“I’ll be gone a few days, a week, tops… Derrik, you can handle any issues that arise, and Marta, you can make sure Derrik doesn’t piss anyone off. Keep the peace,” I joked as I threw my clothes in an old, Army green duffel bag.

“What if she’s the one pissing me off?” Derrik joked, causing his mate to slap him on the arm.

“Suck it up and do what she says anyway,” I told my second in command.

This would be the first time I’d be leaving my clan, and our land, since I took over as Chief. Although I was going to learn of ways to make our clan more sustainable, I hated the thought of leaving my people. Although we were solitary by nature, there was something to be said for knowing someone had your back at all times.

Well, I thought as I watched Marta laugh, then kiss Derrik like it was as essential as breathing, I had my clan at my back, but what I wouldn’t give to find my mate.

“Don’t worry about things here, we have it under control. Have fun and come back refreshed. You deserve the break.”

This Marta said gently. Since I didn’t yet have a mate, a lot of responsibility fell to her, as the highest-ranking woman in our clan. And she was privy to more of what was going on than most. She was always on me about working too hard and taking time for myself. She was the sister of my soul, not by blood.

“I’ll do my best,” I promised, said my goodbyes and loaded up my truck.

I was a beast of a man, so only the biggest, toughest truck would do. As a Grizzly shifter and Chief of my clan, I’d gotten into some pretty crazy scrapes, and found having a vehicle that could mow down anything in its path was a must have for me.

Turning the radio to my favorite classic rock station, I turned my truck south and headed toward Mateo and his pack.

Mateo and I had been friends for years. Both of us had taken over as head of our families at a young age, he as the Alpha of his pack and me as the Chief of my clan. Bear and wolf shifters didn’t always get along, but there had never been issues between Mateo and I. Maybe because we’d been too young and inexperienced to know we were supposed to be at odds, but I think it’s more because he’s a good dude.

Plus, he was smart, crazy smart, which was the reason I was headed to visit with him and his pack now. A couple of years ago they’d moved from just running bars and trying to make ends meet, to planting crops. Harvesting was coming up, and I wanted to see if what they were doing would be beneficial to my clan, so I was going to learn what I could.

After a few hours, I’d finally reached my destination and pulled up to park at the building in town where Mateo and his council conducted business. Since it was almost closing time, I was hoping to talk him into knocking off early and going to grab a beer so we could catch up.

I was surprised to find, however, that parking was scarce because the place was packed. It looked like some sort of town hall meeting was going on or something.

I maneuvered through the crush of people until I noticed Mateo’s Bravo, Maximus, standing just inside a room in the back. Grinning as I moved, happy to see a friend I hadn’t seen in ages, I didn’t notice who was in his arms until I stepped into the room.

“Looks like some things have changed since last we saw each other…” I began, shocked to see Gilly, who I’d always known as Mateo’s mate, sidled up against Max.

Still, Max was my friend, and I knew there had to be a good explanation, since neither Gilly, or Max, would ever do anything to hurt Mateo. So, when Max held out his hand, of course I shook it. He was my friend, after all.

“Good to see you as well,” I replied, when Max greeted me, then I turned to Gilly and added, “And you, my lovely, are a sight for sore eyes, although I’m a little confused…”

“We’re actually about to have a meeting with the pack to explain things,” Max informed me. “Gilly is my mate.”

“I see,” I muttered, although I was utterly confused. There was no way Gilly could be mates to both Mateo and Maximus.

“Is that why you came?” he asked.

I shook his head.

“No, Mateo invited me to be here for the harvest. I’m interested in learning some things, maybe starting something up for my clan.”

“Great, well, hopefully we’ll get a chance to grab a drink and catch up,” Max said.

“Sounds good.”

“You guys ready?” Mateo asked as he walked in from the stage.

I turned at the sound of my friends’ voice, gave him a once over to assure myself he was okay, then grinned as he crossed to me and slapped his hand on my back.

“Hey, Logan, I didn’t realize you were here already. We’re just meeting with the pack. Why don’t you head to my place and I’ll meet you there? This shouldn’t take too long. There’s beer in the fridge.”

“Perfect,” I stated, thinking a beer was just what the doctor ordered. Then, seeing everything was okay with my friends, and they had business to get down to, I looked to Max and Gilly once more and said, “Congrats,” then left the building, eager to get to Mateo’s and take a load off.