Page 66 of Protected Promise

I thought they would all be as happy for me as I was to have found Kaitlyn, but suddenly I wasn’t quite so certain of that. We were a closed off and tight knit group. When outsiders passed through we mostly kept our distance cordially allowing them safe passage while otherwise skeptical and just a tad bit curious. It often took months for a new member to fully integrate into our society, so I wasn’t sure why I had expected them to just welcome Kaitlyn with open arms.

I knew I had their undivided attention and there was no sense in hiding it. I wrapped my arm around Kaitlyn and stood a little taller as I proudly announced, “Everyone, this is Kaitlyn, my mate and your new Pack Mother.”

The silence was deafening. I could feel Kaitlyn’s anxiety spiking and feared the others would too. She couldn’t afford to look weak. I needed her to be strong. I wanted to kick myself for not thinking about it sooner. I should have properly prepared her for this. I should have known better.

Mina was the first to break the silence. She smiled broadly and approached Kaitlyn. Without hesitation she kneeled before her and bared her neck.

“Welcome Kaitlyn. I’m Mina, this is my mate, Dereck.”

Mina turned to glare at the shocked man as he also dropped to his knees to show his respect.

Mina rose and hugged Kaitlyn. “Stand tall and don’t take any shit from anyone. And breathe,” she whispered.

Kaitlyn transformed before my eyes. The shocked look on her face disappeared replaced by a friendly smile. She nodded to acknowledge the pair along with those she passed by as Mina whisked her inside.

No one else gave immediate allegiance, but none voiced protest or made a hostile motion towards her. I was uneasy having Kaitlyn out of my sight but as soon as she disappeared with Mina, the others turned to me with a million questions.

“When? How? Why?” Connie asked.

“Aren’t you the one that was telling me I needed a mate?”

“That was before Jackson took Tobi from us.”

“Uh, mom, I’m right here. Jackson didn’t take me from you.” Tobi rolled her eyes.

“Whatever, you know what I mean.”

“She’s his true mate,” Tobi told them all. “And she’s a good friend of mine too. Give her a chance. Kaitlyn is going to be a wonderful Pack Mother.”

I smiled appreciatively at my friend.Thanks,I mouthed.

She nodded. I knew she had my back, and Kaitlyn’s.

“I know this is sudden, but I have spent my entire life only doing what I thought was best for this Pack. That hasn’t changed. Kaitlyn is who’s best for me and therefore she’s what’s best for all of you too. Please, just give her a chance.”

There was some grumbling, but the tension came down a notch.

“Are you happy, Landon?” Margie asked.

“I’ve never been happier,” I assured her.

Her mate, Tito, grinned and gave a thumbs up. He was mute but because he was fully bonded to Margie, his words came through her.

“Tito says that’s exactly how it should be. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

We all headed back inside. Kaitlyn was nowhere to be seen. I knew she was in good hands with Mina playing tour guide, but I was also disappointed because I’d been looking forward to showing her around myself.

“Alpha, can we talk for a minute?” Dereck asked.

“Of course. What’s on your mind?”

“While you were away we had seven new wolves come through asking to give allegiance.”

“Really? Why didn’t anyone call me?”

“You were busy and deserved the break. I worked on fixing up a few of the cabins. They are staying there, away from the Lodge.”