Page 14 of His Sold Fated Mate

“Because you’re an extension of him,” Cal added, his eyes softening. “The pack needs to know who you are. You’re new, and everyone is going to be curious. Just stay with Klaus, and you’ll be fine.”

“Right now?” I asked. “You couldn’t plan this for after I get settled? Maybe when I’m not wearing this.” I waved a hand at the outfit, which was still Klaus’s clothes. “I just learned about shifters, not even twenty minutes ago. You expect me to walk into a room filled with them?”

I suddenly felt sick, realizing I had nothing. I had no phone, no ID, no money. I had nothing, and now I was married to someone I didn’t even know.

It suddenly hit me. Just how far down I had fallen. I couldn’t breathe. Suddenly, everything around me felt suffocating.

“It’s what’s best,” Cal added. “Klaus, do you agree?”

I felt tears burning, and I turned. “I need a minute.” My voice cracked as I practically ran out of the room. I didn’t even know where I was going. I just headed down the hallway until I hit a bathroom. I shoved the door open and fell to the ground inside.

Tears broke free, and I placed a hand over my mouth. I couldn’t stop the sob as everything seemed to come to a halting stop. All I wanted was freedom and happiness. I wasn’t asking for a big, lavish house or a job that paid me a ton. I just wanted something so simple, something everyone should have.

There was a knock at the door. “Aubrey,” Klaus’s voice was soft. “We can find you new clothes.”

I heard the door open, and Klaus stepped into the bathroom. It wasn’t a large space, so he took up most of it. He leaned against the door. I expected him to tell me to get up or that I was acting like a child, but he didn’t. He just stood there quietly.

I wiped at my eyes, pulling myself back together. “I just… I needed a minute.” I placed my fingers on my mouth and swallowed. “I know that I’m wasting your time.”

“You’re not,” he offered. “Take all the time you need.”

I stared at the wall, counting the tiles. “I don’t know anyone. I don’t have anything. I don’t even have any clothes that are mine.” I looked at him. “I need clothes that fit me. I can’t meet your pack looking like this.”

He scanned me up and down, but not in a sexual way, but rather like he was measuring me. “I think you are the same size as my assistant. She keeps extra clothes in her desk. You can wear those.”

I took a deep breath and pulled myself off the ground. Klaus left and grabbed me some clothes. I changed into them, feeling a little more normal. I was still nervous, though.

We headed to another building that was just across a strip of grass. Klaus explained that the city hall was split. They had offices and meetings in one, and the other was more of a public open space that anyone could use for social events.

I could hear music playing from inside and loud chatter. My insides were swimming. Cal was walking with us with a skip in his step. “The whole pack sounds like they are inside. Should be a full house.”

Cal opened the glass door, and as we stepped inside, all the heads turned to us. But I could see all the eyes were going straight to me. I felt my stomach bottom out, and I tried to smile.

I could feel the energy as everyone went quiet, people’s expressions quickly changing. I gripped the sleeve of my shirt, tugging at the fabric.

Klaus placed his hand on my back. “Hello, everyone. This is Aubrey. My mate.”

I swallowed and tried to smile once more.

“She will be joining the pack starting today. I want everyone to treat her with respect and compassion.” Klaus pulled me inside, where he took my hand. I followed in step with him as he walked.

As we moved around the space, I didn’t feel like I belonged. I could see the eyes staring at me. People were narrowing their eyes like they were trying to figure me out.

Klaus was at least right by my side the entire time. He introduced me to people and offered me water when we stopped by the food. But the whispering grew the longer we walked around.

“That’s who he’s mated to?”

“Is this some kind of joke?”

“There must be some kind of mistake here. Look at him and then look at her.”

I sipped on the water I had, trying to keep my hands busy. I glanced at Klaus as he nodded his head at someone he was talking to.

“Klaus, are you sure that this was the right decision?”

My head snapped at the man’s words. Klaus gave the man a nod. “I have it all under control.”

Chapter 5 - Klaus