Page 53 of Protected Promise

“I did actually. I got an interview with one of them, but I’m turning it down.”

My whole body relaxed hearing her absolutely confirm it.

She smiled at me. “I think I’m going to have plenty to do in Canada.”

“Canada? Is that where you’re from?” Mila asked looking up at me.

“Yes, and as Pack Mother, I agree Kaitlyn, is going to be plenty busy,” I said kissing the top of her head.

Sabrina and Tiffany may have swooned a little, but Mila looked pissed and I couldn’t understand why.

“Wait, Kaitlyn? Pack Mother?”

“You really are an Alpha, then?” Tiffany asked.

“I am,” I confirmed.

“And you’re happy with this? You’ve decided to take him as your mate?” Sabrina asked and while I didn’t particularly appreciate the question, I was happy to see someone seemed to at least care about her true feelings.

“He’s my true mate and I’m very happy and excited about this new step in life.”

The two girls embraced while Mila snorted. “Boy are you going to regret this decision,” she had the audacity to say to me. “That girl is a hot mess.”

“You know, I don’t like you very much.”

Kaitlyn nearly choked at my words and I turned my attention to her until she settled.

“I’m fine,” she insisted.

I looked back at Mila. “I can sense you’re a wolf. What pack are you from?”

She gulped and I knew I was leaking some Alpha powers over her. I could feel it rolling off of me in waves now. “Collier,” she mumbled.

“Thomas Collier’s Pack?” I asked waiting for her to nod. “Where I come from, one shows respect to an Alpha and his Pack Mother. Let me be clear, Kaitlyn isn’t going to be my Pack Mother, sheismy Pack Mother. I’m disappointed to see Thomas doesn’t teach his wolves the same. I’ll have to mention it to him the next time we speak.”

In truth I’d barely met the man this weekend and not in the best moment. His mate was sassy and outspoken. I had immediately liked her. Still, my words had done the trick.

Mila lowered her aggression as she bowed her head to us both. “I meant no disrespect, Alpha. Kaitlyn, uh, Pack Mother,” she grumbled before making a lame excuse and scurrying off to another part of the house.

Tiffany looked like she was in shock at my audacity. Admittedly it was rude of me, but I wouldn’t tolerate anyone belittling my mate. That was a hard line for me that would not be crossed in my presence.

Kaitlyn hugged the girls and said her final goodbyes as I grabbed her last bag and escorted her to the car.

“I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t have been rude to your friend.”

Kaitlyn burst out laughing. “Are you kidding? That was epic! I have never seen anyone put her in her place that fast before. I feel bad for Thomas. He seems like a good guy. The Westins speak very highly of him, but he certainly has his hands full with the likes of her.”

“So you aren’t angry?”

“Not at all. That was amazing, probably the best graduation gift you could have given me.”

I grinned, not at all surprised by the high I felt from my girl’s praise, but it was certainly a feeling I could get used to.

“Can we grab some food before we get back to the hotel?” she surprised me by asking.

I chuckled. “Now you’re hungry?”

She bit her lip and stared out the window.