Page 73 of Protected Promise

“Exactly.”

“You’re a wise man then. Dereck will make a great Beta to you, though I’m surprised you didn’t choose Jackson.”

He looked up at Tobi. “I would have, but I’m not sure he’ll ever give full allegiance to me. Plus, he’s starting his own business venture and his attention would be divided.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“If he and Tobi decide to stay here on a more permanent basis, down the road of course, I’d actually like to ask Tobi to be my second Beta.”

“Tobi? A female? That’s ballsy of you. I’d support it. I know damn well how powerful a she-wolf can be. Therefore I try very hard never to cross my mate.”

We all laughed. I knew well that Kelsey was not a wolf to be challenged. She was one of the strongest wolves I’d ever met and would bring any male to his knees if she truly wanted, and from what Chase had shared, Kyle absolutely knew it.

The men said their goodbyes and Landon disconnected the call feeling much relief.

It sort of wigged me out that I could feel his emotions so clearly already.

“Do you mean it?” Tobi asked him. “You’d want me for one of your Betas?”

“Of course I mean it. You’re my best friend, Tobi. There’s no one I trust more.”

Landon’s eyes widened and he quickly looked at me.

I laughed, entirely unaffected by his words. “It’s okay. I think she’s more like a sister than best friend though.”

“Damn right,” Tobi agreed.

Landon

Chapter 20

Kaitlyn’s easygoing nature always surprised me. For someone who had been through so much she was very open and accepting with me and my life.

The other thing that truly surprised me was just how hard I was falling for her. I knew in my heart I was already head over heels in love. The surprise on her face was evident when I had admitted I tended to be very protective over those I loved and that I was absolutely including her in that list. It was true. I loved my mate.

I had hoped it would happen and maybe someday she would fall in love with me too. In the meantime, I could be patient and wait, but I would happily show her just how loved she was every single day.

Now that some of the pressure was off regarding challenges and having her life in danger, I could relax and enjoy being home with my best friend and my gorgeous mate.

Kaitlyn yawned and rested her head against my shoulder.

“Seriously Kaitlyn, how can you possibly be tired? You slept all day,” Tobi teased.

“That doesn’t count,” she managed to say between yawns.

Tobi considered that and then flashed anxious eyes my way. She knew I hadn’t really been in my parents’ old room since their death. As far as I was concerned it was off limits. I was going to have to get over that. It wasn’t fair to Kaitlyn to deny her the large master suite.

I tried to smile reassuringly to Tobi, but I knew she was going to worry anyway.

“I think she’s trying to tell you to leave,” I explained.

“What? No,” Kaitlyn argued.

Tobi laughed. “Yeah yeah yeah, I can take the hint.”

“Really? Can you?”

She stood up and kissed my cheek. “If you need to talk…” she whispered.