Page 66 of His True Mate

This made me sad as I stopped, put down my bucket and turned to hug him.

“Well now, you’ve got me.”

He snorted. “Well if that’s the case, then take some advice and finish it already.”

“Finish what?”

“Don’t you play coy with me, child. You know what needs to be done.”

“Did you wait to know her before claiming her?”

“Nope. She came with a visiting Pack from Westin. Prettiest woman I’d ever seen. They were here for the winter solstice run. My wolf found her quickly and before the sun rose, we were mated.”

“Dang Mr. D, you really didn’t mess around.”

“Why would I? She was mine, and I was hers.”

There was a sad twinkle in his eye when he spoke of her.

“How did she die?” I asked.

“Trying to tame one of these wild beasts. Which is why I’m not too keen on you doing the same. She was fierce and determined, but one slip up on a premature ride and she was thrown from the horse with irreparable damage. We think because we’re shifters that our wolves will heal our injuries and that’s partly true, but our human forms can sustain enough damage that even our wolves cannot heal. Do you hear me, child? I haven’t seen a beast that aggressive and wild since Satan here.”

I scoffed. “We are not naming him Satan.”

“You can try to friend that thing. You can attempt to tame him. But I don’t want you riding him. Are we clear?”

“For now.”

“Damn it woman. You’re just as stubborn as she was.”

I smiled fondly at the old man.

“I’ll be careful. I promise.”

He scowled, nodded, and walked away just as the Pack Mother strolled up to us.

“Good morning, Mr. Draper.”

He stopped and kissed her cheek.

“Little Lily-girl, what brings you down here this morning? I didn’t get a message that you were riding today, but I can have your horse prepped quickly.”

“No thanks. I’m just stopping by to check in on Winnie.”

He nodded. “Of course. She’s a stubborn one, but quite the asset around here, especially to me.”

Dalton winked my way and then left us.

Lily stood there looking at me curiously until I started to squirm under her scrutiny.

“That’s high praise coming from him.”

I shrugged. “He’s sweet and we seem to be working okay together.”

“I’m glad to hear it. How are things with you and Clay?”

I tried not to show the joy on my face each time his name was mentioned, but I failed.