False Mate, True Mate

Chapter 13

Angelique kept her hand firmly on his back, watching over his shoulder as the woman, Cheryl, cooked. He... defended me. He guarded me. She pondered the implications. Looking back, the people coming in hadn't been an actual threat, she'd just been startled by the large number of people barging in and panicked.

He had to know there was no threat. He put my comfort above theirs. He was... more loyal to me than his... Her thoughts stalled out. He's the alpha of this pack. He's the strongest, smartest, toughest wolf around here.

She felt a flare of concern for her in response to the bubble of panic that had started to rise in her. He glanced at her periodically, but mainly kept focused on the room. "Alpha, do you want to eat here, or in the dining room?"

He glanced back at Angelique, who pointed at the ground. "Here, Cheryl."

The woman nodded and prepared two plates for them. Angelique was presented with the larger one. She adjusted herself so her foot was touching "Alpha" and started eating. Her eating made him happy, so she did, eating more than she'd been allowed in a very long time.

Not since her family fed her. Wistfulness struck her. She hadn't thought about them in a long while. She hadn't allowed herself to remember the good times with her mom. She hadn't thought about the cake and ice cream that was her last meal with her.

She suddenly became aware that she was in his arms. He'd picked her up and was now holding her in his lap. Despite herself, being held by him felt... good.

With her attention back on the here and now, she grabbed another piece of sausage and contentedly munched on it. Her ears picked up the sound of numerous people eating in the adjoining room. They were laughing, talking, and seemed to be... happy.

"Do you want to see them?" his deep voice whispered in her ear. She looked at him, a spike of fear rising. "You don't have to, but you were curious about that door."

She started to shake her head, but his emotions were coming through. He was pleased. She shifted her attention back to the door, listening. She heard men, women, and children. Memories of good times from long ago hit her mind. These sounds were familiar to her.

Carefully, she stood up and took "Alpha"'s hand, leading him towards the door. She didn't open it, just listened and remembered. After a bit, he whispered in her ear, "You're smiling." Angelique's eyes snapped to his face. "You should smile more often."

I don't have much to smile about, she thought, expression falling. She retreated from the door, not letting go of his hand.

They sat in the corner of the kitchen for a while, until Cheryl announced, "Alpha, George needs to speak with you."

She felt a spike of anxiety from him and looked up to find his eyes on her. George brought me the shirt. She nodded.

"He can come."

A moment later, he was in the kitchen with them. Before addressing "Alpha", he gave Cheryl a quick kiss. "Xan, I got Melissa back to her pack. Gabriella has requested some additional time to adjust to the situation before she joins the pack."

Xan? Melissa? Gabriella? "Alpha" lightly squeezed her hand. He was calm, despite her confusion. "Give Gabriella time. She may not participate in pack activities until she joins, but keep her fed and comfortable."

George nodded. "No problem, man." His eyes glanced at Angelique. "Things going better?" There was a soft growl behind her as he suddenly felt protective. "Dude, just asking!"

Angelique noticed Cheryl had stiffened, though George had not. Cheryl's eyes were locked on "Alpha".

"Thank you," Angelique whispered. Suddenly, she was the center of all their attention. "For the shirt," she added, softer. Not that she was wearing the shirt any more, but still, it had been an act of kindness.

George tilted his head to one side, watching her carefully. After a bit of thought, he stated, "She'll make a good luna, Xander. Take care of her."

With that, the couple left, leaving her with "Alpha"... Xander.