“Damn Rhett, are you really going to take the trails all the way back to the packhouse? I know that look all too well, it just screams of danger. Can’t we just take the road like normal fucking people?” pleaded Finn.
“Fine, only this one time though.”
Finn and I hopped in the Jeep and took off down the road towards the packhouse. It’s dark out now, and the air is crisp tonight. Making it a nice night to drive with the windows down and enjoy the breeze. Driving back to the packhouse, I noticed that there’s a full moon. It must be part of the reason I was so off today. Or maybe that’s just crazy-ass superstition. Twisting and turning along the Michigan roads, we finally made it to the driveway that takes us home, leading us up Iron Mountain. Rolling the Jeep up to the house and parking it outside of the garage, Finn and I stepped out.
“Alright man, I’m going to go home and grab my Tahoe. I’ll see ya later at Hank’s.” Finn yelled as he ran down the hill and through the woods to his house.
I walked up to the front of the house and walked up the porch stairs. I opened up the door, threw my shit on the floor and walked up the stairs. Walking to my bedroom, I noticed the door was wide open. Why was it wide open? And then the smell hit me. Hazel. My younger sister.
“Hi, Hazel. What are you doing in my room?” I said as I rounded the door into my bedroom.
“I’m cleaning, what the fuck does it look like? Don’t you have a maid or some shit who cleans your house? What about one of the females, like seriously. Your room is a pig stye.” Hazel death glared at me.
“Great to see you, little sister. I’m so glad you’re in a good mood tonight. And of course, I have someone who cleans. You’re doing the job right now.” I said smugly as I grabbed clothes out of my dresser drawer, making my towards my bathroom to shower.
“Fuck off you flea-bitten varment. Seriously. Rhett, I know you’re a cleaner person than this. I don’t get why your room is a mess.” She asked curiously.
“You’re right, I am a clean person. I don’t like messes. Finn’s been crashing here every once in a while. I’ve been having him help me with business matters and pack issues from here. I’m usually up all hours of the day and night in my office. I’m sorry. I’ll be sure to ask one of the girls if they could clean the house tomorrow. Will that make you happier?”
I gave her an apologetic look before closing the bathroom door and taking a shower.
After I finished, I walked out of the shower with my towel hung around my waist. My room was completely spotless. Damn, that child can work fast. I quickly got dressed and headed downstairs and into the kitchen.
“Hazel, I’m headed to Hank’s Bar to meet up with Finn and Jackson. Would you like to join me?”
My sister can be a pain in the ass. But I’d do anything to protect her. Our parents were killed many years ago. And so I took on the role of being her caretaker. She stays at the house with me, but also stays with her best friend quite a bit. More so than usual. I think it’s because the anniversary of our parent's deaths is coming up. It really makes her emotional, and she hates looking emotional around me. So she’ll stay gone until the day passes. I can't do anything to comfort. I tried for years to no avail. She mourns on her own. She's strong.
“No thank you, Rhett. I’d rather stay home and just relax. I'm going to enjoy some much needed "me" time. Don't worry, I'll be just fine. Have fun."
She said while grabbing a couple of slices of pizza from the fridge and full glass of pop. She wandered into the living room and plopped on the couch.
“Alright, you enjoy yourself. I’ll be out for a while. If you need anything, text me. Love you.” I yelled as I walked out the door.
Leaving the house in my Jeep, I played some music to fill the silence on my ride to the bar. Luckily it’s only a mile drive. I blasted some rock on the local radio station as I drove down the road lost in thought, yet again. Scarlett popped into my head, her beautiful face and all of her soft features came to mind, I just want to touch her skin. I want her heart to beat against my chest, her lips looked so enticing, I just want to press mine to hers. What the fuck. The thought of her gets my dick hard. Great. I need a therapist, that’s for sure.
Pulling up to the bar, I threw the Jeep in park and got out. Finn and Jackson could feel me coming through the pack bond, they were outside waiting for me.
“Hey man, what’s up?” I asked Jackson as we shook hands.
“Oh you know, the usual. Just running the business here in Florence and keeping the business going in Cornell. Business owner life, ya know.”
“Yeah dude, I know completely what you’re talking about. How was your date last night with that chick in Cornell?” I asked curiously.
“I was just there in the Baraga territory as well, talking with Barret.”
“Dude, you don’t even want to know. Athena is one hell of a spitfire. Girl keeps me on my toes. She’s been trying to get me to go on a date with her since I opened my business there years ago. She only just turned twenty-one. She’s a little young. She’s been bugging me since she was eighteen. She wanted me to sleep with her tonight, but I told her that wasn’t happening. I need to get to know her first. She wasn’t too happy about it, but she agreed to another date.” Jackson said cooly.
“Damn, you make it sound like such a horrible problem.” I chuckled.
“Hey Rhett, what is it you wanted to talk to me about earlier after I picked you up from the border? You know what, hold that thought. Let's go inside, get some drinks, first. Then you can go into detail, I have a feeling this will be good. When our godly alpha doesn't have the answers for once, it's been a crazy day." I glared at Finn.
Finn, Jackson, and I walked into the bar. It was busy tonight. The music was loud, laughter and singing filled the bar. The atmosphere was a comfortable one so we enjoy meeting up here once or twice a week to unwind. We went to our usual spots at the bar. Luckily the bar stools had backs to them, making for a comfortable stay. The guys ordered their drinks, consisting of a beer for Jackson and Brandy for Finn. I ordered my usual whiskey.
"Alright Rhett, start talking. Now that we are all with a drink in hand, our full attention is on you." Said Finn happily.
“I was in Cornell earlier, walking my way to the Baraga packhouse. I walked the sidewalk through town and was passing by Joe’s Cafe there, in the middle of town. I was lost in thought about that rabid wolf we killed. Not paying much attention, this woman and I collided. She had her back to me, and right when I got to her she turned and walked right into me and then fell onto her ass.” I laughed.
“She cursed me up one side and down the other. She threatened to beat my ass and call my alpha. It was actually quite amusing because she had no clue who I was. I offered my hand, but she ignored it, got up off the ground, and continued to yell. Oh, the best part is, she challenged me.” I laughed out loud.
“No way! She really had no idea you were an alpha. And she challenged you. Even better! What happened after that?” Jackson asked intently.
“For starters, this woman was strong as hell. I actually broke out in a freaking sweat. I feel like she could have actually won, but she ended up being the first to look down. That made her even more mad. I couldn’t help the urge to read her thoughts, so I dug in that pretty little head of hers. Come to find out she’s Barret’s daughter. I ended up toying with her for a quick second, I mentioned who I was. The look of horror on her face is what about killed me. I left her in her thoughts and walked away towards her father’s house.” I told them with a smile.
“I was at their packhouse a while later and was speaking with Barret on the back porch. We heard this roaring engine fly down the driveway and skid to a stop by the garage. Two minutes later, Scarlett steps out of the house and onto the back porch. Barret introduced us, and you could tell she was worried. My inner wolf was laughing his ass off. She ended up being the one to spill the beans to her dad. He was shocked she challenged me.” I shook my head laughing.
“But I h
ave a feeling it’s not the first time from how her dad had reacted to the news. Us three finished the conversation on the porch. Barret took me into his office to discuss the rabid wolf matters. He had told Scarlett to go for a run, and she did. Barret then made a call to other alphas and had asked me about going and getting Scarlett behind the house in the woods for him. I happily obliged. One thing led to another, and this woman has me so fucking intrigued that I don’t know what to do.” I said before throwing back my whiskey in one drink.
“What do you mean intrigued? What happened with her? Did you have sex with her?” Finn asked very curiously.
“No. I didn’t want that with her. I just wanted her presence near me. Her scent, dude, she smelled amazing. Everything about her drew me in. She’s gorgeous as a person and so stunning as a wolf. I couldn’t help but nuzzle her and rub against her. My wolf wanted her, badly. I even left my throat open to her. She knew what I wanted. She came up to me, rubbed up against me. Then she got worried and ran off back home. I don’t know guys, I’m one-hundred years old. This has never happened to me before.” I said looking down at my empty glass.
Finn and Jackson shared looks between each other and then got huge ass grins on their faces.
“Duuuuude, you’re fucking whipped! She’s your mate, man. I’ve known you for a long time man, I’ve seen you with women. I’ve never seen you act that way or look that way at one. She definitely must be a catch if she caught your heart.” Finn said excitedly.
“Yeah man, I’d have to agree with Finn. She’s gotta be your mate. Sure sounds like it! You should ask her out and talk to her. It sounds like she feels the same way. Just try not to scare her off.” Jackson said smacking my shoulder.
I was lost in thought as the guys were in a deep conversation about sports. They have to be right. There’s no other way around it. I have to see her again. Soon.
It has been three days since my run-in with Scarlett. Three days of driving myself crazy because I can’t get her out of my head. I have been trying to keep busy with pack business, but no such luck. In all my years of life, and all the women I’ve been with, I have never been so drawn to someone. We’ve only had a few short conversations and I’m already feeling this strongly about her.
After attempting to work out to get Scarlett off my mind, I jumped in the shower. While washing my hair, I had one final thought. Is it possible she really could be my mate? Letting out a low growl, I decided enough is enough. I’m just going to go talk to her again. After drying off and picking out some decent clothes, I decided to head over to the Baraga packhouse and meet with Scarlett. This ought to be interesting.
A little while later I pull my Jeep up to the Baraga house and park next to Scarlett’s truck. I’m glad she’s actually here. It would have been smart to call first. I hop out and start walking to the door.
“More pack business with my dad?” Calls Scarlett as she rounds the front of the house.
“Actually I came to see you. Figured we could have a little chat.” I replied as I approached her.
Scarlett stopped walking and crossed her arms.
“Great, because I’d like to talk about the zombie werewolves.” She said while looking into my eyes.
“I’m guessing Barret explained everything to you? Can we sit down at least?” I asked pointing to the porch. Scarlett walked up the porch steps and sat on the top one. I sat down beside her.
“So what exactly is it that you want to talk about with this situation?” Turning to her as I asked.
“How we have zombie wolves running around, endangering our packs. That’s insane. We have to do something!” I could see the passion on her face.
“I know Scarlett. We are doing what we can. Your dad plans to bring it up in the next meeting with the rest of the Alphas. I’m sure Barret only told you so you’d be aware, not to make it your responsibility. It’s nothing too serious yet. Just one wolf that we’ve seen.”
I said, taking a chance and putting my hand on her knee.
“Rhett, I’m really…”
“Hey Rhett, I didn’t know you were here. What brings you out this way?” Scarlett had stopped talking when Barret walked out onto the porch. I had removed my hand from her knee, but I’m not sure if it was quick enough. I’d try to read his mind, but I didn’t dare use my telepathy on another alpha. That’s something you just don’t do.
I stood up to shake his hand. “I was just dropping by to talk to Scarlett and see if she wanted to go out for coffee with me tomorrow.” I stated, winking at Scarlett. I started wondering to myself why I was even worried if Barret saw my hand on her knee. I’ve never cared about something like that before. But I’ve also never been interested in the daughter of another alpha before either.
Still sitting on the top step, Scarlett glanced up at her dad, then to me. Her face is a deep shade of red. “Um, I guess I could manage coffee tomorrow. I planned on going into Cornell anyways.” She said, trying to act like it was no big deal. I looked at her with a big smirk on my face.
3
The following morning came, finally. Rhett Jameson asked me out. Not only did he ask me out, but he did it right in from of my dad. The alpha of my pack. I can definitely say I know for sure that man has a set of balls. Shutting the water off, I hopped out of the shower. Towel drying my hair so that it will dry with a little natural wave in it. I’m not here to impress anyone. I walked to my closet, excitedly, rifling through my outfits for something halfway decent. Perfect. A white dress that shows just the right amount of cleavage, and stops just above the knee. Hmmm. Let’s see. Shoes. Ah, there we go. My black ballet flats. A little eyeliner and mascara and we are good to go.
Scarlett, darling. Your handsome date is here. And let me just say...Yum! Good catch baby girl.
Oh goodness, leave it to my mother. I hope she’s not embarrassing me down there. I better get down there to save him.
I quickly grabbed my leather jacket from my bed and raced downstairs. I walked into the kitchen, the first thing I see is Rhett, He turns around to greet me, stopping dead in his tracks. It looks as if he likes what he sees. Good. He walks over and places a kiss on my temple. My nerve endings started to ignite. Just one simple kiss and that was almost my undoing. I still can’t believe he came over to my house, just to talk to me. After the talk my dad and I had, I thought for sure there was no better news to come along. I’m glad I was wrong. I need to figure out what Rhett and I have between us before I get my hopes up about anything.
“Alright, Rhett. Here’s the deal. She’s to be home no later than ten tonight. I want there to be a six-inch gap between you two at all times. If I have to send my beta, Dakota, I will. He can chaperone. I’d gladly do it, but I have to prepare everything for the alpha meeting tomorrow.” Said my dad as he walked into the kitchen, staring down Rhett.
“Dad! I’m twenty fucking one years old. You will not treat me like I’m sixteen. I love you, but you need to stand down.” I said sternly.
Rhett just stood there, staring at my father with one side of his mouth turned up into a smirk. I thought for sure this was going to be bad. I laced my fingers through his and tried to pull him out of the kitchen. He stood firmly in place, not budging. Then his head flew back and he busted out laughing. What the fuck is happening. Alpha showdown is gonna start any minute.
My dad then followed suit and started his deep belly laugh.
“Barret darling, quit embarrassing my daughter. She’s an adult and can handle herself just fine. Do I have to remind you about how my father was?” My mom asked as she scolded him.
“Fuck that old man, he was just an asshole. I’m nothing like him. Layla dear, I was just having some fun.” he said as he turned to Rhett with his hand out.
Rhett shook my dad’s hand with a firm grip.
“Enjoy your date, Hunny. I’ll see you later. Will you be home tonight or should I suspect you will be out all night?” dad asked nonchalantly.
“Dad, I’ll see you later, I love you.” I said as
I walked over and placed a kiss on his cheek and hugged my mother.
“Ready?” I asked while looking up at Rhett.
“Only if you are.” He said with a giant smile.
I grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the house as fast as I could before my parents could say anything else. He walked me to his Jeep and opened the door for me. He placed his hand on the lower part of my back and I froze. I looked up at him and saw the heat in his eyes, it made me blush. He cleared his throat and I got in the car. He carefully shut my door, walked around the front of the Jeep to the driver's side and got in.
Turning the Jeep on and putting it in reverse, he backed up in our turnaround and then we were off to town. He looked at me, shaking his head and smiling.
“You know you look absolutely amazing, Scarlett. Thank you for going out with me today. There are things we should probably discuss and that is why I asked you out.” he said almost white-knuckling the steering wheel.
“Thank you, Rhett. And I think we both know that I couldn’t say no. I feel it too, just so you know. The heat between us. The strange pull to be near each other. The constant fire we feel when we touch. It’s not just a coincidence.” I said while taking in his figure.
I set my hand on his thigh and he froze, I thought for sure he was going to rip the steering wheel from the car. I went to take my hand off his thigh and he quickly grabbed it with his hand. He had large hands that engulfed mine. They were warm, yet calloused, just like a hard-working man’s hand should be. It felt right. Comfortable. He lifted my hand to his lips and paused. He side-eyed me and then placed a couple of kisses on the back of my hand. Fire ignited in my stomach and between my legs.
“I feel every single thing that you feel, Scarlett. In all of my years, I’ve never experienced anything like this. I don’t know what to make of it. But I have to find out what it is.” his voice cracked as he spoke.
We made it to Joe’s Cafe and he pulled up to the curb on the other side of the street, across from the cafe. He looked at me and then looked back to the road ahead of us.
Blood Of The Cursed Page 3
