Turner

by C. M. Steele

  “At your mate’s apartment, hanging out with her roommate. He seems like a cool guy.” Mark’s a much calmer being than me, which makes him a great Beta. He’s tough when he needs to be but usually has a calm, cool demeanor and gets along with everyone.

  “We’re almost there,” I snarl, hating that he’s fraternizing with the man who lives with my mate. It’s stupid, but I feel the beast in me tense up.

  “Ugh. This man. Anyway. We’ll be there in five minutes. Bye,” Maria says before ending the call on me. She turns her eyes on me for a moment and says, “Hey, I’m going to tell you now. Be nice to Jacob. He has never looked at me in any way but a roommate.”

  “I know he isn’t interested. After all, he’s a shifter just like me. I shouldn’t be jealous, but I am.”

  “Isn’t he the reason you’re down here in the first place?”

  “Yes.”

  “So we wouldn’t have met…” I know what she’s getting at, but my wolf doesn’t like that one bit and the man in me feels a straining pain in my chest at that idea.

  “That’s not acceptable. Don’t even think it.”

  “I’m just saying. You owe him.”

  “He and I are even,” I state, willing to give only that.

  “So no fighting.”

  “Fine, but keep the hugs to a minimum. And when I say minimum, I mean none.”

  “Okay, crazy. He and I have never hugged.” She pulls into the apartment parking lot and then turns off the engine, rolling her eyes in the process. I’m possessive. I can’t and won’t deny it—ever.

  It’s hot, except when it’s against someone I think well of.

  “Good to know.” I step out and walk around, looking for any trouble. I don’t see or sense any, but I crowd my mate anyway. There’s no way in hell I’ll let anyone harm a hair on her pretty head.

  “Here are your keys,” she says, dumping them in my hand.

  We go into the apartment building and up to the second floor. Mark opens the door for us. “Why, hello, Alpha.”

  “Thank you for so kindly inviting me into my own home,” Maria states.

  “Sorry.”

  “I’m teasing.” She smiles at Mark. “I’m sorry we weren’t properly introduced.” She steals a glance at me, waiting for me to do it.

  “Mate, this is my Beta, Mark Keats,” I say. “Mark, this is your Alpha female, Maria.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet his second in command.”

  “You are now my second,” I tell her. She holds more power than she knows or maybe even understands, but she will one day.

  “He’s right. I’m now third. The third wheel.” He winks, and then we hear noise in the kitchen.

  “Jacob,” I call out, causing Mark to step to the side. “How are you?” I look, and you can’t tell he has any markings on him.

  “Wow.” He doesn’t look like he got into a fight.

  “We heal a lot faster,” I tell her.

  “Oh.” I need to take notes.

  “I can’t believe you’ve mated with him,” he huffs with a tone that makes me want to rip his throat out.

  “Him?” I snarl. “If I were you, I’d watch your tone. If my sister is your mate, I’ll make your life a living hell.” I’m nearly in his face, and he takes a step back. The soft feel of Maria’s hand on my forearm is the only reason I don’t lunge at him to teach him some manners.

  “He’s got a point.”

  “Sister? What do you mean?” It takes her a minute. I never gave her details about the incident.

  “That’s why I came here. He kissed my sister. As the Alpha, I can’t just let things go without looking weak,” I inform her.

  “It was just a kiss on the cheek to keep that scummy fucking human away from her,” Jacob spits out in disgust, as if the image is planted in his brain. Having my mate by my side, I understand that the thought of another close to her would send me into a rage.

  “I get it, but I have to do my job as the Alpha.”

  “Well, I’ve got a year, and then I’ll be back in White Wolfe. She’s my mate, and I know it.”

  “What makes you so sure?”

  “I feel it in my soul. I felt her before I saw her.”

  “They said you might, but you need to stay away from her until the time’s right. I don’t think you can control yourself.”

  “What difference does it make? It’s not like I can make her mine until then,” he hisses out, popping a seat on the sofa.

  “Because you’ll be challenging everyone who breathes near her, and that’s a risk I’m not willing to allow. I’m betting that if you had your way, the little fuck flirting with her would disappear permanently.”

  “You guessed right.”

  “Only if you promise to protect her. I refuse to be afraid that something’s going to happen to her.” I sense the tension in him.

  “Why don’t you come back and work with us?” I look at Mark like he’s nuts, but he just continues. “That way you can keep an eye on Aria while still keeping your distance and getting to know her.”

  “What happens if they aren’t mates then?” I remind my Beta, who’s offering up a future in our town.

  “Then I’ll leave,” Jacob sighs. There’s resignation in his tone, reassuring me, but I still have to get clarification so there’s no misunderstanding.

  “You promise?”

  “On my life.”

  “It will be.”

  “Fine. Just remember—you don’t touch her again until that mating kicks in. You better hope she’s your mate.”

  “Turner,” Maria warns me. I grab her and plant my mouth on her lips.

  “Yes, my sweet?”

  “Relax. I’m going to go pack.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “How about you sit down? Organize who is going to take my truck to White Wolf. I’ll go and deal with getting my things organized. I’ll do my best to hurry.” She kisses my cheek and leaves us guys to talk. I miss her already, but she’s got to get shit together. I’ll only come if she needs me or takes too long for my liking.

  “So you can take Maria’s vehicle back home.”

  “It’s still at the police station. We can go pick it up and grab her things from her locker there—that way it’s all squared away. I’m not on duty until tonight, so I can drop you off right before I start my shift,” Jacob offers.

  “That sounds good.”

  “You want a beer?” Mark asks.

  “No, thanks. I need a sober head. This mating thing has got me fucked up. I nearly fucked up some human at the resort. The motherfucker was staring at Maria’s ass.”

  “Humans,” they say simultaneously.

  I hear a sigh come from the bedroom, and I’m already three steps toward the door. “I need boxes.”

  “I have them in the other room. I’ll set them by the door,” Mark says.

  “Good.”

  I’m coming, baby.

  You don’t have to.

  You’re my queen. I am your servant.

  I walk in, and she looks tired. Two suitcases are zipped up and I grab them, testing the weight. No wonder she’s exhausted. They’re stuffed. “How much more do you want to take?”

  I look around the room and see a bunch of photos and personal items. “I’m assuming I don’t need to bring any of the furniture, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then I’ll need a few more boxes, and I’ll have all my things.” I pull her into my arms, rubbing her back as she rests her head on my chest.

  “Okay.” There’s a knock at the door, causing her to pull back slightly.

  “Alpha, we’ll leave the boxes by the door.”

  “What?”

  “Mark knew you’d need to pack up and had boxes brought here for you.”

  “Smart man.” I let out a low growl. My mating heat hasn’t worn off, and even complimenting another man sends me into a possessive mood.

  “Josiah,” she says.

  “Leave us,” I snarl.
We hear footsteps and then the front door opens and closes.

  “I need you now.” I pin her to the bed and forget everything else for the next half hour.

  6

  Turner

  We finally get on the road to White Wolf Ridge around six at night. The sun’s down, but with my keen eyesight, I don’t have to worry about the darkness. Once we reach the outskirts of Wolfe Creek, the light fades and the only things to light the way are the moon and our headlights. Maria’s calm by my side, but I sense her fatigue kicking in. I know that our loving will have to wait until she rests.

  We arrive at our home, and I see the sign up on the porch. A large banner reads Congratulations Josiah and Maria. Then, I spot my father, mother, and siblings. Shaking my head, I silently apologize to Maria as she frowns.

  Oh shit. What if they don’t like me?

  They will love you. I promise. If they don’t, I’ll send them out of my pack.

  She gasps, and I laugh.

  “Jerk.”

  “I’m your jerk.” I lean over and kiss her cheek.

  I step out of the SUV and so does Maria, so I quickly move to her side and lead her toward my family and our home.

  “Oh my goodness, she’s a doll,” my mother, Adaline, blurts out, coming forward to hug Maria. She’s startled at first, but then relaxes. I told you so.

  “Enough, woman. Let the poor little thing go.” My mother reluctantly releases my mate. I pull Maria toward me and give the slightest growl so that the men keep their distance. My mother’s one thing. The rest can get lost.

  “Good boy. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We just couldn’t help ourselves. Turner’s been waiting for you to come into his life.”

  “Well done, brother,” Max says, clapping my back while smiling at my mate. I want to snarl and tell him to back off, but he isn’t doing anything wrong and is the least harmless person to my mate except for myself.

  “Thank you, although I can’t take credit for fate stepping in to find my love. Mother, Father, Max, Aria, this beautiful creature is my mate, Maria. Now, if you all will excuse us, we need to go inside and get settled. You’re welcome to stay, but Max, I could use some help bringing her things inside.”

  “Okay.” We walk inside and there are balloons everywhere, and I smell food in the oven.

  “Thank you, Mother and Aria.” I tilt my head toward them.

  “You’re welcome. The men will go and get Maria’s things. Shoo. Us girls need to chat.”

  Are you okay with that?

  Yes.

  I nod and walk back outside. “Where’s Mark?”

  “He’s bringing Maria’s vehicle back from Wolfe Creek. He should be getting home in a few hours.”

  “So tell us. How does it feel to be mated to a human?” Max says. There’s something in his tone that’s hard to figure out. Is there longing?

  “I suppose the same as being mated to a shifter. Although I wouldn’t know.”

  “You talked to the Alpha in Wolfe Creek?”

  “Yes, Hunter Wolfe. He and his wife are extremely happy and still going at it daily over the past few years.”

  “That bodes well. Normally the mating slows down and the need lightens,” my father says.

  “Yes, well, not for them, and I sure as fuck hope not for us. Take this, and I’ll take these,” I tell my brother. My father grabs the last box and says, “Are these all of her belongings?”

  “Yes. She doesn’t need the rest of the stuff, so her roommate can keep it. Fucking hell, the roommate.” I shake my head, chuckling to myself.

  “What about the roommate?” Max asks.

  “You won’t believe who he is.”

  “Who?”

  “The guy you roughed up for kissing Aria.”

  “And you didn’t rip his head off?” He looks pissed.

  “What for? He was no threat to Maria.”

  “Still.”

  “No. Still. Do we have to go over this again? I’m not interested in a war with people over something so damn inconsequential. Add on to the fact that he was attempting to protect Aria from some stupid human. We might not like that she’s almost of mating age and so is that young man, but it’s the way of things. If they’re mated, then so be it. He’ll be family, so you need to get over it.”

  “Fine.”

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  “I hate this whole thing about mates and forever with just one person. I can’t even choose the person. Life does it for me.”

  “Who is she?” My father beats me to the question.

  “Who is what?” Max looks offended, tension flooding his body. I don’t like it, but I remain his brother and not the Alpha. He doesn’t need that right now.

  “Who is the lady that you’re interested in that clearly isn’t for you?” I ask.

  “There’s no lady or anything. I just hate the idea of not choosing.”

  “I’m sorry you feel that way, but you need to remember some people search their entire lives to find someone who may love them enough. We’re fortunate to have someone that brings us pure desire, need, love,” my father adds before heading into the house.

  I stay back and watch my brother shake his head.

  “I can’t see it that way. I hate to do this, but I’m leaving town. I’m going to college out of state and far away from here, so I don’t have to deal with this bullshit.”

  “That’s fine, Max. Does Dad know of your wishes?”

  “He does. We talked about it. Are you sure you’re okay with it? You’re the Alpha, after all? You can’t have us defecting.”

  “I love you, Max, which means I want your happiness. If that means moving away and going to school somewhere where you can be your own man, that’s fine. I’ll make sure you have what you need, but I’ll only be a call away.”

  “Thank you, bro.” We head into the house and set the boxes upstairs in our bedroom. Once we come downstairs, the women are giggling in the kitchen.

  “You all better not be laughing about me,” I grumble, sliding my hands over Maria’s hips.

  “Nope,” Aria says quickly, shoving a grape in her mouth to avoid saying anything, but she can hardly hide the smile on her face.

  I toss my head back and groan. Being the Alpha means nothing to my family. “Let me guess. The time I first shifted?”

  “You were adorable. I told you,” Maria whispers.

  “Dinner’s almost done. Why don’t you set the plates…all of you men?”

  “Come on. We’re getting the boot again.”

  “It’s cool, because after dinner I’m kicking you all out.”

  “We get it. You want to get your mate alone,” Aria says, rolling her eyes. I take a stack of plates, and my dad grabs the silverware. We start setting it up in the dining room when my phone rings.

  “Hey, Hunter. What’s up?”

  “That fuckhead wants to sue you and me. I’m just giving you a heads up. I’ve already scratched the tape and since no one called the Sheriff’s office to call in a disturbance, they’ve got nothing.”

  “I should have killed the prick.”

  “Nah—then you’d have to take time away from your mate. Have fun. I squashed it, and they’ve left my hotel for good.”

  “Thanks. Take care.”

  “You, too.”

  “What the hell was that about?”

  “Some human had the nerve to ogle my mate and then roughed around his woman, so I threatened him.”

  “You attacked someone over your mate? See, mating made you fucking stupid and careless. I can’t deal with this shit. You acted petty, just like the humans. I’m out.”

  “Max,” I call out, but he storms from the house.

  “Let him go,” my father says, gripping my shoulder hard, knowing that I’m tempted to run after him. I hear his vehicle speed out of my driveway way too damn fast.

  “He’s been a mess lately. Come on. Let’s get some food in you and calm your woman and mine. I’m sure they’re worried.”

/>   Are you okay?

  I’m fine.

  Liar.

  I drop my head and hold on to the back of the dining room chair. I feel her hands slide around my waist. “I’m sorry,” she says against my spine.

  “You heard?” I whisper.

  “I don’t think there’s anyone that didn’t hear. It’s not your fault. He needs time to figure out what he wants in life, even if it’s hard to see him leave.”

  “Thank you, my love.” I take her hand and bring it to my lips for a kiss.

  “Let’s go back to getting dinner ready. Your parents are worried, and your sister’s upset.”

  “Of course.” I spin around and pull her in for a kiss. “Thank you, my love.”

  “I’m so glad you don’t feel that way about me.”

  “I was hoping to find my mate. Max is young. He wants a different life. That might still mean he can live in a major city and have a mate. I don’t know how he’ll be able to run wild in the city, but if that’s what he wants, I have no problem.”

  We head into the kitchen, and my sister’s crying.

  “Why does he have to be so hotheaded?” she sobs.

  “Calm yourself. He’s going to college and he’ll see that life isn’t everything he thinks it is, and maybe he’ll come back or maybe he finds his happiness out there.” I lean in and pull my little sister into a hug.

  “He’s going to be okay. Do you know where he plans to go?” Maria asks.

  “He wants to go to the University of Florida,” my father answers, pulling the ribs out of the oven.

  “Wow. He’s doing his best to forget our way of life,” I say, feeling like I’m failing as the Alpha. He didn’t come to me to tell me his problems until he was ready to run.

  “I did that when I was his age. I once lived in El Paso, Texas. I couldn’t stand the heat, so I left as soon as I could. I visit my family on occasion, but I love it where I am now, and I wouldn’t have met Turner if I didn’t.”

  She’s already acting like an Alpha female and trying to improve the spirits of her pack.“You have a good point. We just need to have faith. As the Alpha of the pack, I’ve given him my blessing to leave. As a father, you have as well.”

  “Yes, so we just need to support him,” my father agrees.

  “Now—enough of the misery. Let’s eat. I’m starving,” Aria says. She lets her wolf out a lot, running miles at a time every single morning before the sun is up. No one dares mess with her since she’s the daughter of the former Alpha, but I know she needs to feel the breeze on her face and it’s probably why she can out-eat everyone in this house. She burns so much energy that it makes me tired.