Page 35 of Coming Home

“Cool,” Will said.

I was pretty certain both the boys had already tuned her out and had no idea who Oscar was.

“And everyone’s in for Thanksgiving?” I asked, starting to feel slightly intimidated.

“Yup. The entire family,” she confirmed as we pulled up in front of a big white house.

The four of us got out in no real hurry to get this day started.

“Come on, let’s get this over with,” she said.

I reached for her hand and pulled her to me, giving her a long hug before walking into the lion’s den.

“Five dollars says they announce it before desserts been served,” Will said to Troy.

“You’re on. I say someone’s going to ask before the turkey’s carved. It’s so obvious,” Troy told him.

Shelby groaned as I leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

“We can do this. Should have taken them up on that bet,” I said, making her laugh.

“You can’t keep your hands off me for even a full minute, I’d place my bet with Troy.”

“I can behave, just wait and see,” I told her even though I knew she was right. At least everyone there was happily mated and not a threat. I could get through it without drawing suspicions.

Peyton met us at the door. She looked me over and scowled.

“Ben,” she said.

“Peyton,” I replied politely even as I felt the tension starting to rise.

“Why the hell is he here this early?” She looked out into the driveway and immediately noticed only Shelby’s car was there. “And why the hell did he ride with you?”

“Not today Peyton, please,” Shelby begged.

Peyton sighed. “Come on in,” she finally relented.

Apparently we weren’t the first ones to arrive. Shelby hugged a young boy that I guessed was Oscar. She confirmed it when she introduced my brothers to him.

“The babies are in the playroom, if you want to stop in and say hi,” Peyton said, giving me a smirk that made me feel very uncomfortable.

“Sure, come meet my nieces,” Shelby told me as she started to reach for my hand, but jerked it back when she remembered.

Before we even walked into the room, my wolf jumped into high alert. I’d always trusted his instincts and immediately moved to protect my mate.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I’m not sure yet,” I confessed.

Shelby just laughed and pushed me to the side to walk into the room anyway.

“Walker,” she squealed, launching herself into another man’s arms.

I couldn’t hold in the growl that erupted from me. Shelby turned to chastise me for it.

“Hi, you must be Ben,” he said, and Shelby blushed.

My eyes shot to hers with so many questions, but she just shrugged.

---