Chapter 163
Elise looked back and gave me a wary smile as the women fussed over her and escorted her into the house. The second she was out of sight, my wolf began to panic. It must have shown on my face too, because when Kyle came around the car to lay into me on everything I had done wrong in the last twenty–four hours, his father interceded.
“Kyle, he’s a mating male. Give him space, and get him in the house quickly. He needs to stay near your sister for now. I can feel how on edge his wolf is with her out of sight.”
They shared a knowing look and I was escorted into the house. Elise was sitting on the large sofa surrounded by her mother and sisters. I was grateful for them, but I needed to touch my mate and assure my wolf she was fine.
“Lily, move and let Patrick have that spot.” I looked at her father in surprise, but he smiled and nodded. “I was a mating male once before, you know. We don’t need any unnecessary trouble today. Do what you need to calm yourself.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. The only thing that would absolutely calm my wolf would be to complete the mating bond with his daughter and I knew that wasn’t happening anytime soon.
The older man pursed his lips and bit back a grin before clapping me on the shoulder as I lowered
next to my mate. I was grateful the Westin family seemed okay with me for Elise. I hadn’t discussed
it with her father and had never been around her and her family together before. It felt natural, like I belonged, and no one seemed to mind me there.
Elise’s back was towards me, but our legs touched at the thighs and that alone began to settle my
agitated wolf. As Lily moved to sit on the floor in front of her, Elise shifted to face the women and,
likely without realizing it, she settled easily against me. I kept my arm on the back of the sofa,
fighting my instincts to wrap it around her waist and pull her even closer to me. I knew she needed
her space, but her actions were more accepting than her words and I was elated that as the day
progressed and she filled everyone in on our adventures, that she seemed to naturally mold into my side and it just felt right.
After answering everyone’s questions and the excitement died down, Mary went off to make lunch and people began to scatter. Kelsey had gone to the bathroom for like the tenth time and Kyle had
retreated to his office, though his glare told me we’d have further words later.
Elise relaxed next to me and tugged my hand resting on the back of the couch to wrap it around her small waist. She nestled her head into my shoulder and sighed. I was so shocked I didn’t want
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Chapter 163
move a muscle, but it only took a few minutes for me to hear the soft cadence of my mate sleeping in my arms. I readjusted to get comfortable myself and drifted off to sleep, feeling more content than I ever remembered feeling.
“Aww!”
I startled awake to a screeching noise. Elise shifted in my arms and stretched seductively. “They’re
sooooo cute.”
“Shhhh.”
I opened my eyes to see Kelsey trying to quiet Christine Canine.
“You found your mate! I told you it was Elise. How did you not find her sooner?”
E giggled. “Still hide–and–seek champ.”
Christine started laughing. “Wow, did you ever do a number on him. I’m glad you guys worked it
out.”
I felt Elise stiffen next to me. It had felt like we were finally making some progress over the last twenty–four hours, but feeling her change at the mention of us together, I knew we still had a long
way to go.
“Oh good, you’re awake. E, my office, now. We need to talk,” Kyle said as he walked through the
room.
I moved to follow.
“Alone.”
I bit back the growl as anger fired within. I wasn’t ready to let her out of my sight–surely he could
understand that.
“It’s fine,” Elise assured me with a quick hug as she got up and followed her brother. I felt only a small amount of relief in the comfort of her small gesture. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but it felt like she had known exactly what I needed in that moment.
I didn’t have long before Kyle returned and summoned me to his office. There was something in his posture that let me know this wasn’t going to be a pleasant chat.
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Chapter 163
“Close the door and take a seat,” he said from behind his desk, without making eye contact, and nodding to the chair across from him.
“Rather stand, thanks,” I said. My wolf was on high alert and I fought the need to pace the suddenly too small room. “What’s this about, Kyle?”
“You and I have been friends for a long time, Patrick, and I’m grateful for you stepping down where Kelsey was concerned, but this isn’t about that. I’ve talked to Elise and heard her side of the story. I know the two of you have not mated. Given her confession of hiding from you, and her attempt to run from you leading to her kidnapping, I can only assume she has no desire to take you as a mate.”
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