Page 22

I sighed. He was right, but asking for help wasn’t in my toolbox. “Okay,” I answered, rather than delving any deeper into my own shortcomings. Locke stirred in some creamer and then walked away.

I could’ve picked on him about the alpha thing but neither of us had taken in enough caffeine for my antics.

The other sleuth members trickled in. Some sleepy, others more alert. Zeph was bright-eyed despite the long hours he spent on the computer, trying to make sure we were safe.

“Damn, Rob, if you keep cooking like this, I’m going to have to run more.”

“Good for you,” I replied to our tech guy. If we were a proper sleuth, he would be a good beta. He was loyal and trustworthy. “Running is healthful for you and your bear.”

Some of the new families entered as well. Locke with Kellan and their daughter Elise and Markus with Sam and baby Cody. Their joy and love for the children lit up the room.

I filled a plate, but instead of joining the others and probably insulting them in one way or another, I ate my meal on the back steps of the alpha house in the sunshine.

Locke and Markus were the luckiest bears here. They’d found their mates and had families.

Despite my cynicism, I still wished mine would come soon.