Protect. Provide. Cherish.
All of those qualities ran through her veins now at the thought of the claiming mark theyhad put on Liana. Her mark would forever be a symbolism of Eddie’s claim on Liana. Everyone would know that Liana belonged to Eddie.
When the town came into view, small and quiet under the melting snow, something eased inside her.
This was her town. Her territory. Liana would be safe here.
Liana’s fingers were laced with hers. Liana’s thumb brushed along Eddie’s knuckles unconsciously as she stared out the window at the scenery. Eddie’s chest swelled at the thought that she had her mate with her.
They turned down the long gravel road that would lead to her—their—home. A wide house with a wraparound porch sat tucked near towering pines. It was magnificent place that she’d had built a few years ago. When she had built it, she’d had always imagined a mate to share it with her.
Now that was today.
Eddie’s breath seized. Awe filled her that Liana would be sharing this home with her. Sleeping in her bed, cooking in the kitchen, and lounging on the couch. The image that came to her mind filled her with immense pleasure.
Her bear rumbled her approval.
But the moment they got closer to the house, she saw them.
A small greeting party. Selen, Nick, and Abe.
Three broad-shouldered silhouettes against the snow. They were waiting for her. Her beta and two of the enforcers.
“Of course they are here.” Eddie blew out a deep breath.
“Do you normally have a welcoming crew to greet you when you come home?” Liana asked. She tilted her head and studied them.
“My clan can be as protective of me as I am of them.” Eddie chuckled. She guided the truck up to the house and parked in front of the garage.
“Should I be nervous?” Liana asked.
“Never,” Eddie replied immediately. She would never have to worry. The three bears waiting on them would protect Liana with their lives if need be. As the mate of the alpha, Liana would always feel safe. “You are my mate. An extension of me. You’ll be respected here.”
“Even though I’m not a bear?”
“It doesn’t matter.” Eddie reached up and caressed her cheek.
Her bears were patiently waiting for them to get out of the truck. The moment she killed the engine, Selen made her way to them with Nick and Abe behind her.
Eddie opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle. Immediately, the three of them dipped their heads in submission. The shift in the air was automatic. A ripple of dominance Eddie didn’t consciously summon. Her bear rose in her chest, proud and fierce that they defended this territory and would now get to introduce their mate to some of her closest people.
Selen straightened and stood with her hair behind her back. The beta had been by Eddie’s side since she’d taken over their clan. There was a curiosity in her gaze, but she held back.
“Welcome home, Alpha,” Selen said. “I trust your vacation was restful.”
“In a way.” Eddie smirked. She would have to put Selen out of her misery soon and share her adventures on the mountain.
And it was certainly an adventure.
Nick and Abe offered their greetings as well. Their gazes drifted to the truck and landed on Liana. Eddie reined in her bear who wanted to roar to warn them off their woman, but sheknew she wouldn’t need to. Soon they would sense that Liana was claimed.
Eddie moved around the truck to open Liana’s door herself. The second Liana stepped out, her scent lifted in the cold air, and Eddie’s bear pressed hard on her chest. Her beast wanted to be let out. She was territorial, possessive, ready to defend her against the world.
All eyes were on Liana. Eddie led her around the vehicle.
“Everyone,” Eddie began. Pride swelled hard in her chest as she brought Liana to her side. “This is Liana English. My mate. Liana, this is my beta, Selen, and two of my finest enforcers, Nick and Abe.”
Gasps went around. Selen broke out in a wide smile and gave an accepting nod to Liana. Selen, who had recently mated, had been through hell and high water when it came to her partner. She’d faced an alpha bear from another clan in order to claim Rose. It had been an arrangement to join two clans to share resources. Selen had handled everything, and now she was a happily mated woman.