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.”

already had a mug set in front of them, including

what’s on tap,” Nash said. “If

called it,” Jake

“This is great, thanks.” She held her mug up and gulped while the boys looked on with widening

Mrs. Alpha can drink,” Jake

she could. She peeked at Xavier, self-conscious now.

shaking his head as

“Unladylike?” she finished, wincing.

as hell,” he said and planted

Even Harley clapped three times before scowling

relief and happiness at their acceptance was so overwhelming. Laughing was better than crying, she told herself. And she was tempted to do both. Geez, how had she lived this

heart dropped into her stomach as she recognized Scott, her assistant. He stood near the door, half-turned

her back, but she couldn’t take

Laurel stood quickly, almost knocking her chair over in the

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