Read Online From Pack to Pride by Amber Kell - Free Book Online

build that screamed it was all-natural.
    It only took a small whiff to figure out the sheriff was a bear shifter.
    “Who did this?” the sheriff demanded, looking at Olson’s body.
    “I did.” Adrian pushed Talan aside to approach the enormous cop.
    “I’m Sheriff Louis Arktos,” the big man said, with an assessing look at Adrian’s size.
    “Adrian Volk.”
    He gave a glance at the body on the ground. “Was it a legal challenge?” Adrian nodded. “Everyone here is my witness.”
    “Anyone beside the lion pride of your lover? Forgive me for my doubts but the entire town knows these lions are crazy about you.” Adrian couldn’t stop the smile that crossed his lips. It was nice to be wanted.
    “I heard the challenge.” A young man pushed his way through the crowd.
    Adrian was surprised to smell the man was completely human.
    The sheriff’s gaze undressed the newcomer with his eyes. Adrian could almost feel the heat between them with that stare.
    “Good afternoon, James,” the sheriff said.
    Adrian was amused to hear the man’s voice was much deeper than when he’d greeted Adrian. It didn’t take a genius to determine the big bear had it bad for the human.
    “Afternoon, Sheriff. I was eating at the diner.” James gave Adrian a small smile. “We haven’t met, but I knew who you were because Talan was with you.” He turned back to the sheriff to finish the story. “I came outside to meet Adrian and I heard this other wolf threatening his life. He issued a challenge and, um, Adrian took care of it.” James ended with a stumbling halt.
    Adrian cleared his throat. “Thank you, James.” He looked down at the sidewalk so the human couldn’t see the amusement in his eyes. James was sweet but the poor thing was hopelessly outmatched if the sheriff acted on his obvious interest.
    FROM PACK TO PRIDE
    Amber Kell
    49
    “If James is willing to claim you were challenged, I’ll take care of the body and clear up any official paperwork.” The sheriff pinned Adrian with a cold look. “Make sure you stay out of trouble and don’t make a habit of leaving dead bodies in my town.”
    “Yes, sir,” Adrian said. He would make it his goal in life to avoid any altercations with the big sheriff.
    The pair shook hands. The sheriff looked him over taking a long moment to release Adrian’s hand, causing a low growl to sound behind him.
    Louis gave an amused glance behind Adrian. “Down, Talan, I’m not trying to steal your boy. I was just trying to figure out how someone this small could take down such a large predator.”
    “It’s not always size that counts,” James said from behind Adrian. Adrian turned his head to see the human walking away through the crowd.
    “I think you’ve got some work of your own to do, Sheriff,” Adrian said with a nod towards the human.
    The sheriff’s gaze followed James hungrily before he collected himself and turned his attention back to Adrian. “I reckon I do. Have a good night, gentlemen. I’ll take care of everything.”
    Talan gripped Adrian’s shoulder. “Come on, lover, it’s time to get back to the house.” Adrian dutifully followed Talan back to the Hummer. As much as he hated the big vehicle, it represented shelter from the prying eyes of the town. He had no doubt the news of his battle would be on everyone’s lips by nightfall.
    To Adrian’s surprise, when they reached the car, the big alpha grabbed him by the biceps.
    “Never put yourself in danger again,” the lion roared, shaking Adrian like a rag doll.
    Adrian ripped out of his arms. “I am not some little kid who needs to be watched over by the grown ups. I’m a full-grown adult. Despite what you might think, I don’t need my big strong mate to fight all my battles. I will be your equal partner in this relationship or we won’t be mates. I don’t need a daddy to take care of me. I need a man I can depend on to stand by my side.”
    FROM PACK TO PRIDE
    Amber Kell
    50
    This was a nightmare. Instead