Page 37 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
“I don’t know,” I answer, looking down into Lily’s face. “I just feel so calm around kids, I think it passes on to them, especially babies.”
I rock Lily a little more before I realize the rest of the group has gone quiet and are watching me.
“What a wonderful mother you are,” Mary murmurs. “Your son is such a fine young man. You’ve raised him well. To be so confident, he must feel very safe and secure.”
But he’s not safe!
The thought pierces through me, shattering my calm and bringing tears to my eyes. Lily fusses immediately, and I hand her back to Delia, wiping my eyes in a vain attempt to cover my tears.
“Oh, my dear!” Mary says, coming to wrap her arms around me. “Whatever is the matter?”
Her kindly hug and warm voice make it impossible for me to keep my emotions in. I cry softly, letting Mary hug me and stroke my hair.
“You can tell us, if you want to,” Ana says. “And if you don’t, that’s okay, too. You’re in a strange place, with people you don’t know, and you’re entitled to being a bit fragile.”
Her words make me cry even harder, and Jess has to run and get some tissues.
“I’m sorry,” I mumble.
Immediately, reassurances come at me from right around the table, telling me I have nothing to apologize for.
“It’s Jarrod,” I say, looking over my shoulder to make sure my son is still occupied. “He was in danger back home, and I still don’t know if he’s safe here. It’s been so stressful for us, and I’m having a hard time settling in.”
“Oh, my poor dear,” Mary says, letting me rest my head on her shoulder. “The worst fear for a mother is something happening to her child! His father must no longer be in the picture?”
I just nod and gulp, hoping to avoid the question entirely.
“If you don’t want to give us the details, that’s fine,” Ana says, her voice gentle. “But if his daddy causes any problems at all, we’ll be there to stand in his way, I promise you!”
Well, this is getting awkward.
“We mean it,” Delia says, reaching out to hold my hand. “You’re with us now. This pack would never send you away to go to a strange place against your will. Every single one of us would protect your boy with our lives if we had to. You have nothing to fear from his father, or anyone else!”
Oh, God, I wish that were true!
“Thank you,” I murmur, letting go of Mary. “I haven’t felt this cared for in a very long time.”
“That sucks,” Ana snaps. “All of us are your honorary sisters now, and we won’t let anyone hurt you or your boy.”
Even your alpha?
I look down into my lap, twisting my hands together as I try to get myself under control. I appreciate that the women are offering their support without asking for details, because I certainly can’t tell them the truth.
“I can see this is a delicate issue,” Mary says as she returns to her seat. “None of us will ask you to reveal anything you aren’t ready for, but we’re all here for you when that time comes. You’ve survived something, that’s for sure, and I feel honored to have such a strong, loving luna.”
The other women all add their agreement as I wipe tears from my cheeks.
I feel more accepted here than I ever did at home.
I let their voices wash around me, feeling comforted by the way the sounds seem to act like a blanket that keeps theirwarmth in and the cold, cruel world away. When their words suddenly stop, I look up in alarm.
Rex is standing by the table, staring down at me. His gaze sweeps the table, taking in everyone’s surprised faces and noting the sudden silence.
When his amber eyes return to me, there is concern in his expression—but it is tinted by suspicion.
Chapter 12 - Rex
Looking down on the silent, slightly shocked faces of the women, I don’t want to believe that something secret was going on—but it really looks like I’ve walked in on something they didn’t want me to hear.
