Beck's Wolf

By Kay Doherty

Beck Landusky was five years old when he lost his parents in a car accident leaving him without family. Thrown into the foster system, he bounced around until he was twelve when he was placed with Ellie, a used bookstore owner in the small town of Drummond. Life in Drummond was slow, quiet, and sometimes boring. Certainly nothing extraordinary. Until one cold winter morning when a tall, dark, and handsome man arrived in town and changed everything.
Shawn Montgomery knew the moment he held newborn Beck in his arms that they were fated mates. When Beck and his parents suddenly disappeared one night, he was devastated. As soon as he turned eighteen, Shawn began searching for his lost mate until fourteen years later, mere weeks before his ascension to Pack Alpha of Silver Springs, Shawn got word that his mate had been found.
With his ascension looming near and the appearance of a rival pack in Drummond, Shawn must find a way to tell Beck they are fated mates and claim him. There’s just one problem – Beck has no idea who or what he is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kay Doherty
• Release date: Jul 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781954265028

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The roar of the fire was dying down. Flames continued licking up the exposed framework and over the sagging roof of what had once been a cabin-style home, thick black smoke billowed up into the night sky. Shawn couldn’t find it in himself to be excited by the fire burning itself out. That only meant firefighters were closer to finding the Landusky family dead inside the smoldering ruins. His mate’s family. And his mate, a tiny omega wolf. He couldn’t bear to think what that sweet little boy had gone through in his last minutes of life. Beckworth had turned five years old the week before and now he was gone. Shawn’s tears had dried over the past hour, leaving sooty tracks down his face. He stared through the window of the police car, watching the firefighters diligently work to protect neighboring houses from catching fire.

Staticky voices crackled through the interior of the police unit alerting Shawn to his father’s arrival. The cops on site were human and had no idea there were shifters among them, let alone that his father was the local Pack Alpha. They were simply informing a father of his sixteen-year-old son’s detainment. When emergency personnel arrived at the site of the blazing inferno, they found Shawn covered in ash and soot, screaming at them to save the small boy trapped inside. They’d eventually had to cuff him and lock him in the police car to keep him from trying to go back inside the burning house. He’d tried to rescue Beckworth at least three times, but each time he’d been forced out by dense smoke and the intense heat of the flames.

Shawn hoped his father would understand. Jenson Montgomery was an amazing Alpha, a fair and honest leader bonded to his own fated mate. Shawn’s fated mate was dead at five years old, leaving Shawn’s soul void of life as well. A fresh tear slid down his cheek. He couldn’t see past the pain, could barely breathe through the ache in his chest. All he saw was darkness where there had once been a brilliant, bright light. Beckworth had been too young to understand the aura that surrounded them and certainly hadn’t known what it meant. To him, Shawn was a big brother who took him to cool places and played with him, and Shawn was perfectly happy to continue that way while they both finished growing up.

For his birthday Shawn had taken Beckworth bowling, but Beckworth had been more interested in the claw machine that stood front and center in the arcade. Shawn had paid more to win that silly stuffed penguin than he had for one game of bowling and a lunch of burgers and sodas. He had thoroughly enjoyed watching the tiny boy try to lift an eight-pound bowling ball onto the red dinosaur ramp, but nothing compared to the sparkle in his bright green eyes when Shawn had handed him the stupid penguin. He’d talked to that damn toy the entire drive home. Shawn was infuriated that Beckworth’s birthday was the last memory he would have of his mate. The car door opened, a cool breeze of smoke-tinged night air hitting him in the face, and a cop motioned for him to exit.

I’m taking the handcuffs off, but I can’t have you trying to run into the fire again. Understood? the cop asked.

Nothing left to go in for. He’s dead, Shawn muttered.

He felt his father’s presence at his side, but he couldn’t look away from the charred remains of his mate’s house. His father pulled him into a reassuring hug and leaned in close. The family wasn’t in the house, son.

Shawn looked up at his father. Are you sure he’s not in there? You have to be sure, dad. Are you sure?

"He being the little boy you were trying to rescue when firefighters arrived?" the officer asked.

Yes, sir, Jenson answered the man. I received a phone message from the father letting me know they’d left town late last night. Family emergency, he said.

Convenient. Why did he call you? What’s your relationship to the family?

Not convenient at all. Dave’s my best general contractor and he won’t be easy to replace on such short notice. I apologize if my son’s worry over Dave’s son caused problems, but he’d not yet been informed of the family’s departure. Shawn has always been protective of the boy.

Right. Well, there’ll be an investigation and we’ll have questions for you and your son, the officer said as he handed Jenson his business card.

I already answered all your questions, Shawn said. He rubbed at his wrists where the cuffs had pinched a bit.

There will be more questions later, Shawn, his father said.

We’ll be in touch. The cop turned and walked to one of the fire trucks.

Jenson tucked the card into his pocket and then led Shawn down the street to where he’d been forced to park due to all the emergency vehicles. As his father pulled away from the curb, fresh tears began to fall; this time, they were borne of relief. For too many hours, he’d been lost in a pit of black devastation believing his mate had been killed in the flames. Now that he knew that wasn’t true, he couldn’t stop the body-wracking sobs that overwhelmed him. His father’s reassuring hand was back on his shoulder.

I’m so sorry, Shawn. I never could have foreseen this sort of thing happening. When we get home, take a hot shower. I’ll have your mom make you some dinner and we’ll talk about everything.

Unable to speak, Shawn nodded and tried to catch his breath. He knew he looked like shit given the amount of crying he’d done and the ash covering almost every inch of him. Both eyes would be swollen shut by morning, but he didn’t care. Beckworth was alive and that was all that mattered. Soon enough, Shawn would know why the Landuskys had left the Silver Springs Pack and where they’d moved to. He’d find a way to stay in contact with his mate and then, as soon as Beckworth was eighteen, Shawn would bring him home where he belonged.

Shawn’s mother, Sariah, met them at the door, took one look at him, and then disappeared into the kitchen without a word. By the time he finished his shower and joined his parents downstairs, there’d be one of his favorite meals waiting for him on the dining room table. His mom was amazing like that, always able to read his moods and know exactly what he needed. As the Pack Alpha’s mate, she used her powers for the good of the entire pack as well. She was an incredible woman.

Shawn had been gifted the best parents. They hadn’t even batted an eye when, at eleven years of age, he’d announced to them that the newest addition to the pack was his mate. Sariah had tilted her head to the side, left out a soft huff, and then said, Your mate is male. Interesting. They’d celebrated that night by ordering pizza and brownies. She’d even bought him soda, which was something she didn’t normally allow.

While he showered and the soot washed away, Shawn found all kinds of scrapes, dark bruises, and a few raw patches of skin where he’d gotten a little too close to the flames. He was going to be in so much pain later, but he didn’t have the energy to care. He was exhausted and emotionally drained. Once food hit his stomach, he’d probably fall off his chair and sleep on the hardwood floor. He was going to hurt anyway so he may as well go all the way.

He dried off carefully and then dressed in sweats and a T-shirt that were loose enough not to chafe tender skin. His parents were exactly where he thought they’d be, sitting across from each other at the dining room table. A plate with two grilled cheese sandwiches and a large bowl of tomato soup sat in front the chair at the head of the table. He smiled tiredly as his mom poured him a glass of iced tea.

Thank you, he said.

You’re welcome, honey. Your father told me what happened. I’m sorry you had to face such a traumatic event alone, but I have no doubt you handled yourself like a true alpha.

With his mouth full of soup and gooey cheesy goodness, he shrugged in response. He held his father’s gaze as he ate, hoping his eyes conveyed all the questions he had because he wasn’t capable of saying the words. The emotions were still too raw, nerves too exposed. Jenson nodded in understanding.

Do you want to hear the message or do you prefer I just tell you what was said?

Whichever. Doesn’t matter to me, Shawn mumbled.

Dave and Julie like you and they respect your destined position as Pack Alpha, but they don’t believe their son is your fated mate. They left because they didn’t want Beckworth’s future to be dictated by your beliefs. They’re convinced his true mate will be female.

Shawn dropped his spoon into the empty bowl with a clatter. The fates were trying to kill him. He was sure of it. The emotional roller coaster just would not end. From intense fear and soul-crushing sadness, to relieved elation, and now he was ending the night defensive and angry. Sariah placed a hand on his wrist, offering him silent support as he struggled to make sense of everything he’d experienced in the last several hours.

Dad. Shawn’s throat was sore from the smoke inhalation, making his voice rough, but he had to ask. Needed to know. Where is he?

Dave didn’t say where they were going. Probably because they didn’t want to risk you following them. Their cell phones have been turned off so we have no way of contacting them.

Sariah picked up on his distress. Her motherly instincts sensed the storm brewing in his head and she squeezed his arm. You’re exhausted, honey. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but I know sleep will help make everything clearer. As hard as it will be, you’ve got to give this all time. Go to bed, get some rest, and we’ll revisit all this unpleasantness in the morning.

Shawn nodded and slowly stood up from the table. His entire body hurt. He just hoped his muscles held out long enough to get him back upstairs into his room before he collapsed.

Good night, he said.

Good night, honey.

Shawn caught his father’s gaze. Thank you, dad.

Jenson smiled. Good night, son.

His mother was right. He was exhausted, but he doubted he would get much sleep. Beckworth may be alive, but he was still gone. Shawn wasn’t going to sleep well until his mate was back in Silver Springs, surrounded by his own kind, and safely tucked into Shawn’s side.

CHAPTER TWO

Fourteen Years Later

Cold air numbed Beck’s cheeks and pierced through all the layers of clothing he wore. The only good thing about such frigid temperatures was that the icy wind slapped him awake. Once he got to work and warmed up, it would be a different story. He was so damned tired. The dream had come again the moment he’d closed his eyes for the night and plagued his waking hours with fatigue, vague recollection, and the bone-deep sense that something big was about to happen. His dreams were never clear enough for him to say exactly what they were about, but when he had them, he could never quite shake the discomfort they left behind.

At the bottom of the hill, rather than turn right toward Twice Read, the bookstore where he was due to start his shift in ten minutes, Beck darted left across the street to the little donut shop. He was in desperate need of caffeine and the owner of The Donut Hole made a mean mocha espresso latte that was screaming Beck’s name. Heat welcomed him as he entered the small shop; his hands, feet, and cheeks stung as they defrosted. At least there was no one in line thanks to the late-morning hour, which meant he could have his coffee and be back out the door before he grew too accustomed to the warmth.

Morning, Beck. You want the usual? Matt asked.

Yes, but with an extra shot of espresso, please. Didn’t sleep well.

You got it.

As Matt got to work on the over-caffeinated drink, Beck wandered to the window that looked out over the street. The snow-covered mountains were visible rising over the tops of the buildings and trees. Nothing in the small town of Drummond was higher than four stories so the view from almost anywhere in town was spectacular. Dark, moisture-laden clouds sat on top of the mountains promising snow in the next few hours. Beck imagined his walk home was going to be even less pleasant than the walk to work had been.

Three large dogs running loose toward the end of the block caught his attention. Wild animals and family pets running along the streets was nothing new. Last year, they had a whole herd of cows decide to meander through a few side streets, munching on the grass they found in people’s front years. Took four cowboys on horseback two hours to get them back to the farm they’d wandered away from.

The dogs kept to the sidewalks as they trotted up the road. The one in the lead, a large Husky from appearances, stopped at the front window of the shop and stared at Beck until Matt announced his coffee was ready. Beck tore his eyes away from the handsome animal and returned to the counter to pay. By the time he left the shop with a cup of coffee hot enough to burn through his gloves, the stray dogs had moved on, but now he had the uncomfortable feeling he was being watched. He glanced up and down the street as he entered Twice Read. The little bell above the door jingled, announcing his arrival.

Be with you in a minute, Ellie called out from somewhere in the shelves.

Just me, Ellie, Beck told her.

Good morning, Beck, dear. You look like shit.

Ellie McRand, owner of Twice Read and Beck’s favorite and longest-lasting foster mother, joined him at the front counter. Beck had worked in the tiny used bookstore with her since his sophomore year in high school. He smiled fondly as he stuffed his backpack into the cabinet below the counter and then began to remove all of his outerwear.

Thanks. So do you.

Really? I was going for crotchety old hag, but I think the look fell short somewhere around deranged cat lady.

Beck laughed as he studied Ellie’s appearance. She wore dark skinny jeans, a lovely tan cable-knit sweater, and tan knee-high boots. Her long blond hair was tied up into a messy bun on top of her head, but it did nothing to detract from her beauty. She would be celebrating her forty-second birthday next month and didn’t look a day over thirty. She was a sweet woman with a strong personality and protective nature who had taken him into her home when he was twelve after a long string of unsuccessful foster home placements.

He couldn’t remember his birth parents, really; only small fragments that were fuzzy and vague. Much like his dreams. He’d also been in the car accident that had taken his parents’ lives, but he didn’t remember anything at all about it. Ellie claimed his young age at the time was to blame for his lack of recall and he had no reason to argue. Remembering such a tragic event wouldn’t change anything so he didn’t make the effort anymore. God knew, he’d tried often enough when he was younger.

So, how was your walk in this morning? Ellie asked.

Pretty sure my balls crawled back up into my body.

I’ll give you a ride home later. We’ll close up early today given the storm blowing in. I love this bookstore, but I don’t want to be snowed in here.

Okay. Thanks.

Beck figured it would be a slow day from the temperature alone, but the snowstorm added a new layer. Reading material wasn’t something people stocked up on when facing the potential of being snowed in for days. Food, firewood, and toilet paper were all well and good, but boredom was an issue, too. Beck planned to wander the stacks and find a few books to take home for the duration. In fact, days spent isolated in his apartment, curled up on his bed wrapped in a blanket eating chips and sandwiches with nothing to do but read sounded heavenly.

Did you enjoy the party last night? Ellie lifted herself to sit on top of the counter, clearly intending to hang out with him for a while.

Not much of a party. More like a gathering. Even the food was meh.

Have kids these days even heard of a kegger?

Yeah. Beck chuckled.

Did you meet anyone that tickled your fancy? Other than drinking that’s all parties are good for, really.

Pretty sure I’m still the only gay kid in town.

Bullshit. I saw the Lawson boy checking you out at the post office last week.

The Lawson…you mean twenty-five-year-old Jake Lawson who just spent twelve days in jail for drunk and disorderly?

Ellie shrugged. You like older bad boys.

"You like older bad boys. I like tall, dark, and handsome."

And older.

And older, Beck agreed. He’s out there, Ellie, and one of these days I’ll leave Drummond to go find him. He’d said the same thing so many times.

Or you could stay here and wait for him to come to you, she suggested, like she always did when he mentioned leaving.

Beck smiled at her and nodded. This was an argument as old as time for them. There wasn’t a single month in the past seven years when they didn’t have some form of the same discussion. Beck was certain his forever love wasn’t in Drummond, but he couldn’t make Ellie understand why he felt that way. He couldn’t explain it himself. He had a bone-deep understanding that his other half was somewhere else in the world.

He also knew he had to stay in Drummond for at least another month. He wanted to say that leaving town with Ellie’s birthday right around the corner was why he stayed, but it didn’t feel quite right. Beck was waiting for something; he just didn’t know what. All he knew was where he needed to be, and that was behind the counter of Twice Read. He glanced up at the woman who’d changed his life when she took him in. She was scowling as she scrolled through something on her phone.

What are you looking at, he asked.

Weather app. I don’t like the look of this storm. I’m flipping the sign now and locking the door. Help me finish inventory really quick since I’ve already started it and then we’ll head out. Ellie jumped down from the counter and Beck followed her down one of the aisles. Do you need anything from the grocery store?

No. I shopped yesterday, but if you need to grab things, I’ll go in with you.

"I’m good as well. I