Page 32 of His True Mate

“No, but…”

“There’s no buts, Winnie. You’re welcome here. I promise you.”

I still feared it was a trick.

No one from back home had any idea what went on within the Packs. They were a bit cult-like and scary. We avoided them at all costs.

Clay and his friends hadn’t seemed all that bad. Thomas had been okay too and he had told me I could stay. I just didn’t know if I should.

“I don’t want to be forced into your cult,” I blurted out.

The woman laughed so hard she startled the baby in her arms.

“Mama?” the toddler asked, no doubt wanting to make sure she was okay.

“Mama’s fine, Cammie.”

Clay and Thomas came around the side of the house.

I sighed knowing I was busted.

“Are you going somewhere?” Clay asked, looking a little irritated.

“Word’s out about Thomas’s cult. She’s trying to escape before it’s too late.”

Thomas scowled at the woman and then took the baby from her.

“Your mommy’s a loon,” he told the infant in a sing-song voice not very Alpha-like.

Clay’s jaw was locked, and I could tell he wasn’t happy with me. Maybe it would be better if I just left now. I hated the way it made me feel knowing he was angry with me.

“What’s this about, Winnie?” Thomas finally asked.

I shrugged cowering under the Alpha’s scrutiny.

“No one is going to force you to stay here. There’s no need to sneak around.”

“Yes, sir,” I said bowing my head without exposing my neck in any way and being extra careful not to look him in the eyes.

“There’s no cult here, Winnie. I promise you that. We’re just a large group of shifters living and working together,” the woman said.

“No offense, but I have no idea who you are and no reason to believe a word you say.”

A small growl erupted from the Alpha, and I stumbled backwards as Clay moved in to shield me.

“Relax, babe. I didn’t exactly introduce myself.”

He calmed when she reached out to touch him.

“This is Lily, my mate and our pups, Cammie and Audrey,” Thomas explained.

“Oh. Shit. Sorry, Pack Mother,” I said bowing my head towards her.

“It’s fine, really. You didn’t know. I promise you, you are safe here, Winnie. No one will hurt you or try to induct you into some sort of secret cult. No sacrifices even,” she said with an amused tone to her voice.

“Don’t poke fun, slugger,” Thomas warned her. “I can sense her discomfort and confusion.”

The whole time Clay didn’t say a word, but his presence spoke volumes.