Mated to the Wilde Bear

The sun had already dipped behind the mountains, throwing shadows over the parking lot as Laurel followed Xavier onto the deck at Mack's. She understood now why no one else bothered to use the deck out here. Only shifters wouldn't be bothered by the drastic temperature drop when the sun went down. Even in August, it was chilly with the sun gone.

Her hand was in Xavier's as she walked. She spotted the Wilde crew at their usual table but stalled when she noticed Lucas wasn't in his seat. He'd moved to the far end, leaving her the empty chair beside his alpha. Her heart panged, and she blinked back an unexpected tear.

"You all right?" Xavier asked in her ear.

"Better than," she assured him. Who knew it could feel like this to have friends? To be accepted.

Lucas caught her eye. She smiled over at him in thanks as she slid into the chair Xavier held out for her. He ducked his head but not before she caught a returned smile of his own.

"Mr. and Mrs. Alpha have arrived," Jake announced.

Xavier scowled as he took his seat but squeezed her hand.

"Fucking finally," Harley muttered before draining his beer. "I'm starving."

All of them already had a mug set in front of them, including her.

"I ordered you what's on tap," Nash said. "If you don't like it, I'll drink it.”

"Shit. I already called it," Jake put in.

Laurel smiled across the table first at Nash and then Jake. "This is great, thanks." She held her mug up and gulped while the boys looked on with widening eyes.

"Daaamn. Mrs. Alpha can drink," Jake said in awe.

Laurel emptied the mug and set it down, wiping the corner of her mouth as delicately as she could. She peeked at Xavier, self-conscious now. She'd been parched after their little interlude in his truck but wondered if maybe she should've sipped instead.

Xavier blinked, shaking his head as if to clear it. "That was..."

"Unladylike?" she finished, wincing.

"Impressive as hell,” he said and planted a smacking kiss on her lips.

The crew applauded her. Even Harley clapped three times before scowling at her again.

Laurel laughed, the relief and happiness at their acceptance was so overwhelming. Laughing was better than crying, she told herself. And she was tempted to do both. Geez, how had she lived this long withou friends?

A face across the deck caught her

attention. She looked over and went still. Her heart dropped into her stomach as she recognized Scott, her assistant. He stood near the door half-turned like he'd been headed inside. He looked frozen in place, just as shocked to see her.

"Laurel?" Xavier's voice called her back, but she couldn't take her eyes from the wiry man's face.

Scott's shock turned slowly to

confusion. His brow wrinkled, and he

swept a look over the rest of the

crew before returning to her. Laurel stood quickly, almost knocking her chair over in the process. Lucas caught it like he had with Xavier's the other day. She ignored him, ignored them all, and rushed to

Scott just as he disappeared inside the bar.

"Scott!" She caught up to him inside, grabbing his elbow and then dropping it again when she realized what she'd done.

Crap. Physical touch was not appropriate in a professional relationship.

"Ms. Adams, what can I do for you?" Scott's voice was nasally as always, but there was a coldness he'd never used at the office.

Surprise, she told herself. Of course, it was weird seeing her outside the office. Especially in such a relaxed setting.

"I just wanted to say hello," she said, kicking herself for coming over here in the first place. What the heck was she supposed to say? Are you going to tell anyone you saw me with the most notorious crew of shifters in three states? Probably a little brazen.

"Hello," Scott returned, still curt. He shot a disdainful look over her shoulder to Xavier and the others.

Laurel grit her teeth. "Look, I know

it's probably a surprise seeing me with the Wilde crew. Or seeing me here at all." Scott's brow rose, but he didn't interrupt. Something about that irritated her, and she went straight into boss-lady mode. Her voice went hard as she said, just wanted to be polite and say hello, but let's be clear. Our personal lives are our own, especially outside working hours. I trust you'll give us both the respect we deserve by not bringing this back into the office

tomorrow. Or ever."

Scott's eyes narrowed, but Laurel's alpha act drained away. She knew if he argued or threatened or said anything but "yes, ma'am," she'd fold. That was not happening. So she made the only move left to a boss-lady. She turned on her heel and strode away.

It might not shut Scott up forever. Probably tomorrow, there'd be consequences for her new alliance. Friends, she corrected herself. But tonight, she was determined to remain in control of her own choices. Tonight, at least, she would not hide.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐