Burden Read Free Page B

neck with his hand pressed against his face as we passed. At least, they had a few manners.
    My Betas tensed as we entered their land, as did I. My bear recognized the vulnerability of the three of us among so many of another species of shifter, so far away from home. He trembled with trepidation and general pissiness.
    A log cabin, an enormous log cabin , came into view. I threw the truck into park away from the rest of the cars in the driveway in case a swift getaway was necessary.
    “Take a good look around, boys. We know what we’re looking for.”
    “Hawke, I can smell another bear. It’s not grizzly, but it smells off, not like us, but there is something familiar about it. It’s faint though, goes towards the trees.”
    “Let’s play it cool. No more talking about it. There are ears everywhere.”
    An older man, came out of the front door of the cabin, arms crossed, looking very stern and solid in his stance. Not to mention, very disco militant in his dress. The colors screamed Army with camo green pants, but they were polyester looking and had the old wrap around side button.
    “This isn’t gonna be easy.” I grumbled to myself.
    But perception was everything in clans and amongst shifters. I got out of the truck, walked through the yard and up the stairs of the cabin like I owned the place and everything in it, including him. His clan bared their necks and hesitantly, he did, as well.
    “Horace, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope you and your clan are well.”
    “We are excellent, Alpha. Please come in, we’ve created a feast for your visit.”
    I allowed my Betas to go one before me and one after me, showing I was both dominate and humble. As soon as I entered, I smelled her. The scent of pure longing and raw desire bolted through my veins awakening the bear, whispering in my ear that a potential mate was near—potential because I hadn’t seen her yet. I had to see her, make the eye connection to know for sure. He stirred inside me, roaring at me to shift and find her—nothing else mattered— find her now .
    She smelled like black bear, but something else, as well, as if another scent was stirred in with hers. I’d never experienced anything like it.
    “Alpha, will you bless the food so we may begin?”
    A small voiced woman chimed in from next to Horace. She seemed uncomfortable with speaking in front of the group. That struck me as odd since Alpha females should be very comfortable speaking in front of the clan. They are regarded as an equal half of the Alpha pair, and their voice and commands just as heeded and obeyed as the males’. Even in the private home of my father, my mother, the Alpha female was not given orders or commands. Although, the female always recognized and respected the tendency for the male to strongly suggest measures to keep her and their family safe. And in matters of security, the male usually won.
    At least, that was the way it was supposed to be.
    So why was Horace’s female so shy?
    “Yes ma’am.” We bowed our heads , and I led us in a prayer. Immediately I noticed everyone hesitating to eat.
    “Alpha, we do not eat until you do. Please,” he waved me along.
    “I’m sorry. I am unfamiliar with the customs. Where I come from, the Alpha eats last. Forgive me.”
    “The Alpha eats last? The Alpha needs his strength.” Horace boasted as I almost unwillingly picked up my plate first.
    “But the Alpha must always maintain his humility. Otherwise there’s no clan, it’s just Alpha—alone. And that’s not a clan at all, it’s a dictatorship.”
    I could feel the waves of dissension come off of the Alpha behind me. My Betas and I would have to tread lightly, but smartly, to find this black bear. She wasn’t in the room, but she was on the grounds. The more I tried, the more I could scent her.
    I was practically forced to seat myself at the head of the table. I’d rather be in the mix of the clan, getting to know them better.
    “Alpha, I was unaware of