Page 92 of Mates: Posy

"I can never repay you for that. I will always count you as a friend and hope you will do the same."

"Of course, little luna." I patted her head, needing some humor to light things up.And she’s so tiny, it’s impossible to resist."Except for my cousin Junie, I haven’t had a girl friend since I was a little kid. I’m honored to be yours."

"Even when your mate takes you back to the royal pack, please stay in touch."

"You know I will." I swallowed, then whispered, "Is he still here?"

"He is." She giggled. "You’re going to be so happy. He’s very nice and can’t wait to meet you!"

"When he sees me…" My voice died.

"He’ll only fall harder for you. Be brave, Lilah. He's worth it, I swear."

I knotted my fingers together, and she gave me an understanding look.

"Come down when you’re ready."

She patted my shoulder and left, and I took a deep breath. After holding it for several long seconds, I let it out slowly and opened the bedroom door. I walked down the hallway toward the sound of light chatter coming from the living room. As I went down the stairs, I clung to the banister, watching my feet carefully. My socks were comfy, but didn’t have grips on the bottoms, and a fall was the last thing I needed.

I reached the bottom step, and the rich scent of coffee surrounded me. Lifting my head, I saw my mate on the other side of the living room. He was talking with my brother, but swiveled suddenly and speared me with his gorgeous blue eyes.

They grew glossy with tears, and defeat filled me.

Am I that much of a disappointment?

"By the moon," he whispered, and his next words gave me hope again. "I could not have imagined a more beautiful mate."

Then his gaze dropped to my throat and arms, and a rage like I’d never seen before darkened his face.

"WHO?" His roar shook the whole house. "Who hurt you?!"

I bit my lip. I knew I looked bad, but I hadn’t expected such an extreme reaction. Shaking in fear, I took a step back - and tiny Posy Briggs darted in front of me.

"You’re scaring my friend."

Her voice quavered and her body shook as hard as mine did, but she stood her ground.

Her courage made my heart hurt, and I laid my hand on her shoulder, ready to tell her it was okay, but my mate decided he was through waiting for an answer. He came toward me with fury-filled eyes.

And since Posy still stood in front of me, her alphas had a predictable reaction to an angry, male wolf striding toward their vulnerable mate.

Shreds of clothing flew everywhere as Alpha Jayden shifted into his wolf and crouched in front of Posy, which meant in front of me.

"And weliterallyjust got him out of isolation," grumbled Alpha Ash as he, Alpha Wyatt, and Alpha Cole hustled between Quartz and my mate.

"Quartz, I would never harm your mate, but I need to know who harmedmine!" My mate’s eyes glimmered green with wolf light. "Move out of my way before Onyx sees you as a threat!"

Thank the Goddess that Alpha Mason had the brains to loop an arm around Posy’s waist and carry her several long strides away from me.

"Call Quartz over here, baby," I heard him tell her.

"Quartz?" she whispered. "I need you."

In a flash, several hundred pounds of malevolent werewolf bolted over and crouched at her feet.

My mate ignored them all and strode toward me. Gulping, I had to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. At five foot ten, I wasn’t short for a woman, but I was compared to him. He towered over me by six or seven inches.

I didn’t have time to process much more than that. He slipped one arm around my shoulders and pulled me against his chest. With his other hand, he tucked my face into his throat. His hold was gentle, but I stayed very still in his embrace since I was unsure of what he'd do while he was so angry.

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