Page 127 of A Broody Mate for the Human

“You truly have talent,” Stella says while standing up and shuffling towards her coffee machine. “I’m not surprised the Moon Goddess chose you as a mate for a werewolf. She must have a bigger plan in mind.”

I watch her making coffee, noticing how kind she was for helping Esme and me, just because she was a friend of my mother. “We put a lot of trouble on you,” I mutter.

“He’s right,” Esme says, sounding sad.

“And now more trouble is coming,” I mutter. “They have been trailing us, it seems.”

“They would have found this place sooner or later,” Stella says quietly. “Listen, your mother was a great friend and saved my life once. I couldn’t save her from her abusive mate, but I can try to save her children.”

Lady Portia sighs. “But what now? Whose men were these? Alpha Troi’s, or were they from Raphael’s and Esme’s old pack?”

“Does it matter?” Stella asks. “Both would be bad.”

“Now that the men know where they are, it’s dangerous to stay,” Lady Portia points out. “We need a backup plan, fast.”

We all engage in a discussion about how to proceed from here on, throwing in random ideas, though none of us has the perfect solution. Only when Dave clears his throat do I notice that he has been quiet for our whole discussion. “Dave?” I ask in worry.

Dave looks at us thoughtfully. “I might have an idea.”

Chapter forty-one

The Chase

*DAVE*

IthankGod,orthe Goddess—this is a whole new fundamental question I need to ask myself now—that my new car is big enough. Raffy and I pack our things within minutes and then run to help the others. Raffy helps Stella and Lady Portia with their stuff, as they have more to carry and pack, while I take the time to bond with my new sister-in-law and Hayden.

“And you really think it’s going to be okay?” Esme asks, her insecurities shining through once the three of us are alone.

Hayden places a kiss on top of her head, which is cute because he is a bit smaller than her. “There is never a full guarantee,” I tell her. “But I’m 90% certain it will work out.”

She nods tentatively, biting on her lip. She has the same dark hair and the same eyes as Raffy, but looking at her a bit closer, I notice that her posture shows more insecurities. She tends to bite on her lips, and twist her fingers, and just in general retaliates faster. “Esme,” I start, hoping I don’t overstep my boundaries now. “You seemed to be alright with the plan before. What happened now?”

She is silent, but Hayden looks at me. “She’s putting up a front when Raphael is around.”

“Why?” I ask, surprised.

Esme glares at her mate before turning to me. “It’s not like that. It’s just… Raphael always had to be strong for the both of us. I don’t want to be a burden to him anymore.”

“You’re not a burden to him,” I say quietly.

She looks down at her fingers. “I can’t do anything.”

“It’s not true. And even if it were true, it wouldn’t be your fault.” I look at her. “All this time he had one piece of a memory from you, and only you, and he clung to it. It’s the reason he even started the journey to recover his memory. That’s how much you mean to him. The guilt was eating him up.”

“Sweetheart,” Hayden tries to reach out towards her, but Esme smacks his hand away, and instead throws a few shirts into their suitcase.

Hayden looks like a lost puppy, which would be more adorable if we weren’t on a tight schedule. I wish we could mind link, I think, but unfortunately I’m not part of a pack… yet. Hopefully, I will be soon.

I can see a message popping up on my phone. It’s Annie.

Tell me when you arrive! Ella will pick you up. Luv you, my human, be careful.

I smile.

Luv you too! And in case your hunky mate is reading this: just on a platonic level!

You’re so silly :-)