Page 26 of In The Shadow of The Wolf

“Okay, let’s rush the bonding announcement and make sure to save time for the important things.” Lance winked and took Ronan’s arm to led him downstairs.

Lance and Ronan walked down the main stairs of the Manor house and into the large formal dining room used for pack dinners. Aaron and Molly were already present at the front of the room, and all were waiting for the Alpha and his new mate. They took their places at the head of the large ornate oak table in matching handmade oak chairs made just for this occasion. Ronan was seated while Lance remained standing and addressed the pack members assembled.

“I would like to formally present to the Lonepine Shifter pack the Alpha Mate Ronan James. He has accepted me as his mate, and we are bonded. Let’s raise a glass to many years of good fortune.” The crowd assembled cheered and raised their glasses in the air.

Lance continued. “I’d like to also present the Beta Mate Molly James.” He looked directly at Aaron. “Has she accepted you, and have you been bonded.”

“She has, and we have,” Aaron said with a gigantic smile.

The crowd cheered once more, and Ronan could not help being drawn up into the moment. He stood up beside his mate and gripped his hand.

“The Pack has not been my home for long, but I have found acceptance here in a matter of days that I have not had, outside of my sister, for most of my life. I pledge to devote myself to the Pack and the town of Lonepine. I especially pledge my love and fidelity to you, Lance, my mate, and my partner forever. I love you.”

Lance melted on the spot and gathered Ronan up into a tight embrace. “I love you too, my mate, and I vow to honor, provide and protect for the rest of our lives.” The atmosphere was jubilant as they cheered for what they hoped would be many more years of happiness for the Lonepine Pack.

THE END

The Reluctant Mate

The Wolves of Lonepine

Vol.2

CHAPTER ONE

Henry sat down on the expansive porch of the Ranch house with a glass of water in hand. He planned to wait for Officer Terry Moore to arrive and that, according to his partner Officer Jamie McCormick, would be very soon. Henry hoped to have the opportunity to speak with him or, at the very least, be introduced. They had exchanged several heated glances, and unless Henry was completely wrong, it appeared that Terry may be interested in getting to know him. Henry was definitely interested.

Henry recalled with a smile the look in Terry’s eyes when he first saw him; it looked like recognition. It appeared as if Terry thought he knew Henry, and then his recognition turned into interest. Henry was familiar with shifter culture and the reality of shifter mates, so he didn’t have any arrogant ideas of a happily ever after for them.

A shifter would only bond with their true mate. If you were unlucky enough to be in a relationship with a shifter when he found his mate, you would be quickly kicked to the curb. Mates were everything. They were what a shifter lived for, so to get involved with a shifter meant a short-term, no hearts attached encounter. Henry understood that and was willing to accept the limiting factors of a relationship with Officer Terry Moore in return for a few hot and sweaty nights.

It had been a while since Henry felt attracted to anyone. After a very painful breakup two years ago, Henry had decided that he would not allow himself to ever get so caught up in a man that his own needs and self-respect became unimportant. A short-term sexual fling was exactly what he needed right now. A brief, hot relationship with the gorgeous wolf would suit him just fine.

He’d felt an instant attraction to Terry while standing in that gas station parking area and thought he saw the reciprocating emotion flash in Terry’s eyes. His mind continued to wander to the tall sexy man that was invading all of his thoughts. Terry was the most stunningly handsome man Henry had ever seen. The thought of getting intimate with him sent such a thrill through Henry that every nerve was tingling with hopeful anticipation.

…

It felt like a sudden shot of adrenaline spiking through his system when he caught sight of the police cruiser pulling into the driveway and stopping just short of the lawn. Henry watched with bated breath as Terry unfolded his firm muscled form from behind the wheel.

The smile was the first thing that hit him and lit him up. Terry had a huge and genuine smile with luscious full lips and beautiful white teeth. Henry wanted to jump from the porch right into Terry’s arms, but instead, he waited, standing by his chair and hoping that Terry would see him and come his way. Terry raised his hand and gave him a quick wave indicating that he’d seen him and acknowledged him. The smile remained as he approached.

“Hey, Henry,” Terry called to him as he sped up his pace.

“Hi, Terry,” Henry responded politely. He wanted to walk toward him but decided to stay rooted and see if Terry came to him.

“You know my name.” Henry teased.

“And you know mine.” Terry countered with a grin.

“Of course, I know your name; you helped save our lives this afternoon,” Henry explained as casually as he could, considering that his heart was threatening to beat out of his chest.

…

“It was Alpha Lance that saved lives, the men and I just did clean up.” Terry shrugged. Terry stepped closer, allowing himself to get into the heady sweet scent of Henry. The man smelled like warm caramel apples.

Terry had been absolutely floored when he discovered his mate, his human mate standing in the middle of that gas station car park. He recognized him as Henry Grange from the description he’d been given when the entire Pack was on the lookout for him and Molly James.

Before he had a chance to begin processing the meaning and ramifications of having a mate, he was suddenly gripped with panic. Fear sliced through him when he realized the danger surrounding Henry and nearly came unglued when he saw Henry trying to help Ronan escape from that mad man Jordan Randall.

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