Rescued Hearts - Book 4 of Werewolves Downunder

Chapter 8

                                Chapter 8

By the time Phia got to the barbeque it seemed that everyone else had arrived. She was grateful she had Nate beside her. Cade and Angelique had gone on ahead with their own mates, but said they’d stay close when she got there.

It was to be an informal gathering, so there wouldn’t be any speeches for which Phia was grateful. As they approached the back garden where everyone was, she could feel her nerves taking hold. Nate’s arm was soon around her; he ran his hand up and down her arm soothingly and she found herself leaning into him for comfort.

Braedon, the Alpha and his mate Kasey greeted her as did Chrissy and Nicolas. It wasn’t until Cade and Angelique were by her side that she started to relax and take a good look around her. The scent of barbequed meats wafted through the air and her stomach grumbled. She smiled knowing she’d enjoy whatever Gilbert had to offer and was grinned when Nate offered her some corn chips to tide her over.

Phia sat with her friends and was soon introduced to Leith and Taylor. They were easy going and she liked them both right off. She saw the closeness they shared with Cade and had the feeling there was more to their relationship than just being friends. Phia shook off the thought knowing if Cade wanted her to know, she’d tell her.

She spotted Cord and was about to call out to him when he ran over to Jaz giving her a hug. Jaz looked her way and smiled, but there was something truly sad about it. Phia returned the smile watching as the woman turned and moved further away from her.

Nate saw the exchange and kissed his little mate on the top of the head. Phia sighed, “She doesn’t like me.”

Nate shouldn’t have been surprised at what Phia had said; he tensed for a moment, uncertain at first, how to respond. He remained silent considering what to say. “Jaz has a lot on her mind Phia. I don’t think her behaviour has anything to do with whether or not she likes you.”

He saw Cade watching him out of the corner of his eye. He couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking, especially when she came to her feet and walked away.

“Cade?” Phia called out, wondering where her friend was going,

Cade turned, glaring at Nate, before focusing on Phia. “I need to speak with my mother. I’ll be back later. Angelique is close by and I’m sure Nate, will keep you company.” She gave her friend a smile then left to see if how Jaz was.

Phia noticed the tension between Cade and Nate. She knew there was something going on, but was afraid to ask what it was. At the end of the day, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know. She’d been through more than enough and she truly didn’t want to know if what was going on had something to do with her. She was finally feeling a semblance of calm, of peace and she was didn’t want to lose it.

Nerves! She sighed. I’m sitting in the midst of too many people, most of who I don’t know. But deep inside she sensed it was something else, something more. Phia forced a smile and did her best to at least look like she was having a good time.

Nate sensed Phia’s nervousness and pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head. “Phia, you’re doing fine.” He smiled down at her then looked to his left, watching, as three young men approached them.

Phia felt their approach and leaned in closer to Nate. She turned to see who it was, doing her best not to look like she was afraid.

Three young men came to a stand a few feet away from them; they gave Nate a respectful nod then smiled at Phia. The tallest one took another step forward and knelt in front of her. This surprised her and she glanced at Nate before looking back at him.