To Love A Wolf (Wolves of Shadow Falls)

by B. K. Walker

  “It has been seen that when the time comes for the next Alpha to step up, he endures dreams from the healthy Alpha he or she is to join. Upon my research, I’ve found that within these dreams, the new-to-be mates get to know each other, tantalizing each other through intimacy and scent. It is on the Full Moon that the transition takes place, the new Alpha transforming for the first time, to be crowned as King. The closer time gets to the Full Moon, it became relevant that not only would the new mates communicate through dreams, but through telepathy during their waking hours as well.

  “To watch the new wolf transform for the first time is devastating, but most never look back as they lead their new pack.”

  Dr. Conley gave so much detail into what I have been looking for. I couldn’t help but get the feeling that it was my father he was talking about. Why else would my dad just disappear with no trace. Mom said he had been acting strangely, this was the only answer.

  I had to contact this doctor and speak to him right away.

  “What are you doing, Cevin?”

  Sam yawned while pouring herself a cup of coffee. I was so into what I was reading, I didn’t hear her come into the kitchen.

  “Did you even get any sleep?” She peered over the rim of her mug at me.

  “I couldn’t sleep. The Full Moon is tomorrow, but I think I finally found someone that may be able to help.”

  “Who is it?” She kissed my cheek as she looked over my shoulder to view the computer screen.

  “This Dr. from Ireland has researched Werewolves. He’s pretty much said the same thing as Sierra, but maybe he can tell me how I can get out of this.” Grabbing her hand, I turned to face her. “She spoke to me last night Sierra.”

  “What do you mean she spoke to you, I thought she only did that in your dreams?”

  As crazy as it sounded to hear her say it out loud, I was thankful she was taking this all in with ease. Sam never really questioned my dreams, or the fact that I had scars on my chest to prove it. It wasn’t until it happened the second time, when she was with me the entire night, finding new scratches on my chest the next day, that I think she really accepted it fully.

  “I thought so too, until it happened. That’s why I had to find out more, and I sat up after you fell asleep, researching until I found this.”

  “There’s the number.” She grabbed the phone.

  It was seven in the morning here, and I had to look to see what the time difference was in Ireland. They were five hours ahead of us, so he may still be available to speak to. I dialed the number, and after adding the code and being connected Internationally, I finally heard a ring on the other end of the line. My heart pounded frantically, the beat drumming in my ears as I waited for someone on the other end to answer. What the hell was taking them so long?

  “Hello? Dr. Conley’s office, this is Bridgette, how may I help you?”

  It struck me odd that she sounded so American. “Hello Bridgette. My name is Dr. Cevin Harpster. I was hoping to speak to Dr. Conley in regards to his research about the wolves.” I didn’t say Werewolves to save from sounding like an idiot should Bridgette not believe in his work, lying about my title, hoping it would give me some leverage.

  “I’m sorry Dr. Harpster, the doctor’s not in at the moment. May I take a message?”

  I started pacing the kitchen while Sam watched with indifference. Just my luck. “Yes you can Bridgette. Please have Dr. Conley call me here in the States at his earliest convenience. It’s of the utmost importance. Thank you, Bridgette.”

  I ended the call after giving her my number, a lump in my throat. I was so close to getting some answers and time was running out. Hopefully he’ll call before the Full Moon rises. Sitting in the chair, I put my face in my hands holding back the tears that wanted to shed.

  “I’m sorry, Cevin.” Sam wrapped her arms around me, rubbing my back and I couldn’t hold it back any longer.

  I cried like any grown man should never cry, until the tears ran dry.

  H

  ours later, the phone ringing was like music to my ears. “Hello?

  “Hello, could I please speak to Dr. Harpster? This is Dr. Conley's office calling.”

  “This is Dr. Harpster.” Heart drumming in my chest, I drew in a steadying breath.

  “Dr. Harpster, this is Bridgette from Dr. Conley's office here in Ireland, we had talked when you called earlier.”

  “Hi Bridgette, thank you for returning my call.”

  “I'm sorry, Dr. Harpster, I'm afraid I have some bad news.”

  For the love of God, what could she possibly have to tell me that would be so bad?

  “Dr. Conley has suffered a severe heart attack and is in the intensive care unit. He sends his apologies, but wanted me to tell you that he recognized your name, and assuming since you're calling about his studies, that you were the one that was lost. He said you'd understand what he was talking about, and that there would be no fighting it.”

  “The one that's lost? I'm afraid I don't understand.”

  “I'm sorry, Dr. Harpster, that is all I know.”

  “Well, is there any way to speak to Dr. Conley?”

  “I'm afraid not. I'm sorry, but he is in critical condition. Only immediate family may see him and there are no phones.”

  Exhaling heavily, “Thank you, Bridgette. I appreciate you calling.”

  “You're welcome. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.”

  “Me too. Thanks again.” We disconnected.

  Sam watched me from across the room, worry evident in her expression.

  “It seems Dr. Conley has suffered a severe heart attack and is in ICU fighting for his life.”

  “Oh, Cevin. I'm so sorry.”

  “That was Bridgette. She had a message, telling me that the good Dr. had some information for me.”

  “Well, what was it?”

  “I'm the lost one. He told Bridgette that I would know what he was talking about, but I have no idea.”

  “Maybe it has something to do with your dad disappearing.”

  “Maybe, but we're no further ahead than we were yesterday.” I slammed my fist on the kitchen table. “What the hell am I going to do? I can't be a wolf, let alone lead some pack! I don't want this!”

  Sam walked toward me, but I held up my hand. The last thing I wanted to do was push her away when I needed her most, I just didn't know how this would all pan out. I needed to think. “I'm going for a walk.”

  Kissing her head after sliding my jacket on, I didn't look at her as I left. I didn't want to see the hurt that I know I'm causing her. I just needed to get away. Crushing pain doubled me over. Falling to my knees, I clutched my shirt, heart pounding against my chest. One hand on the ground to steady myself, I watched as the bones started to rearrange themselves right before my eyes. More excruciating pain, I cried out.

  “Cevin? What's going on?” Sam was kneeling beside me, hand on my back. “Cevin, talk to me.”

  I couldn't speak. The pain was the only thing I could think about, my heart drumming a beat like an Indian Rain Dance, the only thing I could hear. “W...aw” I couldn't spit the words out through the pain. Inhaling deeply, I tried again through gritted teeth. “W...oods.”

  Sam seemed to understand what I was saying, running into the house to grab the car keys. Helping me to the car wasn't easy, as I had to keep stopping to get the pain back down to a dull thud to move again. Shutting the door, Sam raced to the drivers side, fumbling with the keys to start the engine. “What can I do, Cevin?” She asked without looking at me.

  I just shook my head. I didn't want to believe all that I learned, that I was going to be a wolf on the Full Moon, let alone the pain that I was going to inevitably endure. Holding my hand in front of me, I watched in awe as the bones started moving again, like a snake under my skin.

  Sam screamed. “Oh my God, Cevin. What is happening?” She swerved the car, focusing back on the road.

  I knew she saw the bones in my hand and I quickly drew it to
my stomach, clutching it with the other. What was I going to do now? More pain, I cried out between gasps, trying to fit into a fetal position in the small space in the front seat. The Full Moon was tonight, and the effects were already starting.

  Screeching the tires, Sam brought the car to a halt and raced to open the door on my side. Slinging an arm over her shoulders for support, we made our way to the woods behind my parents house. Stopping frequently to work through the pain, it seemed like hours passed by the time we actually made it to the woods. Grabbing the closest tree, bark splinted into pieces as my hands began their transformation, claws breaking through the skin at the ends of my fingertips. I heard Sam scream again, though it sounded muffled in my ears. Thump. Thump. Thump. Heart drumming in my head, the world seemed to go dark around me.

  The smell of musk and earth assaulted my nostrils, a tightening grip on my arms. “Amigo.” The vice-like grip felt like it was going to break my bones. “Amigo. Focus on my voice.”

  My breathing slowed as I listened to this voice talk into my ear, and the woods around me started to become clear again.

  “Amigo. Breathe deep, exhale slowly.”

  I did as the voice told me, my eyes closed tightly.

  “That's it, my friend.”

  As the pain subsided, the grip on my arms loosened, and I dared to open my eyes. Kneeling in front of me was a man of Hispanic descent. His hair was shaved close to his head, his dark eyes boring into my own. My nostrils flared, taking in his scent. He seemed familiar, and I felt my body relax more. Falling back, I leaned against the tree, that moments ago my hand was shredding into splinters. “Who are you?”

  “My name is, Alejandro.” He stared intensely, his accent heavy.

  I understood the message he was sending me, nodding in acknowledgment. He was a member of the pack. If I had any doubt left in my mind, that was now disintegrated, the feeling of comfort this man was providing me. “What is happening to me, Alejandro?”

  The leaves rustling brought my attention back to Sam. I had forgotten she was there, obviously afraid by the look on her face. “Sam.” Tears streamed down her face, Alejandro now looking at her too.

  “Señora , you don't need to be frightened. Come, sit.” He nodded for her to join me on the ground.

  Slowly she moved, clutching my arm as she sat beside me. Looking into her beautiful green eyes, I was lost for a long moment. Our lives were about to change a great deal, was I going to have to let her go? “It's okay, Sam. I'm okay.”

  Laying her head against my shoulder, Alejandro didn't say anything, allowing her time to calm down. Pulling her closer, I kissed the top of her head as I ran my fingers through her hair. “It's okay.”

  Several minutes passed before Alejandro spoke. “It's going to be hard Señor . The first turning is always the hardest. The pain will make you wish you were dead, but it will pass as time goes on.”

  “I don't want this, Alejandro. I didn't ask for this.”

  “Sí . You have no choice. You are our King.”

  “Are you the one I chased the other day?”

  “Sí . Your father was a good man. He knew he was dying, and asked me to keep an eye on you.”

  “My father?”

  Nodding, he settled in like he was going to tell a scary story by the campfire. “Your father was our Alpha for centuries. When he met your mother, he wanted out of the pack, to live a normal life. Our Queen, a jealous woman, evil at times, threatened to take you once you were born, to keep your sire at her side. Richard would have rather died, then to submit you to her antics. He re-joined the pack, leaving your mother to fend for herself. He felt horrible, and when she died giving birth, he slipped into the deepest depression I'd ever seen in my existence. Not a day went by that he didn't come to visit you, always staying in the distance, just to make sure you were okay. He prayed every night that he didn't pass his curse on to you.

  “I knew better, but let him believe it was possible to ease his mind. He was so proud of you, the man you've become. His depression ate his mind though, until it finally took his life.”

  Alejandro waited a few minutes as I took it all in, Sam still clinging to my arm. “That was him in the pictures then. All those birthday pictures, with the man in the background. That was my father?”

  “Sí , Señor.”

  “Why didn't he just come to me?”

  “Josephine, our Queen, threatened to kill you if he left the pack.”

  “Is that the woman in my dreams?”

  “Sí . If she knew I was here now, she would kill me.”

  “Why are you here?”

  “As one of your pack, it is my duty to be at your side. I'm your second in command.” He bowed before me. “Josephine is bad, Cevin. She watches all the time. She knows of your woman.” He pointed to Sam. “She will try to kill her if you refuse to join the pack as our King. She mustn't be here when the moon rises full.” He warned, empathy in his voice.

  “I don't want this.”

  “You have no choice, Señor. It's her life, or yours. Either way, Josephine will have her glory.”

  I was starting to hate the woman from my dreams, this Josephine. I didn't want to be a wolf, lead a damn pack, or lose Sam. I thought of my father and Dr. Conley's research findings. It all made sense now. My dad did it all to protect me. Did he have to endure the torment in his dreams like I've had to?

  “Can we stop her?” I asked, not recognizing my own voice.

  “Death is the only way she can be stopped. That won't happen easily, she's been Alpha for a long, long time. Another Alpha can take her place, but she won't be stopped easily. She's very strong. I just don't see that happening until she has lived her natural life.”

  How much pain has she caused this pack? The defeat in Alejandro's voice left me looking deeper into his soul. At this point, I wished I could read his mind, dig into his memories to see his past.

  “Aw.” The pain started again, this time the bones in my feet starting to shift.

  “Breathe, Amigo. The Full Moon is close. Pain will come more frequently. We must move deeper into the woods.”

  Sam tried helping me get up, struggling to pull me through the pain. Alejandro stepped in and flung me over his shoulder. “You must stay here, girl. It's too dangerous for you.”

  “I'm not leaving him.”

  “You must, Señora. It's for your own safety.”

  Moving quickly, I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye to Sam, not even knowing if I'd ever see her again. Writhing in pain, the trees flashed by as Alejandro carried me deeper and deeper into the woods, moving through brush like it wasn't even there, following paths I had no idea existed. The pain overtook my mind and I felt myself slip into unconsciousness, a fog covering my brain.

  N

  ot sure how long I passed out for, I opened my eyes to find Alejandro building a fire in an open clearing. “It will be over soon.” He spoke softly while adding kindle to the pile. Flicking a lighter, he put the flame to the wood, fire igniting with a roar.

  “Where's Sam?”

  “I told her to stay back. It's for her own safety.”

  “She's my fiance', she has a right to be here.”

  “You don't understand, Amigo.”

  “Understand what, Alejandro?” I could feel the frustration seeping in.

  “You are going to turn into a wolf, Cevin. A wolf.” He stressed wolf like I should embrace the word like it was one of God.

  “A wolf. Big deal, a wolf. I got that. So what? I want her here.”

  “No, Señor. Her scent will be too strong, your hunger will be uncontrollable.”

  “Hunger?” Oh God, I would try to eat her?

  A noise behind me had me jerking my head, jumping to my feet ready to take on whatever was coming. Several people emerged from the trees, all carrying extra clothes. For the first time, I noticed the darkness upon us less the light from the fire. Flames danced, shadows extorting on each of their faces. It seemed like all at once, they all stop
ped in their tracks and bowed upon one knee before me.

  “Cevin, allow me to introduce you to your pack.” Alejandro waved a hand at the crowd. “This is not all of them, they will arrive later, when the moon is at its peak.”

  Pain shot through me like I'd been shot from behind, forcing me to my knees.

  “Deep breath, my King.” A small framed girl knelt beside me. “Exhale slowly, it will pass in a minute.”

  I just wanted this night to be over. Alejandro was right, I would rather be dead than continue with this on and off pain. How much longer would I have to wait?

  As the pain subsided, I looked into dark brown eyes, blonde flowing hair surrounding a round, high cheek boned face. “I'm Stephanie.” She smiled.

  “Hi. Excuse me if I'm not that into pleasantries.”

  Pinching her lips into a straight line, she nodded. “I understand.”

  “When will the moon be full?”

  “It's full now, but it peaks in about an hour or so. It will be over soon.”

  Nostrils flaring again, she smelled of vanilla, musk, and earth. Again, comfort. Like being with family, a recognizable smell. Another girl, dark, short hair and blue eyes bounced over to where we now stood. “Hi, Cevin. I'm Grace.” Moving back as she reached out to hug me, I felt bad for the hurt look on her face.

  “Grace, move slowly. He's new to all of this.” Stephanie reprimanded. “Don't mind her, Cevin. She's new to the pack and still learning about the lifestyle. She's not tuned in completely to her senses yet.”

  I opened an arm to invite her in for an embrace. “I guess we'll learn this together, Grace.” I smiled, letting it reach my eyes. Grace happily accepted the hug before scurrying off to the others, who looked to be preparing.

  An hour to go. I was afraid, yet anxious to get it over with. Right now I had to face the fact that I was going to be a wolf, I had no choice in the matter. What I did have a choice about though was if I would lose Sam. I didn't care what the pack, legend, or Dr. Conley say, I'm not losing her and I was making up my mind on that fact right now. Sam's probably worried sick, wondering what was happening to me. Josephine could kiss my ass. She won't threaten me like she did my father.