Claimed by the Grizzly

by Lacey Thorn

  He cupped her ass and pulled her flush against him. “We’ll see how many hours you can handle tonight.”

  She nuzzled into him and gave a contented sigh. That small gesture filled his heart and soul. It was one of total acceptance. He closed his eyes and inhaled, loving the combined scents of them and sex that lingered in the air.

  “Is it safe to come in yet?”

  Holt’s harsh voice pulled Koby from the moment.

  “Yeah,” he called. “Come on in.”

  Jaeda was flushed from neck to forehead, while Holt just looked pissed.

  “What’s wrong?” Koby demanded, immediately going on alert.

  “What the fuck, man?” Holt questioned angrily.

  “What?” Koby asked.

  “All the fucking rooms in this lodge, and you chose the kitchen for that?”

  Koby growled. “Did you—”

  “No,” Holt snapped before Koby could finish. “But my mate got an eyeful.”

  Koby’s gaze jerked to Jaeda then quickly went to his mate. Sidia met his gaze, glanced at her sister then burst into laughter.

  “Sorry,” she said, sounding anything but sorry as she glanced at her sister and Holt. “I wanted him.”

  “Yeah, well,” Holt muttered, his anger softening with his mate’s sister. “I’d prefer your sister didn’t get an eyeful of Koby’s ass.”

  “Sorry,” Sidia said again, but she couldn’t stifle her giggles.

  “Did you need something?” Koby asked as he pulled out a chair for his mate then took his own beside her.

  “I wanted to find my sister before we went into the family meeting,” Jaeda said.

  “She was worried Sidia might be nervous,” Holt added with a shake of his head.

  “I’m fine,” Sidia said, lifting her sandwich. “In fact, I’ve never been better.”

  She grinned at Koby and took a big bite, her mouth working as she chewed and swallowed. Eating shouldn’t be sexy, but the smear of mayo at the corner of her mouth had his thoughts going to something else he’d like to see smeared on her mouth.

  Christ! He’d just had a mind-blowing orgasm, and his dick was already tapping against his zipper in a hearty hello, eager for more of the same.

  Holt and Jaeda took seats at the table and small talk flowed between them and Sidia. All Koby could think of was how his cum was coating her pussy walls and slipping out her opening to linger on her labia and dampen the gusset of her panties. No male would be around her without understanding exactly who she belonged to. Him.

  Chapter Eight

  Sidia held Koby’s hand and let him lead her to the chair beside Laramie. Based on where everyone else was seated, she understood this was her mate’s designated seat. He dropped into it, and before she could move to stand beside him, he had her landing in his lap with a tug. His arms wrapped around her, until her side touched his chest and her head brushed his shoulder. A few of his brothers grinned, and she knew they smelled the musky scent of sex still lingering on her and Koby. She glanced up and met her mate’s eyes then bit her bottom lip at the possessive look he gave her. God, she wanted him again.

  Laramie cleared his throat, bringing all eyes to him. “We’ve got a lot to go over, so I’ll just jump in. First off, I’ve sent out a proclamation stating my status as Alpha and calling for an allegiance ceremony.”

  Sidia didn’t hide her smile. This was what her father had waited for, what many of their pack had anticipated. Even now, there would be shifters on their way to the Holloway’s lodge to declare their loyalty to Laramie.

  “Declan called. He and Brock reached Lawrence, but neither he nor Xandra were there.”

  He held up his hand as both Sidia and Jaeda sat up. Sidia felt Koby’s soothing touch on her side as her mate tried to reassure her.

  “They’re tracking them. We’ll find your sister,” Laramie assured, meeting both Sidia and Jaeda’s gazes before continuing. “I’ve been in contact with Chance, Wood, Fletch and Milo. They’re all returning immediately. Each will make a call on the way and see what they can find. They’ve been apprised of the situation and know to be on full guard. I haven’t been able to reach Rocco or Jasper yet. If nothing else, they’ll see the proclamation and haul ass here. I was lax when I needed to step up. I believed my status was a given and didn’t need to be stated. I was wrong.” His gaze met and held Sidia’s. “That does not excuse what our elders took upon themselves to do, and there will be consequences. If they’re lucky, those will come from me and not whoever is out to destroy us. We will find this person, and they will be dealt with accordingly.”

  “How long ago did you send out word?” Koby asked.

  “Last night. Everyone has been ordered to present themselves in two weeks time. I’m hoping to have all the females gathered and accounted for before then. The quicker we can get them here, the safer they’ll be. Especially, knowing someone is already tracking them and attempting to finish what they tried to do three years ago. We have a traitor amongst us, and I fully expect them to walk through our door, look me in the eye and lie to me as they declare their loyalty.”

  “When people begin arriving, Koby and Holt will be in charge of screening. Koby, because he knows everyone as well as I do. Holt, because he doesn’t. Jaeda and Sidia, as the only mates in the family, I’ll need you to keep eyes and ears open, as well. Both of you will stay in the main lodge at all times. Do not leave your mates or the security of this family under any circumstances. The goal of this traitor is to strip this pack of our women and our chance to create a future. The two of you are to be protected above all else.”

  “Sidia will stay at my side,” Koby swore.

  “And Jaeda at mine,” Holt agreed.

  Laramie nodded. “I’ve sent an additional message to all the elders that I’m hoping will encourage them to head this way of their own volition, bringing the females given into their protection with them. They’re no longer safe where they are.” He turned once more to Sidia. “Jaeda let us know there were six other women with her before you were separated and sent into hiding. With both of you, that number is now five. I’ve sent those I trust out to check on them and ensure their safety here. Sidia, is there anyone else you can think of.”

  “Nicholas spoke to several of the elders, not just the ones I remember seeing in the aftermath. I don’t know if that means they were guarding someone or merely that they knew what was happening. I never saw anyone but the ones held with my sister and me. What did Declan say about Xandra? Did he see signs of foul play? Were they attacked?”

  “No signs of anyone getting to them. They were gone when Declan and Brock arrived and didn’t show up. Declan picked up a scent, and they’re following it now. I’ll let you know as soon as he checks in again.”

  Sidia shared a look with her twin. She felt Jaeda’s worry but didn’t share it. If anyone could take care of themselves, it was Xandra. Their oldest sister had always been one to strike first then ask questions if the other person survived to answer.

  “Tell Declan to be cautious,” Sidia warned. “Xandra knows how to take care of herself. She was like a second son to our father. She’s not opposed to setting traps to take out anyone tracking her. God knows, I wish I’d taken the time to learn some of the things she did from our father.”

  “Speaking of sons,” Laramie said. “I can’t seem to track down your brother. Do either of you know where Malachi is?”

  “We haven’t heard from him since well before the attacks happened,” Jaeda stated.

  Sidia nodded in agreement. “I know our father sent him off to check into something. I have no idea what. If any of us knew, it would be Xandra.”

  “Another reason to get your sister here as quickly as we can. I need people I can trust around me now,” Laramie said.

  “Malachi wouldn’t betray you,” Sidia swore.

  “I have no doubt of that. I remember your brother well. I believe he would do anything in his power to see to the safety of his remaining family.”
<
br />   “He would,” Jaeda agreed.

  “Sidia were you ever told of a place to seek help or hide if anything ever happened to your family?” Laramie asked.

  “Here,” she answered. “We were always told to seek help here first.”

  Jaeda nodded. “Uncle Emmett was the one who made me fearful of turning to all of you. He had me convinced I’d be pounced on and mated as soon as I hit the border of your land.”

  Laramie growled, as did the rest of the Holloways. “The very idea that someone made you fear us…”

  He didn’t finish his statement. His face said it all. Anger simmered just below the surface. His hands clenched, claws sprouting as a growl rumbled up from his chest. Sidia didn’t think it would be a good time to point out he planned to instate animal law, which some of the surviving females might fear. Or the fact Laramie appeared pretty terrifying at the moment. The Holloways were the largest men in their pack, a reflection of the grizzlies they were. The only ones she’d met who approached their size were Fletch and his brother, the last of the polar bear shifters.

  “Sidia. Jaeda.” He acknowledged both of them before continuing. “I’m counting on both of you to help with any females who show up. Make them comfortable. Let me know if they need anything. I want them to understand they’re safe here. I’ll also want to speak to them as soon as possible to see what, if anything, they might be able to add to what you’ve both shared.”

  “Of course,” Sidia said. She saw Jaeda tense beside her and turned to see what the problem was. Laramie picked up on it, immediately addressing the concerns her sister must have already voiced to him.

  “Jaeda, I know how you feel about animal law.”

  “I don’t like the thought of any woman not having a choice,” Jaeda argued.

  “They’ll still have a choice,” Sidia fired back at her sister. “Perhaps, not the same as in the past, but we’re no longer the same. We must all do our part to build a strong future for our pack.”

  She could tell Jaeda still didn’t agree, but her sister nodded.

  “I’ll do my part,” Jaeda relented.

  Laramie acknowledged Jaeda’s agreement with a brief smile then turned to his brothers. “Slade, Matheus, I’ll need you to begin daily checks on all the in-house security measures. I want nothing left to chance.”

  “Let me know if you need me to head out and meet any of the enforcers to offer assistance,” Slade said.

  “Same,” Matheus offered.

  “I need you both here more,” Laramie said. “One more thing before we disperse. I want everyone moved downstairs. There’s room. It’ll be easier to protect Jaeda and Sidia if we’re all together.”

  “Where do you plan to put the other women who show up?” Sidia asked. “They need to be protected, too.”

  “We have a safe room for them. Declan and Brock made sure it was fully supplied before they left. No one will get to the others once they’re under our protection,” Laramie stated. “Koby, Holt. I need to speak with the two of you. Go over a few more things.”

  Koby shifted behind her, grasping her hips and lifting her from his lap before standing.

  “Why don’t you start moving us?” Holt told Jaeda as they came to their feet. He turned his gaze toward her. “You and Sidia could look at the rooms and see which one you like best.”

  “Sounds good,” Koby agreed, patting Sidia softly on the ass. “Stay together. We’ll join you as soon as we can.”

  Sidia reached up and cupped Koby’s face, rising on tiptoe to kiss him. He dropped his hands to her ass and pulled her in closer against him. It would be so easy to lose her head and give in to the need to rub against him, but it wasn’t the time or the place. Though she’d inadvertently given her sister a show earlier, it wasn’t her intention to allow others to see what she and her mate shared. She stepped back from him when the kiss broke, enjoying the flare of his nostrils as he breathed her in.

  No words were spoken as their gazes held. She knew he’d return to her as soon as he could. She knew beyond a doubt he would see to her safety personally. He might trust his brothers, but she was his. He’d already killed for her.

  “Let’s go grab your stuff,” Sidia said as she turned toward her sister. She watched as Holt dropped a kiss on Jaeda’s upturned lips, gave her hand a squeeze then stepped away as he moved toward Laramie and Koby.

  Jaeda took her hand, and they headed out of the room.

  “You really don’t have a problem with animal law?” Jaeda demanded as soon as they started up the main staircase.

  “No, I don’t,” Sidia said.

  “Think of Xandra, forced to mate with someone because she survived and needs to help create a stronger next generation.”

  “I am thinking of her and all the others who might be out there,” Sidia countered. “She’ll be much safer with a strong mate at her side than she would be alone.”

  “What about the chance to find a true mate? To find love?” Jaeda argued.

  “We both know not everyone holds out for a true mating. That doesn’t mean they don’t grow to love the one they end up with.” Sidia turned to face her sister. “You act like it’s only the females giving up that chance. What about the men? Do you think they don’t care about love? That all they want is a warm body to fuck and breed?”

  “That’s not what I’m saying,” Jaeda snapped.

  “It’s conveyed nonetheless,” Sidia stated. “This isn’t easy for anyone. You and I are lucky. We found the men we were always meant to be with. There’s nothing to say Xandra or any others won’t also. Either way, we have to band together for the sake of our pack, the very future of which lies within us.”

  “You’re right,” Jaeda admitted with a sigh. “I just… I don’t know. It’s hard for me to accept.”

  “I wonder how much of your worry is yours and how much is Emmett’s,” Sidia suggested.

  “He drilled into me, again and again, that I had to stay hidden or I’d be used as a broodmare for the next generation of Holloways. It was funny really. All I heard was how lucky I was not to be with them. Then, a week before we were attacked, he was telling me to go to them if anything happened, to beg them to take me in.”

  “What do you think caused that change of heart?” Sidia asked as they reached the top of the stairs and headed down the hall toward Jaeda’s room.

  Jaeda shrugged. “He didn’t say. Then we were attacked, and I barely made it here to my mate.”

  “We did make it, though, and Xandra will, too. We’ll all be together again. We have to be strong, Jaeda. It’s up to us to show the others they don’t have anything to fear here. Animal law means they’ll have their pick of the strongest and fittest among us. Those chosen by Laramie will be doing everything they can to make our sister look their way. She’ll be treasured by the man she chooses, true mate or not. They all will.”

  “You’re right,” Jaeda agreed, pushing open the door. “Holt and I don’t have much stuff yet. His is still in Oklahoma with the pride he belonged to before. I didn’t have much with me when I got here.”

  “I have a few things in my backpack from home,” Sidia admitted. “Pictures Nicholas helped me find before I left with him. I’ll show you as soon as I figure out where it is.”

  “We’ll search for it as soon as we get my stuff moved,” Jaeda promised then hugged Sidia tight. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Me, too,” Sidia agreed, hugging her twin back. “Me, too.”

  Chapter Nine

  Koby and Holt stepped into the hallway together on the same mission, finding their mates. Laramie had gone into explicit detail on what he wanted them to keep their eyes open for. Holt’s senses were still new, but he wasn’t burdened by knowing anything about the people who would show up. He didn’t share a history with any of them, so his opinions wouldn’t be weighted by anything other than the now. Laramie had been smart to put Holt with Koby.

  Koby’s sense were a well-tuned machine. He needed to make time to work wit
h Holt on honing his. The ex-marine was a hell of an asset to them, bringing new views and ways of analyzing things. Now that the issue of a mate wasn’t between them, it was easy to remember how much he’d liked Holt. They were mated to twins. It gave them a closer bond.

  “You okay with me being one of the enforcers for Laramie?” Holt asked as they walked.

  “I would have suggested it myself,” Koby admitted.

  Holt seemed to contemplate that for a moment then nodded. “Think any of the others will have a problem with it?”

  “No,” Koby stated without question.

  “That confident, huh?” Holt quipped.

  “They won’t question it. They might wait to see what you can handle before they offer friendship, but once you’ve proven yourself to them, they’ll give it.”

  “No pressure then,” Holt joked. “Good to know.”

  Koby laughed. “You’ll be fine. Give them that speech you gave me. The one about being a fucking Marine and bears not being your equal. They’ll love that.”

  Holt snorted. “I’ll keep that in mind, just in case.”

  They had just hit the steps leading downstairs when Holt grasped Koby’s forearm and halted him.

  “I’m glad Sidia was the one for you. I can see how close the two of you have already become, and I’m happy for you both.”

  “It’s a true match,” Koby said. “Like you and Jaeda. We’re lucky. I want the same for my brothers but realize the odds aren’t favorable for all of them.”

  “Not if there are only five other female bears out there,” Holt agreed. “Which brings me to my question. What if Laramie doesn’t mate? Who takes over as alpha after him? You?”

  “Whoever gives birth to the next Kodiak,” Koby said. “All six of my brothers and I have the ability to seed a child who holds the DNA of the Kodiak bear. We are all our father’s sons, which means we all carry the trait.”

  “So to seize control of the pack, the traitor would need to kill all of you?”

  “Yes,” Koby agreed. “But no one outside of this family, including you, knows that. As far as they’re concerned, kill Laramie before he mates and has children, and you kill the Kodiak line.”