by Drea Shane
There wasn’t time to let that information sink in. The gray wolf made a sound displaying his reluctance and sadness. He took off into the forest and then was gone before I could do anything.
I would never know who he was, and that angered me and my wolf as well. We needed our gray wolf, and Joe was responsible for our separation. Whirling on Joe, I readied to give him the full force of our unified anger. He was faster and pinned me in a flurry of movement.
This was different than all the other times; I could feel it. He was searching for something in my eyes, and his body still covered mine. It seemed intimate. Could Joe be thinking about fighting for me?
I couldn’t let myself think that way. If he became the victor, there would never be a way out of this pack. Joe would be domineering, especially once he became Alpha.
The wolf who’d already buried a piece of himself in my heart was gone. I may have lost him now, but we had to find each other again. My wolf wouldn’t accept anything else.
Shaking off those thoughts, I growled. Joe got the hint and rolled off me. I stood on all fours and trotted back the way I came. I was grateful that Joe followed me at a distance, allowing me space to think.
When I finally reached the back of our property, Joe stood there, expecting me to change back. I didn’t have any clothes, but he was not deterred in the slightest. Already prepared, his nose nudged at a pile lying on the ground. I rolled my wolf eyes and began the change from animal form.
It only took a few minutes before reforming into my human self. Annoyed that Joe wouldn’t take his eyes off me, even as I stood there naked before getting dressed.
He raked over every inch of flesh with hunger. The intensity displayed him as every bit the predator he was. His interest did something to my wolf. Tiny sparks raced through my blood, threatening to ignite something deeper.
Only when I was decent did he change back. I was very aware that he was without clothes as well. My gaze wanted to drift downward, but I forced myself to resist, meeting his eyes instead.
Enormous mistake. They held challenge in them, daring me to look at what he had to offer. Being the stubborn bitch I was, there wasn’t a choice. Challenge accepted.
A smattering of hair spread across impressive pecks. That hair swirled into a sexy line, trailing down taught, abdominal muscles. When I followed its path, I stopped breathing. His manhood stood stiff and proud, jutting to an impossible length. The skin looked satin smooth, and as much as I needed to turn away and break the connection, I couldn’t.
The view flipped a switch deep inside my body, and heat pooled in the most sensitive places. The longer my eyes roved over his hard, thick length, the more thoughts raced with images. Images that had no business thinking about Joe.
He wasn’t backing down, and only the cocky smirk broke my concentration. It didn’t matter that my sex was slick and wet with need. This was Joe, and he wouldn’t be the one to scratch that itch. Period.
I tried to tell myself the curiosity to see him in all his glory was only because I wasn’t allowed to see the males shift. My mind refused to acknowledge any other explanation. On the heels of anger, Joe was the one wolf I should desire the least. Hell would freeze over before I went there.
Noticing the change in interest, he finally got dressed. As soon as a pair of shorts hung low on his hips, he scowled at me. It brought me back to reality along with the anger I harbored. I responded by turning away and walking toward the house. There was no sense sneaking in since Joe would rat me out.
My head held high, I opened the front door and prepared to face my dad—my Alpha.
My mouth shot off in typical Sydney fashion. “Hello, tell the wolves I’m home!” I raised my arms and twirled around as if to reiterate my presence.
Joe caught up with me in time to grab an extended arm and haul me toward Dad’s office. Time to get this shit-show started.
Sitting at his desk, my dad looked livid. His Alpha power was simmering in the air, and I shrank back in fear. He was angrier than I’d expected.
My own smart mouth dried up. All indignant anger flooding my thoughts minutes before, fizzled. This was not good. I was in some real trouble now, and I dreaded it for once.
I couldn’t afford to have him take more drastic actions. The last bomb about Assembly scared me enough to know he wasn’t playing around. How had I let that escape my mind last night?
Joe slipped out the door, shutting it behind him. I stood there, my neck displayed in deference to my Alpha. It took everything in me not to whimper and cower on the floor.
He looked like he struggled to control the shift, and that scared me. With his wolf so unstable, Dad could unleash the full strength of his power. I wouldn’t have control, dropping to the floor, showing my belly.
I stood there, not willing to move until he allowed me to. It felt like ages, when it was only a minute or two, wishing for a tolerable outcome to this situation.
Finally speaking, he said, “Sydney June Redling.” It was the tone that had me frightened. His voice was deadly calm and controlled, too much so.
“I’m so sorry, Daddy! I wanted to go for a run, that’s all.”
The air shifted with power, so I knew he was angry, regardless of my reasoning.
“Then please, explain how Joe found you curled up with an unknown male wolf this morning. I’m expecting a good explanation for that one.”
I didn’t dare move to sit in one of the chairs, even though I was dying to. This was a tenuous situation, and given his recent decree, anything could happen.
Joe was quick to share what happened through the pack link. Jerk.
I needed to remember what an asshole Joe was. He was Dad’s enforcer, foremost. Seeing him in a sexual manner wouldn’t be wise. In fact, more than likely it’d be disastrous.
“We played in the woods together. He meant me no harm. We didn’t do anything. He treated me with the utmost respect.”
“Don’t you get it, Sydney? This is your life you are jeopardizing. You can’t mate with any wolf all willy-nilly, they must be strong enough to defend you. You’re precious to the wolves, and there are many that would take advantage of you.”
I finally looked down in shame as the power eased. He was right, and I did exactly what they had protected me from my whole life. Regardless of the wolf’s intentions, I still took a dangerous chance. He only reiterated that point a moment later.
“What if that wolf was a rogue? They could have had you locked away somewhere, we’d never find you. I can’t protect you if you don’t protect yourself. After your mother, the fear of it happening to you is a reality. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I know, I wasn’t thinking.” Ice cold chills skittered across my body at his reference to Mom.
Goddess, this was awful. My stubbornness had caused more issues than grabbing some freedom. Too focused on what I wanted, consequences of my actions weren’t taken into consideration. Kill – Me – Now.
“That’s the point, you don’t ever think. Everything’s a game to you, but it’s our way of life. This pack has protected you for eighteen years. Don’t you wonder how this stunt would affect them? They’d give their lives for you. You can’t ask them to just because you were being foolish.”
“I’d never want that. What can I do to make things right?” My tone was soft and genuine. Dad needed to know how much remorse I felt from this stunt. Even my skin turned an unflattering shade of pale.
He looked thoughtful for a minute and then trained his eyes on me. “You will help us get ready for all the visitors from closer packs to start trickling in tonight. I want to see you be the perfect daughter and then go through this process with grace. That means no rebellion. I love you, I do, but it’s time to take your place in our society and be who you were born to be, Sydney.”
I understood there would be no bending him on this. I was to do as he asked. Besides, it was more of an Alpha command and frowned upon if I made him or the pack look bad. Their pride was on the line, too.
“Yes, Daddy, I promise to be good. One last thing, though. My wolf seems fond of the unfamiliar wolf. Does that mean he’s a potential? We never left pack territory so he can’t be rogue.”
His hazel eyes widened, and I felt the change breaking through his facade. His canines now shown and claws ground against the wooden desk he gripped. Whatever the answer was, it wasn’t the right time to get it. I had to get out of there.
“Can you excuse me?” I asked in a soft, non-threatening tone.
My dad emitted a low growl but nodded. I didn’t wait another second; his actions were enough for me. I bolted and almost knocked Joe over on my way to get upstairs behind my bedroom door.
I mumbled an apology before sprinting up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Once in the safety of my room, I sank to the floor, shaking, not caring about wolf hearing. The power my dad emitted was intense and left me feeling drained.
For once in my life, I felt bad for how my actions affected others. He was right; I did need to grow up. It had to happen regardless of what transpired next. No pack wanted an entitled she-wolf, desperate or not, and that was the crux of the matter. I wanted more freedom but hadn’t earned it.
Being one of the last females, I had to be honest with myself. No wolf would leave me alone once my eighteenth hit. I would always look over my shoulder. In fact, considering what happened to my mom, I was naïve to think I wouldn’t end up like her.
I needed a mate, stat. Once again, Dad proved his point. Might as well have been fireworks written in the night sky.
It was time to take my place. I’d been living in a fantasy world, one that could never exist for me. To think of how resentful towards the others I’d grown, filled me with shame. I had turned into a brat. How humiliating.
My false expectations were swirling down the drain, and I had to figure out how to move forward. I had to make this right for my Alpha and my pack.
What would happen if I mated with someone who wasn’t yet an Alpha? Thoughts of Joe popped into my mind. He was older than me, but only by a few years. It didn’t escape notice the way he looked at me today. Why would my wolf even allow me to entertain the idea if she’d never thought of him as her mate?
The mere idea baffled me, but I couldn’t deny Joe’s sexiness, even when he infuriated me. That seemed to be all the time lately. I’d been a bit of a pain in the ass, so I couldn’t fault him for protecting me.
As soon as the shaking subsided, I slipped out of my room and into the bathroom. After last night, a nice, hot shower was in order. Then I’d go down to see if I could be of use. I planned to keep my word to Dad and help prepare for our guests.
The shower was heavenly and went a long way toward drowning out my worries. As soon as I was dry and dressed, it was time to face the pack. Being the gossips they were, word had gotten out about the wolf Joe found me with on our territory. It was my fallout to deal with since I caused the mess.
I descended the stairs with my head held high. The one thing my dad taught me was to never show weakness. Something I was doing a spectacular job of contradicting. It did make me strong-willed, at least.
As soon as I reached the bottom step, Joe was there. His eyes raked over my body in a way that made me shiver. The heat of his stare was delicious, and I wrestled with my stance on mating to Joe. My wolf was sending me too many mixed signals, and I was unsure who was what now. But I had no doubts about his intentions anymore.
“You get to help me today, Syd. We’re going to make up the guestrooms in here and in the lodge. I expect you to stay by my side the whole time. Remember, you run and I’ll always catch you.”
The smoky way his voice sounded as he said that last sentence implied more than the words on the surface. My mind whirled with new possibilities.
I’d never felt anything like this other than my gray wolf. I wondered if it was my attraction to him or a potential mate.
Being so sheltered, I never stopped to wonder what a relationship would be like. I always focused on the freedom of choice. Now everything was up in the air and I felt dizzy.
“Sounds good to me,” I said, heading toward the front door.
Joe scrambled behind me to catch up, confused. I knew he expected more of a fight from the obstinate Sydney Redling, but I wasn’t going to give him one. Focusing on the task at hand was going to be the only way I would keep my new attitude in check.
Joe followed me out, and we headed over to the lodge. He took the lead, and I couldn’t help but stare at the way his jeans fit just right. They were well-worn, and the sight made me want to grab his ass and pull him closer. He looked striking from this view, causing my heart to speed up a bit.
His waist tapered but he bulked up from there. Muscles rippled under his shirt with each step. I’d seen him naked, but recalling that experience now only made me want to drool.
From memory, I knew a dusting of dark hair covered his twelve-pack abs. That hair tracked down his entire front, only to culminate in a sexy trail; it led to an impressive package.
I finally averted my eyes and kept my mind off things that didn’t matter. I couldn’t allow him to scent my arousal. Then he’d become even more relentless in his pursuits.
No matter how Joe felt about me, my wolf and I were too confused over the last twenty-four hours. Getting a grip on my emotions had to be a priority or else the next couple of weeks were going to be painful.
When we got to the lodge, Joe opened the door for me, and I stepped through. The space was nice and open, a vaulted ceiling in the middle of it. There were sixteen rooms spanning across two floors. The first few open doors revealed two double beds in each.
It was obvious these rooms were for sleeping only. Two shifters per room, the beds were a tight fit. Yet the men were gigantic in comparison. My mind conjured up funny images. I pictured them sleeping with feet dangling over the ends. Blankets only half covering their massive forms left me chuckling.
Joe glanced my way. I wanted to say some smartass remark but refrained. Instead, a smile formed. He wondered what was up with this friendly persona today. That much was clear when he looked at me quizzically.
My attention returned to my surroundings. The lodge was sparse but oozed ‘man cave’ vibes. Without a woman to make it a home, the grandiose cedar lodge was a giant bachelor pad.
We had to figure out where everyone would sleep, depending on how many showed up. This whole process was archaic, but I still had no idea how many wolves would be taking part.
“We are going to bunk all the Alphas together with four to a room. Uncomfortable, but once the showing happens, the place will thin out. It still might not be enough space at first. We’ll have the couches and can move the game tables in the great room against the walls. The pack will stay in the guest rooms in the house, so you’re protected at all times.”
I nodded, waiting to follow his instruction. He led me to a closet stuffed full of linens. It’d take quite a few visits to that closet for all the linens. Too bad there wasn’t a cart or something to roll around.
Without preamble, I reached into the closet and pulled down a stack of sheets. Whirling around, the linens fell to my feet. Joe was only scant inches from me.
I tried to step back but only managed to bump the shelves. The closeness brought inappropriate images to the forefront of my mind.
His breath fanned my neck as he leaned in and sniffed me. Yep, I was toast. The scent of arousal was obvious. Each heartbeat thumped louder and faster with each passing moment.
Joe pressed into me, our bodies touching. It felt good, too good. His teeth tugged my earlobe, and my eyes closed.
“Damn, Syd. With the scent you’re producing, my control’s slipping. Even my wolf agrees. Keep it up, and I’ll ravage you right here in this closet until your body becomes mine.”
His machinations didn’t stop. Those soft lips licked and kissed up and down my neck and jawline. It felt . . .
The cherry on top was the way his excitement settled against
my belly. Each twitch it made sent desire rocketing to places I wanted him to touch with his big, calloused hands.
Reality sank in after a mighty internal fight. I shoved him off me, grabbed the spilled linens, and moved around him.
“My reality check obviously bounced under your caveman ways,” I snapped.
After that, the cart would’ve been fabulous. Joe had rattled me. I needed the space between us. I wasn’t positive if it was the thought of him taking me or the attraction to him. But, it wasn’t the time to dissect the encounter.
Blessedly, he allowed me the small concession of space. We took one bed a piece in each room, moving like a well-oiled machine.
Once we completed that task, I made a sweep through the main area. I planned to pick up anything lying around. One of the guys must’ve already done that because they even put the dishes up.
It only took an hour to finish the lodge, and we worked in silence. Sometimes I wished more people were fluent in the language. Silence was golden for a reason. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but more natural and peaceful. The irritating enforcer left me to my internal thoughts. Too bad mine tried explaining how we couldn’t control everything all the time.
We were almost finished with the last room in the main house. I allowed thoughts of my encounter with the shifter to resurface.
The gray wolf was a mystery I would’ve liked to solve. His scent reminded me of warmth, sunshine, and fresh cut grass. My wolf conjured up the scent memory as if he stood next to me.
If Joe hadn’t chased him off, I’d know who he was. He was someone meant to cross paths with me. Thinking about Dad’s reactions earlier, I cringed.
My senses were picking up so close to my eighteenth birthday. Then I would come into my full abilities.
I made a mental note to speak to my dad once he had a chance to cool off some. There were questions that I needed responses to. Things I never cared about now formed into a burning desire for answers.
Joe came up from behind and snapped me out of my reverie. My mind shifted back to the present. It was then I realized how close he was standing to me—again. Delicious warmth from the tickle of his breath on my neck invaded my thoughts.
