Page 32 of Protected Promise

“I’m really happy for you, Kaitlyn,” he said sadly.

“Don’t worry, Lachlan. Yours is out there somewhere.”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Not exactly a lot of dingoes in the US.”

“Does that mean you’re staying here?”

“Looks like it.”

“That’s great news. Did you get a job already?”

He grinned. “No, but I applied to Westin Force.”

“Why are you whispering that?”

“I don’t want Chase to find out. I want to do this one on my own. It’s important to me.”

“They’d be idiots not to hire you.”

“You’ve met Chase, right?”

We both laughed.

“Good luck, Lachlan, and keep me posted on how things turn out.”

“I will. You do the same. I guess you’re headed for Canada then?”

I groaned. “I have no idea what I’m doing. I applied to a bunch of positions in Florida but that was before Landon. I think I’m still a little in shock.”

“Well, then, shock looks good on you. And you’ll figure it out. You always do.”

He leaned in and kissed my cheek before walking back into the main dining room. I started to follow him and then remembered I hadn’t actually peed yet. I turned and found the bathroom so I could take care of business.

When I exited the stall to go and wash my hands, Tobi was waiting for me.

I knew it was inevitable we would have to talk about it, I just didn’t expect her to blindside me in the middle of my party.

“I really don’t know what I’m going to do,” I blurted out.

“Huh?”

“About Landon. He seems really sweet, but he’s a total stranger to me. I don’t want this to affect our friendship either.”

Tobi snorted. “Girl, Landon’s a big boy, sure he has a soft heart, but I also believe true love will prevail.”

“True mates do not always equal true love.”

“If you say so. Look, I actually just came to check and make sure you were okay. He’s getting antsy so I volunteered. It’s pretty normal for a mating male, especially an Alpha.”

I sighed. “Alpha, right.”

“What’s wrong with that? Most girls would kill to be Pack Mother…. Literally.”

I shrugged. “I’m not exactly Pack Mother kind of material. I mean really, would you want me as your Pack Mother?” I wasn’t really thinking about who I was talking about when I spoke those words aloud.

She grinned. “Actually, Idowant you as my Pack Mother and I know you can do this, Kaitlyn. Look, have a drink, two, three even and just relax. Mating is hard enough without overthinking it to death. Now get out there and just enjoy your day.”

“Thanks. I think I will.”