by Sam Crescent
“You shouldn’t be sitting here,” Brandon said. He pressed his lips against her neck, making her gasp.
She’d not felt him approach even though her thoughts had been dominated by him all afternoon.
“My family sits here,” she said.
“I’m your mate. I’m your family.” He shook her father’s hand, kissed her mother’s, and then took hold of her hand with the bandage on.
Following his footsteps, she stood up. He removed the bandage covering her wrist. The red bite mark was clear to see as it stood out on her pale skin.
More gasps came from the humans as they were behind her.
Did any of them know what the bite mark meant?
Brandon walked her to the head of the table. Darcy, Drake, and Lewis sat on either side of him. She sat at the head with Brandon. Her cheeks heated as all gazes were on them. She felt their gazes on her body.
“I want to present the humans of Grace Hill with my mate. Elle Smith is who the fates have decreed will be my mate. She’ll be given the respect expected of her title.” Brandon kissed the mark on her wrist. “And I claim her for my own.”
She kept her gaze down not wanting to look at him. During his little speech she noted he spoke words of the fates decreeing her his mate rather than him picking her to be his.
Bastard.
Did he really think she was stupid enough not to notice his slight against her?
This is why you need to get out of Grace Hill. You need to get away from him.
His hand tightened on her thigh stopping her from going anywhere. Biting down on her lip she glanced at Layla. Her friend offered her a soft smile, which was no comfort to her at all.
The feast started as all the pack dived in. Elle stared at the humans wishing she was there. They kept turning to look at her. Some of the humans sneered while others offered her a smile.
“You’re not eating,” Brandon said.
She picked her fork up and started nibbling on the food that appeared on her plate. Brandon must have placed food on her plate when she’d been looking at her kind. Keeping her bitten wrist under the table she ate little food even though the wolves kept filling their plates. They were known for their appetites.
Music filled the air, and couples started dancing. She watched as Layla declined a couple of partners. This was their first feast, and her friend was alone. Pushing her chair back, Elle made for her friend.
“Where are you going?” Brandon asked. His hand shot out halting her from moving. Glancing down at the arm that stopped her, she swallowed past the lump that formed in her throat. “Look at me.”
Quickly, she glanced in his eyes before averting them. “I want to go and dance with my friend. She’s lonely.” Nibbling her lips she waited for him to release her.
“Lewis, go and dance with Layla.”
The other man went without argument. Brandon took her hand leading toward the area of the town where couples were dancing. The tables were being packed away by both humans and wolves.
Brandon’s arms were wrapped around her as they made it onto the dance floor. She got a chance to see Layla in Lewis’s arms before her vision was blocked by a hard muscled chest. At least he’d worn a shirt this time. The tribal tattoos were still visible on his arms.
“Why are you so tense in my arms?” he asked.
His voice caressed her neck. She shivered as the pleasure ran over her from his closeness. Her mind didn’t want him whereas her body did. Her nipples tightened, and heat flooded her panties.
“I’m not used to dancing with men,” she said, answering him honestly.
He stroked her hair. “Your hair is too short.”
She frowned. “It’ll grow.”
Why are you trying to appease him?
“Do you feel it, Elle?” he asked.
“Feel what?”
“Our connection.”
Elle didn’t know what to say and kept silent. She didn’t know if he was a violent man or not.
He’s a wolf. Of course he’s violent.
Why did this have to happen to me?
Chapter Six
Elle’s soft body melted against his. Brandon stroked her hair enjoying the feel of the soft locks running through his fingers. Her tits were pressed to his chest. His cock thickened in response to her innocent scent plaguing him. All he wanted to do was push her against the nearest tree and fuck her hard. He’d make her come on his cock then take her with his tongue. There was so much he wanted to do with her. Instead, he held himself back.
She was skittish around him. He couldn’t get her to look him in the eye for longer than a few seconds. Staring across her shoulder he watched Lewis dancing with her friend. If he needed to he’d get Lewis to dance with Layla all night long.
Having Elle in his arms was indescribable.
“How was your run?” she asked.
Brandon stared down at her to see her head resting against his chest. “It was good,” he said.
“Do you hunt things?”
“Sometimes but not tonight as we ran for the power of the full moon.”
Staring up at the full moon he relished the energy coursing through his body from the bright globe in the sky.
“What’s it like, hunting things?” she asked. Her voice was so small he thought he’d imagined her speak. She stared up at him waiting.
“I don’t think discussing hunting with you would be good.”
“Why?”
“Well, we’ve hunted deer, rabbits, and other things,” he said.
“You’re right. I don’t want to know.”
He chuckled. The song changed tempo to an upbeat song. Brandon twirled her around then pulled her close. She giggled.
Her gaze still remained on his chest. Hearing her laughter was an improvement. He didn’t want to let her go. Dancing with her felt right.
Raymond signalled to him from the edge of the dance floor. Slowing down the dancing, he edged toward Layla.
Lewis looked up at him as he approached. “We’re needed,” Brandon said.
Cupping Elle’s face he dropped a kiss to her forehead. She glanced into his eyes then turned to look at Layla.
“Don’t leave the square, and only dance with Layla,” he said.
She nodded. Lewis followed him off the dance floor.
“Elle doesn’t look at you in the eye, does she?” Lewis asked.
Brandon stopped turning to his friend. “No, she doesn’t. Do you know anything about that?”
“No, but I can ask Layla. She’s attracted to me.” Lewis smirked.
“She’s not your mate?” Brandon asked as Darcy and Drake joined them.
“No, she’s not my mate. I’m attracted to her, and she’s attracted to me; but there is nothing holding us together. There is no attraction like you felt,” Lewis said.
“Everyone’s mating but me.” Drake pouted.
“Why are we cutting away from the celebrations?” Darcy asked.
Staring between his three friends, Brandon felt relieved to know he’d picked the best kind of men to surround him as alpha. Drake was playful while Darcy was down to business. Lewis was a balanced act of calm and business. All four of them made a powerful force to reckon with.
He moved toward Raymond. The other man bowed his head. “I wanted you to see the lodgings that would house your guests in the coming weeks.”
All four men followed Raymond Smith. The lodgings were far enough from the town surrounded by trees to obscure it from the village. No human would go this far out of town unless they had a death wish.
The rivers and lakes were along the opposite side.
Raymond handed the key to him. “This property is yours. You’ll need to invite the vampires in as they can’t trespass on named property.”
“You’ve been doing your research,” Darcy said.
“I came to Grace Hill to get away from the city and to also explore what I’d witnessed. The creatures that go bump in the night fascinate me. I wish to extend all
my knowledge to you and to my alpha,” Raymond said.
Vivian had been mind-fucked by a vampire. She’d invited the vampire into their home, where he’d almost killed her and Elle. Brandon tightened his hands into fists as the past threat on his mate fully struck his mind. Raymond had gotten lucky and taken the bastard down who’d drained Vivian to the point of death and almost killed his daughter.
Darcy was the one responsible for accepting new families and answering the calls of the humans. Their connections with the witches meant Darcy made sure to wipe the memory of Elle and her mother. Being drained to the point of death can affect humans’ minds as they are weak. His men didn’t want to take any chances on the family being brought to Grace Hill. Brandon hadn’t paid much attention when Darcy had explained about the new human family joining their town five years ago. He’d be getting the whole story later tonight. Any threat against his mate was a threat to him.
Opening the door, Brandon entered the luxurious lodgings.
“There is plenty of space for the witches and warlocks. The bears have the rooms with the large doors. I did some reading about the bears, and they’re not known for their control during the change. I made sure to accommodate that,” Raymond said.
Brandon moved through each room feeling his men follow behind him.
“The, erm, vampires will have their rooms in the basement. I’ve also made sure to have a cross nailed on every door in the town. Through my readings I’ve discovered some old vampires don’t require an invitation, but a cross should do the trick.”
Brandon nodded. He patted the man on the back. “I know you fear the vampires. This meeting is essential to all our kind. Every year we meet, and it has been like this for many years.” The meeting talked about important Otherworld business, including the uprising of other paranormal groups. Brandon wasn’t the only alpha in the world. His pack was protected because of the deals he’d made with warlocks and witches. Other packs were not as lucky.
“I trust your judgement,” Raymond said.
****
“You’re not enjoying yourself,” Layla said.
Elle smiled at her friend. “It’s kind of hard to enjoy yourself when half the pack is glaring at you.”
She’d noticed the way the men were assessing her, and the women were sneering at her. Their gazes let her know they didn’t approve of her as his choice of mate.
Why me? Why did he have to pick me?
“It doesn’t matter what they think or feel. You’re his mate. Nothing anyone does is going to change that.”
Layla kept her arms around Elle.
Holding onto her hands, she moved them away from her. “I’m not ready for this. I’m going to help pack away the tables.”
“You shouldn’t leave the floor. Brandon told you not to.”
“Dancing is not helping my situation.” She gave Layla a quick hug before heading toward the last couple of tables.
Ignoring the stares, she grabbed the pots and took them through to the appropriate houses. She smiled at the families as she handed them their pots back.
On her third trip back to the table she was stopped by a thin woman with her arms folded underneath her small breasts.
“Excuse me,” Elle said.
“Why the fuck should I excuse you, human?”
Staring up at the woman, Elle saw she wasn’t human. The way her eyes changed as she glanced at her was enough for Elle.
“I’m trying to help pack away the feast.”
She made to go ‘round. The woman wrapped her fingers around Elle’s arm, squeezing the flesh.
“You shouldn’t be his mate. You’re nothing but a fat little bitch.”
Fighting back the tears, Elle stared at the ground waiting for the woman to let her go. She’d never been on the receiving end of such animosity before.
Biting her lip, she kept her mouth shut.
“I should be by his side, not you. I’m the one who’s been sharing his bed and keeping his needs in check. Brandon demands satisfaction, Elle.”
Her name was spoken as if it was a dirty word.
“Lori, leave her alone,” Daisy said.
The woman, Lori, let her go.
“This isn’t over,” Lori said.
“It is now.” The two wolves stared at each other. Lori stormed off without another word. “I never liked that girl. She’s a slut and a fucking pain in my side.” Daisy wrapped an arm around Elle’s waist. “Lori thinks because she’s a spring chicken she’s the top of the food chain. Regardless of what people think I can still take the bitch and relish the day I can.”
Elle laughed. The thought of Daisy fighting was amusing. Daisy wasn’t an old woman. She looked in her late forties, but from what Elle knew about aging, Daisy was probably nearing a hundred. Elle never asked the other woman her true age. She’d been brought up believing it was rude to ask.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Any time, dear. Lori has been looking to get her teeth sunk into the alpha for some time. I don’t like it. I never have, and I refuse to let her think she’s more than she is. She’s a bitch. I know that. She knows that, and now Brandon knows it.”
Daisy took her hand moving her toward a set of chairs. “This is your first feast?”
Elle nodded.
“How are you finding it?” Daisy asked.
“It’s different and certainly not boring.” She pointed toward the pack members who were pointing at her. Until Brandon had pulled her out of the crowd, no one cared about her presence whereas now, she was top of the gossip columns.
“Wait until the other sectors get here. Vampires and wolves have never mingled well. Nor witches and warlocks. When we’re all together, it’ll be a hoot.”
Elle laughed. “It sounds interesting.”
Daisy scented the air. “Humans are closing in.”
“How do you know?” Elle looked around.
“Don’t worry about it, dear. Darcy will keep an eye on them. They smell like frat boys passing through. They’ll be here tomorrow or in a couple of days depending on their speed. That’s why I got the diner. I’ve got the best nose in the pack.” Daisy tapped her nose.
Chuckling, Elle glanced out at the dance floor. Layla was dancing with a human male. Her friend deserved so much happiness.
“Lewis is not her mate,” Daisy said, cutting into her thoughts.
“I know. He doesn’t behave like Brandon does around me. I met him when I was sixteen. Why didn’t his mating sense come on then?” Elle asked.
“We’re magical beings, Elle, but our wolves seem to sense the right age for mating. I’ve not heard of many couples mating before the twenty-first birthday. It’s a significant birthday for many. You’ll have to ask Brandon why.”
Nodding, she glanced out at the dance floor feeling tired. “I’m going to go to bed.”
“Okay, dear. I’m going to stay some more. Enjoy your sleep.”
Elle smiled down at her then made her way into her home. Her mother was staring at the window of the kitchen. She looked a little spaced as Elle touched her neck. “Are you okay, Mom?” Elle asked.
Vivian jumped. “Elle, you scared me.”
“Are you okay?” Elle asked again.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Tired. I’m sure all those spices have gone to my head.” Vivian dried her hands then moved toward her. “I know you’re scared about Brandon. He seems like a good man. I love you, honey.”
Her mother kissed her head.
“Good night, Mom.”
She turned her back and started up the stairs. Frowning, she walked down the stairs to glance at her mother. Vivian had gone back to the window. The shirt she’d been wearing was pulled down exposing her neck. She prodded her neck as she stared at her reflection.
Shrugging her shoulders, Elle walked up to her room. She couldn’t think of her mother’s strange reaction.
Removing her clothes, Elle placed on her large night shirt and climbed under the covers. The window to her room was open, an
d a cool breeze settled over her.
Chapter Seven
Brandon stared down at his mate. When he’d returned to the party to find her missing he’d panicked. His first thought had been someone had taken her. He wasn’t well liked amongst his kind. They could easily destroy him by taking his mate. Daisy appeared by his side as if he’d thought her up.
“Elle went home. She looked tired. You’ve got a lot of work cut out with her,” Daisy said.
“Thanks.”
Daisy lingered as he watched Layla disappear into her own home. The humans were leaving the pack for the rest of the night. A couple of the women who liked to sleep with wolves lingered whereas many had disappeared. This was where the party got a little frisky. For many months he’d taken Lori during the full moon. His beast was in full force. Sex, blood, and food were the only sustenance that could calm him.
“What else, Daisy?” he asked, wanting to be with his mate.
“You need to keep Elle protected. The pack may have bowed down to your orders today, but I doubt that will last long as they test her.”
“No one will test her.”
“It’s the pack’s way, Brandon. She’s going to have a struggle over the next few weeks. Prepare her, or face the consequences,” Daisy said, moving away.
Shaking his head in annoyance, Brandon made his way toward Elle’s house.
He walked into the house and to the kitchen. Raymond was muttering to his wife as she cried. Tears poured out of her eyes as he quietened her down. Brandon frowned, staring at the scene before him.
Vivian closed her eyes. Raymond picked her up.
“Will you wait for me?” Raymond asked.
Brandon nodded. He closed his eyes and scented Elle in the house. Tonight and for the rest of their lives he’d be joining her.
Raymond came down several minutes later.
“What’s going on?” Brandon asked, wanting to get to his mate.
“When I came in Vivian was scratching her neck and staring at her reflection as if she saw something else.”
He frowned, and then Brandon remembered he needed to talk with Darcy.
