Page 6 of Mitchell's Untamed Mate

It could be a choice meant to show that she meant no harm—or it could be that she intended to never be noticed at all.If that were the case, what was it that she intended to do in secret?If she did plan to introduce herself, what did she want with them?As he followed her, she maintained a steady pace that gave her time to study the ground in front of her for tracks.

He wasn’t overly worried about her discovering anything.He had moved the clan deeper into the woods.It was further east and a good four days’ journey from his current location.He had entrusted Connell and Thomas with the responsibility of establishing a temporary village, allowing the rest of the group to rest while he retraced their steps to eliminate any possibility of being tracked.

He was tracking the shifter now, and two hours later, she was standing within the grouping of trees where Ty Bearclaw had been held.She turned in a tight circle, muttering inaudibly under her breath.He could tell from her expression that the words were far from pleasant.

She scuffed the toe of her boot against the ground and studied the vegetation.He held his breath when she squatted down and gently ran her fingers over the ferns Jayden and Mallory had planted.Weeks had passed since they left this place.He was sure she wouldn’t find anything.The frequent rains had nurtured the plants, helping them thrive, and his people were meticulous about not leaving any evidence of their existence behind when they moved.

Unless she dug down several feet, she wouldn’t find anything.She tossed the handful of dirt she had picked up back onto the ground and stood.She walked in a circle, looking up at the trees.

“Where in the hell are you?I know you are out there.My bear can sense you watching us.You’ve been following me for half the day,” she growled.

His lips twitched at the exasperation in her voice.She had her back to him with her hands on her hips.His amusement grew when she kicked her boot against the ground in frustration.

“Okay.If you want to play, we’ll play!”she called out.

Mitchell wasn’t sure what she planned until she unfastened the backpack she was wearing, dropped it to the ground, and shrugged out of her jacket.She tossed her jacket onto the ferns.He straightened when she turned in his direction and her hands went to the top button of her shirt.He knew she planned to shift when the shirt slid down to reveal her shoulder.He made a decision he hoped he wouldn’t come to regret.

Stepping out of his hiding place, he cleared his throat.The shirt stopped its downward slide, and she stiffened.She slowly pulled her shirt back on, and his eyes were immediately drawn to her fingers as she refastened the buttons.This time, she was the one to clear her throat.He raised his eyes to her face—and felt an unusual pressure in his chest when she stared at him with a raised, knowing eyebrow and an amused smile.

They stared at each other in silence, each weighing the other.He kept one hand on the knife sheathed at his hip.She finished buttoning her blouse, then she leaned down to retrieve her jacket and slid it on without breaking their connection.Her lips tightened and an unexpectedly intense emotion flashed through her eyes before she blinked and it was gone.He wasn’t sure if it was surprise or annoyance.

“You’re Mitchell, I presume,” she called in greeting.

Her voice was sultry with a slight growl to it that sent a shiver down his spine.It was a voice that brooked no nonsense, commanding respect without demanding it.His lips twitched at his musings.She raised both eyebrows and shot him a glare that made it clear she wasn’t someone to be laughed at.

“That’s me,” he replied, standing his ground.“What brings a Bearclaw to these parts?I assume you are a Bearclaw.You look…” he paused and studied the white streaks running through her hair on each side, “… like the man we captured.”

Her eyes flashed at the reminder of the threat to her brother.“You didn’t capture him.He walked into your village looking for Ella.I’m Tracy Bearclaw, Ty’s sister.”

“Did you plan on just walking into our village as well?As far as I know, you don’t have a mate there willing to fight or die for you,” he replied in a dry tone.

Tracy’s eyes flashed with a mixture of determination and something else—something that Mitchell couldn’t quite place.“I’m here to offer protection for you and your people,” she said bluntly.

Mitchell raised an eyebrow.“What makes you think we need your protection?We’ve done pretty well without shifter help.”

She stepped closer.“Have you?From what Ella told us, there aren’t many of you left.”

His mouth tightened.“Thanks to the shifters.”

She stopped, and her eyes filled with compassion and wariness.“Other shifters know that humans exist now.They tried to kidnap—no, theydidkidnap Ella.They will assume there are more of you and come searching.I'm here to help you.”

Despair rose in his gut.“Ella?—”

Tracy smiled.“—is safe with Ty.She is pretty amazing.”

“For a human, you mean?”

Her expression hardened at his sarcastic tone.She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him.

“No," she retorted.

Mitchell smiled.It would appear the tint of red in her hair was indicative of her temper.

"Look, I’m a senior field faculty member for the Washington State Animal Sanctuary, Research, and Observation Center.I work in the Anthropology and Archeology department studying ancient human civilizations,” she explained.

He gave her a suspicious look.“You've studied ancient humans.And you're here now because you want to add us to your collection?”

“No!No, I want to save your life.”

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