Free Luke's Surprise by Lavinia Lewis

Ethan sneered. “Anyway, if you want to know what it’s like to be with a real man, give me a call sometime.”
    This time Mark did growl. He stepped forward a few paces putting Luke behind him. He wasn’t going to let anyone talk to his mate like that, however big they were. He balled his hands up into fists, anger seeping out of his every pore. He felt his teeth itching his gums, threatening to elongate.
    “Oh look, the wolf is pissed,” Ethan chuckled. “You need to get a leash for your new pet, Luke.”
    “If you’ve got a problem with me, why don’t you step out of the truck so that we can discuss it?” Mark invited, hands shaking with anger.
    “I wouldn’t start anything with me if you know what’s good for you,” Ethan spat.
    “Cut it out, Ethan,” Luke said. “Stop baiting him. Just go, leave us alone.”
    Ethan’s eyes fell on Luke. His mouth curled up into a smile but the look was anything but warm or friendly.
    “This is your last chance, Luke. You can still come with me. I won’t hold this against you.” He gestured to Mark.
    “Never,” Luke said, with firm resolve.
    “You mean you’d choose this mutt over me? Bad choice, Luke. You’re gonna live to regret this, you both will. That’s a promise.”
    Ethan put the truck in drive and screeched away from the kerb. Mark was still shaking with fury when Luke moved in front of him and wrapped his arms around his body.
    “Hey, calm down. He’s gone now,” Luke soothed. “The man’s an asshole, Mark, don’t let him get to you.”
    “Don’t tell me to calm down. The man just threatened you. I feel like going after him and ripping his goddamn throat out.”
    “Look, he might be a dick but I don’t think he’s dangerous. He wouldn’t hurt me. He’s all talk.”
    “I hope you’re right, because if he touches one hair on your head, I swear he won’t live to see another day.”

Chapter Six
     
     
     
    When Mark and Luke reached the garage, Bob was just sliding out from under a rusty old truck. He wiped his hands on a rag and shook both Luke’s and Mark’s hands in turn.
    “I heard you boys had a run in with Joe yesterday,” he said, his mouth turned up in a slight grin.
    “Wow, news sure travels fast in this place, don’t it?” Mark noted.
    Bob chuckled. “Had me a few drinks in town last night when Joe’s hands came in. They were bragging about the fact Joe threw you off his ranch.”
    “Dan and Lyle?” Mark asked.
    “Yeah, those are the two. Nasty pieces of work if you ask me. I wouldn’t pay any mind to what those two say.”
    Mark could feel his fury rising to the surface once again. When Luke stepped forward and took hold of Mark’s hand, Mark could feel the tension leave his body. Bob’s eyes widened when he noticed the action.
    “So it’s true. You boys have mated.”
    Luke straightened his back and looked Bob straight in the eyes.
    “Yes sir, we have.”
    Bob’s smile broadened. “Well, that certainly gives an old man like me hope. Come on, your truck is ready.”
    Mark and Luke were both shocked by Bob’s statement. Seemed they had more support in town than they’d realised.
     
    * * * *
     
    They called back to Marnie’s to collect what was left of Mark’s belongings and then made their way back to the ranch. Kelan’s truck was gone from the yard when they pulled in but a dusty old Chevy sat in its place.
    When they got out of the truck, Luke noticed a small, female wolf walking down the steps of the porch.
    “Marianne?”
    “Luke! Hey, I didn’t know you were home. How’s things ?”
    “Good, very good. Marianne, I’d like you to meet Mark, my mate. Mark, this is Marianne, an old friend of ours.”
    “Your mate!” Marianne squealed. “Wow, congratulations. Pleased to meet you, Mark.”
    Marianne shook Mark’s hand enthusiastically. Mark was surprised she didn’t even raise an eyebrow at the fact he was a man.
    “Good to meet you too,” he said with feeling.
    “There must be something