Page 77 of Protected Promise
She laughed. “Maybe not, but what better way to start the day?”
“Touché. I could definitely get used to this.”
I kissed her and then we took turns quickly showering while trying hard not to touch each other again. It only encouraged a heightened awareness between us that I knew would eventually be worth it, if I didn’t combust first.
Somehow, we managed to make it out of the bathroom without another round of shower sex. Kaitlyn dressed surprisingly fast, and before I could finish.
“Do you have anything for breakfast?” she asked.
“Doubtful. I haven’t been home in a few days, remember? Plus, I generally eat downstairs. Mina does most of the cooking around here now. It’s buffet style, help yourself to anything.”
“But not even a coffee pot?”
I laughed. “Yes, I have a coffee pot. I’m just out of coffee. We can make a trip into town and pick up anything you want to stock in here, or get with Mina and she can just add it to the weekly delivery list.”
“Do you go into town often?” she questioned as I escorted her out the door.
“I go a few times a month. The majority here never leave the territory. In fact, Tobi didn’t really leave this place until she went to Seattle and met Jackson.”
“Wow, that’s crazy.”
I shrugged. “Not really. We just have a simpler life here and don’t really need anything more.”
My biggest concern was that this life I could offer her wasn’t going to be enough for my mate. Those fears worsened when she didn’t respond or even acknowledge my confession. I wasn’t sure what I would do if she decided to leave me. I could feel our bond solidifying and growing stronger by the second.
Everyone was eating downstairs, and a hush fell over the room as we entered the large dining hall.
I received a few head nods from people, but I could see they were still uncertain about Kaitlyn. I didn’t know how to bridge that gap or make this transition smoother for her.
“Good morning.” She greeted each person with a smile and, reluctantly, they acknowledged her too. It wasn’t much, but it was something.
She went to the back of the line where three people were waiting their turn. I took her hand in mine and lead her to the front of the line. She gave me an incredulous look.
I sighed. “The Alpha doesn’t wait, and neither does his Pack Mother. It’s just the way it is.”
She nodded, but I could feel her discomfort with the situation.
“Alpha,” Tobi said formally. “Pack Mother.” She winked at Kaitlyn and I was grateful that she was at the start of the line where we would take our place.
“Sorry,” Kaitlyn mouthed.
Tobi laughed and fell in step behind us as we grabbed plates and started filling them.
“Seriously, it’s my honor and just a small way to show respect. Don’t think anything of it. Even when we were pups, before Landon became Alpha, he was permitted to go to the front of the line.”
“Spoiled much?” Kaitlyn teased.
Tobi snorted. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone less spoiled than Landon. Sure, he can be a brat at times, but he never abuses his power. If it were up to him, he’d wait for everyone else to eat and even go without to ensure his wolves are properly fed. That’s just not acceptable to the rest of us. We take care of our Alpha and his family. That includes you now.”
Kaitlyn solemnly nodded. “It’ll take a little getting used to,” she muttered.
I gave her an encouraging smile as I filled my plate high with eggs and meat. Kaitlyn seemed a little overwhelmed, but never stopped smiling.
Tobi and Dereck joined us at my table as we ate.
“Are you going to speak with the Westin Alpha today?” he asked.
Tobi waved him off. “He did that last night.”
