The Mating(40)

“Possibly not. She was a bit unclear about that part, but you were aggressive towards her, weren’t you?”

“Well, maybe a little bit at breakfast, but I was only standing up to her—”

Kane interrupted her again, “And at the mall, you didn’t try to stop Zoe’s verbal attack, did you?”

“Well no, but Phoebe and Rose...”

“Yes, I know they were there too. Frankly, I’m surprised at you ladies. You’re behaving like a bunch of nasty schoolgirls. Marla’s had a hard time of it lately and really needs a friend.”

“Well, she sure has a strange way of showing it,” Elise muttered.

Of course, Kane heard what she said, “Elise, Marla isn’t like you, and she willingly admits it. She’s more comfortable around men and has trouble getting along with her own sex, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t want friends.” Kane reached for her hand and laced his fingers with hers, his tone becoming gentler. “Elise, you managed to make friends with several of the pack within one day of being here. Marla’s just like you. She wants to fit in, but the difference is, she doesn’t know how. Over the years, she’s been pretty good about it, never complaining about how the females treat her, but it’s been hard on her always feeling like she’s on the outside. Did you know that she was the next thing to engaged to Ryne? When he left, she was devastated and she’s still trying to come to grips with the loss. She doesn’t have the energy right now to deal with women being catty to her.”

Kane put a finger under her chin and tipped her head so that she was looking him in the eye. “I’d really appreciate it, if you’d cut her some slack. Maybe even try to befriend her. If the others see that you like her, they might be willing to reach out to her as well.”

“Me? Befriend Marla?” Elise knew her voice betrayed her shock, but she felt she was justified. After all, according to Zoe and Phoebe, the woman had purportedly been after her mate less than a week ago.

“It won’t be so bad. Once you get to know her, you’ll see.” Kane squeezed her hand gently and gave her a tender kiss. “Please? As a favour to me? Knowing that someone is watching out for her would really ease my mind, and it would be one less thing I have to worry about.”

Elise sighed heavily, knowing she was already defeated. “All right. I’ll give it a try.”

“Good. She’s coming over for lunch today.” Kane stood and started to walk towards the bathroom.

“Lunch today? But I’m meeting Julia for lunch!”

Not seeing the look on Elise’s face, and apparently not noticing her tone of voice, Kane casually answered her over his shoulder. “Well, that’s perfect. Marla can go with you.” With that, he shut the bathroom door.

Huffing indignantly, Elise got up and began picking up last night’s discarded clothing from the floor. Great. Now she had to spend time with a woman who most likely wanted to steal her mate. All of Elise’s happiness from her early morning cuddle with Kane rapidly disappeared at the prospect of the coming day.

She could hear the shower flip on and mentally pictured Kane stepping under the hot spray. He was her mate and belonged to her. Darn if she was going to let Marla take him away. So what if Marla had a relationship with him before? Kane had chosen her... She paused in the middle of picking up her shirt. Well, really he hadn’t chosen her exactly. He’d simply gone along with the idea of mating her. But, she assured herself, he hadn’t protested...at least not that she knew of, anyway. Elise pondered the situation as she dropped her clothing into the hamper. What if he hadn’t really wanted to bond with her, but had done it for the good of his pack, pushing his personal wants and needs aside? What had he said? “Sometimes our lives are filled with moments of great disappointment.” At the time, she’d thought he was referring to her feelings for Bryan, but what if he’d been referring to himself?

No! It couldn’t be, not after the wonderful sex they’d had. Kane had been so kind and thoughtful, putting her pleasure first. He couldn’t be harbouring feelings for Marla, just as she was no longer harbouring feelings for Bryan... Wait! Where had that come from? Of course she still cared for Bryan... But...not in the same way as she cared for Kane. Bryan was...well...a dear friend; someone she’d known her whole life. Hmm... Maybe that was how Kane felt about Marla.

Nibbling on her lip, Elise tried to logic the situation through but couldn’t come to any conclusive decision. Maybe she’d just ask Kane. Mentally, she played the scene out in her head. ‘Kane, what exactly is your relationship with Marla?’ He’d answer that they were simply friends and then she’d feel much better. She gave a satisfied nod and started to make the bed.