My True Mate: Book 5

By Bella Lore

After everything they’ve been through, after the wars and fights, after the lies and alliances, Sarah and Lucas are finally together. They fought for each other’s love, and they won.

There’s still much to heal from, but this new chapter offers them new surprises and new allies—fairies, a group of people they never expected to meet. Sarah and Lucas, and their son Fergus, are delighted by the fairies’ friendship and the magic they bring.

But the rest of the pack isn’t so sure. Can the fairies be trusted?

Fears deepen, especially as fairies and wolves alike begin disappearing. Yet only the wolves reappear—brutally murdered and skinned of their fur.

Amidst devastating tragedy, Sarah and Lucas must rekindle their bond and resurrect their love. And above all, they must ensure the unity of the pack.

Can Sarah and Lucas stop the murders before another wolf is taken? Or will their son, Fergus, be next?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bella Lore
• Release date: Sep 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781094395630

Book preview

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M Y   T R U E   M A T E

(Book 5)

B e l l a   L o r e

Bella Lore

Bella Lore is the paranormal romance author of the MY TRUE MATE series, comprising five books; THE ALPHA’S MATE series, comprising four books; the REJECTED BY THE BETA series, comprising four books; and 9 NOVELLAS BY BELLA LORE, comprising nine books.

Bella loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit bellaloreauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Copyright © 2022 by Bella Lore. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Jacket image Copyright Photographee.eu, used under license from Shutterstock.com.

BOOKS BY BELLA LORE

MY TRUE MATE

MY TRUE MATE (Book #1)

MY TRUE MATE (Book #2)

MY TRUE MATE (Book #3)

MY TRUE MATE (Book #4)

MY TRUE MATE (Book #5)

THE ALPHA’S MATE

THE ALPHA’S MATE (Book #1)

THE ALPHA’S MATE (Book #2)

THE ALPHA’S MATE (Book #3)

THE ALPHA’S MATE (Book #4)

REJECTED BY THE BETA

REJECTED BY THE BETA (Book #1)

REJECTED BY THE BETA (Book #2)

REJECTED BY THE BETA (Book #3)

REJECTED BY THE BETA (Book #4)

9 NOVELLAS

BOUND TO THE ALPHA (Book #1)

DESIRED BY THE ALPHA (Book #2)

FALLING FOR THE ROGUE (Book #3)

MATED TO THE ALPHA (Book #4)

MY TRUE ALPHA (Book #5)

PROMISED TO THE ALPHA (Book #6)

THE ALPHA’S BRIDE (Book #7)

THE ALPHA’S DESIRE (Book #8)

THE LUNA’S CHOICE (Book #9)

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT

CHAPTER FORTY NINE

CHAPTER FIFTY

CHAPTER ONE

Sarah

Being back in the pack is difficult in a way that I never imagined it would be.

It is everything I wanted. This is everything I wanted. And I’m grateful Lucas and I have decided to heal together. I know this was ultimately the right decision for both of us. It’s just…

I move from beneath his touch. Lucas and I went back to sleeping in the same bed together right away.

I feel safer that way. I’m a comfort to him. And it feels so natural and yet so strange at the same time.

I sit up with my knees brought to my chest. I watch my sleeping mate. He breathes slowly, like he’s caught in some dream.

My mind flashes back to him with Carmine. Out of my control, I imagine what they did together. I think of her hands on him. His hands on her.

The trauma Lucas went through is clear. If he had been in his right mind, I know for sure he wouldn’t have wanted it. He wouldn’t have chosen this.

Still, I went through so much. The pain was overwhelming. And this isn’t as easy as just choosing to forgive each other and heal.This has been hard work every day.

Lucas turns over in his sleepy way. His eyelids flutter open slowly. My heart starts to beat faster just like it did when we first met.

I love you, he whispers before his mind can even fully wake up. That’s his first thought.

I’m reminded of why all of this work is worth it.

I love you too, I tell him.

I snuggle into his arms and nuzzle against his chest. His bare skin is warm against mine. His hair tickles my forehead.

This is where I belong.

My lips meet his in the sweetest kiss. My mate. My love. Even though this transition has been strange in ways, this is where I’m meant to be.

My hands go to his chest, to where his heart is beating under my fingertips. His fingers trace down my back, playing with my silver hair.

I’m so glad you’re here, he says.

It’s good to be back, I reply. And it is good to be back, but I can’t quite tell him how difficult it is as well.

It’s strange, not opening up to him about it. I used to tell Lucas everything. And I know someday I’ll reach that place with him again.

Right now I just don’t feel comfortable with it. We’re still adjusting to each other like we’re new lovers.

His touch lowers. His fingertips brush against my thighs. I pull him closer as the kiss deepens.

I want him. I want every part of him. I want us to be as close as possible. I want these walls to fall.

Our kisses grow longer, more passionate. Our touches grow more curious, more exploring of the bodies we know so well.

Then, the image hits me out of nowhere. I think of the pain Lucas put me in. Though I’ve forgiven him, it seems I can’t escape it. This thought haunts me.

I pull away a little. And since he’s my mate and he knows me so well, Lucas automatically senses it. He stops what’s he’s doing and looks at me with concern.

Are you okay? he asks. Is everything okay?

I just need a little time, I explain. I need to get used to this. Need to get adjusted. I was away from my pack for so long. I was away from you and…

It’s okay, he says, kissing my fingertips. "I’m just glad you’re back. I’m glad we’re together again.

I want to be everything we once were. But I understand that will take time. I’m willing to be patient. I just want us back.

Me too, I say. Maybe we can just cuddle for a bit?

I’d love that, he smiles.

I curl up in his arms until Fergus awakes. Since Lucas has spent so much time away from Fergus, he often wants to be the one to take care of him.

So, I allow the two to bond as I go to make breakfast. And it’s nice to be cooking for Lucas again.

We sit down at the table together and it’s like we’re a family that’s never been fractured.

We have a busy today, I tell him. I want to get back to making those important changes. I have lots of plans I mind.

And that’s true, of course. But even as I say it, I’m uncertain. I’ve been gone for so long. It doesn’t feel like the pack is mine anymore.

If you don’t mind, of course, I say shakily.

It’s such a strange dynamic, coming to realize that Lucas has been the Alpha of the pack that was once mine to lead. I’m back now, but it still doesn’t feel like how it did before.

Of course not, Lucas says, looking shocked that I would even mention it. You’re the true, Alpha. I’ve just been a placeholder this whole time.

Not at all, I assure him. It’s time we work together on this. Be together as equals.

That’s easier said than done though. We bring Fergus with us on our busy morning, but it’s like we’re trying to avoid stepping on each other’s toes and not doing a great job at it.

Things have changed since I was here last. And it feels like I’m moving around a foreign country.

By the time afternoon rolls around, Lucas and I are both frustrated. We’re trying to work with each other, but it just doesn’t come as naturally to us anymore.

Lucas looks at me in a moment of desperation.

Would you like to go somewhere special tomorrow? he suggests.

My heart beats a little faster. It’s been so long since Lucas and I shared a special moment together. I’m not sure that I’m ready for it.

Yeah, he replies with a nod. Maybe we could go on a picnic with Fergus.

A picnic? I ask, surprised by this. Yet also relieved. That means I won’t be spending time with him alone.

Yes, Lucas nods. A picnic.

He looks so hopeful that I can’t bearto say no.

That sounds nice, I say with a smile. Let’s go on a picnic.

And maybe… Lucas hesitates and I’m almost afraid of what he’ll say next.

CHAPTER TWO

Sarah

Lucas looks uncomfortable and I still love him. The connection is still there. So, I want to do everything I can to ease that feeling for him.

Yet I’ve learned that sometimes people just need space. We’ll need lots of space to grow from this. So, I wait. I allow him to take his time.

Maybe we could go on a date tonight, he says. "Just you and me. Everyone loves Fergus. We’d easily be able to find someone to watch him.

I don’t know. I think we just need to reconnect a little bit. Would you want to go on a date with me?

He looks so vulnerable in this moment. I want to hold him and never let him go. I want to assure him I’d go anywhere with him, as long as I could be with him.

Pain still holds me back though. It keeps me from being my full self around him. I know it’s not his fault, but I still can’t fully let go of all he put me through.

I… I hesitate until I look into the eyes of my mate. I’d like that. I’d love that. Where would you like to go?

A surprise, he smiles. I’ll make sure it’s something special. Just leave that part up to me.

You always were good at romantic things, I admit.

He steps forward to quickly kiss my forehead and I’m touched by warm feelings for him. It’s a reminder of the man I love. It’s another sign that we’re right in trying to fix things between us.

The rest of the day goes by pretty easily. Clara eagerly agrees to watch Fergus, so she stops by the house later that evening.

It’s so nice to see the both of you coming together again, she says, as we get ready to take off for a little bit. The whole pack is happy to have you back.

I smile and I’m grateful for her support. But sometimes it does feel like maybe I don’t deserve to be back. The self-assurance I once had is gone.

Thank you, I tell her anyway. And thank you for watching Fergus. It means a lot to us.

It’s no problem! she insists. I love spending time with him.

We give our son hugs and kisses, and then it’s just the two of us. I follow Fergus through the woods, wondering at where we’re going but happy for the surprise.

At first, we don’t talk. There’s so much to be said between us, but we’re not sure how to say it.

Then, slowly we talk about our day. Simple things. The kind of exchange I might have with anyone.

How does it feel? he asks, hope in his eyes. To be back. Have you enjoyed it?

I don’t want to break his heart, but I also can’t lie to him. I’ve never been able to do that.

It has been nice, I admit. But it’s been difficult as well. Finding my place again. Sometimes I wonder if I truly fit in.

Of course, you fit in, he assures me. You’re meant to be the Alpha. You’re meant to lead this whole pack.

That’s something I was once so sure. I just don’t know anymore. I feel a little lost still. A little unsure in getting back to my old life.

I’m sorry, he says quietly. I know it’s my fault why this happened. I’d do anything I can to make it up to you.

You’re already doing what you can I say. It’s just difficult. It will be for a while. But I am committed to making this work with you.

I appreciate that more than you could know.

He takes my hand and things start to feel more natural between us. It’s nice to be able to admit to my struggles, despite how difficult that is.

I feel less alone when he knows. I feel like my mate is with me on this.

Finally, a light glow beckons to us. The woods open and reveal a small lake that has caught the moonlight on the water.

Nestled on the grass by the lake is a rowboat with flowers on it, a bottle of champagne, two classes and a tray of chocolate covered strawberries. A few tiki torches surround it, giving the night a soft glow.

I know it’s not super fancy, he says, with a note of worry in his voice. And I’d love to keep doing more to impress you but…

It’s perfect, I assure him. Truly. I love it. You’re incredible with these sorts of surprises.

I try.

We move the boat closer to the water’s edge. Then, I sit in it while he pushes it off into the lake. He jumps in once we’re in the water and starts rowing.

You should let me help, I offer.

No. He shakes his head. This night is all about relaxation with you.

The stars dazzle overhead, their light falling lightly on us. The frogs croak as the crickets sing a tune and I’m in love with the night.

I love you, I say.

Lucas breaks into the biggest smile that brushes away some of the anxiety that has followed him throughout the day.

I love you too, he says. You and only you. Always you. I’m going to do what I can to prove that to you.

Once we reach the middle of the lake, Lucas stops rowing. He pours us out glasses of champagne and we feed each other the strawberries.

His fingers brush against my lips and I’m intoxicated by him all over again.

You know, you really are the most beautiful soul I know, he says.

And you’re the most enchanting, I reply.

I am blessed to be with you, I truly mean it, he continues. And I know things are tough right now, but I know we can get through it. Working together.

Together, I agree. And for the first time since I got back, this feels like how things are supposed to be.

CHAPTER THREE

Lucas

The date last night changed things; I can feel that. It brought us closer together. It was exactly what we needed.

Still, sometimes something feels off. Things are still a little odd as we go about our day the next day.

We’re working towards something better, a glorious future together. Yet it’s going to take time to work through this. I know I