Kara’s lips pull back slightly. “I know. I’m just ready to get this done and figure out where to go from here.”
“Well, you look beautiful. You don’t have to stand so far away.”
I’ve always loved seeing Kara in her trendy business suits and high heels, but tonight, she chose something less intimidating. She has her platinum blonde hair in soft curls down her back and is wearing a mint green sweater and jeans. But, of course, she didn’t give up the high heels, putting her at the same height as me.
“Maybe I’ll wear them around the house tonight.” Her voice is soft and sultry in my head. I glance back at her, and she winks. “And I mean wearing only the heels.”
I can see a visual in my head, and my cock twitches. Cars begin pulling into the parking lot, and I have to force all thoughts of Kara naked out of my mind. “Damn, woman, you’re killing me.”
A snicker escapes her lips, but it cuts off short when some of my pack members enter the restaurant.
The tension in the room spikes as more of my pack members come inside. No one is happy to see Kara, and a lot are confused about Evangeline. But, instead of disdain like before, I detect nervousness and fear. They know she has her power back.
Everyone sits down at the tables, and I move forward while Kara hangs back. Cameron waves when he gets inside, and I motion for him to come down to the front with me. He gives a half-smile to Kara and Evangeline and stands next to them, showing his support.
“Thanks for coming,” I announce, scanning the crowd. The entire pack is here. “I don’t want to keep you long, so I’m just going to get down to business. A lot has happened over the past couple of days. Kara and I just got back from visiting the Royal pack. Everything is good between us. As you can see, Kara’s bracelet is gone.” The unease intensifies, so I peer back at Kara, who still has an unreadable expression on her face. However, I can feel her sadness. She doesn’t want them afraid of her.
“They won’t be for long,” I reassure her silently.
Kara’s eyes cut over to me. “It’ll be a miracle.”
I turn back to my pack. “There’s something else you must know as well.” I pause for a few seconds, making sure I have everyone’s attention. “Kara is my mate.”
Gasps erupt all around the room, and I don’t think I’ve seen so many mouths drop at one given time.
“This will be a good thing,” I say, raising my voice above all the chatter.
Everyone quiets down instantly.
“With Kara’s royal blood, it’ll make us stronger. More and more of you are finding your true mates, and this will only amplify that.” I wave a hand toward Evangeline. “We’ve never had a pack witch, but Evangeline uses her magic for good. There’s nothing dark about her. I’m honored she decided to stay with our pack.”
Adolf, an older wolf, stands and clears his throat. “What if we don’t trust Kara or her witch?”
I knew that would be the question of the night. Before I can answer, my mother stands, and all focus turns to her. “Then trust me,” she calls out, circling around so she can look at everyone. She walks down to Kara and Evangeline and takes their hands. Kara’s body relaxes, and she smiles at my mother. The feelings coming across our bond are love and adoration. My mother keeps her eyes on the pack. “You all know of my gift. I had the pleasure of spending time with Kara. And do you know what I saw?” She glances over at Kara. “A beautiful soul that’s been through more heartache and pain than most of you. Yes, she’s made mistakes, but so have all of us. We all deserve a second chance, and that’s what she’s been given. The bracelet on her wrist wouldn’t have fallen off if she hadn’t changed her ways. I, for one, believe she will be an amazing alpha alongside my son. I believe in her.”
Kara throws her arms around my mother’s neck. “Thank you, Maureen.”
My mother pats her arm. “I’m only telling the truth.” Kara lets her go, and my mother focuses on Evangeline. “And this young lady here is no threat to our pack. Her heart is pure. We’re lucky to have her join us.”
The room falls silent, and Cameron steps forward. “I believe in them, too. Having a witch on our side isn’t a bad thing at all. Plus, it’s about time our alpha found his mate.”
Murmurs of agreement echo through the crowd. My mother brings Kara up to stand next to me while Evangeline hangs back with Cameron. My mother’s lips tremble as she stares at both me and Kara. “I finally have a daughter. I can’t wait to see what you two do together.”
She kisses my cheek, and I bring her into my arms. “Thank you for everything, Mom.”
“Anything for you,” she whispers back. She hugs Kara one more time and winks at us. “The pack is already warming up to the idea. I can feel it.”
So can I.
I wrap my arm around Kara’s waist. “You made it through.”
Kara breathes a sigh of relief. “Barely.”
Sierra and Ayla slowly approach us, a little unsurely by how they stare cautiously at Kara like she will get her revenge on them.
“Ayla never did anything to me,” Kara mentions in my head. “Sierra, on the other hand …”
Sierra nods at me but then keeps her eyes on Sierra. “I’m sorry for being a bitch to you. Honestly, I think you deserved it, but it was still no excuse.”
Kara bursts out laughing, and it’s such a sweet sound. Sierra and Ayla’s eyes widen in shock, obviously not expecting that outcome.
“I did deserve it,” Kara confesses. “But if you trip me and make me fall on my face again, I’ll do the same to you.”
Sierra holds up her hands. “Deal. I don’t think I’ll be doing that again.”
“And I promise not to laugh if you fall on your face,” Ayla admits sheepishly. “I was guilty of that.”
Kara giggles again. “No worries. I would’ve laughed, too, if I was you.”
Sierra and Ayla move on, and I stand in front of Kara. “This is progress.”
“Yes, it is,” Kara agrees. “I’m just glad I survived it.”
I nod toward the group of wolves behind us. “Come on. Let’s introduce you to everyone.”
Kara takes a deep breath and holds my hand. “I’m ready.”
32
KARA
Two hours passed, and I had met all the wolves in Chase’s pack, including his father, Arthur. Chase has the same color hair as his father, but he has his mother’s eyes. I can see both of his parents in him. They’re good people, and it’s crazy to think that they’ll soon be considered my family.
“My mother already loves you,” Chase says, squeezing my thigh.
I elbow him in the side. “You sure are nosy.”
Chase chuckles. “If you leave your mind wide open, I’m going to be there.”
I love that I can poke around his brain, too. I feel so much closer to him now.
He drives his sports car into the garage, and we head inside. Evangeline won over the pack and made friends instantly, especially with Sierra and Ayla. They asked her to hang out with them tonight, and she agreed. The pack might not feel comfortable with me yet, but I’m happy they took to Evangeline.