Page 54 of His True Mate

I sighed. “Is it really that noticeable?”

She snorted. “Yes.”

“Sorry, Ruby. I’ll try to do better.”

“Is everything okay with Winnie?”

“Yeah. She’s the best.”

“But…”

“Brady’s working with her this week and my wolf isn’t exactly thrilled with the idea. And yesterday when I stopped by for lunch, Austin was there.”

She laughed. “He’s a harmless flirt, Clay.”

I growled. “Logically I know that.”

Bran normally stayed quiet when Ruby and I talked about personal stuff, but this time he jumped right in, barking out a laugh.

“There’s nothing logical about mating. I’m just glad we didn’t wait to seal our bond. I’m told it does get a lot easier afterwards. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through,” he confessed.

“Yeah, well not all of us are comfortable claiming a mate we don’t even know. I mean seriously, did you even know her name when you did that?”

He thought about it and shrugged. “I’m pretty sure she told me, right love?”

“Yeah, I think so. It’s all a bit of a blur now. Besides, what difference did it make. If she’s your one true mate, then it’s meant to be. Just claim her and work the rest out later.”

“Worked for us,” Bran agreed.

I groaned. “I don’t even know if she’s sticking around yet.”

“I’ve seen how that girl looks at you. Trust me, she’s yours,” Ruby insisted.

“I know she’s mine, but shouldn’t she still get a chance to decide for herself if this is what she wants? If I’m what she wants?”

“What about you? Don’t you get a choice?”

I growled again. “She’s mine,” I declared through gritted teeth.

Ruby hooted with laughter.

“So you’ve decided then?”

“It’s not even like that. I don’t know how to explain it. I know I am meant to be with her, only her.”

“And you don’t think she feels the same?” Ruby challenged.

“I don’t know what it’s like for her,” I told them honestly.

“So ask her, or just go on instinct and let mother nature intervene,” she said with a shrug.

“It really did work for us,” Bran reminded me again. “Or you could drag your feet and let someone else step in. She’s a pretty girl. I’m sure you aren’t the only one that’s noticed.”

I started to shake all over and fur sprouted up my arms as a menacing snarl escaped me.

Ruby smacked her mate.

“Stop provoking him. Man, Clay, you were always the quieter one of the Six Pack. You know, more even tempered. I don’t even recognize you right now.”