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the idea of leaving him alone after he’d just
started getting out and about again, but she really wanted to go with Marin.
The thought of making a new friend was just too good to pass up.
    His lips tipped up on one
corner. “You may go. Not that you really need my permission. Ask Marin for my
cell number and program it into your phone though, just in case.”
    Autumn shook her head. “You’re
being paranoid. I’ll be fine.”
    Gabriel looked at Marin. “Will
you have her home in time for dinner? Or should I make other arrangements?”
    “She’ll be back by then. And
if she isn’t, you’ll be welcome to join us.”
    Gabriel stepped back, giving
Autumn room to walk around him. She picked up her purse off the table in the
entryway and followed Marin out the door. When she reached the bottom of the
porch steps, she turned and waved to him, hoping to ease his worries. She knew
he was being overprotective because of her tie to his deceased mate, and it was
nice having someone worry about her, but she’d have to get him to back off a
little or he would smother her. Maybe this outing with Marin would be a good start.
    She climbed into Marin’s SUV
and waved again as they backed down the driveway. Even as the car turned and
headed down the street, he still stood in the open doorway. She sighed, feeling
a weight lift from her shoulders as they got further away from the house.
    “What was that sigh for?”
Marin asked.
    “He’s a little intense.”
    “He didn’t use to be. I know
he’s being a little overbearing, but I think you’re good for him. Honestly,
you’re the first person he’s shown a real interest in since his family died. He
talks to Kinley and Adriel, but it’s still limited contact. From what I’ve
heard, he stays in his room except for mealtime.”
    “It’s still nice getting away
for a bit. He glared at everyone who looked my way in the diner last night. And
I know they weren’t looking at me in an I
want to mate her kind of way, but more in the Oh my god! The alpha is showing an interest in someone kind of
way.”
    Marin smiled. “It’s to be
expected. Since you’re related to Kiera, he’s going to be overprotective.”
    “It’s worse. I told him about
my mate. I wanted a fresh start, but I don’t suppose I mind people knowing
about my background. Unless you think it would be a bad idea?”
    “Well, I’d have to know about
your background to make that decision.”
    “My mate abused me. He would
hit me and throw me around when he became angry. And he wanted to know every
move I made. To make things worse, the entire pack thought that he was some
sort of saint. He was always helping other people, always had a ready smile for
them. He had all of them fooled and no one wanted to listen to me when I tried
to say otherwise. Leaving and moving here was the best thing that could have
happened to me.”
    “How did you hear we were open
to new pack members?” Marin asked.
    “When I went to see my alpha,
I saw a note scribbled on the pad on his desk. I memorized the phone number and
called right when I got home. The alpha was shocked when I told him I was
leaving. I think he’d already planned to pair me off with someone else.”
    Marin’s eyes widened. “He
force mated people?”
    Autumn nodded.
    “That’s horrible.”
    “So do you think I should tell
anyone? I don’t want to seem weak to the males in the pack, easily dominated. I
don’t want to end up mated to another Perry.”
    “I can see why you would be
worried. I’d like to say none of our pack members would lay a hand on you in
anger, but I don’t know the new wolves all that well. I do know that if anyone
dared harm you, Gabriel would throw them out of the pack and declare you free
to choose another mate.” Marin smiled. “Something tells me the wolf would be
lucky to escape with his life, the way Gabriel is watching over you like a baby
chick.”
    “I don’t mind your family
knowing, but maybe I should keep it quiet