“My heart aches for your loss,” I said as I hugged him.
He nodded, his expression full of melancholy. “Gratitude, my dear friend. Come.” He led me to his room, and as soon as the door was closed, he was on me. His lips claimed mine and I kissed him back as I slowly walked him toward the bed.
“I see you need a great deal of comforting,” I said, then pushed him onto the bed.
His smile was wide and full of anticipation as he licked his lips. “I am a grieving son. My sorrows must be drowned out by your cock.”
I laughed as I removed my clothing. He undressed as well, and when I joined him on the bed, I knew I had him exactly where I wanted him.
CHAPTER SEVEN
A Lesson in Loyalty
I watched as Elias tended to the new brand he now had on his forearm. The brand of our pack, a wolf howling on a mountaintop. By the way he screamed as the iron brand singed his flesh, I knew it was going to be both a dreaded and desired moment when my time finally came. Elias had already taken the oath as well and was just waiting, almost impatiently, for Connor to give him the bite. We were sitting in the parlor, the fire roaring, giving off great, comforting heat. Connor was watching Elias as well, and I wondered what he was thinking.
“Do you know the story of the first wolf?” Connor asked both me and Elias as we sat across from him in his living room.
“No, Sir,” I said, and Elias only shook his head.
Three years had passed since the day I’d met Elias. I was eighteen and Elias was twenty, the age they wanted him to be. I had only started telling Elias about werewolves a little over a year ago, teasing him with the possibility of such creatures being real. And then one day, when I knew he was open, I revealed that they were real. That I belonged to such a pack, and when he was ready, I would introduce him. The thought of so much raw power, real power according to Elias, seduced him, so he’d become quite clingy.
Still, I’d done my part in bringing a very wealthy member into our pack.
Connor smirked, then crossed one leg over the other as he sat in his chair in a grand fashion. Elias stared at him in complete awe. For months, he’d been pestering me about meeting the Alpha. Been questioning when he would be turned. Finally, the time had come.
“It is said that a man made a deal with the spirit of the demon wolf,” Connor began his tale. “That, to save himself from dying, he promised the wolf he would share his body with the spirit. How together, he would heal and his vessel was strong enough to contain both of their souls. The demon wolf agreed and left the totem to enter the man, and that was how the first werewolf was made.”
“Is that really how it happened?” Elias asked.
“That is the story,” Connor said.
“Is he still alive? The first werewolf, Sir?” I asked. I had wondered about how our species had been born into existence. I had heard this story once before when I was a small child. My mother had told it to me, but her version was a little bit different. It was said that the spirit of the wolf entered the body of a stillborn and brought it back to life. If the first of our kind was alive, maybe one day, we’d really learn how we had become werewolves.
Connor smiled. “It is unknown if he is still alive. It is believed that he is, for all wolves come from him. That if he were to ever perish, then so would all wolves. But the truth has long since been lost to time, these are but tales that have been passed down through our many generations.”
“I enjoyed the story, Sir,” Elias said.
“Do you know why I brought it up?” Connor asked.
Elias shook his head. “Because I should know about where werewolves came from?”
Connor laughed and shook his head. “It’s only a tale, like the ones in the bible. You had placed a good portion of your money in the hands of the church upon your death. Is that something you think would please God?”
“I… I wanted only to do the right thing, Sir,” Elias said.
“Do you think you could buy your way into his heavenly gates?”
“It is charity to give to the church,” Elias said.
I watched them exchange words, because I was curious as to where the conversation was going. For me, I had lost faith that God would protect those who prayed for his intervention the night my parents were murdered. I prayed and prayed and yet, nothing happened. Was I to believe that an innocent ten-year-old boy wasn’t worthy of God’s love, or his divinity? Was it because I was to become a werewolf? Whatever the case, I learned I had to make my own fate.
Connor laughed “Do you think God cares about money?”
“I…”
“Money, coin finances, are all a human construct. Not even werewolves or vampires came up with it for humans were in existence long before our kind was born. In fact, I would think God hates that humans have created currency. What has it led to? Greed, envy, and everything that costs now was once free. And to think, humans will find another way to make themselves richer by taking what was once free for all and making a monopoly out of it. When trading for gems and spices wasn’t enough, coin became the preferred barter. God does not want nor need your money. Religion, my friend, has been one of the biggest monopolies of them all. You were wise to change your will. I can do more with your money than the church would, and I offer you immortality for your loyalty,” Connor said. “Something neither God nor the church can ever do.”
“It was Deacon who helped me find my way,” Elias said.
Connor’s eyes panned over to me and his expression was unreadable. He then returned his attention to Elias. “Are you ready to join my pack, Elias?”
Elias scooted to the edge of the sofa. “Oh yes, more than anything. I… I can’t begin to tell you how surprised I was to learn that werewolves were real. To live forever and be so powerful, I would give anything, Sir.”
“This gift does not come without expectations,” Connor said.
“What would you have of me, Sir?” Elias asked, excited to begin.
“Your continued loyalty. We are a pack, which means we are family.”
“I understand, Sir,” Elias said with a certain eagerness.
“Good. Have you brought the documents I requested?”
“Yes, yes, I have.” Elias said, then he reached into his satchel and produced the paperwork my Alpha wanted. Over the years I’d been grooming Elias, I began to realize why. Connor had Elias sign over all of his holdings and property in the event of his death, to him. Something Elias’ lawyers strongly urged against. But Elias had been quite adamant that it happen. Because it was done of his free will, the transaction went smoothly. Not only that, but certain businesses Elias owned were now the property of my Alpha, another way for him to enrich himself. Elias handed all of the documents over to Connor, who began to look them over. The look of satisfaction told me I had done well.
“Tonight, is the perfect night for you, Elias. A full moon, the brightest and strongest in the lunar cycle,” Connor said.
I knew the pack, those who could make it, were gathered in the backyard, waiting for Connor to join them for the night’s hunt and frolicking. All things I couldn’t wait to partake in.
“Will it hurt?” Elias asked, then looked down at his brand. The skin was puffy and swollen, but the brand itself looked beautiful.
Connor nodded. “And there is a chance you may not be strong enough to survive, but that is why we waited so long. To give you the best odds.”
“That is also why you wanted control of my holdings in the event that I die?” Elias asked.
“The bite is worth the price and the risk,” Connor said, then he rose from his chair. “Come, it’s best that we do this in the bedroom, as you will need to rest afterward.”
I followed them as Connor led the way to one of his guest bedrooms. The one I’d slept in the last time I was there with James. I watched as Connor pressed on Elias’ shoulders, forcing him to his knees. I’d seen it done before, the bite. It was imperative for the Alpha to bite the nape of the neck of the human
to make sure his venom entered their very bones. Elias cried out when Connor struck, and the bite wasn’t a quick one. He held his teeth inside of him long enough to inject enough venom for the transformation to take effect. When he released him, he placed him on the bed, then turned to face me.
“He will be your responsibility tonight. See that he survives… but if he doesn’t… at least it will be no loss to us,” Connor said, then walked away to join the pack.
I looked at Elias as he lay on the bed, his body breaking out in a sweat as the venom claimed him. Was this another test? If I didn’t help Elias through his transformation and he died, would Connor be pleased or upset with me? Fact of the matter was, he’d already gotten what he’d wanted from Elias. Did he want me to let him die? I shook my head of such thoughts. In the time I’d spent with Elias, we really had become good friends. I didn’t want to see him die. I looked at the bowl of water that was on the table in preparation for this night. When I heard Elias gagging, I quickly reached for the chamber pot and placed it in front of his face in time to catch the vomit as it spewed from his mouth in a torrent.
When he was done, I emptied it and returned to put the cool cloths over his face and chest. Perhaps, this was my test of loyalty. Knowing what I knew, if I saved Elias, it would grow the ranks of Connor’s pack. But was my loyalty to Connor or Elias? Maybe, it was to both. Or neither. Fact was, I didn’t want to be alone, and Elias had been my constant companion for three years. Was this self-preservation on my part? I stopped thinking about the motivations of my actions and just focused on saving Elias’ life.
~*~
I’d lost track of the time as I was up during the night with Elias, and it was only the brightness of the sun’s light shining on my closed eyelids that woke me up. I looked up to see Elias’ chest moving up and down in a calm rhythm. I reached over and touched his skin to feel the coolness, which meant his fever had broken. Finally. I had hoped my own natural transformation would not mirror his. This was a most unfortunate experience, and I had learned why so many humans didn’t survive and why it was important to pick them with care. With vampires, it didn’t matter. Their blood could turn anyone; sick, old, young, or strong. One of the reasons, I was told, of their arrogance. I’d never met a vampire and never did I want to.
I’d never met a dragon, either, but I at least knew their venom was dangerous to us as ours was to them. One of the reasons why we kept separate. I rose and used the chamber pot to relieve myself, then emptied it so Elias could use it when he woke up. I could smell food being prepared in the kitchen, so I left to hopefully gather myself a plate.
Connor was sitting at the table with some of his wolves, and platters of meat, fruit, cheese, and bread were being laid out before them. My stomach growled at the feast. Connor raised his hand, beckoning for me to join them, so I did, taking the only empty seat at the table.
“You’ve done well, Deacon,” he said.
“Thank you, Alpha,” I replied, smiling.
“Now you know what one must do to save a human during their transformation.”
I nodded. “Will mine be like that, Sir?”
He shook his head and took a bite of bread. “No. One day, when the time comes, your body will begin to prepare you. Your senses will become more acute. You will begin to feel like you are coming out of your skin as it will itch and irritate you. And on the night of a full moon, you will simply transform. It will be the most painful of all your transformations as it will be your first. You will hunt with your pack and feast as we do.”
“Then I cannot wait, Sir,” I said. I really did want to become a full werewolf. I loathed being human and the weakness that I suffered. A part of me was envious that Elias was now stronger than I was. I wondered, how many more years would pass before my time came?
“Do not fret over when it will happen. For now, you will return to Winston, your mission is complete,” Connor said to my utter disappointment.
“May I ask why I cannot stay with Elias, Sir?”
“Because I said so.”
I realize by his tone, he would not elaborate, and I was crushed that I had to return to the wolf I hated so much. These past three years had been a blessing… or had they been a cruel joke? To snatch my peace of mind from me and thrust me back into the arms of a man who would take what he wanted from me. Press upon me his own will and I had not the choice to refuse. Why give me so much freedom only to take it away? Why be so cruel?
Though the food was delicious, the meal left a sour taste in my mouth. After breakfast, one of the Beta Capos pulled me aside. I knew him, but not as well as I knew Winston. Royce. He was actually Connor’s only son, born to him from a human female many centuries ago. Of course, his mother, Patricia, was also a member of the pack. He’d turned her after Royce was born. She was just his wife; Connor had no official mate.
“Your time with Elias is over as you cannot teach him how to be a wolf. He will live with one of the pack until he learns,” Royce explained to me.
“But that can still be, and we could all live in Elias’ mansion. It is large enough, Sir,” I pointed out.
“Winston wants you back. He claimed you and you’re his son. He was never a fan of you leaving, but my father had insisted. He wanted to know what you were made of. What you would do on your own. Would you be loyal, or would you seek the opportunity by taking Elias’ riches for yourself and flee the land? We could have easily forced Elias to bend to our will. But that was not the point of your mission. You displayed fortitude and dedication, and because you did, my father knows now that he can trust you. What you did with Elias has gone a long way for you, Deacon. Once you become full pack, an omega you will be no longer.”
I frowned. “Why would I leave the pack? Even with Elias and his riches? Wouldn’t other packs simply kill me, Sir?”
“It would be a gamble on your part. But another pack may just take you in. A natural born wolf that comes with financial gains can be quite appealing. You may have even bargained with such leverage. But you stayed loyal to us. I’m impressed,” Royce said, then he patted me on the back.
Now, I finally understood. I had been cementing my place in the pack the entire time and not even knowing it. Well, that bit of information made the disappointment I had to swallow at breakfast go down a little bit easier. I’d have rank and be a brand-new wolf. Something that took wolves decades and sometimes centuries, I had earned in a matter of three years. Most wolves would never rank to Beta Capo or Capo, they would remain soldiers. I was really looking forward to my transformation now.
I smiled. “Thank you, Sir.”
He rubbed my hair back and smirked. “This conversation remains between us.”
I nodded. “I would never betray your trust, Sir.”
“Oh, I know. A true pack member. Now, go… bring your charge a plate. I am sure he is famished.”
I thanked him again, then walked off to carry out his orders. When I returned to the bedroom with a plate of delicious food, Elias was still asleep. I sat the plate down, plucked a piece of cheese from the plate, and waited. Another hour passed before he finally opened his eyes.
“Ugh,” he groaned, and I laughed.
“I am sure.”
“My mouth.” He pressed his lips together and swallowed several times.
“Here, drink this.” I handed him the goblet with the wine and he took it, drinking deeply. “Careful. You went through a lot last night.”
He handed me the goblet, and I placed it back on the table. “Am I a wolf now?” he asked.
I nodded. “Your senses should be heightened.”
“Is that why your voice sounds louder than normal?”
“I’m sorry. Here.” I handed him the plate of food. “I’m going to get one of the pack for you. I’m happy you survived, Elias.”
He looked at the plate, then back up at me. “Stay with me.”
“I cannot. I have been ordered to return to my trainer,” I said.
“But, why? We’ve been t
ogether all of this time.”
“The Alpha has ordered it so. You will learn that his orders are ones you cannot question or disobey,” I said. “Remember? I told you this.”
He nodded, but then frowned. “I just do not understand why.”
“It’s not for you to understand. It’s not for you to agree with,” I told him, and even as I spoke the words to him, they sunk into my own psyche. “We will see each other again.” Before he could say anything else, I left the room. Besides, I would have to return to the mansion and gather my things before going back to Winston. I would take as much time as I could doing so.
CHAPTER EIGHT
When Opportunity Presents Itself
Winston’s breath reeked as it pelted my face with every thrust. I had to hold my own in order to not gag or even worse, spew. He’d hunted as a wolf the night before and the freshness of his kill, I supposed, was still on his tongue. I even hated the scent of his body as he hadn’t bathed in several days. Winston rarely did, not seeing the need for such cleanliness. His grunts and groans tormented me as he rutted and when he finally reached his climax, I breathed a sigh of relief. He rolled off me and lay still, panting like a beast, not caring that my own pleasure had escaped me. Perhaps, I’d been spoiled by Elias and the many nights we’d spent taking pleasure in not only each other, but any pretty lad Elias picked up from the local tavern or the park.
“Go and gather some herbs for supper,” Winston ordered.
I was brought out of my happier thoughts when his voice penetrated the space between us. “Yes, Sir,” I said, silently pleased I was given an excuse to leave his presence. I walked over to the basin in our room and with the cloth, I wiped his seed from between my thighs and my hole. I hated how it seeped from my body, this product of his constant violation. He didn’t say anything. Normally, he’d complain if I tried to cleanse myself. Sometimes, he’d let me and other times, he’d force me to eat it or rub it into my skin. I wiped the sweat from my face, arms, and legs.
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