Page 38 of Coveted By The Bear

Pride had me wanting to crow like a goddamn rooster, but I managed not to make an ass of myself. I just held her hand and said hello as she introduced her friend to me first, then went on to make the other introductions.

“Well, seems like you met everyone,” Daniel Devlin said, approaching us slowly.

The man wreaked of power and strength, but there was something else behind his fierce mien and I finally understood it. He was a protector. This was his home and his Clan and because of me the Willow Creek Clan had invaded under Tiegs’ orders.

“We have. We’ll be going home now, together,” Hope answered, moving to stand in front of me.

Badass mate.

Sweet woman.

Mine.

I squeezed her hand and nudged her to my side, nodding at the Enforcer.

“If there is anything I can do, Enforcer. Let me know,” I told him.

No, I didn’t want to be a Soldier for another Clan, but Marcus had already informed me there were no soldiers here. The Barvale Clan had Enforcers to maintain security and keep the peace.

But these Bears were not warmakers. They were different from the Clan I’d been born into. And I would be proud to serve them, if they allowed me.

“Yeah. Come to training tomorrow night, six PM.”

“That’s when I have to go in to work,” Hope murmured, and her scent brightened. Like she was excited.

“I can do that,” I told Daniel and squeezed Hope’s hand in mine.

We left a short while after that and followed Betty to the auto shop. Apparently, my bike hadn’t survived the battle, and she needed me to sign an insurance form.

“I don’t hold the shop responsible,” I told Arthur Lance, Hope’s boss, as he handed me the claim forms.

“And that’s real good of you, Miles, but it’s no hardship. The whole place is fully insured. Even for natural disasters,” he said, shaking his head.

That, of course, was code for two big ass Bear Shifters destroying the place.

“I can help with the reconstruction,” I offered, and that seemed to pique his interest.

“Tell you what. Call this number and ask for Brayden Smith. He runs a construction crew for Maverick Development. That’s who we usually contract to do work for us, and I know they’re always looking for more competent workers,” he said, handing me a card.

“Thanks.”

I took the card and shook the man’s hand. Then, I went to find my mate.

“How’s it look?” I asked, frowning and feeling bad at the amount of damage to the garage.

“Actually, now that the glass has been removed, it’s not bad. I mean two of the bay doors need to be replaced, a couple of panels of glass and some sheetrock, and of course, your motorcycle, but none of the customer’s vehicles were touched.”

“Good. Do you have to stay?” I asked.

“Um, no. Betty said to come in tomorrow night, but right now they are still taking pictures and cataloging everything.”

I nodded, unsure of what else I could say. This was the first time I was responsible for someone else’s well-being, and I felt like shit for fucking up this early in the game.

“Shit. Hope, I am so sorry?—”

“Hush. You are not responsible for those jerks coming here and wrecking this place. Come on. Let’s go home,” Hope said, and my guilt tripled.

I was responsible. She just didn’t know it, and it was time I told her.

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