Page 18 of Coveted By The Bear (When Worlds Collide #1)

“ T hat’s quite a mate you have,” Alpha Devlin said and patted me on the back.

After pleading my case and listening to the Alpha’s ruling on my status, I thought the day couldn’t get any better. The Barvale Clan was offering me probationary membership to the Clan provided I proved productive and nonproblematic.

They were not kicking me out. In fact, they were offering me not only a place for my Bear to feel grounded, but a place to belong. A home where I could be with my mate and live my life as I chose.

But even the joy that came from all that was nothing compared to hearing Hope’s words as I exited the private office.

“I am more certain of Miles Orson than I’ve ever been of anyone in my entire life.”

I did not hesitate. Not for a second. I crossed the room and took my mate’s hand, pulling her out of the chair and into my arms.

“Come here,” I growled.

I pressed my face against the soft skin of her neck just to breathe her in.

This was real.

She was real.

And my feelings for her were almost overwhelming.

“I love you, Hope. I love you so much,” I told her, almost losing it right there and then.

“Miles! I love you too. What happened? Are you okay?” she asked, holding on to me just as tightly as I was holding on to her.

“Yeah, Pretty Girl. We’re both okay,” I promised.

It took another minute, but once my Bear settled down, I eased my grip and loosened my hold. Hope’s smile was blinding as I stepped back, and I noted with pleasure the fact she kept hold of my hand.

“Betty, this is Miles. My mate,” Hope said and beamed at me.

Pride had me wanting to crow like a goddamn rooster, but I managed not to make an ass of myself. I just held her hand and said hello as she introduced her friend to me first, then went on to make the other introductions.

“Well, seems like you met everyone,” Daniel Devlin said, approaching us slowly.

The man wreaked of power and strength, but there was something else behind his fierce mien and I finally understood it. He was a protector. This was his home and his Clan and because of me the Willow Creek Clan had invaded under Tiegs’ orders.

“We have. We’ll be going home now, together,” Hope answered, moving to stand in front of me.

Badass mate.

Sweet woman.

Mine.

I squeezed her hand and nudged her to my side, nodding at the Enforcer.

“If there is anything I can do, Enforcer. Let me know,” I told him.

No, I didn’t want to be a Soldier for another Clan, but Marcus had already informed me there were no soldiers here. The Barvale Clan had Enforcers to maintain security and keep the peace.

But these Bears were not warmakers. They were different from the Clan I’d been born into. And I would be proud to serve them, if they allowed me.

“Yeah. Come to training tomorrow night, six PM.”

“That’s when I have to go in to work,” Hope murmured, and her scent brightened. Like she was excited.

“I can do that,” I told Daniel and squeezed Hope’s hand in mine.

We left a short while after that and followed Betty to the auto shop. Apparently, my bike hadn’t survived the battle, and she needed me to sign an insurance form.

“I don’t hold the shop responsible,” I told Arthur Lance, Hope’s boss, as he handed me the claim forms.

“And that’s real good of you, Miles, but it’s no hardship. The whole place is fully insured. Even for natural disasters,” he said, shaking his head.

That, of course, was code for two big ass Bear Shifters destroying the place.

“I can help with the reconstruction,” I offered, and that seemed to pique his interest.

“Tell you what. Call this number and ask for Brayden Smith. He runs a construction crew for Maverick Development. That’s who we usually contract to do work for us, and I know they’re always looking for more competent workers,” he said, handing me a card.

“Thanks.”

I took the card and shook the man’s hand. Then, I went to find my mate.

“How’s it look?” I asked, frowning and feeling bad at the amount of damage to the garage.

“Actually, now that the glass has been removed, it’s not bad. I mean two of the bay doors need to be replaced, a couple of panels of glass and some sheetrock, and of course, your motorcycle, but none of the customer’s vehicles were touched.”

“Good. Do you have to stay?” I asked.

“Um, no. Betty said to come in tomorrow night, but right now they are still taking pictures and cataloging everything.”

I nodded, unsure of what else I could say. This was the first time I was responsible for someone else’s well-being, and I felt like shit for fucking up this early in the game.

“Shit. Hope, I am so sorry?—”

“Hush. You are not responsible for those jerks coming here and wrecking this place. Come on. Let’s go home,” Hope said, and my guilt tripled.

I was responsible. She just didn’t know it, and it was time I told her.