Page 47 of Protected Promise

Landon smiled down at me warmly and looked to Kian. “Especially a cat.”

They shook hands as we headed off in different directions. They walked back to the doghouse, while Landon and I headed towards campus. I hadn’t missed his stomach growling and knew we’d never gotten to eat our food before the big bomb had been dropped on me.

“Wait, my note,” I started to turn back, but he stopped me when he pulled it from his pocket.

“I knew you’d want it even if you aren’t ready to open it.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him. “Thank you.”

If this was how he planned on treating his mate, then I could certainly get on board with it. A very small part of me was still skeptical and waiting for the bad to surface, but it was hard to worry about it past the honeymoon phase of bonding and the powerful pull and calm mating brought.

I should have been anxious with his closeness, but I wasn’t. I craved it and it was a little unsettling how much I liked it.

We held hands as we walked back to campus through the woods. I knew the path and could have done it with my eyes closed. We came out just behind the café.

“Food?” he asked, sniffing the air.

I rolled my eyes. “Did you really think I missed the loud obnoxious grumbling of your stomach?”

He laughed easily at my teasing, but then leaned down and whispered in my ear. “What if food isn’t what I’m hungry for.”

I froze and my cheeks burned.

“Breathe, Kaitlyn,” he reminded me.

I sucked in a deep breath and nodded.

I was a little nervous about being with him when sober. I feared my past would ruin everything. It didn’t seem to last night, but I had been thoroughly wasted and liquid courage was a miraculous thing. What if I couldn’t without it?

“Kaitlyn. Landon. Over here,” Damon yelled.

I looked around and found him sitting with Kyle and Chase and all of their mates at one of the large outdoor tables.

“We’re going to grab some food,” I yelled back.

He smiled and gave a thumbs up.

“So freaking weird,” I mumbled.

“What is?” Landon asked.

“Oh, um, Damon. He was actually smiling even though you’re with me. I mean I know he’s big on true mates. Hang out with the Westins long enough and it rubs off, but Damon has terrorized and scared off every guy I have ever showed the slightest interest in, or who showed interest in me. Yet, he’s smiling at you.”

“True mate, remember?”

I scoffed. “Like I could forget that.”

He kissed my forehead and grabbed two trays. Within minutes, while I was still puzzling out the sudden change in Damon, Landon piled food up on both trays.

“Are you hungry?” I teased.

“Yup, and you need to keep your strength up.”

“The trials,” I said as I froze. “You’re an Alpha. I’m going to be a target.”

He paid for our food and guided me over to the others.

“What are you talking about? What are the trials?”