Page 5 of A Mate Betrayed

She took out a set of keys and Kinleigh followed her outside, watching as Payton locked up the office.Then she linked their arms as they took off down the sidewalk.The town of Sheridan was one of those picture-perfect places usually seen in magazine layouts.People waved or greeted them, showing deference for their luna.

“This is quite an unusual pack,” Kinleigh observed.“Lightfang is closed off.Wolves only, if you know what I mean.”

“Jericho’s dad, Branson, always said that packs have to embrace progress, otherwise we’re doomed to be extinct.”

Kinleigh thought about that.“He had a very good point.We didn’t start carrying cell phones until about ten years ago.”

“Is your dad more secular in his rule?”

“No, but without my mother by his side I think he just coasted through the motions.”

They passed a few ladies and all of them smiled and waved.

“Everyone is so nice,” Kinleigh murmured.“And you have humans here as well?”

Payton nodded.“Not many, but the families here keep quiet about the shifters.During the summer tourist season, a lot of hikers come our way, so their jobs are usually taking care of them.”

“Your pack sounds amazing.”

“Yeah, this a great place to live.Even when I thought I was defective.”

“Don’t say that,” Kinleigh said, laying her head on Payton’s shoulder.“You were never defective.”

“I know that now.I thought I would never have this life.I never cared about the luna title.It was the thought I’d never have Jericho that almost broke me.Thought I’d never be happy.”

“I’m glad you have him,” Kinleigh said, unable to keep the sadness out of her voice.“Let’s change the subject.

“Okay.”

They arrived at the diner and delicious scents of apple and cinnamon greeted them when they entered.Her mouth immediately started to water for a taste of whatever yum-yum was cooking.

An older woman with short grey hair greeted them with a huge grin.“Hello, ladies!”

“Esmeralda, this is my cousin, Kinleigh.”Payton playfully held up her hand to her mouth like she was trying to tell a secret.“Don’t believe a word this old bird tells you.”

“Really?”Esmeralda asked dryly.“I’ll tell Wayne you’re on dish duty for the remainder of the month.”

Payton let out a mocking gasp, and Esmeralda rolled her eyes.

“Go sit down,” she ordered.“I’ll bring you the special.”

She winked at Kinleigh, who chuckled.Payton led her to a back booth.

“She’s very nice,” she said.

Payton nodded.“Esmeralda is a lifesaver.When Jericho was gone, she gave me a purpose to get out of bed.She became my de facto therapist when my parents thought I was a dud.”

“How are Aunt Nancy and Uncle Marcus?”

“They’re on a cruise for their anniversary.We still don’t have a great relationship.There’s too much between us to forget.You know?”

Kinleigh nodded.She knew all about how her aunt and uncle had been ashamed of her until Payton’s astral wolf came out to protect the pack pups.

Just then, Esmeralda showed up with two plates, each held a turkey club sandwich and sweet iced tea.“Apple pie for dessert.Enjoy!”

“Thank you.This looks amazing.”

For a few minutes they ate in silence.Kinleigh was hungrier than she thought, and the food was delicious.

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