Chapter 17

17

BECK

T hey navigated their way back to where Beck’s SUV waited, the wilderness closing around them like a dark embrace. The energy between them was intense, and yet he couldn’t regret anything that had happened. She had capitulated to his dominance with only a token resistance and didn’t seem to be at all bothered by what had happened. In fact, as they’d set off for the SUV, she’d reached for his hand and he’d wrapped his fingers around hers as they walked, an unspoken acceptance of the change in her status.

He glanced at Irene, her jaw set and her expression guarded. He knew the argument was coming—it had been brewing since they left the cavern—but he wasn’t in the mood to back down.

When they reached the clearing where his vehicle was parked, she spun to face him, her eyes flashing like embers in the fading twilight.

“Don’t even think about it, Beck,” Irene said sharply, crossing her arms over her chest. “I know what happened up in the cave…”

“Good. I’d hate to think it wasn’t as memorable for you as it was for me,” he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Irene rolled her eyes. “Of course, it was memorable. But I’m not ready to just join your pack at your estate. I want to go back to the B&B.”

Beck sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Irene, this isn’t up for debate.”

Her brows shot up, and a sardonic laugh escaped her lips. “Excuse me? I think I just heard you say this isn’t up for debate. Since when do I take orders from you?”

“Since you nearly got killed twice in one day,” Beck shot back, his voice a low growl. She certainly knew how to kill a mood. “Since I claimed you as my mate? You think I can just let you wander around out here with hunters on your tail? What’s your plan? To keep running and hope for the best?”

Her lips parted, but whatever retort she’d been about to fire died on her tongue. Instead, she looked away, her hands curling into fists at her sides. “I don’t need saving,” she said quietly.

“I never said you did,” Beck countered, his tone softening. He stepped closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. “But this isn’t just about you anymore. Everybody needs saving once in a while. Those hunters aren’t going to stop, and the pack’s estate is the safest place for us right now. My wolves will protect us while we figure out our next move.”

Irene’s shoulders sagged slightly, the fire in her gaze dimming. “I don’t like feeling trapped,” she admitted.

“I know,” Beck said, his voice steady. “But this isn’t a trap. It’s a strategy. And the only way I’m going to get any sleep tonight is by knowing you’re safe.”

She let out a huff, her hands dropping to her sides. “You’re really not giving me a choice, are you?”

“No,” Beck said simply, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

For a moment, they stared at each other, the silence crackling with unspoken tension. Then Irene exhaled, her breath visible in the cool evening air. “Fine,” she said begrudgingly. “But if I hate it, you’re going to hear about it.”

“I’d expect nothing less,” Beck said with a faint grin, opening the passenger door of his SUV for her. His mate—he hadn’t known how much he would like that word—could be prickly, but she was also, for the most part, practical.

She slid in without another word, her expression a mixture of defiance and resignation. Beck circled around to the driver’s side, climbing in and starting the engine. The roar of the vehicle shattered the quiet, but the strain between them lingered, filling the space like an unseen force.

As they drove toward the pack’s estate, the winding forest roads illuminated only by the headlights, Beck cast a quick glance at Irene. She stared out the window, her fingers drumming lightly against her thigh. He wanted to reach out, to touch her, to offer some reassurance—but he knew better than to push her when she was like this.

After several minutes of silence, Irene spoke, her voice cutting through the low hum of the engine. “What’s your pack like?”

Beck hesitated, surprised by the question. “Strong. Loyal. They’re family.”

Irene’s gaze flicked to him, her expression unreadable. “And you think they’ll welcome me? A stranger?”

“You’re not a stranger,” Beck said firmly. “You’re my mate.”

Her lips twitched, but the smile didn’t fully form. “That’s not an answer.”

“Yes it is, and they’d welcome the rest of your pack as well,” Beck said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “You’ll see.”

She didn’t respond, turning her attention back to the window. Beck tightened his grip on the wheel, his mind racing. He could feel her reluctance, her unease, but he also sensed something else—something deeper, something she wasn’t ready to share.

They drove in silence for the next half hour, the forest gradually giving way to rolling hills and the first glimpses of the pack’s territory. Beck felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension as they neared the estate. He knew his wolves would keep them safe, but he also knew the challenges that lay ahead—for both of them.

As the SUV rounded the final bend and the estate came into view, Beck glanced at Irene. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the sprawling main grounds and the mansion built by money from silver and gold. It wasn’t overly fancy, but it was formidable in design blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

“Welcome to my world,” Beck said quietly, pulling the SUV to a stop in front of the main building.

Irene didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on the estate as though it held the answers to questions she hadn’t yet asked.

Irene raised an eyebrow. “It’s... bigger than I expected.”

“It has to be,” Beck replied. “The pack’s grown over the years. We’ve got dormitories for unattached wolves, cottages for mated pairs, and a central dining hall where everyone can come together. The main house is for leadership and guests.”

She nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line. He could tell she was processing, trying to find her place in a world that was so different from her own.

As they stepped onto the porch, the door swung open, revealing Des. His gaze swept over Irene, taking note of the fresh claiming mark on her throat before landing on Beck. “You’re back late,” Des said gruffly, though his lips twitched in a faint smile.

“Got held up,” Beck replied, clapping a hand on Des’s shoulder. “Des, this is Irene. Irene, Des.”

Des nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Welcome to Silver Falls. If Beck’s brought you here, I’m guessing there’s trouble.”

“You could say that,” Irene said, her tone measured but polite.

Des’s eyes flicked to Beck, his brow furrowing. “We’ll talk later.”

Beck nodded. “Get the patrols doubled. I don’t want any gaps.”

“Already done.” With that, Des disappeared back into the shadows, his efficient stride carrying him toward the barracks.

Beck guided Irene into the main house, the warmth and bustle of activity a stark contrast to the level of energy outside. The scent of baking bread and roasted meat wafted through the air, mingling with the soft murmur of conversation.

A woman in her sixties appeared, her kind eyes lighting up as she saw Beck. “Alpha, it’s about time you showed up. We were starting to think you’d forgotten how to find your way home.”

“Not a chance, Delilah,” Beck said, his voice carrying a rare note of affection. “Irene, this is Delilah. She’s the housekeeper, but really, she runs the place.”

Delilah smiled warmly at Irene, her gaze sharp but not unkind. “Welcome, dear. You must be special if Beck’s brought you here.”

Irene managed a faint smile, though Beck could sense her discomfort. “Thank you.”

“I’ll send up something for dinner,” Delilah said, giving Beck a pointed look. “You both look like you could use a good meal.”

Beck inclined his head. “Thanks, Delilah.”

He led Irene up the stairs to his suite, the familiar surroundings offering him a sense of calm he hadn’t realized he needed. The spacious room was both rustic and refined, with a stone fireplace, leather furniture, and large windows and a balcony that overlooked the surrounding forest.

“It’s good to be alpha,” Irene said, her tone neutral as she dropped her pack near the door.

“Most of the time,” Beck replied, moving to light the fire.

They sat quietly at the small table by the window, the flickering fire casting warm light over the room. There was a knock on the door, and Delilah entered with a spread of roasted beef, vegetables, and freshly baked bread. Beck watched as Irene picked at her food, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.

“You’re thinking about them, aren’t you?” Beck asked softly.

Irene glanced up, her fork pausing mid-air. “Who?”

“The women you’ve been protecting,” Beck said. “Your pack.”

Her eyes softened, and she set her fork down. “Always,” she admitted. “They’ve been through so much. Abandoned, abused, cast out. We’ve built something together, but it’s fragile. One wrong move, one mistake, and it could all fall apart.”

Beck nodded, his expression thoughtful. “And the treasure? You think it’s the answer?”

“It’s a chance,” Irene said, her voice steady but tinged with desperation. “A way to secure our future. To make sure we’re safe.”

Beck leaned forward, his gaze intent. “You could have that here. In Silver Falls.”

Irene’s lips parted, but no words came.

“The pack would welcome you,” Beck continued, his voice low and earnest. “All of you. You’d have safety, resources, support. You wouldn’t have to carry this alone anymore.”

Irene shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her. “You make it sound so simple. The hunters are following our every move. How is your pack going to feel about my having put them in danger?”

Beck reached across the table, his hand covering hers. “The hunters have already targeted us and some others in town. That’s the beauty of being a part of a shifter community. We’re not helpless, Irene. We’ve faced threats before, and we’ve come out stronger. Don’t you want that for your women? None of you would be a burden—you’d be part of something bigger. And you might just find a place where you belong.”

Her gaze met his, and for the tiniest fraction of a second, the guarded walls she’d built seemed to crack. “I don’t know, Beck,” she said quietly.

“Think about it,” Beck urged, his thumb brushing against her knuckles. “If not for yourself, then for them. And for us.”

Irene’s breath hitched, her eyes searching his face as though looking for answers he couldn’t give.

Before she could respond, a faint knock sounded at the door, followed by Des’s voice. “Beck? We’ve got something you need to see.”

Beck’s entire body tightened, the urgency in Des’s voice setting his nerves on edge. He stood, his hand lingering on Irene’s for a moment before he turned to the door.

“I’ll be right back,” he said, his voice firm.

As he stepped into the hallway, his heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Whatever Des had found, Beck knew it was only the beginning of the storm.