An arm came from behind the taller man and rested a hand on his shoulder. Of the four this man was the smallest at around six feet tall. He spoke softly, “Max we don’t want trouble.”
Max exhaled slowly. “No---we don’t but I felt it important to see which way the wind blows.”
Brandt took Emily’s hand in his. Without taking his eyes from the wolf in front of him, he drew her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “My mate, I would like to introduce you to Max and his brothers. They run some of our city business and have never given me reason to doubt their loyalty.” His voice remained hard.
Emily’s eyes went to Max’s when he spoke. “And we never will my alpha, we are happy to see you mated.”
“I’m not just mated. Emily is an alpha in her own right, and our clan will be much stronger with her by my side. That is the truth that needs to be passed along, not rumors.”
“Yes alpha, may I greet your mate?”
Brandt stepped slightly away from Emily but relayed the protocol into her mind. “Give him your hand and react swiftly if anything feels uncomfortable to you. He wants to scent you but etiquette says it’s only with your permission.”
Max stepped forward and Emily put her hand out. He gently drew her fingers to his nose, breathing in deeply. His eyes closed and his nose traveled up her arm.
Emily pushed a small amount of alpha power from deep inside. It was not soothing or angry, just raw. At the same time she placed her hand on his shoulder and stopped him from going further. Using an extra burst of energy which caused a quick electrical charge to end his travels, she let the energy fill her eyes.
His opened wide. After he briefly met her gaze, his eyes lowered. With unadulterated worship in his voice he said, “Alpha, I am yours to command. I ask pardon for interrupting your evening?”
She had a slight smile on her lips when she answered, “I’m glad Brandt didn’t need to kill you. I’m sure your brothers would be sad.” Her voice was soft but her tone was deadly serious.
The brothers in question burst into laughter. One gave Max a robust slap on the back and pulled him away. “My man, our sadness over your death would last a few days and then we would forget you.” Everyone laughed relieving the last bits of tension. The four said their goodbyes and departed.
Brandt leaned in close and whispered huskily, “You are learning my love.”
Her grin was wicked. She was learning and her wolf loved nothing more than to show off.
Dmitri approached with a devilish grin of his own. “We haven’t had a good brawl in here for a while. I’m surprised that went so well. Word is your pack is having difficulty.”
“No longer true and just so you’re aware,” Brandt’s eyes turned black. “There would not have been a brawl, only death.”
“Then I’m glad you calmed the situation. A bar fight is easier to explain to the authorities than dead bodies. May I request a dance with your mate?”
Brandt grinned, “Ask her yourself, and if she says yes, keep your hands where I can see them.”
“You’ve always driven a hard bargain.” The vampire’s gaze then landed on the she-wolf in question. He gave a slight bow. “Emily may I have this dance?”
Emily hesitated and looked to Brandt. The vampire made her nervous. Brandt’s words in her mind enabled her to walk forward. “It’s an honor for him to dance with you. He is my friend and you are safe.”
Dmitri drew her onto the dance floor and after taking her firmly into his arms, began sweeping her across the floor. Emily had no idea what the dance was but the vampire made it effortless.
He finally whispered into her ear, “You are lovely my dear and Brandt needs you. He can be a thug sometimes but your power is growing and you will soothe his anger and balance his alpha with yours.”
Emily squeezed his hand slightly. “You said your beastkind are bears? I’ve never seen a bear. Are they big?”
Dmitri laughed loudly. “Yes they are and someday I will let you see them in their beast forms. I think right now your mate has put up with my arms around you long enough.”
Dmitri stopped suddenly and dipped her back. When he brought her up, his lips landed swiftly on her cheek and then turned her toward Brandt.
When Dmitri’s lips move to his mate, Brandt stood.
Dmitri couldn’t prevent his smile. “It was only on the cheek but worth the price of fire in your eyes.” He thumped Brandt on the shoulder and guided Emily into her mate’s embrace.
Feeling Emily back in his arms helped Brandt gain control. His heartbeat slowed and he quirked his lip at his friend. “You bastard, I owe you.”
Everyone laughed and a short time later, they said farewell. During the ride to the hotel, Emily fell asleep against Brandt’s shoulder. A soft kiss woke her and in their room he helped remove her clothes. They settled into sleep with their arms wrapped around each other.
Chapter 22
They left Denver the next morning to spend two days at home before leaving for Marcus and Amy’s wedding. Brandt began preparations for building their new cabin and asked Emily to review the floor plans with him. Their home would sit on a piece of land half a mile behind the main house where Cheri and his father resided. After looking over the drawings for hours and making a few adjustments, they choose the layout they wanted and Brandt began making phone calls. Their new residence would be ready within six months.
They cleaned out the closet in Thomas’ office so Emily’s new clothes would fit. She would miss the small cramped cabin when they moved. This is where she truly grew up, fell in love, and learned about her wolf. It would always be special.
The afternoon of their return, Patricia stopped by with Kinsee and a plate of cookies. Refusing to hold back, Kinsee ran up to Emily and threw her arms around her neck. Holding her close, Emily inhaled the precious young were-child scent.
When they released each other, Kinsee began talking, “I helped bake the cookies, and my mom said you would love them. My mom told me you went away for a few days but you would come back. I stepped on a nail by my house and got an owie on my foot. My dad said I would be okay but I should be wearing shoes. You don’t have any shoes on so I shouldn’t need to wear shoes either. It didn’t hurt that bad and shoes don’t feel good on my feet. I killed a mouse this morning and ate it. It had crunchy little bones and I didn’t like it much. Do you think the crunchy bones will get caught in my tummy?”
Patricia looked at Emily with a grin. “She’s only just started. She’s been saving all her stories and questions for your return.”
Emily began commenting on Kinsee’s summation of events since they last saw one another. The three of them sat on the porch and enjoyed the cookies with added milk that Emily brought outside. “These cookies are wonderful Kinsee.”
“My mom said I had to be careful what I put in them and she showed me the right cup to use so they would be perfect. Do you think I’ll know everything my mom knows when I grow up?”
“I think you’ll be just as smart.”
“My mom’s having another baby, can you smell it?”
“Ahh.” Emily looked at Patricia who was blushing slightly.
“Kinsee’s father and I decided she needed a brother or sister.”
“Is that why you smell different than before?”
“Yes and there is no keeping this secret from the pack. I guess you’ve never smelled it until now. My scent changed almost from the moment of conception.”
“But I thought…” Emily stopped not wanting to ask about the human seed needed to create a child and her face reddened.
Brandt stepped out on the porch but she couldn’t mistake the hurt she saw on his face though his voice was firm. “You thought right Emily and some wolves decide to have children despite knowing what it takes.”
His hand feathered possessively through her hair.
Patricia took Kinsee’s hand. “We need to go. I’ve been tired lately and soon I’ll switch to wolf form so the baby comes faster. We will visit
again after you return from your new journey.”
Kinsee pulled her hand from her mother’s and ran at Emily. “When you get back, will you take me to chase rabbits?”
“Yes sweetie, I promise.”
Kinsee ran off trailing her mother and Emily smiled while listening to the fading chatter of the little girl.
Strong arms scooped her off her feet and carried her into the cabin, straight to the bed. Brandt made quick work of their clothes and followed Emily down on the soft mattress. Placing both her hands in one of his, he stretched them above her head using a steel grip to hold them in place. He kissed her with incredible need, running his tongue on the inside of her lips before sinking further into the kiss.
When at last he pulled away, his eyes were dark. “I would give you a child if I could but I will never let another man touch you. I’m sorry but I can’t. Patricia's husband, Wolfred, has more strength than I do. I would kill the man that laid hands on you.”
Again taking her mouth, his hand traveled her body until she squirmed and he released her so her hands were able to travel their own path.
When their breathing settled, Emily’s soft voice reached his ear, “I love you, and no one else will ever touch me.”
He held her close. Her breathing slowed and then took on the steady rhythm of sleep. His troubled eyes remained open.
***
The following day consisted of preparing for their trip. They packed the bridal couple’s gift that Emily and Maggie purchased while in the city. That night they ate dinner with Thomas and Cheri. Brandt and Cheri discussed Marcus’ clan. Ivan’s disappearance was affecting everyone. Emily knew the cats and their vampire queen murdered Ivan’s wife. Her own newly mated heart mourned for the devastated wolf.
“Can Columbus hold the clan without his father?” asked Cheri.
“I believe so. I didn’t see him much when I was there but Ivan told me he was coming into his alpha and it was best to keep him away or in his young stupidity he might challenge. There’s another son showing signs of alpha tendencies too. I can only hope his bond with his brother will keep him from doing something foolish.”
“I’ve also heard they have a cat living with them and nursing the babies.”
Thomas joined in at this point, “That should be interesting. Most of the cats scattered after losing their queen. I’m aware of the group you recently ran into but Cheri told me there was no sign of a vampire. They must find one or longevity will no longer be theirs though that would make life much easier for us.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Cheri tipped her wine glass to her lips and took a sip. She then turned to Emily. “Are you ready to meet another clan?”
“I think so. I feel sadness over the loss of Ivan’s mate.” Emily looked to Brandt.
Brandt took her hand and kissed each of her fingers. “No more sadness at the table. How about a game of pool?”
“I don’t know how to play.”
“Oh, but it will be so much fun to teach you.”
They carried their drinks into the large game room. Thomas grabbed another bottle of wine and they settled in to show Emily how to play.
She soon discovered why Brandt suggested it. His body bent over hers and he ground his hips into her soft bottom while adjusting her arms and hands to hold the pool cue. She could smell his mating scent and enjoyed wiggling her bottom against him.
“Stop that you two. We are going to start and finish this game if it kills us.” Cheri insisted.
Brandt took a step away from Emily and put his hands up. “I know I’m strong enough to hold out.”
“Humph,” was Emily’s short rebuke. She played the game horribly but took every opportunity to rub against Brandt’s body when she walked past him. If his hands reached for her, she skipped away and gave him a stern look. They made it through three games before calling it a night.
“Can Brandt bring me here to practice so I can learn to play better?”
Cheri eyed Brandt, “Yes, but I’ll be surprised if you get any practice in.” They all laughed and the evening broke up.
Later, while lying in Brandt’s arms Emily could feel his distress. “What’s wrong?”
He kissed her hair, “I love you, and I won’t let you go.”
She turned to him, “I’m not going anywhere, and in Kinsee’s words, you’re being silly.”
He brought her body closer and they made love one last time before falling asleep.
Chapter 23
Emily’s apprehension with flying wasn’t what it was the first trip and she was able to look out the window and enjoy the mountain scenery on the way to the wedding. Mandy chattered non-stop in the seat beside her with Caleb sitting by Mandy. Sampson and Maggie were also part of their entourage along with four pieces of muscled eye candy, which was the idiom Mandy passed on to Emily when seeing the men for the first time. Mandy’s parents requested Emily keep a close eye on her sister due to her penchant for trouble. They were hoping she didn’t find her mate for several years but after she was twenty-one, destiny could take its course.
Mandy and Caleb asked about her trip to Denver and they spent the journey talking about music and shopping.
Mandy educated Emily on pop artists and their music, “I love Adele, and I listen to her songs over and over.”
Their brother’s annoyed voice broke into the discussion, “Yes scamp, I can attest to that. I’m embarrassed that I know all the words and if I never hear another of her songs I’ll be a happy man.” Caleb ducked his head avoiding his sister’s fist.
They obviously practiced this ritual often and Emily couldn’t help but feel sad because she missed so many years of what the two of them shared.
Brandt, noticing her melancholy, leaned forward and kissed the back of her neck. Just his gentle touch changed her mood again and her and her siblings went back to speaking about every subject under the sun.
Comforting his mate was instinctual and Brandt didn’t miss a beat as he continued his quiet conversation with Samson.
His second in command was fascinated with Emily’s progress. “I had little hope this would work the night you found her.”
“It was her blood, my wolf knew before I did.”
“I can’t believe how much she’s learned these past weeks and how much control she’s gained.”
“Her mind is a sponge and she questions everything. She spends time at Cheri’s watching television and she’s captivated with human politics. My dad is thrilled and they’ve begun arguing about everything from financial breakdown to current government elections. A more boring topic I can’t imagine but she eats up the knowledge. Her alpha is gaining power but I know she’s been incredibly strong her entire life. She shouldn’t have survived her mother and all the years of isolation with her sanity intact.”
“Who would have thought Malcolm could beget an alpha female? He would have killed her once he knew.”
“I agree, but that problem was eliminated many years ago. I only hope there are no more Emily’s out there. I doubt they could retain their sanity and not go feral. The control it took in not killing her mother for nineteen years is more impressive than the deed itself.”
“Does it bother her?”
“The woman was crazy and began speaking of Emily’s death. I’m wondering if that’s what brought her alpha to the forefront. Even though the woman deserved to die Emily mourns her. She hasn’t touched her art supplies and I’m okay if she never uses them but I’d love to know what she would choose to draw.”
Mandy giggled each time Brandt leaned forward and kissed Emily’s neck or touched her hair. Caleb rolled his eyes, the entire mating thing being a complete mystery. He would leave soon for the military. He was a young male werewolf and his sometimes chaotic control and the urge to fight were intensifying.
The plane touched down and then they enjoyed the mountain scenery on a thirty minute drive to the ranch house in the northern Arizona hills. The surrounding mountains were a different green and the
pine trees weren’t as dense but the beauty was undeniable.
Columbus, the current alpha, and a few of his wolves met them upon their arrival at the main house. The sun was beginning to set and Marcus and Amy would awaken soon.
Brandt hugged Columbus in a tight embrace. “Have you heard from your father?”
“Yes, a few weeks ago. He’s not coming for the wedding and he wasn’t very forthcoming with information on his whereabouts or how he’s spending his time, but he’s alive.”
Brandt released him and drew Emily to his side. “This is Columbus, Alpha of the Southwest Clan and son to my good friend Ivan. This is my mate Emily.”
Before she could say hello his arms circled her and the world spun. Her feet left the ground and her head whirled for a moment after the big oaf finally released her.
Smirking, Columbus laughed at the ferocity in Brandt’s eyes. “I heard the stories of your last visit and how you played with fire by tormenting Marcus. Payback is a beautiful bitch,” he said moving his eyes to Emily. Slowly while leering intensely his gaze traveled suggestively over her body.
“Oomph.” A solid fist to his stomach cured his laughter. The punch didn’t come from Brandt, but from the female alpha he manhandled.
Emily’s scent fanned through the air while her gaze never wavered from her less than gentlemanly target, “I believe the proper protocol is to maintain eye contact with another alpha.”
When Columbus could finally breathe again, a devilish grin appeared on his face. “I believe you are correct in etiquette and I apologize, Emily, alpha and mate to the alpha of the Northwestern Clan.” He made a short formal bow his eyes never leaving hers.
Brandt wasn’t worried about Emily’s sudden vehemence. Columbus deserved it and wouldn’t hold a grudge. Fighting back laughter he introduced Mandy and Caleb. Columbus kissed them both on the cheek and welcomed them to his home.
They strolled into the house and made their way to the bedrooms assigned to them. Brandt pulled Emily into his arms once the door shut and Columbus’ footsteps in the hallway faded. “Please feel free to punch any male that gets out of hand. If you don’t, I will though I won’t be quite so gentle.” His mouth nibbled on hers.
Fang Chronicles: Emily's Story Page 16
