Page 57 of The Mating Need
Her lower lip wobbled. “I had to, Troy. I couldn’t keep quiet about Perry. It went against everything inside me. Like something compelled me to speak the truth. I had to let them know how dangerous hewas.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “I know, sweetheart. I’m sorry. I know you couldn’t helpit.”
“Do you believe me?” her voice dropped to awhisper.
He nodded. “Always.”
Troy glanced around. “The cabin you stayed at in the woods isn’t far. Let’sgo.”
When they arrived, Troy’s cell rang. His heart sank.Aiden.
Knowing they couldn’t hide long, he told the alpha where they were, but warned Aiden to come alone. He and Jenny sat on the porch towait.
Minutes later, Aiden pulled up on anATV.
The alpha climbed out and walked onto the porch, pacing. Finally he turned and facedthem.
The alpha’s serious expression warned how bad it was going to be. Troy took Jenny’s hand and led her up the steps. He opened the door and ushered herinside.
“Go splash cold water on your face and rest,” he told her. “I’ll handlethis.”
She headed to the sink. Worry filled him. Jenny was either too scared or too exhausted to argue. Orboth.
Troy headed back outside and closed the door behind him to confrontAiden.
“You want me out now,” Troy saidflatly.
Aiden shook his head. “You’re safe here, you and Jenny, if you stay in this cabin. For the timebeing.”
“Jenny was right, Aiden. I believeher.”
The alpha sighed. “At this point it doesn’t matter. No proof. The pack is mighty upset, hell, everyone is. No one believes her. Everyone wants her out, Troy. Except for Nia, who says we have to wait. She convinced me to give you anotherchance.”
Troy waited, his stomach tight. “And?”
“I’m giving you a chance and a choice. Leave Jenny and stay here, or go with her. Stay here in the emergency cabin and by the end of the day tomorrow, give me your answer.” Aiden’s sigh was heavy. “I’m sorry, Troy. I thought it would work out. You’re a hard worker. Everyone likes and respects you. But Jenny is too different. My people are too frightened of her. It’s either her, orus.”
Troy forced himself to speak past the tightness in his throat. “I gotit.”
Knew it was coming to this. Jenny was simply too different for most Lupines. They fearedher.
As he watched Aiden drive off, anguish knotted Troy’sinsides.
He had finally found a home at last with the Mitchell pack. But if he stayed, he’d lose the only woman he’d everloved.
She totally screwed up.Should have known Mitchell’s people would react like that… hadn’t she seen the same with her ownpack?
Jenny plopped on the old sofa, burying her head into her hands. Outside, she heard Aiden drive off on theATV.
Troy opened the door and crossed the room, leaving the door open. Probably to freshen thecabin.
Or maybe to leave her here alone. She deserved it. Didn’t deserve someone as caring and loyal asTroy.
She didn’t glance up as the sofa creaked from his weight as hesat.
“It’s okay, Troy. You can leave. They want you. Not me.” A slight, bitter laugh. “I’m used to it. I won’t drag youdown.”
A gentle hand pushed back a lock of hair from her face. “Since when have you ever dragged me down, sweetheart? Or held meback?”
