Page 39 of The Bear's Fated Mate
Crystal and Lara were face to face, staring each other down. Power radiated from both of them, charging the air with energy as if an electrical storm were contained in the room. The bossiness didn’t really affect him too much, but as the rumble in the room ebbed and flowed, it was obvious the rest of the pack mates knew exactly who was winning at any particular moment.
Lara’s power tasted different than her sister’s. Crystal’s felt sharp and almost smoky, but as Lara leaned forward, pushing against an invisible force, sweet citrus rolled over the air. Another brilliant, refreshing burst struck, and Crystal winced.
Ready for anything, Alex waited in case he needed to shift and stop anyone from interfering. But it seemed this battle was not going to be decided by fangs and fur, but instead entirely by this invisible presentation of Lara’s indomitable will.
Because it was clear she was winning. Not just in how she stood straighter, strong and determined, but how the pack began to murmur her name. Chins dipping and eyes brightening.
Crystal staggered back a half step, flinching as if in pain.
Lara hesitated, and the sheer volume of energy in the room eased back slightly. Alex wanted to warn her to be careful, to make sure she wasn’t leaving herself vulnerable.
She’s got this,his bear assured him.Wolf is being kind.
As long as she doesn’t get hurt, he told the beast.
Our wolf is brave and smart.
Alex wasn’t about to argue. Not when the proof was right there in front of him.
She held a hand out to one side as if to warn him not to act, then she swung her hand toward her sister. Power flared briefly, filling every available space in the room.
Lara straightened to her full height. Crystal cringed, and…something changed.
The prickly, electric flavour on the air changed to one of soothing. Soft and caring, as if everyone were being wrapped in a warm, protective blanket.
Around the room, wolves collapsed onto sofas and relaxed on the floor, something close to puppy adoration crossing their faces as they stared at Lara, although Alex wasn’t sure he wanted to point that out to them.
Crystal still stood, but her chin drooped and her muscles quivered as if she’d run a marathon.
One second. Another, then Lara stepped forward and caught her sister’s hand. “Yield.”
Crystal took a deep breath, and for one horrible moment, Alex thought she was about to gather everything she had and attack one last time.
What she did was throw her arms around her sister, tears streaming down her face as she gasped, “They’re yours. I yield. Thank you.”
Embracing her hard, Lara patted her sister on the back, twisting so she could face Alex. A crease between her brows, she mouthed the words at him.Thank you?
Alex shrugged. There didn’t seem to be a good explanation. And there was a lot of action in the room that was distracting him.
Wolves were coming forward both to hug Crystal and to offer Lara their allegiance. Most the time that involved a firm handshake, but also the occasional hug and a few kisses on the cheek.
Alex wasn’t sure what he thought about those, but this was one time his bear was willing to withhold judgment in case it was a wolf thing.
“Don’t worry. They’re claiming her in a totally different way than you have in mind.”
Auntie Amethyst stood in front of him, the scent of smoke rising from her powerfully enough to make his eyes water.
He managed to keep from coughing, but his voice was still lower than usual. “Have you considered trying the patch, and what are you talking about?”
She tilted her head toward the chaos only a few feet away. “Lara’s the new Alpha. She belongs to us, and we belong to her, but I think she’s still got room for you. Just don’t drag it out. It’s always better to get these things resolved in an orderly fashion.”
He eyed the woman and wondered if it would be rude to take a bite out of her. “How on earth is that any of your business?”
Lara’s aunt made a face. “Interesting…”
A snort escaped before he could help it. “I’ve heard that’s the phrase you use when you haveopinions.”
She looked delighted. “So, you have been talking as well as screwing. That will help a lot going forward.” She leaned toward him slightly. He leaned back in order to not get drowned by the scent of smoke. “Trust me, we’ve kinda had this planned for a while. Once the dust settles, you’ll understand everything.”
