chapter 5

“From the short time she’s worked here, I can tell you—Bethany’s built walls of steel around herself,” Joe said, leaning back with a smirk. “That girl’s been through hell, and she’s not the kind to fall into your bed just because you look at her twice, wolf.”

“I don’t care about bear politics,” Caleb said flatly. “And I’m not here to use her. I’m not some wild animal chasing a thrill.” He added a wink, but it lacked humor.

Bethany wasn’t some passing fling. Caleb wanted to claim her—make her his mate for life. She was more than just a woman. She was the future of his pack. Without her, his entire family of wolves would be left in limbo—alone and unable to build their lives.

Joe leaned forward, his voice low and smug. “Unless you plan on leaving town and disappearing for good, I’ll be seeing more of that curvy little waitress. You catch those tits?”

Caleb’s fist connected with Joe’s jaw before the words had fully left his mouth. The bear stumbled back, slamming into the wall with a grunt.

“Try me again,” Caleb growled, fury burning through every word. “You even breathe near her, I will tear you apart.”

The raw force of alpha power surged through the room. Even the bear, despite his bulk, backed off under the weight of it.

“Relax,” Joe said, hands slightly raised. “Just joking.”

He wasn’t. Caleb knew it. Every word had been a warning, thinly disguised as banter. Until Bethany knew the truth—until she understood who and what he was—she was vulnerable. That diner could become a trap. The bear pack wouldn’t hesitate to use her as leverage. She was a threat to them solely because she meant everything to him.

Caleb leaned in, voice like steel. “Careful who you pick fights with, Joe. Threatening an alpha’s mate is the kind of mistake that starts wars. It won’t just cost you your smug smile—it’ll cost you your business, your pack, everything.”

He gave a dangerous grin, letting his fangs show. Caleb didn’t care about playing fair. Not when it came to protecting Bethany.

Outside the Diner…

Bethany paced along the sidewalk, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as the sun dipped below the horizon. Only one spotlight lit the front of the diner now, casting long shadows on the pavement. Her nerves were on edge.

Inside, Caleb was confronting Joe. The same Caleb who’d swooped in like a force of nature earlier that day. The same Caleb who’d made her feel safer than anyone else ever had—yet now was acting like a man with something to prove.

He wasn’t like the men around here. Not even close. Caleb and his friends weren’t just rugged—they were primal. Strong. Unapologetically confident. And somehow, they made her feel more alive than she had in years.

What was going on in there? Was it about her? Or was she just imagining things?

Bethany inhaled the crisp night air, trying to calm her racing heart. Everything in this small town was so different from the city—slower, quieter. But it gave her room to breathe. Space to feel something again. She hadn’t felt like she belonged anywhere for a long time, but here... maybe she could.

She stayed near the edge of the lot, waiting, hoping for another glimpse of Caleb. Any excuse to see him again was enough.

When the bell above the diner’s front door chimed, she turned sharply. Caleb stepped out.

He didn’t look like a man who’d just been in a fight. Calm, composed. But there was something simmering beneath the surface. She scanned behind him. No sign of Joe.

Is he hurt? Is he still inside? Did Caleb... kill him?

The thoughts were wild, but they spiraled quickly.

Still, she felt no fear. Not toward Caleb.

She took a few cautious steps closer. “Where’s Joe?” she asked.

Caleb stopped, eyes locking with hers. “You’re worried about him?”

Was that jealousy in his voice?

“Well... you look perfectly fine, and he’s nowhere in sight.”

Caleb gave a small shrug. “Your boss is fine,” he said. “But you should be careful around him.”

“Why?” she asked, hugging her arms tighter. The chill of evening had started to settle, but her real discomfort came from the unknown. She was still new here. Everything was unfamiliar. All she wanted was to build a new life—and she needed to know what she was walking into.

Caleb looked serious now. “Because he’s not what he pretends to be.”

Bethany had always had a weird feeling about Joe. A gut instinct she never fully trusted until now. Maybe she should have. But there was a difference between being an unpleasant boss and being dangerous. If Caleb knew something more, she needed to hear it.

Earlier that day, when Joe called her into his office, she’d been filled with dread. She didn’t know what to expect. Something about his energy felt off—like he had other intentions. But instead of inappropriate advances or reprimands, he’d offered her a raise. It had thrown her completely.

She wasn’t exactly employee of the month, so it didn’t make sense.

“What made you come here tonight?” she asked, her voice softer now.

He stepped even closer, almost in her personal space. “I wanted to protect you. I don’t trust that man.”

When he was closer, she realized just how big the guy was. He towered over her with strong shoulders and biceps that strained the plaid jacket he wore. His voice was deep and gruff, the sound soothing and arousing simultaneously.

“Protect me from what?” she whispered. His presence had a profound effect on her. She wanted him to protect her from everything—Joe, the world, her own insecurities.

“You were afraid. Not like earlier when you tripped. Afraid.”

She narrowed her eyes. “How could you know that? Did my friends say something?”

He bit his lower lip, looking down at her. Bethany’s body thrummed to life, distracting her from logical thought. “Yeah. Your friends were worried.”

“What did they say?”

“It’s not important.” He reached out to touch her hair, but she flinched away. “Don’t be skittish. I won’t hurt you, Bethany.”

He spoke her name slowly, deliciously. “I don’t know you.”

Although she could envision numerous X-rated scenarios with Caleb, she was completely inexperienced when it came to men and didn’t know where to start. One of her lifelong fears was being dumped and rejected, so guys looking for a one-night stand were not her type. No matter how irresistible. She wouldn’t be able to handle the emotional aftermath.