Page 73 of His True Mate
We headed for our usual spot in the middle of the room.
“Just the three of you?” Milly asked skeptically.
“Yes,” James answered for us.
“Strange seeing only half of you out,” she mumbled while taking our orders.
I wasn’t exactly hungry, but I got a pretzel and cheese dip to munch on while the guys ate.
“So how are things with Winnie?” James asked.
“Great.”
“Then why is your wolf so close to the surface?” Austin questioned.
I sighed. “Because I haven’t claimed her yet.”
“What are you waiting for?” James asked.
I shrugged. “I’m not sure. Maybe confirmation that’s she’s actually planning on sticking around.”
“Have you talked to her about it?”
“Not exactly. She’s agreed to working a month at the stables, but after that, I don’t know what she has planned. I hope she’s sticking around.”
“You’re an idiot,” Austin said. “I don’t know why everyone makes this so hard. Ruby and Bran had it right. Seal the deal and figure the rest out later.”
“It’s just not that simple.”
“Yeah, Things like that are never simple,” James agreed.
For a second it sounded as if he were speaking from experience, but I knew for a fact that James had never been in love. Much like me, he rarely dated. He was more of a love ‘em and leave ‘em sort with occasional hookups, but since he took over as Sheriff, even that seemed to stop.
I couldn’t fault him that. Being Sheriff was an honor and ranked him higher than most in the Pack. He had a lot on his shoulders and time wasn’t his friend right now. But also, having found my true mate, I struggled to understand why any man would settle for less.
She was absolutely worth the wait.
“I think I’m going to puke. You have such a sappy look on your face right now,” Austin teased.
“Whatever,” I said, trying to deflect.
“I’m happy for you man. And I’m sure she’ll stick around. How could she not?”
I shrugged. “I had breakfast with Thomas this morning. He tried to do the right thing and notify her Alpha. He’s not exactly happy about things. I think he honestly believes I kidnapped her or something.”
James nodded. “Thomas and I spoke this morning. He wanted to give me the heads up to increase perimeter patrols for a bit and diligently be on the lookout. Just in case.”
“Do you really think it’ll come to that?”
James shook his head. “Doubtful. There’d have to be something wrong with the guy if he thinks it’s okay to stroll in here and try to take her. As long as she’s in Collier territory, we’ll protect her.”
I growled. She was mine and the Pack should protect her regardless of where she was.
Austin rolled his eyes. “You mating males are all the same. So aggressive and irrational. I expected more from you, Clay. You’re better than this.”
I snorted. “I’ll be sure to repay those sentiments when your turn comes.”
He shrugged. “If it happens, it happens. If not, I’m okay with that too.”
