His True Mate

Book 1 Chapter 15

SANDY

I watched Verity drive away and turn the corner. I could sense someone behind me, and I knew it was Carlton.

“You did a good thing,” he mumbled.

I didn’t say anything.

Verity was human, but something about her made me want to help her. She had that look that I had when I was lost and needed help.

When she spoke, I was hellbent on helping her, especially when her scent had someone else mixed in; it made me think she was in trouble.

A werewolf, an Alpha by the scent I could smell.

Being a werewolf, I could tell who had been near people. As for Verity, she looked like she was running away from someone, and if it were an Alpha, I wouldn’t be long till he appeared in search of her.

“Do you think Peggy and Bow will help her?” asked Carlton, pulling me from my thoughts.

I looked over at him and sighed.

“You know they will,” I said. “They helped me out when I needed it.”

Carlton nodded. He didn’t know my whole story, but he never questioned anything. He gave me a job and had been looking after me ever since.

Carlton stared at me for a moment but sighed.

“You’re going to stay with them again, aren’t you?” he asked.

I nodded.

When Peggy told me she would welcome Verity, I knew I had to be there with her.

Something about her touched my heart, whether it’s because the situation she is in reminds me of my own, or it might be because I haven’t got many friends, and she also seemed the type not to have someone she could trust.

As much as I trust Peggy, she won’t tell any secrets. She has kept mine from people who have hunted for me, and I owe her that, but she’s not as young as she used to be. Sometimes it’s nice to talk to someone roughly your own age, and Verity may need that.

I stared at Carlton as a smile itched the corners of his mouth.

“I knew as soon as the human walked in,” he said, “You would want to leave, and my thoughts came true when she told you everything. You are like Peggy and Bow, always looking after needy people.”

I smiled.

“When are you leaving?” he asked.

I sighed and looked toward the café.

I knew I couldn’t leave him in the lurch, not when he would have the evening rush coming in soon.

“How about I leave after my shift tonight?” I asked, which made him frown.

“Nope,” he said. “I don’t want you to drive around in the dark. You leave in the next hour or the morning. But before you leave, I will make my pumpkin pie for you.”

Carlton smiled.

I grinned; I loved his pumpkin pie.

“I can help you with the rush this evening, and I can pack up some of my things to take,” I said.

Carlton nodded.

“How about this,” he said, “I will come with you; I want to see Peggy and Bow, even make sure Verity arrives okay.”

I frowned.

“What about the café?” I asked.

Carlton chuckled.

“I can have a few days off, you know,” he said, staring at me for a few seconds before continuing. “Going back to see them would be a holiday, and tomorrow would be slow if I were open. I can come back in a few days and open up, even ask if someone else wants a job while I am there.”

Sounds like a plan.

I nodded.

“Okay, sounds like a plan to me,” I said. “I will ring Peggy to let her know that Verity is on her way there and that we will be coming too. I will come back to help you serve the customers. Do you think we can leave early?” I asked.

Carlton laughed.

“I’m the boss,” he said, “We will close two hours early. We can have food, pack, and leave before it gets dark if you want to get there. We will have to take two cars, but I am more than willing to pack your things into my car if you plan to stay there with Verity.”

I smiled.

Carlton knew me so well.

I was planning on staying there for a while, but how long was never on my mind.

“I’m going in,” he said as he turned on his heel and walked away.

I watched as he walked away and headed back into the cafe but sighed, pulling out my phone from my back pocket, I pressed Peggy’s number on speed dial.

Peggy picks up after the second ring.

“Sandy,” she said, “Has she left?”

“Yeah,” I said. “I thought I would give you a call to let you know that she was on her way.”

“That’s okay,” she said.

I couldn’t help but stare at the open road and let a sigh escape my lips.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, sounding slightly worried.

“Nothing,” I said, “After my shift, Carlton and I will come to visit. Carlton will only be there for a few days, but I want to stay longer.”

“That will be great,” she said. “I have missed Carlton’s pumpkin pie more lately."

I couldn’t help the smile sliding on my face.

“And you are more than welcome to stay,” she said. “I had a funny feeling you would after you told me Verity’s story.”

I didn’t say anything.

“When will you and Carlton be here?” she asked.

“We will be closing a little early tonight,” I said, “we will be leaving when it gets dark.”

“That will be great,” she said. “I will let you know when Verity arrives, and I will set up a room for you as well.”

“Thank you, Peggy,” I said.

We said goodbye and hung up the phone.

I looked to the road once more; the feeling of returning was welcoming.

I turned on my heel and headed to the cafe. I didn’t care how many people we had this evening. I was looking forward to leaving for a break and leaving.