holding it didn't look like the type to write. He was tall and in better shape than most. Dark hair matched his even darker eyes, and tattoos covered both of his arms. "Do you write?" She wanted to know more about this stranger. He suddenly seemed uncomfortable.

"Sometimes, but like you said, it's just a hobby. Come on, I'll introduce you to the bookmaker." Taylor walked right next to him, looking at all the buildings. They had everything that a normal city would have, just different. For example, they had a grocery store, but it was made up mostly of things that people were able to forage and hunt. They made their own books and clothes, including shoes. There wasn't any reason to ever leave unless you wanted to go for a run.

"This," He held out his arm dramatically, bringing Taylor's attention to an older, wooden building. "Is where the bookmaker both lives and works. Allow me." He opened the door and allowed Taylor to walk inside.

As she walked through the creaky door, she lost her breath. Bookshelves lined each wall, from floor to ceiling, completely full of books both old and new.

In the far back there was a large desk with papers stacked all over it and there stood an older man.

"Welcome," He looked up from a stack of books he was getting ready to organize. "What can I help you with?" The man Taylor was with held out his notebook as he approached the man.

"Taylor, this is Mr. Fickle, better known by his wolf name, Quin. He owns this place and every single book in it." He introduced her but she was still trying to comprehend all the books she was surrounded by.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." The bookkeeper offered a warm smile. Quin quickly glanced through the man's notebook. "Thank you, I will give you feedback in a few days."

As the two were leaving, the man saw Taylor eyeing a specific book on one of the shelves. He quickly bought it as she left the store, giving it to her as a gift.

"Thank you," She started as they began walking back the way they came. "I'm afraid I don't remember your name." Taylor felt terrible about it but a lot had happened these last few days. She was thankful she could remember her own name.

"My name is Jared, but please, just call me Collin. It's my wolf name, and as you will soon find out, most of us go by our wolf names instead of our given names. I must ask, Taylor, what is your wolf name?"

"Mingan."

"That means grey wolf. Let me guess, Riley- sorry, Skoll, named you?"

"How'd you know?"

"Because he's a dumbass with no creativity." Collin laughed. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, he explained further. "He's my brother. I'm the only one who can talk about him that way. Well, now I suppose you can too." Taylor gave a small smile. "Where exactly were you headed? I'll walk you there."

Taylor thought for a second, not having a certain destination in mind. "The medical clinic. Riley says I'd make a good nurse, so I want to check into it."

Without another word, he led her straight to the clinic, holding the door open and letting her enter first.

"Skoll, I found your Luna wondering around clueless." Collin announced as they entered. Inside there was a round desk and some chairs, leaving the front area open. Taylor assumed the door to her right led to the individual rooms and work area. Riley stood at the desk, talking to the lady in charge.

"Is this my new nurse?" The lady asked, walking around the desk and toward Taylor who stood frozen.

"Yep. You don't even have to train her, she already knows how to handle most injuries. You'll only have to help her if a large or serious case comes in." Riley answered as he turned and leaned back against the desk, Collin doing the same to his left.

"Perfect. My name is Bree. I'm the doctor here, and I've been searching for a new nurse for what feels like forever! When can you start?" Taylor thought Bree was rather pretty, blonde hair, blue eyes, and slightly taller than average. Her voice was light, and she radiated kindness.

"When do you need me?"

"Honey, I could put you to work today." Bree laughed. "How about first thing tomorrow morning? You come in around seven, and I'll show you around. It's typically pretty slow, so you should do just fine."

"Sounds good, I'll see you then." Taylor smiled. She had a job now so she at least could feel needed here.

Riley led Taylor back to the house, happy to see that she was growing to like the place. They both went to bed early that night, knowing they had a busy day ahead of them.