Page 34 of His Wild Mate

“I feel safe here. That means a lot to me. Thank you for letting me stay.”

I growled once more and grabbed the dishes and frantically washed them.

Let her stay?

Let her?

She was my goddamn mate. I couldn't stand for her to be out of my sight. I'd slept like shit staring at the closet door half the night because she was too far away.

“There is no need to thank me. You are my mate. This is your home.”

She gave me a skeptical look but didn't say anything.

Feeling even more agitated, I grabbed my phone and called Lily to have her come over and stay with Paige. Knowing my Pack Mother was personally watching over her was probably the only way I was going to be able to force myself to leave her today.

I relaxed just a little when she agreed.

“Lily and Thomas have four little girls. They are great, but if it gets to be too much, you just need to call and let me know.”

“Call?”

“You don't have a cell phone?”

She bit her lip and shook her head.

“Okay. I'll swing by and pick one up for you while I am out. Lily will have hers on her for today. We'll have to make it work.”

Her eyes widened in surprise.

“You want to buy me a cell phone?”

“Yes. I just took on a new role at work and I can't just take off right now, but I also can't have you around a bunch of unmated males. My wolf will not tolerate it after all that's happened. I'm probably going to be calling a lot just to reassure myself you're okay. I'm sorry. I'm feeling very protective of you right now.”

She looked a little frustrated by my admittance but didn't say anything. I had to remember she had been on her own since she was thirteen years old. She could handle herself, but that didn't mean she had to. I was here now, and it was my duty to protect her.

When Lily arrived, Paige retreated to the bedroom.

I sighed heavily and let them in.

“Uncle Emmett!” Audrey squealed and launched herself into my arms. I easily caught her and swung her through the air.

“Heard you found your mate. Where is she?” Cammie asked.

She had a very protective nature, especially when it came to those she loves.

“She's a little weary of strangers. You'll have to be patient with her.”

“What's wrong with her?” Audrey asked.

“Nothing's wrong with her. She's just been on her own for a long time and doesn't trust people yet.”

“Can I meet her?” Willow surprised me by asking.

“Of course you can.”

I set Audrey down and took Willow's hand as I led her back to my bedroom.

“Where is she?” she whispered.

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