Chapter 20
FAYE
Cade and Faye emerged from their shower, well-sudsed and better acquainted than they’d been before they went in. Her clothes had dried since Cade had yanked them off her that morning, and she pulled them back on, feeling nervous about going downstairs.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” Cade said, sensing her apprehension. “Just stick with me, okay?”
She fingered the amethyst pendant he’d let her have and nodded, allowing him to lead her out the door with his hand on the small of her back. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, he led her into a dining area. A good-looking man walked over with a broad grin.
“This is my cousin Bertram, the owner of this place. B, this is Faye.”
Bertram took her hand, and she eyed him, wondering if he was a shifter like Cade. He grasped her hand and sniffed, answering her question.
“You’re mated,” he said as if in surprise, his eyes flying to Cade’s face.
Cade gave a sheepish grin. “Yeah. Just now. I’m not sure she knows what she’s in for, but she’s mine whether she likes it or not.” He reached behind and squeezed her ass.
She elbowed his ribs, flushing. “I like it,” she mumbled.
“Welcome to the family, Faye,” Bertram said. He looked back at Cade. “Just mated, myself.”
Cade looked as astounded as Bertram had. “Jillian?”
The shifter nodded.
“How did she survive her scare today?”
“She’s sleeping now after all the excitement, but I’ll introduce you tomorrow. Come and join me at my table tonight and you can meet some of the other guests.”
Bertram led them to a large table in the dining room, where several people already sat.
“This is Jake, my new brother-in-law.” He indicated the handsome young man who stood to shake their hands.
“He has taken Coral on as his sub.” A gorgeous redhead in a low-cut, form-fitting dress stood and shook their hands.
She appeared fidgeting, her eyes dilated and cheeks flushed.
“Cade, you already know Redd, my little. Redd, this is Faye, Cade’s mate. ”
“Nice fighting today, Cade,” the red lycra wearing girl said with a grin, offering a fist bump. She gave Faye a little wave. “Nice to meet you, Faye.” The girl’s hands wandered to her backside as if she’d been freshly spanked. Which, considering where they were, seemed highly likely.
A pretty blonde waitress walked over.
“This is Cindy,” Bertram said.
Faye looked up at the girl, a tingling sensation running through her body.
Cindy dropped a curtsy. “Hi!” she chirped. “Nice to meet you!” She was childish, yet not a child. Faye felt a distinctly protective, maternal instinct toward her.
“How is Jillian?” Cindy asked with concern.
“She’s fine. She’s just resting after all the excitement,” Bertram answered.
Faye watched the innocent-looking girl, sensing something dark in her past.
She’s broken. The thought dropped into her head without reason. She’s broken and you need to help fix her.