There wasn’t a hint of doubt in his voice. “I’m glad you think so, but you can’t speak for your friends.”
“You don’t get it yet, but you will.” He shook his head. “The Wilderness Pack isn’t like most shifter groups. We’re small on purpose. Keane built it that way as our alpha.”
“Alpha?” I echoed, testing the unfamiliar word.
“Alpha doesn’t mean he’s an overbearing tyrant. It means he’s responsible for making sure everyone has what they need. And keeping everyone safe.” He searched my expression to see how I was taking his explanation before he added, “Leyton’s not just his brother. He’s also his second in command—his beta. They balance each other.”
“And you?” I asked.
“Cougars are different from most shifter breeds. Litters, our version of packs, tend to be smaller because we’re more solitary by nature. That’s why this place worked for me, even with bears, wolves, and a dragon mixed in. And our numbers growing as my packmates find their fated mates and build their families.” A corner of his mouth lifted. “I’ve always liked traveling for work. Months at a time, moving from one project to the next. And since I don’t have a leadership role in the pack, Keane has been fine with me continuing that way.”
I liked the sound of that. Traveling toward a destination instead of running from the last place.
I wondered what his schedule would look like now that he’d found me. If I’d be able to go with him.
He must’ve seen the thought cross my face, because he murmured, “Nothing about your future has to be decided today, sweetheart. I’ve already given you a fuck ton to wrap your head around.”
“Knowing this about you. About me.” I pressed my palm lightly to my chest. “It explains so much. Why I never wanted anyone before you. Why this doesn’t feel wrong. And maybe even why I never felt like I belonged anywhere until you found me.”
His gaze held mine as he admitted, “I hate to know you went through all that, but I like that you think you might’ve been waiting for me.”
We sat there for a moment, our knees touching as the quiet wrapped around us. It felt peaceful.
Knowing what he was hadn’t pushed me away.
It anchored me.
And for the first time I could remember, the world didn’t feel like something I had to brace myself against.
It felt like somewhere I could stay. Finally.
10
GARNER
Ididn’t like leaving my mate. She was curled up in bed where I’d left her, cuddled beneath the blanket, getting some much-needed rest. After showing her my cougar, we spent the rest of yesterday in bed. I’d explored every inch of her body, sinking inside her sweet pussy over and over again. Until she finally collapsed into an exhausted heap and drifted off to a deep sleep.
As I pulled on my boots near the front door, I kept my movements quiet so I didn’t wake her. But when I was ready to leave, I couldn’t resist returning to the bedroom one last time. I brushed my knuckles gently along her cheek.
She stirred but didn’t wake, murmuring something soft under her breath that made another notch of my restraint slip loose.
“I’ll be back soon,” I promised, even though she couldn’t hear me.
My cougar bristled at the idea of distance, but I forced him down and walked outside. I didn’t miss the wolf leaning against the bumper of my truck, his arms crossed over his chest.
Booker watched me approach. “You look like you’re headed for trouble.”
“Site check,” I replied. “Been having some trouble on my current project.”
His eyes gleamed with predatory interest. “Keane filled me in. Thought I’d check if you wanted a little help since I’m at loose ends right now.”
I shook my head. “It’s better if you’re here while I’m gone.”
Booker’s gaze flicked to my cabin, and something unreadable crossed his expression before it hardened into focus. “I’ll watch over her.”
“I know you will.” Even though it galled me to admit since my cougar was pushing me to warn the unmated wolf away from my mate. I’d always be possessive over her, but the urge would ride me even harder until I’d solidified our bond by marking her as mine.
“I don’t have a mate. No pups. Nothing pulling my attention elsewhere,” he added, his eyes flashing gold. “If anyone comes too close, they won’t get past me.”
