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.”

them already had a mug set in front of them, including

on tap,” Nash said. “If

I already called

thanks.” She held her mug up and

Alpha can drink,” Jake said

mug and set it down, wiping the corner of her mouth as delicately as she could. She peeked at Xavier, self-conscious now. She’d been parched after their little interlude in his truck but wondered if maybe she should’ve

blinked, shaking his head as if

“Unladylike?” she finished, wincing.

hell,” he said and planted

crew applauded her. Even Harley clapped

crying, she told herself. And she was tempted to do both. Geez, how had she lived this long without

recognized Scott, her

she couldn’t take

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

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