#22 Trust Your Mate

Jake's POV

"She is here!" Elsa was shaking in fear. I understand that she was petrified, and she didn't want to get caught by her aunt, whom she put on a high pedestal, but would it be that bad?

Well, for a second, I wanted to get caught. It would save a lot of drama. Like I could throw that woman out of the house and not bother about tolerating her over-the-top tantrums or lies. But here I had a small young girl as my mate. I still had to teach her life lessons. I couldn't throw her under the bus and expect her to understand.

"Go hide." Finally, something sensible left my mouth. But she kept looking at me with those big wide eyes, hiding behind me. I mean, I was tall and stuff, but I couldn't hide her.

"Fuck!" Sylvie screamed at that point, making her jerk as she nestled her hands against my arms, burying her face in my back. I would protect her with my life. If she wanted to tell the world about us now, I wouldn't give a second thought. But I knew it wasn't the right time. And she wa