I take the opportunity for payback. “And you know what else makes it hard to focus? That attractive pastor of yours.”
Out of my peripheral, Caleb uncrosses his arms, and his knuckles turn white at his sides. He frowns and a gold hue swirls in his irises.
Is he jealous? Or does he just not like me talking about a pastor in such a way? Am I embarrassing him?
“Oh my goddess, I know.” Jemma leans in and mutters, “The way I would let that man tear off my girdle, I mean...” She fans herself.
“Tell me about it.” I giggle with her.
It wasn’t a long shot to call their pastor hot to Jemma. She blushed any time he looked our way and fanned herself if he got close. She wasn’t exactly subtle.
Caleb growls.
“Oh, lighten up. He can’t hear us,” Jemma says.
“Yeah, lighten up.” I grin.
Caleb looks to Jemma. “He has a mate.”
“I know, I’m not pursuing the man, simply appreciating the view.” She looks at me and lifts her brows. “Sheesh.”
“Plus, he’s like thirty-five and you’re—” Caleb stops himself, but it’s too late.
Jemma whips her head at him and places her hands on her hips.
I back away at the look she gives him.
Oh shit. I laugh to myself.
“I’mwhat?”
Caleb stammers. “I didn’t mean . . . I just meant that he’s—and you’re . . .”
Their argument fades into the background as I feel eyes on me again. A she-wolf and several guys about my age leer at me. They frown as they talk amongst themselves. They must be talking about me. I met them earlier, albeit briefly, and they faked their kindness. Now that church is over, I’m sure they don’t feel the need to fake it anymore. Their attention sends shivers up my spine.
Ignoring them, I redirect my attention back to Jemma, who has actually been kind.
“Are you even listening to me?”
“Yes,” he says.
Even I can sense he’s lying.
“No, you’re not. You’re too busy looking at her.” Jemma gestures to me. “I’m going to go thank our pastor for the service, then we’ll go.” She then leaves.
“Jay, are you okay?”
“Huh?” It takes me a second to process his question. “Oh! Yeah, I’m fine.”
Caleb doesn’t buy it. “What were you looking at?”
“No one.” Caleb retraces my line of sight to the group still standing and talking about me. They stop their conversation when they see Caleb looking their way. His chest puffs up, and he takes my hand.
Butterflies flutter in my stomach.
Caleb raises an eyebrow at them, and it’s all it takes for their clique to disperse. He frowns. “They’re harmless. Just a bunch of gossiping misfits with a bark greater than their bite. It’s just going to take some getting used to, having a rogue around. The pack lost quite a bit during the attack.”
At the mention of my herd, he releases my hand.
