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After once again making slow, tender love that morning, Becca agreed to travel with Noah to meet the bears he would be ruling over. They would meet his people and then explore the land that would be their permanent home.
The bears were at a settlement not too far from the village Lev’s clan inhabited. When he and Becca arrived, they were shocked to find the detestable state it was in. Most of the shifters had been living in squalor, sleeping in tents or mobile homes that clearly hadn’t been maintained in years. They were reluctantly nomads, forced to follow the whims of a selfish and impractical leader.
“This place looks horrible,” Becca whispered as they walked from the truck.
Noah nodded, tears stinging his eyes. Becca tucked her hand into his and gave it a loving squeeze.
“They are very lucky to have you. You will fix this.”
Noah couldn’t believe the woman who was going to be by his side for the rest of time. He tugged her in close for a quick kiss, her giggle music to his soul.
The clan was gathered at a small picnic table that appeared to double as a gathering place and kitchen. The sight of it, plus the mess of children who seemed unwashed and downtrodden, further enhanced Noah’s motivations to give the people the home they deserved.
He stood proudly in front of a collection of nearly thirty shifters who gazed at him with hopeful despair. His voice was calming but brimmed with conviction.
“I want you all to know that I am here not only to help but to aid us as a clan to thrive. Dustin was not a suitable alpha, and I am beyond sorry for all of the hardship he has caused over the years. I can promise you this, though, from this moment on, you are going to be living a lush and fulfilling life. Fate has brought us here.”
Becca stood by his side as he spoke, and he brought her forward, introducing her to the group of shifters as his mate. Noah knew that the position of alpha mate was new for Becca, but he had no qualms about whether or not she could fill it well.
“Noah and I are both dedicated to forging a life out here next to the clan where we were both born and raised,” she spoke magnificently like a queen. “Make no mistake that we stand by each and every single word that comes out of our mouths.”
The shifters hung on every word. Becca had expressed some trepidation about acting as his right hand, but the way she talked at that moment made it seem like she had been a leader all of her life. He rested a hand against her lower back, circling it gently with support.
When they were finished with their brief announcements, Noah informed them that he and Becca would be exploring the grounds in which their new place of residence was going to be built. He adored the way their eyes lit up, sorrow banished in the presence of hope.
“I love the way you talked back there,” Noah whispered into Becca’s ear. “Your confidence is so sexy.”
He nibbled discreetly on the top of her lobe as they began their tour of the grounds, which was an incredibly small area.
“What confidence?” she retorted with a scoff.
Noah made a mental note to pamper Becca with compliments later. He wanted her to know how much she had inspired him, not only with the warmth of her love but with the effortless glow that made her who she was by nature.
They walked around and made a point of speaking with each and every family member, discussing specific alterations and requirements that would be personally tailored to each household. They spent the majority of the morning doing that, their energy vibrating through one another with a keen and majestic flow.
Once the clan seemed assured, they set out to look at the land that Noah was going to purchase from Lev. The sun beamed down on them from a glassy blue sky, so bright and wonderful they both had to wear sunglasses.
“So, how do you feel it went?” Noah asked once they pulled onto the trail.
Becca sat next to him, emanating a calm yet stirring energy. Noah wanted to get to the bottom of it.
“I think it went well. I will have to adjust to leading, though. It’s not the same as the ice cream shop.”
Noah drove down the trail to the main road. He peered at his mate, who was brooding as she watched the flickers of emerald pass by.
“What makes you think you’re not good at it?” Noah asked.
Becca turned to him, resting her chin on her clutched fist. Noah focused on the road, but her scent was enchanting. A rose water bouquet blended with forestry saffron.
“Are you saying to me that you can't tell?” She snorted as she inquired.
“Can’t tell what?”
“How much this scares me,” she replied immediately. “Being at your side is extraordinary, Noah, but it can also be intimidating."
His heart dropped like a stone into a well. He pulled into the ample acreage of empty fields, vast green poking through curls of nature's wreckage. Before getting out of the truck, Noah reached over to give Becca’s leg a comforting touch. He removed his sunglasses and watched her lick her sweet lips at him.
“I don’t want you to be intimidated, baby. I want you to feel empowered.”
