Page 1 of Harbored By My Mate
ONE
Knox
I domy best to ignore my bear as I walk along the trail that borders our pack land from the cult’s land.It’s getting harder and harder, though, what with him pawing and groaning inside me.
I could run the path and patrol it so much faster,he whines.
I shake my head.And what happens if we find someone who needs help?We shift back and approach them completely naked?Or would walking up to them in bear form be less traumatizing?
Smartass,he grumbles.
I grin, continuing down the beaten path.We’ll go for a run soon.Maybe after our patrol shift is up,I promise him.
He grumbles inside me, but stops scratching and paces instead.
He’s been so off these last few months.I thought at first that it was both of us adjusting to being back in civilian life after our short time in the Marines, or that maybe he had some trauma after we were nearly killed on our last deployment, but now I’m not so sure.My bear isn’t scared or anxious.It’s more like he’s… impatient.
I’ve been working hard on rebuilding my life after being discharged from the Marines.I moved back to Night Grove Falls, rejoined my old pack, and signed up to work with the Night Grove Falls Midnight Haven, helping people.The job has given me a lot.New friends and a purpose, but something is still missing.
Or someone,my bear interjects.
I shake my head at him.I know he’s talking about our mate.He hasn’t given up hope of finding her, even though I have.
I took a year off after high school to search for her but didn’t have any luck.When I joined the military, I hoped I would find her on my travels, but after three years in the Marines, I was still single.
Maybe we’re just meant to be alone,I tell my bear sadly.
He growls.No.We’ll find her.
I don’t argue with him, continuing my patrol.
A sense of melancholy hits me, and I try to shake it off.I should be used to being alone.My parents were killed when I was young, and I didn’t have any other family.I had a found family with my buddies in the service, but now that I’m out, I’m alone again.Sure, I have friends, but it’s not the same.I don’t just want friends and a community.I want my person.I want to build my own family.One that won’t leave me.
Things have been quiet tonight, and I yawn as I reach the end of the trail and get ready to turn back toward town.
That’s when I hear the cursing.
“Damnit!This stupid freaking thing.”
I smile at the annoyance in the woman’s tone.Checking my watch, I see that I still have a few hours left on my shift, so I turn to investigate.Maybe I can’t help her.
I round the corner of the trail, emerging onto the dirt road.Spotting the broken-down car a few yards away, I head toward it, scanning my surroundings.Is this someone trying to escape the cult?Or are they a member?There’s really no other reason for a car to be out on this deserted road.
The engine is steaming, and someone is rummaging around in the trunk.I make my way toward them, frowning at the overheated engine.Creeping around the side of the small car, I peek at what the person is doing in the trunk.I half expect to see them doing something shady, but it’s just a woman rummaging through a suitcase.
Ah, she must be someone trying to leave the cult.
My bear perks up inside me as I step around the car, making my presence known.
That’s when I get a better look at the girl.
Fuck, she’s stunning.Midnight hair cascades down her back.She’s wearing an oversized hoodie, but I can still see her delicious curves, and Jesus, she has an abundance of them.Wide hips, thick ass… and those tits.Christ.
My mouth waters at the sight of her, and my bear licks his lips.She still hasn’t noticed me, so I use it to my advantage to drink her in.
Her black leggings cling to her, the material molding around her thighs and ass.Her shoes look like they’ve seen better days, with a small hole near the toe.I glare at them, wanting to pull them off and buy her a new pair.
I want to take care of her.
