Page 63 of Claimed

“So Greyson said they mate in order of age?”

“Yeah, that’s how it has always gone in our pack except technically Riley and Grey went out of order as far as doing the actual deed. Riley is a couple months older than Grey. But… extenuating circumstances, I guess, because Erica was gone for seven years. Riley identified her seven years ago, which was out of order but because Ty was missing all that time and Riley was not only a Savage family member but also because Riley sort of took lead alpha position for the council we all just figured that’s why he identified his mate first. But it turns out she used witchcraft to make him fall for her before her time.” I take another sip. “She’s madly in love with him…it’s obvious. She was young and made a mistake. I’m glad it’s going to work out; I think she’ll make an excellent addition to the pack and to our girl crew. But Riley scented her the other night just momentsbefore Grey identified you so if he had’ve mated her immediately it would’ve gone the way it usually does – in order.”

“You’re not upset with her?”

“Extenuating circumstances. It’s good the council alphas voted to force them to stay together in a cabin. Nose tells us it worked.” I tap my nose, take another mouthful of my drink and am nearly at the end, so I drain it. “Drink up; I’ll make us another. Oh… I have some stuff for you. But I wanna grab something from my car, too. Be right back.”

I hop off the bar stool and go outside.

Jase is sitting on the front step, doing something on his cell phone.

I round him and stop in front of him.

“You gotta guard from out here or you wanna come inside with us?” I ask.

“I’m good here,” he mutters, not looking up from his screen.

“Not guarding real well if you’re focused on your phone,” I mutter.

Still not looking up at me, he taps his nose.

“Some of them use masking potions,” I remind him.

He finally glances up and his expression is irritated. “I’m on it, Bay. Can take thirty seconds to answer a text. Your faith in me is touching.”

“I didn’t mean it like that, Jason,” I say softly.

He ignores me and continues tapping away on his phone.

“Okay, whatever.” I concede and go to the car.

I grab my package from the shipping store.

He’s gone around back, so I don’t pass him on my way back inside. I fetch the bag of clothes from the coffee table and heft it onto the island before I unzip it.

“Here are some extra clothes for you. If there’s anything you don’t want, feel free to donate. I’m a bit of a clothes horse and know you don’t have a lot of things here with you so figured I’d do a quick rummage for you.”

Her eyes widen.

“You don’t have to take them if you don’t want them,” I tell her quickly. “I can send them to the donation bin in The Hollow if you don’t.”

“I… I’ll have them. Thank you, Bailey. You’re right, I don’t have much, although thank you very kindly for the clothing you brought the other day. I love them.” She runs her hands along her yoga pants. “They’re super nice. I’d like to pay you back for them when I can.”

“You don’t pay for a gift, silly. It’s my pleasure. And as for that pile, I just threw in a few pairs of jeans, jean shorts, a pair or two of yoga pants, some tops and some pjs. I’m guessing we’re about the same jean size, though I’m shorter than you and a little top heavier.” I scoff, seeing her eyes on my chest.

“Yeah, you’re definitely blessed in that department. Not all of us are.” She points to her own chest.

“Yeah, but you can run without giving yourself a black eye, so…”

She laughs hard, then goes serious. “This was… very thoughtful of you. Thank you, Bailey.”

“My pleasure.” I rise and get the juices out of the fridge, then put more ice into our glasses and mix us another drink. I’ll let Grey give her the suitcase instead of telling her I stuck my nose into her business.

“You’re being so nice to me,” she whispers when I put her new drink in front of her.

“You’re family now. And why wouldn’t I be nice? We can all use more girlfriends, right? Plus, I’m not a bitchy person. At least I don’t think I am.”

“I’m just surprised I’m not considered a pariah. Because of how I wound up here. Maybe everyone won’t be as nice as you.”

---