Dressed, but with resentment radiating from her pores, she appeared in the kitchen a few minutes later.
His anger had lessoned to disgruntlement though his thigh burned and blood soaked through his pants. He looked up and struggled not to laugh. She was no docile she-wolf but somehow she managed to control her irritation and keep her gaze down though her scent betrayed her. Their alphas needed to play and he couldn’t help but chuckle while picturing the blood spattered walls of their playground when it happened.
For a few moments he let her stand there. He assembled flour, eggs, and the other ingredients needed to prepare pancakes. Two pounds of bacon were sizzling in a large frying pan. Her nose twitched and he noticed her inhale. Spooning flour into a measuring cup, he walked over and used his body to gently nudge her toward the counter. The scent of her anger kindled but she moved.
He continued to press his luck and placed the cup in her tense fingers, squeezing slightly so she would hold on. “I’m hungry and I know you are too. We can fight or make pancakes.”
After a moment’s hesitation she calmed.
Food might be his saving grace and he would remember to use it. “Now, pour the flour into this bowl.” He pushed the bowl in front of her and guided her hand, showing her what he wanted. Filling the cup again with flour, he repeated the process three more times. Next were the eggs and using the same slow movements he showed her what to do. Sugar, baking powder, and milk joined the other ingredients and then he handed her a whisk. Following his hand motions she began mixing the batter. The pan was ready and he added butter. Looking sideways, he could see her in deep concentration while she stirred. Taking a step closer, he heard her heartbeat accelerate when he looked over her shoulder and into the bowl. It was time. Ignoring her slight scent of distress, he again took her hand in his placing a large spoon in her fingers and them scooping the creamy mixture and dropping a dollop onto the greased pan.
He left her watching the first batch cook and walked into the living room. His father loved soothing instrumental music. It wasn’t Brandt’s favorite but somehow he knew she would enjoy it. He chose Carter Burwell’s “Honor Inflamed”. It was a powerful piece with haunting flute and violins. The music filled the room and he sensed her walking up behind him. She wasn’t coming close but remembering the other knives in the kitchen he glanced over his shoulder.
Mesmerized by the sounds she stood staring at the speaker.
Walking back to the kitchen, he checked the pancakes, flipping them over and then returned to the living room. She was now sitting on the floor with her ear to the speaker, eyes closed, and body swaying with a look of complete rapture on her face. His wolf stood at attention. Shaking his head to get his mind to focus, he walked back into the kitchen to finish preparing their meal alone.
Her demon calmed and her body relaxed. The sound was gentle, beautiful, and eerie. She instinctively swayed to the low beat. No anger, no pain, it soothed her beast. All the fury which grew over the previous weeks relaxed. Good memories flooded her mind; Carolynn rubbing her hair through the bars when she was small, Christmas with a new dress and enough food to fill her belly, her mother’s voice reading about the baby Jesus. They were her only good memories and they trailed like smoke through her mind. Tears ran down her cheeks.
Everything was new; her rage, his touch, her fear, his voice. The music beckoned and her demon quieted. A soft touch on her shoulder had her opening her eyes and wiping away the tears before she turned. She could fall into his dark eyes. They mesmerized her and she yearned to reach her hand out and touch him.
“It’s time to eat. I’ll turn the music up so we can hear it in the other room.”
Sitting silently at the table they used their fingers while listening to music play in the background. After seeing him add syrup, she poured some on her plate and then added more. His she-wolf had a sweet tooth. They finished off the bacon and pancakes. There would be no table scraps with her around. When finished, he handed her his plate and turned to pick up the other items. She followed and he led her to the kitchen showing her how to rinse the dishes and place them in the dishwasher.
Concentrating, Emily connected his words with what he showed her. So many questions fired through her mind but she didn’t want him angry.
Multiple sudden loud knocks coming from the front door sounded through the house.
Instant crushing fear sent her running for the back bedroom. Escape, it was all she could think of.
Brandt missed grabbing her by a hair. Using the key from his pocket, he walked over and unbolted the front door. Samson stood patiently, stern faced and holding a large wooden framed Cheval mirror.
“How are the lovebirds this morning?” Unable to hold his facial muscles still any longer, he burst out laughing. “I’m glad to see you survived the night. Why do you want the mirror?”
Grinning, Brandt grabbed the monstrosity from his friend’s hands. “Wouldn’t you just love to know?” He kicked the door closed with a satisfying thump and Samson’s laughter slowly faded. Carrying his gift to the bedroom, he passed the closet where he knew she was hiding. He sat the mirror in the corner of the room and opened the window’s curtains wide. He then left the room to turn up the music even more. When he came back, she wasn’t in the closet or standing in front of the mirror, she was looking with heartfelt longing at what lay beyond the window.
“I’d love to take you out but I think we should hold off a day or two. The mirror is so you can look at your wolf form without falling down.” His voice teased gently and it surprised him when she answered.
“My demon will kill you.”
“No, you might try but I won’t die easily. You can control your wolf; it’s not a demon that does the killing.” He had no idea how to get through to her so he let instinct be his guide. “We need to talk but it’s hard because I don’t know your name. Sit in the chair for me.”
Turning away from the window, she immediately sat in the chair by the mirror.
Finally, it dawned on him; she did what he said if he didn’t ask and only commanded. Swallowing his ire, he closed his eyes for a split second to gain control. No alpha should be this broken. It killed him but he needed information. “What is your name?”
Dropping her head in submission she whispered, “Emily.”
“Do you know how old you are?”
“Nineteen.”
“Do you know what you are?”
No hesitation, “The devil’s child.”
His voice thickened but he spoke slowly and evenly, “No Emily, you are a werewolf, a species of beastkind. Your wolf is beautiful, you are beautiful. Kinsee, the child we saw yesterday, is also beastkind. She is sweet and funny and would love to be your friend, but you scared her.” His voice grew firm, “We don’t believe in demons. There are over a hundred werewolves here and thousands around the world. We don’t harm humans unless they try to harm us. Many stay separate but some of us live among humans if we choose. The wolves here belong to my pack; I am their leader, their alpha. This is where you are safe and where you can let your wolf free.” He waited but she would not meet his gaze. He began removing his clothing. “Look at me Emily.”
Ocean blue eyes cautiously traveled upwards, his body; muscled strength, alluring, so different, so perfect. His deep penetrating gaze caught and held hers. In a blink, a large black wolf replaced the man. She scrambled out of the chair but the beast stepped between her and the door. Gasping for air, trying to control her terror, she remembered the black demon’s first attack; chasing her down, sinking his teeth into her leg, the pain and the terror. But mostly she thought of it as God’s retribution for killing her mother.
He took one step in her direction and then another.
Frozen, she could not move.
Linking with her mind, he ordered, “Sit down.” Her backside suddenly met the chair.
Another step closer, her shaking hands fisted in her lap.
Using his snout he nudged her fingers and softened his to
ne “Release your hands Emily.” Her fingers untangled and his wet nose sniffed her palm. “Touch me.” He didn’t think she would.
Finally, trembling fingers ran over his long nose. They glided over the short and bristled facial fur and up to his eyes.
Changing back into his human form he knelt naked at her feet, his head tilted up, brown eyes never left hers. He brought his hand up taking her fingers and drawing them to his lips. He slowly, sensually kissed each one.
Sad, chaotic thoughts consumed her mind but one overruled them all. He was like her. Fur, bristly but soft, his smell strong but compelling, she wanted to rub every inch of her body along his. She wanted to touch his demon body with hers. Oh how she wanted.
He stood. Taking her hand, he pulled her up to her feet. He turned with her toward the mirror and gathered her silken hair in one hand. He used his other to caress her neck. Releasing her hair, he reached down to the bottom of her t-shirt and swiftly pulled it up and over her head, giving her no time to object. His hand went to the waistband of her flannel pants and pulled them down her long legs. “Step out.”
Her feet kicked free. She focused on his every move in the mirror.
“You are beautiful just like this.” He flowed back to wolf form and mentally spoke, “Emily, change now.”
Her demon looked back from the mirror, white fur in striking contrast to his larger black wolf, both of them different and so very much the same.
Backing up, he instructed her to do the same.
The other two wolves born from Malcolm’s assaults did not have her coloring. His mate was unique. Prodding her gently to move slightly, he put his head next to hers so they stood together in the mirror. “You are exquisitely beautiful. I need you to stand still and not move.” This one thing was driving him crazy. He needed to inhale her female scent, the fragrance of his mate. His nose began trailing slowly over her body, imprinting her essence into his brain, into his cells, and into his heart.
Her alpha was incredibly strong and she had no idea the damage she could do. He took his time. Spice; sweet and savory met his nose as he tasted the aroma on his tongue.
Arousal hit him hard.
It was torture, it was bliss, and it was not the time. His nose traveled back to her snout.
Her pink tongue tentatively came out and licked the side of his mouth.
It was exactly what he wanted to do and returning the favor, he tasted deeply of her scent, his rough tongue skimming over her face.
Emily stood so still, her world collapsing. Her demon was never touched, never accepted, never loved but his monster caressed her.
His long snout became the angular jaw of the man. His hands settled on her beast’s jaws, holding her head in place. Looking directly into her eyes, he spoke, “There is no evil here. There is no demon. You are a beautiful wolf. My heart aches for what you have endured. You must trust me to keep you safe. You will soon be free to let your wolf run, I give you my word.”
Emily shifted to her human form, her knees lowering until she was beside him. Turning from the mirror, watery eyes met his. Longing to trust him, she felt a small spark of love fill her heart. Her physical body felt something different though she had no idea what it was. The need felt like hunger but this hunger consumed her entire body.
The expressions shifting across her face told their own story and gave him hope. Her thoughts easily coursed through his mind but his thoughts froze on her last. Desire. Feeling himself stiffen and grow, his frustration came through in his voice. “Get dressed while I take a quick shower. I’ll only be five minutes.” With a groan and unable to handle his own simmering need, he turned and walked away.
Cold water did little to relieve his body. Stupid, he was stupid and needed to go gently, slowly. He quickly washed up. Who knew what she could find in the cabin to hurt herself with. When finished, he wrapped a towel around his waist and went to check on his mate. Now clothed, she gazed out the window with longing. It broke his heart. Making a quick decision, he dressed and sent a mental message to his pack telling them to clear the area. This time he told them to make sure Kinsee was away too. The pack had three children of various ages but Kinsee was the only one able to get more than a few feet from her parents. He didn’t want any accidents. If Emily killed a cub, her life would be forfeit and he would carry out the sentence. He would die with her if it came to that.
Taking the comb off the dresser, he walked toward the bathroom to fix his hair.
“Can I do it?” Her shy voice held hope and longing.
Smiling, he changed direction and went toward the couch. They reversed the sitting arrangement from the evening before. He felt the comb run through his short brown hair. He usually only swiped a comb through it once or twice but he let her familiarize herself with his body and scent. He felt the comb pass across his head several times and then her small hands traveled along his shoulders, gently rubbing like his hands did the night before. Reaching up he took her fingers within his, stopping her movements. Tilting his head, he gazed into her eyes. “That feels wonderful but if you let me braid your hair, I’ll take you outside to feel the sunshine.”
He stood and went to the bathroom and then the bedroom. He couldn’t find any hair ties so he broke off a piece of thread from a spindle. He went back to the couch where Emily waited. Combing through her hair quickly, he then plaited it into a single braid down her back. Her fingers went to the woven hair feeling its texture. He wasn’t very accomplished with female grooming but she looked adorable.
Standing, he clasped her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. His authoritative voice compelled, “You will not change form. You must learn to control it and going outside will temp your wolf to run. We are staying near the cabin. Do you understand?”
Irritation changed her scent slightly. Her jaw went rigid. Glowing blue eyes challenged him for a split second and then looked down. Not understanding the shifts in her mood, anxiety flooded her. One minute she wanted him touching her and the next she wanted his blood to flow. She spent years lowering her eyes to her mother but that was becoming harder to do with him. She wanted his eyes to lower and felt a strong need to make him do it. Remembering what happened in the bathroom, she knew she wasn’t strong enough but that only increased her apprehension.
He fought not to grin. His she-wolf had sharp claws and he knew in the coming years they would have many fights for dominance. She wasn’t even near the peak of her strength. Pulling her close, he gave her stiff body a brief hug then released her. Taking the key from his pocket, he unlocked the door. He intertwined their fingers and used his stronger grip to subdue any urge she had to flee. They stepped outside.
Her heartbeat accelerated rapidly. She tentatively followed. He knew it was partially instinct that she tried not to show fear to a stronger wolf. He also admired her bravery. Inhaling deeply, the clean air leeched into his wolf and he knew it was doing similar things to hers. His fingers tightened to remind her of his words about controlling her wolf and not changing. He noticed too that her alpha scent was growing stronger. Challenging was in her blood. It would take her months to fully control her beast. His sexy grin turned in her direction. Thoughts of dominating his alpha she-wolf spiked his desire again.
He squelched his thoughts and sat down on the edge of the porch drawing her down to his side. One of his hands remained entwined with hers and the other went to her thigh and gently rubbed in a soothing motion. Her unease dissipated. When her wolf completely calmed, he released her hand and jumped to the ground not bothering to make use of the steps. “Come and get your feet dirty,” Raising his arms he beckoned.
With no hesitation, she jumped.
Unhurriedly, he lowered her to the ground. His eyes, etched with desire, held hers and his hand lifted to her chin. With a gentle squeeze her mouth opened slightly and he rubbed his finger over her bottom lip. He blinked and then pulled himself together. Looking down with a bemused grin, he wriggled his toes in the pine needles.
Bending her knee
s, she placed her hand in the dirt then lifted it to her nose. Her lungs expanded. Wild, like her demon, the earth called her. No cage, no longer hidden from the world. Fur fought with human skin. Shaking her head she controlled the need to become demon. Fighting the change was something she had done for years but the outdoor smells made it harder. When she won the battle, she tempted herself again and bringing her hand back to her nose, took another deep breath and smiled.
Chapter 10
Bemused, Brandt cherished every change in her facial muscles and relished her wild, musky scent. He craved a time when they would finally run free side by side.
Snapping his head up, a scent grazed his nostrils interrupting his thoughts. Against his direct orders there was another werewolf coming toward them. It was Clem’s brother Zeb and without breaking stride, he walked within twenty-five feet of Brandt and Emily. Showing no submission, he glared into Brandt’s eyes.
Brandt’s rage flared. Emily’s look of fear and uncertainty increased his fury. Channeling his anger he focused on the other werewolf. “What the fuck are you doing?” He said and followed his words with a low deadly growl.
“I’m here to challenge.” Zeb could feel the hot violent pressure swirling around his alpha but he wasn’t backing down and he wasn’t lowering his eyes.
“You’re a dead wolf.”
“It won’t be easy to kill me. I’m not my brother.” Spitting on the ground, Zeb’s loathing and resentment exuded from his voice, “You’ve brought a feral into our pack. She needs to be put down.”
Two hundred pounds of angry alpha used every ounce of will to hold his ground and not tear the other werewolf to shreds. “It might not be easy but I think I’ll enjoy killing you more than killing Clem.” The waves of Brandt’s fury flooded the air.
Fang Chronicles: Emily's Story Page 6
