by Dace Everan
“Demise! Are you fucking kidding me? No.”
Farron held up a hand. “Logan.” His voice was full of authority. “We do not speak to an elder in that tone or manner.” He took Logan by the shoulders and forced him to look him straight on. “We cannot let you go back to your old life. You cannot return there.”
Logan shook his head as dread filled him. He’d never failed a mission ever! This was not going to be the first time. “No.”
Farron tightened his grip on Logan’s broad shoulders. “You cannot go, Logan.”
“I don’t know anything Farron. I won’t say a word.” He was grasping at straws now as pure anxiety filled him. He had orders. He had people relying on him to hold up his end of the mission!
Farron shook his head. “It’s not because of what you know, Logan. It is because of what you could possible do on the outside. The people you could hurt.” Farron stroked his cheek. “Celeste would feel much guilt if you went to the outside world and hurt innocents. She would be responsible for that. You have to let us help you.”
Chapter Ten
Logan paced the open space of the backyard. His fist clenched and his mind ran rampant with ideas of what the hell to do. How the hell did he get out of here? How the hell did he convince Ben, Deni, and Rachel to return with him to Harley? Fuck, how were the other members doing? Did Jariko and Alisha make out okay? Did they kill each other or finally fuck each other? He growled and was annoyed that it came out sounding like an animal. He stopped and looked to the vast blue sky above him. He released a breath and let the tension in his shoulders release. How was Harley handling all the information? Was Roark helping her through this onslaught of info pouring in on her? Revealing what she was? Was gathering these beings, helping her understand and come to terms with what she was?
The soft crunch of grass had his ears twitching. He sniffed the air and his cocked jumped to life. “You reek of sex, woman.” He grunted, rolling his shoulders and turning to Celeste.
She greeted him with a sly smile. “I had to finish what you two started,” she replied, circling him.
Logan raised a brow and watched her as she looked him up and down a look of lust in her eyes. Her little pink tongue darted out, making his dick harder. “Where’s Farron?” he asked, checking out her ass as she rounded him again. He even leaned toward her, sniffing her.
“Talking to Papa.” Her finger ran down the length of his spine and shivers spread through him.
“About your indiscretions?” he shot at her.
Celeste removed her hand from him and hurt filled her at the scathing tone he took. “You can’t deny you want me. Or Farron,” she replied, stepping away from him.
Logan laughed. “Maybe you should have left it up to me whether I wanted to have the ability to turn into a furry beast!”
“It would have taken too long. You were supposed to stop Farron from taking me as his bitch,” she retorted.
Logan nodded. “Silly woman. Your plan was all fucked up from the get-go. You should have met up with Farron to determine whether you wanted him or not.”
“I couldn’t! I didn’t want to!” she argued.
Logan snorted. “Why?” He didn’t understand that part.
“Because he’s a runaround.” Guilt and shame filled her. “I thought he was a runaround.” Her shoulders slumped. “When I take a mate I want to be the only bitch. I don’t want any others in my home.”
Logan looked at her. He wasn’t quite up on the taking of mates but he was taking it that men were allowed more than one bitch in his home. Farron would have been stupid to take more after having Celeste. He reached out, caressing her cheek. “Farron is no run around.” His thumb stroked her lower lip. “And as for taking another bitch… He would have been a stupid man to do that.” Celeste’s gaze met his, and his dick went full-fledged hard. He held her jaw in a soft grasp and his shoulders bunched. His jaw twitched and a low growl escaped him. Adrenaline poured through him and he could feel searing pain draw through him. He released her and hunched over as sparks of electricity shot to every limb. “What’s… happening!” he growled and howled out in pain falling to his knees in agony.
“Let it happen, Logan.”
Her voice was so soothing. He leaned against her offered shoulder and screamed out in agony as the pain over took him and his limbs felt as though they were all being broken and stretched all at the same time.
“It gets easier, love… I promise. This first time always hurts,” she soothed, her hand rubbing his back. “Relax and fall into it, Logan,” she coaxed as the pain burned through his flesh and he fell to the ground to his side, writhing in pain.
Farron narrowed his eyes on the beast that had Celeste backed up against the house. He let out a low growl, and a big furry head with piercing blue eyes narrowed back on him. “Get away from her, Logan,” he ordered, taking a step toward Logan’s animal. The hair on Logan’s back rose and his lips pulled back, revealing long, sharp teeth. Farron braced himself waiting for Logan to jump at him, to fight him. “I know you can hear me, Logan. Think about what you are doing.” He took another step forward, knowing full well how dangerous this was. Newborns were strong, uncontrollable, and unpredictable. “You may have anger at Celeste but she only did what her instincts told her.” He defended his future mate and would continue to do so until she understood he, too, was meant for her. “You would have done the same had you been in her place,” he continued, taking another step. He lowered to his knees and waited to see what Logan would do. His gaze stayed on Logan’s and patiently waited for him to react.
Logan could feel his lips stretch, could feel the drool slide between teeth that he guessed were large and sharp. Sharp enough to shred through both these people who had the thought that he was meant to be with them. He looked back up at Celeste. She didn’t have the terrified look in her eyes anymore. But he could smell her fear. He lowered and sat on his hind legs. He had scared her. Terrified her, cornered her like some animal and terrified her. He shook his shaggy head in confusion. This was not who he was. He did not go cornering women and terrifying them. She may have taken his life into her hands but no woman deserved to be cornered and frightened. He looked toward Farron, who knelt calmly waiting for him to, he assumed, make some sort of move. He growled, rising to all fours, and shook out his fur. He looked up at Celeste then darted off toward the thick trees at the back of her yard. He needed away from the both of them right now. Even if it was just to run and have them catch up to him in moments. He assumed that was what would happen.
Celeste started after Logan only to have Farron grab her by the elbow. “You leave him alone, Celeste,” he ordered, his gaze on the trees Logan had disappeared into.
Celeste glared up at her mate. She narrowed her eyes. “We can’t let him run out there all alone! What if he runs into hunters? What if he runs into humans and they hurt him or he hurts them!” she argued, pulling her arm from his grasp.
Farron shook his head, not looking at her. “Logan needs a few minutes. Just let him run for a minute or two before we follow.”
Celeste stomped her foot in frustration. They shouldn’t allow Logan to go alone right now. He was too unpredictable. Would he run away from them forever? Would he come back to them? She clenched her fists. “But.”
Farron turned to her his large hand cupping her cheek. “Patience, Celeste. It is a big change for him. He had a life before we changed it for him,” he said softly.
Celeste grumbled then looked at him. He said ‘we.’ Not just her but him, too. He was taking responsibility for her indiscretion. “I couldn’t help myself, Farron,” she whispered. Guilt filled her again over what she had done. She should never have changed Logan. Not without his consent. It was one of the biggest rules among any pack.
Farron pulled her into his arms and hugged her close. “And like I said, I would have done the same. You beat me to it.” He grinned and kissed the top of her head. “We will help Logan through this, Celeste.” He tightened his gri
p around her. “We have to, he is our mate.”
Chapter Eleven
Logan ran as fast as his four legs could take him. His lungs burned and he could feel himself heating up. He veered through the thick trees, dodging overhanging branches and jumping over deadfall. He came to a skidding halt when all of a sudden an emotion took over him. He panted heavily, feeling empty. He whined out, looking over his furry back. His head raised and he sniffed the air. Their scent was weak. He whined and did a circle, confusion filling him. What the fuck was going on? Why was he feeling this anxious emptiness in the depths of his belly? He lowered to his belly, facing the way he came waiting, watching. Was he missing Celeste and Farron already? For fuck’s sake he’d only been running for maybe twenty minutes! He couldn’t have gotten that far away.
He laid his big furry head on the deep ruddy brown paws in front of him. He furrowed his brows. At least he was sure he was furrowing his brows. He looked back and watched his tail flop from side to side then stop. He felt his ears perk, and his gaze shot back toward Celeste’s. He could hear the soft footfalls approaching him, and fast. He lifted his snout and sniffed the air. Sweet lavender mixed with berries was the first scent he picked up. Celeste. Mmm, mixed with desire. The next scent was pure male. Deep, woodsy, and thick. He growled. Why did these smells make him hard? He itched to get up and run toward them. But wanted to turn and run away from them. He whined out and laid his palms over his snout, growling, thoughts overwhelming him.
He felt warmth surround him. A wet snout nuzzled him. He could feel erratic hearts beating at his sides. Celeste and Farron. Farron’s was stronger, more paced, where Celeste’s was erratic like she had worked hard to get to him. He lay still, absorbing their warmth, feeling their familiarity. He closed his eyes and just sucked in their energy. Why did this feel so right? How the hell did he change back? For fuck’s sakes he couldn’t remember what had caused him to change in the first place!
Celeste nuzzled her nose against Farron’s resting form, his scent overwhelming her senses. She whined, pulling back and giving her head a shake. She nudged Logan and when his ice blue eyes met hers, she shed her fur and cupped his big furry head in her hands. “You need to change back, Logan. Already you have spent hours in form. Much longer and you won’t want to change back.” His only reply was his lips being pulled back and a snarl escaping him.
She raised a brow at him. “Well if you’re going to be cranky about it I won’t help you then,” she uttered, releasing his head and starting to rise, only to have his big heavy paw come up on her shoulder and hold her into place. Her gaze darted to Farron as he growled at Logan’s paw on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Farron. I was being snappish.”
She settled and looked into Logan’s eyes. “Okay, I need you to concentrate. Focus all your thoughts and energy onto your physical form.” Logan whined out and laid his head on her lap. Celeste’s heart melted and her hands came to rest on his soft furred head. “Come on, Logan. I know it feels safe in there, but from that snarl you gave me, you want out. Just focus,” she coaxed, running her hands through his thick hair. She watched as he struggled, as throaty growls and high pitched whines escaped him as he struggled to morph to his human form. She continued to coax him in a luring voice. Soon her hands brushed through his silky blonde hair. His breathing was heavy and his body curled into the fetal position as cold air struck his naked flesh. “There we go, Logan. All done. Next time you wait for Farron to help you through the change and explain to you how it happens and how to change back.”
Farron soon followed suit and snuggled in behind Celeste, reaching around her his hands and joining hers in Logan’s hair. “He knows how it’s done now, Celeste. He will be okay.”
Logan grunted, unable to open his eyes. “Is… it normal… to be… so tired?” he asked breathlessly.
Celeste peeked back at Farron. It wasn’t normal. He should feel rejuvenated. Was he rejecting the change? Was that even possible?
Farron felt Logan’s forehead. “You’re warm. Have you been injected with any drugs lately?”
Logan released a sigh. “Before every mission,” he huffed, shifting, laying his head in a more comfortable place in Celeste’s lap.
Farron furrowed his brow, looking at Celeste. Did she know anything about these missions? Well probably as much as he did. “What is your latest mission?” he asked softly. Logan’s chest rose and fell slowly. “Ben, Rachel, and Deni… Need to get them to Harley,” he mumbled, his voice slurring as he slowly fell into sleep.
Celeste looked back at Farron as soon as she felt Logan’s breathing even out. “He was here to take them back to his leader?” she asked.
Farron frowned, looking down at Logan’s sleeping form. It couldn’t be a bad thing. There had to be a reason, and a good one, for Logan to take those three beings from their home to another place. “Perhaps they have done something that they need to answer for,” he replied, his finger tracing Logan’s jawline.
Celeste shook her head. “Deni would never allow Rachel or Ben to hurt a soul and neither would she,” she responded, watching his thick hand caress Logan’s face. Erotic need flushed through her at the sight. She peeked up at him. She wanted to see this man touch every part of Logan.
Farron scrunched his muscled face in thought. He couldn’t see Logan thoughtlessly removing the three from the environment they have made for themselves. Surely he understood the three needed this place to function the way they have managed for the last many decades. “We will ask him more when he awakens.” He looked at Logan’s face, all soft and rested in slumber. “We should take him back to your parents.”
Celeste shook her head. “Let him rest. He ran far and neither of us will be able to carry him all the way back.”
Farron chuckled and the vibrations rumbled through her. “I could. You should have more faith in your future Alpha,” he purred, stealing a kiss from her before moving away from her and easily hefting Logan up over his shoulder. “We start walking. He’s out and won’t even notice.”
Celeste smiled. She couldn’t help herself. Farron all naked and proud, carrying Logan over his broad shoulder as though he had just found himself the best prize ever. “Shouldn’t you dress?” she asked, unlooping the rope from around his belly and doing the same to hers. Farron grabbed her hand. “No. I want you naked,” he ordered, handing his rope to her. “Carry mine for me. You, he, and I need to get more comfortable being in this state in each other’s company.”
Celeste snorted. “I never said I was uncomfortable being naked around you or him.”
Farron smiled, taking his free hand and caressing her naked backside. “With my people, we mate for the first time in the circle of fire.”
Celeste looked up at him. “You would put Logan through that?” She knew she would be on display when she was sent to this man. Sometimes she wondered if it was her fear of having him fuck her in front of all of his people that had made her take such drastic measures to get out of becoming his mate. No. it was the rumors that he had other bitches throughout his community. The thought of having these two men take her in the circle of fire in front of so many made her pussy weep.
Farron smirked at the scent drifting from her elegant body. “Logan will devour you,” he whispered, taking hold of her hand. “And I will hold you so he can.”
Celeste swallowed and looked up at Farron. “And you? Will you devour me?”
Farron chuckled. “I will give that pleasure to Logan our first time together. I will fuck you.”
Celeste furrowed her brows. “You don’t want to devour me like he does,” she stated.
Farron laughed. “Logan will teach me the technics I will need to know to please you. For now I will fuck you. My pups will come from your womb before Logan’s.”
Celeste grunted. “Yes because you are the almighty powerful and you shall be the first to shove your dick in me.”
Farron looked at her. “You make it sound so cold.”
Celeste raised her chin, quicken
ing her pace. “It is cold when it comes to you making me your pup carrier,” she remarked, passing him and taking the lead.
“You are my first bitch! You are my pup carrier and Logan’s as well.” His gaze drifted to the sway of her naked ass cheeks as she led the way.
Chapter Twelve
Celeste whipped around and glared at him. “I am not a baby making machine! You think I want to become your bitch just to give you pups! You think I want to spend the rest of my years raising your pups?” she stomped her foot and fisted her hands at her side.
Farron raised an unamused brow. He had heard she was a headstrong woman, but this was not headstrong. This was borderline drama queen.
Logan cleared his throat, giving his woozy head a shake. He saw naked, muscled ass cheeks in his vision and froze. “What the fuck?” he muttered. Farron eased him from his shoulder and steadied him till he had his balance. Logan looked at Farron than at Celeste. “What in the fuck is going on?” he asked, taking in all of their nakedness. They didn’t just have one hell of an orgy and he blacked it out, did he?
Farron caressed his jaw. “You are rejecting the change. You are exhausted from shifting and I carried you to head back to Celeste’s parents.”
Logan narrowed his eyes. “Rejecting the change?” he questioned. Was that even possible? What the fuck did this mean?
Celeste neared him and he growled at her. She glared at him. “Fine! You two stay out here,” she shrieked, hurt at his growl that said ‘stay the fuck away from me.’ She turned on her heel and stomped away from the two men mumbling under her breath about assholes and idiots.
“I can hear you, woman!” Farron yelled at her naked back as she disappeared into the dense woods. He snarled, glaring at Logan. “Do you have to growl at her all the time?” he asked.
Logan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That woman just changed my life and you’re upset with me for growling at her! Are you fucking kidding me?” He stepped away from Farron. “How the fuck would you like if some little twit walked into your life and decided your fate? I have shit to do! People who depend on me, and I can’t do anything because you two have this fucking leash on me so I can’t fucking stray too far!” By the time he was finished his face was red and his voice had risen many decibels.
