“Yeah? Well, I’m pretty sure my mom would’ve told me. She wouldn’t have kept something like this from me.”
Tariq gentled his voice, “Not if she didn’t know. It’s happened before. If the werewolf parent left or died without telling the other, then the child is raised human. It’s led to some disastrous situations. The wolf is strong during the first few years, and you need to learn control. That’s why a new werewolf trains with an Alpha. An Alpha has the ability to manage the dark desires and bloodlust.”
“What? Bloodlust? Oh no, no I don’t think so. I’m squeamish about blood. The only time I want to see it is in a steak.” Lori shook her head, denying more than just his words. She raised her hands like she could ward off the new direction her life had taken.
Derek cut in, “You’re getting close to your Change. Without an Alpha or a strong werewolf to guide you, you’ll be a danger to friends and family. You’ll become aggressive and quick to anger. Perhaps attack someone in a rage.”
Lori dropped on to the couch, all the fight draining from her. Trembling fingers covered her mouth and she whispered around them, “Mom had me when she was seventeen. Said she’d trusted the wrong guy, and he left her before she even knew about the pregnancy. She died a few years ago.” With pleading eyes, she stared at Sylvia. “I can’t be a werewolf.”
“You are,” Markus said, still relaxing in the chair. “As a mage, I can sense the essence of another race. There’s no mistake. You’re a werewolf. Now, we could get the Werewolf Coterie leader involved, but I don’t think you’d want to meet with Aaron anytime soon. He’s not the…friendly sort.” His lip curled. Whether in disgust or amusement, Tariq couldn’t say.
“So what’s going to happen with her? You’ll just take over her life?” a less familiar voice shoved into the conversation. All eyes turned to the intruding mage, Nolan.
Derek glowered at him. “You again?”
“I’m Nolan Hill, a friend of Markus’.”
“Really?” Derek drawled, raising an eyebrow at Markus then turned his attention back to Nolan. “Then why hasn’t he spoken of you before?”
“Well, uh, maybe not quite a friend. Julia is my sister. You know, his Enforcer partner?” The mage fidgeted, unnerved by the Alpha’s stare.
Markus nodded but said nothing. Had the younger mage been a threat, he wouldn’t still be standing in the house. Derek smiled, a separation of his lips to expose his teeth, nothing friendly in the gesture. “Explains why your scent’s familiar. Now, this does not affect you. She is not being harmed. You may leave. Heather will show you out and make sure you stay out.”
Before he finished speaking, another Delta, Heather, appeared in the doorway. As usual, her dyed-black hair hung straight. Blunt-cut bangs fell mid-forehead, showcasing hazel eyes heavily lined in kohl. A plaid skirt and white blouse gave her a more innocent look, veering away from her normal gothic style.
Poleaxed, Nolan stared. And Lori thought Tariq had bad manners. At least he didn’t drool.
“Come along, little mage.” Heather gave him a come-hither finger, a seductive smile curving her lips.
Tariq suppressed a chuckle when Nolan meekly trailed behind her. Heather had a way about her, one many men and some women found irresistible. She had yet to find a partner who could handle her intensity.
“This doesn’t make any sense,” Lori muttered, covering her face with her hands. “How could I not know? Shouldn’t I feel different?”
Tariq moved closer to the couch, the urge to comfort him taking hold. She’d been spitting fire since he caught wind of her scent, hadn’t backed down against uneven odds, yet now, she was quiet and withdrawn.
Sylvia sat down on a nearby chair. She swallowed hard, missed by Lori but noted by the others in the room, before Sylvia reached out to lightly touch Lori’s knee. She snatched her hand back after the barest moment and said, “You’re not alone. We’ll help you.”
Derek strode towards them, stopping by Sylvia’s chair, his stance protective. “Only one parent is needed to carry the gene, and a child born of them will always be a werewolf. Our puberty begins in our early thirties when you’ll experience your first Change. Before that, you are as human as a human. We bleed, break bones, and die. We hide our children amongst the humans to protect them. But they always know what they are, and they train for the day when they merge with their wolf. You are at a disadvantage.”
An odd sound came from Lori, a cross between a laugh and a sob. “No kidding. So what I’m hearing is that I’ll become aggressive, unstable and a danger to others. Fantastic.”
“If you don’t listen to your guiding wolf, then yes. While it doesn’t happen often, we have had experience with werewolves who didn’t know their heritage. We can still help you.”
“Okay, fine. So what happens now then?” She leaned back, studying the Alpha.
Derek cocked his head to the side, amusement lurking in his eyes. “You spend time with your guide.”
“You?”
“No. Normally I would take on this task. I have other pressing priorities that I can’t ignore. A strong werewolf, one with Alpha tendencies, can guide you. Tariq will assist.”
A jolt of surprise caused Tariq to straighten. “Me?”
“No, absolutely not. I refuse to work with him.” Lori stood up, glaring at Tariq.
He grinned, glad she’d regained her fire, even if she directed it toward him. “You can’t refuse your Alpha. Not without good reason, and even then, you’d have to take it up with the Coterie.”
Her eyes narrowed, flicking over him. Was she assessing his vulnerable points, readying herself for an attack? Why did that thought not disturb him? “I have a reason. I don’t like you. And Derek isn’t my Alpha, so I don’t need to obey him like a good little puppy.”
“If you plan on living in Ontario, then yes, I am and yes, you do. This is my territory. I’m Top Alpha here. Even if you join one of the smaller packs, you’d still be under my authority. They all answer to me. Accept this fact, and life will be easier on you. Don’t accept it, and you’ll find yourself in a new province.” Calm, firm and utterly without any softness, Derek laid down the law.
“You can’t do that. I have a life here. A job.” Tariq had to admire her backbone. Not many challenged the Alpha, and those who did, they didn’t fare well.
Derek arched an eyebrow at her. “Yes, I can. You will be viewed as a hostile in my territory. At that point, I can do anything I like. And I’m sure you no longer have a job. I believe you were taking us to task for you potentially being fired.”
Lori groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Damn it. I have no job. That bugger’s probably already at HR getting the paperwork drawn up.” Lifting her head, she scowled at Tariq. “I blame you for this. I would’ve made it to work on time if you hadn’t interfered.”
“And perhaps assaulted someone. Sooner or later, your aggression will increase. With no understanding of your heritage, you would’ve spiraled into a dangerous rogue. At that point, we’d kill you.” Her head reared back at Tariq’s blunt words. She needed to understand the gravity of the situation. Life as a human was over for her.
“If you haven’t been fired, quit. Working is not an option right now. We will take care of any bills you have until you’re comfortable with your other half. Tariq, I’m leaving this in your hands. Show her to an empty bedroom.” Derek turned to Tariq and sent more instructions along the pack link. Find out her profession. See if we have anything available for her.
Tariq nodded, acknowledging the order. He couldn’t send anything back. The link went one way, possibly to save on the Alpha’s sanity. Hearing the thoughts of hundreds, perhaps thousands, would be enough to drive anyone over the edge.
Derek strode out of the room, Sylvia and Markus close behind. None of them looked back. Moments later only Lori and Tariq remained.
“Stay here? I have a home.”
“And after your Change, you can go back to it. For now, you need to be around o
ther werewolves and around me. I can’t help you if you’re not near.” When she tried to protest, he held up his hand and said, “This isn’t up for discussion. Derek has been doing this for over a century. The decisions he makes are for a reason.”
“How long have you been doing this? How many have you helped through the Change?”
He smiled, knowing she wouldn’t like his answer. “You’ll be my first.”
Her eyes widened. “I want someone else, someone who has experience.”
“Not happening. Derek tasked me to help, and I will. I’m not disobeying my Alpha.”
Chapter Three
A werewolf. Not what she expected when she woke up this morning. Amazing how life could veer so far into the woods, leaving behind everything safe and comforting. Now she was surrounded by unfamiliar people, dependant on their kindness while her entire life changed.
The weight of her circumstance pressed down on her, and she slumped on the couch. It was too much effort to stand, her legs nerveless.
She wanted to run away, leave this place as fast as possible, before she was sucked under. But if these werewolves had told her the truth, then soon she’d be a danger. The thought of losing her sense of self, buried deep beneath the psyche of a wolf, frightened her. What if she couldn’t control this other side?
She didn’t feel any different. No mood swings, urges for bloody meat or a need to howl at the moon. Silver didn’t hurt her; in fact, her favourite necklace was made from silver. Although, Derek had silver piercings. Perhaps that was another lie told to the masses?
Tariq moved away from her. An odd, innate sense within her tracked his movements even though she avoided glancing his way. Anger tinged with dislike and something else she couldn’t describe directed her actions. His presence was important to her, and it disgusted her.
How could she trust this man with her Change when she didn’t even like him?
He stopped at the doorway, his slender body belying the strength hidden within. No longer able to resist, she reluctantly looked at him. Intense green eyes studied her, and she fought against the urge to squirm.
“How long will this take?” she asked, filling the heavy silence.
An elegant shrug accompanied the tilting of his head. His smile unnerved her, holding secrets from her. “As long as it takes. Some, a year. Others, a decade.”
“What? I can’t stay here for a decade.” She stood up, tired of craning her neck. Pacing around the room, touching the books lightly when she passed them, she tried to ignore him. Hard to do when his quiet presence filled the room. Every nerve ending waited in hushed anticipation for him to speak again.
“I’m sure you’ll learn quickly,” his voice whispered over her, and she fought a growing awareness of him. Was this part of the werewolf thing? If so, she didn’t like it. She was not a slave to her body or her emotions. Shaking off the sensation, she turned to him.
“So what happens now?”
“You learn what it’s like to be a werewolf. I’m off patrol until tomorrow, so we’ll spend the time together. I’ll answer any questions you may have, and you can meet some of the others in the pack. The Betas and several of the Deltas are here. Come, we’ll say hello.”
He turned sharply on his heel, expecting her to trail after him. Her eyes narrowed, and a small part wanted to rebel against him, show him she wasn’t a dog who obeyed commands. A growl rose in her throat, and she curled her lip. Did he think she’d submit that easily, roll over and show her belly?
Her rational mind screamed at her, wondering where this anger and need for dominance came from. Sure, she wasn’t a pushover, but she didn’t go out of her way to pick fights either, especially not with a damn werewolf! And yet, the growl vibrated her throat, filling the air with its menacing message.
Tariq turned, and a tiny grin lifted the corners of his lips. Amusement lit up his green eyes. He found her entertaining, did he? Thought she wasn’t enough of a challenge, too weak to take him down? She might not have his strength, but she did have training. Daily workouts and schooling in Okichitaw, a style of martial arts that used tomahawks and daggers, gave her confidence.
A sneer on her lips, she growled deeper and advanced. “I am not submissive to you. Do not order me to heel.”
The easy smile still on his lips, he prowled closer, a seductive lope to his stride. Another instinct rose to the front, beating back her anger. His scent teased her, a musky, spicy aroma she wanted to roll in until she was covered with it. Eying his throat, his strong pulse beckoned her, inviting her to lick and suck. Maybe even nip.
“What’s going on?” a female voice intruded from behind Tariq. “I saw the mage off our property, and now I hear growling.”
The attractive black-haired woman from earlier stepped from behind him, resting her hand on his arm. The sight of her fingers on his flesh inflamed Lori. Her attention swiveled to the new threat. This woman was touching her property. Snarling, she advanced.
“Heather, please leave. Lori is having a hard time containing her wolf.” His calm voice and concern for the other woman set her off.
She pounced, using her body weight to knock her opponent off-balance.
Much to her dismay, Heather didn’t go down. Instead, she gripped Lori’s arms, locking them to her side. She tried to kick and ended up bruising her toes on the werewolf’s shin.
“Let me go, damn you.” She struggled, trying to break the hold. None of her training had prepared her for an inhumanly strong adversary.
“Lori, cease this now.” Tariq stepped closer, his face inches away from hers. “Heather, let go.”
“But…” Heather tried to protest.
Rage drained from Lori. Her eyes drifted downward, resting on his lips. How would he taste? As spicy as his scent? Her growl changed to a soft moan, and she leaned forward, wanting to sample him.
“Let go, Heather. She is mine…to deal with.” Tariq’s heat curled around Lori, simultaneously soothing and arousing her.
“Uh, Tariq? I think you’re gonna have a problem with this one.”
Lori turned her head to snap her teeth at the interruption. Why was this woman still here?
“Leave.” The word harsh and brutal.
“I don’t think so, sweetie. Tariq is too much of a gentleman to hit a woman, but I’m not. You need to leash your wolf. Your emotions are ping-ponging all over the place.”
She closed her eyes. Her instincts demanded that she make Heather submit to her, proving she was the better choice for Tariq.
Better choice? That thought sliced through the chaotic mess, slamming reality into her. She didn’t even like the man. With a sharp inhale, she tried to wake her mind from this hazy dreamscape, and she struggled with this unknown and frightening half of herself. They said it was possible to live with both halves, to mesh them together.
As much as she hated it, she’d listen to Tariq.
“I’m fine. You can release me now.” Soft words that carried strength and determination. “I’m sorry for attacking you, Heather. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“Hey, no problem, sweetie. When you’ve learned to live in harmony with your wolf, you’ll find we all love a good fight. It’s a great way to relieve stress.” Heather released her tight grip, and Lori resisted the urge to rub her arms in comfort. It hadn’t hurt. Merely a bruising to her pride at how swiftly Heather had defeated her.
“I should have taken into account my wording. I forgot how touchy dominance can be. Will you please come with me so we can meet the others? Heather you’ve been introduced to, and she is one of the Deltas, like me.”
Nodding, she followed Tariq from the room, her eyes roaming the impressive foyer. It was huge with a wooden staircase. Stained glass above the front door cast a brilliant multi-hued colour show on the floor and walls.
Tariq in front, Heather behind, they climbed the staircase. Trying to capture some sense of normalcy, her fingers caressed the smooth wood. Her entire world had shifted, changing everything she tho
ught she knew and believed.
Raised human, she’d kept away from the preternaturals. Not because she was racist, but because most didn’t want to hang around a human. They complained about her frailty, how careful they had to be around her. Some had experienced lifetimes compared to her. It was like an eighty-year-old trying to have an intelligent conversation with a five-year-old.
Now, she was one of them. Would she view humans with the same disdain, keeping away from them like they weren’t worth her time? No, she refused to give up her friends, some of whom she’d known for decades. And if they told her she couldn’t hang out with them, tough. Her life wasn’t changing due to a genetic anomaly.
They reached the second floor and continued up a hidden stairway to the right. In spite of herself, she was impressed with the gorgeous house. Spending time here wouldn’t be a hardship. Her entire tiny, one bedroom apartment would probably fit in one of the bedrooms.
“I’ll show you to your room afterwards. I figured you might like to get comfortable with some of the pack members first,” Tariq said when he rounded the top of the stairs.
She didn’t respond, words frozen in her throat after she followed him into the massive room. The entire third floor had been converted into an entertainment room. A large screen covered the far left wall with several couches and chairs facing it. To the right sat a pool table, a foosball table and a few old-school arcade machines.
Several people lounged on the couches, and two played pool, the balls clacking after one made a shot. No one reacted to their entrance, although they all seemed aware of the newcomers’ presence.
“This is Lori.” He didn’t raise his voice, but then again with their hearing, they would’ve heard him above the noise of the movie.
A woman with vivid orange hair and freckles covering every inch of exposed skin bounded over to them. Smile wide and friendly, she held out her hand.
“Hi, I’m Simone. The normal one of the bunch.” She laughed when the rest jeered her. “Don’t listen to them. They’re all jealous.”
Sylvia's Torment (Enforcers and Coterie Book 2) Page 29
