Page 17 of Hers

Steven straightened his suit and glared at Brock. “Your little mate that you haven’t claimed came into a conversation that had nothing to do with her.”

Getting her confidence back, knowing that Brock and Slater wouldn’t let anything happen to her, Sammy squared her shoulders and shot an annoyed look at Gwen, who’d stood there the whole time not saying anything. “I came to help stop a fight. I also didn’t like the way you shook Gwen.”

Steven turned and came face to furious face with Slater. He pushed at him. “I wouldn’t ever hurt Gwen. I just wanted to understand why she or your mother didn’t tell me she had mates. Why didn’t they tell me so I didn’t introduce myself as her new fiancé when I clearly am not.”

Gwen sighed and came forward to stand next to Sammy. “Steven, you know my mother. You know how she’ll feel when she learns I have two humans for mates, especially after who Matty’s father left me for.”

Steven glanced around them like he was checking to see who was watching and listening. “Your mother is a bitch.” Steven ran his fingers through his hair. “We have been friends for years, Gwen. All you had to do was tell me. I know Lincoln, hurt you, it was one of the reasons I almost didn’t come this weekend, as I don’t want it to happen to you again. Your mum pushed though. I’m sorry. I should have spoken to you first before I listen to your mother and let her take over both our lives.” He sighed and then a grin spread over his face. “I’ll help in whatever way you need. I’ll play this game, but eventually you’re going to have to tell Adelea, because I’ll be your fiancé for however long you need me, but I will not say ‘I do’ now I know you have true mates.” He smiled showing sharp white teeth and seemed to grow. “Me being around might help these two, for a starters, they need to figure out how to be around shifters, or protect themselves from them.” He nodded. “That will be one of their first lessons.”

Gwen smiled and came forward and pushed Slater out of the way to hug Steven. “Thanks.”

Steven kissed Gwen’s forehead. “I’m going to go home now. Tell your parents I had an emergency at work. Call me if you need me.”

Gwen nodded, and Steven turned to Brock and Slater. “You need to claim your mate. She’s vulnerable as a human.” Steven turned to Sammy. “I’m sorry I scared you. I would never have hurt you. I’m glad Gwen has a friend like you willing to stick up for her if anything did go wrong.” He then turned to Philip and John, who stood to the side of Gwen. “Be patient with Gwen, and for the love of all the gods, stay clear of Adelea, because she will kill you. She loves Gwen but is the ultimate Mumma bear with what she wants for her children.” And with that he walked away and out of the function’s hall.

Sammy felt like she was about to collapse. All her bravado left her. Slater must have sensed it because his arms came around her waist, and he held her up.

“You did good, beautiful, but don’t do anything so stupid again. Gwen is a shifter. She can look after herself. Steven’s a shifter, and you must be more careful. Come on. Let’s go back inside before someone misses us all.”

Slater practically carried her back to the function room. Sammy stayed quiet, too mentally exhausted to tell Slater off for speaking to her like he did, or for telling her what to do. Sammy was proud of herself that she stood up for her friend and that she had the strength to accomplish it. She’d been just like her old self when she had gone after Sandy’s brothers and stood in front of Gwen. It wasn’t until Steven made her realize he was bigger and stronger than she was that she’d gotten scared.

Sammy sat at the bridal table the rest of the night. She switched between telling herself she’d done the right thing and she couldn’t live in the shadows afraid of everything for the rest of her life, and then berating herself that she was a fool and if she kept acting like she was invincible she would get beat up and killed this time.

Gwen left early, and Sammy noticed that Sandy’s brothers weren’t too far behind. Brock came and sat next to her. At first he just sat and held her hand. Then he told her that his mother and father were driving him crazy. They’d started talking about retiring and if he wanted to take over his father’s construction business. Brock’s smooth deep voice soothed her, and she relaxed back into her seat and gripped his hand tighter.

Slater came and sat on her other side. He was quiet for a while as Brock explained what buildings his father’s company built and what was involved.

“I love your voice. That’s twice now you’ve talked me out of going off to my safe place.” Sammy faced Brock for a moment. “I told Slater yesterday you surprised me because I thought you would be the one of the two who would scare me, with your dominance, large frame, outspokenness and the fact you’re a cop, but you’re the one who calms me and has the patience.” She turned back so she could see both Slater and Brock. “It‘s Slater who pushes my buttons and has gotten to me.” She glared at him, but there was no anger in her, and she had a feeling Slater knew too.

“I would never hurt you physically. I said that last night.” Slater leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers. “Come dance with me.”

Slater pulled her up, and she laughed as he wiggled his butt as she followed behind him. The music was current dance music. Sammy looked around the dance floor and noticed all the young people moving around. Jane was shimmying against a tall, dark, and handsome man, and Sandy, Jake, and Zack were giggling about.

Slater danced with her for a couple of songs before Sandy pulled her and Jane over to do the chicken dance. By the end of the song, Sammy was laughing so hard at Slater’s attempt to skip around, she’d completely forgotten about her exhausted, scared state from earlier after what she’d done to help Gwen.

After a couple of slow songs and trying to convince Brock to come and dance, she took a break and sat by him.

Brock grinned. “I liked watching you have fun.” He turned to Slater. “It was even better watching you make an idiot out of yourself.”

Slater winked at her. “I thought I looked good.”

Sammy giggled as a picture of his skipping came to mind. “I had fun.”

Brock pulled her over, so she sat on his lap. “I have something we can all do together. Why don’t you come to the gym with us this week? Brock and I are taking over self-defense classes, so Zack and Jake can go on their honeymoon and relax when they come home and focus on Sandy having the babies.”

“I don’t know. I’m not of fan of violence. I don’t know how I’d do with all that fighting going on around me.”

Slater reached for her hand and squeezed it. “That’s fine if you don’t want to do it, but it’s self-defense. We don’t teach you how to fight. We teach you how to defend yourself. So if someone tried to hurt you and we weren’t around, you could defend yourself and maybe prevent yourself from being hurt or give you time to get away.”

“Um, I suppose I could give it a go. I know Jane goes, and she loves it.”

“Slater can pick you up and bring you to the first class on Tuesday,” Brock said.

“Sounds good. I look…” Sammy trailed off as a short, plump, dark skinned woman with black hair came over with a tall blond man who looked just like Slater. The woman had a huge smile on her face, and her eyes were alight with tears.

“You must be Sammy. I’ve heard so much about you.” The woman pulled Sammy up from Brock’s lap. “I tell you; I was losing hope that any of my boys would find a mate. You see, I always wanted a daughter, but fate gave me three strapping boys instead. I wanted more, but Daren said three was enough.” The woman kissed her cheek and stroked Sammy’s hair. “Hopeful you’ll give me grandkids soon. I may even get some granddaughters.”

“Mum. Stop. You’re embarrassing Sammy.” Slater moaned.

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