#Chapter 27: His Promise to Protect

I could smell Charles before I felt him step beside me. "Was that the person following you?" he asked. He put his heavy, strong arm around me, pulling me close. Without thinking, I leaned into him, feeling his strength fill me and replace the fear I'd just felt. His other arm wrapped around me protectively, and I suddenly wanted to stay there forever. "I didn't get a good look," I admitted. "I honestly didn't notice until I saw your reaction." He was still rumbling slightly in his chest, and if it were another Alpha I'd be worried. With Charles, however, the effect soothed me, like he had the power to stop anything bad happening. We stood that way for a moment, and then Charles took a deep breath. I felt his body relax. "Let's go inside," he said. "Do you think you can eat something?" I nodded, though I actually wasn't sure. My nerves were still on edge, and when he released me I felt bereft, like he was letting me go forever. My hand instinctively reached back