First Beginnings Read Online Free

their word that it’s safe.’
She heard Brandon stifle a laugh and she sent him her best ‘screw you’ glare.
    ‘Mate of mine,’ said Seth, ‘I
promise I would never hurt you. My family, along with other families, live on
the island with us. They will make you feel welcome. But if you ever want to
leave, I will find a safe place for you and me to stay.’ Seth took both her
hands in his.
    She snatched them out of his
grip. ‘Don't you call me that,’ she said coldly. ‘I'm not your mate, buddy,
friend or next cult member!’ Brandon looked at his brother.
    ‘Are you sure, Seth?’ he asked.
    Seth answered him, but kept his
eyes on Sarah. ‘Yes, she is my mate.’ 
    ‘Well, Mum’s going to be beside
herself knowing golden boy has finally found his true mate!’ Brandon slapped
Seth on the back and motioned for them to get going.
    Callie just stared between Seth
and Sarah. ‘Seth, Sarah only found out about me last night. She knows nothing
of our ways or traditions. I'm happy to accept your invite to your home, but if
Sarah doesn’t want to go, then I’ll stand by her decision.’
    Sarah wiped her hands down her
face, not caring that she was smearing the previous night’s make-up over her
face. She needed to think. She knew it was stupid to follow them home, but
really what choice did she have? If that big wolf was waiting for her at home,
then she would rather be eaten by the big lump of gorgeousness in front of her
than the creepy old man from last night.
    ‘If they eat me, I'm going to
haunt you for the rest of your long life!’ She looked at Callie and then turned
to Brandon. ‘Keep him away from me,’ she said, indicating to Seth. ‘I don't
want to be his mate and I don't want to join your cult. I'm hungry, tired and
still slightly hung-over. My arm hurts like a bitch and I just want some
painkillers and a warm bath.’ She pushed past Seth and walked straight out the
door towards the large staircase. She knew they would follow her, but didn’t
turn around to see if they were.
    Brandon looked at his brother and
smiled. ‘Think your mate likes me more than you, buddy.’
    ‘Fuck off, Brandon,’ replied
Seth. ‘You go follow her, make sure she’s ok. I’ll meet you outside.’ He
watched Brandon go after his mate. It took a lot of effort not to run after
her, but he knew he had to give her the time and space she needed so she could
trust him. He turned his attention to Callie.
    ‘How old are you, darlin’?’ He
motioned for her to walk out the door first.
    ‘I'll follow you, thanks,’ she
replied. ‘I'm ninety years old. My name’s Callie, by the way. My friend’s name
is Sarah. We’ve been sharing a place together for over six years. She’s the
most important person in my life and if you so much as look at her wrong I’ll
challenge you!’ She puffed up her large chest, hoping it made her look braver
than she felt. Of course, it was a moot point since he could hear her heart
racing.
    ‘Listen,’ replied Seth. ‘I don't
know what happened, but if and when you’re ready I’ll call a meeting and you
can tell us all about it. She is my mate. I would protect her with my life,
whether she wants me to or not. Come with us and I promise that you will find a
safe haven.’
    They made it to the main
entrance, just as Brandon was walking back in.
    ‘She’s in the truck, arms folded,’
he said, ‘and looking like she’ll kick the crap out of me if I so much as look
at her. Your mate scares the shit out of me, Seth.’ He patted Seth on the back.
‘Good luck. Think you’re going to be brought to heel sooner than you think,
brother.’ Laughing, he walked back to the truck.
    Seth remained silent as he
watched his brother walk away.
    ‘I’ll wait here for the owner and
I’ll meet you back at home,’ continued Brandon. He threw his cell at Seth,
guessing right that he had not brought his own. ‘Call Dad or Logan if you need
us.’ He watched Callie climb in next to Sarah. ‘I’ll