Married to the Wolf

by Tressie Lockwood

  “I’ve been thinking about it,” he said. “I’m guessing Jack was all too happy for you to come back to me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because he wanted to stir up unrest. My people were already questioning my decision to marry you. Many still don’t believe you are my true mate. They think it’s impossible with a human.”

  Her stomach tightened. She knew where he was going with this, and she didn’t like it. “You’re saying he expected me to run my mouth and be my typical self, which would cause everybody to doubt you even more.”

  “No, sweetheart.” There wasn’t an ounce of truth to his tone, and she burst into tears. Sebastian thrust the tray aside and dragged her onto his lap. Good thing their bed was king sized, and there was room for all the dishes to go.

  She buried her face in his chest and tried to calm down, but it did no good. Shaking took hold, and the sobs refused to stop. Sebastian squeezed her tighter and stroked her hair. He whispered sweet words of comfort that broke her heart all the more.

  After a long while, she was able to lift her head and wipe her face. “I’m not pretending to feel okay about you and your people, but it’s not right. It’s no more right to kill shifters than it is to kill humans.”

  “Shh, baby, I told you he’s not going to hurt anyone. He wants to be alpha and lead them.”

  “I know, but I wanted to make it plain. I see some of you like Belle and Katie. I can’t believe they deserve anything other than to live their lives. Sebastian, tell me he lied about there being hunters. They don’t exist, do they?”

  “Unfortunately, they do.”

  “Couldn’t you have lied to me? So, it’s serious. I have to be protected. Someone could try to use me to get to you?”

  He grinned as if to say he’d been saying it all along, and she just got it. “Yes.”

  “All right. Let’s do it. Give me my Guard. Maybe even Ava if you’re sure she won’t sabotage me. I mean if she kills me that means you’re mateless and free to marry anyone you choose, right?”

  His countenance fell. “No, normally we stay alone if we lose our mate. Our life from then on is one of sadness and pain.”

  “But Belle said her mate was killed.”

  He nodded but said no more, and she thought about the woman. If anyone was unhappy it was her. She had elected to remarry, but it hadn’t done a thing for her disposition. Sophia wondered if there was any way to help her.

  “Come on then.” Sebastian climbed out of bed and held his hand toward her. “We’ll call everyone together right now and choose your Guard.”

  She gave him her hand, and his gaze slipped down over her form.

  “We’re not dressed,” she said.

  “I figured we’d shower together first.”

  She rolled her eyes. “So you’re talking this afternoon for the meeting?”

  He chuckled. “Okay, yes, after I’ve sated my desires with your body.”

  “You’ve forgotten how you wore me out last night. I’m sore as hell. I don’t know what cosmic whatever made me your mate, but it should have known I couldn’t keep up with your desires .”

  “Don’t worry. I have a few secrets to share with you. You will be able to please me, and I’ll satisfy you as well.”

  “Something tells me you’re talking about sexual secrets and not shifter ones.”

  “Come and see.”

  “That’s an interesting comb,” Ava commented.

  Sophia glanced over at her in surprise and then focused again on the vintage bridal hair comb with pearl and diamond accents. “Yes, Sebastian loves when I wear it. I think it’s just that he likes when I put my hair up and he can get to my neck.”

  Ava frowned. Sophia had forgotten they weren’t friends. They were trying though, and her new Guard was doing a bang up job so far. Sophia could actually leave the house without Sebastian’s escort. She already felt freer, which was crazy considering she had three women around her at all times.

  She tucked her favorite hair ornament into place and patted her hair. As usual, she looked at it feeling both sadness and comfort. “My dad gave me this comb on his deathbed. He said it belonged to my grandmother. I guess you could call it a family heirloom. I don’t wear it because it reminds me of him. I wear it because it reminds me of him.”

  Ava, who sported a dark pants suit and looked amazing in it, pushed off the wall to approach her. “I can understand treasuring family.”

  Sophia stood. She was ready and couldn’t think of any other reason to delay. “I’m seeing that now. You guys are all close. It’s amazing really, and I get why a lot of you are concerned about me. Hopefully, tonight will change everything. I’ll gain everyone’s confidence.”

  Ava rolled here eyes. “Doubtful. You say whatever pops into your head, and you don’t respect Sebastian enough.”

  Sophia laughed and didn’t take offense. “Says the woman who does the same—I mean except for the respect part ’cause you got the scraping and bowing down.”

  Her Guard bristled with indignation, which amused Sophia because they both knew it was true. With no nonsense Ava approached the door and opened it. She stepped into the hall and waited for Sophia. The other two women leaned against the wall while they waited, but when Sophia appeared, they snapped to attention.

  These two women she knew were twin sisters, both Amazonian-looking and amazingly beautiful with their dark luxurious hair. If they weren’t so tall and fit with defined arm muscles and fast fists—they had demonstrated when interviewing for the job—she might have thought they were gypsies. Diana and Darla were silent most of the time but vigilant in watching over her.

  “When we get to the car,” Ava announced, “I’ll ride in the back seat on the right with Sophia in the middle. Diana, you’re on the left, Darla in front. At the party, one in front, one behind. I’ll walk beside her.”

  The women nodded. Sophia learned to let them do their thing. Her life would be simpler, and Ava wouldn’t go whining to Sebastian about Sophia not following advice. What made Sophia start to think differently about everything was what Ava had said to her during one of their arguments.

  “You’re human!” she said. “You will always be human. Weak and frail, you are a liability to Sebastian, but you are his mate. At least honor him and let us do our job protecting you!”

  Honor, she’d said, but Sophia saw it another way. She didn’t want to hold Sebastian down because she loved him with all her heart. When she was more used to this new life and things settled down a bit, maybe she would do something about being “weak” and “frail.” That damn Ava needed to watch her mouth.

  The party was in full sway by the time Sophia made her appearance. The main hall of the venue was an expansive room with gleaming hardwood floors and high ceilings. While there was plenty of floor space for dancing and a live band on a raised stage, all over the room were tables covered in white tablecloths with elegant place settings and cloth napkins. Sheer white banners lined with white lights were suspended from the ceiling and converged in the center surrounding an elaborate chandelier. At intervals along the walls, lilac-colored lights gave the room even more atmosphere.

  Sophia paused in the doorway, a little daunted when all eyes swiveled in her direction. Several conversations died down but not all, thank goodness. This was nerve-wracking enough.

  She had asked that all classes of shifters be allowed to attend since she wanted to coax acceptance from them. Across the room, she spotted her husband. He’d come to the party separately, also at her insistence. If she kept hiding behind Sebastian nothing would change.

  “Sophia, you look ravishing.”

  She spun around in surprise to find none other than her brother-in-law. “Jack, what the hell are you doing here? I’m surprised you feel bold enough to show your face.”

  He grinned. “All’s fair in love and war, right?”

  “No.”

  He reached for her hand but jerked his head and winced in pain instead. The man looked like he w
as having a seizure. She took a step closer to him, but he backed away, almost falling over another guest.

  She frowned at him. “Are you okay, Jack?”

  “I’m fine!” He didn’t look at her but at Sebastian, and she figured out what happened.

  “Did he do something to you from across the room?”

  “No.” It was an obvious lie. He smoothed his hair and scuttled away.

  Sophia didn’t feel sorry for him in the least. She moved on as well and found a small group of people near the punch bowl. Belle was among them.

  “Hello, everyone,” she said. “I’m Sophia. A couple of you I’ve met, but some I don’t know. You are?”

  They shifted from one foot to the other nervously, but none were so rude as to not speak. Three women and three men were amidst the group. Two of the couples were no doubt mated. Sophia could tell from the way they stood close to each other, so aware and considerate of their mate. The oddballs were Belle and her husband. He seemed determined to grab her all the time as if to assure himself she was still with him. She on the other hand was resolute to keep her distance. She didn’t look at Sophia when Sophia spoke, and neither did she speak.

  “Dance with me, Belle,” Sophia said.

  The woman’s gaze shot to hers. “But I’m a woman.”

  Sophia shrugged. “It’s a fast beat. Women do it all the time when they’re trying to avoid men. Besides, my Guard’s going to be on the floor with us. Might as well make it a girl’s group.”

  Before Belle could make any more excuses, Sophia took her hand and pulled her out to the floor. She signaled one of the musicians to crank it up, and the walls vibrated with the sounds. No one appeared to cringe in pain, so she figured it was okay.

  The group of them commandeered the space in the middle of the floor, and Sophia moved to the beat. She suppressed a laugh to find neither of the white women moved well. Actually, Ava didn’t even pretend to dance. She stood like a sentinel near Sophia. The D twins swayed well to the music.

  Didn’t I say they’re gypsies?

  Sophia cut straight to the chase. “Belle, you’re not happy, are you?”

  Her eyes widened, and she looked around rather than face Sophia. Sophia grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Belle pulled away and backed up a step.

  “Listen, I’m not accusing you. I’m concerned. I’m a great listener if you want to talk.” Sophia gestured. “It doesn’t have to be here. We can meet for lunch or something. Heck, I’m sure we can find a spot in this huge building where we won’t be overheard.”

  She gave Sophia a look that said, “Are you serious?” Was their hearing that good, or did she feel Sophia had no business getting into her business? Convincing the woman to open up seemed like it would be a task, but hell, being the wife of these people’s leader probably meant she had certain responsibilities of her own. If she was going to stay with Sebastian and give her marriage a chance, she had to embrace his people.

  Belle continued to look around while Sophia tried to think of something to convince her. She chewed her thumbnail and then to Sophia’s surprise, she moved closer. “I hate him,” she whispered. “He hits me.”

  Sophia gasped. “Then he needs to draw back nubs when he raises his hand against you. You said you have a child. Your baby doesn’t need to be raised in that kind of environment. That bastard doesn’t hit your son, does he?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “There are programs that can help a woman escape an abusive relationship.” Sophia recalled whom she spoke with. Maybe shifters were hesitant or prevented in some way of taking advantage of human services. Weird. She’d never thought of the term human services as being about humans. “Sebastian can help if it’s about money. He said there’s a fund for all of you. Maybe he can increase your portion just until you get on your feet.”

  Belle glared. “The alpha won’t help.”

  Sophia glanced over her shoulder. At that moment her husband was speaking with two other men, one being Belle’s husband. Sebastian’s sensual gaze touched hers, and she wondered if he heard every word they spoke even over all the noise. His expression gave nothing away.

  Can you read my mind?

  He didn’t react, so she focused on Belle again. “Why do you say that? From what I’ve seen, Sebastian is fanatical about helping his people. I would think he’d be your biggest supporter, and if I’m wrong trust and believe he’ll hear from me.”

  Belle’s expression turned bitter. “I know he won’t help. He only cares about families, not single people. He doesn’t like any of us to remain single because all he wants is for us to make more babies. Don’t you know that’s why we have these parties?”

  Her level of anger took Sophia aback. “I’m pretty sure the party is to introduce me to everyone.”

  Belle sniffed in disgust. “There are wolf shifters here from other areas, not just Savannah. You wouldn’t be able to tell.”

  Sophia scanned the room. She was right. They all looked human to her. Heck, even the various voices carried the southern twang. She supposed they could be from other southern states, but then she hadn’t yet worked the room to meet everyone.

  “Sebastian invites packs from other areas, ones we are in allegiance with in the hopes some of us will find our mates. Hence, the pack will grow.”

  “Okay, but then there’s a chance the couple will go with the other group, right?”

  She sneered. “Sebastian is the most powerful wolf on the east coast and arguably the entire south. None of the other alphas would dare challenge him if he decides he wants all new couples.”

  “Now you’re making it sound like none of you are free to do whatever you want. This is America. Anybody can live wherever they like.”

  Belle laughed, a hollow sound. “You don’t know anything. If you want to live outside the control of an alpha, you live as a lone wolf. No one wants that. There is no help if you ever get into trouble. No one will support you. There’s no family, and since you can’t reveal your existence because it would threaten the others, you live isolated. Even if you do decide to do it, you’re monitored.”

  Sophia blinked in surprise. “What do you mean monitored?”

  “Someone is assigned to watch you—forever. One false move, and you’re killed. No questions asked. So, the alternative is to live in a pack, and the alpha’s word is law.”

  Sophia looked toward her husband again. She wondered if everything Belle was saying was true. Did he truly imprison his people or at least make them feel like they couldn’t get away? Would he block them from leaving or prevent another pack from taking in newly formed couples?

  The words Belle spoke sounded foreign to her ears when it came to the Sebastian she knew. Sure, he was dominant—far more dominant than any man she had ever known. He’d sent her to her room like a child the other day and commanded Ava to keep her there. If that wasn’t an example of his control she didn’t know what was. Yet, he’d also put off assigning her Guard until she agreed, and in the end he didn’t force her to take Ava. She’d done so of her own accord.

  Then again, I’m human. What about them, his people?

  She was so tired of questioning him and his character. This should have all been resolved before she said I Do, but she hadn’t had all the facts back then. Sebastian was the love of her life, and it scared her to think he might be a bad guy.

  This time Sebastian had his back to her. When she looked at him he seemed to sense her gaze and turned. He raised a hand as if to indicate she should come to him. She hesitated, but this wasn’t the place to demonstrate her independence. She’d come there tonight to show her allegiance with Sebastian and to put a huge crimp in Jack’s plan to undermine his authority.

  “Belle, I’m going to talk to Sebastian. I know I can convince him to help you, but I don’t think it will take all that. He cares about you just as much as the next shifter.”

  Belle spun away, apparently done with their conversation. Sophia watched her make her way toward
the door. She glanced at the watch on her arm, which she had been doing every so often. Sophia didn’t blame her if she felt the party was just a matchmaking event. Somehow, she would have to get Sebastian to work things out on Belle’s behalf. If he even suggested Belle stay with an abusive spouse, he would regret it.

  She joined her husband, and he skimmed a hand over her waist to her lower back. Chills of delight passed over her body at the spot where he touched. He leaned in and brushed his lips across her cheek, and she breathed in his delicious scent. A combination of aftershave and soap tickled her senses, but she didn’t let it distract her from having a conversation with him.

  “Sebastian,” she began.

  “I know.”

  Her eyes widened. “You know? Then why haven’t you done anything? You better not tell me what she said about you is true.”

  He didn’t respond.

  “Sebastian!”

  He dropped a punishing kiss on her lips in front of everyone. She knew what it meant. Stop arguing because at least those nearest them could hear. Her anger simmered, and she glared up at him ready to speak her mind despite the surroundings. Sebastian wasn’t watching her. His gaze appeared to be slightly out of focus.

  Sophia looked around. Sebastian’s Guard were on high alert, and for that matter so were her Guard. What the heck was going on? She twisted around, still stuck in Sebastian’s hold. Ava was close enough to talk to.

  “What’s going on, Ava?”

  Ava glanced at Sebastian and spoke in a tight-lipped tone. “There’s a familiar scent.”

  “What kind of scent?”

  “Scent eliminator.”

  “Huh?”

  Ava looked down on her with the usual disdain. “They use a scent eliminator, but it only fools lower animal forms.”

  “Who does that?”

  “Hunters.”

  Chapter 9

  One minute the gathering was like any other party with music playing and couples dancing. The next pandemonium ensued. People were shifting into their wolf forms, abandoning clothing. Groups of wolves and people surrounded a couple of men in the room, and Sophia assumed they were the other alphas.