by Niki Trento
Summer of the Alpha
Seasons of the Wolf
Niki Trento
© 2020 Niki Trento
All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, at “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at [email protected]
Cover by Natasha Williams from DAZED designs. www.dazed-designs.com
Editing by Niki Trento-Spencer and Sadie Jacks
1st Edition
Dedication
I have dreamed of writing a book and actually publishing it since about middle school when I wanted to be the next Stephen King. Well, times change, as do tastes in literature. While I still enjoy his stories, paranormal romance has become my preferred genre.
When I had these dreams of being a New York Times Bestseller, I imagined writing my dedications to this friend, that teacher, or that family member. Again, times change. Instead, I would like to do this:
First and foremost, to my husband and my children who teased and pushed me, supported me as I crossed this off my bucket list. I don’t know where I would be, who I would be without you all. Dean, Vanessa and Nathan...thank you, bahboo.
To the Trifecta, Jackie and Cherriepie...You girls have helped me to see that my family wasn't blowing smoke, that I did have something worth publishing. I can't thank you two enough...for it all.
My thanks goes to all the authors I have befriended over the past couple years that have also encouraged me, inspired me, and gave me amazing stories to read.
Angela Roquet, Sadie Jacks, and Laura John, you three lovely ladies were the first authors to read this and helped me make it great. THANK YOU.
My Beta and ARC teams who have helped me polish Barin’s story. This is for you, too.
To anyone who isn't listed personally, my friends, family and former teachers, thank you.
And, as any great author knows...to the ones that make writing worth it...you, dear reader, Thank You!
Finally, forever in my heart, my father. I miss you and hope that I have made you proud.
CHAPTER ONE
Barin
I sit still as a stone at the edge of the lake. The full moon’s reflection shimmering on the surface of the water. I use my mindsight, a gift I was born with, to watch my surroundings as I contemplate life.
My focus lands on a mother fox curled around her kits about ten feet away which makes my heart clench. The desire for a mate and pups of my own burns inside me. Until then, I have a pack to take care of.
My beta dodges trees and leaps over fallen branches towards me. I unfold my body so that my great black wolf can greet Donovan's gray wolf.
Donovan breaks through the tree line; his head slightly inclines once he sees me.
Barin, the pack is waiting. Donovan's voice seeps into my brain.
How long have they been waiting? I reply as we trot towards home.
Not long, still waiting for Kane and Pandora.
With Donovan at my side, we pick up the pace. I should have been there sooner. If I falter in my duties as an Alpha, I risk being challenged. Most of the shifters in my pack are, without a doubt, loyal to me and my wolf.
However, there are two that aren’t as obviously loyal: Pandora and Kane. The question of Pandora’s loyalty has never been an issue until Kane joined the ranks.
Our den was a three-story house with plenty of room for the pack, no matter which form they are in. Most of them live there, but there are a few who live on their own.
The Silver Lake pack is a mashup of shifters from all over the country. Some of them outcasts who live a more solitary life than what is the norm. They are the ones that have their own homes. They are close enough to my territory that they can be here within minutes, but far enough that they don’t feel cramped.
Shifting to man, I slide into the house and join my packmates. As one, it seems, they bow to their alpha. These wolves aren’t just pack, they are family. None of them by blood, but they are mine to take care of, to love. They all came of their own free will and all pledged their loyalty to not only myself, but to the pack.
I look at each member of my pack, remembering when it was just me and Donovan chasing the moon and playing the parts of bachelors. Now we are a pack of fifteen. Kathleen, a feisty little fireball of a wolf, was the first to join us. She is high in rank now and stronger than some male wolves.
As I reminisce about how far we've come as a pack, Kane walks in with a case of beer in each hand and Pandora sneaking in behind him. He is one of the last to join the pack and has been a thorn in my side pretty much from the beginning. I hoped his cocky attitude was because he was new to the pack. But, as time has gone on, it’s become obvious he doesn't believe he should be so low in the pack hierarchy.
His nearly constant anger went from a raging boil to a low simmer. But it didn’t last long. A couple months ago, his old self reared its ugly head once again. For some reason, Pandora latched onto him.
CHAPTER TWO
Barin
“Now that we are all here, let's begin.” I open the door and lead them outside. We gather in the field beyond the backyard. Those still in human form strip what little clothes they have been wearing and the shifts begin.
Pandora is usually one of the first to shift, but now she waits as if waiting for permission from Kane. When her shift finally starts, it seems like Kane is trying to control her shift, though I feel no power coming from him. He has never waited for her before.
When all the wolves are ready, I bow my head and offer a prayer to the moon goddess, as I do every full moon. The pack all sits with their eyes closed and heads bowed. I go to each of them, briefly laying my hand between their ears, willing them a safe night.
I expect Kane to growl as I approach Pandora, however, he remains calm. I suppose that no matter his feelings towards me, he still respects the ritual.
I stand in the middle of the cluster and speak the prayer; asking for the Goddess to watch over us and thanking her for the shifter life we lead. With the prayer said, the hunt is on.
With barely a thought, my wolf bursts forth. My mind’s eye follows each wolf as they split into their preferred groups. More often than not, there are at least three groups out hunting. While most of the wolves get along with each other, some just hunt better together. They have a flow, a system that works best.
Before the groups separate, Pandora tries to play-fight with Cole. Kane nips her tail and growls at her. He turns and Pandora trails after him slightly west and away from everyone else. Her head down, tail tucked between her legs.
I catch up to Kathleen, nudge her shoulder and point my snout in the direction Kane headed. She nods once. Donovan, Kathleen, and I follow the suspicious couple.
We track them from a distance. Being able to see them from afar, we can stay pretty well hidden from them.
When they are about halfway to the lake, they stop. Kane shifts first and waits for Pandora. His anger seems to grow the longer she takes to change.
When her shift is complete, she stays on her knees looking up at Kane. She trembles despite the heat of summer.
Kane looks down on her, anger etched on his face. “What were you doing?” The anger seeps off him in waves. His hands clench into fists.
Pandora’s eyes grow wide and she stares at his clenching and shaking hands. Her body shakes harder. I think I see a tear leak from her eye. “Ka–�
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A growl passes over Kane’s lips, cutting off her words.
She clamps her mouth shut and drops her eyes to his feet.
“I’ve told you. You can’t play with them anymore. I don't like it.” Kane kneels in front of her. He grabs her chin and forces her to look at him. “Don't make me angry, Pandora. I don't want to hurt you.” He kisses her roughly and tells her to shift.
Her shift takes longer than it should have. A quiet cry of pain escapes her lips as her bones shift and fangs push her human teeth out of the way. I have never seen a shift hurt her before.
Kathleen is bristling next to me, wanting to attack Kane for his treatment of the other female. Kathleen is the highest-ranking of the females and takes it upon herself to take care of them. Lucky for all of us, her self control is a lot better than Kane’s.
Donovan looks calm, but I could feel his anger. Barin? Donovan's head tilts in question.
No. I want to talk to Pandora first. I don't want to make this harder for her. We will have Axel check on her.
Kathleen huffs as we all turned around to meet up with the hunt.
I would have gone in there and ripped his throat out had he hit Pandora. Wolf or not, males didn't treat females like that.
Wolves are proud creatures and the higher the dominance, the prouder we are. Pandora was only slightly less dominant than Kane which makes me wonder what is really going on there. Why would she be that afraid of him? If they are in the process of mating, this could go horribly wrong if I banished or killed him.
While I mull over the possibilities, I can see Pandora following Kane back towards the base of the mountain with my mind’s eye. They are closing in on Axel and his group who had taken down a deer.
Axel’s howl calls us to the feast and we break into a run, bellies growling at the idea of fresh meat. We follow the scent of dinner to a small clearing where we find half of the pack anxiously waiting.
As is my right, I go over to the deer and rip out the first chunk of meat, knowing none of the pack will touch it before I do. I sit back and watch them enjoy their victory feast.
Pandora looks at Kane before inching up to get some deer. Her movements slow and unsure.
Donovan is watching Kane closely, looking for any sign of aggression. My beta is stealthy, but I know his expressions, even in wolf form.
Kane sits watching the other wolves surrounding Pandora.
Now that I am looking for it, I notice the other wolves seem to give her more room than they have before. Are they picking up on Kane's distrust or Pandora's discomfort? They seem to be afraid to get too close to her in fear Kane will seek retribution on them.
After a few minutes, she backs away from the kill. There is no way she has eaten her fill. Barely had enough to coat her tongue.
Kane muscles his way up to what is left of the deer and begins eating.
Pandora sits away from everyone else and quietly cleans herself.
Another howl pierces the night to signal that another group is victorious. I tell Donovan to go in my place; he hasn't eaten yet and I need to stay with Pandora. I need to know what is going on between her and Kane.
If any of my wolves find comfort in each other, I am fine with it, but Pandora doesn’t look happy. She looks petrified. If this is the kind of jealousy Kane shows now, what will happen when Pandora finds a mate that isn’t Kane? A mating bond can not be denied.
The wolves all scatter around the clearing licking paws and muzzles, still, Pandora sits off to the side away from everyone else.
Kane finally walks away from the carcass licking his lips. He sits down beside her and waits.
She trembles, and he ignores her.
I look to Axel and discreetly get his attention.
I hear his voice in my head. Yeah, boss? Axel is from the East coast and his accent, even in my head, is thick.
When we get back to the house, walk the perimeter with me while everyone settles down.
He bows his head to me as he kicks dirt over the bones of the deer. The impressive thing about Axel is that he knows how to cover anything he does. Whether it's the remains of dinner or conversations no one needs to know about. Unless he is talking to you, you would never know he was talking to anyone. Anyone who has ever talked to Axel would never believe how discreet he can be despite his booming voice.
CHAPTER THREE
Barin
As we close in on the farmhouse, the rest of the pack meets up with us. Although tired and full, most of the wolves are nudging each other or half-heartedly playing. Their bellies are too full to wrestle with gusto.
Pandora walks slowly/ambles with her head down, following Kane who is ahead of her with his head held high. She looks as if she is either ashamed or doesn’t want to see the others having fun. She was always so spunky and the first to initiate play. Now she looks like a pup that has been beaten by its owner.
If Kane has been abusing her, I will gut the bastard. The sooner I can get Axel to talk to her, the better.
Once everyone has settled down, Axel and I leave to walk the perimeter. We rarely have problems with anyone or anything invading our territory, but it is a good habit to have. Once we are far enough away from the house, I shift, and Axel follows suit.
“What’s up, boss?”
“I have a job for you. Have you noticed how Pandora has been behaving lately?”
He growls low.
My heart heavy, I ask, “Have you checked in on her?”
“I promised I wouldn't do that unless needed. Don't want to catch her thinking of a sweaty Kane, if you catch my drift.”
“I honestly don't think those are the thoughts she is having of him lately. I need you to see if you can find out what's going on. You’ll have to snoop and keep it discreet.” I hate to ask him to invade someone's privacy, but I am worried about her.
Axel has serious control over his gift. He can pinpoint what he is looking for and ignore everything else.
“Yeah. I got you. Did something else happen?”
I tell him what happened earlier when the hunt first started. He is all but frothing at the mouth by the time I am done.
Axel, like most male shifters, is highly protective of females. Even females like Kathleen who are among the strongest and bravest. It is just something that’s ingrained in our DNA.
We have a plan worked out and are on the last stretch of the perimeter when I catch a flash of white. I reach further with my mind and we shift back to our wolf forms. I feel power surge off him as Axel uses his gift to scan for any thoughts out of the ordinary. I see the white again; it is cowering low and trying to get under a fallen tree. I slow our pace so we don’t scare the newcomer.
Panic, boss. She's panicking.
I nod and cast my power towards her.
She freezes.
I send out a rush of power to calm her. It's ok. We mean you no harm. Please, come out.
Nothing happens.
Axel? What do you sense?
She can't decide. She—She is afraid of Alphas? The power, she knows she should listen to you but she is afraid to. Axel looks at me with his head tilted. Maybe pull back the power?
Taking his advice, I pull back.
Talk to her, Axel. Get her to come with us. Tell her we have a small home on the property she can use.
Hi. I'm Axel. I know you’re scared, but we have a place for you to rest. Our alpha is fair and kind and will let no one hurt you. If you need protection, we will protect you.
She drags herself out from her hiding place. Her belly is close to the ground, ears up, and neck stretching out towards us. She sniffs at the area between us.
It's ok, really. Are you hungry? Hurt? Axel puts his belly to the ground, then rolls to his back. Exposing his belly to her as a sign of trust.
I back up hoping to make her feel safer.
She creeps closer, finally away from the bushes and branches, I can see her fully. Although parts of her are caked with dried mud, she looks healthy. Scared and los
t, but healthy. She sniffs Axel's belly and then looks at me.
I bow my head to her and turn back towards home. I have to trust that Axel will convince her to follow him.
It takes some time to get the scared wolf into one of the bungalows. The poor thing is untrusting.
Axel calls for Pandora to help get her settled in and washed up.
Pandora disappears into the compact building with clean clothes while Axel stays close to the steps. He seems to wait for one or both of the girls to come out. However, by looking at how his eyes unfocus, I know he is taking this opportunity to check on the girls as we discussed.
Kane is pacing nearby watching Axel. Distrust and jealousy radiating from Kane like heat from a furnace.
An hour later, Pandora comes outside alone. “She's okay, said she'd be out in a minute.” Pandora looks more relaxed than she did an hour ago. Hell, more so than the past few weeks. Until she sees Kane storming towards her.
She flinches back towards the door and Axel steps between her and Kane.
Axel stands with his legs spread and arms crossed over his broad chest.
Pandora's eyes get wide as she looks over Axel's shoulder.
Kane stops at the bottom of the steps, glaring at Axel.
Axel, more dominant than Kane, shows no fear or sign of moving.
“Let's go, Pandora,” Kane growls through his teeth.
Axel takes a step down towards Kane blocking him from going up or Pandora from going down.
“Pandora isn't going with you, Kane.” I position myself between the two men. “I need her to stay with the new wolf. She trusts Pandora and I need that right now.” I know I have to diffuse the situation until I find out what Axel learned.
They stare at each other, neither bothering to look at me as I speak. I can feel Pandora's fear getting worse as if it were dripping off of her.
Kane breaks eye contact first, looks at Pandora, and then at me. His eye twitches while his jaw clenches. “Fine. I'll stay, too.”
