by Jade Royal
“I’m not staying here.” Jayce told his friends. “You can either come and help me round up the she-wolves that need protection, or you can stay here, but willingly admitting to wanting to rape a child for his own gain is enough for me, and I’m not going to stay here and watch it all unfold. He doesn’t deserve to be alpha.”
“When did Kellan do this?” Jaxson asked.
“Recently. After what happened with Kyra. He did it to give her a place to stay and be protected.”
“Then I’m going,” Jaxson said. Jayce looked at Tristan.
“Me too. We’ll go with you to the location to keep you safe during travel since Gemma can’t shift yet,” he said looking at the family.
“What about all my friends?” Gemma asked.
“Your safety is more important,” Gabe said.
“And we’ll be bringing them soon, don’t worry, but it’s you Maverick wants right now.” Gemma nodded in understanding.
“We’ll be ready tomorrow night,” Gabe said. He reached his hand out and Jayce shook it.
“Thank you for looking out for our pup,” Gina said.
“I made a vow. I intend to keep it.”
“I’m not a pup anymore.” Gemma groaned as she walked towards her room. Jayce could only smile. In a flash, he imagined having a teenage pup himself who would look just like their mother. He saw Rita in his head and had to shake it clear before he got lost in his thoughts.
“Keep aware, and update me on any changes,” Jayce said. The three large shifters left the small home and walked towards the woods.
“You didn’t tell us Kell was starting a new pack,” Tristan spoke up.
“Because he never intended to. I didn’t know where else to bring Kyra, so I brought her there. Then he texts me and tells me he’s going to be an alpha, and that’s where Rita is too, so maybe he just finally came to his senses.”
“What does he have?” Jaxson asked.
“Nothing. Just three wolves. He needs a beta, and he needs enforcers.” Jaxson and Tristan became enforcers because they were the larger wolves where Jayce and Kellan were tall and lean with their muscle. Besides keeping the pack safe, the enforcers were the first line of defense, and if there was a threat, they’re the ones that stood by the alpha to help eliminate it.
“I’m still pissed at him for leaving,” Tristan said. “We could have all stood together and took Maverick down.”
“We all feel that way,” Jayce said. “But think about if it were your mother. I think Kellan was more embarrassed than anything, and pride being a wolf is an important thing.” All three men went quiet. The memory of them being held down while Maverick killed Kameron and then raped their alpha female was too vivid to think on for too long. They could all be angry that Kellan left, ut none of them could ever deny the fact that what Kellan had been through was horrific.
“Well, I hope he has room for us all.” Jaxson finally spoke up, trying to lighten the mood.
“If he thought we’d stay away for too long, he was madly mistaken.” Tristan smiled.
“That’s what I’m talking about.” They patted each other on the shoulder in comradery. With the four of them all back together, they knew they could finally live in a healthy pack.
Chapter Ten
Kellan didn’t know what it really meant to be an alpha until he’d actually become one. His body was buzzing with the awareness of his new power. Because he’d shared blood with Rita and Kyra, he could literally feel their essence inside him. With each blood he drank, their essence would become part of him. It was a way to ensure that alphas always knew what was happening with their wolves, and right now, all he felt from them was happiness and security. It made him smile knowing that for once, they felt safe, but becoming alpha was more than just a ceremony. Right now, all Kellan had was this cabin, and it wasn’t proper for a developing pack. They would need land. Kellan’s father always told him about a place he had for when Kellan started his own pack, but he’d never gotten the chance to take Kellan there, so now, Kellan wondered how he could find the place his father had made for him.
Sitting all alone, he was aware of his two new wolves, but his wolf on the inside was whining for the attention of his mate. He was laying down with his paws covering his nose, pleading for Kellan to find their she-wolf. Inhaling deeply, Kellan didn’t breathe in the fresh scent of his mate. The scent seemed far away, and it made him panic a little. Rising from the couch, he went in search of Bliss. Back in the bedroom, Rita and Kyra were painting each other’s nails and gossiping.
“Hey, where’s Bliss?” Kellan asked them.
“She said she was going for a walk.” Kellan’s wolf jumped to attention not liking the fact that its mate was off on her own. Kellan left the bedroom quickly, heading outside. He didn’t sense her leaving the front of the house, so he went around back, and that’s where he caught her scent completely. She was sitting at the base of a tree looking up at the sky. She still had no clothes, but instead of wearing Rita’s clothes, she was dressed in one of his button-down shirts that sagged off her heavily. Her knees were pressed against her chest again, and the glistening of her toasted almond complexion made Kellan’s mouth water. He just wanted to have a taste of her. He needed to come clean about them being mates. As an alpha now, the main thing that mattered was protecting the pack, finding a mate, and having pups to continue his bloodline. That’s what Maverick was so obsessed over.
“Hey,” Kellan said going over to her. He plopped down next to her. She inhaled his scent and moaned delightfully.
“We have to work on getting you clothes, but Rita said you can always borrow hers.”
“I know, but my wolf was nagging me. I don’t know what her problem was, but then when I had your shirt in my hand, she seemed content, then I put it on, and it was like she was mewling and being submissive again, so I just kept it on. Guess that’s what she wanted.”
“Maybe she likes my scent,” Kellan said. Bliss just shrugged. “What are you thinking about?”
“My life,” she replied somberly. “To think that something like this could ever happen to me. That I’d have this animal living inside me. That my damn boyfriend would try and kill me with no remorse. That my father would help him dump my body.” She shook her head. Kellan could smell the scent of her tears. He moved closer to her, and naturally, she leaned her head against his shoulder.
“We wolves believe in nothing but fate and the universe, and nature,” Kellan said. “Maybe something like this was supposed to happen.”
“Funny you say that.” She chuckled. Kellan wiped her tears. “No one would care that I’m missing, you know. I had no friends, no family except my father. I went to school and came right home to study. There was no type of freedom, especially being with Maverick, but I figured as long as I had a man and was going to have a family eventually, then I wouldn’t need anyone else, you know? But I’ve asked myself so many times why did the world make me to be this woman who was unknown to the world? And now look, I’ve started a new life and don’t have to worry about anyone trying to ruin it for me, or anyone who I’d have to give answers to, so I get to start over and it just be about me, and that’s it.”
“Wolves aren’t meant to be alone, Bliss, so being by yourself will never be a problem, and you will meet genuine people. Kyra already adores you. That’s something humans can’t always give you.”
“But how come you were alone?” she asked. “What’s it you call yourself? An omega?”
“That just means I’m a lone wolf, and I had a pack before I became an omega.”
“So, if wolves aren’t meant to be alone, why did you leave your pack to be alone?” Kellan wanted to be truthful with his mate, but it wasn’t something he could outright tell her. He felt too ashamed.
“My parents died, and I didn’t feel at home anymore, so I left. Being a lone wolf isn’t something a wolf wants, but sometimes, it’s just the way it has to be. I’m strong enough to get my own food and survive on my own. Most
other wolves aren’t.”
“Well, now you have a pack--with two other women.” Kellan heard the growl in her voice.
“Well, if I don’t find us a place to live and soon, it’s not going to be pretty, and an alpha without a mate or pups looks weak. That’s exactly why Maverick acts the way he does. He wanted you to give him offspring so his bloodline is protected in the pack. Things like that matter to us.”
“So, you have a mate?” Bliss asked quietly.
“Yeah, I do,” Kellan answered. Bliss suddenly felt rejected at his statement. She moved away from him and wrapped her arms around herself. She didn’t understand her sense of hurt since she was sure she was through with men. Maybe he was just too good looking to see with another woman, but Bliss was hurting, and she felt embarrassed she ever thought about him in any way sexual.
“I was thinking that maybe I just head out of town? Start fresh?”
“No,” Kellan said immediately. He already sensed her discomfort with him saying he had a mate, but he intended to direct it to the fact that she was his mate, but she had shut him out.
“Why not?”
“Because you’re not human anymore, and you can get in trouble out there. Like I said, wolves aren’t meant to be alone.” She huffed and looked up to the sky.
“You can’t keep me here,” she stated.
“Baby, you haven’t even shifted for the first time yet. You ain’t going nowhere.”
“Don’t call me baby!” she exclaimed, snapping her jaws at him. She groaned immediately afterwards and touched her gums. Kellan placed a hand at the back of her neck and rubbed softly to soothe her. Feeling your canines starting to grow was just like teething. They were there, but it was hard for them to pop out sometimes when you had no control.
“Can you make this pain go away?” she pleaded. Kellan stood and scooped her in his arms. She rested against his chest and didn’t complain. Kellan felt his wolf swoon with delight. He couldn’t help but dig his face in her neck and inhale deeply. God, did anything else in the world smell this good?
Once inside, he walked to the bedroom with Bliss in his arms. Kyra and Rita looked up at him as he entered.
“Can you wet a wash cloth with ice cold water and hand it to me?” Kellan asked Kyra. Her wolf immediately lowered her head and went to do the task he asked. She returned promptly with the wet cloth.
“Let me have some alone time with her,” Kellan said. Rita and Kyra left the room and closed the door behind them. Kellan poured some whiskey on the wet wash cloth and went over to where Bliss laid on the bed.
“Open your mouth,” he said softly. She opened her mouth and allowed him to press the cloth against her gums. She groaned in relief.
“Thank you.” She spoke, her voice muffled. He shrugged.
“This is what alphas do.” He smiled.
“You’re not my alpha though.”
“Yeah, but I will be.” He smoothed her hair from her face. Even though there was already a natural link to their souls, Kellan wanted to learn more. He wanted to know who this woman was that was destined to be his. Knowing Maverick had dumped her in the woods and left her for dead made him want to be her mate even more, because he would never treat her that way. He’d worship the ground she walked on, and she deserved that.
After a moment, she sat up slowly, and he removed the cloth from her mouth. She crossed her legs and gazed at him.
“I refuse to be here when your mate shows up,” she said. “Or well, that’s what my wolf thinks, and you said to always listen to my wolf.”
“Yes, I said that, but I think you’re hearing the wrong thing,” Kellan responded. She scoffed and rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, right.”
“Bliss I-”
“Can you do me a favor?” she asked quietly.
“Of course, baby.” She almost seemed embarrassed to ask him, but she did anyway.
“I want to go back to where I lived. To um, get my things. I know I’m starting fresh and new, but there’s somethings that I want you know. They’re still mine, and money, I need money.”
“I can take you to get your things, Bliss, but don’t worry about money. That’s not something you have to worry about when you’re with me.”
“How do you make money? Like, you have a job?” She questioned.
“I’m a carpenter, and I do construction. I build houses and items for humans. I built this cabin.”
“Wow,” she said looking around. The cabin was not some little old shack in the woods. It was luxurious, and she could walk around barefoot without worrying about getting splinters. She took his hands and felt them. They were smooth, but hard, so she had no doubt that he worked with his hands.
“I know nothing about Maverick’s human life, so when is a good time to go get your things and avoid him?” Kellan questioned.
“He’s never there in the afternoons. He was always gone and then came back at night, but I suppose if I’m not there, then there’s no real reason for him to go to his home, right?” Kellan nodded.
“Alright, borrow another outfit from Rita, and I’ll take you out there.”
“Thanks, Kellan.” She smiled hugging him tightly.
Bliss was ready to leave her past alone and start fresh with the life the universe gifted her, but she did want a few things to keep. Not only that, but she would be able to leave the woods and head back into town after what seemed like forever.
She didn’t know how they’d get into town, but sure enough, a few feet away from the back of the cabin, Kellan was removing an army fatigued tarp from off a Ford pickup truck. She hadn’t even realized they had a car.
“You drive?” She gasped. Kellan gave her a look.
“I work for humans, Bliss. You expect me to show up at their doorsteps in wolf form ready to carve wood with my claws?” Bliss realized how dumb she sounded.
“Sorry, that was stupid,” she said.
“Not at all.” He smiled. “Hop in.” She readily hopped into the luxurious pickup truck.
“You must be doing good for yourself,” she said loving the feel of the leather seats. “Where do you keep your money though?”
“In a bank.” He laughed. “Look, most shifters make accommodations to be able to function with the human world. Like Maverick, he works in the human world when he wants to. I work in the human world which means I have to deal with their currency. My business is legit, which means I need a legit bank. We’re shifters, not aliens, Bliss. We like money just like the humans. We work like humans. We fuck like humans. Hell, we look like humans. So, if you can do it as a human, then we can do it as shifters. Think of it in that way.” Bliss nodded.
“So, do Kyra and Rita have money?”
“I’m sure they do, but when you’re living in a pack, it’s just natural that your alpha takes care of you, which means they shouldn’t have to worry about food and other necessities, but working and being part of the human world is something that’s a choice of every wolf. I’m fine by myself and chilling alone. Most wolves like to party, and they resort to the human way of life to get that satisfaction.”
“So, that means if I wanted to continue nursing school, I could? Even though I’m a wolf?”
“Of course, you can, sweetie, but you’d have to have immense control over your wolf to do that, which right now, you don’t. Something like fear or anger can trigger you, and if humans see claws, they can try and hurt you because now you’re a threat to them.” Bliss nodded. She understood that.
Kellan started up his truck and let the AC run immediately. He liked the natural air, but when driving, he always had the AC on. It was just too hot. His phone always connected VIA Bluetooth when he started the car. Music began playing promptly. Bliss gasped again and turned to give him a wide-eyed stare.
“What?” Kellan asked, backing out of the woods along the trail.
“You listen to J. Cole?” This time, Kellan rolled his eyes hard.
“Don’t offend me.” He smirked. Bliss got close t
o his face as if studying him. She poked at his cheek.
“How old are you?” she asked. Kellan slapped her hand away. “You look like thirty-five, but you could be eighty-years-old.”
“I’m only thirty!” he exclaimed. “Thirty-five, really?” Bliss shrugged before laughing.
“I mean, I thought you were eighty for real.”
“We age slower, but I’m still thirty, and I’ll look the same until I’m forty-five. Wolves only start to show their age after fifty. You talkin’ about age, and you here looking like you’re eighteen.” She sucked her teeth at him.
“I’m twenty-seven, bozo,” she said.
“Bozo, that’s new.”
“You don’t take me for a J. Cole type of man, but I like it. I’m not really into the rap and hip-hop stuff; I love R&B.”
“It suits you,” Kellan said. “We’ve always been chatting about the wolf stuff, but what are things about you? Things that you like?”
“Crime shows, Science, music, wine, and mangos.” At the mention of the fruit, Kellan inhaled. Jesus, she was intoxicating.
“Crime shows? Like what? Law and Order, or the real crime shows like Snapped or something?”
“Both,” Bliss said slowly giving him a look. “You know about these kind of shows? Because you don’t have a TV in the cabin.”
“I know about them from being in the human world, but I don’t really watch them. I like to read about it though. Like crime novels, but if I ever did get a TV, I imagine I’d watch the shows all the same.” Bliss had to say she was impressed. A man that looked like him didn’t scream ‘I love to read crime novels’, but it was sexy, and furthermore, it was giving her a chance to know him, and she and her wolf really enjoyed their time alone.
“That’s sexy.” She purred. Kellan swiveled on the road a little when he smelled her arousal. They could not be confined to a small space with her exuding her arousal. It would drive him crazy.
