Kirsty wondered if she ever did.
However, if Skye spent her time here, working for Kade, she was probably a good place to start to find out what she needed to know about him, and the Pack.
“Thank you, I really appreciate that.” Kirsty followed the nervous girl. “So, Skye, how long have you worked for Kade?”
She tried to keep her tone friendly, conversational, but even so, she saw Skye tense up. Boy, this was going to be difficult.
There were a few moments of awkward silence as Skye shuffled around, putting together a huge plate of food and bringing it to the table. “Do you want some juice or coffee?”
“Coffee but I can get it myself. You don’t have to wait on me, Skye.”
Skye shook her head, her dark blonde ponytail flying around. “I’ll get it. You get started on your breakfast.”
“I’ll never manage to eat all this,” Kirsty joked, looking at the pile of food.
“Sorry, I’m used to Kade’s appetite, he eats a lot.”
“No apologies necessary, it looks delicious. Thank you very much for this.”
Skye brought over a steaming mug of coffee, pushing a small milk bowl closer. Kirsty shook her head. “I take mine black, thanks. Why don’t you sit down so we can get to know each other?”
Skye’s face had a look of horror on it as Kirsty prompted her. “Come on, Skye, it looks as if I’m going to be sticking around so I’d like us to be friends. I would appreciate if you could help me learn about the Pack. In fact, I’m clueless about most things to do with Shifters so could you please teach me?”
She watched as the nervous girl wavered, her eyes flitting to the back door as if wondering if she could somehow make a run for it. Kirsty made one last attempt. “I’m sure Kade would be happy if you helped me.”
Skye finally acquiesced, pulling a chair out and sitting down. “I don’t know how I can help you.”
“I’m sure you can.” Kirsty tucked into her food, making appreciative noises. “This is wonderful. I’m so glad Kade has you. I can’t cook for toffee.”
Skye gave her a shy smile. “Really?”
“Aye.” Kirsty nodded, popping some bacon in her mouth and rolling her eyes. “This is to die for. I’m useless in the kitchen. I guess you’ll need to stick around or both Kade and I will starve to death.”
“So it’s true? You’re his mate?” Skye asked quietly, her head bowed, eyes staring at the table.
“It appears so, but I’m just learning about all of this soul-mate stuff,” Kirsty admitted, her own face blushing. “I can’t deny the pull to him but as I said, I know nothing about Wolves or Pack life. Can you teach me? Please, Skye, I’m struggling here and I don’t want to embarrass myself, or worse, Kade. I don’t think you’d want that either.”
“What?” Skye’s head shot up, eyes wide and alarmed. “No, of course not. He saved me and gave me a home. I’d do anything for him. Of course I’ll help you.”
“Wonderful,” Kirsty replied, smiling. “Right, first, my name is Kirsty and I’d like to be your friend, if you’d let me.”
“I’ll help you,” Skye conceded.
“Great, we can start there and maybe, in time, we can become friends.” Kirsty hoped she could break through the wariness and nervousness of the girl. “So, let’s start with what you think are the most important things I should know.”
Skye looked thoughtful for several moments before she nodded to herself and began Kirsty’s crash course on all things Wolf. The next few hours were taken up with a wealth of information, so much so that she made Skye go get a pad and pen so she could take notes. Lots of notes.
In fact, by the time they were finished, her hand was cramping, but she felt ready to head out and tackle her first foray into the Pack.
“Thank you so much.” Kirsty’s words had Skye blushing, but she managed to keep eye contact briefly. Progress. “Before I head out, do you have any idea when Kade will be back? I’m kinda worried about him.”
Skye gave her the briefest of smiles. “Och, you don’t have to worry about him. He’s very powerful and he’ll have plenty of guards with him. I bet Isla will be right there too. She’s the Pack Enforcer and she scares me. She’s really fierce and tough and I know for sure she’ll be right beside Kade ‘cause she’s passionately loyal to him and the Pack. He’ll be fine, Kirsty. I’m sure of it.”
Kirsty couldn’t help but smile as Skye used her name for the first time and also because the young woman was trying hard to allay her fears. “Thanks, I hope you’re right. I’m not quite sure what’s going on, but the longer he’s away I’m getting a weird feeling in my belly. It’s like it’s filled with a swarm of butterflies having a party I’m not invited to.”
Skye smirked. “I think you’re beginning to feel the effects of the mating bond too.”
“Ya think?” Kirsty asked.
“Aye, it’s not normal that two people who’ve found theirs are separated so soon afterward. I suspect Kade isn’t feeling too great either.”
“I hope he’s okay.” Kirsty nibbled her bottom lip. “I don’t want him feeling bad because of me. I just met him and don’t know about all this stuff so . . .”
She stopped, embarrassed that she’d been about to spill her innermost thoughts about her feelings for the sexy Alpha. Luckily, Skye seemed to understand.
“That’s okay, you’re not to know our ways. Hopefully, after our wee talk you’ve got a better idea of things.”
“I do.” Kirsty straightened her shoulders. “Be strong, keep eye contact, don’t appear weak. That’s right, isn’t it?”
Skye nodded, doing the exact opposite. “Aye, you’ll need to be tough to be the Alpha’s mate.”
“I hope I’m up to the task,” Kirsty mused aloud as she wandered to the door.
She stopped, bracing herself before pulling the door open and stepping outside. The crisp air wafted over
