Page 89 of Fated to the Wolf Cowboy

“You were?”

“Of course, rumors are everywhere that Westin Pack is the biggest, safest sanctuary for witches.”

She sighed. “My mate won’t be thrilled to hear that, but it’s probably the truth. And with Westin Force we have the numbers and the strength to protect them all. But Thomas and Lily will fight to protect you here too. You’re always welcome in Westin Pack whether that’s a visit or a permanent relocation. But Collier Pack is family to us, two halves of the same hole. If the Grand Council comes after you here, you have allies, Tricia. We take care of our own.”

“I can’t leave Brady here and I can’t ask him to leave, especially not after today. These people are willing to accept me. I’ve never had that before. They are supporting us in ways I never dreamed people would. Plus, his family is here. I don’t really have family.”

“Yes, you do. You have Brady and his family too. They’re your family now. And you have all of us as well. The Westin-Collier alliance is unbreakable. Do you hear me? We’ll battle this together.”

Brady

Chapter 26

“Is this really necessary?” I asked for the millionth time.

We were all gathered out at the range for Thomas and Luke’s testing of Tricia. I was not happy about it. Twice already Oliver and Cruz had to hold me back as Thomas and Kyle attempted Alpha powers on Tricia to force her to use her powers.

I was furious.

“This would have gone a lot easier if you’d have just sealed the deal already,” Oliver said, and not for the first time.

While it did make me happy to see his desire for me to claim her, I didn’t need the added pressure of it or the reminder that it should have already happened. Maybe if they hadn’t barged in and taken over my house yesterday then it would already be done.

By the time we’d gotten home, she’d been emotionally spent talking with Kelsey, but also excited and somehow stronger, more self-assured.

But this now was infuriating.

“I think you’re going about it all wrong,” Luke said. “She doesn’t want to use her power to control anyone. Do you, Tricia?”

“No!” she admitted quickly.

“Look at me, Tricia. You told us you have commanded rats back home. What were you doing the first time that happened?”

Guilt was written all over her face.

“Come on. You aren’t going to get in trouble for it. I promise.”

“I was starving. My dad had been gone for the three days on a gambling binge. I had no one to turn to. The rats brought me food.”

“How about the last time it happened before leaving the city?”

She sighed and all I wanted to do was shield her from this. “The trackers were right there. The rats covered me and then one of them took off through the tunnel. It carried my scent and confused the trackers who followed it instead of me so I was able to get away.”

“That’s good. And tell me about Clementine.”

Her eyes darted around searching for me.

“It’s okay,” I told her.

“Clementine was out on the range while I was laid up with a broken leg stuck in my wolf form. I needed food, shelter, and first aid supplies so I sent her into town to gather things and bring them back to me, but I was rescued before she returned.”

Luke grinned. “That’s it.”

“What’s it?” Thomas asked.

“Yeah, we’ve been at this for hours. I’m not convinced she can control a shifter,” Kyle admitted.

“Great, so testing over?” I asked optimistically.