Page 16 of Twist of Fated Mates
If my heart weren’t already slumbering, her next words would have made it skip a beat.
“My son has found his mate.” Her warm smile lights the room. “And we have a brand-new pack member to welcome!”
Charlie
It’shard to sit still when I know the agenda is packed and this will be a lengthy meeting, but since I’m half the reason we’re having this emergency tête-à-tête, the least I can do is pay attention.
But Nigel’s beauty calls to me like a siren’s song, and I ogle him more than I care to admit.
They assess our existing pact with the vampires.
I study Nigel.
They discuss the potential threats posed by further interaction.
I map the upward tilt of the tip of Nigel’s nose.
They formulate plans and backup plans.
I obsess over the freckle on the first knuckle of his pointer finger.
Wow, have I got it bad or what? In my defense, it’s a very cute freckle. Heart-shaped and chestnut brown over creamy skin. I want to lick it.
Nigel bumps my knee with his, and I glance up. Everyone is looking at me. Oops.
“Erm, what?”
Oaks rolls his eyes. “Where do you intend to stay while we sort this out?”
Oh, I hadn’t thought of that. I still live in the family house because there was never any reason to leave. But things are different now, and privacy would be welcome. “One of the cottages, maybe? If there’s room.”
“Certainly,” says Mother. “Though you’ll need guards.”
“I could move to the cottage closest for a time,” says Oaks. “Until a peaceful resolution is at hand.”
“That would be great.” I’ve always liked Oaks. Big, burly, and strong. Quick to laugh. Slow to anger. He’s been like an uncle to me my whole life. “Sure you don’t mind?”
“Yeah, yeah. As long as you don’t make me regret it, kid.”
I’m about to protest at being called “kid” when a series of sharp barks sound from outside. A warning call from our lookouts.
Danger.
Before I can blink, Mother is on her feet.
Everything happens at breakneck speed. We pour outside, some shifted, some not. Hardy and Slater, back in their wolf forms, stay close. Nigel and I keep a death grip on each other’s hands.
The lookout races downhill, paws pounding. Then she shifts so fast I wince in sympathy. That had to hurt.
“Report,” barks Mother.
“Vampires,” she says. “Six of them at least. Headed this way.”
Shit. Six vampires, depending on age and strength, are a solid match for a wolf pack. If it comes to a fight, it’s a toss-up who’d win.
Nigel cowers against my side. He shouldn’t be out here.
As if reading my mind, Mother turns to me. “Get him inside and stay there. Oaks, take Silvie and guard them. Slater, Hardy, with me. The rest of you, defensive positions outside the hall. Go.”
