Intrigued, Maddie made herself more comfortable and continued to read her grandfather’s words. After several minutes of silent reading, she gasped, sat up straighter, then re-read the last line to make sure she understood it correctly.
It will be hard for you to accept, but your grandmother was a member of the Wind River Pack. This is a pack of wolf shape-shifters, people who can change their physical makeup to resemble either human or wolf.
Maddie couldn’t believe what she’d read. She never knew her grandmother, and now she was supposed to believe she could turn into a wolf. Maybe Michael was right and Grandfather wasn’t all there when he wrote in this book. Turning back to the journal, she read on.
My son, your father, was one-half shape shifter, but he was never willing to accept his heritage. It broke my heart when he walked away from her traditions, then refused to let me tell you children about her family. I kept quiet all those years, believing the call of the wolf was not strong enough in him to make a difference. It didn’t seem to matter that he didn’t believe since my beautiful Eloise was gone.
Now, in you Maddie, I see the heritage again, stronger than ever. I believe the call of the wolf is in you, and it’s my belief that you’re destined to live in your grandmother’s world and not in the human world your father so dearly loves.
Maddie thought back to her childhood and the wolf to whom her grandfather introduced her. Was he a shape shifter? Is that why she felt so strongly about the wolf? Hoping to find her answers, she went back to reading the journal.
Maddie, by now you’ve guessed that Remus is part of this Wolfen Heritage that is in your blood. You met him as a child, right in my very own back yard. Wolves mate for life, honey, and they have only one true mate. From the time you were a little girl, Remus knew you were destined to be his mate. I imagine he’s been calling on you, trying to make you see him as more than a friend. He’s loved you all your life, Maddie, always believing the two of you were fated to be together forever. He was devastated when you had your accident and visited you often in the hospital when you didn’t know who he was. He only stayed away this long because of a promise he made to me. Trust in him, Maddie. He’d never hurt you, and he’ll protect you with his very life. His love is unconditional and forever, and he’ll move mountains in order for you to be together. Find it in your heart to welcome him. He’s waited for you a very long time.
Maddie stared off into the clear blue sky, thinking about Remus and how he made her feel when he was near. She had feelings for him, feelings she didn’t understand. Could he be her soul mate? How wonderful to think she’d have one mate to love and cherish her for as long as they both lived. With tears forming in her eyes, she went back to the journal.
A couple of hours later, Maddie closed the book and stared off into space as a single, lone tear made its way down her cheek. She felt almost numb. Could it be true, or was it the ramblings of an old man who’d lost touch with reality? She thought back to when her grandfather introduced her to the wolf. Even as a child, she’d been impressed by how intelligent the wolf seemed. It wasn’t hard for her to believe such things existed. There were a lot of people who wouldn’t believe anyone could move things with their mind.
Suddenly, feeling furious, she wanted to lash out at Remus. How could he keep all this from her?
He said he’s falling in love with me, but he doesn’t think it’s necessary to tell me that he isn’t entirely human!
Why did the people in her life continue to profess to love her and then work actively to keep important things from her? When was someone going to treat her with the respect she deserved?
Frustrated by all her unanswered questions, Maddie lay back on the warm rock and rolled up her sweater to use as a pillow. She listened to the sound of the rushing water and allowed it to comfort her. It wasn’t long before she dropped off into a light sleep.
* * * *
Latan, in his wolf form, stood in the shadows of the trees keeping watch and protecting his brother’s mate. He watched as Maddie lay back on the rock and appeared to go to sleep. She’d looked upset while she read her book, and he wondered what she was reading. Watching her, he was amazed at her inner beauty. She had an aura about her that made her positively glow.
Remus will be a very lucky man if he can convince her to mate with him.
Many of their fellow wolf brothers just took their mates when they found them, never even considering giving the female a choice. He knew his brother was determined to have a willing mate, someone who’d share his life and love.
Sighing, he wondered if he and Ethan would ever find their own mates. Sometimes, when they were alone at the house or out on a hunt, they’d talk about what they wanted in a life partner. Surprisingly, they described the same female traits as their perfect mate, almost identically. They were both beginning to think they’d never meet this perfect female. He snorted. If they ever met a woman who had all the qualities they wanted, they’d probably fight over her.
Ears suddenly back, Latan sniffed the air and discovered Remus was approaching. He changed quietly to his human form to greet him.
* * * *
Remus walked swiftly through the woods, anxious to get to Maddie’s cabin. It’d been only a few days since he was forced to leave her, and it made his heart ache to remember how hurt she’d been when he left. He yearned to hold her in his arms again and to feel her lips against his own.
He glanced up ahead and saw his brother. As he watched, Latan shifted and stood naked in the trees, watching his approach.
“Hello, brother. How’d the trial go, and what are you doing home early?”
“Hello to you, Latan. The trial was cut and dry. We only had to do the penalty phase. All of us were in agreement to his punishment, so there was no reason to linger. How have things been here?”
As he questioned his brother, Remus spotted his mate sleeping on the rock. It warmed his heart to find his brother guarding her, and he admitted to himself that he’d worried needlessly.
“Things have been very quiet. She’s been sitting and reading for the past couple of hours. She seemed to get upset at something she read a while ago, and then she fell asleep. She’s been napping about an hour now.” Latan paused before he continued. “We did have some problems with Nanita.”
Remus tensed. “What kind of problems?”
“We caught her approaching the cabin yesterday and had to forcibly drive her back. Maddie witnessed it from her front porch.”
“What the hell was she doing at the cabin? Maddie didn’t try to talk to her, did she?”
“No, we didn’t let her get close enough to talk to Maddie. We figured she was trying to get close to the house in hopes that Maddie would try to make friends with her.”
“Why the hell would you think that? Maddie wouldn’t try to make friends with a strange wolf, would she?” Remus glanced toward his sleeping mate, fear beginning to crawl up his spine. “Never mind, of course she would. Hell, we had a fight about it right before I left.”
“Well, it’s no surprise Nanita might think that. It’s been a favorite story for a long time with the Pack, how that old man helped you make friends with his granddaughter.”
“It might be easy to believe, but I don’t have to like it. What happened with Nanita?”
“We don’t really know what she was up to. Since then, we’ve had Ariane following her and keeping us informed of her activities.”
“Ariane? Why would she be willing to follow Nanita for you?”
“She was tired of being treated like a second-class wolf by Nanita and was more than happy to help us keep tabs on her to protect the mate of her Alpha. She really has a lot of Pack loyalty.” Latan snorted. “I have to tell you, Remus, Nanita is already big trouble, and I don’t see that changing until you’re fully mated.”
Remus glanced back at his sleeping mate and thanked the heavens he’d left his brothers to watch over her.
“All in good time, Latan. Maddie’s not yet ready to
be told about me. She’s still recovering from her grandfather’s death and learning to adjust out in the world away from the clinic. I’m waiting for just the right time to show her my wolf.”
“Just some advice, Remus, don’t wait too long. Better to show her your wolf than have her meet Nanita’s wolf.”
With that, Latan saluted his brother, changed back to his wolf, and ran off toward their home.
Remus stood for a few minutes, just gazing at the woman he loved. He couldn’t believe how much he missed her while he was away. He’d always known she was a necessary part of his life, but she’d become important to him in ways he’d never imagined. Not wanting to wait a moment longer to be with her, he started forward and then came to an abrupt halt.
She was really angry with me when I left.
He thought for a moment, then removed his clothes and shifted into his wolf.
At least I know I’ll get a warm reception this way.
Quickly, he ran toward the river where his love lay sleeping.
Remus crawled up onto the warm rock, walked over to Maddie, and lay down beside her. After watching her sleep for just a moment, he nuzzled her arm. When he got no response, he crawled closer.
Maybe I shouldn’t wake her as a wolf. I don’t want to scare her.
Then he remembered how much she loved the wolf and knew he could never frighten her in this form, so he moved a little closer, and slowly licked her cheek several times.
* * * *
Maddie gradually began to wake to the feel of something wet on her cheek. She raised her hand to brush it away and encountered something slippery and wet. When she opened her eyes, she saw her wolf standing over her. Everything she read in her grandfather’s journal came rushing back to her. Again, she could hear her grandfather’s voice in her head.
Look at his eyes, little girl. They show you what kind of wolf he is. I promise you this wolf will never do anything to hurt you. In fact, he’d protect you from danger if you ever needed it.
The wolf moved closer, bent down and licked across her lips, like he was tasting her. Maddie stared into his deep, blue eyes, Remus’s deep blue eyes. She looked closely and saw Remus’s features in the face of the wolf. Reaching up to caress his snout, she whispered his name. “Remus.”
* * * *
Remus was shocked. Maddie knew he was Remus. She looked at him so lovingly and didn’t seem to fear him at all. Deciding to take a chance, he backed up and jumped off the rock. With Maddie watching his every move, he changed into his human form, his very naked and aroused human form. Maddie gasped in surprise but still showed no fear. He saw nothing but desire in her eyes, which made his heart sing with happiness.
Slowly, he walked back to her, leaned over and picked her up into his arms. Holding her tightly against his bare chest, he carried her over to the grassy bank and gently lowered her feet to the ground. He smiled at her, then bent his head and covered her mouth with his. Immediately, she groaned, threw her arms around his neck, and opened her lips.
Remus slid his tongue deep into the warm cavern of her mouth, and lured her tongue into play. As Maddie became caught up in his kiss, he moved his hands to the hem of her shirt and slowly began to raise it up her body, giving her plenty of time to object if she was going to.
As Remus began to remove her shirt, Maddie pulled away from his kiss and raised her arms to assist him. Surprised by her response, Remus yanked the shirt over her head and tossed it to the ground. Before he could do anything else, he watched as Maddie reached behind her body and unfastened her bra, sliding it off her arms and tossing it down on top of her shirt. She stood still while Remus unfastened her jeans and eased down her zipper. Bending down, she removed her shoes, then stood up straight, hooked her thumbs in the waistband of her jeans and pushed them down along with her panties. After stepping out of the clothes pooled around her ankles, she moved back up to press against Remus’s aroused body while placing her hands on his broad chest. Looking up, she gave him a smile and then rose on her tiptoes to lightly touch her lips to his. Shyly, she whispered to him. “I want to be with you, Remus. I want you to make love to me.”
Remus thought his heart would burst. It was unbelievable to him that this beautiful woman held the keys to his happiness in her heart.
“I want you, too, little one. But I have to know, how did you know about me, about my wolf?” As much as he wanted to take her as his mate, he had to know how much she knew.
“My grandfather left me a journal telling me all about my own heritage. I want to share it with you, but could we do it later?”
Remus smiled at her tenderly and tugged the tie from around her hair, releasing the silky strands to fall around her shoulders.
“Of course, my mate. Did he tell you what I want from you? That I wanted you for my life’s mate? Did he explain what being a mate entails?”
As Remus bombarded her with questions, he began nuzzling her neck, planting soft kisses on her skin.
“Yes, I mean, no.” she replied breathlessly. “He explained that you’d always known I was your mate, and that you would want to bite me to make me belong to you. He said that would bind us together for life.” She pushed against his shoulders, backing him up, and looked into his eyes as she spoke. “I’m making a request now, Remus. I want to make love to you, but I’m not ready for you to bite me. I know it’ll be part of it eventually, but I want more time to think about it. Grandpa said that after we mate there’s a small possibility that I’d be able to shift into a wolf like you do.”
She looked down at the ground and then she continued. “I’m not ready for that kind of change, and with my other gift, I’m afraid it could even be dangerous. Can you accept me that way, for now?” Her voice had taken on a pleading quality.
Remus already knew her biggest fear was losing control to another person, having someone telling her what to do and deciding what was best for her. He could tell she wasn’t ready to give away another part of her life to anyone.
Remus was angry and tried not to let her to see it. All he dreamed of for years had been the right to claim his life mate in every way. To just make love to her wouldn’t tie her to him like claiming her would. He was also anxious to form the mental bond that came with the claiming, knowing it would help him keep her safe.
He knew he had to agree with her wishes if he didn’t want to drive her away. Careful to keep the disappointment out of his eyes, and his voice, he responded to her request.
“All right, little one, for now we’ll do it your way. But it’s only a temporary reprieve, Maddie. The time will come when my wolf will insist on claiming you. The longer we wait, the harder it’ll be for me to stop myself from biting. I only ask that you don’t make me wait too long. Can you live with that, little one?”
Taking a deep breath, Maddie gazed into his eyes. She stepped closer and pressed her nude body against his aroused one.
“Yes, Remus, I can accept that, and I promise not to make you wait too long. For now, can you just make love to me?”
Remus smiled at her and decided the time for talking had passed. Lowering his head, he nipped at her lips, pulling her bottom lip between his teeth and biting gently. At her gasp, he plunged his tongue into her mouth and began to lower her to the soft bed of grass.
* * * *
Maddie felt a great relief when Remus agreed to give her time before he took her as his mate. She was so afraid of giving someone else control over her life, even someone she loved as much as she loved Remus. Now, all she wanted to think about was making love with this big, powerful man.
Her senses were filled with Remus as his tongue swept her mouth and he began to lay her on the ground. As she felt herself being lowered, Maddie tightened her arms around Remus’s neck and lost herself in the feel of his kiss. She felt the soft grass surround her as she reached the ground, Her skin felt on fire with the feel of Remus’s hard body as he reclined next to her, throwing his leg over her thighs. Her breathing quickened when she felt the prod of
his erection. Tearing his mouth from hers, Remus removed her arms from around his neck. Slowly, he raised them above her head and laid them on the grass. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled at her.
“I want you to leave your arms above your head Maddie. Can you do that for me and not move them until I tell you to?”
“Why, Remus? I want to be able to touch you.” Maddie brought her hands back to his shoulders. She was confused by his request.
“You’ll be able to touch me, love, in a little while. I want this first time to be just about you. I want you to concentrate on just feeling. Please, will you do as I ask?
“All right, Remus, I don’t like it, but for you, I’ll keep my hands above my head.” Maddie agreed.
* * * *
Remus almost laughed at the stubborn look on her face as she slowly raised her arms above her head and laid them in the grass. He brought his lips to the hollow of her throat and began to cover her neck in wet kisses while his hand roamed down her body and settled on her naked breast. Remus closed his warm hand around the pink tipped mound and squeezed, then watched her clench her fingers into the grass above her head.
Slowly, he began to run kisses down her chest and over to one of her rosy nipples. He closed his lips around the rigid tip and began to suckle. Maddie arched her back, pushing her breast further into his warm mouth. As he alternately sucked and bit lightly at her nipple, he ran his hand down across her abdomen, past her belly button, and tangled his fingers in the dark curls covering her feminine folds. He dipped one finger into her slit, feeling the slick wetness that told him of her desire.
As Remus let his finger breach her entrance, he could feel her hips thrusting up, almost as if she was asking for more. He pushed her thighs apart so he could lower his hand to explore her more fully. After releasing her nipple, he trailed his mouth down her abdomen, following the path his hand had taken earlier. As he reached the area just above her curls, he moved his body to lie between her legs. When he spread her thighs wide enough to make room for his body, he could see her feminine cream glistening on her outer lips and in the silky hair. He ran his finger the length of her slit, gathering her cream on his finger. When she gasped and looked down at him, he brought his finger to his mouth to taste her essence. He could see her shock at his actions.
Discovering Their Wolfen Heritage Page 9
