True Wolf (Bennett Pack #3)

1. Zion Bennett

CHAPTER ONE

ZION BENNETT

A growl pushed from my chest as I raced toward the clearing. She was close. After three months, I’d found her.

Mine.

My mate.

I sneered as I rushed through the clearing, fully prepared to attack.

His eyes glowed red and he leapt from his back, shifting mid-air as he came for me. An Alpha but I didn’t fucking care. Our wolves were equally matched but this was a battle he wouldn’t win.

What the fuck are you doing?

I swung my head to the right briskly, just in time to see Keerah shift, but was knocked onto my side when the Alpha lunged at me.

He pinned me down and another growl roared from my chest when I summoned the strength to roll us both enough to get the advantage and sink my teeth into his neck.

Let him go now… Keerah sneered seconds before I felt a sharp burn at my side.

She fucking clawed me, defending him.

The Alpha managed to break free and lifted onto all fours, shaking away the effects of my attack. Keerah neared him. The two bared their teeth standing side by side. United.

You’re defending him?

Of course I’m defending him. He’s my Alpha?

You’re my mate.

You’re mate? She laughed. I don’t even know who you are.

Anger flooded my veins. I swung my head away from Keerah and the Alpha when I sensed we were no longer alone. Four other wolves descended from the darkened tree line of the forest. I noticed the orange glow of their eyes before their shadowy figures became clear and into view.

I was strong but they would have the advantage. She was mine which meant I would fight to the death if that was required.

I am not yours. Don’t be stupid.

I growled again when she spoke.

Keerah, do you know him? Are you claimed by this wolf?

Claimed? Hell no and I have no clue who he is.

Her glowing orbs were on me.

You know me, mate.

I edged forward, rolled my neck, and shifted. Slowly, I extended to my full height, locking my arms securely over my chest. Even stark naked and in the presence of these wolves, my stance was dominant but there was no reason I wouldn’t be.

Zion?

Keerah shifted seconds later and a frown marred her pretty face. My eyes traveled the length of her body and tension tightened in my muscles. She was fully exposed, but didn’t seem to care.

“Why are you here? Did Xander send you?”

“No, he has no reason to send me after you. You’re mine …”

“I’m not yours. Is this some sick twisted joke?” She stomped closer, getting in my face. When she felt the wolves behind her move closer, she lifted her hand to halt them. “Does your brother believe that denying me means he has the right to pass me off to his younger brother? I am not property.”

I was too damn frustrated to have this conversation. I needed to convince her but there was only one way to get that done without words.

My hand wrapped possessively around her neck and my mouth came down hard against hers. I kissed her to prove my point. She was mine. My tongue pushed between the crease of her soft lips and my other hand found her waist. I jerked her closer forcefully. My dick stiffened with need from having her soft curves against me. I felt the heat from her pussy but that was all.

There should have been more.

Why the fuck wasn’t there more?

“Because I’m not your mate, Zion. I’m not your anything.” Her small hands pushed against my chest and I stumbled back, confused about what the hell was happening.

There was no way. She was mine. I scented her, felt Keerah in my blood before I left to find her, but now…

“Did you mate her?” I growled at the Alpha.

He had also shifted and confidently stood a few feet away from us with a smug, cocky grin in place.

“No, but I’ve fucked her, several times. A requirement for proving her dedication to my pack and my rule.”

I growled and my eyes flashed red. My canines lengthened but Keerah put her hand on my chest.

“Zion…” My eyes lowered. Her tone was softer, lower. “I don’t know what’s going on, or why you think I belong to you, but I don’t.”

“It’s not always instant. You just need time,” I tried, still confused about why she didn’t know and why I didn’t feel the same as I had before I left Hollow Grove. There was nothing.

“Time for what?”

“To acknowledge that you’re mine.”

She shook her head. “You really believe I’m yours, don’t you?” Keerah’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not and even if I was, I wouldn’t choose you. Your family treated me like…”

“ Xander , not me and not by choice. His bond with Toyin was not something he could deny, she’s…”

“His fated mate. I get it but still…” Her eyes flashed orange with anger. “Go home, Zion.”

“Come with me. Give me time to figure this out.”

She snorted. “There’s nothing to figure out. I’m where I want to be.”

“You’re my mate, Keerah.” There was no confidence behind my words.

“I’m not but if you truly believe I am then let me be clear.” She stepped closer. “Zion Bennett, I reject you. I don’t want you. If you’re my mate… I. Reject. You,” she sneered, eyes glowing and fastened to mine. After a short standoff, she took a step back, shifted, and moved toward the wolves protectively positioned behind their Alpha.

He smiled arrogantly, angling his head to the side. “I don’t know what the fuck that was, nor do I care, but what I do know is you’re on our land uninvited . Leave before things get ugly, boy .”

I growled and was seconds away from shifting but my brother’s voice sounded in my head.

Zion, leave, now - Laz

No, fuck him - Me

You leave or I’ll come get you. You’re alone, Zion. If you get hurt or worse… - Laz

I can take care of myself, Laz - Me

You can but are you willing to risk your life for a woman that rejected you? - Laz

I frowned. He had been in my head, read my thoughts, and knew what was happening.

You don’t know a damn thing - Me

I know, Zion. You might lie to others but you won’t lie to yourself. She’s not your mate which is why you didn’t feel a damn thing even after she rejected you. No pain, no disappointment, nothing. Come home. We’ll figure this out. - Laz

I lifted my head in time to see the Alpha shift and take off toward the woods. His pack, including Keerah, followed but just before the darkness below the trees swallowed her, she glanced at me one last time over her shoulder. Our eyes met, still there was nothing, and then she was gone. Keerah leaving wasn’t the problem. Me not caring beyond the frustration I felt for this situation not making sense was.

There was no way she could be my mate, yet everything I felt before today said she was.