Page 26 of Beginning Fate

I winked at Kylie and stood up with my tray.

“Whatever,” Damon grumbled. “I just want to eat.”

He grabbed his tray and his mate's and they walked over to the usual doghouse table and sat down. But when Lauren didn't make a move to get up, I was torn on what to do.

Kylie was still talking to her. “Go,” she motioned.

“But I thought you needed me,” Lauren replied to her.

“Not yet. Not while we eat.”

Lauren hesitated, and I wished I knew why. Was it me? Did she not want to sit with me? My mind started questioning everything and spiraling down a rabbit hole quickly.

“Please,” Kylie finally asked her.

Lauren looked lost but eventually huffed and nodded as I waited with bated breath.

“Come on. You can sit with me,” I told her.

While she was pushing her seat back to stand, I snagged her tray and carried it for her just as Damon had done for his mate.

I didn't wait to see if she'd follow. Somehow, I knew she would. Where else was she going to go? As far as I knew, I was the only other person at the ARC that she knew.

Damon gave me a thumbs-up as I set both trays down across from him and Karis.

The others at the table perked up and took interest as Lauren joined us.

“I don't think we've officially met yet. I'm Remy. This is Monte, Caleb, Braxton, Kevin, and Joseph. That's Alpha Damon of the Alaskan wolves and his mate, Karis. How do you know Denny?”

If I'd been sitting, I would have kicked him under the table.

“We met yesterday,” she muttered. Then nodded to those she recognized. “It's nice to see you again Alpha and Pack Mother.” And then she genuinely smiled at Kevin. “Kevin.”

I couldn't have stopped it if I wanted to, a growl erupted from me like a freaking volcano.

Everyone at the table stopped mid-bite and stared at the two of us.

“Oh,” Remy said.

Monte burst out laughing.

I huffed as I sat down.

“Sorry,” I whispered to her.

“For what?” she said sweetly, playing it off like I hadn't just announced to everyone that we’re mating.

“So, Lauren, right? It is Lauren?”

“Yes.”

“And you're Kylie's sister?”

What the hell was Remy playing at.

“I am. Have you met her?”

“Yeah. She was hanging out at the house with our newest recruits last night. Sweet kid. Denny was particularly protective of her.”

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