Amanda was nervous to meet Hudson’s mom. She didn’t want to give the wrong first impression.
She gave a slight nod to Luna and said, “It’s nice to meet you, Luna.”
Cynthia gave her a slight nod in respect. She could feel the tension radiating off Amanda, she didn’t want the girl to be constantly guarded and not feel like she was welcomed.
“Please to meet you Amanda, welcome to our home. We are happy to have you here. I can sense that this is a bit overwhelming for you.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Well let’s get you settled so that you can feel a bit more relaxed.”
Amanda and Ruby tried to say something at the same moment.
“If it’s…” Amanda started.
“Luna might…” Ruby tried.
They both looked at each other and smiled. Amanda took a step back and allowed Ruby to finish.
“If it’s okay with Luna, I was wondering if Amanda could stay with me.”
“But…” Hudson tried to intervene. He didn’t want Amanda to be far from him. He understood that she needed her space but his wolf and he wouldn’t be calm unless she was staying under the same roof as them.
“I think that is a great idea. Hudson, we need to make sure that Amanda is comfortable while she stays here with us. We need to give her a chance to see that she can trust us.” Cynthia said to her son before she turned back and looked at Amanda. “I hope we will see you back at the Packhouse when you’re ready.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”
Ruby mouthed a thank you to Cynthia and she nodded in understanding. Ruby turned to make her way back to the SUV.
As Amanda and Ruby were getting into the SUV another SUV was pulling up behind them. Amanda stopped and leaned back to see who was there.
Tabitha jumped out immediately and ran up to Amanda.
“You’re here.”
Amanda nodded nonchalantly, “Yep, I’m here.”
Amanda could hear comments being said behind Tabitha, she tilted her head to look at the others. Noah and Foster were headed toward the steps but kept laughing and would turn to look back at Amanda.
“Have something to say?” Amanda said to them with a hint of attitude in her voice. She had been on her best behavior long enough.
Noah answered, “Nothing, we’re just happy that Hudson decided to bring something home for all of us to play with.” he nudged Foster and they both laughed.
A loud growl was heard, and the next thing Amanda saw was both Foster and Noah being held to the ground by their necks. Hudson’s hands had started to change, and his claws grew. Amanda let out a small gasp and Tabitha put her hand in front of Amanda for protection.
“That’s my mate, you’re talking about. You will show her the respect she deserves, or you will have me to deal with. Understood?” Hudson growled in a deep voice that was not his own.
Both Noah and Foster were squirming as they tried to breathe but nodded in agreement. Hudson released his hands and looked up at Amanda with his eyes glowing. He turned and took off, shifting into his wolf and escaping into the woods.
Amanda had a slight smile on her face. Hudson had defended her against his friends. Amanda’s heart swelled and could feel the tingles spreading throughout her body.
Tabitha looked at Amanda and asked, “Are you okay?”
Amanda just nodded.
Marco made his way to the girls before they heard the angry voice coming from Luna Cynthia.
“FOSTER and NOAH!”
They both froze in their spots after getting up from the ground. They slowly turned and looked at Luna. Amanda, Tabitha, and Marco did the same. Luna Cynthia’s eyes were glowing yellow as she looked at the two delinquent boys.
“At what point in your existence did you think that you were better than her,” she asked them as she pointed to Amanda.
Amanda shrank behind Tabitha when they all looked in her direction.
“We have always taught that everyone is to be treated equally, no matter what.”
“Yes, Luna. we’re sorry Luna.” they both replied.
“Oh no, it’s not me you owe the apology to. It’s Amanda whom you owe an apology. For everything, you have ever done to her.
Because I’m assuming this isn’t the first time you have mistreated her.”
Amanda was taken aback as she heard Luna Cynthia reprimand the boys.
Foster and Noah turned and looked at Amanda.
“Mandi…”
“Uh-uh, that’s not what she goes by.” Luna Cynthia corrected.
Amanda’s eyes widened. Hudson must have told his mom that she no longer went by the nickname they gave her in High School did he actually talk to his mom about her?
“Amanda, we’re sorry for how we’ve treated you over the years and hope you’ll forgive us,” Foster said and Noah nodded in agreement.
Amanda let out a breath and said, “Thank you.”
“Now you two get inside and head to the kitchen. You’re both on kitchen duty for the next two weeks.”
Both boys groaned as they made their way up the steps.
Luna Cynthia made her way down the steps to Amanda.
“I owe you an apology myself, Amanda.”
Amanda shook her head. “No, you didn’t do…”
But Luna Cynthia interrupted, “Exactly, I didn’t do anything to stop this when the boys were in High School I assumed that they were being disciplined for their actions through the school when obviously they weren’t. I hope you can forgive me for not handling this sooner.”
Amanda choked up a bit but nodded.
Luna Cynthia smiled.
“Now, let’s get you over to Ruby’s and have you get settled. Maybe if you feel up to it, we’ll see you at dinner.”
Amanda smiled and Luna Cynthia turned and headed into the house.
Amanda turned and looked at Marco and Tabitha, “She’s fierce.”
They both nodded.
“So, you’re staying at Ruby’s?” Tabitha asked.
Amanda nodded, “I just think it’s best, while I figure everything out.”
Tabitha understood but she was still sad to see her friend upset with her.
Amanda nudged her, “But, maybe I’ll see you at dinner.” Amanda gave her a small smile.
Tabitha smiled as she wrapped her arms around Amanda and hugged her.
“Hey, easy. You don’t want to squeeze her death.” Marco said as he tapped Tabitha.
Tabitha released Amanda and leaned back on Marco who wrapped his arm around her waist. Tabitha let out a small purr.
Amanda laughed as she looked at the two standing there and realized something.
“Wait, so does this mean… are you two mated?” She asked them.
Without looking at each other they both nodded in agreement.
“Okay, that makes sense now,” Amanda said as she turned and got into the SUV. At least now she had Tabitha to talk to about all this mate stuff with. She was willing to let go of the betrayal she felt caused deep down. She knew that Tabitha cared about her especially when she looked down and saw her friend’s hand in front of her in protection from whatever was going to happen.