You are mine to protect

Adjusting

Susan’s POV

I haven't been able to sleep for a week, but Doc Matthew said I could leave today. We were going to stay at the pack house even though we didn't have a place to live. The dwelling of pack animals. It sounded so weird, man. Jasmine sat with me the day after I woke up to give me an explanation of her world. To say I was taken aback would be an understatement.

Before Jasmine changed, I had assumed that I might have some sort of brain damage. I was lucky to still be in bed because I could have easily passed out. Conversely, Erica did not respond. She approached Jasmine with such a command and started petting her. It was all very strange and difficult to process.

I suppose it would be simpler for a child to accept but for me...Let's just say that I was going through a difficult moment.

Erica, who would not go from my side, and Jasmine both gave me explanations of everything. My rage escalated to a whole new level when Jasmine revealed who Kelvin was to the pack—especially to Erica and me.

Oh my god no. I refuse to be burdened with another conceited, haughty, and self-centered mate. I was cured by my former mate of wanting that kind of attachment for the rest of my life. She can find someone else for him, I don't care if some moon goddess thought we were meant to be together.

All I wanted was a peaceful, quiet place to raise my daughter. Not with some big beautiful Alpha man who is meant to be mine. Not in a freaking way. For the previous ten years, all of my decisions were taken away from me. Not anymore. Who the hell does he think he is just waltzing in here day after day, trying to console Erica and me? I didn't want this, I didn't need this! This man's nerve.

We were good; after I recovered, Erica and I would travel to Canada, where we would be outside the FBI's purview. In Canada, Brandon had no friends, no one to report us to, and no one to assist him.

I intended to travel to Europe from there. It has always been my dream to reside in Italy. Jasmine was attempting to dissuade me, arguing that since I was seen as the next Luna, their pack, not ours, would be the one to protect her. Whatever the devil that may be,

By now it was Friday, and Jasmine was seated beside me, giving me additional details about the world of shifters. Erica was using the iPad Kelvin had given her to play with while seated at the corner table. She never looked away from the screen, even though I knew she was listening. She still doesn't speak to anyone; she just nods when necessary. As her mother, I was devastated that I was unable to make things right. I couldn't push her through our experience; she would have to go at her own pace.

Kelvin and Nathan, whom we had met the day before, entered my room as the door opened. He grinned broadly as soon as his eyes met mine. Good morning, lovely people. How are things going for you both today?

He sat down on the edge of the bed, taking care not to bump into me. Jasmine gave him an update on my work and her position on the questions I posed. Grinning at me once more, he turned to look at Erica. She had a blank expression on her face as she stared at Nathan. She seemed to be assessing him at the moment. She hardly acknowledged him yesterday, so at least things were improving.

Oh my goodness, I adore that little child so much, and I was hoping that she would overcome all of this.

"Hey Erica, there are some kids playing soccer outside." Would you like me to take you outside to play?

I held my breath, waiting for her to respond to Nathan. Despite our pleas, Erica has remained in the room. Kelvin invited her somewhere every day, but she never said yes. Nathan reached over and took her hand before she could nod yes or no.

It shocked everyone in the room that she did not yank her hand away or act out. He yelled back, pulling her toward the door, saying they would be outside and he would bring her back after lunch. Erica turned around, a tiny smile playing on her lips.

I released a breath I was unaware I was holding once the door closed.

"I find it unbelievable that she simply accompanied him." She wouldn't leave my side for two weeks. I'm glad she's getting some fresh air, don't get me wrong, but how did Nathan win her trust so quickly? I'm incredibly anxious.

Indeed, Nathan will keep a wolf-like watch over her, so you don't need to worry.

"Jasmine, what do you mean? Is there anything more I should know? Is she safe in his company?

"All right, so..."

Jasmine is trying to tell Susan that when it comes to guarding our family, Nathan and I are a lot alike. Isn't it true, Jasmine, that he will risk his life to protect Erica because he views her as family?

Indeed, that is correct. In this instance, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Alright, that makes sense, I suppose, and I eased myself against the pillows. Kelvin appeared to be very protective of Erica and me. I see those traits being inherited by his son. Kelvin's entire leisure time was occupied with keeping us company and attempting to ease Erica into a relaxed and open state of mind.

It was difficult not to like him. He was kind and warm to us both. When his baby blue eyes met mine, it was difficult to contain my meltdown. Undoubtedly what's meant to be called bedroom eyes. There was a gentle wave in his dark hair that tempted me to run my fingers through it.

What? Put an end to it there. You want to avoid sticking your fingers through anything, Sue. Particularly not across his broad, bulky shoulders. The kind of shoulders that one could grasp...

What the devil is wrong with me, Jesus? I was behaving like a young person. Hormones, hormones, hormones, whatever. As hell, I haven't entertained s****l thoughts of a man since before Erica was born. I didn't even have s*x with Brandon, let alone make love. His side was the only side there was to everything. Whether I wanted to give it to him or not, he would take it. Never for my pleasure—hell, I didn't have an orgasm since we were courting.

Now that I'm lying here and watching Kelvin talk to Jasmine about training or something, I'm not sure why, but every time our eyes meet, my body tingles. He hasn't physically touched me since that first day, but I can still feel the electrical sparks that danced along my skin when he touched me. It was terrifying and it felt amazing. My body felt alive just from those few caresses, though I'm not sure what that was. That was one of the reasons I yelled and freaked out at him.

Being by myself with any man, let alone him, made me extremely nervous. My encounter with Brandon has convinced me to reject all men. Hell, the idea of having a s****l relationship with any man at this point was unsettling. Brandon said that I was awful, aloof, and kind of disgusting. The final portion was added both during my pregnancy and after I gained the extra weight from the baby.

Despite finding my new, curvaceous body repulsive, he continued to avoid me. I was first at ease with my size 10 frame and loved my new curves. I felt ashamed and embarrassed about my appearance now. Something he constantly brought to my attention.

I look at Kelvin and wonder what he would like to see about my physique. Would he comment on it as Brandon did? Would he accept it, or not? What am I trying to say? Would a man such as he does not desire to have a girl with more curves? His partner should have been a model, not a sultry mother because he had the appearance of a Greek god. The unfortunate one. Alright, perhaps he can locate another partner. It has been a lot to take in, so I'm not sure how all of this works yet, but man, did the moon goddess get this one wrong?