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I nod. She places her hand on my arm. Her scan of my thoughts feels like feathers rubbing over my skin. A complete contrast to my ex. When you’ve had the greatest mind sifter ever rummage through your thoughts, anyone else feels like a walk in the park. I put up simple blocks on things she doesn’t need toknow. In my head, I envision my sister and her supposed groom. I even show her a glimpse of the conversation I had with my father. I give her everything she needs to believe my story is true.

Many people think it’s hard to confuse a mind reader. It isn’t, it just takes practice. I had to give her something to focus on while I did my own digging.

I feel her nudge at my wall again. Her sad attempt to break through tickles my thoughts.

“What are you protecting so strongly?”the witch asks in my head.

“Everyone,”I reply honestly. “Now, tell me, have you told your mate your secret, witch?”

I can hear her gasp in my head, and she immediately pulls away. She lets go of my hand and stares back at me. She’s trying to figure out how I was able to read her thoughts.

“How did you do that?” she asks out loud.

“You aren’t the only one with gifts, witch. But don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”I reply inside her head.

She continues to watch me skeptically. Finally, she turns to Chayton. “She means you no harm. She is safe to stay.”

“See,” Liz says. “You can all relax. She’s safe.”

Even with the witch vouching for me, I don’t think it changes anyone’s mind.

“Alright,” Chayton says to me after a long pause. “You can stay. But you will not feed on my wolves.”

Marley snorts beside me. I cut my eyes to her to keep her quiet.

“I can assure you that willnotbe a problem.” I don’t explain to them they smell like wet dog and their blood taste like day old hot dog water. Feeding off a werewolf is the absolute last resort.

“Good. You will also not feed off the townspeople. They are protected by me. If you must eat, go further out. And if you harm any member of my pack, you have to go. Am I understood?”

I swallow the lump of annoyance in my throat before I respond. “Yes, Alpha.”

He shakes his head. “You are here only for sanctuary. You are not a member of this pack, so no need to call me Alpha. The moment you handle the business you’re running from, you will leave.”

“As you wish, Chayton.”

He narrows his gaze at me before turning back to the crowd. “The vampires will be housed in one of the northeast cabins. Meeting is adjourned.”

The room slowly emptied. I’m assuming no one is going to volunteer to see us to our sleeping quarters. Chayton and the grizzly Beta are huddled together whispering.

Liz comes over to me and wraps her arms around me. I bask in the warmth from her connection. I’ve missed my best friend dearly.

She lets me go and we lean back, staring at each other.

“I’m so happy to have you and Marley here with us. And don’t worry, once everyone gets to know you, they will welcome you with open arms.”

Doubt that, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t here to make friends.

“I’m sure they will,” I lie. “Can you direct us to our cabin? I’m exhausted, and I know Marley could use some sleep.”

“Sure,” Liz says. “Come on, Buddy.” She places a hand on Miko’s head. They both walk ahead of us. We follow them out of the meeting hall.

I get a hot sensation at my back, as if someone is watching me. Turning to find the culprit, I catch gazes with the burly Beta. His golden orbs lock in on mine. We stare at each other for a second before I turn away and walk out of the meeting hall. The Beta can stare all he wants.

The first part of my plan is complete; secure a place away from Markis where I can regroup. Now, I just have to figure out what to do next.

chapter Two

Vampires