Page 22 of The Renegade Mate

I frowned, annoyed with the Shaw stubbornness. He was just like his brother, but I knew I couldn’t push further. “Just don’t write it off completely. Who knows what the future holds?”

“Maybe,” he conceded. “For now, though, don’t go planning the wedding just yet.”

I laughed, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll stay out of it.”

But privately, I hoped Mason would keep an open mind. Because from the way Shya had glanced his way when she thought no one was looking, the attraction was clearly not one-sided.

Ten minutes later, Michael strode out of the double doors. He came directly to Ryan and held out his hand. “Thank you, all of you, for saving my son. He would have died if you had not jumped in to protect him.”

“It's what anyone would have done,” Ryan replied.

“How is Tucker doing?” I asked.

Michael turned to face me, his eyes haunted and drawn. It had been a close call with his son, and he knew it. “He’ll be fine.”

Relief flooded my body as Michael’s words washed over me. Tucker was okay. My heart, which had been pounding with worry, slowed to a more normal rhythm.

“Tucker’s a tough one,” Michael continued, his voice tinged with pride. “Camille and Shya are looking after him. Knowing him, he’ll probably try to escape within the hour.”

A laugh escaped my lips, the tension breaking. “That sounds like Tucker.”

“We’re glad he’s all right,” Ryan said, his voice sincere.

“Thank you again,” Michael said, his eyes meeting mine. The gratitude was genuine, and I could see the weight of worry lifting from his shoulders.

Ryan’s brow furrowed. “What about the bear? Do you have an issue with them around here? Have there been any reports about this one before?”

Michael shook his head. “No, most bears don’t like how we smell. They keep clear of our territory or pass through quickly. We haven’t had a bear attack in over twenty years.”

“It didn’t smell or act like a normal grizzly,” Ryan said. “You got any bear Shifters in the area?”

“You think it might be a Shifter?”

Ryan nodded. “It would explain his scent and why he attacked and didn’t retreat when he was confronted with four werewolves.”

Michael’s face turned thoughtful. “I’ve not heard about any bear Shifters passing through recently. But I know Tristan had contacts with some of them up north. It’s possible this bear has allied with Tristan and was sent here to test our defenses.” Michael looked out at the woods beyond the Alpha House. “I’ll organize a hunting party. See if we can track this bear down and find some answers.”

The rustling of leaves caught my attention, and I turned to see Ivan emerging from the side of the house. His face was drawn, eyes narrowed, his body language screaming tension. My heart lurched; I knew what was coming.

Ryan’s body stiffened next to me, his eyes locked on Ivan. Controlled anger emanated from him.

“Ivan,” Ryan growled, his voice low and threatening. “What the fuck was that? You realize you injured my mate with your pig-headed impulsiveness.”

Ivan marched up to Ryan, getting way too close for my liking. It was a show of dominance, and I wasn’t sure Ryan would hold it together.

“Yeah, well, considering, at the time, I thought you and she had lured Tucker into the woods and put him in danger, you all got off lightly.”

“Is that right?” Ryan replied, his voice suddenly calm. Uh-oh. This was not a good sign. “Coz to me, it looked like you rushed into a situation you didn’t understand. Instead of evaluating, you saw Tucker hurt and jumped to conclusions. We all got hurt, and you put Tucker in further danger by starting a fight. You need to be aware of what’s happening, Ivan. You need to use your head, even in wolf form. If you don’t learn this, and fast, you’re going to continue to put your Pack in danger, and next time, maybe you—or Tucker—won’t be so lucky.”

Ivan’s jaw clenched, his eyes darkening with defiance. “I did what I thought was necessary. I protected my Pack.”

“Your Pack did not need protecting,” Ryan snapped, his voice sharp as a blade. “You acted without thinking.”

“I acted without trust,” Ivan shot back, his voice filled with bitterness. “We don’t just trust outsiders here, you know. It’s something you need to earn.”

Ryan’s eyes bore into Ivan, a challenge and a warning all in one. “We saved Tucker.”

“And for that, I’m grateful,” Ivan replied grudgingly, his voice softer but still edged with steel.

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