I send him soothing thoughts. “It’s okay, Big Guy. I’m here. I’m safe.”

Masen’s phone vibrates in my hand. When I look down, Sid’s name pops up. I totally forgot he was on his way. I tag the green icon and answer, “Sid, it’s Sophie. Are you here?”

“Yup, is Mase busy?”

“Yes, ah no, we are right around the corner from the shop by the restrooms. Could you come over here, please?”

“I’ll be right there,” he answers darkly

Moments later, I hear Sid, “Just what I was hoping you’d found,” he says almost happily as he slams them both on the back so hard they stumble forward a few paces. Masen snarls as they near us. “Ah better not get too close to our Luna there. He’s been real jumpy lately. Luna, you want to come out he...”

“NO!” Masen barks and pushes me back further.

Now that Sid is here, I relax a little knowing he’ll probably be able to keep Masen from killing them. “Hey, we didn’t know he was lying. He told us she was his Mate.” Masen’s ugly growl cuts him off from speaking.

“Please, be quiet. He really is trying very hard,” I say quietly. I nuzzle my face into his back and bring my hands around front. I drop his phone back in his front pocket then run my hands under his shirt, touching his too hot skin. His muscles contract as I graze my fingertips over his belly and sides trying to comfort him. I continue touching him and stay as close as possible. His breathing is deep and even, but he hasn’t spoken. I know he’s trying to remain calm. I can feel his emotions warring. He wants to rip them to shreds for what they’ve said, and he knows they’re working with the rouge. He also knows this could be the chance to find them and end this so he shouldn’t hurt them. Masen also struggles with the fact that they were so near us, and he didn’t realize it. Masen, I know you will always take care of me. I wasn’t scared; I just didn’t want them watching us. I send my thoughts to him. “I love you,” I say out loud. His hands cover mine over his shirt, holding me to him.

Michael and three other men round the hallway, and I’m relieved that no one else needed this hallway while we were down here. “Alpha,” Michael speaks, “May I escort your guest to the hall while you finish up with your Luna?” I’m so grateful for their friendship. Michael knows exactly how to address Masen and not be confrontational.

I blow out a long breath when Masen’s head nods. “I’ll be there soon. Don’t question them without me,” he commands.

Michael nears the men who don’t know if they should be happy to be away from Masen or terrified that they will see him again soon. I don’t know why they even stood by watching. It seems they would know just by the size of him to turn the other way. I’ll have to ask Masen later. For now, I just want to get the hell out of this mall that I’m beginning to hate.