“Stop it.”

Rafe’s hand tightened on hers and she shot apologetic looks to the three men that had just crossed the street to avoid them. Luckily they were pack and they must have understood because they lowered their gazes and didn’t glance back once. She let out an uneasy breath, thankful they hadn’t taken Rafe’s growling as an excuse to start a fight.

“Stop what?” His voice was low as he tugged her against his side and nuzzled her hair.

“Growling at literally every person we see.” She softened slightly at the affectionate gesture and squeezed his hand reassuringly, “Nobody here is a threat to me.”

“I don’t like them looking at you.”

Zoey glanced up to see his mouth curve into an adorably sexy pout and hid a smile against his shoulder, “They’re not looking at me, Rafe. They’re looking at you because you’re emitting a low-key warning growl like a bomb about to go off. Now cut it out before we get to the shop because if you scare all my customers away I’m going to be pissed.”

“The men were looking at you.” He insisted.

She sighed, “So what if they were?”

“You’re mine.”

“Exactly. I’m yours. They can look if they want but all they’re going to see is how much I want my mate. You.”

“I warned you what would happen if one of them touches you…”

“And nobody will touch me but you.” Zoey cut him off with a shake of her head, trying to reassure him for what felt like the millionth time since they left the cabin, “I chose you. Remember?”

Rafe’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, “I don’t want you to regret that. I know I’m… overbearing.”

“You’re protective.” Zoey stopped walking and faced him, “You’re also sweet and sexy and you’re mine. I don’t want to share you with the world any more than you want to share me. But our life is here and we have to live it. We talked about this.”

“I know.” Rafe’s free hand came up and gently traced the mark on her neck, sending goosebumps racing over her skin and heat straight to her core, “I’m just on edge about tonight. The full moon and my wolf and…”

Zoey caught his hand and brought it to her lips, kissing his knuckles softly, “Let’s not worry about tonight right now. Let’s just focus on getting through the day. Okay?”

“Okay.” Rafe finally nodded.

She went up on tiptoe and brushed her lips against his. Rafe immediately growled and swept down to claim her mouth. He hauled her against him and the heat between them sparked. She opened her mouth when his tongue demanded entry and whimpered when he teased her with it, pumping in and out in a filthy, suggestive way that made her want him inside her so bad she ached.

“Holy. Fucking. Shit.”

The words snapped her out of her fantasy and back to reality. Where she and Rafe were making out on the sidewalk just in front of her bakery. Where people were walking past and cars were driving by. Where her assistant and friend was gaping at them with wide-mouthed astonishment from barely two feet away.

Zoey felt her cheeks flush and began to disentangle herself, “Uh, hey April.”

Her friend’s eyes stayed glued to Rafe , unblinking for a long moment before she shook her head and glanced back at Zoey, “I heard the rumors I just… I thought Michael… I didn’t believe… holy fucking shit.”

Zoey managed a slight chuckle and nodded to the stuttering woman, “Rafe, soak it in. You’ve officially left April Warner speechless, a feat I thought was impossible.” Her friend managed to pull her jaw shut and Zoey continued, “April, you remember Rafe Hudson right?”

“Right. Yeah. How could I forget?” April fidgeted slightly, looking between them, “So you two are really… like… together then?”

“Mated.” Zoey nodded and squeezed Rafe’s hand when he remained stock still at her side. “Rafe’s my mate.”

April looked even more astonished at the confirmation, as if that had even seemed possible, “Well, uh, congratulations. And… welcome back to Noir, Rafe.”

“Warner.” Rafe finally spoke, his head tilting slightly, “You’re Ethan’s… sister?”

“Ouch.” April blinked and laughed, “No. Ethan’s sister is Isla and she’s about ten years older than me. I’m Ethan’s mate.”

“April used to be a Kellogg before she mated with Ethan.” Zoey tried to dig her new mate out of the hole he’d stepped into.

“Oh… yes. Sorry.” Rafe ran his free hand through his dark hair, ducking his head a little in apology, “You were younger than me in school but I remember your brother. Anderson. We were friends. Is he still in town?”

April nodded, “He is. He’s a deputy now and he’s also an Enforcer for the pack.”

“Like Michael couldn’t have brought him this morning then?” Rafe growled low, just for Zoey’s ears, “But no, he had to bring that other bastard. Figures.”

“Okay so…” Zoey chirped, ignoring Rafe’s latest reason to fight with his brother, “Now that introductions are over, how about we stop making a scene on the sidewalk and go inside? God knows I could use a cup of coffee.”

“Me too.” April nodded enthusiastically, “I’m basically an invalid until I get some caffeine in my system.”

“After you, ladies.” Rafe stepped forward quickly and grabbed the door.

Zoey shot her friend a reassuring smile when April flinched at his sudden movement. She knew Rafe was big and he didn’t exactly come off as friendly. But she was hoping that this trip into town would convince people he wasn’t quite the animal he’d made himself out to be last night. From the looks of it, she had her work cut out for her since April hadn’t even been at that party.

“Ladies?” Rafe prompted when April still didn’t move and Zoey rolled her eyes and shoved her friend.

“April. Stop staring. Go. Now.” She pushed her friend through the door and tugged Rafe in behind her.

“Sorry. Sorry. I…” April finally got moving and they stumbled into the bakery, which promptly went silent.

Zoey cringed and her friend gave an apologetic shrug as if she’d known this would happen. Which, maybe Zoey should have known as well. She’d expected there would be gossip in town. She’d known they would get looks and questions after the way everything had gone down last night. But back at the cabin everything had felt so right between her and Rafe that she’d convinced herself they’d be okay out here, in public. Maybe Rafe had been right. Maybe they should have stayed home today and let the rumors die down. Maybe…

“Rafe, my boy!” An older man that sat in the back got to his feet and started towards them with a big, welcoming smile on his face, “It’s so nice to see you.”

“Mr. Lang.” Rafe offered his free hand as the man got closer.

“Oh, come now, I think you’re old enough to call me Richard now.” The former high school science teacher all but beamed as he glanced at Zoey, “And good morning to you as well. Getting a late start I see.”

Zoey felt the blush heat her cheeks and to her utter shock and amusement, heard Rafe chuckle. That sound. Her insides bloomed with warmth and pleasure. She forgot all about how awkward the conversation with April had been outside. Forgot that her old teacher had basically just called her out for her tardiness. She simply basked in the sound of Rafe enjoying himself.

“It was my fault.”

“I had no doubt about that, son.” Richard Lang chuckled as well, “Why don’t you come sit with me and we can catch up? Let Ms. Zoey get to work.”

She gave the older man a grateful smile for the offer, for his show of kindness. He’d always been a nice man. He’d been a good teacher, stern but helpful. As one of her regulars, he all but kept her in business buying up boxes of treats every morning during the school year for his group of retired friends. She was thankful he’d made the gesture to welcome Rafe when everyone else was still staring and whispering but she didn’t expect her mate to take him up on it until he squeezed her hand and then loosened his grip.

“He’s right. I should let you get to work. It’s why we’re here after all.”

She felt her heart thump as she looked up into those gorgeous dark eyes of his, “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” Rafe leaned down and brushed his lips over hers gently, “I’ll be right here if you need me and you’ll try to stay where I can see you. Right?”

Zoey nodded instantly because the thickness in her throat kept her from words. He was trying. He was really trying. For her. Compromise. He’d come to town even though he didn’t want to. He would take a seat in the café and let her get some work done. She knew it wouldn’t be easy for him to be apart from her, even that small distance, but he was trying.

She launched herself into his arms, hugging him tight and felt his answering smile against the top of her head as he caught her. Oh God, her heart ached. She was falling for him. Fast and crazy and she didn’t think it was only because of the heat or the bond or the wolves. It was because he was Rafe. Handsome and kind, sweet and sexy, protective and damaged but trying… for her. And she knew right then and there that her heart didn’t stand a chance.

She was falling in love with her mate.

“Go.” Rafe whispered against her ear, “Before I change my mind and haul you back to our bed.”

She grinned, “Tonight.”

A low growl vibrated through his chest and he pulled back and kissed her soundly before shoving her gently away, “Go to work, Zo. The sooner you finish the sooner we can get out of here.”

Zoey blew him a kiss before taking a deep breath and turning her back on him to walk away. It felt strange not touching him when she’d spent nearly every minute of the last twelve hours in his arms. She wanted to rush back to him as soon as the distance grew by more than a few feet but she forced herself on, knowing it was an important step in their relationship that they move it out of the bedroom and into the world.

Knowing she was testing her limits and his, she stepped through the swinging door into the kitchen to grab her apron. As soon as she did, she bore down, expecting him to come striding through the doors behind her. When a few seconds passed and he didn’t, she finally released the breath she had been holding and looked up to find her pastry chef staring at her.

“Good morning.” She grinned at her mother.

“Good morning?” Laura Kent’s eyebrows hit her hairline and she laughed as she dusted her hands on her own apron, “That’s all I get? Good morning? My only daughter goes to a party, starts a fight between the Pack Alpha and his long lost brother, disappears with a feral wolf and then walks back in here covered in his scent, mated no less, and all I get is a good morning?”

Zoey giggled, “Well, when you put it like that… good morning Mama. There’s something I should tell you…”

“Oh, you silly, silly, girl. You went and found yourself a mate.” Her mother crossed the distance between them with her arms open, “And you didn’t even think to call and tell your father or me.”

“I’m sorry.” Zoey stepped into the loving embrace, “Things have been a little hectic and Rafe…”

Her mother jolted and gasped. Laura jerked back from the hug she’d bestowed on her daughter. Here eyes were wide and her cheeks had gone pale. Her dark eyes, so unlike Zoey’s own, raced over her from top to bottom before finally settling on the silver scar that graced the spot where her neck and shoulder met.

“Oh Zozo.” She whispered softly, worriedly, as she slowly raised a hand and touched the mark.

“I told you there was something I needed to tell you.” Zoey whispered back, catching her mother’s hand and twining their fingers, “I have a wolf now.”

“Oh, baby.” Laura pulled her daughter back into her arms and squeezed her so tight Zoey could barely breathe. “I know how much you’ve wanted this. For so long, so very long, I’ve watched you hurt because it wasn’t Michael. Please, please just tell me that you’re happy with the mate the fate’s gave you.”

“I’m happy, Mama.” Zoey felt tears fill her eyes and sniffled slightly, “I have a mate and a wolf now and… I think I’m falling in love with him. Just like you and Daddy did.”

“Oh my sweet baby girl. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.” Laura pulled back and wiped at her own cheeks, which were streaked with tears, “He’s a good match then?”

“The best.”

“I’ve been trying not to jump to conclusions with all the gossip but you know they’ve been talking about him. The True Alpha that came back and fought the Pack Alpha for his mate? They said Michael didn’t take it well. I can’t imagine it was easy for any of you, not with the connection you and he have always shared.”

“It was rough, to say the least.” Zoey admitted, “Not just for Michael and me but for Rafe too. It wasn’t like he expected it any more than we did but it makes sense right? The connection to Michael I’ve always felt. It’s because we’re family now.”

“Family.” Her mother brushed her hair back softly and smiled, “Those boys need some family and I’m overjoyed that we get to be it now. Just so long as my baby is happy, I’m happy.”

“Thank you Mama.”

“So…” Laura dabbed at her hair and then dusted her apron, “Do I get to meet my only daughter’s mate now? I haven’t seen that boy since he was barely old enough to be called a man. I’d like to meet the wolf that gave my girl everything she ever wanted.”

Zoey winced at the expectation that was all too reasonable, “Uh… maybe, if you wouldn’t mind, we could… wait?”

“Wait?”

“It’s just that, he’s really protective. Reclusive even. Getting him to come to town was an ordeal and I’m not sure he’s in the right frame of mind to meet my mom just yet, considering… everything.”

Laura’s eyes softened, “You mean considering that I was best friends with his mother before she passed?”

Zoey nodded.

“You think it’ll bring back bad memories for him?” Her mother sighed and played with her hair again, “You’re a good mate for him Zo. Looking after him. If that’s what you think is best, then I’ll give you two some time before I insist he meet with your father and I. I’ll stay back here out of sight for now.”

“Thank you Mama. I’m so sorry to ask it of you I just… I don’t want to hurt him.”

“I hope he knows how lucky he is, my darling.”

“He does.” The rough voice came from the doorway and Zoey sucked in a gasp of air as she spun to face Rafe.

He looked more than a little awkward, his big frame taking up most of the swinging doorframe. He also looked apologetic. His dark eyes swung from her to her mother and then to the floor. He shifted uncomfortably and his big shoulders shrugged.

“I felt… something. I didn’t know what it was. Worry? I thought you might need me.” He glanced back up and met her eyes, “I’m sorry to interrupt. I know I said I’d stay out there I just… I thought something was wrong.”

Zoey’s heart did that melting thing again and she stepped away from her mother, offering her hand to Rafe who quickly covered the distance between them, sweeping her into his arms and nuzzling her reassuringly. Worry. He’d felt her worry. Only it hadn’t been for herself. It had been for him. He’d felt her emotions through the bond and that connection would only get stronger the longer they had together.

“I’m sorry. I’m fine.” She whispered reassuringly as she swept her hands over his back.

“You were worried… for me?” He leaned back enough to look down at her and she nodded when she saw the confusion and then amazement cross his features. “I’m supposed to be the overprotective one.”

That made her grin, “You protect me. I protect you. Compromise, remember?”

“Sweet little mate.” Rafe brushed his lips over her forehead, her cheeks and then her lips.

Her mother cleared her throat and Zoey pulled away from the embrace with another blush. She glanced up but Rafe only nodded. She wasn’t sure how much he’d heard. With his special wolf hearing, maybe he’d heard all of it. It didn’t matter. What mattered was that he was here, with her, and there was only one thing she could do now.

“Rafe, I’d like you to meet my mother, Laura Kent.”

His throat bobbed slightly, “Mrs. Kent…”

“Oh, honey, I think its just Laura from now on.” Her mother smiled warmly.

“It’s nice to see you again… Laura.” Rafe nodded, “And I want to thank you for bring Zoey into my life. Your daughter is my perfect mate in every way and I’ll do my damndest to be good for her in return.”

Zoey’s eyes watered again as her mother opened her arms. Rafe hesitated for only a moment. In the next breath, he’d taken two strides and was stooping to hug her mother in return. Zoey watched the two of them and felt her heart swell with love and pride. This was just the beginning of what they would share, of what being together would be able to fix for Rafe and she had no doubt that he would keep his word. He would do everything he could to be the best mate for her, because he already was.

Laura released him with a rough pat on the back and Rafe stood back to his full height. Her mother wiped at her cheeks again and then reached up and cupped Rafe’s cheek. She held him there, small but firm and met his eyes when she spoke again.

“Welcome to the family.”