“But-” Again she gnawed, which exposed her pearly whites, and Clint really had to restrain himself from joining her in chewing on her full lower lip.

Brandon jumped in to help. “I admit we look like a noisy bunch, but I promise you, our staff will obey you.”

Clint silently agreed, for if they didn’t, they’d face the wrath of their pack alpha.

Her spine straightened, and her countenance went from soft to indignant.

Hmm, looks like my intended mate might have a backbone hidden in there. It made him wonder what other surprises her meek exterior hid.

“It’s not that,” she said. “I know I can do the job.”

“Then what’s the problem?” he asked. Whatever the problem, he’d fix it. He couldn’t let Josephine-such a big name for a tiny thing-walk away.

“You’ll laugh,” she said staring down at the ground, her shoulders slumping as she shuffled her feet.

Clint wanted to sweep her up and carry her away. There was something about her timid nature that made his protective side swell. “I promise I won’t,” he said, and was echoed by Brandon.

“You have spiders,” she whispered, unable to look them in the eyes.

“Spiders?” repeated Brandon, incomprehension on his face. “Well, yeah. They come in with the shipments.”

Clint saw her flinch and held onto his urge to laugh. Although spiders didn’t bother him, it looked like Josephine was terrified of them, and there was no denying their place had a fair share. Despite the connection he felt drawing him to her, Clint had to wonder at the choice of her as his mate. If she’s scared of spiders, then how the hell is she ever going to accept the fact that I turn furry on the full moon?