by K. S. Martin
***
I wake to the smell of breakfast, not just any breakfast but coffee, bacon and eggs, maybe pancakes. It’s heavenly. It has to be Kelly. She is my angel. Jackson is missing. He’s gone to breakfast and he’s left me here. I had better have a pancake when I get there! I dress quickly then brush my teeth and hair. I hurry through the house to find Dad, Earl, and Jackson at the table eating. Kelly is in the kitchen flipping pancakes and she smiles at me when I come in. I smile back but I scowl at Jackson. I hear Kelly laugh. “There is plenty here Summer. Don’t get nasty with Jackson.”
“Yeah don’t get nasty with Jackson.” He was at my side now kissing my cheek. He sits me at the table next to Dad and goes to fill my plate and mug. “Jackson was a sweetheart and let you sleep in, and then he made you a nice big plate with lots of bacon.” He set it down in front of me and kissed my cheek again. Dad watched us. My cheeks heated.
“Don’t be embarrassed. I’m not. He should be affectionate with his mate. You should present a united front for the pack. They must believe that you are each other’s champion and that you have the other’s back. Some wolves will try to divide the pack alphas for personal gain. Face challenges together. Be each other’s other half. That goes for you two as well.” He gave Earl a stern look and then Kelly.
“Yes Daddy.” Kelly said bringing her plate to the table. She sat next to Earl. He smiled softly at her.
“Thanks for breakfast Sis.” I shovel pancake in my mouth. “Our pantry is empty.” She nodded and sipped her mug of warm milk delicately. Eww. I hope nobody makes me drink that when I get pregnant. Milk should be cold. Jackson chuckled. He knew what I was thinking. The disgust was evident on my face. I’m sure. Shirley knocked as she walked in from the living room. I didn’t hear the front door. Um…
“Good morning sweetheart.” Shirley said. My dad kissed her cheek as she leaned down. “Did you sleep well?” He nodded and she smiled at him then went to the cabinet to get a plate. I looked at Kel whose eyes had gone round, then at Jackson who was trying to hide behind his coffee cup. “Is there a problem Summer?” I shake my head and take a bite of scrambled egg.
“Well maybe. I’m just surprised, I mean I knew yesterday that you were sweet on each other but I didn’t expect this. This is a surprise.” I say matter of fact. If Jackson and I had pulled that trick, neither of us would be sitting here.
“You aren’t kidding.” Kelly murmured and I giggled. Her cheeks turned pink. She really needed to learn to control that.
“What does this mean? Are you going home with him Shirley or was it just a one night kind of thing?” Shirley sat on my dad’s other side. She took a sip of coffee.
“This is all very good Kelly.” Shirley lifted her mug in Kelly’s direction and Kelly thanked her. “I guess you are all wondering about us. To be honest, I’m not sure. I have my condominium to consider and the bookstore but yes, your father has asked me to go with him. I’ve told him that I will think about it but I think that yes, I would like to.” She smiles at my dad who smiles back, it lights his whole face up and he looks twenty years younger. “I’m not going with him today. I need to teach you how to do those books that we discussed and how to run the store. I will have to put my condominium up for sale but I think that I can get most of that accomplished in two weeks. Brandt?”
“I think that we can work with that.” He gives her shoulder a squeeze. Am I dreaming this? Kelly has mated Earl and I think my dad has mated Shirley.
“Did you mark her?” I couldn’t stop it from popping out of my mouth and Kelly scolds me.
“It’s okay. You both have the right to know. Not yet he hasn’t but I am going to let him.” My dad growled then. My eyes snapped up to his face. It was nearly the same growl that Jackson gives me when he wants to, oh no. I didn’t need to know that. Jackson is gathering our plates to carry to the sink and Kelly pops up. Earl pushes her gently back down into her chair and nods at her plate. He wanted her to eat more. I thought that she should too. She’s pregnant after all and pups suck a lot out of you.
“I’ll get them Kelly. You cooked so I will clean. It was delicious by the way. You may cook for me anytime. In fact…” Jackson gives me a look but I continue. “In fact, I would like for you to teach me to cook better.” I glance at Shirley who only has eyes for Dad and I continue. “I should be able to cook for the pack if necessary.” Kelly nods.
“You need groceries first then we will start the lessons. I will go with you to the store.” Kelly finished her plate and Earl brought it to me at the sink.
“I have to get to work. Promise me that you will rest today after the shopping and lesson.” Earl leaned over and kissed her. I watched them. It wasn’t overly passionate but it was definitely sexy and by the time he finished I wanted to take Jackson to the bedroom. I shouldn’t have denied him last night because I was feeling it now. I squeezed my thighs together and he was at my side. Earl was leaving and everyone told him goodbye. Jackson rinsed while I washed.
“I’m going to go with Larry later to see the condo building and the shop. Do you and Kelly need any help shopping?” I shook my head. “What’s wrong?” He murmured. I bit my lip. “Summer?”
“I don’t know, I guess seeing Dad and Shirley then Kelly and Earl…”
“Oh.” He nods knowingly.
“What?” He rinses another dish. “I missed you this morning I guess and I shouldn’t have gone to sleep so quick last night.” I whisper.
“I have some time before I need to leave, did you need to speak with me privately before I go?” Jackson asked in his business like voice. Kelly turns to study us. She catches on quickly.
“Summer, I need to go to my house for a little while before we go to the store, I want to pick up a few things for Earl while we are there. Dad, weren’t you and Shirley going to take a walk after breakfast?” His brows furrowed then his face softened.
“We were. I wanted Shirley to show me around the neighborhood. I want to look the houses over for Autumn and Tim.”
“She’ll pick the big Victorian but Earl says that it needs a lot of work and that it’s really old.” Kelly offers.
“Sometimes, working on a house makes you appreciate it more. I think your sister could use that lesson.” He was right. Autumn could use many lessons. If she has to fix it up, she won’t take it for granted. “I will still take a look around if it’s all the same to you.”’
“Of course.” Kelly demurred. “I will be back in about an hour.” She looked at me and smiled. I nodded.
“Come on Shirley, let’s give these two some room.” Shirley stood and let him tuck her into his side. Jackson was on me before the front door clicked. He pressed me against the sink and kissed me deeply.
“Bedroom.” He murmured and pulled me down the hall. I was giggling by the time we got there. Jackson was out of his clothes in record time. “I need you. I suffered all night with your tight little rear end pressed into my lap.” I was shimmying out of my jeans. My shirt and bra fell carelessly to the floor. Jackson was behind me now with his hands kneading my breasts. I loved when he did that. He rolled my nipples between his fingers and tugged. I moaned and melted into him. I grabbed at his thighs behind me while he mouthed the mark he’d left on my shoulder. I moaned again. I could feel how big his erection was against my back. Jackson turned me and lifted my hands from his thighs to brace them on the wall beside the bed. He nudged my legs apart with his knee and my heart started to pound. Jackson is against my back and I start to sweat and pant. It’s my dream. Does he realize what he’s doing, or is this just happening? He braces a hand next to mine and the other is circling my clit. “You’re so wet.” I feel him shift behind me. His penis is pressing against my lower back. I moan again. “I’m going to bury myself so deep inside you Summer, you won’t know where you end, and I begin.” He murmurs against my ear and I shiver all over then he enters me. I climax instantly just like in the dream. His breath huffs warmly against my neck just under my ear. He chuckles. “Drea
ms can come true, Sweetheart.” Jackson pushes into me again. He’s huge inside of me. This is new for us, we haven’t done this standing up, and I’m not sure how long I can keep my legs from turning to rubber. His hands are hot on my skin, his mouth is working the mating muscle, and I’m on fire. I cry his name. My center is heavy and my core is clenching on him. “Come again for me baby.” He says right against my ear and I do. Jackson’s body has covered me and is pressing me into the wall as he roars his release. I stay there with him, our hearts pounding but slowing, our breaths returning to normal. “I love you.” He says against my neck.
“Me too.” I whisper. I can’t open my eyes yet. It still feels too good with him twitching inside of me and with my core still throbbing with my pulse. I don’t want to return to reality yet. He lifts me and puts me down gently on the bed. Jackson lies down beside me and pulls me close. I turn to nuzzle his chest and he growls low and contentedly.
We wake to a banging on the front door. Jackson gets up and pulls his jeans on. “Shit, I was supposed to meet Larry. I have to go. Do you need anything?” I pucker up and he smiles then kisses me. “See you later?” I nod.
“Jackson,” he looks over his shoulder as he’s headed out. “Thanks.”
“It was my pleasure Missus Reynolds. I am always at your beck and call.” He smiles and disappears around the corner while I giggle. I am so happy with him. I knew we would be good together. I stretch then get up and dress. It’s been an hour and Kelly will be back soon.
She’s waiting on the porch for me looking her at her list. “I want to make Earl a cake. Do you think chocolate or yellow?” She asks without looking up.
“Devil’s food.” I smile and try not to laugh. Kelly doesn’t get it and jots a few things down. “Will you help me make my list?”
“I did it, you need everything. Let’s go.” I go back inside and get my keys. Kelly follows me to my car. Dad and Shirley are coming back from their walk.
“We’re going to the grocery store, do you need anything?” I ask them. Both shake their heads so I shift into reverse and head out.
By the time we return, Jackson is on the porch having a heated discussion with Larry. I back my car up to the steps and start unloading. Kelly grabs her bags and walks toward home. She wants to make the cake for Earl and I should have enough help. “Make yourselves useful.” I say as I pass them. They are talking about the condominium building. Jackson isn’t happy about something. I pass them on my way back to the car for more bags. I didn’t see Dad or Shirley and I have to wonder if they’re in his room. Don’t think about that, I tell myself. I get another load of groceries and mount the stairs. I look pointedly at them but they ignore me. Okay, I guess I’m on my own. No problem. I get the last of the bags and they are still at it. I slam the car door and stomp up the steps past them. I looked at all of the bags that I’ve piled up in the kitchen. Kelly was trying to kill me that must be it. I start putting things away and Jackson comes into the kitchen.
“Sorry babe. I’ll help you. You should see that place.” I’m suddenly frightened. Did it need fixing? Would it cost a lot to fix it? “Those are luxury condominiums and they are charging the residents hardly anything to live there. They bought the units but the condominium fee is only one-fifty a month. I checked the surrounding buildings and the rest of them are charging five hundred.” I nod. I have no idea what any of that means. “It’s unreal. Larry doesn’t have a business head at all.”
“That’s why he’s a beta.” I say putting boxes of cereal in the pantry. “You’re in charge now so you should charge what you want.”
“Shirley lives there.” He looks at me. I shrug.
“Who else lives there?” If they’re wolves, maybe that’s why they’ve kept it cheap.
“All humans, no one associated with the pack.” He raises his eyebrow at me and I grin. He’s already turning into the pack alpha.
“She’ll be putting her unit up for sale soon. Send a letter to the residents and tell them that on the first of the year the fee will go up to two hundred and will continue to rise over the next five years until it is comparable to the surrounding buildings. The pack can’t support a building without an income.” He nods sharply. “How about the cabinet place, did that go well?”
“Yeah, it’s great. They’re undercharging too. I want to put that on the internet. Sell the old world charm angle. They will need apprentices to keep up with business when it hits. So I want them in place before we put it out there for the world.” I nod then I heard a horn outside and then another. “I think your sister has arrived.” I nod and head for the front door. Autumn nearly knocks me down when I open it. Tim is laughing from the bottom of the stairs and Jackson grabs him in a bear hug. They’ve been friends forever too.
“Sissy!” We both say at once. “We’re starved, is there food?” Autumn asks. That’s Autumn, no ‘Hi how are you?’ just ‘feed me.’ Well, what did I expect?
“Yeah bring your crew in and you can help me make sandwiches.” Kelly was suddenly smarter than I’d thought. Autumn brought her group in with her. There were five cars all-together, and twelve new wolves, two newly mated pairs besides Tim and Autumn. Five mated pairs were here now including mine and that meant that Jackson and I were keeping up our end of the deal. The pack required mated pairs and new members, we certainly achieved that. Autumn’s friend Claire was unmated but handy in the kitchen. She organized an assembly line to make the sandwiches. I was on mustard and mayo duty, Autumn had meats and Claire handled vegetables and cutting. We made enough to feed everyone in no time. I brought out two bags of chips and several bottles of soda from the pantry. The boys put the leaves in the table and brought chairs into the dining room. By the time that Shirley and Dad appeared in the doorway we were mid lunch.
“Did you all have a nice drive?” My father’s voice boomed from the doorway. Every member of the pack stilled. “Well?” Several of them nodded. “Good. I want you all to make me proud. You are now under Jackson and Summer’s care but they will need your help. This pack has been dwindling for a long time but you’re here now. You will need to pitch in and work together to make this pack profitable and productive again. Do you understand?” They nodded. “I enjoyed being your alpha but I am turning you over to Jackson now. Remember you are always welcome back home to visit or stay. I wish each of you the best lives and the best of luck.” Dad smiled. “Now, I am some kind of hungry, who’s going to pass me a sandwich?” The others made room at the table for Dad and Shirley to sit down and passed the food down the table. Dad laughed and joked with them. I was proud of him. He was so different than he was at home. I wasn’t sure, if it was Shirley’s influence or if it was because there was no pressure here. I put a chip in my mouth and chewed. This was going to turn out okay. I grew up with these pups. We were a great team when we needed to be. I watched them laughing and talking. When most of them had finished I asked for their attention.
“We think it’s best if we take a tour of the housing that is available. Mated couples get first pick of the houses. Shirley, will you come with us and conduct the tour, tell us about the houses, which are empty, any interesting points?” She nodded and wadded her napkin. “Good. Is everyone finished? The trash can is over there.” I point to the can in the corner. “Assemble at the front of the house.” I make a face at Jackson and he smirks. “It’s like camp.” He shakes his head and holds his hand out to me.
We take the tour and it doesn’t matter that the roof is half-rotten, or the plumbing is in need of repair, Autumn chooses the Victorian. Jackson and I both tried to warn her but she wasn’t having it. As soon as she saw it, it belonged to her. She was in love with the turrets and castle like exterior. Originally, the Victorian was the alpha house Shirley said. Two alphas before Mark, there was an alpha that refused to live in what he called a girly house.
By the end of the day, all of the pairs had chosen a house and were settling in. I had six unmated wolves using my remaining guest rooms. It was as if I were
running a hotel. Single wolves could occupy the remaining houses, sixteen in all and if we ran out of housing, they would need to double up. We still had ten empty houses to fill with werewolves. I wondered if anyone from Kelly’s old pack would show up and fill them. I would get Autumn on the internet tomorrow to recruit. Jackson and I fell into bed exhausted.
I spent the next week learning the books from Shirley. Once my father left for home, Shirley wanted to hurry to join him. She taught me by day and packed by night. It was cute. She was like a teenager with a crush except that before he left, he’d marked her. It made me happy that they were going to be happy together. Dad hadn’t had much of a life since my mother died and I was finally seeing it. I know if anything happened to Jackson, I would be lost and lonely too. I tried to learn the books, the website, and the store procedures as quickly as I could. Claire moved into the apartment over the store and we were training her to run the store too. Shirley said that I needed a back up because I wouldn’t always be available. Jackson spent most days learning the cabinet business or learning to fix things at the condominium building. He’d had to settle one fight between the single wolves but he solved it easily. All three of the unmated males showed an interested in creating the cabinets. I think it’s because they have power tools. I still hoped that from the six single wolves we would get at least one pair. Jackson thought that the tall and lanky wolf named Mike was interested in Sandy but it seemed like Sandy was more interested in Daniel. I hoped that she would stop waiting for Daniel to notice her and she would notice Mike. I would have to suggest that gently to her. Kelly and Earl spent most of their time at his house alone. Autumn and Tim were trying to fix up their house. There was a lot of banging over there. Gregory took a shine to Autumn like she was his long lost granddaughter. He stopped by every evening to help. It didn’t hurt that when it came to flirtation and manipulation, Autumn was a natural. His motives may have been selfish though because he had his rookie crew helping. They were learning while they helped Tim fix things. This way, if it was wrong or got broken, they wouldn’t have to start over on furniture that would be for sale.
