Claimed, but not by my Mate

Chapter Ten

James’ POV

I was going crazy. I hadn’t seen Braize now for five days. We had no heading so far and I was about to crack. My wolf was even worse. His soul mate was missing and his instinctive drive was to do anything to get her back. I couldn’t fall asleep anywhere but her bed and even then it was a restless sleep. Her scent was the only thing that calmed me in this crisis which is why I was at her house all the time.

We had everyone on the hunt for her. Ryder worked himself to the bone tracking her only to be caught in an ambush by Rogues. I didn’t even have the chance to help him before he was dead. They had ripped his heart out and left it beside him. They were cruel monsters that had killed my best friend.

Everyone was mourning the loss of their Beta but I couldn’t be at the vigil because I had to be at this damn diner, with a Rogue no less. He was coming to discuss the boundaries with us so they wouldn’t over step them again. He was coming with his mate and as future Alpha I had to attend these meetings even though I was out of my mind with worry for Braize and mourning my best friend.

I paced anxiously across the foyer until I heard a car pull up. I waited impatiently for the two sets of footsteps to near the door before pulling it open. I almost stopped dead right there. Braize stood beside the Rogue with her hand intertwined with his. She looked happy to be there and it tore at my heart.

Being the polite host, I greeted them.

“Good evening, and welcome.” I said, trying to tear my gaze away from Braize. She was beautiful in her long red gown and I had to stop the thoughts that flew through my head.

“Thank you Mr. Dirks.” Sam, as he had told us his name was in a phone call, replied.

“Please, call me James.” I said and turned my gaze to Braize.

“Hello Braize.” I said politely. I took her hand and brought it to my lips, thrilled to find the sparks still there and if I was right stronger this time. Her body physically relaxed against my touch and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was because she was no longer in pain from being so far away from me.

“Good evening James. How have you been?” She asked, taking her hand from mine when Sam wrapped an arm around his waist. I kept careful control to not narrow my eyes at Sam and growl at him for touching my mate.

I wanted to rip her from his arms but something told me there was something else going on. She looked genuinely happy being with Sam.

“Not so well, we’re recently mourning the death of Ryder.” I told her. She sucked in the tiniest breath and I watched her blink rapidly to keep back the tears. She gave me a sympathetic smile.

“I’m sorry to hear about that.”

“James,” Sam interrupted. “I’m sorry for all the trouble we’ve been putting you through. We really did not mean to war with you over your territory.”

“It is not a big deal at all. Follow me and we’ll discuss it more over dinner.” I offered. Sam smiled and pulled Braize along with him.

Thoughts flew through my head as we walked. Why was Braize here now? Why was she suddenly so happy with this Sam? Had she known him before? Why hadn’t she said something already? Was she hurt?

My own sense answered the last question. I could hear how Braize stepped lightly, as if every step pulled a muscle. She held herself more erect then she usually did, her back pin straight. It wasn’t like Braize and something told me she came here willingly, but with an incentive to go back.

I led Sam and Braize into the dining room where dad sat. He rose when we entered and welcomed the two, clasping Sam in a hand shake and taking Braize’s hand the same way I had. He shot me a confusing glance for a split second before his face lit up and he ushered the both of them into seats.