Page 49 of Mystic Mate
“How is she?’ asked Colby, concerned.
“Not as well as she’d like everyone to believe.”
“I can commiserate,” chuckled Colby. “But at least she is with you.”
“I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be for you. I know you take a lot of grief about your mate and her rogue females…”
“They’re doing important work—work they shouldn’t have to do, at least not to the extent they do.”
“I was just giving you shit. When I heard you’d been supporting them, my admiration for you increased. I suspect at least one of my she-wolves has been working with them. I would be willing to bet serious money that Salem will want to support them in a way I can’t just turn a blind eye to.”
“I’m not sure anyone who has met your mate would take the other side of that bet. She is extraordinary,” said Colby.
“That she is. Let’s see what we can find out.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon interviewing as many of the people they rescued as they could. Cullen could feel Salem’s energy waning.
“I need to get Salem to take a rest. Let’s take a break. I can have Lettie bring you something,” said Cullen, pushing back his chair.
He met Shaw coming down the hall. “I’ve been trying to get her to go upstairs. Not only is she growling at me, but she’s got Jinx and Lettie doing it as well.”
“I’m not surprised at Salem or Jinx for that matter, but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Lettie growl.”
“Sure, you have. Remember that time when we were boys, and we stole one of her blueberry pies?”
Cullen laughed. “Ate the whole thing and made ourselves sick?”
It was one of many memories he and Shaw shared—some good, some not so good, but his beta had always been by his side.
“Is Jinx in there with them? That’s unusual for her. She’s not exactly a people person.”
“True, but her allegiance to and bond with your mate is strong. She’s been subtle about it, but I think Jinx is scanning the people we rescued. I haven’t had a chance to talk with her about why.”
“I can guess. She’s looking for trackers. I don’t know that it’s a bad thing. I’ll speak with her when I get Salem up to bed.”
Cullen continued on his way back to the dining hall. One didn’t need to have a bonding link with Salem to see she was exhausted. He watched as she finished speaking to one of their ‘guests,’ standing up and leaning against the door frame.
He strode across the room and was intercepted by Lettie. “She is fine, Alpha, and she is so good with these people.”
“I don’t disagree but look at her. She’s exhausted, and my guess is that the transition is starting to take hold.”
Lettie turned to look at Salem. “But she said…”
“I’m beginning to see your mistress lies about the state of her well-being. It’s up to you and me to ensure she’s taken care of. Besides, last time I checked, I was still alpha.”
Lettie chuckled. “Yes, Alpha, but be warned, your mate has already earned her place among the pack.”
Cullen nodded. “She is easy to love.”
Lettie nodded. “That she is.”
Cullen resumed making his way only to have Jinx intervene. He rolled his eyes. “Not you, too. I just had to remind Lettie that I am alpha, and my mate is tired and starting to transition.”
Jinx glanced at Salem. “Your mate is exhausted. My guess is if you explain to her that she is going into transition, she won’t put up too much of a fuss. But without being obvious, I’ve been scanning people.”
“What made you think to do that? It’s a good idea.”
Jinx looked sheepishly at him. “It was Salem’s idea. Apparently, she spent some time dealing with prisoners of war over in the Middle East.”
