Free Redemption by Jambrea Jo Jones

reassure him.
    “I won’t be claiming her.” Dji shook his head.
    He didn’t know when he’d come to that conclusion, but he knew it was the right answer. He had much to atone for.
    “What does Ive have to say about that?” Zareb raised a brow.
    “I—” Dji looked up at Zareb.
    He didn’t even want to face his mate, but he wouldn’t take the coward’s way out. He’d leave that night after dinner and hope he could face Ive and not run like the gutless man he was.
    “Do not punish yourself. Do you know what Ive did for you? Did she tell you how she came to be here?”
    “I’m not worthy.”
    Zareb stood and glared down at him.
    “You will stop this now. I will not see you belittle who you are. You are Djimon, my brother, the protector, my friend and Ive’s mate.”
    “Those are just words. I have been inside looking out, I’m not who I once was.”
    “You do not have to be. Find yourself and let Ive help. She put herself on the line for you. If not for her, you would be dead. Go to her, make right by her. Then come find me because I do want to get to know you, help you to find yourself again—and Kir is here as well. That is something—for the first time my family is here. In all my years of fighting with Dmitri I could never dream there would be a day some of my tribe would be near me. Do not make me lose that again so soon.” Zareb kissed Dji on the forehead and left him.
    It was a lot to think on. He’d been determined to leave, but now he was thinking of staying—this back and forth was just like something he would do. Would he ever feel like himself again and not this head case who couldn’t make up his mind?
    Lunch was announced. It was time to go speak to his mate. Or, maybe—after lunch would be better.
    Ive wasn’t hard to spot. She was a beacon of light to him. Talking seriously could wait.
    “Did you have a nice time with Vivian?” Dji pulled out a chair for Ive.
    “It was good. How was your time alone?”
    “Zareb interrupted me and we spoke for a bit. It was nice talking to my brother.”
    Dji noticed that Pete had sat down beside him. Grey wasn’t far behind.
    “Where have you been all day?” Grey was seething.
    Pete was staring down at the table not talking. Grey sat and Pete stood, leaving the dining area.
    Grey stared after him but didn’t move to follow. They seemed to be having as much trouble as he was.
    “Grey—it’ll be okay.” Ive soothed her brother, but looked at Dji.
    He figured the words were for both of them. Tonight wasn’t going to go well. He could feel it in his bones.

Chapter Ten
     
     
     
    Dinner wasn’t too bad. Mostly small talk. Ive could see that Grey wanted to leave, but forced himself to stay. The road wouldn’t be easy for her twin. Hell, it wasn’t easy for her. In her gut, she knew Dji was on the verge of leaving the pack. She was strong and would live through his abandonment, but she didn’t want to.
    Kir was on their other side sitting beside a woman Ive hadn’t been introduced to.
    “Hello. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Ive and this is my mate Djimon.” Ive held out a hand.
    “Hi. I’m Naomi. Nice to meet you. You’re the fox shifter, right? Part of Russ’ mate’s den?”
    “That’s right.” Ive smiled.
    “That’s great. Are you planning on staying?”
    Ive looked to Dji, but he seemed lost in thought. If he left, would she stay? It would probably depend on her brother.
    “I think so. I like it here and Vivian is staying.”
    “Right. And your brother too. Pete is his mate, right? Sorry, I shouldn’t gossip.”
    “No, no, that’s all right. Yes, they’re mates, but I have a feeling Pete is fighting it.”
    “He’s had it rough. His damn parents should be shot.” Naomi shared.
    The men were being quiet. Ive didn’t know if they were following the conversation or not. Kir kept sneaking glances at Naomi.
    Would they all find mates in the Master’s pack? It seemed so unlikely, but some force had brought them