Page 22 of Shattered Fears

“Come on, before you panic again.”

Zain guided her down the hallway and through a heavy wooden door. It led into a spectacular lounge area. She was taking in the old-fashioned décor when she noticed the group of people eagerly standing at the other end of the room. Zain pushed her forward.

“Hi, everyone. I’ve never told you much about my life.”

“You never told us a single thing, let alone not much.” A tall man, who was lounging on the couch with a baby fast asleep on his lap, spoke. The woman sitting next to him tapped his head. “What?” the man asked.

“Shush,” the lady, who was also holding a baby, told him. Isobel surmised these two were the lions, for they had the most gorgeous blonde hair she’d ever seen, especially the man.

“As I was saying…” Zain came to her side and wrapped his arm around her. “I’ve not told you much about my past, and I think all you need to know, even now, is — I was a big idiot. I thought something I shouldn’t, and I trusted an instinct that was complete shit. Thankfully, I’ve been given a second chance, and I’m going to take it. Everyone, this is Isobel Ross. My girlfriend.”

The room fell silent, and every person assembled turned to look toward one man who was sitting on a chair by the window. It was the biggest chair, and it seemed like it needed to be because the man was colossal in stature. She had no doubt this would be Kas, the alpha. She tried not to show any fear, but it was difficult. Especially when he got to his feet and came over to them. He examined her, and she felt, no heard, the rumbling growl coming out of Zain. It went straight through her body and caused her to shudder. The man ignored him, though, and continued to take her in.

“You’re Senator Ross’s daughter?” The man finally spoke, his voice deep and commanding.

“Yes,” she squeaked in reply.

“Do you share his belief we’re wild animals who’ll tear you apart and eat the flesh from your bones for our dinner?”

“No,” she replied with as much confidence as she could muster in the situation. “Although, Zain did warn me to watch out for Scott because if he gets hungry, and Tyler hasn’t cooked anything, then he has been known to nibble on anything at hand.” She looked around the man mountain in front of her to the lion, she’d mentioned, who was sitting on the sofa. He still held the baby in one hand, but in the other, he had a leg of what looked like pork. The lion looked up at her and winked. “Point proven.” She turned her attention back to Kas and smiled at him.

Kas’ face still belied any emotion. He was unreadable. His eyes shifted to Zain.

“You were a complete idiot. She would’ve fit in a long time ago.” The polar bear smiled warmly and held his hand out to her. “Welcome. Please make yourself at home. I’m sure the ladies of the pack will want to know all the details of your relationship with Zain. They haven’t had any interesting gossip for a while now.”

“Thank you.” She took his hand and shook it. “My father is who he is. But, I promise you, I’m someone different. The truth of your existence is safe with me.”

“I appreciate that.” The women of the pack moved from their rooted positions, behind their leader, and surrounded her with questions. Kas went over to Zain and slapped him on the back before disappearing from the room. Zain smiled over at her proudly.

“So, tell me. How did you meet?” one woman asked.

“Is he romantic? He better be,” another questioned and tripped over her own feet trying to move closer to them.

“I love your skirt.” A third stroked down her thigh at the soft material.

“Ladies.” A muscular man with jet black hair, flecked with smoky spots, came up to them and pulled one of the women, who had a baby bump, close to him. “Let her breathe. You’re a lot to take in when you get together.” He held his hand out to her. “Hi, I’m Brayden.”

She shook his hand.

“Isobel.”

“I’m Selene.” The woman he was holding smiled at her.

“Jessica.”

“Teagan.”

“Katia.”

“Jane.”

They were all introducing themselves, now. She was trying to put the names to the faces as well as the facts she’d learned about them.

“Hi, I’m Emma.” The lady with a baby sashayed up to her. “This is Zahara.” The lioness showed her the baby she was cradling. “That’s Morocco.” Emma pointed to the other baby in the room. “I think you’ve already guessed who Scott is.” Isobel nodded that she had.

“I’m Tyler.” Finally, the last person stepped up and gave her a peck on the cheek. The growl from Zain flooded through her again. “I’m so glad Zain finally has someone. I was getting a bit worried about his honey obsession. I knew it was masking something.”

“Honey obsession?” she asked in confusion.

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