TerrIIItory by Susan A. Bliler Page B

always been slightly taller, but he’d nearly doubled in muscle mass.  His chest was thick and his thigh and arm muscles bulged, making him look like a professional body builder.  Dark black hair was recently cropped short, but the full beard and mustache were homage to the untamed nature of the man.  The thick scar that sliced through one brow and down onto his cheek gave Barron an even more sinister appearance.  Dark eyes caught every movement, every subtlety, and there was no doubt that, with his heightened senses, Barron knew exactly how many wolves were near, their sex, and what each had eaten for breakfast.  No, Weston would be no match for Barron, and Evander didn’t have the time or the energy to deal with him either, but it couldn’t be put off.
    “Go!”  Evander growled turning raging eyes on his Beta.  “Take Mateo, Clay, and Lincoln.  Bring her back, Weston.”
    Weston nodded once.  “I understand her significance.”  He gave a meaningful look to his Alpha before he turned to leave.  Weston paused when Lincoln didn’t follow.  “Link?”
    Lincoln still glared at Barron where he stood crossed-armed and relaxed leaning against a tree.
    “It’s fine,” Raina whispered, walking up to rub a reassuring hand on Lincoln’s back.  Just go.”
    “Lincoln!”  Evander’s voice was strong and full of command.
    Lincoln’s eyes left Barron to land on his Alpha.
    “I’ll protect your mate.  Go find mine .”
    Lincoln’s wolf flashed in his eyes.  He was reluctant to leave Raina, and he was just as reluctant to acknowledge Evander’s words.  He’d never admitted to anyone, not even himself, that Raina was his.  Until now.  Turning, he reached for her, pulling her to him.  His wolf rejoiced that she came to him willingly.  Cupping the back of her neck, he leaned down to rest his forehead against hers.  It was the most intimately he’d ever touched her, but it had to be done.  His wolf couldn’t leave her in Barron’s presence without letting her know his intentions, and neither could the man.  He leaned lower to trace her cheek with his lips before they found the shell of her ear.  “You’re mine, Raina.”
    She didn’t deny it, she didn’t protest, she didn’t struggle.  Instead, she did the only thing that could get him to obey his Alpha and leave her side.  Slight fingers curled around his wrist and she pulled back to stare up at him.  Crystalline blue eyes held his before she whispered, “Yours.”  Then she tiptoed and kissed him gently before pulling back.  “Go, Lincoln.  I’ll be here, waiting for you.”
    Fisting his hands against the urge to take her, Lincoln nodded solemnly before turning to scowl at a beaming Weston.  He stalked to the Beta’s side, and Weston clapped him on the back. “’Bout fucking time, brother!”
    Lincoln snorted, and Weston jerked his head toward the forest.  “You and Mateo on me.  Clay, follow us in my truck.”  The three men shifted, racing from the compound while Clay hurried for the truck.
    “She left for a reason.  Be gentle!”  Raina yelled, even though she knew the pack should know better than to harm the Alpha’s mate.
    Evander turned an irate gaze on his brother.  “Let’s go inside.  Raina.”  His eyes shifted to the woman.  “Why don’t you and Swan start dinner?”
    Raina nodded knowingly.  It was too early for dinner, but Evander was letting her know that he wanted the two women together, and he wanted to know where to find them.
    Evander led his brother, the packless Alpha, into the house.

Chapter 18
    Weston led the pack through the forest.  Because Bethany was unable to shift, it was easy to follow her scent trail.  Funny, she smelled like Evander, which meant she was either wearing something of his, or their claiming was true.  Regardless, the Alpha believed she was his and wanted her back, so Weston would do Evander’s bidding.
    The trek to the local store made sense; it was the closest