His One and Only

Chapter 40

The current of the icy cold river drug Mira-Jane farther and farther away. The current was a rapid river and strong. She had to give everything she had to get to the surface for air every once in a while. Getting out of the river was at the bottom of her priority list as she was just focused on surviving.

Nature seemed to be out to get her. The perilous current tossed her about mercilessly. Every now and again she would hit a rock that would take her breath away and bruise her. Mira refused to let her resolve be chipped away and continued to fight against all odds.

Finally, after what seemed to be ages, the current stilled at a much more softer pace. It gave her a chance to orient herself and swim her way to shore.

Mira ended up crawling on her hands and knees up the bank. The bruises and cuts from the war with the river were already healing rapidly. Despite her rapid healing, the despair in her heart was growing.

She flopped down on the rocky bank on her back and looked up at the darkening sky. Evening was starting to set and a crisp autumn air was penetrating her wet clothes and going straight to her bones. Tears started to well up again in her eyes and Mira covered her face with her hands.

All those years she had longed for a wolf and now when she finally got one it ruined her life. Her one chance at a possible love, family, and place were stolen from her. Now she was alone in vast unknown territory, with a blood crazy wolf she couldn't control, and being hunted by an entire Grizzly Clan.

Mira felt a deep emptiness fill her chest. She slammed her fists against the rocks, arched her back, and screamed into the silent forest. Mira continued to lay there and cry as the sun set and the world around her got darker. Unconsciously, she rolled her side to try and get warmer against the bitter cold that was now racking her body.

"Hello deary." A soft compassionate voice spoke, breaking the silence.

Mira picked her head up and looked upwards to see a bright lantern that was hung on the end of a stick blinding her. The person moved the lantern to the side to reveal themselves. Frida.

Frida stood not far from her. She had changed a bit in looks but was still easily identifiable. She wore a long deep red wool dress and thick boots. She had a thick shawl wrapped around her for warmth. Her gray hair was long and in thick braids with beads in them.

"Y-you." Mira spoke through chattering blue lips.

"I'm sorry I took so long to find you. Your scream did aid me in that. All I brought is a long coat for you to wear against the cold. Do you think you can stand and walk?" Friday lifted her arm to signal the coat that hung off of it as she spoke.

Mira pushed herself up to sit upward and started to shiver more from the cold breeze in the air. "What makes you think I would accept your help?" She said through chattering teeth.

"I beg your pardon?"

"It's because of you I'm in this mess." Mira spat out bitterly.

Frida looked surprised and slightly offended. "Deary I can assure you I have no such power over your fate to influence such a 'mess' as you said. As for what makes me think you would accept my help well, I have a very long list but the simple fact that you have hypothermia and death could very well take you home tonight should be a good enough reason for anyone."

Mira glared at her but couldn't deny the last statement she made. As much as she didn't want help from her, it was all she had right now. She trembled but managed to stand up and take the coat from Frida's outstretched hand.