Page 250 of The Werewolf’s Wrong Mate

Cormac added, “We have tried alcohol with moderate success.”

“Cormac,” Ronan said.

“What? It is a family meeting. Families value honesty.”

Aunt Linda smiled at him. “I certainly do.”

Sava looked between them and sighed with the full weight of a woman who had seen too many things and now had to witness flirting.

Ronan moved on. “You may leave the island today if you choose.”

My mother’s head lifted. “Cassie too?”

“No,” Sava said before Ronan could answer.

I stared at her. “Excuse me?”

“You are not leaving medical care today.”

“I have been bitten by a werewolf, hunted, kidnapped twice, and publicly mated. I think at this point leaving medical care would be the least alarming decision I’ve made.”

“You are bleeding into my bandage.”

“Your bandage is dramatic.”

“Your hip is dramatic.”

Ian’s hand closed gently over mine and I looked at him. His face was very still, but through the bond I felt the quiet plea. Rest. Please.

I sighed. “Fine.”

My mother looked at Ronan. “What does mated mean?”

Of course.

I slowly turned my head toward her. “Mom.”

“What? I think it is a fair question.”

“It is a terrifying question to ask at a table.”

Marianne DeMarco had the nerve to look prim while surrounded by werewolves. “You are my daughter.”

Aunt Linda leaned back in her chair. “Marianne, give it up. There is no wedding this weekend.”

Before I could decide whether to laugh or crawl under the table, Ian answered.

“Techincally, there was.”

Everyone looked at him.

I did too.

“What?” I said.

Ian’s thumb moved once over my knuckles. “A mate bond is closer to marriage than dating.”

My mother’s face changed immediately.