Alpha's Mate

by Moya Block, Caryn

  Chapter Seven

  Was following Dmitry into the wilds of Siberia, really the right thing to do? Violet wondered, as she finished tying the laces on her brown hiking boots. The private plane belonging to Dmitry’s people was preparing to land. She glanced around at the leather seats and warm colors. She wasn’t used to such luxury. What would Dmitry’s house look like? Did he live on a big estate?

  She looked out the window. The large city of Yakutsk lay spread out below. There was a long river nearby, and Violet remembered it to be the Lena River. She was really glad to be here in the summer. Siberia in the winter could be brutal. Summer weather averaged around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, though they recorded highs in the 90's. The days were also longer with the sun coming up around 4 in the morning and going down around 11 at night.

  Dmitry said it was near 7pm. local time, so Violet changed the time on her watch. She hoped the final hike into where ever they were going wouldn't be too far. She didn't relish carrying her camera bag, and her suitcase, a long distance. So she moved her toiletry bag, underwear, and a change of clothes into her camera bag. She could leave her suitcase behind, with her equipment, and carry the camera bag in, if needed. Violet hiked into places before, but never someone's home. She wondered again what she was getting into?

  The plane landed smoothly, with barely a bump. Kolya opened the door and started giving orders to the ground crew. When Anton started to walk past, Violet stopped him and asked about the suitcase. He suggested they take it in the vehicle and then lock it in. One of the guys could hike out in a couple of days to get it. Anton went outside, and she was left waiting for Dmitry, who was changing in the bathroom.

  Violet didn't know why she felt so nervous. She was a nice person. Meeting Dmitry’s family wouldn't be so bad. She rubbed her sweaty palms on her khaki pants. She wanted them to like her. She wanted a future with this caring man.

  Dmitry walked out of the bathroom and Violet admired the view. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt that showed off his broad, muscular chest. His hiking boots looked fairly new. She wondered why? Hopefully he wouldn't have problems walking in them. His black hair was slicked back. Violet wanted to run her fingers through it and mess it back up. He looked like a male model. Too bad she didn’t have time to take pictures. She felt a moment of pride in knowing he was her mate. But then she looked down at her old khaki pants and t-shirt. Her wavy hair was already trying to come lose from the braid she put it in. What did this gorgeous man see in her?

  Dmitry swept her into his arms and held her a moment. Violet was glad she didn't have to explain herself. She knew he touched her mind and felt the turmoil inside. Like her, his first response was to comfort. Violet needed his strong arms around her. He made her feel safe and loved.

  “Are you ready, lyubov moya?” he asked quietly.

  “Yes. But, could you hold me a moment longer?”

  “I will hold you forever, Violet.” he murmured in her hair.

  Violet rested for a minute, letting Dmitry hold her safe. He smelled fresh and woodsy. She thought how nice it would be to stay in his arms forever. But she wouldn’t take the coward’s way out. She sighed and pushed against him. “Let's go. It's already getting late.”

  Dmitry didn't say anything. He took her hand and led her from the plane. He picked up her suitcase and put it in the old green four wheel drive truck waiting for them. Violet didn’t have any idea how four of them were going to fit. Next he picked up her camera bag and placed it behind the seat. Then he climbed in and reached down for her. He settled her across his lap and shut the door.

  Violet saw the mischief in his eyes. “You're enjoying this, aren't you?” she accused him.

  “Of course. My beautiful woman on my lap, how can I not enjoy it?”

  Violet didn't try to be mad, she laughed.

  He warned the ride would be uncomfortable. She didn't realize how bad. Anton climbed into the middle. Violet figured he was worse off, because the big stick shift was right between his legs. Then Kolya climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine. The truck rumbled and grumbled, but once it was in gear seemed to drive fine.

  They drove through town heading west. As they hit the outskirts, Kolya stopped and ran into a little sandwich shop. He returned with four sandwiches and four bottles of water. The guys laughed and talked about people, whose names Violet didn't know. She ate her sandwich and drank about half of her water, then settled in for the ride. She draped an arm around Dmitry’s neck, and tried not to let her teeth get rattled out of her head.

  The roads were definitely not in good shape. There were places where the pavement seemed worn away. Violet realized why they needed the big old truck with the huge tires. There were a couple of potholes that looked like they would swallow her Prius back home. She was glad Kolya drove carefully. He didn't try to go flying down the road. Hitting one pothole could break an axle. Dmitry held her carefully, trying to cushion her from being banged around. She looked at her surroundings, enjoying the lush forests, and beautiful wild flowers. She noticed the birds flying in the pristine blue sky, and wished her camera wasn't buried in its case.

  Dmitry looked down at his little mate, and smiled. Four hours into their drive, she finally gave in to fatigue and went to sleep. Anton helped him shift her until she lay cradled against his chest. He was worried to see the dark circles under her eyes. He would need to see she slept more. They were nearing the garage, where they would leave the truck. Kolya would go ahead and warn the pack of their arrival. Anton would help him carry Violet through the woods. He needed her to stay asleep. If she woke up, and they waited for her to walk in, it would take two hours or more. If she slept, he could carry her, using his superior strength and speed. They would be at the Alpha's house in a little over an hour.

  Kolya pulled the truck into the garage. The pack owned the property from here, where the road ended, to the other side of the mountain range. They built the metal building, which housed the truck, to make their trips into the neighboring villages easier.

  Kolya and Anton climbed out. Anton came around to open the door. Dmitry shifted Violet into Anton’s arms so he could climb down. She mumbled in her sleep, but didn’t wake. Kolya was already stripping out of his clothes and folding them on the seat. When he was completely naked, he shifted. Light poured into his body and coalesced. When the light receded and the image cleared, a large wolf with brown markings stood in his place, and promptly ran into the forest.

  Dmitry got Violet's camera bag from behind the seat, and brought it to the door of the garage. He reached out his arms and let Anton place her close to his heart. Then Anton pulled a blanket out and wrapped it around her. Dmitry didn't wait. He knew Anton would lock up the garage, and grab the camera bag. He headed into the forest after Kolya.

  They soon developed a routine. Anton would hold branches away, so Dmitry could carry Violet through. Then Anton would move back in front, to break the trail. Night finally came to Siberia, but with their wolf senses, they could see clearly day or night.

  Twice Violet started to awake, and Dmitry gave her mind a little push to go back to sleep. He hoped she wouldn't realize what he did. He knew she wouldn't like it.

  They were more than halfway home, when they started to draw attention. A large gray wolf, with new flesh on his shoulder, walked up on one side. Then a wolf with reddish markings came up on the other side. When they finally reached the clearing, in front of the large log home, more wolves were coming in from all sides. Dmitry didn't stop. He followed Anton up the steps, onto the covered porch, and into the house.

  He smiled when he saw his sister, Alena, sitting in Kolya's lap, kissing him. His best friend and little sister deserved their happiness. He moved up the stairs and into his bedroom. Anton, still following him, pulled down the covers on the bed and turned on the light. Then he put Violet's camera bag on the table where she would see it in the morning. Dmitry laid her down gently, and reached to untie the laces on her boots.

&
nbsp; “Want me to help?” asked Anton quietly, with a big smile on his face.

  “Go away, puppy. I'll be down as soon as she is safe in bed.” Dmitry whispered to him. Anton left quietly and closed the door behind him.

  Dmitry worked quickly and soon Violet's clothes were off. He undid the tie on her hair, before he covered her up, and kissed her gently.

  Sleep, lyubov moya. I will return to you as soon as I have greeted my pack.

  Violet stirred, and Dmitry heard his name whispered, as she settled back into sleep.

  He stood a moment looking down at her, when he felt the air move behind him. He turned around to see his mother, Yelena, watching from the door. He walked over and ushered her from the room. Then he closed the door quietly. Dmitry turned and swept his mother into a hug. She chuckled, as he carried her downstairs to the living room.

  “Welcome home, my son.” she said giving him a kiss. “You have found your mate.” she added. Dmitry noticed it wasn't a question, but a statement.

  “Yes, her name is Violet. The last two days have been hard on her. I want her to sleep.”

  “Of course.” said his mother, smiling.

  Just then, the front door opened, and a large silver wolf strode in. As he walked towards Dmitry, he shifted. Light poured into the wolf, and then Vikenti, Dmitry’s father, stood naked before them. Dmitry felt love swell up for his father. He knew in 30 years, he would look like his father did now.

  A large, newly healed slash was apparent on his father’s left shoulder. Dmitry frowned when he realized it was from the fight to save Alena. Lenka and his followers would need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Yelena handed her husband a pair of pants, and then gave him a pinch on his bottom. He jumped and scowled sternly at his wife, but everyone could see the love shining in his blue eyes.

  Vikenti reached out and grabbed both his wife and oldest son in a three way hug. “Welcome home, son. Who is the little human you carried in?” asked Vikenti.

  “My mate, father. I met her in Moscow, several days ago.” Dmitry smiled.

  “Your mate is a human? Well I'll be! This could be good news for the pack, son.”

  “She doesn't know about the wolf spirits yet.” said Anton joining in the group hug. “It's good to be home, I missed you.”

  “Even when you have been clubbing, every night, and helping Ivan?” asked Yelena

  “Trying not to get shot takes the fun out of it, Mama.”

  “But the golden cord is there? She is a true mate?” Vikenti asked

  “Of course, father. I wouldn't have presented her, as such without it.”

  “No, you wouldn't,” remarked Vikenti, finally releasing his family and slapping Dmitry on the shoulder. “Congratulations son. Now....” said Vikenti walking up to the couch, and scowling down at Alena and Kolya, still kissing. “Nikolai, when are you going to do right by my daughter?” Vikenti demanded.

  Kolya looked up and gulped. “With your permission, sir, how about immediately?”

  “It's about time, you rascal, now off with you.”

  Kolya stood up, Alena wrapped in his arms. “Kolya, I want you here. Take the room next to mine upstairs.” Dmitry advised.

  “As you wish, Alpha” Kolya fled upstairs with a giggling Alena.

  “Are you expecting trouble, son?”

  “No, being cautious. Trouble has already found us. I am going out to see the pack. I won't be long. If Violet should wake, please be gentle with her. And father, no more walking around naked.”

  “Yes, Alpha.” Vikenti sing-songed. Dmitry shook his head and walked into the night.

  Vikenti turned to Yelena. “What do you think lyubov moya?”

  “I think he loves her dearly, and yes, the bond is there. I saw it myself. She could be the pack's salvation, or its demise. It is too soon to tell. But without her there is no Dmitry, so we better make sure she is welcomed and supported.”

  “Hmm, I see your point. Then let us welcome her and see if she is worthy of our Alpha.” said Vikenti wrapping his arms around his wife and dragging her close for a kiss.

  “You are incorrigible,” Yelena sighed.

  Chapter Eight

  Wolves surrounded Dmitry, each one trying to get close to him. Glowing light surrounded a few. Then naked men and women stood amongst the pack, patting him on the shoulder, or stroking his arm. Dmitry heard greetings out loud and in his mind, as he tried to touch each wolf and person in turn. These were his people, his pack.

  “Thank you for your welcome. It is good to be home.” Dmitry assured them all, sending a wave of affection with his telepathy.

  One young pup jumped at his hand, barking and fussing. Dmitry leaned down to pick him up. The puppy wiggled and squirmed, then put its paws on his shoulders, and licked Dmitry’s face with abandon.

  “Look how you have grown, Illarion. Where is your mother?” he chuckled as he held the pup gently. A wolf shifted, near the back, into a beautiful woman with long blond hair. She walked through the crowd and took the puppy from Dmitry’s arms.

  “Fanya, you are well? How is Andrei?” asked Dmitry fondly.

  “He is well, Alpha. He is on patrol.”

  “Illarion grows so fast, how old is he now?” asked Dmitry, still petting the puppy in her arms.

  “He is five, Alpha.” Fanya answered blushing and turning her head.

  Dmitry could sense many in the pack had questions, but he didn't have answers for them yet. It was enough to be home. The answers would come.

  “I will need to speak to Sergei, and Grigori, immediately. The rest of you, go back to your homes and duties. We will visit on the morrow.”

  Dmitry watched as the wolves and people slowly wandered off, until only two large wolves remained. He recognized them immediately as Sergei and Grigori, two of his strongest wolves, Alphas in their own right.

  “Come into the house, my friends, we need to talk.” Dmitry turned and headed into the house. He knew his friends would follow him.

  Dmitry walked into the house and pulled out drawstring pants, setting them on the couch, as two naked men walked into the door. Nakedness was part of shifting, and didn’t mean anything in the pack. Dmitry looked at his friends, and felt sorrow. These two men pledged their support and love to him, long before he became their Alpha. It would be hard for him to send them away. But there were no mates here for them. He might not have a choice.

  “It is good you are back, Dmitry. We have a problem.” Sergei said looking worried.

  Sergei was tall and well-muscled, his blond hair so light it was close to white and his eyes were a gray so bright they looked like silver. When he shifted, he turned into a wolf with markings so light he appeared all white. They grew up together, Dmitry, Nikolai and Sergei. When they were young, the pack found them inseparable.

  “Several members of the pack are causing unrest. It will need to be dealt with.” said Grigori looking stern.

  Grigori was five years older than Dmitry. He was slightly shorter and stockier than Dmitry and Sergei. His hair was dark brown and he, like the other males of the pack, was well muscled. When he shifted, he turned into a large silver and grey wolf with sprinklings of mahogany in his grey markings.

  Dmitry remembered how he and his friends idolized Grigori, following him around and getting in the way. He was always patient with them, and taught them how to hunt and how to survive in the wilderness. He became their mentor, and Dmitry loved him like an older brother.

  “Tell me.” Dmitry sighed.

  “It is Lenka, he and Fyodor were the ones asking for Alena. They are spreading rumors saying Fyodor was murdered. He leads his little brother, Pavel, and his friend, Igorek. I think his brother is trapped into doing what he says. Pavel is not an Alpha, he is small and timid.”

  “Since Fyodor was killed, Lenka has been talking against you. He says you are unfairly giving your sister to Nikolai, and you are unfit to lead us.” Sergei added.

  “Does he think to challenge me?” asked Dmitry growling
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  “He is not strong enough for a challenge. He would rather stab you in the back.” answered Grigori. “You must be careful, Dmitry. He is not to be trusted.”

  “Are the people listening to him?” asked Dmitry incredulously.

  “I do not know, but there is the concern over the lack of mates. Many of the elders fear we are on the road to extinction. They look to you for the answer.”

  “What do they expect me to do, conjure mates out of thin air? Our women need to have more children. There are only four little ones, all boys. I am not a miracle worker, Grigori.”

  “You must give them hope, Alpha. You brought a human woman with you. Why?”

  “She is my mate. I found her in Moscow, but she is an American and telepathic.”

  “Then you bring hope with you.” said Sergei thoughtfully.

  “Or more ammunition, for Lenka, to tear the pack apart.” sighed Dmitry. “It is late, we will talk more tomorrow. Go now and watch yourselves.”

  Dmitry watched the men turn to go and saw the open claw marks ripping Sergei's back. He grabbed his friends arm and hissed with displeasure.

  “Your wounds are leaking, Sergei, you are not taking care of yourself. Yelena!” Dmitry shouted. The wounds should have healed completely after shifting. They must be infected or contain some foreign matter the body was trying to expel. ”Sit, Sergei, this will be taken care of now. Grigori check on the guards and put someone else on Sergei's detail, he will be staying here tonight.”

  “It will be my pleasure, Alpha,” said Grigori as he smirked at Sergei. “This young pup wouldn't listen to my good advice, to rest and heal.” Grigori stepped out of the pants and shifted back into a wolf. Dmitry opened the door, and Grigori disappeared outside.

  Yelena came running in, buttoning her shirt, her hair mused. She took one look at Sergei's back and threw her hands into the air.

  “I told you if there was pain to return to me, now I must doctor you anew. Go to bed Dimka. This will take time. You look dead on your feet.”