Mated to the Wilde Bear

Chapter 24: Laurel

The sun had already dipped behind the mountains, throwing shadows over the parking lot as Laurel followed Xavier onto the deck at Mack’s. She understood now why no one else bothered to use the deck out here. Only shifters wouldn’t be bothered by the drastic temperature drop when the sun went down. Even in August, it was chilly with the sun gone.

Her hand was in Xavier’s as she walked. She spotted the Wilde crew at their usual table but stalled when she noticed Lucas wasn’t in his seat. He’d moved to the far end, leaving her the empty chair beside his alpha. Her heart panged, and she blinked back an unexpected tear.

“You all right?” Xavier asked in her ear.

“Better than,” she assured him. Who knew it could feel like this to have friends? To be accepted.

Lucas caught her eye. She smiled over at him in thanks as she slid into the chair Xavier held out for her. He ducked his head but not before she caught a returned smile of his own.

“Mr. and Mrs. Alpha have arrived,” Jake announced.

Xavier scowled as he took his seat but squeezed her hand.

“Fucking finally,” Harley muttered before draining his beer. “I’m starving.”

had a mug set in

tap,” Nash said. “If you don’t like it, I’ll

I already called it,” Jake put

is great, thanks.” She held her mug up

Alpha can drink,” Jake said in

at Xavier, self-conscious now. She’d been parched after their little interlude in his truck but wondered if maybe

his head as if to

“Unladylike?” she finished, wincing.

as hell,” he said and planted a smacking kiss on her

Even Harley clapped three times before scowling

laughed, the relief and happiness at their acceptance was so overwhelming. Laughing was better than crying, she told herself. And

went still. Her heart dropped into her stomach as she recognized Scott, her assistant. He stood near the

voice called her back, but she couldn’t take her eyes

to confusion. His brow wrinkled, and he swept a look over the rest of the crew before returning to her. Laurel stood quickly, almost knocking her chair over in the process. Lucas caught it like he had with Xavier’s the other

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