First Beginnings

by Clare Atling

  ‘Wow,’ said Brandon. ‘I’ve got such great plans for this place, but not sure it’s in their budget.’ He was excited about this project, as he had found the contact and run with the initial ideas himself.

  ‘Ok, let’s take a look...’ Before Seth could finish, they heard a noise from above them. If he’d had human hearing, he may not have heard it; however, his wolf senses picked up shuffling. Brandon must have heard it as well, as they were both looking towards the ceiling.

  ‘After you, mighty alpha,’ said Brandon, motioning for Seth to go first.

  ‘So brave, my little brother. Are you not supposed to be making sure nothing happens to me? You should go first – they never attack guys in glasses.’ However, Seth knew, without a doubt, he would never, ever put Brandon in harm’s way and that he would be the one going ahead before his brother.

  ‘It’s girls in glasses, you arse, not men,’ replied Brandon. ‘And I’m pretty sure they’ll hit just about anyone if they need to.’ He followed behind Seth to the stairs leading to the upper floors.

  ‘Think our little she-wolf is friendly?’ Brandon asked. ‘Or do I need to call for backup?’

  ‘This isn’t some undercover Bond film,’ retorted Seth. ‘It’s one female wolf and I’m pretty sure I can handle her!’

  Brandon smiled. ‘You know, one day you’re going to find your mate and I’m going to enjoy watching you being brought to heel.’ Seth shoved him, making Brandon stumble. Laughing and shaking his head, Brandon watched his brother, the mighty alpha, ascend the stairs, not knowing what they would find.

  Chapter Six

  ‘Shit! Shit! Shit…! Fuck! ‘Callie was pacing the room.

  ‘Nice. You kiss your mother with that mouth?’ Sarah looked at her. Her earlier panic had been upgraded to anger in anticipation of what or who the hell would be walking in the front doors of their supposed safe house. ‘Callie...’

  Callie interrupted Sarah’s question by putting a finger to her mouth.

  ‘Shhh... I’m pretty sure they are wolves, too. If they are, they will hear you. Give me a second – I need to think.’ Looking out the window, she saw the men right below them.

  ‘Do you think they’re with that man last night, looking for us?’ whispered Sarah.

  Callie looked at Sarah and shrugged. She had royally fucked up big time by bringing her friend here, thinking they could rest before moving on. Her bad luck had struck again – the one day she needed time to think, a construction crew turned up at the hotel. She glanced at the men’s truck, noting the name ‘Penn Construction’ printed on the side. Watching the younger man strap a tool belt around his waist, it was possible they were genuinely here to work, but the way her luck was going they were here for them.

  ‘I don't think so,’ she replied, ‘but it’s better to be safe. Sarah, I'm so sorry, but I need you with me on this. I can get us out, but you will have to stay close and try not to make any sound. We’re going to move away from the room and try and make it to the back staircase and head out the back door. They will be able to scent me, but hopefully it will be too late and they’ll think I just crashed for the night with a human.’

  Callie knew she was a weak wolf; she had not listened or become one with her wolf for a long time. The less she phased, the weaker she became, and it was difficult to phase around a town full of humans. Last night was the first time in three months she had turned into her wolf, and that was purely instinctual because Sarah needed her. Even the thought of losing Sarah made her feel sad, but she knew she wouldn’t give up on their friendship; she would make Sarah realise nothing had changed, that she was still the same person she was before the attack.

  She could hear the men moving around downstairs, chatting about general things, before she heard them question the sound above them.

  ‘Shit,’ she said quietly. ‘Sarah, up and out! They know we’re here. You ok to move?’ Callie made to reach for her, but Sarah flinched and pulled back. ‘Sarah, please, I love you like a sister,’ begged Callie. ‘When we get home safe, I’ll explain everything to you. But we have to go.’

  Sarah felt bad for Callie, but she couldn’t forgive her for the big hurt she had caused. She knew she would have to if she still wanted Callie in her life, but for now all she wanted to do was go home, sleep for a month and forget what happened last night.

  ‘Just get me the hell out of here,’ she replied. ‘Home! Then we’ll see what happens.’ Callie looked at Sarah and knew now wasn’t the right time to mention the fact they were not going home, and probably never would.

  Opening the door to sneak out, Callie walked straight into the brick wall of a strong male. Hands grabbed her upper arms to steady her before she realised they had argued for too long and the men were now at her door. Struggling from his grip, she wrenched herself from his hold and backed into the room, standing defensively in front of Sarah.

  Holding his hand up in front of him, Seth spoke to the two women, who appeared to have had a rough night. ‘Hey, we’re not here to hurt you,’ he said. ‘I'm Seth and this is my brother, Brandon. We’re here to meet with the owner for a quote to fix this place up.’ He motioned between him and his brother. Two pairs of frightened eyes stared back at him in silence. ‘I know what you are. Do you know what I am?’ He looked at Callie for recognition. She nodded her head.

  ‘Yes, you’re both wolves,’ she replied quietly. ‘Sarah is human, but she knows about me.’ Callie felt the fear coming off Sarah in waves; she was pretty sure the men could scent it, too. She looked over to Brandon, who was smiling at her, probably trying to make her feel that they were no threat. It wasn’t working. She was exhausted from the night before, but knew she had to try and get out of the room they were trapped in.

  ‘Look,’ continued Seth. ‘I can tell you’re scared, but we’re good guys and...’ Seth sniffed the air and his eyes moved to Sarah. Before he could stop himself, he walked forward towards the human woman. His eyes had turned amber and he let out a deep, throaty growl. ‘Mate…’ His wolf was close to the surface and he could literally feel its pull to take the woman named Sarah; to mount her, there and then in the room, before his brother and her friend and make her his.

  Callie spoke, breaking him out of his daze. ‘Sarah, get behind me. If you get a chance, run. I can’t hold them off for long, but just run, okay?’

  Sarah gripped her friend’s hand tightly. ‘Callie, I'm not leaving you...’

  ‘Wait just a minute,’ said Brandon. ‘Fuck, Seth, what’s the matter with you?’ He had rushed in front of Seth and turned to face him. Looking at his brother’s still amber eyes, he knew something was wrong, for Seth would never hurt a woman. Shaking his head, Seth cleared the fog that seemed to have formed in his brain.

  ‘Sorry, she’s...’ he began. ‘I mean, I think... I’m pretty sure... she’s my mate!’ He pointed to Sarah, who stood shaking with fear behind Callie.

  ‘Like hell you’re going to mate her!’ Callie gripped Sarah's hand tighter and was slowly edging around the room, getting closer to the door.

  ‘Wait, stop.’ Seth put his hands up in front of him. ‘Please, I'm sorry. I meant no harm. It’s just that I’ve never…’ He ran his hands through his dark brown hair, his eyes having returned to the pale blue they were before. Sarah was watching him closely. Even though she was frightened, she had a feeling that they could trust them. She looked into his eyes as he stared into hers, and a hint of a smile formed at his lips.

  ‘We were attacked last night by another wolf,’ she said at last. ‘Callie fought him off. I'm still a little hazy as to how we ended up here.’ She squeezed Callie’s hand. ‘And we’re not sure if you’re friend or foe. Please, just let us leave and I promise I won’t tell anyone what I saw.’ Callie turned to Sarah, but not quite turning her back on the men.

  ‘Sarah, we can’t go home,’ she said. ‘He might be waiting for us. He could probably scent us and may be waiting. I'm sorry, Sarah, but we need a plan B...’

  Sarah instantly drop
ped Callie’s hand.

  ‘A plan B?’ she cried. ‘Is that right? You come into my life – my simple, boring, all-planned-out life – and turn into a fucking werewolf, and then tell me I need to find a plan B? How do I know this isn’t some sick, twisted, serial killer, snuff movie thing? That you’re not going to turn into a wolf and chase me through this hotel and eat me so some freak can pay millions to watch?’ Sarah placed her hands on her hips and tried to make herself look stronger than she felt.

  Callie simply looked at her with hurt in her eyes. But, before she could say anything, Seth burst into fits of laughter. He was bent over, holding his stomach, his hand held up to motion to Brandon not to say anything.

  ‘I'm glad I amuse you,’ said Sarah bitterly. ‘I’ve had the worst night of my life and you find this funny.’ She felt the tears burning her eyes. ‘I just want to go home. I need to get out of here.’

  ‘Wait.’ Seth had managed to stop laughing and spoke to her directly. ‘Listen, I'm not going to stop you if you want to leave the hotel, but if your friend’s right about this wolf following you home, then I can’t just let you go. We are friends here, I promise, and we mean you no harm. I'm alpha of my pack and my brother, Brandon, is the omega. We can help you find out what happened last night –whether it’s just a random attack, or if he is waiting for you to get home.’ He turned to Callie. ‘I promise... no, I pledge to you, that we mean you no harm and can take you to a safe location, where my family live. Give you food and drink and a safe place to rest for a while. If you still want to leave, then you can do so.’ He turned to Sarah. ‘And I promise, I won’t eat you... unless you ask me nicely.’ He smiled at her and she felt the beat of her heart speed up. Great, she thought, I'm in a room with three werewolves and I'm getting hot for the idiot in front of me.

  Callie turned to Sarah. ‘Sarah, I think it’ll be a good idea...’

  Sarah threw her hands in the air and began pacing the room. ‘I don't believe you, Callie! All this, and now you’re asking me to follow these idiots, who are probably a brain-washing cult of werewolves, to their home, where we only have their word that it’s safe.’ She heard Brandon stifle a laugh and she sent him her best ‘screw you’ glare.

  ‘Mate of mine,’ said Seth, ‘I promise I would never hurt you. My family, along with other families, live on the island with us. They will make you feel welcome. But if you ever want to leave, I will find a safe place for you and me to stay.’ Seth took both her hands in his.

  She snatched them out of his grip. ‘Don't you call me that,’ she said coldly. ‘I'm not your mate, buddy, friend or next cult member!’ Brandon looked at his brother.

  ‘Are you sure, Seth?’ he asked.

  Seth answered him, but kept his eyes on Sarah. ‘Yes, she is my mate.’

  ‘Well, Mum’s going to be beside herself knowing golden boy has finally found his true mate!’ Brandon slapped Seth on the back and motioned for them to get going.

  Callie just stared between Seth and Sarah. ‘Seth, Sarah only found out about me last night. She knows nothing of our ways or traditions. I'm happy to accept your invite to your home, but if Sarah doesn’t want to go, then I’ll stand by her decision.’

  Sarah wiped her hands down her face, not caring that she was smearing the previous night’s make-up over her face. She needed to think. She knew it was stupid to follow them home, but really what choice did she have? If that big wolf was waiting for her at home, then she would rather be eaten by the big lump of gorgeousness in front of her than the creepy old man from last night.

  ‘If they eat me, I'm going to haunt you for the rest of your long life!’ She looked at Callie and then turned to Brandon. ‘Keep him away from me,’ she said, indicating to Seth. ‘I don't want to be his mate and I don't want to join your cult. I'm hungry, tired and still slightly hung-over. My arm hurts like a bitch and I just want some painkillers and a warm bath.’ She pushed past Seth and walked straight out the door towards the large staircase. She knew they would follow her, but didn’t turn around to see if they were.

  Brandon looked at his brother and smiled. ‘Think your mate likes me more than you, buddy.’

  ‘Fuck off, Brandon,’ replied Seth. ‘You go follow her, make sure she’s ok. I’ll meet you outside.’ He watched Brandon go after his mate. It took a lot of effort not to run after her, but he knew he had to give her the time and space she needed so she could trust him. He turned his attention to Callie.

  ‘How old are you, darlin’?’ He motioned for her to walk out the door first.

  ‘I'll follow you, thanks,’ she replied. ‘I'm ninety years old. My name’s Callie, by the way. My friend’s name is Sarah. We’ve been sharing a place together for over six years. She’s the most important person in my life and if you so much as look at her wrong I’ll challenge you!’ She puffed up her large chest, hoping it made her look braver than she felt. Of course, it was a moot point since he could hear her heart racing.

  ‘Listen,’ replied Seth. ‘I don't know what happened, but if and when you’re ready I’ll call a meeting and you can tell us all about it. She is my mate. I would protect her with my life, whether she wants me to or not. Come with us and I promise that you will find a safe haven.’

  They made it to the main entrance, just as Brandon was walking back in.

  ‘She’s in the truck, arms folded,’ he said, ‘and looking like she’ll kick the crap out of me if I so much as look at her. Your mate scares the shit out of me, Seth.’ He patted Seth on the back. ‘Good luck. Think you’re going to be brought to heel sooner than you think, brother.’ Laughing, he walked back to the truck.

  Seth remained silent as he watched his brother walk away.

  ‘I’ll wait here for the owner and I’ll meet you back at home,’ continued Brandon. He threw his cell at Seth, guessing right that he had not brought his own. ‘Call Dad or Logan if you need us.’ He watched Callie climb in next to Sarah. ‘I’ll send Greg back for you. Later, dude.’

  Seth stood watching his brother drive off with his mate. He reminded himself that, once they were home, he would work his charm on her and get her to trust him and his family.

  Chapter Seven

  Colt heard the crash well before he reached his father’s office. He didn’t even bother to knock, knowing it pissed his father off more when he just walked in and sat down.

  ‘Something wrong, Pop?’ He watched Marcus take another swipe at a bookcase, clearing the shelf of books in seconds, making them crash to the floor.

  ‘If you hadn’t been such a fucking mother’s boy, I wouldn’t have been on my own last night trying to get you a new plaything.’ The anger in his father’s eyes made Colt feel uncomfortable.

  ‘I don't want a new plaything,’ he retorted. ‘In fact, I don't even want a plaything. You keep bringing me these human girls, who just scream and mostly pass out before you return them home.’ The grin on Marcus’s face sent shivers up Colt’s spine.

  Marcus had never told his sons what he actually did to the girls he had turned down. Fuck, he almost had a new one to play with and she was sexy as hell, but that fat she-wolf had knocked him out. Him, a thousand-year-old wolf, beaten by a female wolf! He felt his hand grow to claws and he swiped another row of books off the shelf.

  ‘Sandra! Sandra!’ he shouted at the top of his voice. ‘I swear one day I'm going to slit that bitch’s throat if I have to shout again for her.’

  Colt smiled and shook his head. He guessed something had upset his father, but didn’t even want to know what.

  ‘She was in the garden last I saw,’ he replied. ‘Might take her a few minutes to get here.’ Colt watched as his father’s eyes turned amber.

  ‘She’s as useless as the last one I killed. She may have outgrown her time here.’

  Colt heard the door open and in walked a frail-looking old woman. He felt sorry for these women. His father worked them to the point of death and, if they didn’t die from old age or exhaustion, then one of his father’s moods ended their
small, human lives. He tried not to give it much thought, as it wasn’t wise to confront his father at the best of times; he also knew better than to offer his help to Sandra when he was seething mad.

  ‘Clean this room up,’ barked Marcus. ‘I want every last book put right on the shelves. If it’s not done right, I'm going to make a visit to that daughter of yours and show her how a real man fucks!’ He sneered at her and walked out of the room. Colt followed him out, feeling his anger coming off him like a mist.

  ‘I came across two girls last night,’ continued Marcus, coming to a halt. ‘One human, who looked like she wanted to be held down and fucked hard, and the other some fat whore wolf. I want you to find out all you can about them and I want them both downstairs in my dungeon in less than a week. Do you understand me?’ He stared angrily at Colt. ‘Don't let me down, or I might decide to throw you out like your mother, you weak pup!’ He gave the address to Colt. He had followed the scent there, waiting all night for the girls to return.

  Turning around, he stormed off, looking for someone to take his frustration out on. Someone in his staff would prove useful. He remembered Sandra’s 30-year-old daughter, who was currently locked in a room upstairs and being looked after by Sandra. Yes, she would work out nicely, he thought.

  Colt simply watched his father’s back retreating down the hall. He glanced down at the paper and wandered to his office. He picked up his phone and rang his friend, who was also helping to look for his mother, and gave the details to him, telling him he needed a report by the end of the night.

  God, he hated his father. But, at 440 years old, he needed to hang in there for a while longer, hoping his father would stand down from the pack as alpha and Colt could take over.

  Chapter Eight

  Sarah woke up and stretched out in the huge bed, taking in a sharp intake of breath as the pain in her arm shot through her. She sat up in the bed and looked round the room, wondering how long she had slept, remembering when Brandon had brought her and Callie to the two-storey house. They had crossed the lake and she could vaguely recall being introduced to a few people, including the man who drove the ferry to the island. Well, she would be damned if she could remember any of them. She had been so exhausted that all she could think about was the promise of food, drink and a bath. After Brandon’s sister, Hope, had filled their stomachs with pasta and a thick tomato sauce, she had been shown the biggest bathroom she’d ever seen.