CHAPTER TWO

T erry busied himself at the office while waiting for the end of his shift. He looked forward to dinner with Henry but was also fearful that he might be seen by friends or co-workers. How would he explain a male mate when he had always professed to be straight? Would he be accepted, or would he be ostracized? The Alpha was gay, so the Pack could not go against him if he came out. That was a positive for sure. But his friends were a different story.

He decided he'd take Henry to the Evergreen restaurant for dinner. It was located on the edge of town, and his friends never ate there. They didn't like the fact that it was owned and operated by a gay couple who were also human. Terry was fairly certain he would not be bothered, and he could get to know Henry in that safe environment.

Maybe Henry wasn't his mate, and he was simply reacting to the excitement of the moment. Terry scrambled for an easy solution to his dilemma. He dismissed that idea as soon as it formed. He knew his mate; every shifter did. They called to you on an irresistible soul level. He recognized Henry the moment he laid eyes on him.

The only question was could he fit a human, male mate into his life? Terry was suddenly overcome with a sense of panic. He gripped the edge of his desk to steady himself. Just the thought of denying Henry was so devastating that it had almost brought him to his knees. There was no way he would ever let that man go.

…

Henry struggled with whether to call Terry and cancel dinner or go and see for himself if Dean was telling the truth. He showered, changed, and waited for Terry in the front entry hall. He could see the driveway and would know when he arrived. A part of Henry wondered if it was a joke, and he would be left sitting there alone, waiting for nothing to happen.

Seven o'clock came and went without a sign of Terry Moore. Henry sat and waited and wondered how long he should sit there before returning to his room. He stood and went back upstairs at seven-thirty with a heavy sigh of disappointment. Dean was telling the truth; it was all a joke.

…

Terry was frantic as he tried everything that he could think of to get away from his friend Gary. He'd stupidly said he had no plans when Gary stopped by the office. He couldn't very well tell him he was taking a guy to dinner, but he should have come up with something that would have freed him. Instead, he panicked and declared he had no plans. Now here he was, sitting at the diner listening to the third rendition of Gary's explanation of why his wife should forgive him for forgetting their anniversary.

"Perhaps you should be home with her rather than here with me if you want to be forgiven," Terry interjected.

Gary grimaced at the suggestion. "She told me to get out of her sight."

"Go home, Gary, and bring flowers with you." Terry persisted. "You better suck up and do it quickly if you don't want to be sleeping on the sofa for the next week." Thankfully Gary seemed to take an interest in his advice and abruptly stood.

"You're right, Terry. I'll get roses and candy and beg her to forgive me." He headed for the door but turned back to regard Terry with a big smile and a thumbs-up before leaving. Terry waved and quickly got up and raced out of the diner once Gary was gone.

"Shit!" Terry muttered when he noticed it was now nearly eight-thirty. He pulled out his phone and dialed the Ranch. He had forgotten to get Henry's number but hoped that someone at the Ranch would give it to him.

"Hey Alvin, would you happen to know Henry's cell number? I need to let him know that I'm on my way and I didn't forget our date." Terry waited, hoping that he wouldn't have to give more explanation.

"Sure, just a minute," Alvin responded good-naturedly. Terry gave a relieved sigh and waited.

Henry sat on the window seat in his bedroom and stared out into the backyard. He had hoped that Terry was sincere and had hoped they could have a friendship, if nothing else. He was attracted to the man, but he wouldn't settle for being anyone's dirty little secret ever again.

The memory of his past relationship came flooding back, and he quickly blocked it. Even after two years, it still felt too fresh and painful. He didn't want to start crying again, not here and not now. Why did he always attract the frightened straight men? Dean said Terry was straight, but the look in his eyes both at the gas station and earlier when he asked him out said something different.

None of that mattered now, though. Terry had stood him up, ending their relationship, so to speak, before it even started. He felt a combination of hurt and relief at the realization.

Henry was abruptly pulled from his consideration by his cell phone ringing. He grabbed it from his pocket and answered without looking, assuming it was someone from home checking on him.

"Hello."

"Henry, this is Terry." Henry set up straight and wished he'd checked the caller ID.

"I'm sorry I stood you up. It wasn't on purpose, I swear. Please, it's still early. Can I . . . can we . . . have coffee or something?" Terry was at a loss. He didn't know what to say or how to say it. The ensuing silence was killing him. He should have called sooner. He should have come up with some excuse and called Henry sooner. Why hadn't he called? He felt like a complete asshole.

"Okay, coffee would be fine. But I don't want to go anywhere with you. Let's have coffee here at the Ranch."

That statement hit Terry like a knife in his heart. As much as he was having doubts and fears regarding their relationship, it tore at him to realize his mate was also having doubts.

"You're safe with me," Terry whispered. "I understand, though, and I will have coffee anywhere you want as long as it's with you." Terry was contrite, and Henry did not miss the hurt in his voice.

"Okay. I'll wait for you downstairs, but I'll only wait thirty minutes. If you don't show, please don't ever call me again." It may have sounded rough or demanding, but Henry needed to set the ground rules and expectations early. He would not settle, ever again, for a one-sided or dismissive relationship.

"Put the coffee on; I'll be there." With that, Terry hung up and headed to his car.

…

Henry made his way back to the front entry hall and sat down to wait after checking his watch. After seventeen minutes, he saw a car pull into the yard, and Terry got out. He jogged up to the front door.

Suddenly Alvin appeared coming from the TV room and went to answer the door. He turned and smiled at Henry. "I'll get this, you wait in the kitchen, and I'll send him to you."

Henry nodded, appreciating Alvin's care, and retreated to the kitchen. It was only a few moments before Terry appeared at the doorway.

"Thanks for meeting with me."

"Sure." Henry handed him a cup of coffee and pointed to a chair opposite his at the table. He wanted a little distance between them.

"I'm sorry I didn't call you sooner, and I'm sorry I was so late." Terry began at the only point he could think of. He was two hours late, and he hadn't called. Henry nodded but didn't respond. He took a long sip of his coffee and then set it on the table without making eye contact with Terry. "I should have called," Terry repeated softly.

"It doesn't matter, Terry." Henry began but still did not look at him. He kept his eyes on his cup as he absently ran his fingers around the rim. "It's not like we're dating or even friends, for that matter. You don't owe me anything." Terry held his cup in a death grip as his eyes stayed glued to Henry. "I'm only here until the ceremony, so just a few more days. We won't be seeing each other after that, since I live in Washington and you in Montana. I really don't see a point in trying to work this out." Henry pointed out the facts as he saw them.

Terry was furious with Henry for dismissing the bond and with himself for screwing things up so fast. To see his mate sitting there casually stating he was leaving and a relationship between them was unlikely was tearing him apart. On the outside, he was trying to control his panicked rage, but on the inside, his wolf was demanding he grab their mate and run.

"Even if you return to Washington, I would still like permission to date you. I feel we have something. Don't you feel it?" Terry decided to gently approach the subject of mates.

Henry heard the implication and saw the heated stare Terry was giving him, and jumped to the correct conclusion. "What are you saying?" Henry needed to hear it clearly.

Before admitting the truth, Terry held him in that needy, demanding, passionate stare for several heartbeats. "You're familiar with shifters. Jamie told me you have family that are shifters." Henry nodded but added nothing. "I am drawn to you in a way only shifters are drawn."

"Say what you mean," Henry demanded softly.

"You're my mate Henry, and I am yours." The silence fell hard. Both men were staring holes into each other and waiting. Hope and fear filled the room in equal measures.

"You're not gay. Dean told me you're not gay, and to top it off, you also have a hatred for humans. I heard how you treated Ronan." Henry stated harshly and let his eyes shift back to his coffee cup. "Fates must really hate you, Terry." The corner of his lip turned up in a sad smile, and then he took a long sip of his coffee, draining the cup.

Terry was speechless. He was angry at himself and his past. Yes, Fates definitely hated him; otherwise, he would have woken up to his stupidity and changed his behavior before meeting Henry. "I can't lose you, Henry. I have my problems and a reputation that wouldn't make you proud, but I can change. Give me time and give me a chance, please." Terry reached across the table, took Henry's hand, and squeezed it. "Please give me a chance."

Henry nodded after several tense moments of consideration. "I don't see how this can work, but I'm willing to try. I'm attracted to you. I won't pretend that I'm not, but that doesn't mean I won't walk away if it is in my best interest to do so." Henry suddenly hit him with a deadly stare and caused the breath to catch in Terry's throat. "If you are straight, then own it. Don't try to be something you're not. I'm not interested in becoming your failed experiment."

"I'm gay, but I'm not out in Lonepine. Give me another chance, please." Terry pleaded softly as he continued to stroke his fingers across Henry's palm.

Henry nodded. "Okay, dinner tomorrow, and don't be late."

"Thank you, Henry. I'll pick you up at seven, and I won't be late." A huge smile burst across Terry's face, full of relief and expectation.

…

The next morning, everyone seemed to avoid the subject of him and Terry and the supposed date. Henry figured they really didn't know what to say and felt uncomfortable bringing it up to him. Everyone had already given him their thoughts of Terry, and he had definitely lived up to their opinions.

Henry saved them from an extended awkward silence by beginning the conversation. "Terry stood me up last night," he paused as groans and nods circled the table. "But he called later and apologized." The silence continued as every eye remained on him. "He came by late last night, and I agreed to give him another chance."

Ronan was the first to respond to the news. "Another chance to what, treat you like shit?" Alpha Lance, Ronan's mate, shot him a stern look, and Ronan responded by shooting him an irritated expression. That was a look only the Alpha Mate could get away with.

"I believe he was sincere, and he seemed contrite." Henry defended weakly.

"Oh, please, Henry, you don't know the sort of man Terry Moore is." Dean joined the discussion. "I explained to you last night not to expect him to show, and he didn't show. So now I'm telling you he isn't worth your time, your effort, or your care. He will hurt you, that I guarantee."

Henry poked at his eggs as he thought over Dean's words. "I realize that Terry is a chance, but he is a chance I feel I need to take. I don't want to walk away unless I'm sure he's no good for me. As it is now, I really don't know him, and I want to know him."

"Do what you believe is correct for you but remember that we'll be here for you regardless of how things turn out," Molly spoke the words Henry wanted to hear. They were words of caring and support. He smiled broadly, as did Aaron, the Pack Beta, and Molly's mate.

"Thanks, Molly." He said, and she nodded. Everyone got back to their breakfast, but Ronan mumbled something under his breath that sounded like, ‘just a matter of time.'

...

Terry was so relieved when Henry agreed to give him another chance. Being late the previous evening was a huge mistake that he planned never to repeat. He had to find a way to tell his friends and his family that he had found his mate, and his mate was Henry Grange. He smiled warmly at the thought of Henry and grimaced at the reality of how his friends and family would take the news.

"Hey, Terry." Jamie walked into the office and went right to the coffee maker for a hot cup of his favorite beverage, next to a cold beer on a Friday night, of course. "I love a hot cup of strong coffee in the morning." He mumbled more to himself than Terry. He took his seat across from where Terry was seated and eyed him speculatively over the rim of his mug after taking a long sip.

"So, how was the date?" He smiled and set his cup down. His smile dropped to concern when he saw the sheepish look cross Terry's face. "Oh, tell me you didn't fuck this up."

"No! Yes. Maybe? I don't know." Terry dropped his head into his hands and then roughly ran his fingers through his short hair. He spent the next few minutes explaining himself and the previous night's events to his friend. Jamie sat there and appeared dumbfounded at the stupidity of it all. His opinion was apparent in the expression on his face. "I know! You don't have to say it. If I keep this up, I will lose him."

Terry jumped to his feet and began furiously pacing the room. "When I saw him yesterday on the porch, everything was so right. He looked at me and smiled, and I could feel it, you know, the pull, the need to be closer. I know that he felt it too." He suddenly turned and dropped into the nearest chair as if defeated. "Then last night after . . . everything, he looked at me as if he didn't know me and definitely didn't trust me. I had to beg for a second chance. Henry was prepared to end it right there. He believes I'm a straight man who is just interested in experimenting." Terry moaned and again rubbed his hands across his face. "Why do I do this to myself? It could have been so easy."

"You're scared, Terry. You're scared your friends will find out you're gay and start treating you like they treat others. Throw on top of that the fact that Henry is human, and you get the double whammy of bigotry." Jamie's answer was right on the mark. Terry knew he was weak, but he never realized how weak he was.

"You're going to have to decide what is more important, your friends or your mate. It's as easy as that." Jamie came over and squeezed his shoulder in a show of sympathy and support. "If it were me, and mind you, I am damn jealous that you get Henry, I would beat feet to my mate and never leave."

Terry spent the remainder of his shift thinking of ways to come out of the closet. Henry had given him another chance, but it was with reservation. It almost seemed like Henry didn't expect him to overcome his faults. He didn't expect to be chosen. Terry would keep his mate; he wouldn't fuck this up.

It was just past three when a large man with coal-black hair and an authoritative gait and attitude walked into the office. He introduced himself as Ivan Rand, a Detective with the State Police in Michigan out of Traverse City. He reached out his hand to Terry, who took it in a loose yet firm grip. The sudden realization that the man sent to town to take custody of Randall was himself a wolf shifter had Terry raising his brows in shock and surprise.

"You know what I am," Ivan spoke candidly.

"Yes," Terry responded. "He doesn't know?" Terry jerked his head towards the cell at the back of the room that currently held ADA Jordan Randall of Traverse City, Michigan.

"No." It was just a single word spoken tightly, with his stare speaking volumes regarding his relationship with Randall. Terry surmised that there was no love lost between the two of them.

Terry indicated a chair in front of his desk for him to sit down. "Have a bit of paperwork for you, and if you'd like, I can have one of the officers take you to see the Mayor. I'm sure he would be happy to put you up for the night." Terry was confident that Ivan understood Pack dynamics and understood the request to meet the Mayor and to stay at the Pack House was not a request. Ivan nodded his understanding and sat down.

"How long will you be staying?" Terry asked as he shuffled through his desk and came up with the transfer paperwork.

Ivan leaned back in his seat and regarded the officer intently, weighing and measuring him and his possible place in the pack before answering his question. "I will probably be here no more than two days, however long it takes to complete the transfer and get a flight out with the prisoner." Ivan then glanced around the room speculatively. "I didn't realize there was a pack in this area." He spoke softly so only Terry could hear him.

Terry nodded. "Been here about hundred and fifty years. Our Alpha is Lance Hendricks. He recently mated Ronan James." With that said, Ivan instantly smiled, and a soft satisfied chuckle followed.

"So that cocky bastard tried to come between an Alpha and his mate?" He asked and laughed outright when Terry returned his smile and nodded affirmatively. "Serves him right; we've been investigating him for several months now following several complaints of abuse of power. We couldn't get the goods on him, but we now have him dead to rights, thanks to you all. He won't be bothering anyone again for a long time."

Ivan took the offered paperwork and began filling it out. Terry strolled to the back of the office to inform Jordan Randall that he would be transferred back to the authorities in Michigan and that Detective Rand was there.

"Ivan, Ivan!" Randall yelled, but Ivan ignored him and continued with his paperwork.

...

Henry went to town with Molly, who wanted to shop for a new dress for her commitment ceremony to Aaron, better known as a wedding. Henry hadn't gotten a chance to see much of the town proper, so he agreed to accompany her.

They were combing through the racks of a local boutique when Molly began her questions. "Are you sure you want to start something with. . . Terry? Ronan told you how he treated us. He isn't a very nice man." She turned to regard him squarely. "He's a bigot, a homophobe, and a bully."

"He's my mate, or at least he said he was. I don't know. I feel drawn to him in a way I've never felt before, almost obsessively so." He glared at the floor and pushed his fists into his pockets.

"Oh, sweetie," Molly patted his shoulder sympathetically. "I'm so sorry." He noticed tears present in her eyes, which did nothing for his confidence.

"I have to give him a chance." He explained. "If we're mates, as he claims, I have to try." He didn't sound convincing, even to his own ears.

Molly just stared at him, pity filling the space between them. "Mate or not, don't take shit from him."

‘I won't."

…

Ivan completed all the necessary paperwork and stood looking around the room once again as if he were looking for something specific. "I'll get one of the officers to take you to the Ranch in just a minute." Terry was dealing with a walk-in complaint regarding trespassing. Ivan walked over to one of the adjacent desks and ran his fingertips over the surface as if caressing the wood.

"Whose desk is this?" He asked offhandedly, or so it seemed.

"Jamie McCormick. He's one of the officers here, but he was called away this morning on a case regarding cattle theft up north. You probably won't meet him if you're only staying a couple of days. Those calls usually take a while to sort out."

"I look forward to meeting him."

Terry wasn't sure what he meant, considering it was unlikely that Jamie would be back within the week, but he didn't give it much thought. Terry's mind was consumed, as it had been all day, with the image of his mate Henry Grange. Once he had the trespassing report completed, and Ivan was on his way to the Ranch, he decided to give his beautiful mate a call.

It was only late afternoon, but it seemed like he hadn't spoken with Henry for days. "Hey, Henry." He gushed as soon as Henry answered. "What are you doing, baby?" He leaned back in his chair and listened to the dulcet tone of the most gorgeous man alive.

"Just dress shopping with Molly," Henry answered.

"Dress shopping? You don't have to get all dolled up on my account. Just jeans and a nice shirt will do fine." He chuckled.

"Oh, haha, aren't you the funny one." Henry shot back good-naturedly.

"You would look good in anything or nothing. I think I would prefer you in nothing." Terry started to ramble in that sensual direction until Henry halted him.

"You can't talk like that, Terry. I'm in the middle of a ladies' boutique, and you're at work. Neither location is proper for a hard-on." Henry started laughing as Terry joined in.

"True, very true." Terry agreed. "So, hold that thought until I see you tonight."

"I'll do that."

...

Henry skipped dinner at the Ranch in anticipation of a wonderful dinner and conversation with Terry at 7 p.m. He also wanted to avoid the likely warnings and criticisms. They wouldn't provide any warnings that he wasn't already aware of, considering he didn't completely trust Terry to be able to follow through with a relationship. But with that said, he was willing to give him a chance.

He had to give him a chance. He couldn't deny his mate, and he believed Terry was his mate. Henry lived with shifters after his mother moved home and met her mate. His mother was human, but his stepfather was a shifter. Henry sat down heavily on his bed and recalled the man or rather shifter that had claimed his mother. His name was Clyde, and as much as he appeared to love his mother, he never showed Henry any affection or care. He was a cold, distant man with Henry, and although his mother took care of him, he knew she didn't love him either.

Henry's father had been a very successful businessman and had invested very well. When he died, he left everything to Henry. He left tangible things such as home, car, etc., and a few thousand to Henry's mother, but the bulk of the estate went to Henry. He knew that was the only reason his mother and stepfather kept him around as long as they had.

After turning twenty-one, he fully came into his inheritance, and they no longer acted as guardians. It was then he was shown the door. They never abused him, but they didn't love him either. He was a financial convenience until he wasn't.

The wolves here don't seem like those he was used to. Here they seemed to care about each other and even cared about the humans among them. They were warm and friendly, something his stepfather and his pack never were. Clyde was cold, dismissive, and easily irritated. Henry rarely bothered him for anything unless it was a life or death situation.

Henry's thoughts strayed back to Terry. Would he overcome his insecurities, and could he be a true mate? Honestly, Henry had his doubts. He'd had a two-year on-and-off relationship with a man that refused to come out of the closet, and he would not be put into such a position again. He absolutely refused to start another so-called relationship under those conditions.

Henry moved to sit on the porch for a while before Terry arrived. He still had strong doubts and hoped that he wasn't making a big mistake.

"Hey, Henry, come have a cup of coffee with me. I promise not to bring up Terry. I swear." Ronan called through the screened door. Henry got up from the porch bench where he was trying to relax as he waited for Terry. "You need to clear your head, and a good cup of coffee prepared by me is just the ticket." Ronan held the door open for him. "I worked as a barista one summer, so I know my stuff." Henry had to grin at Ronan's effort to cheer him up.

"Thanks. I would enjoy a cup of coffee and your company." Ronan patted him on the back and led him into the kitchen. "Where's your mate. I'm surprised he isn't here with you." Henry asked as he made himself comfortable at the large kitchen table and watched as Ronan moved about preparing the perfect cup of coffee.

"The detective from Traverse City arrived, and apparently…." He paused and shot a grin over his shoulder at Henry. "The man is a wolf shifter."

Henry gasped, "Wow, what are the odds? So, the plan of playing Randall off as crazy isn't going to work." Henry understood that Randall had falsely accused Ronan and his sister Molly of breaking and entering and tampering with evidence. He did this to force Ronan into a relationship with him. Being the Assistant District Attorney for his county, Randall thought he was above the law.

Fortunately, Ronan and Molly ran, heading to Henry in Washington State. He was more than willing to give them shelter and help in any way that he could. On their way, they broke down here in Montana and were rescued by their mates. Alpha Lance Hendricks was Ronan's mate, and Beta Aaron Beaumont was Molly's. They lured Randall here and arrested him for attempted kidnapping and assault.

Randall was now being held in the county jail. During the final rescue, Lance had lost it when Randall physically assaulted Ronan. Lance shifted in front of Randall and attacked him. They'd hoped to pass it off as hallucinations, but with the officer from Michigan being a wolf shifter himself, he would immediately scent the other wolves. He would know that Randall was speaking the truth.

"It won't be a problem. Lance is meeting with him now to discuss the situation." Ronan handed him a steaming cup of coffee. Henry thanked him. "The detective will be staying here overnight while they get Randall ready to be transported."

Henry thought about it for a moment as he drank his coffee. "So, they will go forward with the ‘he's delusional' explanation?" He noticed Ronan nod in agreement. "I'm sure the new guy wouldn't want the truth about shifters to get out to the population at large," Henry concluded.

"Well, now that I've danced around what I really wanted to talk about long enough, here it is. I lied when I said I wasn't going to discuss Terry." Ronan locked eyes with Henry and then began. "Don't take any shit off of Terry tonight. I know you're older than me and well able to take care of yourself. I just want you to know if Terry proves to be his usual asshole self, call me. I will help you any way that I can, no matter where no matter when."

Henry was surprised and touched by the kindness Ronan extended. Rather than protest that he wasn't a shrinking violet and could handle whatever situation arose, he simply said, "Thank you."

…

Terry was nervous and excited all rolled into one as he watched the clock on the wall of the station click silently towards five o'clock. He planned to go straight home to change and freshen up before heading to the Ranch and his mate. He knew he would be early, but he couldn't wait till seven to see Henry. Talking to him on the phone had helped, but that had been hours ago. He wanted to see him, put his arms around him, and watch him smile.

Never in his life did he imagine the feelings that his mate would invoke. He had always scoffed at the mated couples, believing their behavior was for the audience and not truly that deeply felt. It was expected so the players would oblige. But it was real, and Terry was beside himself with the constant thought and need to be with this man.

Last night had almost broken him, emotionally speaking. If Henry had walked away and not given him another chance, he would have gone insane for sure. His wolf began to pace and was getting just as anxious as he was, so his thoughts of loss and abandonment needed to end. This was a fresh start, and he would make the most of it. Henry was his, Henry was his mate, and he planned on keeping him.

The Alpha had met with the detective from Michigan and then took him out to the Ranch for the night. He and Randall would be returning to Michigan tomorrow. It would feel good to have that man out of their territory and away from the Alpha and Beta mates. He was an obsessed man with few morals and ethics.

The detective, Ivan Rand, promised to look into all of Randall's work to make sure others weren't blackmailed or abused using his power and position. He'd nearly ruined the lives of Ronan and Molly, so it was likely he'd done the same to others.

Ivan agreed to push forward the delusional aspect of Randall's behavior regarding giant beasts attacking and changing into humans. That made Terry smile. For years people have believed this man's lies, and now that he is telling the truth, no one will listen or believe. The whole thing was too good. He smiled again at the irony.

Terry glanced once more at the clock just as it hit five o'clock. He jumped to his feet and yelled to another officer who was in the back, telling him he was leaving, as he rushed out the door.