Page 48 of New Blood

“He told you, huh?”

“Not only me. He told all the others too, warning us not to get on her bad side. Apparently, that side is pretty frosty and dangerous.”

“He’s exaggerating.”

“Oh, yeah? So why didn’t you want her?”

Jude angled his head. “I believe we’ve already discussed why: because I recognized Danielle as my mate.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it.” He waved him off. “So what now? And don’t suggest that one of the others should mate with her. They’ll all say no.”

“Hmm.” Jude was silent for a moment, then he took a deep breath. “Well, we have a little time to think about how to proceed.”

“What are you saying?”

“We’re not announcing the mating yet.”

Again, surprise charged through him. “Why the hell not? You have to tell them now. It’s not fair to Eve to let her believe that you’ll mate with her. You’ve gotta face the music. There’s no chickening out. Trust me, bro. It’ll only make it worse.”

“I promised Danielle to wait.”

He couldn’t fathom that the request was from Danielle. As a low-ranked member of the pack, she should have every interest in announcing the change in her status. It would mean that she wouldn’t have to clean and cook anymore. An alpha’s mate didn’t have to serve others. Danielle would know that.

“Why?”

“Danielle wants to give the family time to grieve. She said it wasn’t fair to drop this on them just now. Not with so much still uncertain like William Gallagher’s ultimate fate.”

Austin raised his eyebrows. Danielle had just risen in his estimation. Any other woman in her situation would have wanted to announce instantly that she was now in charge and maybe even let those pack members who might not have treated her well in the past know that she had power now and might retaliate. Everything became clearer now.

“No wonder you like her,” Austin said, for the first time happy about his brother’s choice. “She’s everything Eve is not.”

Jude nodded, his eyes shining with pride. “She is. And she’s mine.”

“What about the Alliance? When will you tell them?”

His brother grimaced. “Never would be preferable.”

“Not an option.”

“I know. I’ll tell them after we’ve announced it to the family.”

“Don’t wait too long,” he cautioned Jude. “News like that has a way of seeping out no matter how much you try to keep it a secret.”

“I’m aware of that. But Danielle needs time. It’s a big change for her.”

“Not only for her.”

“I know. So, do I have your word that you’ll keep this to yourself?”

“Of course, you do. I have your back.”

“Thanks, bro.” Jude pulled him into a brotherly hug.

Austin patted him on the back. “I’m always there to support you.”

He freed himself from his brother’s arms and nodded, then walked to the door. He opened it and left the office. Before he could pull the door shut, he bumped into Violet, who held a stack of folders in her arms.

She blushed and reared back. “Oops, sorry!”