Possessed by the Alpha

Skye Alder

Empath: A person with the paranormal ability to apprehend the mental or emotional state of another individual.

That's what I am. I can feel emotions and so when I turn eighteen and start to feel this strong pull, I grab my best friend, hop in the car and follow it. It leads me deep into the forest to him.

Gunner Harding.

The alpha of the Red Ridge Pack and my mate.

I had no idea that shifters even existed but I can't deny the strong connection that I feel to him.

With pack members who are less than welcoming and an old threat that resurfaces, will Gunner and I be able to find our happily ever after?

Chapter 1

Bea

I DREAMT about him again last night.

The same guy, the same unruly dark hair falling into the same pair of forest green eyes that perfectly match the trees all around him.

I've been having the same dream every night since I turned eighteen a month ago. It starts out with me in a forest, running, running, running, but I don't know why or where l'm going. And then I run right into him, whoever he is. Most of his features are vague, except for those eyes. They pierce right through me and make me feel seen for the first time in... well, forever.

When the nightly dreams turned into daytime fantasies, however, I decided I needed to get to the bottom of it once and for all. That's why my best friend, Camden, and I are currently trying our hardest to hike through this thick patch of forest.

We might have grown up in Montana but we've never spent a ton of time out in nature. Group homes don't have many field trips like that and I'm quickly realizing that our Walmart tennis shoes are not the best choice for hiking in the Montana wilder- ness.

"This was a terrible idea," Camden says as she continues to stomp, trip, and stumble through the forest after me.

"You didn't have to come along," I point out. I can practically hear her rolling her eyes.

"You're my only family. I can't have you twisting your ankle and dying out here all alone. No one would ever find you."

My lips tip up at the corners as I duck under a low hanging tree branch. Camden has always been protective of me, even though I'm the older one. I suppose that it comes with the territory though.

We grew up in foster care together. Camden's mom gave her up for adoption when she was born and she had already been bounced around from one

group home to the next by the time I showed up. She took one look at me and decided to take me under her wing. I was just glad that I was lucky enough to be placed in the same home as her after my parents abandoned me at a fire station. They told me that they just couldn't handle how... different I was.

Ever since I can remember, I've always been able to feel more. I don't know how else to describe it, since I've been this way my whole life, but it didn't take long for me to figure out most people can't sense emotions like I can. They can't feel what another person is feeling. They can't step into a room and know without question fi there's tension, elation, sorrow, or anger.

Since no one else believed me, I had to do my own research. I wasn't normal, just like my parents always told me, but I wasn't convinced that was a bad thing.

The hours I spent with my nose in books and googling things at the public library led me to discover empaths. I learned that empaths see the world differently than other people; they're keenly aware of others, their pain points, and what they need emotionally.

All of that clicked with me, with the parts of my life I couldn't explain. My ability is different though. I can alter other people's emotions, some- times whole rooms if I concentrate hard enough. It's crazy, I know. Even Camden had her doubts at first, but I know my truth.

When I was young, I didn't know what I was doing or how I was doing it. I had no idea I could control a room. The only practice I had was on my parents. They would be fighting one second and then all of a sudden they would start to calm down. They started connecting the dots before I did, though I don't think they knew the extent of my ability. Or, as they put it, my "problem." When they told me, well, they weren't nice about it.

I don't think they were ever nice to anyone though. At least, I can't remember a time when they had a kind word to say to anyone or when they felt truly happy. They said I was manipulating them in some way, that I was weird, and that my behavior was concerning.

Kids used to tease me too. They called me a freak and a psycho. I was shunned by my classmates, and the teachers always gave me wary looks. It got to the point that I didn't even want to go to school and I had no friends. That was the lowest I thought I could feel.

Then my parents left me.

I had been scared, confused, and utterly broken, but as soon as I walked into the group home and my eyes landed on Camden, I knew that I was going to be alright.

She's never treated me like I was a freak. In fact, at first, Camden had said that it was probably just a learned skill from growing up in hostile situations. She thinks that I just got good at reading people and rooms so that I could avoid getting into trouble. She's good at that too, but I can remember having it before I was in foster care. Plus, while Camden can get out of most situations, I can alter people's moods. Camden has seen me do it, but she's still not entirely convinced.

I get it. If I didn't experience it every day, I might not believe it either. But knowing about my own inexplicable ability makes me wonder what other unknowns are out there. What other abilities do people have?

Feeling Camden's anxiety pulls me out of my thoughts. Her fear crashes into me like waves against my back and I know that she's worried about me. Maybe she can sense that things are about to change for us. Or maybe she's just worried because we left the place that we were calling home to hike out on our own with no plan at all.

She's a good friend though, so instead of calling me crazy or thinking I was insane, she tightened the laces on her tennis shoes, packed what little we both owned into our ratty backpacks and a duffle bag and left with me. I know she's doing it mostly for my protection, but there's a small part of her that's scared to be left alone in the group home we're both staying in.

Camden is scrappy and tough as nails, but she's had a bit of a stalker problem with a guy who left the home a few months ago. She'd never admit it, but I know his thinly veiled threats get to her. I can feel it. Either way, I'm glad she's with me. My best friend doesn't often need me, or anyone, for that matter, but I like being here for her and protecting her the way she's protected me for so long.

Al week, all month actually, I've had this intense feeling that I needed to come out here. With each passing day, the feeling got stronger until I couldn't ignore it anymore. The only identifying mark of the forest from my dreams was a sign that read Red Ridge. When I had googled that name, the only thing that came up was this tiny little spot in Montana. There were no real roads that led into it so we had to rent a room by the National Park and hike down.

The blisters forming on my feet protest with each step I take but this feeling inside me keeps pushing me on. We've been hiking all day and as the sun starts to dip behind the trees it gets harder and harder to see where we're walking.

"We should stop. We need to set up camp and have something to eat before it gets too dark to see what we're doing," Camden says and I know that she's right.

"Just a little further."

I don't know what is pushing me forward. I've never felt what I'm feeling before. For the first time in a long while, it's not someone else's emotions that I'm feeling. This is all me. I need to find out just what is driving me to hike into the wild Montana wilderness.

"He's who I've been dreaming of. He's the one I was meant to find."

"Yeah? Was he also naked and bleeding in your dreams?" Camden asks sarcastically as she eyes the man warily.

The man looks like he's struggling to sit upright and now that I'm right next to him, I can feel his pain more. He's hurting and that causes me to hurt.

"What happened to him?" Camden asks, leaning past me to get a better look at the wound in his chest. "It looks like he was shot," she says as she looks around like she's going to spot the person who did it.

"Help me stop the bleeding," I order her.

I crouch down next to him, pulling out the First Aid Kit from my bag.

"I'm here to help you," I tell the man gently as I pull out some supplies.

"No," the man rasps, "You're here because you're mine."

I barely have time to register his words before he jerks me toward him and sinks his teeth into the tender skin of my neck.

I hear Camden scream and I know that I should be freaking out too, but as his teeth mark me, all I feel is contentment.

Chapter 2

Gunner

THE HUNTERS had come out of nowhere. The wind shifted and I caught their scent just as I heard the gunshot. The bullet caught me high in my chest, close to my shoulder, and I sought cover behind the grouping of trees.

My pack's land is private and the hunters had been trespassing. My wolf wanted to run back to the pack for help but part of me knew that I couldn't lead the hunters back there.

As the Alpha, it's my job to look out for everyone and that means that if I have to lay low and bleed out in this field to keep them safe, then that's what I'm going to do. That's what my father did when he was the Alpha. He gave his life for the pack, dying an honorable death by protecting us from a rival, violent pack. My mom passed shortly after him, they say because she couldn't survive without her mate.

My parents set an example of what it's like to love and sacrifice for your mate. I've longed for that since before they passed, and that feeling only grew more intense - more unbearable - after the fact. Many shifters wander around this world all alone, without their fated mate. I can't imagine a more miserable existence, but as the years went on, I thought maybe that was my lot in life too.

That's why I had to have been dreaming or maybe hallucinating when the two girls first stepped into the field. The closer they got, the stronger the scent became and soon my wolf was struggling to push forward. I'm too weak from blood loss to hold him back for long.

When she gets close to me to help with the wound, my wolf surges. I might be lightheaded from blood loss but my wolf can still tell that she's meant for us. She's my mate. Finally, we've found her.

My teeth sink into her neck and I moan as I taste her blood on my tongue. She gasps, arching into me more and she practically purrs as I lick my mark.

Now that she's marked by me, other shifters will know to stay away from her and she won't like any other male's' touch. The same goes for me. Now that I've found my mate, I won't want any other female to come near me.

I can't believe that I've been searching for my mate for years and she just happens to wander into the one empty field when I'm bleeding out. I guess fate has a sense of humor.

My mate is beautiful. She is light. The orange hues from the setting sun kiss her delicate features, much like I want to. Her hair reminds me of moonlight, soft and pale, and it floats around her shoulders. I can smell that she's not a shifter like me. She's human, not that that bothers me. It just means that I'll need to be careful with her. She's much more fragile than the female shifters.

Her blue eyes are filled with worry for me as I sink back to the ground.

"We have to get you help," she says, her voice sweet and melodic.

My wolf rolls onto his back at the sound of her voice. Now that she's wearing our mark, he's much calmer. In fact, I don't think he's ever been this content in his whole life. I haven't, either. He whimpers when I move and the pain in my shoulder radiates through the rest of my body.

"My pack is close by. We can go there. They'll stitch me up."

My mate looks around, squinting and I realize that she can't see now that it's nearly nighttime.

"'ll lead us there," I say as I grunt and push off of the cool ground.

I sway slightly and my mate and her friend both lunge for me, wrapping their arms around me and steadying me. I start to move, half leaning on them as I struggle to put one foot in front of the other.

It takes us close to twenty minutes to make it to the edge of the field. We move even slower once we're in the forest. I stumble a few times and by the time we're back to my house, I'm almost delirious.

My Beta, Malin, is pacing on my front porch, his movements agitated. I can see the tension in his shoulders from here. His head snaps up when he hears us coming and he's leaping off the porch and over to us a second later.

The girls tense at the sight of him.

"He's fine. He's my Beta. He's here to help."

"What happened?" Malin barks as he takes me away from the girls.

They both sigh as my weight is taken from them, but my wolf whines. He wants to take care of our mate. He's worried about the strain of carrying us for the last hour and half has put on her.

Malin drags me into my house, laying me down on the couch. I look around for my mate and relax when I spot her and her friend over by the front door.

"He needs a hospital," my mate's friend says but

Malin and I ignore her.

"What happened?" Malin asks again, his voice even more growly and irritable than normal.

"Hunters," I grit out. I can tell Malin is seething when his blue eyes glow, letting me know his wolf wants to come out.

"I'll get help," he says before he storms out the door.

I hear his howl a second later and I know the pack doctor will be here soon. My eyes never leave my mate and she steps forward once Malin is gone.

"Mate," I say, beckoning her closer. "What's your name?"

"Bea. This is Camden," she says, introducing her friend but my eyes never leave her.

"I'm Gunner. Do you know about shifters?" I ask, my eyes drooping from the physical toll of the day.

"No," my mate says at the same time Camden says, "What the hell is a shifter?" I chuckle at their reactions.

"It's a human that can turn into an animal at will."

"Any animal?" Camden asks, a curious glint in her eyes.

"There's different species of shifters. Malin and I are wolves. There are others in our pack though.

Bears, foxes, rabbits, you name it."

"That's why you keep calling me your mate," Bea says and I can tell that she's putting the pieces to-gether.

"You ARE my mate," I correct her.

"And what exactly does that mean?" Camden asks, her arms crossing over her chest. I can tell she's used to watching out for my mate, and I'll always be thankful to her. However, that's my job now.

"It means that we are fated for each other. I knew as soon as I smelled her that she was meant for me.

There will be no other for me and no other for her now that I've marked her. No one will protect her, will love her, and care for her more than I will."

"Love?!" Camden squeaks. "You two just met.

How could you know that? Bea, don't tell me you're buying this."

"It's fated," I explain calmly. I know it's a lot to take in for humans who don't know about the shifter world. I just hope my mate has an easier time accepting the truth than her friend does. "This is how my species does love and relationships."

"How. romantic," Camden mumbles, rolling her eyes. "And a little creepy, if you ask me. Bea, let's be smart about this," she urges her friend. "We don't need more trouble."

My wolf bristles and surges forward, not liking the idea of our mate being in any sort of danger.

Bea just studies me, her brilliant blue eyes tearing right through me until she sees my heart, my very soul. She breaks eye contact briefly, and I barely suppress the growl lodged in my throat when her gaze isn't focused on me. My mate gives Camden a soft look, almost like she's willing her friend to trust her. "Not all men are like Brad," she says quietly. I wouldn't have heard her at all if it weren't for my heightened senses.

Bea turns her attention toward me once more, our eyes locking. I'm instantly at ease now that she's looking at me again. My wolf and I are desperate to know what she thinks about all of this. Before I can ask though, the pack doctor and Malin burst back inside and I spend the next few hours being stitched and bandaged up.

Malin paces around the living room, eyeing Bea and Camden with more than a little disdain. I growl at him a few times, until he gets the hint to back off.

My Beta is nothing if not protective of me and the pack. He didn't grow up with shifters, and his experience in the human world was tumultuous, to say the least. Malin doesn't trust easily, and he trusts humans even less. Oh well. He better get used to having humans around, and fast.

By the time the doctor leaves, Bea and Camden are passed out on the couch opposite mine and I'm exhausted. Malin darts his eyes from me to my mate, his brows furrowed and the all too familiar scowl on his lips. He lets out a heavy, defeated sigh before rising from his chair and scooping my mate up into his arms. My wolf growls and tries clawing to the surface, not liking him touching her. Before I can either shift or move, however, he's tucking her against me on the couch.

My beautiful mate sighs contentedly, her head resting against my good shoulder. I smile and wrap my arm around her, my wolf backing down and curling up now that she's near. A well-deserved sleep claims all three of us.

Chapter 3

Bea

I WAKE SPRAWLED out on top of Gunner. I can feel his contentment and happiness at having me close and it only increases my own pleasure. He's warm and I'm starting to overheat. His heavy arm is wrapped tightly around my waist and he grumbles when I try to sit up.

I'm tall for a girl, standing at 5'9" and my toes brush his ankles. Normally I feel awkward and out of place standing next to other people. I tower over other girls and some guys too. I don't feel out of place when I'm next to Gunner though.

He's still got a few inches on me, and he's twice my width. His muscles and height make me feel delicate and feminine next to him.

My mind is still spinning from everything that happened yesterday. Gunner's words still echo in my head. I wanted to ask him to show me what he meant. I wanted to see his wolf but I was afraid to ask. I hovered over him while the doctor tended to his wound. I don't know why, but I couldn't stand to be more than a few feet from him. Whenever I stepped too far away, I felt Gunner panic. More than that, I felt his wolf.

I probably should have been freaking out. I mean, I just met this guy and he's talking about me belonging to him, about me being his mate, and him loving me forever. I could feel the different emotions in the room when Gunner told us.

Camden was shocked and nervous, and more than a little skeptical about what he was saying.

Gunner was blissful and content, and his wolf was unbelievably happy and at peace. I could still feel some of his pain from the gunshot wound, but their joy was overpowering that.

I passed out before I was able to push out all the emotions in the room and figure out how I was really feeling about all of this. It's a problem I've had most of my life. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with what others are feeling and how I can make it better, I forget to feel my own feelings.

Instinctively, my fingers find the bite mark on my neck, as if my subconscious knew it would calm me down. Pleasure floods my body as I trace the mark.

Gunner grumbles happily beneath me and I freeze. Can he feel my emotions too? I decide to test out that theory. He said last night that I wouldn't like the touch or attention from another man and that I wouldn't like to be separated from him. I close my eyes, picturing another man taking me away from Gunner, away from this place.

Sorrow and loss slam into me at the idea of being away from Gunner, my chest growing tight at the thought of anything or anyone separating us. A tear slips free just as a loud roar sounds from beneath me. I jerk my eyes open and bolt off of Gunner.

I trip over my own feet and fall back onto the floor, wincing as my butt hits the hardwood. Gunner is on me in an instant. He wraps his arms around me, cradling me to his chest. He's holding me so tightly that I can barely breathe and I wheeze, wiggling in his hold.

"I didn't know that having a mate would feel like this. I can feel everything that you feel. It's like we're connected," he murmurs. Gunner's fingers brush over the mark on my neck and I moan softly, arching into him.

"It's intense for me too. I could feel your emotions before, even before I found you in the field, but it's so much stronger for me now."

"You could feel me?" Gunner asks, pulling back to study my face.

"I'm an empath. I can feel others' emotions and sometimes I can alter them," I tell him tentatively.

I don't want him to think I'm a freak like everyone else, but can't bear the thought of being dishonest with him.

Gunner, however, seems... impressed. It's the first time anyone has reacted that way. Aside from Camden, everyone else has just treated me like I'm an even bigger freak, or at the very least, they think I'm lying. Having Gunner not only seem to accept me but be impressed by my ability has me relaxing even more in his hold.

"My mate," Gunner says almost in awe as he nuzzles against my neck. I feel the pride he has for me.

That thought blankets me in warmth and safety.

He's proud of me. He's proud to have me as his mate.

The door opens behind us and Malin, the guy from last night, stomps inside the house. He's got a paper bag of food in his hand and my stomach growls at the scent of bacon and pancakes. Gunner continues to nuzzle my neck and Camden rolls her eyes at us as she stretches and follows after Malin into the kitchen.

She's annoyed, and still a little dubious, but I can feel that she's also happy for me. And is that a hint of jealousy? I sense it's not for Gunner, it's more for what he represents; family and acceptance. My heart hurts for my best friend, but when Gunner kisses his mark, I can't feel anything but bliss.

Gunner's place is nice. A classic log cabin nestled in the middle of the forest. I didn't get much of a chance to look around yesterday, but now I feel at ease and relaxed enough to take it all in. Everything inside appears to be made out of rich toffee oak which makes sense since it's almost impossible to get to this place. I can't imagine them carrying in supplies.

It's sparsely decorated, though there are little personal touches here and there. A wicker basket next to the fireplace with folded blankets, a picture of who I assume are his parents on the mantle, and a small bookshelf with a few classics and some thriller novels.

I wiggle out of Gunner's embrace, giggling when I feel his wolf whine in disapproval. Gunner does the same. I turn to help him off the ground, what with his bad shoulder and everything, but he doesn't appear to be in any pain. I wonder if shifters heal faster than us regular humans?

"How's your wound?" I ask, trying to peel the bandage off to get a better look.

"It's fine. Barely any pain left."

"Do you heal faster because you're a shifter?" I ask as he leads me into the kitchen.

"Yes, our bodies heal faster. Our eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell is also better than human's.

You'll take on some of my traits as my mate. Your eyesight will be better and your sense of smell heightened."

"Cool," Camden says, sounding impressed and I look over in time to see her shoving a piece of bacon into her mouth.

Malin grunts and gives her a disgusted look. She flips him off before shoving another piece of bacon into her mouth.

He grumbles something about her being more trouble than she's worth, then shuts a cupboard door with far more force than necessary. Camden jumps a bit, and I can feel more than see Malin's satisfied smirk. What is this guy's deal?

"We haven't eaten since lunch yesterday," she snaps at him, justifying her eating habits.

"Whatever," Malin grunts again, shaking his head in annoyance as he opens cupboards and drawers in search of who knows what. Maybe he just wants something to slam shut.

I can feel Gunner's concern at Camden's words and a second later, he plops me down in a chair, piling a plate with food for me.

"Eat," he orders.

"Thanks," I say with a smile. When's the last time someone cared about me getting enough to eat?

Gunner doesn't need to tell me twice. I stuff pancakes and bacon into my mouth, clearing my plate in a few minutes. It isn't until after I'm finished eating that I become fully aware of the competing emotions in the room.

Camden is beyond annoyed, and all of her angst is directed at Malin. I wonder what he could have done in the few minutes that they were alone. Malin is more than a little upset too, thinly veiled anger and distrust swirling off of him. He's fidgety, agi-tated, and all around unsettled. Malin eyes me suspiciously, apparently not liking the way I've been assessing him.

"Eyes off my mate," Gunner growls at Malin, dragging my chair closer to his.

Malin immediately looks away at Gunner's order and I remember him saying that Malin was his Beta.

The rest of breakfast is finished in tense silence and I do my best to keep the others emotions calm.

"Is that you?" Gunner whispers in my ear and I nod.

"Very cool,' he says before he kisses my neck and tugs me closer. I smile and lean against him, letting him tuck me into his side. I've never had anyone tell me being an empath is cool, but I know he means it.

"Can I have a word?" Malin asks, standing from the table abruptly. His chair scrapes against the floor, nearly toppling over with the force of his movement.

Camden glares at him and he glares right back at her, his jaw clenched as well as his fists. Gunner sighs at his actions but nods. He grips my chin, turning me to face him. I barely have time to process what he's doing before his lips are on mine.

The kiss is over far too quickly, though I still feel it on my lips. My gaze follows Gunner as he stands and leads Malin out of the room and back into the living room.

"I don't like him," Camden hisses. My protective instincts rise when I think she's talking about Gunner.

"Malin?" I clarify and she jerks out a nod, her eyes narrowed into slits as she watches Malin and Gunner in the living room. I can feel her anger and Malin's in the air. Malin may be taller, stronger, and older than Camden, but that girl has a gold medal in holding a grudge.

Gunner's rage hits me right in the chest, nearly making me gasp for breath. I glance into the living room to see Gunner ripping into Malin.

"Why? What did he do?" I ask, finally turning my gaze from the scene in the living to my best friend.

She glares at Malin for another second before she looks back to me. Her eyes soften slightly when they meet mine.

"He doubted you. He wants you gone."

Chapter 4

Gunner

"How can you trust that she's really your mate? She can alter emotions, you heard her yourself. Maybe she's playing you," Malin says in a low voice, his eyes narrowed into slits and aimed over my shoulder.

My fingers clench into fists and I'm surprised that my wolf and I aren't at his throat by now. I glance over my shoulder and realize that Bea must be trying to calm me. She's incredible. I could tell she was apprehensive about telling me how she feels things so deeply and how she can temper others' emotions, but I also saw how it weighed on her. As soon as she said it, everything started clicking into place.

That's how she found me. She felt me, felt our pull, our fate. Her breathtaking blue eyes hold so much tenderness, and yet they also have a hidden pain. One I think only I can see. Or maybe I'm just the first person she's let in like this. Bea is more than thoughtful, she's attentive, kind, and pure. Which pisses me off all the more that my Beta doubts her and our bond

"She is my mate," I bite out, satisfied when Malin winces. "I've bitten her, marked her. She is tied to me and she will be forever. If I hear you doubting my mate or making her feel less than one hundred percent welcome here, then you and I will have a prob-lem. Is that understood?" I growl. Malin instantly averts his eyes to the floor.

"Yes, Alpha."

"You will treat my mate and Camden with re-spect."

"Camden? She's staying? Why?" He protests loudly, shooting a glare at the dark-haired girl in the kitchen.

"Because she is close to my mate and having her here will make my mate happy."

Malin nods but I can tell that he's less than thrilled with the news. If it were concerning anyone other than my mate, I would be more understanding of his wariness and take time to talk through my choices, even though I don't owe him an explanation since I'm the Alpha and what I say goes. Malin is more than my Beta, though. He's my brother, for all intents and purposes.

He came wandering into town at just thirteen years old, scared, angry, and confused. My parents took him in, and we taught him all about his shifter side. He had no clue what was happening to him, but we were able to show him how to control his wolf.

We welcomed him into our pack, and little by little, he became more comfortable around us. I know that's why he's so protective of me and everyone in our pack.

However, when it comes to my mate, I won't be questioned. I won't give him the courtesy of an explanation, because he doesn't need one. She's mine.

My other half. My mate. End of story.

After Malin storms off, I head back into the kitchen and scoop my mate up in my arms. She giggles as I hold her to my chest and I grin. My wolf and I love that sound and we love having her close.

"I want to show you my pack. Show you around your new home."

"I'd like that," she says with a sweet grin. "Can

Camden come?"

"Whatever you want. This can be her home now too."

"Good, cause she's not quite old enough to get a place of her own."

"Really? Wait, how old are you, mate?" I ask, my lips a millimeter from hers.

"I just turned eighteen a month ago. Camden's birthday is in a few weeks."

"Good," I say as I nuzzle my bite mark on her neck.

My wolf and I both love how she melts against us every time we touch it.

"Will your parents be missing you?" I ask before I can get carried away. Not that it matters. She's mine now. But if she wants her parents to come live here, I can make that happen. Whatever she wants is already hers, all she has to do is ask.

"No, we were in foster care. There's a guy who might be wondering where Camden is but no one will miss me."

"Idiots"" I growl when I can feel her sadness at that thought. Who wouldn't miss Bea?

"It makes it easier for me to stay here with you," she says so sweetly.

"I like that," I say, stealing a quick kiss before I wrap my arm around Bea's waist.

We snag Camden from the kitchen and I give both of them a tour of my house. It was big for just me but now I wonder if I'll need to add rooms on for our future babies. My wolf agrees, we'll definitely need more space.

The three of us walk into town after that and I show them Main Street, with the bakery, antique shop, bar, and general store. Camden does her best to remain neutral, but Bea feels that she's more wistful than anything else. I feel it because my mate feels it. How cool is that? Bea's soft little hand finds mine and gives it a squeeze. She looks at me over her shoulder, smiling like she knew just what I was thinking.

We wander down one road and then the next, while I point out a few of our pack members' houses.

"Miriam and Luther live in that little cottage with their daughter Lexi," I say, gesturing toward the small house.

"Are they wolves, too?" Bea asks.

"Foxes," I answer. She nods, taking it all in.

"Woah, who lives there?" Camden asks, pointing to the massive cabin further up the hill.

"The Jensen brothers," I respond with a chuckle.

"Three growly bears, but don't worry. Their bark is worse than their bite."

"I don't know. If a bear bit me, I think it'd be pretty bad," Bea teases.

I know she's kidding, but my wolf raises his hackles at the thought of her being hurt in any way. I pull her into my arms as if I could fend off anything that threatens to harm a single hair on her head. I would protect her with my very life.

"Hey," she whispers, soothing her hand over my heart. A little bit of the tension drains from my muscles, but my wolf is still on edge. "I'm right here. I was just joking."

"Your safety is no laughing matter," I grunt, a little more forcefully than I originally intended. Bea sighs and presses her lips to my cheek. My mate is so damn sweet, her gesture calming my wolf while at the same time making me want her lips all over every inch of me.

"I know that now. I'm still getting used to having someone so protective of me."

"What am I, chopped liver?" Camden interjects, making us both chuckle.

Bea wiggles out of my embrace so she can loop her arm in Camden's while we continue the tour.

Our town is pretty isolated but the forest is beautiful. We built our places close to the edge of a mountain and I lead the girls out there. They look over the edge of the ridge and we eat the lunch we picked up in town on a giant rock out there.

"It's beautiful here," Camden murmurs and Bea nods.

"I'm glad you like it," I say as I scoot closer to Bea.

I can tell she wants to say something, but she seems nervous about it. Finally, it bursts out of her.

"Can I see you shift now? I've been dying to all day."

My wolf preens inside of me, pacing happily, and I nod. I slip off the rock and land lightly on the soft ground. I'm about to strip out of my clothes when I remember Camden and that humans aren't as comfortable stripping naked in front of others.

I trot into the forest and strip off my jeans, shoes, and the T-shirt that I threw on before we left the house. I head back toward the girls, stopping when I make eye contact with Bea. Camden is sitting behind her and can't see me from this angle. My mate's eyes grow wide and her cheeks flush the prettiest pink. I know she can see exactly how much I want her, no need her. And damn, I can smell how much she needs me. But there will be time for that later, preferably without an audience.

I nod at Bea and then shift. Hair grows longer, my nails and teeth elongate, and I land on my paws. I walk out in front of the girls and Camden gasps. Bea is grinning at me, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

She slips off the rock and kneels in the grass in front of me.

My wolf pants happily as Bea reaches out a hand and slowly strokes my fur. I lay down before her, letting her run her hands over my head and down my body. She scratches my ears and my wolf flops over on his back. Bea giggles and rubs my belly before she stands up.

Camden has joined us by this point and she reaches out slowly, patting my wolf on the head. Her eyes are still a little shocked but she seems to be handing everything alright.

"Does it hurt?" Camden asks and Bea answers for me.

"No. I can feel him, he's happy," she says with a smile.

My wolf bumps his head along Bea's thigh and she laughs, petting him one last time before I head back into the forest to shift again. I glance over my shoulder when I'm back to human form and see Bea gazing hungrily at my naked body.

I can feel her lust and it amps up mine. It's still weird getting used to being so connected to someone else, being able to feel everything that they're feeling. I wonder how it will feel to be inside of her.

Shifters don't have sex until they've met their fated mate so I don't have anything to go off of. If the feelings are this intense when we aren't even touching though, then I can't imagine what I'll feel when I finally sink into her.

Bea's platinum blonde hair blows around her shoulders as I tug my clothes on and head back over to my mate. With every step, I wonder if tonight will be the night that I claim her.

Chapter 5

Bea

THE MOON is full tonight and I can make out the pack doctor from last night and Malin both waiting on the front porch when we get home. I don't know if it's just that I've been spending so much time with Gunner today or the full moon, but all I seem to be able to think about is seeing Gunner completely bare, his toned body, hard muscles, hard... well, let's just say he was hard everywhere.

It wasn't just his chiseled chest and perfect abs that made me swoon. It was the primal look he gave me the split second before he shifted. I felt his lust, his longing, his feral energy. He wanted to claim me right then and there, and if I'm being honest, if it weren't for Carden, I just might have let him.

Gunner told me a bit more about being the Alpha of his pack today while we toured the town. I knew he was my mate, but hearing him share his struggles and tell me about his responsibilities as Alpha made me respect and love him even more. We're not so different. I mean, we are, for obvious reasons, but not in any way that matters.

He, too, often puts aside his own feelings and desires for the good of the pack. I've never had a pack to protect, but I feel a responsibility to make everyone's life better if my mood-altering ability can help.

Gunner has experienced profound pain like I have, though his is from the loss of his parents. I could sense just how much he still grieves them, though I don't think he's even aware of it. Probably because he had to take on the role of Alpha right away and didn't have time to process. I'm familiar with that, as well.

Gunner listened while I told him about my parents abandoning me. I know he felt my pain, even though it was different than his. We didn't need words of comfort, it was enough to be together in the silence, feeling, loving, healing each other.

While we walked around the town Gunner so clearly loves, he also told me that the mating moon was tonight and that we would be ravenous for each other. I've never talked so openly about such things to anyone, but I didn't feel any shame talking about it with Gunner. In fact, I felt an intense pressure in my lower belly at his words, liquid heat coursing through my veins and pooling between my thighs. If just his words can turn me on - and when he was just giving me a textbook overview of mating, no less

- I can't even begin to imagine what actually being with him will be like.

While I was busy trying to tame my own lustful thoughts, Carden was looking a little green at the thought of being in the house with us while we were going at it. But she's my family and I'm not just going to kick her out with nowhere to go, especially knowing she's so on edge and seemingly even warier of men than when we first hiked up here. I don't trust the safety and well-being of my best friend with just anyone.

I told her we would behave, and that I wouldn't suddenly jump Gunner's bones once the moon peeked out. That'd be preposterous. Well, joke's on me, because the moon isn't even high in the sky yet and I can already feel my body lusting for his.

My heart throbs painfully in my chest, the sensation mirrored in my very core.

I can feel my need for Gunner clawing at me, and it's all I can do to swallow it down. Just when I think I'm finally under control, I sense Gunner's own need rippling off of him, which sends me right back into my lustful haze.

"Doc," Gunner says, his voice rougher than it normally is. He motions for Camden and me to go up the front steps while he talks with the doctor.

"Gunner. I just came to see how your wound was doing."

"It's fine. Almost all the way healed."

"Good, good. I also wanted to let you know that the pack would like a meeting. We need to talk about the hunters and we wanted to welcome your mate to the pack. And her friend," he says nodding toward Camden with a friendly smile. "But, of course, I know you'll be busy tonight." He winks, which makes me flush with embarrassment. Does everyone know?

"Yes. We'll have it tomorrow, after-" He cuts himself off but I can fill in the blanks.

After the mating moon.

Malin looks like he's just about swallowed his tongue and like he regrets what he's about to say before he's even said it.

"Camden," he chokes out, clearly in pain. His disdain at just saying her name is evident to everyone, not just me. "Why don't you, uh, grab your bag and..." He clears his throat and drags a hand down his face before finishing his sentence. "And come stay with me tonight?" He grits out the last words through clenched teeth. I think he's trying to smile but it's turning out more like a grimace.

Malin is rough around the edges, to be sure, but I can sense a softer side to him as well. He's not a fan of Camden, for whatever reason, but I know he'd never hurt her. Just like Camden is protective of me, he's protective of Gunner. I can respect that.

Maybe he and Camden clash so much because deep down, they are so similar in nature. Stubborn, loyal, and guarded. As much as she'd hate it, I know Malin would put his life on the line for her, if for no other reason than she's important to me, and I'm important to Gunner.

"I'd rather die," Camden mumbles.

"Camden!" I say, shooting her a pleading look.

I try sending some of my confidence and positive feelings about Malin her way, but I'm not so sure it worked.

She glares at me but I think she can pick up on the energy and tension between Gunner and I. It feels almost like a live current connecting our bodies and it's only growing stronger with each passing minute. Seriously, at this point I think I might come as soon as Gunner breathes on me. It's that intense.

"I mean, I'd love to," Camden says, giving Malin the fakest smile that I've ever seen.

"Great. Go get your shit then," he mutters. I can tell he already regrets his offer.

Camden shoots me a look and I know that I'm going to owe her for this. She stomps into the house and I lean into Gunner.

"Have fun," the doc says and my cheeks heat up again, realizing that everyone seems to know that I'm about to have sex. I wonder if they know that I'm a virgin as well. Maybe they can sense it.

Camden is back a second later, her hiking backpack from yesterday thrown over her shoulder. We'll need to head back to our hotel tomorrow to get the rest of our stuff. We weren't exactly sure why we were headed out into the forest yesterday. Just that my senses were telling me that I had too.

Gunner shoots Malin a look, and he sighs defeatedly, muttering something under his breath before he jerks the backpack away from Camden.

"Let's go," he says to her. She looks like she wants to murder him but she follows after him.

"Tell me all about it later," she says as she passes and I elbow her. Malin groans, so much regret pouring from that one sound.

She grins at me over her shoulder as she stops alongside the four-wheeler that Malin drove up here.

I watch them argue for a second before Malin picks

Camden up and plops her down on the back.

"Ready, mate?" Gunner asks, nuzzling my neck. I sigh, all embarrassment gone. Heck, every thought I've ever had seems to disappear when he touches my mark. His mark. I'm his, and he's about to show me exactly what that means.

"Definitely."

He growls and licks my mark before leading me inside. My jaw almost hits the floor when I see what's been done to Gunner's place. The almost bare living room from this morning is now covered in wildflowers and candles. Two dinners are laid out on the kitchen table and more wildflowers line the hallway back to his bedroom.

"When did you have time to do this?" I ask as he guides me over to the kitchen table.

"I called in a favor with Malin. He might seem tough but he has a romantic side. He's probably just jealous that I found my mate and he's still looking."

"It has to be frustrating and lonely," I say. Gunner nods.

"It was," he says as he pulls out a chair for me and then sits down right next to me. "But neither of us will be lonely ever again."

"I like the sound of that," I whisper, leaning closer to him. "Careful, mate," he warns, his voice sounding on edge.

"Or what?" But I already know what. And I can't wait.

His lips are on mine, his tongue in my mouth, his hands on my hips, pulling me up into his lap before I can even blink. He devours me, licking the roof of my mouth before tangling his tongue with mine.

I moan into his mouth and begin rocking my hips. I'm not sure what I'm doing, only that I need more. And I need it right now.

Gunner winds his arms around my back, pressing me closer to him, molding our bodies together. I tangle my fingers in his messy hair, needing to hold on to him, needing to feel every part of him with every part of me. I hardly recognize the sounds I'm making, or the way I'm grinding against him, but I don't care. I can't think about any of that. Not when I'm in the arms of my mate.

Chapter 6

Gunner

I WAS TRYING to be good. Really, I was. I had flowers, candles, and a meal set out for us. But my mate wants me more than she wants those things, and God, I'm right there with her. Bea's soft little body writhes on top of me, her fingers tugging at my hair while we taste and explore each other.

I know she feels my thickness digging into her when she gasps and grinds her hot little pussy down on my lap. I tip my head up, breaking our kiss and growling out my pleasure. Holy hell, we've barely done anything, and yet my need for her barrels through me, nearly scaring me with its intensity. I have to control myself around my human mate. I don't want to hurt her.

"You're not going to hurt me," she whispers in my ear before pulling my earlobe through her teeth.

Goddamn, this woman.

"Are you a mind reader now?"

Bea shakes her head no, while looking right at me and licking her lips. My dick swells in my jeans, but I push back my orgasm. Barely. When I come, it's going to be inside my mate.

"Not a mind reader. But I know you're holding back."

"I have to be careful with you. You're so precious to me, mate." For a brief second, I think I've said the wrong thing. There's a sadness surrounding Bea, her bright blue eyes dimming ever so slightly. But then her forehead rests on mine and she melts into my body, letting me hold her.

"I'm precious," she whispers to herself. Her words make my heart clench up painfully, but the sensation is soon replaced with soothing caresses and sweet whispered words. I realize Bea is calming me down, using her ability to make me feel better, even though she's the one who has been hurt and discarded her whole life.

I lean back just enough to cup her face in my hands. The mating moon is ripping me apart on the inside, my insatiable lust and hunger nearly choking me, but she needs this. We need this.

"Bea, I love you. I know the last twenty-four hours have been overwhelming, but I need you to know that I'm crazy about you. I can't believe my fated mate is not only beautiful and brilliant, but brave and talented and kind. You belong right here, with me. I will protect you, love you, and cherish you with every breath."

Tears gather in her eyes, but I can tell they aren't sad tears. She's just not used to hearing nice things about herself. Well, good thing I plan on changing that. I watch in awe as she blinks away her tears, the last of her sadness draining from her, replaced with unquenchable lust. My words seemingly unlocked the last part of herself she was hiding away.

Bea rolls her hips slowly as she leans in, brushing her lips against mine. "Claim me, mate."

Her whispered demand does me in. I stand up with her in my arms, stomping toward my room. I don't make it all the way there, however. I have to stop in the hallway and press her up against the wall to kiss her addictive lips.

Bea's legs tighten around my hips as I bend down and lick my mark on her neck. She gasps and bows her back off the wall, a desperate moan caught in her throat. I lick the spot again, grunting in satisfaction when I smell her arousal.

We make it a few more steps down the hall, entering my room. I kick the door shut and toss Bea down on the bed. Her hair is a tangled mess, her cheeks are flushed, and her chest is heaving with labored breaths. But it's her pounding pulse on the side of her neck that has my wolf trying to claw his way out.

I grip the front of her shirt and tear it down the middle, the beast in me roaring with satisfaction.

Bea gasps and then bites her bottom lip, her eyes fixed on me as she nods in approval. The rest of her clothes come off in the same way - me tearing my way to her soft, supple body, while she gives me heated glances and breathy moans.

Finally, I stand back and admire my handiwork.

Fuck, my mate is beautiful. She has thick thighs and curvy hips that taper into a slender waist. Her breasts are round and perky, topped with pink nipples I can't wait to taste.

Right as I'm about to lunge for her, she sits up and tugs at my shirt.

"I'm... uh, I'm pretty new at this, but I think you need to be naked too?"

"Pretty new?" I nearly roar, the thought of her with anyone else sending me into a rage.

"Yes, I'm... I'm a virgin. Is that... is that a problem?"

Anger gives way to an all-consuming, possessive need to be inside her and claim her once and for all.

My wolf demands it as much as I do. She's ours. Only ours.

"Problem? No, mate. That's perfect. You're perfect. You'll be all mine."

I rip off my own clothes in the same careless fashion I did hers. I can't help it. Every second I'm not buried between her thighs is pure agony. I know she feels it, too.

"Gunner..." Bea gasps, her eyes locked on my painful erection. I grip myself and stroke up and down, trying to relieve some of the pressure. It's no use. There's only one way I'm going to get relief.

My mate lays on her back, her legs spread, giving me my first look at her soaking wet center. I growl, low in my throat, salivating when I see her juices drip onto the sheets. Gripping her thighs, I spread her open even more before bending down and licking up her slit.

Her taste sends me into a frenzy.

I suck on her clit and spear my tongue into her impossibly tight channel, fucking her with my tongue. Bea tangles her fingers in my hair and pulls my head up. She doesn't have to say anything. I feel her burning desire, her insatiable need to be filled completely.

She growls as I crawl on top of her, the sound traveling down my spine and making my balls draw up tight. Christ, I don't know how I'm going to last once I'm inside her sweet heat.

I rub the head of my cock through her slick folds, then position myself at her entrance. The air stills.

Our eyes lock. Our heartbeats falter and then find the same rhythm.

And then I lose control and thrust into her, tearing through her virginity and claiming her as mine.

I nuzzle into the side of her neck, licking and sucking on my mark, hoping to ease some of her pain. To my complete surprise, my sexy, perfect little mate cries out her climax. I growl into her skin and run my tongue over the grooves left there by my teeth.

Bea trembles and clings to me, choking out a sob as her pussy snaps around me. I grit my teeth and close my eyes, feeling her orgasm with her. Jesus, our connection is unreal. It's blissful torture, feeling her orgasm with her while I'm barely hanging on to my own.

When her breathing has somewhat returned to normal, I pull back and then push inside of her over and over, watching her perfect pussy stretch and swallow me each time. I never want to look away.

At the same time, I need to see my mate's face, need to gaze at her gorgeous body, need to see and suck and feel every inch of her. I want all of her, and I want it right fucking now. I pull my eyes away from where we are joined and look into her crystal blue irises. I see the same need in her, the need to possess every inch, to wring out every ounce of pleasure from our bodies.

Bea leans up and kisses me, biting my lip and dragging it through her teeth. I growl and thrust into her harder, faster, the frantic energy in me transferring to her. She moans and digs her fingers into my back, clawing at me as I tear into her.

"Fuck, Bea," I growl. "Mark me, too. Make me yours."

Bea nods and whimpers as she clings to me.

"Gunner... I need... I need..." Her words turn into loud moans, her body unable to communicate any other way.

She doesn't have to finish her thought. I know what she needs. Leaning back on my heels, I throw one of her legs over my shoulder and then the other.

The new angle takes me deeper, makes her tighter, squeezing my dick in sweet, agonizing torture.

I sink into her again and again, building us up, taking as much pleasure as I'm giving. My hips jerk and stutter, my orgasm hurtling toward me like a train. I'm almost afraid of when it hits.

"Gunner, I think I'm..." Bea is shaking and pulsing, her muscles taut and strained.

"I've got you, Bea. Let go for me, mate." I pick up my pace, chasing our release, needing it while at the same time never wanting this to end. I reach down and rub her clit furiously, needing her to come again before I do.

"Oh my God, Gunner," she pants as she meets me thrust for thrust.

"Come for me, mate. Let me feel you."

I'm more animal than man right now. I pinch her clit and feel her walls snap around my dick, squeezing me painfully in the best possible way. Bea screams and gushes all over me, her release devastating her little body.

I drop her legs back down to either side of my hips and lean over her again, swallowing her moans and cries of ecstasy. My mouth finds that spot on her neck - the one I put there. I kiss over my mark as our bodies collide together again and again. I still inside of her as my cock swells.

My canines elongate and I scrape them over her neck, roaring into her skin as I come deep inside my mate. I continue to thrust as I empty more of my cum into her, grunting in satisfaction when I think about getting her pregnant.

Bea comes again, one orgasm rolling into another as we throb and pulse together, our bodies dripping in sweat. I collapse, rolling onto my side, pulling her with me. We're both gasping for air and shaking.

She's fucking incredible.

Bea curls up on my chest, and I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. I feel contentment, satisfaction, love, and a sense of belonging radiate off of her body. She smiles into the side of my neck and kisses me there. I'm sure she feels the exact same things coming from me.

We don't have to say a single word. Our hearts, bodies, and minds already so in tune to one another thanks to my mate and her amazing ability.

Chapter 7

Bea

"So?" Camden asks as we make our way back through the field where I first met Gunner.

We're on our way back to the motel room that we rented to grab the rest of our stuff. Gunner had wanted to come with us, but there was some pack dispute that he had to go take care of so I convinced Camden we should go now. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can be back with my mate.

Moved in this time. Permanently.

I can't stop the goofy smile that spreads over my face at the thought. Has it really been less than two days since we met? No, it hasn't. We've always known each other, as impossible as that seems.

"Hey!" Camden says, elbowing me and pulling me out of my daydreams. "How was it? Did it hurt?" she asks, her eyes wide and curious.

"No, it was... magical," I say on a dreamy sigh.

I laugh as Camden pretends to gag and throw up.

"You could have fooled me. I could hear you screaming all the way from Malin's cabin."

"You could not!" I scoff at her, though I feel my cheeks heat up. I'm not embarrassed about sex or my body around Gunner, but I'm still not used to the fact that everyone around here knows I lost my virginity last night, my best friend included.

"It was perfect," I say once I've recovered a bit.

"We were both, um... pretty worked up from the mating moon," I edge, sneaking a peek over at Camden. She doesn't look grossed out. Camden is all wide-eyed and curious, which encourages me to continue. "But we shared this moment. He..." I sigh and think back to the way he held my face so gently, giving me exactly what I didn't know I needed. "He was so sweet with me. He said I was precious. And when he bit me?" I make a motion like my mind was blown and Camden giggles.

"I'm glad it was good. I'm glad that you found him," she whispers, wrapping her arm around my waist and leaning her head on my shoulder. Her voice is so soft, so fragile, which is unlike the fierce, at times confrontational Camden I know.

"Me too. Thanks for wandering into the woods with me."

"Ah, you know I'd wander anywhere with you." I hug her back awkwardly, trying to take some of her sadness away. "You're gonna find someone, too, Cam." She shrugs, but doesn't say anything. "I promise. You're too kick-ass to stay single for long. Someone is going to take one look at you and snatch you right up."

I was hoping to make her smile, but instead, I feel her shrink into herself more, melting into my side.

"Yeah, that's part of the problem," she mutters. "I know exactly who wants to snatch me up."

"Hey," I say softly, stopping and turning her toward me. "Brad's not going to be a problem any more. Gunner will protect both of us. We'll be surrounded by wolves and bears and-"

"Lions and tigers, oh my!" she finishes for me, giving me a little smirk. Camden is so strong and stubborn, and she's good at hiding her feelings. Well, from everyone except me. She might look tough, and she is, but there's a fragile heart underneath all that armor.

"I'm serious. You'll be safe with us."

She nods her head, but still doesn't look convinced. I don't think Camden has ever truly felt safe. I also don't think she's ever let her guard down enough to let someone protect all those vulnerable parts of her.

"Do you think..." Camden's voice trails off before she shakes her head, trying to erase her words. I know better than to try to get her to do anything, so I wait her out, instilling some confidence and soothing her secret pain. Finally, she blows out a breath and continues. "Do you think I'm like... defective?

Maybe that's why I was given up so young. I'm broken, you know? And I only attract broken people."

"Hey, now, I'm not broken," I say with mock offense in my voice. I know the moment is getting too intense for her.

"No, but you're weird," she jokes right back.

"I'll take weird over normal or broken any day."

"Same," she says with a sigh, looping her arm around my waist again. I hold her up as we hobble our way awkwardly toward the treeline. Camden rarely has moments of self-doubt, but I'm thankful I could be here for her when she needed me.

By the time we reach the edge of the clearing, we're both hunched over and skipping a bit from our sideways hug. We laugh and break apart as we step into the woods. I go in first, finding the trail and leading us back to the hotel

We walk for a bit single file, retracing our steps back to the motel. It's late in the afternoon when we reach the end of our makeshift trail from a few nights ago. Stepping back inside the dingy little hallway leading to our room feels like an alternate reality. Did we fall down the rabbit hole out there in the woods? I instinctively reach for the mark on my neck, rubbing in back and forth to prove to myself the last few days were real.

"Maybe we should have waited for Gunner. It's going to be tough to hike back with our suitcases when it's getting dark," Camden says as she rolls her shoulders back and stretches out her legs.

"I bet he'll meet us halfway," I say with a smile as I unlock the hotel room door and head inside.

My whole body has hurt since we left Red Ridge. I assumed it was from the crazy sex last night but it's so much stronger now. Gunner warned me that we wouldn't like to be apart but I didn't think it would be this intense. I didn't know my entire body would ache for him.

I stumble, bracing my hand on the mattress as Camden calls my name and comes up beside me.

"What's wrong?" She asks, panic clear on her face. I try calming her down, but I'm too weak to do anything but slump onto the bed. Camden helps me get situated and then runs into the bathroom to get me some water.

"Thanks"" I say as I greedily drain the cup. "I think it's just because I'm away from Gunner. He tried to warn me that we wouldn't like being separated but I didn't know that it would hurt this much."

My hand goes back to the bite mark on the base of my neck and I rub the spot. It helps to ease the ache.

I take a deep breath, closing my eyes and picturing Gunner's dark, perfectly messy hair, his intense, but kind green eyes, and the way I feel safe and precious in his arms.

"I'll pack, you rest. We'll be out of here and back with your Alpha in no time," Camden says as she darts into the bathroom and starts to throw everything into our duffle bags. "Um, Bea?" she asks on an unsteady breath. Her fear electrifies the air around her, surging toward me and seizing me. What has her so on edge?

"Wh-what's wrong?" I breathe out, trying to stay calm for both of us.

"You haven't been back here, right?"

"No..."

"And Gunner hasn't been here? Or anyone from the pack?"

I try sitting up, but my chest grows tight. I'm not sure if it's because I'm so far away from Gunner or if it's because Camden's panic is starting to choke me.

"What's wrong?"

"I think someone went through our stuff..."

The words are barely out of her mouth before the door to our room bursts open.

We both jerk our heads toward the door, but I know without looking it isn't Gunner. I can't feel him. All I can feel is a manic energy, angry and crazy and almost rabid.

Camden gasps and I look to see Brad, her stalker from the group home, filling the doorframe. He's wearing a black and grey flannel and a pair of dark jeans, his chest rising and falling like a bull as he glares across the room at us. His eyes are nearly all black with a spark of sick, deranged satisfaction at scaring us. Brad's hair is sticking up in every direction like he's been pulling at it and as his lips turn up into a twisted snarl. I know I made a mistake coming here without Gunner.

Will he find us in time? Does he even know I'm gone yet? Can he sense my distress?

I reach out, grabbing Camden's hands as we face off with Brad. I squeeze my eyes shut and try to push out the terror coursing through Camden and myself, but I'm not strong enough. He grins wider when he sees her hand tighten around mine and the handle of her bag.

"Going somewhere?" He sneers as he kicks the door shut and starts to advance toward us.

Chapter 8

Gunner

THE SKIES HAVE OPENED up and it's pouring by the time the pack meeting finally winds down and I can go home to my mate. The sun set half an hour ago and it's starting to get dark. I wonder if Bea is nervous and my wolf whines, pawing at me to get out. He wants to run home and curl up around our mate. Maybe get lost in each other for a few hours as the rain pounds the roof of the house.

I hit the path to my house and shift, letting my wolf run as I think about all that I have to tell Bea when I get home. I can't wait to tell her that I found Camden an apartment in town. I know those two are like sisters and won't like to be separated, so it goes without saying that Camden will be staying in town.

I know Bea's been worried about her friend feeling left out or like the third wheel at our place and I'm hoping my mate will be pleased with me for taking care of her family too.

I all but sprint home, shifting as I burst through the front door with a smile on my face. As soon as I'm inside though, I know that she's not here. I make a quick pass through the house, double checking and making sure that nothing else is taken before I head back outside.

I shift, letting my wolf out as we rush back to town, checking out the few places I've taken her but she's not at any of them. I hurry over to Malin's place.

It's a long shot but maybe Camden took her back there. He must hear me coming because he's on the front porch when I step into the clearing around his house.

"Is she here?" I ask him, my wolf pushing at my skin and whining to get out and find our mate. Malin frowns, shaking his head, his eyes alert as he looks around for some sign of her.

"Where would she have gone?" He asks, running toward me and it hits me then.

My mate is gone.

Did she leave us? Why would she have just left?

"I don't know," I whisper, searching my brain.

"We'll find her," Malin promises as the rain falls harder around us.

We shift together and let out a howl. The whole pack will know that something is wrong and come running to help.

Lexi reaches us first and she shifts from her fox as she skids to a stop in front of us.

"We need you to tell the others that Bea is missing. Have them spread out and search for her," Malin tells her as I shift, letting my wolf take over.

It's raining too hard and every trace of her scent is long gone. My wolf whines, a deep ache starting in my chest and radiating outward until I can feel it throughout my whole body.

I head North, Malin at my side as we cross the pack line and head into Ash Mountain. Maybe the girls went hiking and got lost. My wolf doesn't like the sound of that any more than I do. If they did go hiking, they might have gotten lost and headed to the nearest town. That would be Ash Mountain.

We charge through the forest and into town, meeting Slate, the Ash Mountain Pack's Alpha.

Slate's Beta, Finn, is standing by his side.

"Gunner, what's going on?" Slate asks as we shift before him.

"My mate is missing."

"Mate? I didn't know you found your mate," Finn says, stepping forward to congratulate me before the rest of my words hit him.

"It just happened. Now she's gone."

"We'll help you," Slate says right away and I'm grateful to him.

"You go East and we'll go West," I instruct, shifting and taking off as soon as they agree.

We run for at least half an hour, weaving through the brush and trees as we search for any trace of Bea's or Camden's scent.

We get close to the town outside of the National Park and that's when it hits me. I shift, turning to face Malin.

"The hotel. She wanted to get the rest of her and Camden's stuff. She must have gone without me."

"What's the name of it?" He asks as my wolf perks up in my chest.

Now that we have an idea of where she could be, the panic is starting to subside. It won't disappear until we've got her back by my side and wrapped up tight in our arms.

"The Motor Inn," I tell him.

I've shifted before I can even finish that sentence but Malin seems to have understood me. He shifts a second after I do and together we take off through the woods to the tiny town where Bea said that they had stayed the night before she found me.

When we pass back through the field where we first met and where she saved me, I pick up her scent. The trees are so close together in this part of the forest that it's hard for the rain to reach beneath.

My wolf perks up inside me as we breathe in lungfuls of her sweet perfume. I swear I can almost smell her happiness and I try to take that as a good sign.

They probably stayed at the motel, wanting to wait out the rain. I'm sure she's fine.

She was just excited to move in. I'll talk to her about not leaving without me or at least without letting me know and she'll be back in my arms, in my bed by the end of the night.

My wolf likes that idea and we pick up speed, my paws digging into the soft ground as I race through the woods with Malin at my side.

We break through the trees a few minutes later and my wolf whines when he feels it. It's Bea, and she's upset.

No, not upset.

She's scared.

My wolf bares his teeth and I let up a howl. I can feel relief fill Bea at the sound and my wolf lets out another howl, letting her know that I'm here and that I'm going to keep her safe.

Malin comes to a sliding stop next to me, his wolf alert and waiting on me for instructions. Together we sniff our way around the side of the motel and follow the scent to a room close to the end of the building. The door is closed and I look around, making sure the coast is clear before we both shift back to human.

I look to Malin and he nods.

With one powerful move, I rear back and kick the door down, stalking inside with Malin hot on my heels.

Chapter 9

Bea

I KNew that Brad was bad news from the moment I met him nearly a year ago. I never got a good feeling about him, and that only intensified when he started hanging around the group home after he aged out, waiting for Camden. I thought that had mostly stopped, since she hadn't mentioned it in a while, but clearly my best friend was trying to hide it from me and spare me the pain. I didn't realize just how dangerous he was, or else I would have found a way to make him leave Camden alone. I don't know how, but I can be stubborn, too, when I want to be.

Camden and I are backed against the far wall, our fingers clinging to each other's shirts as we keep our eyes locked on the deranged man across the room. Our black duffle bag is waiting by our feet, our clothes and the few things we brought with us spilling out across the floor. Camden dropped it as soon as Brad slammed the door shut behind him, her entire body trembling in fear.

"I'm so sorry," she whispers to me, the terror and sorrow in those three words tearing me up inside. "I should have warned you... I should have never put you in danger."

I squeeze her hand again, trying to reassure her.

I hate that she's apologizing for this monster's actions.

"Come on, Camden! How did you not know that I was waiting for you to turn eighteen so that we could be together? You belong to me, you ungrateful bitch!"

Spit flies from his lips as he glares at Camden with wild eyes.

I can feel the nausea and fear wash over Camden and I try to do my best to block that out for her but even I'm feeling worried.

"I..." Camden squeaks out.

"No, you don't get to talk anymore. You lost that privilege. Maybe when I knock some sense into you, I'll calm down enough to hear your voice. Or maybe I'll need to claim you in another way before my anger is satisfied."

Camden whimpers and huddles into my side.

Brad continues screaming at us, pacing around the room and pulling at his hair.

I'm beginning to panic a little bit, wondering if Gunner will be able to find us before Brad snaps completely and takes what he so clearly wants.

Brad's wide, crazed eyes dart around the room, checking for who knows what and raving about how we needed to go. I realize he's about to force us into his car and my fingers tighten around Camden's arms. I know that if we leave this room, we may never be found again. He would drive us so far away that there would be no chance that Gunner or the rest of the pack could track us down.

I start to look for ways out. Maybe we can distract him and make a run for the door? If we scream, would anyone even hear us? I'm doing my best to keep the fear at bay and to try to keep everyone in the room calm.

Then I feel him.

Gunner's here. He found me.

I grin, my body relaxing in Camden's hold as I wait for my mate to rescue us.

I hear a wolf howling a few seconds later and I swear I'm so relieved I almost laugh. Brad doesn't seem to notice, still too busy detailing all of the plans that he made to steal Carden away and run off with her. Camden's hold on me tightens, her fingers digging into my arm until it's almost painful.

The door splintering startles all of us. Camden jerks back against the wall but I just smile. My naked mate and Malin stand there, both of them pissed and breathing hard. My eyes lock on Gunner as he crosses the room toward me.

Brad turns around with a scowl on his face, but when he sees Malin and Gunner standing there, naked and furious, his expression morphs to one of fear and confusion.

Malin is the first to shift and as he takes off for Brad, chasing him past us and into the tiny hall that leads to the bathroom. My mate darts over the bed and wraps me up in his arms. I smile up at him, taking notice of the relief and anger that I can feel radiating off of him.

"I knew that you'd come," I tell him.

"Always, mate. I'll always come for you." His arms wrap tighter around me, making sure I'm alright and in one piece before he looks back to where Malin has the man cornered in the bathroom.

"Who is he?" Gunner asks, trying to keep the growl from his voice and failing. I can feel the tension and simmering anger in him. Gunner is taking slow, deep breaths and I realize that he's trying to hide the anger from me so that he doesn't scare me. I wrap my arms tighter around him, letting him know that I'm alright.

"His name's Brad. He's been obsessed with Camden since we were placed in the same group home as him last year."

Malin's wolf lets out a vicious snarl and I turn to see him creeping closer to Brad. I don't need to look at Brad to feel how terrified he is. I frown at Malin, wondering why he's growling almost possessively, but before I can find out, Gunner is carrying me toward the front door.

I can tell that Gunner wishes it was him in the bathroom taking care of Brad. I know that he would do anything to keep me safe but he also trusts that Malin will make sure that Brad never hurts anyone again.

Gunner sets me on my feet right outside the front door but I keep my arms wrapped around him.

"Go outside. I'll meet you there in a minute," he tells me and I shake my head, clinging to him. "I'll be right behind you," he promises me. Camden steps forward, tugging on my hand.

Her eyes are averted, her cheeks pink and I realize that Gunner and Malin both just burst into our room completely naked.

I let Camden lead me around the corner of the motel, listening as Gunner shifts and heads back inside to help Malin. We both try to pretend that we can't hear the snarls, growls, and terrified shrieks coming from inside the motel room as we huddle together by the tree line.

Camden collapses to her knees, her whole body trembling as she wraps her arms around her waist and cries.

"Oh my god. He was going to kidnap me. I think...

I think he would have killed me if I refused him.

Jesus, he would have raped me," she says and I kneel next to her, wrapping her in my arms.

We rock side to side in the grass for a few minutes until Gunner and Malin's wolves appear beside us. Malin's wolf whines, sitting down next to Camden and nudging her with his nose. She lets go of me, surprising everyone when she wraps her arms around him and sobs into his fur.

I let her have a minute, wrapping my arms around Gunner's big brown wolf and holding on tight.

"I should have waited for you. We were so scared but deep down, I knew that you would come."

Gunner's wolf nods, shifting closer to me and I bury my face in his soft fur.

"I love you," I whisper and his wolf lets out a deep contented rumble. "Take me home?" I ask as he stands.

Camden is wiping her face off, clearing her throat and looking anywhere but at Malin's wolf. He seems to be doing the same thing, the moment between them over and the awkwardness setting in.

Malin pads ahead, leading the way. Camden falls in behind him on the path. It's almost dark now so we have to hold onto their wolves' fur to make it through the woods. I lean on Gunner, letting him lead the way home.

It takes close to two hours but we finally make it home. Gunner heads inside to put some clothes on and Malin takes off. Camden and I stand on the front porch, looking out into the dark.

"You alright?" I ask and she raises an eyebrow.

"You can't feel it?"

"I can. Just wanted to see if you wanted to talk about it."

"No, not tonight," she says with a yawn.

Gunner comes back out onto the porch and joins us.

"I found you an apartment in town," he tells Camden and she perks up. "But if you don't want to be alone tonight, then you are always welcome here."

"No, you guys need your space."

Gunner kisses my forehead, murmuring that he's going to take her back to her place and I nod.

"See you tomorrow," I say as I wrap Camden up in another hug. "If you need anything, call. You know I'll always be there for you."

She nods, waving goodbye as she heads down the steps.

"I'll be right back," Gunner says, kissing me quickly. "Stay put," he orders and I nod. I've seen enough excitement for today.

Twenty minutes later, Gunner is bursting through the front door. I hear him stomping down the hall, heading right toward the bedroom, where I'm all curled up. I feel his fear and frantic energy, and I hate that I'm the one who caused his distress.

"Mate," he growls, closing the distance between us and scooping me up in his arms. Gunner holds me close, cradling me and pressing soft kisses all over my face. I don't realize we've moved until he's setting me down in front of the shower. "You smell like him," Gunner explains with a territorial look in his eyes as he turns on the water.

He tears at my clothes as if they are offensive to him. I'm bare before my mate, completely exposed, and completely safe.

In record time, Gunner rips his own clothes off and is naked before me. He really is stunning. I love his broad shoulders and defined pecs, the corded muscles in his arms, all of his strength that he uses to protect and comfort me.

Before he gets the chance to do or say anything, I pull him down for a kiss. Our tongues war for control as his hands stroke my body up and down. He cups my ass and lifts me up, walking us into the shower, never breaking the kiss.

Only when he sets me down, do we both come up for air.

"I was scared out of my mind, Bea," he growls softly.

"I'm sorry. I'm safe now. I knew you'd come for me."

"Always," he vows, nuzzling into my neck to lick my mark. Then he kisses lower, kneeling before me.

His hands rest on my hips, guiding me backward so I'm leaning against the wall of the shower. "I need to taste you again," he grunts. I recognize the animal in him clawing its way to the surface. He guides one leg up over his shoulder, giving him complete access to my soaking wet core.

I gasp when he turns his head and sinks his teeth into the thigh that is slung over his shoulder, kissing away the sting. Then, Gunner flattens his tongue and runs it from my entrance to my clit. Again.

Again. I buck my hips and moan his name. Gunner pushes his tongue deep inside my entrance, causing my tight channel to clench and release more of my arousal.

Gunner growls and I feel the vibrations echoing off of every nerve in my body. He pulls his tongue out and thrusts it back in, fucking me with his mouth while rubbing my clit with his thumb. It's almost too much, I feel myself getting close already. So close...

He withdraws his tongue and finger and I cry out at the loss.

"I've got you, mate. I'll always take care of you." He licks my tight ball of nerves, drawing figure eights with his tongue, over and over. And then he slams two fingers in my hole and my body jerks, back arching off the wall. He moves his other hand from my hip to my stomach, spreading his fingers out over my stomach, keeping me pinned to the wall.

"D-don't stop," I plead, stuttering the words out on a moan.

Gunner looks up at me, growling before returning his attention to my clit.

My orgasm tears through me, shredding me apart into pliant ribbons of pleasure. Gunner stands up and kisses me, long and deep, slow and passionate. He slides his hands up to my hips and I throw my arms around his neck, forcing the kiss to go deeper.

Finally, he breaks the kiss and nuzzles my neck, placing the softest kiss over my mark. He lifts his head and rests it on my forehead. We're both breathing heavily, sharing the same air, the same intensity.

"Goddamn, baby," he breathes out. "Love watching you come apart in my hands, in my mouth.

You're beautiful."

Before I can respond, he captures my lips once again in an all-consuming kiss. He breathes life into me, our passion growing with each swipe of his tongue. He breaks the kiss to lift me up into his arms. My legs automatically wrap around his hips and I feel his hard cock rub up and down my slit.

I wiggle in his arms, willing him to keep going, to take me, claim me once again and make me his. I need him to complete me in the way only he can.

Gunner growls, tightening his grip on my thighs and continuing to slide his length through my folds.

His thickness glides against my sensitive bundle of nerves, winding that coil deep within tighter and tighter with each stroke.

I feel his mouth roam over my neck, chest, nipples, and everywhere in between. The heat of his tongue and the sting of his teeth peppering my skin and set my nerves on fire. My fingers tangle in his hair as I hold on for dear life.

Finally, finally, he thrusts deep inside me while biting down on my nipple. The coil snaps and I instantly come, pulsing and shaking in his arms. I forget to breathe. All I can do is drown in wave after wave of pleasure as it washes over me and leaks out from between my thighs.

Gunner licks his mark on my neck, prolonging my pleasure. "Breathe, Bea. Take a breath for me," he murmurs.

I drag air into my lungs, the oxygen pulling pleasure along with it while traveling into my bloodstream and coursing throughout my body.

Gunner chuckles as he pulls my earlobe through his teeth. "Love seeing you lost in pleasure," he murmurs. All I can do is moan at this point. "I have to move, baby."

With that, he pulls out and slams back into me, setting a punishing pace. I feel his fingers tighten around my thighs as he holds me in place, pounding into me again and again. It hurts so good, feeling him stretch me, his fingers bruise me, his teeth sink into the side of my neck before he licks away the sting.

I tilt my head back and he covers my mouth with his, swallowing my cries in a heated, hungry kiss.

He rests his forehead on mine and grunts with each thrust of his hips. I didn't think I had anything left in me, but I feel the pressure building again in my core, quickly overwhelming me as my legs start to shake.

Gunner pulls his head back enough to look me in the eyes. His gaze is so intense, but I can't look away.

"Give me one more," he growls, his muscles tense and vibrating with his own need for release. I close my eyes as I reach the point of no return. "Eyes on me, mate. I want to watch you come."

I snap my eyes open right as pleasure overtakes my body. Gunner's cock swells inside of me and explodes as another wave of pleasure rumbles through me, through him, through us, as we breathe and come together as one.

The raw, unfiltered, perfect moment lasts forever. We never break eye contact as we hold each other close, basking in the warmth and love we've found.

Gunner sets me down and tucks my head under his chin, covering me with his entire body like he's shielding me from everything outside of this moment. I place a gentle kiss on his chest before burying my head there and wrapping my arms around his waist.

Chapter 10

Gunner

I JERK AWAKE, bolting upright in bed, confused, panicked, and on edge. It's pitch black in my room, indicating Bea and I have only been asleep for a few hours. I feel the burst of adrenaline drain from me, replaced with a peace and calm I know can only come from my mate.

I look down into her brilliant blue eyes, my heart rate returning to normal when I see she's safe in my arms. I must have had a nightmare about her being taken away from me.

"Don't leave me again, Bea," I plead. My wolf bristles at the memory of realizing she was gone. I push him back, reminding him our mate is safe and she needs us to be calm for her.

"I won't," she vows, her voice still a little scratchy from sleep.

"I'm serious. I couldn't live without you. God, Bea, I can't even think about if something happened--"

She cuts me off with a kiss, somehow knowing I don't need her apologies or her promises, I just need her. Bea's beautiful body, her pure soul speaks to mine in a way words never could.

When we come up for air, Bea looks at me with those blue eyes that pierce right through me, breaking me and healing me at the same time.

"I love you, Gunner," she murmurs. "I'm never leaving. I'm yours. Your mate."

I breathe in her words and feel them fill my lungs, seeping into my bloodstream and pumping through my heart. Every beat is for her. I don't have words, so I show her what she means to me in a way I know she'll understand.

Cupping the back of her neck, I draw her in for another kiss. She opens up for me and I savor her taste, caressing every inch of her mouth. It belongs to me.

Continuing my exploration of Bea, I run my hand down her throat and over her collarbone, my mouth following close behind, nibbling and sucking on her sweet skin as I go. I feel her breath hitch, her back arch, her chest pressing against my lips as I devour her.

I roll us so she's on her back beneath me, growling softly at the sensation of her naked body pressed against mine. We never got dressed after our shower, both of us too exhausted to bother with clothes.

I cup her perfect breasts, weighing them in my hands and flicking her pebbled nipples with my thumbs. Pushing them together, I lick her cleavage and kiss the tops of her perky tits before sucking a nipple in my mouth. I kiss a trail to her other breast and give it the same treatment.

My hands slide down her torso, giving my mouth access to the sensitive underside of her breasts. I nip at one and then the other, earning me the most delicious whimpers from Bea. My hands slide down her body, followed by my mouth. I place open-mouthed kisses down her torso, pausing only to lick around her belly button and dip my tongue inside.

She's wriggling beneath my soft touches and kisses, but I'm not done yet. I take her left leg in my hands, gripping her calf with one hand and running my other hand up the inside of her thigh. I lift her leg up and kiss the inside of her ankle, up, up, up, until I reach the tender skin behind her knee, where I bite and kiss away the sting.

Bea gasps and lets her legs fall open, inviting me in, letting me know she needs this as much as I do. I kiss one thigh and then the other before crawling up her body. Bea surprises me by sitting up and placing her hands on my shoulders, turning and guiding me to lay on my back.

She straddles me and leans down to kiss me, sucking my tongue in her mouth and devouring me.

She breaks the kiss and licks her lips, a heat flickering in her eyes.

"Mine," she whispers into the shell of my ear. A shiver runs down my spine when I feel her teeth sink into my neck.

"Yours," I growl, cursing under my breath as my cock twitches and leaks precum.

Bea trails kisses down my body where her hands roam my chest, my abs, my hips. I feel her lips and tongue trace the contour of my muscles, memorizing every dip and plane. Her teeth scrape against my skin and I groan at the contact.

And then, she places a sweet kiss over my heart.

"Mine," she says again, her voice softer, more reverent.

"Yours"" I confirm. It's all hers. All of me.

Bea looks up and flashes me a brilliant smile. I reach down and pull her up, crashing my lips on hers. She takes what I give her, and she gives it right back in the sexiest game of tug-of-war with our tongues.

She lifts herself up on her knees, hovering over my painfully hard cock. And then she drops down, taking all of me inside her at once.

We both groan at the sensation of being together like this. It's only been a few hours, but she needs me as much as I need her.

My hands slide up her thighs and grip her hips as her hands rest on my chest, giving her the leverage she needs to find her rhythm. She rocks on top of me, grinding against me before lifting up and slamming back down.

Bea shakes on top of me, her breathing choppy as sweat forms at her temples. I grip her ass and sit up, keeping her in my lap. She moves her hands from my chest to the headboard behind me, rolling her body and swiveling her hips, taking me deeper than before with this new angle.

"So good, Bea. You feel so good," I growl softly, unable to say or think anything else.

She throws her head back, her hair tickling my legs, sending another wave of sensation straight to my dick. Her breasts bounce so beautifully for me as she rides me hard and fast. I latch on to one hard nipple and suck it into my mouth, swirling my tongue around the sensitive nub.

"Gunner! Oh, God..."

"I've got you," I grunt, gripping her tighter and helping her find her release.

Bea screams my name as her body snaps around mine, her legs trembling, her pussy spasming, squeezing me in a velvet vice grip. I hold her up by her hips and fuck up into her, reveling in the way her channel squeezes and massages me.

In a flash, I flip us over and thrust inside of her in rough, deep strokes. Bea stretches her arms above her head and lays her palms on the headboard, pushing her body further into mine as we get lost in our pleasure. I feel her orgasm rising up from her core, and Jesus, I somehow feel her feeling me. It's insane and incredible, this otherworldly connection we have.

Our eyes lock right as we both let go, clinging to each other as we free-fall into total, complete bliss.

Tears gather in her eyes, and I kiss them away before nuzzling into the side of her neck. I kiss and lick my mark there, gently bringing us both backdown. Her fingers tangle in my hair, holding me close to her.

Eventually, I slide out of her and shift my weight so I'm not crushing my mate with my large frame.

Bea is still on her back, propped up a little by a pillow. Her fingers are still gripping my hair, like she doesn't want me to go anywhere. I lay my cheek down on her tummy, facing her. That seems to satisfy her.

She plays with my hair and strokes my back, making my wolf sigh in complete contentment. He's finally satisfied that she's safe. I look up and see Bea smiling down at me, her fingers combing through my hair. I've never felt more loved. Closing my eyes, I let her sweet touches relax me.

Chapter 11

Bea

ONE MONTH LATER...

I'm giddy but trying to hide it as I impatiently wait for Gunner to get home. Camden just left but we spent the last few hours decorating the house and getting the surprise ready before my mate got home from the pack meeting.

I just found out a few days ago that I was pregnant. I don't know why it came as such a surprise considering the way that we've been going at it for the past month. I guess I never thought of becoming a mom. I mean, I'm only eighteen, but when I saw those two pink lines, instead of feeling fear or nervousness, I just felt excitement.

I wonder how Gunner will take the news.

He hasn't brought up kids or starting a family but I've seen the way he looks at the kids in town and I just know that he's going to be happy.

The front door opens and I take a deep breath. I don't want my excitement to give away the surprise.

"Hey, how was the meeting?" I ask him as I meet him in the living room and wrap my arms around his neck.

"Good. I missed you," he says as he leans down and nuzzles my neck.

"I missed you too," I tell him, moaning softly as his lips brush across my mark. "I have something to tell you," I tell him before he can sidetrack me and I end up bent over the couch or kitchen table.

"Is it how much you love me?" Gunner asks, continuing to lick a path up and down my neck.

"No, but I do love you."

"I love you too," he murmurs against my skin and I shiver.

"I need to show you something in the bedroom," I tell him as I take a step back, pulling out of his reach.

Gunner's eyes darken and he gives me a sexy grin.

"In the bedroom? Alright, I'd love to see whatever you want to show me in there. Or you could show me right here," he tries as he takes a step toward me.

I dance out of his reach, taking off down the hallway before he can get his hands on me.

Gunner's laugh follows me down the hallway and I can hear him getting closer and closer. I grab the doorframe to our room. slipping around the corner in my socks and using my momentum to beat him into the room.

I turn to see Gunner smiling at me. The balloon strings tickle his hair but he's not looking around at any of the balloons or the banner exclaiming that I'm expecting. His eyes are locked on me.

"Surprise," I whisper, my arms opening to encompass the room. "I'm pregnant."

"I know," Gunner says in a tone that implies he's known for a while and thought that this news was obvious.

"How did you know? I only found out a few days ago."

"I could smell it on you. You're carrying my pup."

"Pups," I correct him and he stops in his tracks, his eyes studying my face.

"How do you know it's more than one?"

"I can feel them. We're having twins," I tell him, excited to finally know something before him.

"Twins," Gunner murmurs, stepping forward to brush his hands over my belly.

I let him have his moment, loving the soft look on his face while he studies my stomach.

"You're going to make the best dad."

"You're going to be an even better mom."

"I don't want to announce the news to the pack.

Tomorrow is Camden's birthday and I don't want to take away from her big day?"

"I'm sure they already know. They can probably all smell it but I won't say anything. How old is Camden going to be again?" He asks, his hands and eyes still on my stomach.

"Eighteen."

"Big year," Gunner murmurs and I frown.

"I guess so. It's not like it's twenty-one or anything but she won't have to be afraid of Child Protective Services finding her and taking her back to a group home or anything."

"No, it's a big year because that's when shifters can find their mate. The scent changes and that's how we find each other."

"Really?" I ask as I ponder over the new possibilities. "Do you think that Camden has a fated mate too? What if they're not in this pack?"

"Calm down. Humans and shifters mating are pretty rare so I doubt it."

I sigh, silently wishing that Camden could find a mate too and stay here in Red Ridge with us forever.

"Oh, did you send Malin to watch me today because you knew that I was pregnant?"

"No," Gunner says and I notice him frowning like he's thinking about something hard

"Huh, he was hovering around here all day while

Camden and I were filling up all these balloons."

"Hmm," Gunner sighs and I can tell that he knows something but doesn't want to tell me.

"I'm going to figure it out sooner or later," I whisper and he grins.

"I have a feeling that you'll find out tomorrow," he whispers back.

"Are you going to buy me a funnel cake at the fair tomorrow?" I ask as my mate starts to back me up closer and closer to the bed.

"I'm going to buy you all the funnel cakes that you want, mate," he says before his mouth claims me and I get lost in him.

Chapter 12

Gunner

FIVE YEARS LATER...

"RAwR!" Seth growls, launching his little body at me.

I wrap my arm around his little waist, flipping him over onto the bed

"Pinned you," I tell him as Grant, my other son laughs.

They've been practicing fighting all week. Bea keeps telling me that it's because I told them about how you have to fight to become Alpha and now they're both determined to beat me and take the title. I don't think that grooming them to take over the pack one day is a bad thing but Bea insists that we need to let them be kids before we try to put that kind of pressure on them and what my mate wants, she gets.

"Alright, that's enough rough housing, boys!" Bea calls as she comes waddling down the hallway and into the room.

My wolf perks up at the sight of our mate's round belly. Bea is nine months pregnant and she should be giving birth any day now. That's why I've been sticking closer to home. Camden and Malin have already promised to watch the boys when the time comes and we've got the nursery all done.

Bea is sure that it's a girl this time and I trust my mate. She hasn't been wrong so far.

We got married a few weeks after Bea told me that she was pregnant. Weddings and marriage aren't really a big thing among shifters but it seemed important to Bea.

We got married in the field where she first found me. Camden was her maid of honor and Malin was my best man. The whole pack showed up and most of the Ash Mountain Pack was here too.

My wolf and I had enjoyed showing our mate off to everyone and while the bite mark on her neck was a reminder to all shifters that she was taken, the ring on her finger would warn off everyone else. My wolf and I are all about everyone knowing that Bea is taken.

Bea has taken to the pack seamlessly. She loves going around and checking on everyone, making sure that they have everything that they need and that they're happy and healthy. She's the best mate that an Alpha could wish for and I'm lucky to call her mine.

"Alright, boys. Go wash up for dinner," Bea tells Grant and Seth with a warm smile.

I laugh as I watch them tumble off the bed and race out the door. They seem to compete over everything and I can hear Grant yell that he won a second before the water in the sink turns on.

"Are you hungry, my love?" Bea asks as she starts to fold some of the boys' laundry in the basket on the dresser.

"I'll get that," I tell her, pulling Seth's t-shirt from her fingers. "You should be resting."

"There's too much to do!" She protests.

"Then you tell me what needs to be done and I'll do it. We're going to have our hands full when our little one gets here. You need to rest now. How are your feet?" I ask but I'm already lifting her so that I can check them myself.

"They're fine," she says but I notice the way her eyelids droop when I start to rub her feet.

"How about you eat in bed tonight?" I offer, already making plans to get her a plate.

"I'm fine, Gunner," she tries to protest. "I'm not an in- OH!"

My wolf and I both jerk when we hear our mate in distress.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"It was just a contraction" she says and I'm on my feet in an instant.

"I'll tell Malin and Camden that it's time," I call as I hurry down the hallway.

The boys are already sitting at the table and they perk up when I come barreling into the kitchen.

"Your mom is in labor. Get your bags so you can stay at Uncle Malin's."

"What about dinner?" They protest.

"I'll pack it for you."

They take off down the hallway and I call Malin, putting the food into containers as I tell him that Bea is in labor. He assures me that they'll be over in a few minutes to pick them up.

I turn around and my breath catches when I see

Bea carrying the diaper bag and car seat into the living room.

"Put that down! I'll get it!" I yell as I leap over the kitchen counter and tug the stuff from her hands.

"I'm pregnant, not dying, Gunner."

I ignore her, checking on the boys and making sure that they have everything packed before I herd them back out into the living room.

We're just reaching the front door when Malin and Camden pull up out front. The boys race out and I follow after them, helping them climb into the car and passing Malin the containers of food.

"Thanks for watching them."

"Of course. Now go have that baby," Malin says, making sure the kids are buckled in.

I wave as they take off and then rush back to help Bea into the car.

"Ready?" I ask her, helping her pull the seatbelt across her lap.

"Let's go," Bea says with the prettiest smile.

I hit the gas, grinning as we take off for the Doula's.

Chapter 13

Bea

FIFTEEN YEARS LATER...

"WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE!" I call down the hall to Gunner.

"I'm coming!" He yells back.

Today is the day that our oldest son, Seth takes over as Alpha of the Red Ridge Pack. He's twenty now and has spent the last ten years preparing to one day lead this pack.

Normally, there would be a fight to determine the Alpha, but Gunner is ready to step down and there have been no other challengers, so Seth gets the job.

Our other son, Grant, found his mate when he turned eighteen and moved to the Ash Mountain Pack with her. He's supposed to be here with his family soon to help us celebrate.

I tap my foot impatiently, waiting for Gunner.

I'm just about to head out to the car when Gunner and our daughter Riley come jogging down the hallway.

"Are you ready, Mom?" Riley asks like I haven't been waiting on them for the past fifteen minutes.

"Yeah, honey. Let's go."

Gunner wraps his arm around my shoulders, kissing my forehead as he leads me down the path toward the town square.

It's a beautiful day and I smile as I listen to the birds chirp overhead.

"Perfect day for the ceremony," Gunner says, looking around.

Riley has skipped further ahead, meeting up with Camden's son, Jasper. They've been best friends since birth but Camden and I are convinced that they're meant to be mates as well.

"Hey, you two," Camden calls as she joins us on the path, her black hair blowing in the breeze.

"Hey! Where's Malin?" I ask as she falls into step beside me.

"I'm sure he'll catch up soon. Jasper and I were tired of waiting for him."

As if he heard us, Malin comes jogging down the trail. He wraps his arm around Camden, tugging her into his side and giving her a look which she just rolls her eyes at.

"Are you nervous?" Camden asks as we make our way into the town square.

"No, I know that he's ready for this."

We all wave when we see Seth standing on the small podium up front. The ceremony is about to start and we take our seats in the front row. Grant and his family are already there and I give them all a quick hug before I take my seat next to Gunner.

Seth takes to the podium and I smile. I look around at the family that Camden and I both found here. We might have started out alone but we found people who care about us, a place to belong, and most importantly, our own happily ever afters.

THE END

Camden's and Malin's story in 'Romanced by my Mate'.

Free Online Read

Possessed by the Alpha

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Recent Posts

Kommentare