Page 57 of Wedding for My Werewolf

A shadow fell over her as Garrick joined them, his stone features cold and intimidating as he moved to stand by Eric. Then Will was there as well, his normally cheerful expression replaced by a fierce scowl.

“Robin is one of us now,” Garrick said firmly, his deep voice carrying across the square. “And we protect our own.”

The crowd murmured agreement. Even the harpy vendor who’d once screeched at her was nodding.

“I suggest you leave.” Callan’s quiet words carried more menace than any shout. “Now.”

Martin’s confident facade cracked as he glanced around at the gathering. The man who had haunted her nightmares suddenly seemed smaller, less threatening, when faced with the strength of her new family.

“This isn’t over,” Martin spat. “I’ll be back with proper authorities.”

She put her hand on Eric’s arm, then stepped up next to him. She knew he’d have preferred her safely behind him, but he let herthrough. Her legs trembled as she stepped forward, but her voice rang clear and steady.

“You won’t have to come back with the authorities, Martin. I’m going to the police myself. I’ll tell them everything—about the documents, about how you set me up, about your bragging.”

The color drained from Martin’s face, replaced by an ugly flush of rage. His perfectly manicured hands clenched into fists at his sides.

“You’re making a mistake,” he hissed through gritted teeth, his composure cracking.

The fear that had chased her across state lines seemed to evaporate in the face of Martin’s impotent fury. She raised her chin, meeting his gaze directly.

“The only mistake I made was trusting you,” she said, and the words felt like she was breaking free of the chains that had bound her for so long.

He glared at her but she was no longer afraid of him. Eric’s hand was on her arm, supporting her. Her friends and new packmates stood by her side. Will gave her a thumbs-up sign as Eric tugged her gently back into the circle of his arms, his strength enveloping her.

“I’m so proud of you.”

She turned into his embrace, burying her head against his chest as the impact of what was to come swept over her.

“I feel like I can finally breathe,” she whispered. “But God, I’m terrified of what comes next. Making statements, possibly testifying…”

“Hey.” He tilted her chin up until she met his golden gaze. “You won’t face any of it alone. I’ll be right beside you, every step of the way.”

The absolute certainty in his voice calmed the sudden rush of panic and she managed to smile up at him.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. That’s what mates do—support each other. You’re the bravest person I know, little bird. And the strongest.” His thumb traced her cheekbone. “But you don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Not anymore.”

She rose on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

“No thanks needed. This is where I want to be. At your side.”

“Actually, that may not be necessary—at least not for this.”

She looked up as Garrick joined them, a rare smile on his hard face.

“What do you mean?”

“I told you I’d investigate. I made some calls and found out why Martin never actually went to the authorities.”

Eric’s arm tightened around her as she stiffened.

“The money’s still sitting in those accounts,” Garrick continued. “He can’t touch it without your signature. That’s why he sent the bounty hunter—he needed you, not the police.”

She heard Eric growl as the pieces clicked into place—Martin’s desperation, Rick’s persistence. No wonder they wouldn’t let her go.

---