Elaina followed Liam out of the water and a very infuriated female stared them down, wearing a frock not much different than what Elaina had worn back at the village. It was Adara, the same female she remembered from the last time she was at the werewolves’ den.
Adara poised to open her mouth, but Liam silenced her. “Not now, Adara.”
“But, she can’t be here. Werebears aren’t allowed in the den.”
Liam came back with, “Silence. I’m the alpha and I have the say who is allowed to stay at the den and who is not.”
Elaina was surprised that Liam stuck up for her like that, but she was glad to hear him take a dominant tone with her since he was the alpha. It just didn’t sound like the Liam she had known from her childhood. Things were more idyllic back then, other than Samson’s warnings about the clan.
Liam walked side by side with Adara and Elaina’s heart just sunk. It was quite apparent that she was indeed Liam’s mate, or at least favorite. All of her hopes had crashed now, but Liam had kissed her in the water. Surely, that meant something. That ache between her thighs beckoned her again. This time it was because she wanted Liam so much, but he had pushed her away. Perhaps he was jealous that she had mated with another, but there was no way that she’d been able to really explore Liam like she would have wanted. Samson had put a stop to that, but perhaps on the journey back to where Samson was now, they’d have time to get re-acquainted.
Liam stopped Elaina when they arrived at the gray walls of the den. Adara darted inside and brought them clothing back out, but when Elaina tried to wiggle into the pants and shirt, she spouted off in frustration, “Don’t you have something bigger?”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Adara began. “We werewolves aren’t as plump as you werebears.”
Elaina puffed up her chest. “No, but we do have big beautiful breasts to tempt a healthy werewolf with.”
Liam smiled, but turned his head as Adara stared at him in shock. “Yes, well...” Another female came out and handed Elaina a frock that would fit, and she thanked her. It was only until after she dressed that Elaina realized that it was Nala, the protector of the pups.
“Thanks, Nala. Were you with the pups earlier?”
“Oh, yes. It’s a good thing that Liam showed up or we might have hurt you.”
Elaina nodded, but she thought how wrong these wolves would be if Elaina had intended to truly harm them. She gave Nala a brief hug and was led inside, but as before, she was lost in the twists and turns of the cave. Finally, they came to a room with a fur-covered bed and large rock with a flat top where a brush sat. “I’d be happy to share my bed with you, Elaina,” Nala said.
“It’s no wonder you haven’t produced any pups if you bed down with females,” Adara said with a glint in her eye.
“Ignore her,” Elaina said. “I knew what you meant.”
Instead of sticking around to referee the females, Liam left with Adara hot on his heels.
Chapter Three
Cullen clenched and unclenched his fists as the first of three bears entered the village and surrounded them with a puff of hot, foul breath that smelled of death and decay. He was used to the inspectors, but this was not going to go down like a routine inspection. This time, these bears wanted blood and he could smell it.
With a mighty swipe of a paw, Cullen was knocked to the ground. As the bears shifted, Gerirr and Hectar were among them and Gerirr hissed, “Now we’re even, brother bear.”
Cullen carefully lumbered to his feet and glared at Gerirr. “I’m no brother of yours. I have only one, Damon.”
One of the men ordered the others to search the village for Damon while Cullen watched, biding his time until they had finished ripping doors off and ransacked the huts. The old ones sat down in a submissive stance, so as not to anger the clan as they had been taught.
“I haven’t met you before.” Cullen asked the man giving the orders.
“I’m the clansman, Atar,” he said as he swept back his long dark hair.
Cullen’s brow arched. “Oh? Why so far from home? I’ve never known you to stray far from the north.” Truth was that Atar seemed larger than life from all the stories that Gerirr and Hectar had told them, and Cullen had almost expected him to be seven feet tall.
“It seems I’m needed since nobody has been able to locate one lone werebear, a female in the height of mating fever.”
Hectar returned and said, “I can’t find Damon or the female. Where have you hidden them, Cullen? Shauna told us you were ready to turn her over to us.”
“She was here at the time, but has been missing since this morning. She might have gotten wind that I had planned to turn her over to you.”
Atar’s nostrils flared. “Now not only do we have a missing werebear, we have a missing royal brother. How is it that you imbeciles can’t do anything right?”
“It’s not my fault,” Hectar said.
Atar took ahold of Hectar by the throat until he was forced to kneel. “She was here when you did your inspection and you let her slip through your fingers.”
“No, I swear we couldn’t find her.”
“You and Gerirr have failed me for the last time.”
Fangs were revealed and Gerirr’s face whitened. “I swear I’ll find them both.”
“Where is she?” Atar asked Cullen. “And don’t lie and tell me she wasn’t ever here.”
“I never claimed she wasn’t here. I told you she has been missing since morning. You already had them check the huts so you should know that I speak the truth.”
Atar’s face reddened as he pressed them again. “I don’t believe this. Where is she, Cullen, really?”
Cullen crossed his arms across his chest and shrugged. “How would I know? Elaina told us that she had nobody to go back to and I have no idea where she went.”
Shauna sauntered forward as Atar glanced around the village. “They’re right. The female that goes by the name of Elaina was here, but has run off sometime this morning, just as Cullen told you.”
“They must have hidden her outside of the village the last time we were here,” Gerirr insisted.
Shauna shook her head. “Not so. She was here the day they sentenced me to death for trying to kill her.”
“You mean the day you tried to kill my brother, Damon,” Cullen corrected Shauna.
Atar stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Silence this female. Anyone that would betray her own can’t be trusted.”
“But she led us here,” Gerirr insisted.
“Yes, and we are no closer to finding the female we’re looking for. Kill her now!”
Shauna shrieked and shifted to bear form, making way for the forest, but Gerirr and Hector, in bear form, barred her way. Shauna raised herself on two legs and roared so loud it echoed around the village, just as the two bears jumped her. She was knocked backward and Cullen screamed, “Stop,” before she received the deathblow.
Atar chuckled low in his throat. “Is she one of your favorites, then?”
“No, but why are you so insistent on killing Shauna when you are looking for breeders.”
Atar’s face tightened. “Breeders? Who told you that?”
“Gerirr and Hectar told us as much.”
“I don’t search for the female for breeding, and neither would I lay down with anyone who betrays another. She has dared to try to kill the female we search for, and that is an unforgivable crime, and as such, as enforcer of the clan, she is sentenced to death!”
Cullen watched as Gerirr and Hectar ripped open Shauna’s throat, and as her blood spilt on the ground, Cullen was glad that he was able to drive Elaina from the village. He wasn’t sure what the clan wanted of him now, but at least with Damon gone, they wouldn’t be able to use him to make him do something that he’d refuse to do, like lead the clan to Elaina. He just hoped that she had found the werewolves, and that she’d stay hidden. From the way she spoke of her childhood friend, Liam, he knew that he’d keep Elaina safe. What her true destiny was he didn’t
know, but he would rather Elaina be with another than die at the hands of the clan.
Chapter Four
Is Adara Liam’s mate?” Elaina asked.
Nala fidgeted with the hairbrush she picked up. “It’s not for me to say. Perhaps it would be best if you asked Liam that firsthand.”
“I would, but there is so much that I don’t know. Liam is such a mystery to me. He’s not like he was when we were children. He seems so strong and adamant that we can’t mate. It makes no sense.”
“It’s the law that the clan has laid down.”
“For the werebears, perhaps, but not werewolves.”
Nala led Elaina to the bed and patted the blanket next to her. “Please sit.” Elaina did as she was asked before Nala continued. “Damien made a pact with the Clan of the Werebear and adopted many of the same laws for us werewolves. Keeping the peace was important to him.”
Elaina wanted to ask how she could stop feeling like she did about Liam. “I suppose that makes sense, but I have so many more questions that Liam has yet to answer.”
Nala squeezed Elaina’s hand. “Give it time.”
“That’s just the thing. I don’t think I have much time left. The clan is hot on my heels and Liam is not—”
Liam appeared at the door with a tray of food. The aroma of cooked fish wafted into Elaina’s nostrils. When he set it down, Nala disappeared. “Thanks,” Elaina said.
Liam sat next to her. “Like old times, eh? The last time I was near you with a tray of food, you kissed me. I wonder sometimes what might have happened if Samson hadn’t interrupted us that day.”
Elaina gobbled down some fish, choking on it slightly at the thought of what might have happened. Liam rubbed Elaina’s back and smiled down at her as he asked if she was okay.
Her heart hammered against her chest and she fidgeted. “I wish you had taken me that day. I know now it’s too late and that you no longer desire me that way, since—well, that I’m no longer innocent.”
Liam’s hand moved up Elaina’s back. “That’s not such a bad thing. It would have been wrong with my grandfather so close by.”
Elaina sighed as Liam’s hands worked magic on her scalp and hot fire lit up her womanhood like never before. “Well, you’re so insistent that it’s forbidden that I know that it will never happen now.”
His hands left her hair and he squeezed her thigh. “It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just that if I allow myself to love you that way, I’ll never be able to walk away from you. And that would endanger the entire pack, which is just not something I’m willing to do.”
“What does the clan have to do with it?”
“Damien signed a pact with the clan, and until we can sort out who you really are and why the clan wants you, I can’t allow myself to be with you in that way. Perhaps in time, things will change.”
Elaina pushed her tray of food aside and stood up. “And what if it doesn’t? How long will you continue to refuse me?”
Liam sat there with a frown. “I know it seems like that right now, but I promise you I’ll find a way around this. We’ll search for Samson in the morning. He might have the answers we are searching for.”
“Promise me if Samson can’t help us that you won’t allow him to lock me up again.”
Liam stared at her. “I promise I won’t allow him to do that again, but give my grandfather half a chance. I’m sure he’ll be able to shed light on the right way to proceed.”
Elaina slapped her head in aggravation and Nala returned with one of the children, a boy of six. “Elaina, this is Devon. He’s been wanting to meet you since the last time you were here.”
She stooped down and shook the boy’s hand. “Hello, Devon. Where were you the last time that you weren’t able to meet me?”
“I was sick.” He rolled up his pants and showed Elaina his leg with a huge healing wound on it. “I got too close to a mountain lion. Luckily our alpha, Liam, saved me before I was killed.”
That made Elaina mad. “What’s wrong with those mountain lions? I had to show one who’s boss once when they were after a few bear cubs.”
Devon’s eyes widened. “Oh, my. What did you do?”
“Well, I was forced to protect those cubs and ended up having to kill that mountain lion.”
“Wow, bears sure don’t mess around.”
“I’m sure Liam didn’t, either.”
“Nope, but that cat escaped. Liam carried me all the way back to the den and nursed my wounds himself. That’s so unlike an alpha, but that’s why we all admire and love him so much.”
“I wasn’t always an alpha, you know,” Liam explained gently. He fluffed the boy’s hair and left the room, leaving Elaina to ponder if the boy was someone special to Liam, like possibly his son.
Devon smiled shyly up at Elaina. “Werebears have always scared me a little, but you seem different.”
“Oh, and have you met another werebear before?”
“No, but we’ve been warned about the clan from the north.”
“Not to worry, my young wolf. I’m sure the clan doesn’t mean to come to the den,” Elaina tried to reassure Devon.
Nala smiled. “She’s right. We’ve all grown up with those scary werebear stories, but I have yet to see the clan firsthand, and I’m sure that they have more important things to worry about besides us. They think us wolves here to be weak and submissive.”
Devon clenched his hands into fists. “They had better stay where they belong or I’ll show them.”
Elaina tried to hide the laughter behind her hand. She didn’t want to appear to laugh at the young werewolf. Males were taught to be strong and fierce, but also very protective of the pack. This much Elaina knew for sure from the stories Liam had told her growing up.
Elaina strode back to the bed when Nala and Devon left, welcoming the silence. She had made her play for Liam, but unless things changed, she saw that Liam was resolved to abide by the laws of the pack. She knew Liam wanted her, which is why it was so important that the matter of the clan was cleared up—and soon, not just because they stood between her and Liam, but as Elaina was tired of worrying about what the clan would do if they found her.
Chapter Five
Elaina yawned when Nala, who had given her the clothing she’d need for the trip, dragged her from bed early the next morning. When she donned the jeans and tee shirt, they surprisingly fit. “Where did you get the clothing?”
“It’s clothing that some of the werewolves have worn when they carried pups in their bellies.”
That sure didn’t make Elaina feel at ease. “Oh. Thanks. Where’s Liam?”
“He’s waiting outside for you.” Nala handed Elaina beef jerky. “For your trip.”
“Thanks. I’m starving.”
Elaina followed Nala down the corridors of the den and shivered slightly at the cold breeze that blew outside. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Liam draped her shoulders with a fur pelt.
“Aren’t we traveling in shifted forms?”
“No. We need to remain as inconspicuous as possible.”
“But werebears have a strong sense of smell. The clan will be able to sniff us out even in human form.”
“Good, then you should be able to sniff them out way before they’re on to us.” When Elaina sighed, Liam added, “You’re all bear on the inside. I have faith in you.”
“I wasn’t exactly taught how to defend myself which is probably why I ended up at that werebear village.”
Liam nodded. “Yes, but I’m sure it’s not the only reason. A female in heat is hard to stay away from.”
Elaina raised a dainty brow. If only the fever was still upon her, then she’d be more of a temptation to Liam, perhaps. “How are we traveling?”
“On foot. We’ll head to the Bear Claw Pub first and see if Samson is still there.”
“I hardly think so, but I have no other reason to believe he isn’t, so it’s as good as any place to start.”
Liam motioned Elaina forw
ard. “Walk beside me. I don’t want you disappearing.”
“But—”
“There’s no need for buts. I promise that I’ll protect you no matter what, even if you’re a werebear and my sworn enemy.”
“Oh? I never realized I was your enemy, but I heard a story once about a werebear being killed by werewolves. Is there any truth to it?”
“Plenty of werebears have been killed in the war in the north, I’m sure.”
“No. I meant like chased off a cliff near here.”
Liam lifted a large branch for Elaina to walk under. “Who told you that? Your werebears?”
“First things first. Cullen and Damon are not my werebears. I was just in a weird situation that I made the best of until it got even weirder.”
“Well, we’ve never killed any werebear that I know of. Sounds like you were fed a story.”
“We’ve both been fed stories since we were children, but what of the females? Surely you can’t be sure of every werewolf in your den.”
“I assure you if that happened, I would have heard about it. It would be the talk of the den. But more importantly, with the pact in place, no werewolf I know would dare break their vows to stay away from werebears.”
“What if they were accosted in the forest?”
Liam stopped walking. “If you miss this Cullen and Damon so much, why did you come here?”
“I don’t miss them at all.”
“Why is that? You had two mates, from the sounds of it.”
“Mates, no. They both share the women of their village since they want to produce cubs so that their line doesn’t die off.”
“Who could blame them? That’s what all shifters want to do. Having many pups or cubs is something that would assure that your pack, or village in their case, would survive long after the parents are gone.”
“Well, in their case, they claim they have royal blood, and the clan has been taking all of the men year after year to fight in the war against rogue werewolves in the north.”
Liam froze in his tracks, taking ahold of Elaina’s arm, and whirled her to face him. “What did you just say? Royal blood?”
Betrayed (Werebear Shifter Romance) Book 3 (Clan of the Werebear) Page 2
