Page 16 of Bearly Taken

Noah agreed that it was best to remain vigilant during the day, and they all ventured home. Lev instructed everyone to return bright and early for further exploration once the sun had risen.

Noah was completely drained and looking forward to landing like a stone in his bed. He felt it calling to him, and he dipped his head into the kitchen where Lev was making himself coffee.

“I’m going to head out now,” Noah said. “I’m sorry we didn’t cover much ground tonight, but I’ll be here first thing to make sure we cover more tomorrow.”

“The hell you will,” Lev replied.

Noah nearly had one foot out of the door when he heard Lev’s reply. Puzzled, he returned to the kitchen, whispering so he wouldn’t wake Lev’s mate.

Lev, of course, was smirking ear to ear. He leaned against the marble counter with a sparkle in his eye.

Noah knew he was up to something. He flashed his alpha a crooked smile as he passed through the threshold, crossing his arms like a dissident cub.

“So you’re telling me you don’t want me to lead the search?”

“That part, you’re right about,” Lev said, turning to the coffee machine and removing two mugs from the cupboards. “Want a cup?”

Noah shook his head, a smile still pulling his lips to nearly the bottom of his earlobes.

“I’m pretty beat.”

Lev scoffed, then poured two cups of coffee anyway. He spoke with his back to Noah, whose mind pumped like a derailed train.

“You might need it after you hear what I’m about to say.”

Noah felt the urge to gulp, but his alpha’s tone remained light and breezy. He accepted the coffee, sprinkling in cream and sugar.

Finally, they faced one another, steam rising in front of their expressions. Noah took a big swig, the warmth rattling his bones.

“I want you to take Becca to the lake house for a few days,” Lev said without hesitation. “I know you are trying to earn her trust back. Plus, it will keep her away from all of this. Away from Dustin and his rogue bear drama.”

Noah felt his eyes go glossy, his jaw tightening against his gums.

“You want me to leave when things are this bad?”

Lev chuckled as he took a massive gulp himself, waving a hand in front of his face.

“No, no, don't take it that way. I know you are trying to rekindle what you lost with her when you left … plus, you would be protecting her from all this bullshit. What better way to find that fire again?”

Noah felt slightly insulted, but he couldn’t deny the excitement making his stomach flip. He wanted to remain loyal and dutiful, yet, he thirsted for Becca and wanted to somehow turn back the clock and start again.

Lev was handing him that on a silver platter.

The alpha finished his coffee, chugging it quickly and loudly, then placed the mug on the counter behind him with a sigh. Noah was lost in thought, anchored only to Lev’s assertive, masculine tone.

“Look, I know what it feels like to meet your mate. That feeling … you aren't going to find it anywhere else. It takes work sometimes, even with the ones who we are cosmically bound to. And I know that you know you owe her that work.”

Noah nodded, holding the cup steadily.

Lev continued. “While I appreciate all of your help and support, I feel your duties would be best served if you did as I’ve asked. Take her up there, and don’t just protect her. Show her who you really are. The man she fell in love with, with all the edges smoothed out.”

Tears stung the corner of his eyes, and he tried to blink them away. Lev was one of the most authentic people he had ever known. He knew that if Lev wanted him there, he would say it. But he wanted him to go, to find that love again, and to find the remedy for his mistakes.

It filled him with immense respect and gratitude for his alpha.

“So?” Lev said, holding out his arms, the smirk returning once more. “Tell me what you’re going to do, Noah.”

Noah blasted the rest of his coffee down his throat, which was notably bitter and tasted of cigarette ash. After he swallowed, he placed his hands on Lev’s strong shoulders.

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