Benjamin Read online

  “It has been said that a bright light will surround the couple, and they can see little ribbons of colored light intertwining with each other and then entering their bodies as their souls become one. A tattoo appears on the third finger of the left hand where a typical wedding band would be, symbolizing that they are completely mated.

  “And finally, there is a ceremony that is very similar to a human wedding.”

  “Freddie is a shifter?” he asked, surprised.

  “Yes, although he’s never found his mate.” She shrugged. “I have no idea why, but I feel blessed that he confided in me. My parents never told me about fated mates.”

  “Wow.”

  “A man of few words.” She smiled at him shyly.

  “I just expected to have to explain it all to you. After meeting your father, I was sure you knew nothing about fated mates.”

  Her face paled. Surprise, then disbelief, crossed her features. If he was saying what she thought he was saying, he had hidden it well.

  “I’m your mate?”

  “Yes.” Benjamin’s voice was hoarse, and his grip on the steering wheel tightened.

  “I didn’t know. I lost communication with my bear when I was about ten. Why didn’t you say so?” Sabrina whispered.

  “I didn’t want to frighten you. After Scott and Mitchell… I was scared that you would think I was taking advantage.”

  “All my life, Benjamin, nobody has ever been attracted to me,” Sabrina admitted.

  “Well, listen, those days are over, Sabrina,” Benjamin stated.

  ●●●

  Part of the reason he mated with her so quickly was to get her away from the man destroyed her emotionally. Her father only cared about the political alliance that he could gain by using his daughter. Sabrina being his mate was more than he had ever bargained for.

  Estes Park appeared as vast as the sky, both stretching until they met the second range of mountains in the distance. It’s known as the gateway for Rocky Mountain National Park, home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails. It was the perfect place for them when they needed to shift. Their slice of alpine paradise was located on forty-eight acres at the base of one of the park’s entrances. It was far enough off the tourist routes that they were safe from accidental discovery from humans.

  Scattered around the alpha’s home were two- through six-bedroom cabins for the families and singles. They had a general store located next to the administration building offering a limited selection of grocery items and other necessities. Inside the administration building was a large banquet hall where breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served every day in an all-you-can-eat buffet-style.

  They had plenty of activities to keep the young cubs and teens busy such as archery, rock climbing (both indoor and outdoor), astronomy when the weather permitted, a game room, a golf course, a well-stocked lake for fishing, horseback riding, ice skating indoor rink and roller-skating rink, swimming pool, and ziplining.

  There were plenty of jobs for the teens and adults that were concerned with working around humans. The teens didn’t always have full control of their shifts while going through puberty. The Hurst family clan consisted of more than just bears. Benjamin welcomed any shifter once their background check came back showing no risks to the group.

  Benjamin was proudly showing off everything he had accomplished since becoming alpha. His brother, Corbin, had been right with his desire to bring their clan into the modern age. After their father passed away, he had been more than angry with Corbin. Over time, however, he was pleased that he and Corbin could air out their issues. Strangely enough, it began when he spotted Corbin at their mother’s grave a few days ago. Corbin was struggling with attacks on his dude ranch and his newly-discovered mate.

  Benjamin noticed Corbin hastily wipe away his tears as he approached their mother’s grave.

  “I was scared to fail as a child after mom died. I didn’t want to be lonely but I felt tense in a crowd. We’re all supposed to want to be popular; I couldn’t breathe in large social groups. Every step I took was a path between two fears; being scared is just par for the course,” Corbin confessed to Benjamin.

  Suddenly, the years of anger and frustration he felt toward his brother melted away at the confession. He laid his hand lightly on Corbin’s shoulder, and instead of cringing like he typically did, Ben could tell he was comforted by it. He kept his hand there as he spoke with his soft-spoken alpha voice that would send calm feelings to Corbin.

  “Corbin, if you personify love even in times of trouble, hardship, or war, then you are truly one of the mighty. I see how— no matter the stresses laid upon you— you show more grace than many do in times of plenty. It is in those moments of pain and fear I see right to your soul and know that my faith in you, my brother, is eternal,” Benjamin said.

  “You are a great alpha and brother, Ben,” Corbin said. “I know I could have made the changes to bring us into the modern age, but I couldn’t see other than dad’s disapproval. I felt it was the only way to be myself.”

  “I hated you for years the way you left. You never told me you were not going to be alpha. A little warning would have been nice,” Benjamin said. “Dad died right after I took over. I was lost and didn’t know what to do. I needed you, Corbin, and you were not there.”

  “I’m truly sorry, Ben. I don’t know what else to say,” Corbin replied.

  “I guess there really isn’t anything left to say,” said Benjamin. “I will be there for you whenever you need me.”

  “Thank you. It’s good to know I can count on you,” Corbin said as he stood. After a brief hug, Corbin left.

  Benjamin looked at his mother’s grave then over to his sister’s grave, missing them both so much even to this day.

  As Benjamin drove closer to the alpha house, he tried to see it as Sabrina would see it for the first time. He grew up in this house and had it remodeled when he took over as alpha. It was huge, of course, being two stories high and spread out. A wide porch stretched the length of the building, and above it were two balconies with black, wrought iron railings that curved outward gracefully. A sixteen-hundred square foot imported greenhouse was on the east side of the alpha home and a good-sized workshop not far from the greenhouse. Like all the other homes, it had been built using natural wood and rocks.

  Benjamin parked as close to the front door as he could with the curved driveway. He scrambled out and dashed across the front of his truck to open Sabrina’s door and help her out. He could see her eyes widen as she looked around, trying to take in everything.

  “I’ve always wanted bay windows,” Sabrina said. “I love lots of windows to bring in the natural light.”

  “I’m sure you will appreciate the in-floor heating to keep your feet warm, too. The great room has a cathedral ceiling with heavy, roughhewn beams and one wall of windows with amazing views of the mountains and the lake,” Benjamin said, escorting her inside.

  The open floor plan allowed Sabrina to take everything in as soon as she entered the foyer. There was a very modern eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a separate dining room with a cherry wood table that could comfortably seat ten, a library, and, finally, an enormous fireplace with what looked like a handmade mantel.

  Lounging around the television were a few of Benjamin’s clan members. They stood to be introduced as he and Sabrina drew closer.

  “Guys, I’m delighted to introduce you to my mate, Sabrina,” Benjamin said, glancing around.

  “Welcome, Sabrina. I’m Marek, the head enforcer,” Marek said, offering a handshake.

  “Pleased to meet you,” Sabrina replied.

  “Hi, Sabrina. I’m Dylan, the beta, and this handsome man here is my mate, Caleb,” Dylan said while giving Caleb a chance to shake her hand as well.

  “Hi, guys,” Sabrina said as she shook their hands.

  “They saved the best for last. I’m Oscar, Ben’s omega,” Oscar joked.

  “Well, good to meet yo
u, too, Oscar,” Sabrina chuckled at his joke.

  “The ladies here are our healer— Galena, Donna, Carmen, Michelle, Mira, Lori, Cassey, Ashley, and Danielle,” Benjamin said, introducing the ladies that were also gathered around.

  The ladies greeted Sabrina warmly except for Mira Hunsinger. No one other than Sabrina noticed the simmering hatred in Mira’s eyes. Sabrina thought that given time, she would befriend Mira.

  “We will gather Sabrina’s belongings as you continue showing her around Ben,” Marek said.

  “Thanks, Marek.” Benjamin turned to Sabrina and continued the tour. “In the basement is a game room with a pool table, air hockey, dartboard, and poker table. I have a wine cellar, a theater room, and a gym,” Benjamin said. “Each floor has a fireplace, although not as fancy as this one. If you would follow me upstairs, I will show you the bedrooms.”

  As they walked through the main floor to the stairway, Sabrina was able to get a look inside the library. There were a few overstuffed armchairs, a loveseat, and a fireplace. She loved to read and could see herself curled by the fireplace with a good book while it stormed outside. It was her perfect way to relax.

  The stairwell walls told the story of the generations that made up Benjamin’s family through a collection of photographs. Sabrina couldn’t wait to have more time to study the pictures.

  The first guest bedroom had a rustic feel with rich wood tones providing warmth and comfort with wood beams and a romantic stone fireplace and windows that perfectly framed the snow-capped mountain views. The bathroom had a large, rustic drop-in bathtub and undermount sink and dark wood cabinets, a hinged shower door, and white granite counters, pendant lighting, heated floors, and arch doorway.

  The next guest bedroom offered a variety of beautiful wood species, textures, and patterns, featuring French doors that lead out to a private balcony and a romantic iron bed with reclaimed oak flooring. The bathroom here was the same as the first.

  “These rooms used to belong to my sister, brother, and I as kids. I had them remodeled. The guestrooms are usually empty, but I have the cleaning staff freshen the linens and air them out weekly,” Benjamin said. “When occupied, I add fresh flowers.”

  “How often do you have overnight guests?”

  “It’s sporadic, really. I can go months with no guests; then suddenly, I have them all full of guests.”

  He turned to head to the master retreat, placing his hand on her lower back. It was an intimate and cozy gesture.

  At the end of the hallway, Benjamin opened French doors leading to a spacious master bedroom retreat. Soaring ceilings with exposed wood beams, a gorgeous stone fireplace, a cozy window seat, and hardwood flooring gave it a warm, rustic aesthetic. Expansive windows captured the rugged beauty of trees and snow-capped mountains in the distance and also provided plenty of natural light. French doors to the side lead out to a terrace, offering stunning mountain vistas.

  “The bed frame is made of aspen and the headboard was carved by some of our clan members,” Benjamin said proudly.

  The headboard showcased a scene of a bear and a cub looking out from their den.

  “It’s stunning.”

  As Sabrina walked into the large, mountain-style master bathroom, she saw that it had a dark wooden, heated floor and a white, freestanding claw-foot bathtub. Along the back of the bathroom stood a floor to ceiling stone walk-in shower with rustic brown tile along the wall and a slate tile floor big enough for two.

  She wondered which bedroom would be hers.

  As if Benjamin heard her thoughts, he said, “You will sleep here with me. I know this is all new to you and probably a shock, but we must keep up appearances. We will share a bed, but unless you ask me to, I will not force myself on you.”

  Her mouth fell open and you could have knocked her over with a feather at his rather bold statement. While she stood there gaping, a couple of the clan teens came in with her luggage.

  “You can put them on the bed, boys. My mate will get to unpacking as soon as she finishes admiring the views,” Benjamin said, covering up her shock.

  After the teens left, Benjamin addressed her. “Sabrina, I know this has been a long day. Why don’t you take some time to get settled? Unpack and maybe take a bath. I called ahead and had one of the pack elder women bring over some bath salts, lotions, and other things for you to have a relaxing bath. Tomorrow, we can do some shopping for anything else you may want or need.”

  And just like that, Sabrina was alone for the first time in twenty-four hours.

  A few months later.

  Family was what Benjamin lived for and what Sabrina couldn’t wait to escape. His parents supported him, loved him, made sure he was alright. Her father constantly let her know what a disappointment she was by belittling her. Her mother didn’t stop any of his negative comments.

  When they met, the love connection was instant, but Sabrina had no idea what else she’d be getting. In just a few short months, she had the love of her life and new siblings. Going over for Sunday dinner felt like coming home in a way her parents’ house never had.

  “I remember the moment you walked in your father’s office. My bear practically jumped out of me to get to you. He was hard to control, and I wanted you just as much.”

  “Why?” Sabrina asked. Her eyes look alarmed.

  “Because you’re my mate. You are the one, and there will be no other for me. I will never look at another woman and feel attracted to them as I do you. Sure, I will notice a pretty lady, but I don’t feel anything for them because you’re the one. I will never stray or cheat, and I will never leave you. I would die for you and do whatever I have to in order to make you happy and safe.” Benjamin waited for Sabrina to answer, but she didn’t say a word. Instead, she just stared at him. “Say something, Sabrina.”

  “I don’t know what to say. I’ve got problems— big problems— I’m trying to deal with and I just don’t know what to say. I’m afraid if I say the wrong thing, then everyone will get mad at me and I—”

  “Sabrina, nobody will get mad at you. I won’t get mad at you. I just wish you could give me a chance. Get to know me and see if you feel something for me. I know this sounds crazy…” Benjamin got up and started pacing.

  “Hell,” Benjamin laughed. “It sounds stupid even to me saying it out loud. I know how this must sound like a crazy person talking, but I can’t help the way I feel about you. You know that we only get one mate in our lifetime.”

  “What would you have done when you caught me?” Sabrina asked.

  Benjamin chuckled then ran his hands through his hair. “Well, my bear would’ve wanted to lick you, that’s for sure, but… I… I want to kiss you more than the air I’m breathing.”

  “Okay,” Sabrina whispered.

  Benjamin blinked several times. He never expected her to say that, he just wanted her to understand how much he wanted her.

  Leaning over, Benjamin whispered in her ear, “Are you sure?”

  Sabrina nodded slowly and Benjamin didn’t waste any time, praying that she would not change her mind. Reaching over, he tilted her head up and softly slipped his mouth over hers. He could taste the sweetness of her lips. He explored Sabrina’s mouth, making sure he would taste her forever.

  Six months later.

  The men were relaxing in Corbin’s den, all sitting in their accustomed places. They each had a glass of eighteen-year-old Macallan scotch and were smoking Montecristo number two cigars. It was the best way to relax. A bookshelf, bursting with books, sat in a corner. Colorful Van-Gogh-like pictures hung on the walls. The floor was highly polished wood— dark and free of either dust or clutter. Soft jazz was just audible as background noise.

  “The mating bond hasn’t clicked fully into place,” Benjamin said. “I don’t understand why.”

  “What’s blocking it?” Cade asked.

  “I wish I knew. I told Sabrina we were mates,” Benjamin said.

  “Can you feel her through the mate bond?” Corbin asked.r />
  “I can get a little sense of her feelings. We’re perfect in bed together. I am not holding anything back. It should have worked,” Benjamin said.

  “What about Sabrina? Could she be holding something back?” Jase asked.

  “No. Well, I don’t think so,” Benjamin admitted. “She said she hasn’t been able to feel her bear since she was ten. When I first told her we were mates, she said that she hadn’t sensed it at all.”

  “Maybe that’s why. Have you talked to her about it?” Corbin asked.

  “Well, no,” Benjamin admitted.

  A year later.

  Benjamin was awakened in the middle of the night when Sabrina woke him, concerned about a vision she had. He walked downstairs to call the council.

  Perfect timing, he thought as he opened the door, thinking it was his council. Benjamin was surprised to see Sterling standing on his doorstep and stunned to see the woman from Sabrina’s visions. He ushered them into his home as quickly as possible. He looked to make sure they had not been followed.

  “Sterling, I cannot believe you’re here!” Benjamin said, surprised. He looked over at the woman standing next to Sterling. “And who might you be?”

  “Benjamin, this here is Libby. She has been held captive by Striker and his wolf pack in San Francisco for the last several years. I found her in my cave the other night,” said Sterling.

  Having finished getting dressed, Sabrina joined everybody in the living room. “Hi, I’m Benjamin’s mate, Sabrina. It’s a pleasure to meet you finally.”

  “I don’t understand. What do you mean ‘meet me finally?’” Libby asked.

  “The Oracle blessed me with a dream vision of your captivity. Benjamin and I were getting ready to meet with the council to figure out how to rescue you,” Sabrina said. She opened her arms wide, and, without hesitation, Libby walked into her warm embrace for a hug and began sobbing.

  “Please, talk to me,” Sabrina whispered, and Libby sniffed. Through her tears, she talked about the abuse and the pain, her wanting to die, and, finally, Sterling who helped her escape. Through it all, Sabrina listened and murmured encouragement in her ear. She talked about her family and cried when she blamed herself for the whole mess.