Sin sank back against the worn sofa cushions and let out a deep breath. Every time she thought she could handle things, something else was tossed at her. Now Jase wanted her to commit to him and the clan, and when they were children—although she never truly expected him to ask her—she had always dreamed about being his second. Now she was faced with the opportunity and it scared her. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to jump at it or dive back into Garret’s truck and speed off in the opposite direction. Tugged in different directions, she didn’t know what she actually wanted anymore.

“Maybe now would be a good time to tell me what’s between you and Jase.” She opened her eyelids to look at him. “I didn’t really care before. I figured it was your business and that he must have trusted you to send you to me, but this tension between the two of you…well, it leaves me wondering what I’m missing.”

“I have nothing to hide.” Garret leaned against the wall, his thumbs laced through two belt loops of his jeans. “My sister managed a bar and when it was bought out by a bear, things got hairy. He was an abusive ass and he thought he owned her because she wasn’t a member of the local wolf pack. He cut her off from her family and friends, growing more paranoid and abusive with each passing day, until he locked her in the apartment above his bar. I was staking out the place when I met Jase. I took him up on his offer to help get her out of there. My sister’s life means more to me than being in debt to him, just as yours does. So I’m serious—if you want to leave, I’ll work things out with Jase. Don’t concern yourself with that.”

“He forgave the debt,” she reminded him.

“Yeah.” His chest rumbled with a light chuckle. “Just don’t worry about your brother and me. We’ll deal with it.”

She made a mental note to make sure Jase understood the slate was clear with Garret. He dealt with enough on this trip. He didn’t need a debt still hanging over his head because of whatever decision she made. “What happened to your sister?”

“We got her out of there and she’s safe. But…well, I killed the bear and as you can guess, that pissed Jase off. I imagine he wanted to reform him or some shit.” Garret pushed off the wall and strolled toward her. “But it doesn’t matter if he was a shifter or not; a man like that can’t be reformed. I did what I had to do to protect my sister and others. I have no regrets. Does that change what you think of me?”

“No.” She reached out to touch him. “You did what you had to and your sister will always be safe because of that.”

“Come here.” He tugged her hand until she was standing and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her tight against his body. “You’re an amazing woman. I wish I met you under different circumstances.”

“What does it matter what brought us together as long as we met?” She pressed her head against his chest and his heartbeat thundered in her ear. “I know the bear you’re talking about. His bar was a few blocks from my place. When they found him…”

“I know he was in bad shape.” Even as he said it, there wasn’t a drop of remorse in his voice.

She had been honest before when she said it didn’t bother her to know that he killed that bastard. In her heart she didn’t believe Garret would kill like that. His wolf must have gained control. “I wasn’t referring to the condition of the body. The news said they’d found a woman’s body in the basement. He’d killed a woman a few months before and her body was in the freezer.”

Garret’s body was tense against her. “My sister wasn’t the first he kept prisoner and wouldn’t have been the last.”

“Jase always wants to believe he can save everyone. Since it was a bear, he most likely felt obligated to at least try to save the asshole from himself.” She tipped her head back enough to look up at him without stepping out of his embrace. “Don’t get me wrong, Jase is a good man and he’ll make a good Chief, but he wants to save the world. At some point, he’s going to have to realize he can’t save everyone.”

“No one can save the world, but we can all save those we care about.” His arms tightened around her, as if he didn’t want to let her go. “Your brother has a big heart. He’s seen the worst of the world, so he wants to give others a chance. There’s a time and a place for second chances. He might disagree but that bear didn’t deserve one, not after the condition he left my sister in.”

“Second chances…” Her words came out breathy and her heart hammered against her chest.

“You’re going to do it, aren’t you?”

Before she could answer, a knock sounded from the door before it was pushed open. “May we come in?” Her mother peeked in the crack of the door.

“Sure.” She leaned back and mouthed I’m sorry to Garret, even though she was somewhat thankful for the interruption. How was he going to take it when she told him she was going to accept the position? Would he leave? As Deputy she wouldn’t need his protection, because the only way there’d be an attack on her was if someone wanted to challenge for her position. He wouldn’t be able to do anything for her in that case. Mentally, she cursed herself for worrying about him when he’d be leaving her life in a matter of days, anyways. The connection between them would fade and she’d be alone just like she’d always been. Only this time she’d be alone while still being in the tribe. She wanted a mate, craved the connection she was feeling now, but this wasn’t how she was supposed to find the man she was to be with. She shouldn’t be tied to him because her brother wanted to make sure she was safe. It’s not just the connection of his bite. I wanted him before… She pushed those thoughts away and focused on the next few hours.

Accepting this position also meant she had another big problem to deal with, and that was how she was going to explain to the tribe who Garret was and why she smelled like his mate. They couldn’t stick to the mating lie. Mates didn’t leave, no matter what obstacles life threw at them. But we’re not mates, we’re just pretending. One day I’ll find my true mate…

Her fox barked within her. He’s my mate.

“Sin…my little girl.” Her mother wrapped her arms around her, catching her off guard. “I didn’t think you’d ever come back home.”

Not sure what to say, she decided to go with the truth. “Me either, Mom.”

When her mother finally let her go, she found her father standing directly behind them waiting for his own hug. “Dad…”

“Give your old man a hug.” He held out his arms and when she neared, he wrapped them around her. Just like when she was young, she felt warm and safe in his embrace. With a grumpy old bear as a father, she was safe as long as he was around. The teasing might have always been there, but kids were ignorant. “We’ve missed you, Sin.”

“I’ve missed you too, all of you.” She had been homesick, missing them, Jase, and Swift, but as she stood there, all of the loneliness came rushing toward her. Even though some thought she didn’t belong because of the animal she shifted into, this was her home. The tribe she had been born into had never been home because she was too young to understand what was happening around her. Family and friends had been killed and her heart broken, but the loss had been replaced with Jase and their parents—a double edged sword that would always be wedged in her heart.

“Are you going to take Jase up on his offer?” Dad kept his voice low but there was a hopefulness to his tone.

Surprised, she stepped back from him and took a deep breath. “I can’t believe he told you about that.”

“Granddad and I asked who he’d name. We needed to make sure he was ready to lead this tribe. If Granddad would announce him as Chief and he wasn’t ready, it could be the demise of all of us.”

“Who’s your friend?” her mother interrupted their conversation.

“Mrs. Locklear.” Garret held out his hand to her. “I’m her mate.”

Her father took a deep breath, looking between the two of them, and shook his head. His eyebrows furrowed. “I smell her on you but the connection is not complete.”

“Dad, we just met recently and…” So much for coming clean. With Garret sticking to the plan, she had no option but to continue with the lie or let them know that Jase had planned to deceive everyone. Protecting her brother, she stepped toward Garret and slipped her hand in his. “When Jase called and asked me to be here today instead of tomorrow like I had planned, we got interrupted.”

“Sir, living in the human world, we had planned to marry and be mated the same day,” Garret added.

“That is a human tradition,” her mother spat out, disgust deepening her tone.

“My former tribe made that human tradition a part of their mating ritual.” She took comfort in Garret’s touch as memories of her biological parents flashed before her eyes. “It was something that my birth mother valued.”

“How do you know that?” Her mother crossed her arms over her chest, disbelief clear.

“She told me. I remember sitting on her lap looking at the photo album from their wedding. It was done in front of the justice of the peace, days after they’d met, but it was special to her. I wanted that as well.” She turned slightly to glance at him. “Garret was kind enough to understand and indulge me on this.”

Her mother shook her head. “A daughter of mine and such human nonsense.”

She arched her back and for the first time in her life, she stood up to her parents. “When you took me into your home, I had to adjust to your bear customs. I’ve accepted those, merged them with the beliefs that were already instilled in me, and have found some of my own along the way. I’m sure you realized over the years I’ve never been one to follow the straight line. I like to make my own, one that works for me.”

“That’s why, unlike your father and Granddad I don’t believe Jase is making the right decision bringing you on as his Deputy.”

Sin stared at her mother, too shocked to speak. The woman who had stood up for her countless times, who told her that she could do anything she wanted, now sliced a deep wound in Sin’s chest. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat and refused to let the tears shine in her eyes.

“Why’s that?” Garret slipped his hand from hers and wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her tight.

“He needs someone by his side who will do what our tribe needs, keep our tradition alive, and not bring human ones in.”

The door behind her opened. Jase’s large figure appeared in the doorway before stepping in and shutting it behind him. “Mother, we’ve had this conversation. Shifters are mixing with humans now more than ever and we need to accept that. Also, this tribe is no longer a bear majority one, as it once was. We must accept that. Our values and beliefs need to merge to create a stronger tribe. While Granddad is not interested in making the change, he understands this. It’s why there will be a new Chief tonight.”

Sin tightened her grip on Garret’s hand. “And a new Deputy.”

* * *

Sin’s announcement came as no surprise to Garret, but from the collective gasps of the rest of her family, it seemed that none of them had expected her to take the position. It became clear to him that those she considered family didn’t know her as well as he did. It was somewhat surprising since they’d just met but the connection between them gave him an extra insight into her.

“Are you serious?” Jase stepped passed his parents and eyed her with suspicion.

“I am.”

“Jase, I think we have a bit to talk about.” Garret’s fingers teased over the curve of her hip as he pressed her tight against the side of his body. He hoped Jase and Sin understood just what he was getting at.

“He’s right. Mom, Dad, if you could give us a few minutes.”

“This is a family run tribe,” the older woman complained as her husband touched her shoulder.

“It is to a point.” Jase’s words grew clipped. “Granddad didn’t include you in all of the decisions and as much as I love you, I won’t either. This will be our tribe and you must trust that we will do what’s right for it. You’ve taught us the difference between what’s right and wrong, instilled beliefs and morals in us. Now it’s time to let us lead.”

“Obviously, we didn’t do enough.” Mrs. Locklear gave Sin a pointed glance before strolling out of the room.

“It’s good to have you back home,” Mr. Locklear added with a soft smile before following his mate.

“Actually Jase, I need a minute with Garret.” She stilled under his touch, her body tense.

“I’ll be in my office upstairs. That’s the best I can do after kicking our parents out.” Jase crossed the distance to the steps before glancing back to them. “There’s a lot to life and one of the most cherished gifts is mating.”

Garret wasn’t sure what to make of the comment. Did Jase know what he already knew in his gut, that Sin was his mate? Why send him after her under false pretenses? Did the bear think this was all some kind of game, that he could move everyone around like chess pieces to get his desired results? This was why Garret wasn’t part of a wolf pack. He didn’t have the patience for the games that went along with it.

“I’ll understand if you want to leave.” She didn’t move away from him but he could feel the distance she was trying to put between them.

“Don’t close yourself off from me.” He turned her around so she was facing him. “I know we came together under questionable circumstances, but I think there’s more here between us.”

“What do you mean?” Her fox howled softly, tantalizing him.

“From the moment you opened that door, I was drawn to you. I wanted to press you up against the wall and run my hands over the curves of your body. I knew in that moment that you were my mate—not because Jase wanted me to protect you, but because our destinies were intertwined. We are supposed to be together.” He placed his hands on her hips, keeping her there in front of him.

“It’s just this bite.” She tugged her hair to the side and tipped her head to show him the bite mark. “This is what you’re feeling. It’s making you believe in things that didn’t happen. You don’t want me; you want a nice little wolf of your own.”

“You’re my mate,” he growled. “It’s not the bite, it’s you. My foxy red-head with a temper to match. I want you.”

“You don’t know me.” Her jaw tightened as she blinked away the tears that glistened in her eyes.

“I know enough and we’ll have the rest of our lives to get to know each other.”

“Say just for one minute I believe you. I’m to be Deputy to the tribe. I can’t go back to the life I had. What kind of life is that for you? You are a lone wolf but you’d be stuck here by my side.”

“I’m a lone wolf because I don’t believe in the wolf pack’s beliefs or structure. When I reached the age when I could choose my own path, I chose to go on alone. Multispecies tribes or clans are different than an all wolf one.” He reached up and cupped the side of her face. “Plus, it doesn’t matter where we are, as long as you’re by my side. I want you, here or back at your house—location doesn’t matter. I’m a virtual tech expert. I can work anywhere.”

She shook her head. “This is insane.”

“No, darling, this is mating.” He pulled her against him and kissed the top of her head. “We’ll get through this and you’re going to do this tribe proud.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist. “I was being honest when I said that I want marriage. It meant something to my biological parents, so it means something to me. The tribe, even my parents, don’t get it…”

“Shh, darling. We’ll do it however you want, but my wolf wants you now, so we’ll have to get married soon.”

“Is tomorrow too soon?”

Garret’s gaze shot to the stairs. He hadn’t heard Jase come down.

He was watching them and when they turned to look at him, he said, “What? I knew this was wrapping up so I came down to explain.”

“Explain what?”

“Dear sister, haven’t you wondered whether I knew you two were destined for each other? I know Garret has.” He continued down the steps. “I have the ability to know who will be mated together. When I met Garret, I figured it out instantly. I sent him to you because I knew that if you came back with your mate, you’d be more confident and would be able to lead this tribe with me better than if you were alone. We have new members arriving and we’ll need to be at our strongest. The three of us can be what the members need.”

“Three?” Garret’s eyebrow rose at that.

“You are my sister’s mate. That means you’re just as important to this leadership as she is. As my mother said, this is a family tribe, which means someday we will give over the reins to one of our children. As I haven’t found my mate yet, that could mean your child.”

“Jase!” Sin hollered at her brother, a blush staining her cheeks. “Could we not rush things? The mating isn’t even complete.”

Jase smirked. “Fine, but you didn’t answer me. Is tomorrow too soon? I have a friend who can marry you?”

Sin gave him a glare. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

“Tomorrow’s fine,” Garret answered before Jase had a chance to give a reply to her question. “Though I have to say for someone who doesn’t even like me, you’re sure eager for your sister to mate with me.”

“I don’t agree with your practices…” Jase eyed him, as if not sure how much to say.

Garret waved his hand. “Don’t worry, I’ve already told her about the bear I killed.”

Jase nodded. “Good, she deserved to know. Nonetheless, I know you will keep her safe at all costs. You’ve met my parents, so you know what you’re getting into. Mom runs hot or cold, there’s no in-between with her. She’s Granddad’s daughter, so she believes in the old ways, and doesn’t like change. Sin had a way of getting under Mom’s skin, but she’s always been a daddy’s girl. They are more alike than you can tell at first glance.”

The door behind them swung open to reveal a woman with the same red hair as Sin, only cut into a stylish short bob, but her green eyes were dark and haunted. He had no doubt he was looking at Swift.

“I didn’t believe them when they said you were coming home.” Swift entered, but didn’t move farther into the room. “It’s been years.” Her arms crossed over her chest as she glared at Sin.

“You had the chance to come with me.” Sin turned inside his embrace, to face her cousin.

“I don’t understand why you’d come home only to leave again.” Swift leaned back against the wall. “We were getting along fine without you. Why did you come back? Just to rip open the wounds again?”

“I’m not leaving.” She touched Garret’s chest. “This is Garret, my mate, and we’ll be making our residence here.”

“You think you can just stroll back into the tribe and pick up where you left off? Well, the Locklears might be willing to welcome you back but not me.” Swift reached for the door handle but didn’t pull it open, seeming to hesitate.

“She has come home because we need her.” Jase’s voice was soft but there was a heat in his gaze. “Swift, I know you’re dealing with your own personal demons but tonight there will be an announcement naming me the new Chief, and Sin, my Deputy. I expect you to show her the respect that she deserves. This isn’t easy for her.”

“I’d never thought I’d see the day a Locklear would allow an outsider to take a leadership role. Figured you’d choose a cousin for that position. But you chose her? I bet that really pissed off your mother.”

“She’s not an outsider.” Jase’s voice held a hint of a growl, warning Swift to watch what she said. “She’s my sister, a part of my family.”

“Whatever.” Swift left without another look in Sin’s direction.

Jase wiped a hand across his face. “Give her a few days and she’ll come around. Right now she’s angry and is struggling to deal with the memories.”

“We’re all struggling with something.” Garret nuzzled the side of his mate’s face. “An adjustment period is going to be needed for everyone. I haven’t lived a pack lifestyle for years but I know you’re going to have more people testing you than normal because they need to see how Sin’s grown and how she’s going to handle the new role. I hope you’re both ready for it.”

“I hope you’re ready for it as well.” Jase stared at Garret. “You’re going to have your own battles being accepted within the tribe.”

“To be with her I’d go anywhere and deal with any obstacle.” He kissed her temple. “We’re destined to be together, just as you were destined to take over the tribe. Everything happens for a reason.”