Chapter 1

Chapter

One

COLT

T he searing Texas sun beat down on Colt Savage's broad shoulders as he hefted another hay bale onto the flatbed truck. Sweat glistened on his tanned skin, muscles rippling with each powerful movement. The scent of dust and sage hung heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of livestock that permeated the Copper Canyon Ranch.

"Looks like Jake finally sealed the deal with Sarah," Colt's brother, Landon, remarked casually as he tossed up another bale. "Caught 'em sneaking out of the barn this morning, grinning like fools."

Colt grunted, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips. Jake was one of their best hands, but one Colt had admonished more than once about playing with the feelings of the pack's she-wolves. "About damn time. Thought I was gonna have to lock him in a room with her so she could beat some sense into him."

As alpha of the pack, Colt took pride in the happiness of his people. Yet a familiar ache settled in his chest, one he tried to ignore. He breathed deeply, savoring the crisp mountain air that carried whispers of wildflowers and pine from the distant peaks.

"Speaking of sealing deals," Landon continued, his tone light but probing, "any thoughts on..."

"Don't start," Colt cut him off, his voice a low rumble. He squinted against the harsh sunlight, scanning the sprawling ranch that had been his family's legacy for generations. The weight of the responsibilities he carried were as tangible as the hay bale in his arms.

Landon held up his hands in surrender. "Just saying, brother. Might do you some good to think about it."

Colt's jaw clenched. He did think about it. More than he cared to admit. But finding a mate wasn't as simple as choosing a prize bull for breeding. It required a connection, a spark that had so far eluded him.

The brothers worked in companionable silence for a while, the only sounds the creak of the truck's suspension and the distant lowing of cattle. Colt's mind wandered, imagining what it might be like to share this life with someone. To have a partner by his side, someone to confide in, to cherish.

"You ever wonder," Colt found himself saying, his voice softer than usual, "if there's someone out there? Someone meant for us—you know a mate meant for each of us?"

Landon paused, surprise flickering across his features. "Damn and here I was thinking we might get into something kinky." Colt snorted, finding his younger brother more annoying than usual. "Seriously, though, I do. You thinking of looking beyond the pack?"

Colt shrugged, uncomfortable with the vulnerability of the moment. "Maybe. Might be good for the bloodline. Form some new alliances."

"I'm not sure strengthening or improving the bloodline is something I'd want to lead with. But it's not a bad idea," Landon mused. "Could ask the elders to put out some feelers."

Colt groaned, already regretting opening up. The last thing he needed was the elders poking their noses in his private business. Squaring his shoulders, he pushed the longing back down where it belonged. "Yeah, maybe. We'll see."

As they finished loading the hay bales, Colt's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the rugged mountains met the endless sky. Somewhere out there, his future was waiting. But for now, he had a pack to lead and a ranch to run. Everything else would have to wait.

Having ridden up to join them, the youngest Savage brother, Bryce, dismounted and leaned against a weathered fence post, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, big brother, I'm assuming you heard Jake finally got his head out of his ass where Sarah was concerned. Which brings me to the question, when are you gonna settle down and choose yourself a mate? The pack's been wondering."

The question hit Colt like a sucker punch, stirring a familiar ache in his chest. He kept his expression neutral, focusing on tightening down the load of hay. "Pack's got more important things to worry about than my love life," he growled.

Bryce chuckled, undeterred. "Come on, Colt. You've been running this place like a well-oiled machine since you became Alpha. The ranch is thriving, the pack's safe. Maybe it's time to think about yourself for once."

Colt's jaw clenched. He could feel his brothers' eyes on him, probing. "It's not that simple," he muttered, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.

"Isn't it?" Landon pressed. "You spend every waking moment taking care of everyone else. Making sure the fences are mended, the cattle and horses are healthy, the pack is protected. When's the last time you did something for you?"

The truth of his brother's words stung. Colt straightened, wiping his hands on his worn jeans. The scent of sage and sunbaked earth filled his nostrils, a reminder of all he was responsible for.

"That's what being Alpha means," he said, his voice low and controlled. "The pack comes first. Always."

But even as he spoke, a wave of loneliness washed over him. He thought of the empty bed waiting for him each night, the silence that greeted him each morning. His wolf grumbled softly within him, yearning for a companion, a partner to share this life with.

"I know that look," Landon said softly. "You want a mate, don't you? Someone to stand beside you, to share the burden."

Colt turned away, unable to meet his brother's knowing gaze. "Wanting and having are two different things," he murmured, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of the ranch. The wind whispered through the tall grass, carrying with it the promise of something just beyond reach.

Colt sighed, running a hand through his dark, windswept hair. "There's nobody here that interests me," he admitted gruffly, his piercing eyes fixed on the distant horizon. "My mate... she's out there somewhere. But I can't just up and leave to go looking. The pack needs me here."

Bryce shook his head slowly, his expression thoughtful. "You know, I've been thinking. What if you asked a couple of the elder women to find you a mate? Someone from another pack, maybe. It could bring fresh blood to our line, strengthen our alliances."

Colt groaned. It was obvious his brothers had been talking, plotting behind his back, but they might not be wrong. The idea sent a jolt through Colt's body, his wolf perking up with interest. He'd been mulling over the same thought for weeks now but hearing it from Landon and Bryce made it feel more tangible, more possible.

"It's not a terrible idea," Colt conceded, his voice rough with suppressed emotion. "Someone who knows ranching, knows this place and this pack. Someone who could understand the burden of leadership, who could stand as mistress to the pack."

Bryce's eyes lit up. "Exactly! So why haven't you done it yet?"

Colt's shoulders slumped slightly, the weariness of his responsibilities settling over him like a heavy cloak. "Honestly? By the time I finish my duties each day, the idea of approaching our formidable elder females is more than I can stomach."

The sun had begun to paint the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the ranch. Colt's gaze swept over the land he loved, the territory he'd sworn to protect. His voice softened, tinged with a rare vulnerability. "But soon. One of these days, I'm going to do it. Because this... this loneliness... it's starting to wear on me. More than I care to admit."

The acrid scent of sweat mingled with the earthy aroma of hay as Colt hefted another bale onto the flatbed. Muscles rippled beneath his sweat-dampened shirt, the fabric clinging to his broad shoulders. The relentless Texas sun beat down, turning the air shimmery with heat waves that danced across the dusty ranch yard.

Thinking to change the subject, Colt asked, "Did Jake actually propose to Sarah last night or just have his way with her?"

"According to Etta," Bryce remarked as he paused to wipe his brow, "he had a ring and even got down on one knee."

"About damn time, if you ask me," said Landon.

"If anyone knows, it would be Etta," offered Bryce.

Colt grunted, his mind elsewhere as he surveyed the vast expanse of the Copper Canyon Ranch. Rolling hills of sunbaked grass stretched to the horizon, broken only by the jagged silhouette of distant mountains. A hawk's cry pierced the air, reminding him of the wildness that lurked beyond the fences.

"Yeah," he finally responded, his voice a low rumble. "Good for them."

As he turned back to the task at hand, Colt's gaze lingered on the empty porch of the main house. For a moment, he could almost picture a feminine figure there, welcoming him home after a long day's work. The image dissolved as quickly as it had formed, leaving behind a hollow ache in his chest.

Shaking off the unwelcome thoughts, Colt refocused on loading hay. The monotonous work usually soothed him, but today it left him restless. He found himself acutely aware of every scent carried on the breeze, every subtle shift in the air around him. His wolf prowled beneath the surface, sensing something his human mind couldn't quite grasp.

"You all right there, big brother?" Bryce's concerned voice cut through Colt's musings. "You seem distracted today."

Colt paused, considering his words carefully. "Just got a lot on my mind," he replied, not meeting Bryce's gaze. "Pack business, you know how it is."

Bryce nodded, but Colt could feel both of his brothers' sharp eyes studying him. He braced himself for the inevitable probing questions, but Bryce merely shrugged and returned to work.

As they labored in companionable silence, Colt's thoughts drifted once more. The ranch stretched out before him, a kingdom of sorts, yet the crown of leadership had never felt heavier. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming—something that would upend the careful balance he'd fought so hard to maintain.

Bryce's voice broke through Colt's reverie once more, this time with a teasing lilt. "You know, all this brooding might be solved if you'd just settle down with a nice she-wolf."

Colt whirled around, growling, his muscles tensing as he hefted another bale onto the truck. "That's not exactly a priority right now, Bryce."

His words had come out harsher than intended. But his brothers' words struck a chord deep within Colt, stirring up emotions he'd long suppressed. He paused, leaning against the truck as he gazed out toward the horizon again. She was out there somewhere, wasn't she?

"My happiness isn't what matters," Colt continued quietly, his voice low and controlled. "The pack comes first. Always."

Bryce stepped closer, his expression softening. "The pack needs a strong Alpha pair, Colt. You've done an amazing job, but even you can't do it all alone forever."

Colt closed his eyes briefly, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability. The loneliness that had been gnawing at him for months surged to the surface, threatening to overwhelm him. He imagined warm arms wrapping around him, soft lips pressed against his neck, the comforting presence of a true partner by his side.

"That's what I have you two idiots for," he said trying to lighten the mood. "But I do know. Believe me, I know."

Frustration simmered just beneath his controlled exterior. He turned away, his gaze sweeping over the corral where their horses grazed peacefully. The simplicity of their existence stirred a deep envy within him.

"I hate to admit it, but involving the elders is a bit more daunting than I want to take on most days," he admitted, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.

The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the ranch. Colt felt the day's weariness settle into his muscles, a familiar ache that never truly left him.