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,

Nash said. “If you don’t like

called

table first at Nash and then Jake. “This is great, thanks.” She held her mug up and

Mrs. Alpha can drink,” Jake said in

she could. She peeked at Xavier, self-conscious now. She’d been parched after their little interlude

head as if to clear

“Unladylike?” she finished, wincing.

hell,” he said and planted a smacking

applauded her. Even Harley clapped three times

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 long without

heart dropped into her stomach as she recognized Scott, her assistant. He stood near the door, half-turned like he’d been headed inside. He looked frozen

but she couldn’t take her eyes

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 day. She ignored him, ignored them all, and rushed

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