SKIN (Demon Chaser 4)

by Charlene Hartnady

  “Phoenix, it’s been a while.” It was good to hear his best friend’s voice. Gray was the Alpha of the Wilderness pack.

  They got the pleasantries out the way.

  “I’m coming through to Wilderness tomorrow.”

  “Good to hear it. It’s been far too long. I was beginning to think it was something I said.” Phoenix could hear that his friend was smiling. Gray sighed. “I have to tell you man, Carol has been asking after you. I think she might want to get back together. I could organize some females from the Ridgestone pack if you would rather though.”

  Phoenix smiled and rolled his eyes. “What is this? Set Phoenix up day? You do realize that I’m more than capable of finding my own mate?”

  “Who said anything about a mate?”

  “I wasn’t whelped yesterday, Gray.” He ran a hand through his hair.

  “Okay, okay. Carol is a really nice female. Your mom asked me to...”

  “My mom, seriously?” Phoenix suppressed a smile. His mother worried about him constantly. She didn’t like him living in the city alone.

  “Look man, I gotta tell you. Having a mate is the best thing that ever happened to me. Ash is everything…I don’t know how I survived before she came along.”

  Phoenix found himself smiling. Gaby had become a big part of his life and in such a short time. It wasn’t just the pups. It was her. “I have a female and will be bringing her tomorrow to meet the pack.”

  “You sly piece of shit. I didn’t know you were seeing anyone. ” A growl. “What pack is she from? Do I need to start introductions? I don’t want to step out of line when it comes to the Lores…”

  “She’s not a demon wolf.”

  Silence. “You always said you wanted a human. If there’s one wolf that understands it’s me. A human mate…”

  “My female is a demon skin.” As hard as he tried, he couldn’t help the low rumble of warning that followed.

  Gray snarled and Phoenix pulled the phone away for a few beats while the Alpha got himself together.

  “Do you know what you’re doing Phoenix? Fuck! A skin?” Another growl. “A fucking skin.”

  Phoenix growled. “It would be best if you remembered that Gaby is my female. She is carrying my pups.”

  “You got a skin pregnant? What the fuck were you thinking?”

  This time Phoenix all out snarled. If he’d been wearing his wolf skin, his coat would be bristling. “Gaby is my future mate and the mother of my pups. It would be best for our friendship if you remembered that.”

  Phoenix could hear Gray breathing on the other end. “I’m sorry.” A long pause. “It was a bit of a…surprise. If she is your female then she will be welcome.”

  Phoenix’s shoulders slumped and the tension drained from his body. He took a deep breath. “Thank-you.”

  “I’m not sure how the others will take it. Some of the older wolves have only just started to accept my union with a human. A skin…”

  “Gaby, her name is Gaby.”

  “Gaby…Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

  “Yeah and with every passing day I grow surer. Gaby is the one that is worried about our future. I don’t want you or my folks doing anything to add to her anxiety. You are the Alpha and the pack must respect your decision to accept my mate otherwise…”

  “Don’t tell me how to keep my pack in line.”

  Phoenix was skirting a thin line. Gray was a natural Alpha. His instincts wouldn’t allow another wolf to dominate in any way. “I know I can rely on you Gray. Please, will you address the pack today? It would be better if they were prepared and had time to digest the news. When we arrive tomorrow, I would like Gaby introduced to the pack as my future mate. I will call my parents.”

  “No problem…I’ll make it happen.”

  Phoenix sighed. Some of the anxiety left him. “Thank you my friend.”

  He ended the call and dialed home.

  ****

  It felt like her stomach was filled with acid wing-tipped butterflies. Giant pissed ones.

  Phoenix reached up, took a hold of her waist and in one easy move, lifted her from the chopper. He circled his arm around her as they strode away.

  She wasn’t ready for this. Might never be ready.

  A petite blonde stepped forward. “So you’re the skin.”

  Phoenix growled.

  A well built mean looking male with close cropped hair strode up to them. “Be careful who you growl at.”

  “I’m Gaby.” She put out her hand and the female took it.

  “Ashlyn, Gray’s mate. I thought you were a Chaser yet I’ve never seen you before.” They let go.

  Gaby felt her lips pull into a smile. “I’m part of the first team.” A small group of elite Chasers handpicked for special cases.

  Ash lifted her eyebrows. “Wow, I’m impressed.”

  Pride surged. “Thank you.”

  “So you’re a badass skin. Deadly I’m sure.”

  It was meant as a compliment but a low rumble resonated from Phoenix who didn’t see it that way. Gray growled back.

  “Stop that.” Gaby put a hand on Phoenix’s chest. “I thought Gray was your best friend, yet you guys haven’t said two words to each other.”

  “I like this female.” The little blonde tilted her chin and hooked her thumbs into her jeans pockets.

  Gray inclined his head briefly at Gaby. “You are welcome at Wilderness.”

  She felt the tension ease out of Phoenix. To think he had been ready to take on his best friend for her. Gaby stepped in a little closer to him enjoying the warmth of his body.

  “The pack is mostly…okay with this. There might be one or two…”

  Phoenix’s jaw tensed. “I won’t accept any aggression directed towards my female...”

  Gray snarled, “I will keep the pack in line, you concentrate on keeping your female happy.”

  “Ooooh, I like it when you go all Alpha on me.” Ashlyn waggled her eyebrows. She moved backwards until her rump connected with Gray’s front.

  His eyes softened as he looked down at her upturned face. He made a deep rumbling noise that Gaby had come to recognise as arousal.

  “Really you two. Surely you can keep your hands off each other for five minutes.”

  Gray circled his arms around the tiny Chaser and buried his head in her neck, his eyes were still on Phoenix. “We’ll see you in...an hour at the main clearing? We’re going to excuse ourselves, my mate needs me.”

  “Yeah. It’s good to see you too buddy.” Phoenix laughed.

  “More like you need me don’t you think?” Ashlyn narrowed her eyes at her mate.

  Gray lifted his head. “Let’s see who begs who shall we…”

  Phoenix made a sound of disgust. “Too much information guys.” He pulled Gaby closer. “My folks are waiting. My mom can’t wait to meet you.”

  Those really pissed toxic butterflies came back to life. Full force.

  ****

  They made their way down a path that cut into a particularly wooded area in Wilderness. A quaint, cottage style home came into view. It was surrounded by bushes of wild flowers. Perfect for an elderly retired couple.

  Phoenix squeezed her hand. “My folks will love you.”

  Gaby smiled back. The skin on her face felt tight. The babies must’ve picked up on the anxiety and kicked. This time when she smiled it felt natural. She put a hand to her belly and rubbed feeling the hard thumps against her hand.

  Phoenix stopped next to her, his eyes bright with excitement. “Are they kicking?”

  She nodded taking his hand and placing it in the area of the activity. Within seconds there was a hard jab.

  He made a low growl of approval and sank onto his knees in front of her. “Hello babies”—he rubbed her tummy—“I’m your Daddy and I can’t wait to meet you.”

  Another thump. Phoenix chuckled. “They love me already.

  “I’m sure they do.” It was easy to love a man like Phoenix. Her babies were luc
ky to have him as their father. This wolf would protect them with his life and would cherish them like they were the most precious things in the world. For the hundredth time she prayed that his pack would accept them.

  Phoenix rose to his feet. He gave Gaby a wicked half smile and slid his arms around her slanting his lips across hers in a brief scorching kiss that had her cheeks heating.

  “Your parents might see.”

  “Probably. They’re so excited to meet you. My mom is thrilled at becoming a Granny.”

  He took her hand and led her down the walk towards the front door which burst open before they reached it.

  “Honey.” A very pretty dark haired lady stepped forward to meet them. The only thing that showed her age were slight lines around her eyes which sparkled. A broad smile graced her face. Phoenix’s mother embraced him turning quickly to her. “You must be Gaby. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m so thrilled you’re joining our family. I’m Estelle.”

  Gaby smiled and extended her hand.

  “Nonsense.” The older woman hugged her for a few beats. “Let’s go inside. I’m sure you need to sit. I have some freshly made lemonade and some cookies.”

  Gaby glanced at Phoenix who smiled and winked at her.

  An older man was just placing a tray on the coffee table as they entered. It was easy to see the resemblance and except for a few laughter lines and some salt and pepper in his hair, he could be Phoenix’s older brother.

  He smiled and extended his hand to Gaby. “I’m Surge, very pleased to meet you.” They shook hands. He and Phoenix embraced. “Please take a seat. Can I get you some lemonade?”

  “That would be great.” She sat down. Surge handed them each a glass.

  “So we don’t know the sex of the pups?”

  “No, mom. We’ve decided to wait and see.”

  The older woman clasped her hands in front of her. “I’m going to be a Grandma. I’m so very excited.”

  Surge took a sip of his lemonade. “So when are you two planning on making this official?”

  “Once the pups are here dad.”

  His mouth thinned. “Why not while the two of you are here anyway?”

  “Gaby is doing what woman do best, she’s making it difficult for me. I’d mate with her right now if she’d let me.”

  Gaby choked on the biscuit she was nibbling on.

  “What color is the nursery?” Estelle was trying to defuse the situation. Gaby’s hearts sank, she was the world’s worst mom; she still hadn’t bought anything for the babies. Something she planned on rectifying as soon as they were back in town.

  “Mint green and white together with Oregon pine,” Phoenix turned to her and winked. Gaby felt her mouth gape and quickly pulled it closed.

  “I’ll let Gaby add the final touches once we know for sure whether the pups are male or female.”

  Gaby smiled at Phoenix. He’d obviously meant it as a surprise, trust Phoenix to think of everything.

  Estelle’s eyes burned with excitement. “I’ve started knitting blankets, I’ll keep them white. You need to let us know what else you need.”

  “Easy honey. Don’t overwhelm our guest.” Surge winked at Gaby while sliding a hand around his wife’s waist.

  As long as Phoenix’s family accepted her, she could handle anything. The thought of meeting the pack had her hands turning clammy though.

  Chapter Seven

  The clearing turned out to be just that, a large clearing in the middle of a dense forest. Fairy lights twinkled in the trees and a huge bonfire blazed at the center. There were tables and chairs adorned with checkered table clothes to the one side.

  A whole crowd of demon wolves of all ages and sexes had gathered. Phoenix squeezed her hand. “Stay close,” he whispered.

  The low level buzz turned to icy silence as they entered the clearing. Phoenix stepped in next to Gray. He slid an arm around her and pulled her in. It wasn’t lost on her that he had positioned himself slightly ahead of her.

  Many of the wolves looked at her with open interest while some looked with clear hostility. The tension was thick. Although Phoenix exuded calm, she could feel the apprehension in his rigid body.

  “We’re here today to officially introduce Gaby to the pack.”

  “She’s a skin.” A large wolf stepped forward at the front of the crowd.

  Phoenix growled menacingly.

  Gray glanced their way before turning back to the crowd. “She is Phoenix’s chosen female. She carries his pups.” He turned to face them, “I welcome you to the pack Gaby.”

  She inclined her head.

  “Skins and wolves do not mix,” the same older wolf in the front continued.

  “Jared,” Gray addressed the older wolf. “You accepted Ashlyn. I know that change can be difficult, but I am asking that you accept this female. You’ve known Phoenix since he was a whelp. We need to honor his choice.”

  “Ashlyn is a human. Please don’t ask us to accept a skin.”

  Phoenix’s grip on her tightened and a low growl resonated from deep inside his chest. It vibrated through her. So menacing it had goose bumps forming on her skin even though she knew it wasn’t directed at her.

  A much younger wolf stepped forward. Big and mean looking. His hands were fisted at his sides, his muscles bulging. The wolf’s face was contorted in anger. “How can you ask this of us? She is a filthy skin.”

  One second Phoenix was next to her and the next he was on the wolf. One meaty thud and the wolf was knocked back. The younger wolf snarled and took a swipe at Phoenix who was too quick. He took a graceful step back to avoid the blow and head butted the younger wolf. In a flurry of partially erupted claws and paws, the other wolf fell back and would’ve landed on his back if Phoenix didn’t grab him by the throat in a move too quick for her to take in since her demon was dormant.

  The younger wolf’s eyes widened, his features pulled back to human. The only sign of Phoenix’s wolf were the claws at the end of his hands and a healthy set of dangerous looking canines. “Defy our Alpha again and you may not live to regret it next time.”

  Gray stepped forward. “Any wolf who defies me will feel my claws. Gaby is with pup. She has been chosen by one of our own and will be accepted by this pack.”

  The same older wolf took a timid step back, he averted his eyes as he spoke. “It is not easy for some of us to accept, but we will do our best.”

  Phoenix finally released the younger wolf who dropped to his knees. “You will accept my future mate. Any who disrespects her will bleed.” He looked down at the wolf at his feet. The other male averted his eyes.

  Gray snarled asserting his dominance, he let his eyes scan the thick crowd. There were no more that contested. Gaby dropped her hands to her sides, she hadn’t realized that her arms had been wrapped firmly around her belly. It was so important to her that her babies were accepted, that Phoenix got to keep his pack.

  His body remained rigid and his eyes hard, at least until they landed on her. Only then did they soften. In two quick strides he was at her side, his arm surrounded her. “Doing okay?”

  She nodded. The tension in him eased somewhat.

  “Now that things are clear, dinner is served,” Gray addressed the crowd. He took his mate’s hand and they walked over.

  “Nothing like good food to calm a crowd.” Ash smiled.

  “Come mate, they will wait for us to go first.”

  “Thank you, Gray,” Gaby said.

  He turned his hard eyes on her. “All I ask is that you make him happy.”

  Phoenix growled and Gaby thumped him on the arm. “I will.”

  Gray smiled. Gaby got the feeling the big wolf didn’t smile very often, at least not at anyone other than Ashlyn. “Well, what are you two waiting for, go and make this official.”

  Phoenix smiled back, but his arm tightened around her and his jaw locked. Maybe he wasn’t as ready to mate with her as he’d always claimed. The Alpha and his mate moved to the lamb roasting on the spit.<
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  “Sit,” Phoenix gestured to the closest table. “I’ll fetch you some food.”

  She did as he said and watched his retreating back as he strode to the serving line. Was Phoenix having second thoughts about being with her? Maybe after coming here and being with his people he had changed his mind about mating her.

  Gaby rubbed her belly praying she’d misread the situation.

  “Hi, I’m Carol.” A pretty dark haired female wolf with big doe eyes stepped up to the table. Gaby introduced herself and they shook hands.

  “Would you mind if I sat down?”

  “Not at all.”

  The other woman wore a pretty sun dress. There were copper streaks in her hair which were highlighted by the flames of the fire.

  “I can’t believe that Phoenix is going to be a father. He’s such a good man. Oh silly me”—she clasped a hand over her mouth—“Phoenix and I dated for a while.” Her smile broadened. “You also seem like a really nice person and I’m sure you’ll be great together.” Her eyes sparkled.

  Gaby searched the other woman’s face looking for a hint at a lie or humor. People were not this nice. Especially since Carol and Phoenix had a history.

  “I hear its twins,” she gestured at Gaby’s belly.

  Gaby nodded.

  “So exciting. Can I fetch you something to drink. Phoenix won’t have the hands.” She pointed to the food area where Phoenix negotiated two plates. “I’ve heard that pregnancy can make you feel thirsty.”

  “That would be great.”

  More than anything, chatting with the pretty female made her feel even more skin-like. Gaby watched as Carol made for the drinks table. She was so different from the female, from all the female wolves she’d met.

  They were all stunning with long dark hair and athletic bodies. Moreover, they were all so nice. If this was what Phoenix was used to in a female, then they were in serious shit. The more she thought on it the more she felt he deserved a mate that would be agreeable. Someone who would take care of his every need with a glowing smile.

  Once Gaby’s demon was no longer dormant, Phoenix was in for the fright of his life. Gaby watched Carol pour the drinks and suddenly she didn’t feel like being here. Phoenix had tensed at the thought of their mating. All around her were glaring reminders of why they weren’t suited. These wolves were being coerced into accepting her. It wasn’t right.