Love Among Shadows

by Smokey Moment

  Legend poured a glass of scotch and gulped it down quickly. He headed to the bathroom. The cool water would feel good against his hot, sweat covered body. Another night of successful hunting had him drained. He could feel the dirt kicked up by his enormous paws from running through the forest.

  The water ran, steaming up the bathroom and fogging the mirrors. Legend turned the knob to allow cold water to flow. He wiped across the mirror with his hand and pulled his white tee shirt over his head. His lean muscular frame glistened. He looked at himself in the mirror. His intense eyes staring back. He could see his soul. That part of him controlled by his predecessors. His, was a life of rules. A life that gifted him with powers beyond his imagination or control. He liked the man who stared back. The mysterious, charming and physically blessed man that had the world at his fingertips.

  Legend thought of Storm and her sister Trinity. They were in a war to get to him first. They threw themselves mercilessly at his feet. But dating either one would pin him against the males who were aggressively vying for their attention. They were royal betas. Highly sought-after women. But Legend was only there for a short while. He saw no need to start something he wouldn’t finish while also creating enemies. Some of the males did respect him. They secretly hoped he would stay. He seemed restless and it was a known fact that he had come from Africa, a favored place for wolves to live. They didn’t see how he would choose Alaska over Africa.

  But Legend didn’t choose. And he would soon be returning. But while he was there, he would be treated like royalty. The leaders of Cedar Falls indulged him in order to keep him indebted to them. And he used the freedoms given to an extreme. Darr had taken notice and had started to tighten the reins. But Legend continued moving freely and keeping his movements a secret from the pack. He had taken it all for granted and had become used to the inevitable. He always received favor. There were only a few pure Valkan like him in the world, who shared the same blood mix that granted the ultimate powers bestowed from the spirits. Something that was both a blessing and a curse.

  Being treated like royalty was a way of life for him. It had been that way since he was a teen. And he had become bored with what he saw as meaningless worship. Legend wanted a life. He dreamed of true love. A connection with a woman. One of immense power, far beyond what the people of his world sought. He believed it was his destiny. If only he could find it.

  But he was questioning himself. He was always told he should meet and fall in love with an alpha woman. That his children would be blessed for having true blood. They would be given the highest honor. But Legend wasn’t sure that was his destiny. Because his attraction was for the forbidden. He found himself desiring humans. A secret he held close because it was a revelation that could cost him his life.

  L

  egend rubbed his facial hair, looking himself over closely. He furrowed his brow and leaned back. He couldn’t believe how long his facial hair had gotten. He had been so busy with responsibilities, that he had neglected his hygiene. Something he didn’t do often. Legend tore through items in his drawer. He pulled out his tweezers, razors and soft bristle brush looking for his clippers. “Where are they,” he said, as he pushed his toiletries and personal items to the side looking for his trimmers. “What? Where are they? I just had them,” he snarled. Suddenly he looked off. “Dammit! Aesir!” he said, as he closed the drawer. He remembered his half-brother borrowing them.

  “Where’s my clippers?” Legend asked. Aesir held the door slightly opened, rubbing his eyes, blocking his brothers’ entrance. He had gotten out of bed and left his naked wife clinching the sheets. She thought nothing of walking around their home naked and he couldn’t take the chance. Wolves were instinctive in what aroused them. The males guarded their mates and protected them from prowling males. Even family. Disrespect of one’s home was a death sentence. An act frowned upon and dealt with severely. But this was his brother. And so, he would protect them both from each other. Seeing Zen naked could cause a desire in Legend that would linger for days. Maybe months.

  “What? It’s four in the morning. Why are you looking for clippers at four in the morning?” he asked. Legend sighed. “Because I need them. I needed them three days ago. Get my shit Ace,” he said.

  “Honey, who is that?” a female voice said. “It’s Legend,” Aesir replied. He grinned at his brother. Legend smiled back. “Just go get it. I’ll wait here. Tell Zen I said hi,” he said.

  Aesir walked from the door. Legend could hear him whispering to her. Zen was beautiful. A powerful beta and the new wife of his half-brother. A marriage made possible by Legend’s hunting techniques, and his insistence that his brother make most of the kills. His inability to make any kills of larger animals was frowned upon, until Legend taught him how to hunt more effectively. And with success came the interest of females.

  Zenaia was initially attracted to Legend. But his reputation preceded him. He was not showing interest in the beta and omega women. It was inconceivable that a handsome, charismatic and powerful young alpha male would be single. Many believed he steered clear of alpha women because of their psychic powers and abilities to control their mates. A power only alpha females possessed. But when Legend kept his distance from beta and omega women too, then rumors swirled. Many believed he had taken up with human women. Something had to be the reason. Sex was important to werewolves. Their sex drives were insatiable. There had to be someone.

  There were a few females that claimed to have been intimate with the newcomer. All were omega wolves. The lowest ranked females. They were the last to be considered and the last to actually become mated. And when they did, it was usually to lower-class omega males. No one understood him. But that fact didn’t change their desires to land him.

  “Here it is. Get me a pair. Where did you find this kind? It’s better than the one I use,” Aesir asked. “I’ll get you a pair. But if anyone asks where you got them, you found them at one of the camp sites. Say someone left a bag full of items,” he warned. Aesir nodded. It was a warning he didn’t need. He had suspected his brother was going around humans and if he had given him anything like clippers, he would have covered for him. The pack was expected to keep exposure to humans at a minimum. And although they did indulge once in a while, anything more would be scrutinized. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said. “Yep.”

  “What did he want?” Zen asked. “I borrowed those clippers from him. He wanted them back,” Aesir said, as he walked close to Zen. He stopped under the moonlight. Zen smiled and folded her arms. “Uhuh,” she said. “What?” Aesir asked. “It’s nothing. It’s just…Storm asked about him. Since he’s your brother, she was hoping to get to know him better. But we can’t figure out why he is so distant from everyone here. Doesn’t he want companionship?” she asked.

  Aesir walked to the kitchen. He was aware Zen had a crush on him. “Well…It’s like I told you before. He is here on borrowed time. He plans to go back home or back to Africa. He doesn’t like it here,” he said. Zen looked down. She didn’t want to pry or cause Aesir to become jealous. But she was under pressure to get answers. She owed Storm.

  “But why not keep company. He has needs I’m sure,” she said. Aesir turned quickly toward her. “Zen! What concern is it of yours? You have a thing for him?” he said, as he approached her slowly. “Of course not. That’s your brother,” she said. “Uhuh,” he replied, taking a sip of water. Zen looked down, then back up at him.

  “You know how I feel about you. I was trying to help Storm out. She wants him,” she said. “Yeah…And so does everyone else. Let Storm get her own information. She will have to be a big girl and step to him. He’ll either bite or not. But you should warn her. A baby won’t make him stay. So if she plans on getting knocked up with his alpha seed…She can forget it. Legend isn’t concerned about shit in this world but Legend.”

  Zen shook her head and walked away. Aesir followed. “Where you going? Come get in the shower with me,” he said. Zen grinned. “Um. I’ll w
ait until you get out. I’m tired,” she said. He knew what her hesitation was about. He was rough sexually. He was an alpha. And hunting increased their desires along with their appetites. “Just once more. I’ll go to sleep then,” he assured. Zen turned from him and chuckled. “You always say that. But then you don’t,” she said, as Aesir followed behind her, rubbing on her backside. “Yes I will. Give it to me good. And don’t stop me,” he said.

  Aesir closed the door slowly behind him. He could hear moans all around the village. Their sensitive ears could make for intense evenings. Other sexual activity always got the others stirring. The cabins weren’t far enough apart and the men, too virile. Love was in the air.

  They could smell one another. Hear one another. The windows were up to allow the cool night air and help lessen the heat of their bodies. Aesir closed the door and walked to Zen.

  “Come on. I won’t stop you,” Zen said. She was worn out but Aesir was not taking no for an answer. And it was either satisfy his needs or watch as he vanished into the trees. Zen was happy to oblige him. It was what she signed up for. She too was sexual. But she also needed rest. She came alive when she saw the look in his eyes.

  He removed his robe. His sexual appetite was unsatisfied. Zen’s moans would join the countless other women who lay beneath their mates. And it was likely, that she would be among those who would be giving birth in just a few short months.

  L

  egend sat back in his favorite recliner. Cedar Falls was too guarded and laid back for his taste. He needed a break from the heavily guarded lifestyle of the Harou werewolves that lived there. He wanted to feel free. And winter was fast approaching. It was a time of rest. He could use the time to gather wood for fire, hunt and then settle in. He would await word from his father and then complete his mission. Afterwards, he could make a decision on where he wanted to live. He could go back to Africa or maybe even Canada. They had family all over. He had lived in several places. Both Africa and Canada were better choices for him. He was cherished there. But not Cedar Falls.

  “Osalle… Osoule…Oungadatam,” he chanted over and over. Legend lit a candle and vocalized the names of his ancestors. He closed his eyes, as he called to the spirits for guidance. He wanted help in his journey. He was doing work set forth by his forefathers. Laws forbade them from deep connections with humans. Werewolves were also forbidden from living on the outskirts of their society. And the strictest law of all, forbade them from biting a human. Humans who suffered a bite from a werewolf and survived, became a werewolf called a Ruid. And Legend hoped his mission was not to kill one. He always felt sorry for ruids. They were born that way or bitten, both as the result of an encounter with a Valkan. And it was no fault of their own. Rogues were a different matter. They were wolves trying to live among a forbidden society. They had complete control over what they were doing. But not ruids.

  Legend continued his chant. His eyes turned fiery red. Hairs began to grow all over his body. He kept his head down. His eyes closed. He tried to listen to the voice of the spirits, but could not hear them. He continued his chants, burning herbs and lighting candles. He bent over and placed his head on special woven cloth that used to belong to his mother. It was a special evening. Chanting always made him feel connected. He chanted to his mother and grandmother. He chanted to the high priestess. The candles flickered. He could feel their presence. Legend was filled with emotion. He sensed his mother’s presence.

  After hours of communications and self-cleansing, Legend stood up and kissed the ancient beaded necklace his great great grandfather had given him. He walked to his bedroom and prepared for the evening. He laid down and turned on his side. The moon was shinning through his window. His evening couldn’t get any better. He closed his eyes and fell into a peaceful slumber.

  T

  he pounding of his enormous paws was powerful. Legend wasn’t ready to turn in. He needed to feel the wind. Being in his wolf form always helped ease him. He ran through the pine trees toward the Denali Mountain. Its peak was illuminated by the moon. He looked up. His breath thick in the cold air. He continued running, picking up speed, as he jumped shrubs. His keen eyesight picking up a mother elk and her calf. She was stocky. At least 500 pounds. Legend thought about taking her down. But the newborn calf would have to be killed to. He ran past them. The elk ran and her calf followed close behind her. Legend looked back and continued on. They were safe this time. They needed to stay away from Eagle Creek and away from Cedar Falls or they would be on the menu.

  Legend reached the mountain. He stopped to catch his breath, still panting from the ten mile run. He laid down and took in the breathtaking views. It was mystical under the cool blue light of the moon. His black fur reflected the light. His eyes glowed red. He loved the mountain. He loved the snow. Alaska was paradise to him. He understood the appeal. The long dark nights. The cold. The landscape. It spoke to his soul. He laid his head on his paws. His eyes felt heavy. There were bears around but he was enormous. He had encountered a bear or two and they were smart enough to stay clear of him. Legend closed his eyes. He was where he wanted to be. He fell asleep. He needed a nap before returning home.

  Cedar Falls was still. The usual atmosphere unless the men were hunting. Legend walked inside his home and up the stairs to his bathroom. He cut his shower on and grabbed a towel. He looked over his shoulder. Something had him uneasy. He stopped and turned around. A familiar smell caught him off guard. Legend sighed loudly. Trinity had entered his house again. He walked into his bedroom and looked over at her. He walked up to his handmade mahogany dresser and pulled pajamas from the drawer. “I love your furniture. Will you make me a new bedroom set,” Trinity said. “Sure,” he replied. His furniture thick and sturdy. Carved from fresh wood and stained to preserve the look. Legend made it himself as a hobby. He made all the furniture in his home. Something he cherished.

  Trinity looked at him as she lay on his bed, naked with only half her body covered by sheets. “You just come in my house? Help yourself to my food and bed?” he said, irritated at her, for ignoring his wishes. “I thought you might want some company. You worked so hard. You sacrifice so much for the pack. You need to unwind. Let me help you unwind,” she said, her eyes glowing red. Trinity had tried on several occasions before to get next to Legend. Beat the others at winning his heart. She seemed the perfect mate. They were royalty. Their children would be leaders. Kings and Queens.

  Legend stared at Trinity. She was hard to resist, even if he was a bit annoyed. She was beautiful. And in heat. It was mating season. Werewolves had hearty appetites and often engaged in sex several times a day during the fall. Legend wanted to resist. Trinity was playing for keeps. If he impregnated her, he would have to claim her as his mated partner. She would be considered his for life and Legend did not love her. He knew about love. He lost his first love. A human. He wanted to feel the intensity of love again. It was his hope. His ultimate desire. And what he desired was humans. Sex with a female in heat was playing with fire.

  “Go home Trinity,” he said, as he turned and walked out. He removed his clothes and entered the shower. Trinity sat up. His body turned her on. What is it with him. He can avoid me in his bed. With nothing on? she mumbled. She was sure he heard her. Their hearing was heightened. Even a whisper could be picked up. But Trinity was frustrated. She didn’t care if he did. She exhaled sharply, then kicked the covers off. She walked into the bathroom and peeked through the shower curtains. Legend stood with his head down as the water ran down the back of his head and body. Trinity stepped in quietly. He seemed to be in another world. He never moved. Never looked up.

  “You’re stressed. Let me help you feel better. I know you want no ties. There won’t be any until you’re ready. I promise,” she said. Legend kept his eyes clothes. He was torn. He wanted her, but just for the night.

  “You want what I can’t give you. You will not forgive me if I just have my way. You will be bitter. Then you will become my enemy,” he said. Trinity’s le
t the water hit her face. She opened her mouth slightly. She moved around to the front of him and touched his chest.

  “You’re wrong. I’m curious. I am attracted to you sexually. Nothing more. I know you are a drifter. A loner. You’re right. You can’t give me what I want. I know that. I want a piece of you. I know I can’t have all of you,” she said, as she got closer. Legend opened his eyes. Trinity stared deeply into them. Her eye’s glowing brighter, signaling the heat she was in. Legend shook his head slowly then grabbed Trinity by the throat and pushed her against the wall.

  “You asked for this. Remember that,” he whispered. Trinity grinned and opened her mouth wider. Legend couldn’t take much more.

  He dove his tongue into her mouth. She grabbed his wet body, pulling him closer. They kissed fervently under the cool water. Trinity wrapped her leg around him and he grabbed her thigh and raised it higher. He thought about entering her.

  Legend stopped and looked in her eyes. He wiped water from her face. Trinity wanted him. She tried to appeal to him emotionally. She could tell he was hesitating. She thought of how she could seduce him further. How to get him to enter her. He was right at her opening. She could feel the warmth of his manhood on her vagina. “I want you,” she whispered. Legend looked down at her body. The shiny wet suppleness of her skin called to his nature. Legend kissed Trinity and exited the shower. She shook her head then sighed. It was the closest she came to having him.

  She stood under the water. Being turned down didn’t have her regretful. “You will be mine,” she mumbled, as she exited the shower. The bedroom door was closed. Her clothes lay across the towel rack. It was obvious Legend was making sure to keep his distance. Trinity got dressed. This wasn’t the end of it. The wiles of a werewolf female on a mission could be irresistible. He had weakened since his arrival a year earlier. She believed he had to be lonely. And lonely meant vulnerable. She held onto the hope that if she persisted, she would prevail. She had to. Others were on the prowl. It was important for their women to stake their claim. The males could be promiscuous. Which meant they could be misled. She planned to get to him first.