Page 53 of Unbreakable Bond
“Good morning?” Laura Kent’s eyebrows hit her hairline and she laughed as she dusted her hands on her own apron, “That’s all I get? Good morning? My only daughter goes to a party, starts a fight between the Pack Alpha and his long lost brother, disappears with a feral wolf and then walks back in here covered in his scent, mated no less, and all I get is a goodmorning?”
Zoey giggled, “Well, when you put it like that… good morning Mama. There’s something I should tellyou…”
“Oh, you silly, silly, girl. You went and found yourself a mate.” Her mother crossed the distance between them with her arms open, “And you didn’t even think to call and tell your father orme.”
“I’m sorry.” Zoey stepped into the loving embrace, “Things have been a little hectic andRafe…”
Her mother jolted and gasped. Laura jerked back from the hug she’d bestowed on her daughter. Here eyes were wide and her cheeks had gone pale. Her dark eyes, so unlike Zoey’s own, raced over her from top to bottom before finally settling on the silver scar that graced the spot where her neck and shouldermet.
“Oh Zozo.” She whispered softly, worriedly, as she slowly raised a hand and touched themark.
“I told you there was something I needed to tell you.” Zoey whispered back, catching her mother’s hand and twining their fingers, “I have a wolfnow.”
“Oh, baby.” Laura pulled her daughter back into her arms and squeezed her so tight Zoey could barely breathe. “I know how much you’ve wanted this. For so long, so very long, I’ve watched you hurt because it wasn’t Michael. Please, please just tell me that you’re happy with the mate the fate’s gaveyou.”
“I’m happy, Mama.” Zoey felt tears fill her eyes and sniffled slightly, “I have a mate and a wolf now and… I think I’m falling in love with him. Just like you and Daddydid.”
“Oh my sweet baby girl. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.” Laura pulled back and wiped at her own cheeks, which were streaked with tears, “He’s a good matchthen?”
“Thebest.”
“I’ve been trying not to jump to conclusions with all the gossip but you know they’ve been talking about him. The True Alpha that came back and fought the Pack Alpha for his mate? They said Michael didn’t take it well. I can’t imagine it was easy for any of you, not with the connection you and he have alwaysshared.”
“It was rough, to say the least.” Zoey admitted, “Not just for Michael and me but for Rafe too. It wasn’t like he expected it any more than we did but it makes sense right? The connection to Michael I’ve always felt. It’s because we’re familynow.”
“Family.” Her mother brushed her hair back softly and smiled, “Those boys need some family and I’m overjoyed that we get to be it now. Just so long as my baby is happy, I’mhappy.”
“Thank youMama.”
“So…” Laura dabbed at her hair and then dusted her apron, “Do I get to meet my only daughter’s mate now? I haven’t seen that boy since he was barely old enough to be called a man. I’d like to meet the wolf that gave my girl everything she everwanted.”
Zoey winced at the expectation that was all too reasonable, “Uh… maybe, if you wouldn’t mind, we could…wait?”
“Wait?”
“It’s just that, he’s really protective. Reclusive even. Getting him to come to town was an ordeal and I’m not sure he’s in the right frame of mind to meet my mom just yet, considering…everything.”
Laura’s eyes softened, “You mean considering that I was best friends with his mother before shepassed?”
Zoeynodded.
“You think it’ll bring back bad memories for him?” Her mother sighed and played with her hair again, “You’re a good mate for him Zo. Looking after him. If that’s what you think is best, then I’ll give you two some time before I insist he meet with your father and I. I’ll stay back here out of sight fornow.”
“Thank you Mama. I’m so sorry to ask it of you I just… I don’t want to hurthim.”
“I hope he knows how lucky he is, mydarling.”
“He does.” The rough voice came from the doorway and Zoey sucked in a gasp of air as she spun to faceRafe.
He looked more than a little awkward, his big frame taking up most of the swinging doorframe. He also looked apologetic. His dark eyes swung from her to her mother and then to the floor. He shifted uncomfortably and his big shouldersshrugged.
“I felt… something. I didn’t know what it was. Worry? I thought you might need me.” He glanced back up and met her eyes, “I’m sorry to interrupt. I know I said I’d stay out there I just… I thought something waswrong.”
Zoey’s heart did that melting thing again and she stepped away from her mother, offering her hand to Rafe who quickly covered the distance between them, sweeping her into his arms and nuzzling her reassuringly. Worry. He’d felt her worry. Only it hadn’t been for herself. It had been for him. He’d felt her emotions through the bond and that connection would only get stronger the longer they hadtogether.
“I’m sorry. I’m fine.” She whispered reassuringly as she swept her hands over hisback.
“You were worried… for me?” He leaned back enough to look down at her and she nodded when she saw the confusion and then amazement cross his features. “I’m supposed to be the overprotectiveone.”
