The Alpha's Virgin Prize (Mated for Life 1)

“It’s nothing.”

“Bethany, you’re my mate. I can’t make you happy unless you tell me what it is that makes you upset.”

She stared down at where he held her. Even this felt good to her. “It’s just … I’m so happy.”

It was crazy to be scared of being genuinely happy. It seemed too good to be true, and she was terrified it would be ripped away from her.

“You look and smell like you’ve been crying.”

“You can smell tears?” she asked.

“Yes. You’re sad. I don’t want my mate to feel anything but happiness.”

She didn’t want to sound so insecure to him. This was more than she could have ever hoped for.

“Just … don’t break my heart, please.”

He smirked. “Is that all? You never have to worry about that.” He let go of her hand and scooped her up in his arms. “I know there’s more going on here and one day, I hope you’ll be able to trust me with your heart. I’ll never break it, I promise.”

She wanted to believe him.

Chapter Eight

The rain finally let up, the sun filtering down through the forest canopy. The rich scent of black earth and new life filled the air. Droplets of rain trickled down from leaves, and Caleb had to wipe some from his face.

He tested the air for something more.

“The rain probably washed away his scent,” said Brian.

“Then we’ll track him.”

Caleb had regrets. He’d let that crazed bear walk away when he’d literally had him in his grasp. After checking the news reports and rounding up the remaining members of Joe’s sleuth, they’d determined three bears had gone rogue from the mutant genes. But the dominant one had already killed the other two. That left the same rogue bear that needed to be taken out.

He'd been toying with them, leaving little calling cards near their home to let them know he’d been there. It was a game to him. The rogue was a killing machine. He’d wanted Joe at first, but now he wanted Caleb and his pack for becoming involved.

“But he keeps stalking the property when we’re off doing patrols,” said David. “What about your mate?”

“Even if something happens to Bethany, you’ll all still be free to find your mates. Wolves only mate once.” Caleb growled his irritation.

“That’s not what I meant. Bethany’s part of our pack now. Even our wolves want to keep her safe.”

He exhaled. His nerves were on high, and he was taking it out on those closest to him. “I know,” he said. “I could have ended this days ago, but I let him walk.”

His pack had tried to warn him, but he’d ignored them.

“You did what you thought was best. Now that we know there aren’t any more, we can handle it properly.”

“I need to send Bethany away until we kill the bear,” said Caleb. It was the last thing he wanted to do. His wolf demanded he protect her and keep her close, but her safety had to come first.

“Where?”

He paced, the soft earth forgiving under his booted feet. “Far away. The next town is hundreds of miles away. Reese, can you arrange a taxi and room at a nice hotel? I want her to have the best. ASAP.”

“Will do.” Reese returned to the house.

Caleb felt torn but good about his decision. Once he knew his mate was safe and sound, his pack would go feral until that bastard was rounded up. The bears were going to help, even if it had taken a lot of convincing.

“David, tell Joe to prepare his sleuth.”

A local taxi would be there within the hour, then they could begin.

Joe joined them in the forest.

“Speak of the devil,” said Caleb. “I was just talking about you.”

“I still don’t like the idea.” Joe ran a hand down his face, dark circles under his eyes.

Caleb frowned. “You’re a fucking bear. Act like it. You’re the largest shifters in the forest. You shouldn’t be afraid of anything or anyone. Think of your sleuth. They need a leader, an alpha, someone willing to fight for them and not bow out when things get tough.”

“I’m not like you. You’re a born alpha, I’m not.”

“Not all alphas are born, Joe. I started this pack from scratch, and we fought together for all the land we have. Nothing was handed to us. Nothing was easy.” Caleb patted his chest. “It starts here. You have the strength, size, and muscle. Get your heart and mind into the game and you won’t lose.”

David chimed in. “Tell your men to get ready. As soon as Caleb’s mate is out of town, we hunt.”

Joe nodded, not arguing.

“I’ve got to tell Bethany the plan and have her pack a bag. My new mate is a major incentive to get this shit cleaned up fast.” He wanted to end this tonight so he could pick up Bethany tomorrow. They were still freshly mated, their desire and need still as intense as day one. It would be brutal being away from her longer than a day.