With a groan and a creak, the trunk lid lifted. Nolan dug past the letters, photos and vintage hats, and brought out the music box. Pink roses and pink ribbons adorned the pedestal holding a ballerina en pointe.
With a trembling hand, he turned the key. The ballerina twirled, her ceramic smile frozen in time. The sweet, tinkling of Swan Lake floated through the air.
Throat tight, he touched the ballerina. “Red hair,” he mused aloud. “Like sunset.”
“More like fire on water. That’s what you used to call it.”
At the whisper, he turned. Nolan’s heart hardened as he set down the treasure. Don’t let her get under your skin.
“I told you Erica and Shirl would take care of you.” His voice came out gruffer than he intended. But she only shrugged.
“I found the kitchen and made myself a sandwich. No need to have anyone wait on me.”
The old Jordan had been like that, thoughtful and considerate, not a prima donna expecting others to wait on her.
Expression wistful, Jordan touched the ballerina. “You gave me this to celebrate my first shift. I was upset because I always longed to be a ballerina, so you found this and said it was to remember my wolf, but in my heart, to never lose sight of my human dreams.”
For a moment silence fell between them.
“Balance,” he agreed, his chest hollow. “Our lives are all about balancing the wolf with the human.”
Jordan’s lower lip trembled. “More like riding a roller coaster at times. Some days it felt like going 100 miles an hour without a seat belt. All alone.”
“That’s what pack is for,” he reminded her. “To keep us centered. Remember what my father used to say?”
Her rosebud mouth curved into a slight smile. “Don’t let your fur get ruffled when some cretin gets under your Skin.”
They laughed, and all his cares dropped. It felt so good to laugh with her again, share a private moment.
“I haven’t had a pack in a long time,” she said softly. “I’ve missed it.”
For a moment, he wanted to draw her close, the way he used to when she got scared, lonely or sad. Offer her the comfort of his embrace, the simple touch all Lupines craved. “This was your home. It always will be.”
And then amber flickered in her blue eyes, the rising of her wolf. “Sometimes, it’s better to be alone than with pack.”
Damn and hell. She’d made him swear again, silently. Nolan let his own wolf rise, locking his gaze to hers, letting her know exactly who she dealt with this time. Not going to let himself get fooled by a pretty face, sweet smile and sad eyes.
Not again.
Jordan dropped her gaze briefly, showing submission. So why didn’t he feel satisfied instead of empty?
She was a wild wolf, a lone wolf, and lone wolves were dangerous.
“You made that choice when you left.” Nolan plucked the ballerina away from her grasp and set it back into the trunk. “You rejected our ways. Got news for you, Jordan. The old ways and the rules still apply here. My father is no longer alpha, but I keep the old traditions.”
Blue eyes narrowed. “You told me you have chores. Why are you here, sorting through this trunk? Is that a tradition as well? Busy work for the alpha?”
Nolan growled deep in his throat.
“My business is my business.” He clasped her chin between thumb and forefinger, centering his gaze on her. “Got it?”
To her credit, she didn’t even blink. Most females in his pack would tremble in fear or drop their gaze. She did neither.
“Your father used to have another saying,” she observed. “The ‘A’ in alpha sometimes stands for ass.”
Nolan stroked his thumb across her velvet-like skin, enjoying the texture. His mouth twitched upward in a smile. “I remember. You saying I’m living up to his legacy?”
“Listen here, Mitchell. If you want a quivering, meek female for a mate, better let me know now because it’ll never work out.”
“If I wanted a meek and submissive mate, I’d never have chosen you, pixie,” he said in a husky voice.
Jordan stared at him as if he’d dropped his drawers and showed his male assets. He’d be doing that soon enough tonight.
She was so pretty, her pouty lips parted breathlessly, her spark for life never extinguished.
The hunger, always biting him, gnawed at his insides. Hunger for Jordan, for mating, for bonding with her in the flesh.
Sex was good. Engaging his dick was expected.
Engaging his heart and falling for her all over again.
Forget it.
“Back to the house. Go get settled,” he told her, dropping his hand.
Jordan’s mouth lifted in a faint smile. “You’re still there inside, Nolan. The real you. I’m glad.”
He scowled. “Go on now, git.”
Scrambling to her feet, she dashed to the ladder. Then Jordan turned and blew him a kiss.
For a long time he sat in the dust, the sweet smell of hay tickling his nose.
Nolan wondered what he’d agreed to – mating this sassy female for life. She could either turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.
Or the worst.
4
Perfect night for a mating ceremony.
Jordan twirled before the full length mirror in the guest room. Beneath the soft glow of twin lamps, the gown sparkled like fairy dust, thanks to the white sequins sewn on the bodice and skirt. A high neckline gave the appearance of modesty, twined with the seductiveness of sheer netting showing her cleavage. Capped sleeves showed her bare arms, and the skirt was lacy and full, draping over her curves.
I look pretty. She twirled again before the mirror. Pretty enough to marry for life.
Would Nolan agree?
He was unpredictable, this Lupine she was to marry in a short while. Once she’d known his every thought, his hopes and dreams. Now he remained an enigma.
Most of the pack remembered her. But ones she once called friends remained distant and wary. Her friends Erica and Shirl had barely said hello. They remained unmated. Odd, too, for they were only two years older than her, and at that age, some handsome Lupine should have staked a claim.
Maybe they held out for the alpha. The thought made her wince. So much for those plans.
Her wedding. No attendants, no one to give her away. Her sunny smile faded. Would have been nice to at least have one friend at her side.
Sensing someone at the door, she called out for them to enter before they knocked.
In the mirror she saw a familiar face and joy overwhelmed her. “What are you doing here?” she cried out.
Jordan embraced Nia Blakemore Mitchell in a tight hug. Laughing, Nia patted her back.
“Tristan teleported us here. The baby is with Samantha and Darius, our betas.”
“Oh. I guess Tristan thought Aiden could stand up for Nolan.” Still, she appreciated a friendly face.
“No. Tristan wanted me to be your attendant and witness. If you wish.”
Wish? Chest tight with emotion, she managed to nod. “Nothing would please me more,” she finally said. “Thank you.”
Nia hugged her again, her sweet voice dropping to a whisper. “It isn’t easy mating with a Mitchell alpha, honey, but they’re worth it. Give Nolan a chance.”
Not as if she had much choice, but Jordan nodded.
“Here. Let me do it.”
Aiden adjusted the rose in Nolan’s tuxedo lapel. Nolan stared at them in the full-length mirror. Hard to tell they were kin, they looked so different. He appreciated Aiden doing this. A pang of wistfulness hit him. His father should be here instead of Aiden, fussing over his boutonniere, making certain his tie was straight.
But it was good to have Aiden with him. The older Lupine held much respect, like an elder brother.
Nolan nodded, adjusted his cufflinks. “Nia down there already with Jordan?”
“Yeah. There’s two Lupines who insisted they have front and center seats. No one wants to s
it with them. Friends of yours?”
“Nope. Rival pack. Alpha Brandon Harlow and his beta, Adam.” Nolan smoothed down his hair.
He caught Aiden’s stare in the mirror. “Your arch enemies?”
Nolan nodded. “Figure they’d enjoy the festivities and meeting the Silver Wizard.”
A smile touched Aiden’s mouth. “Smart move. And you wanted them to see this is a solid marriage, with Tristan marrying you both. Let them witness that you’re taking on a strong mate. Let them see the loyalty of your pack.”
Strong? Try super strong. Jordan was a force unto herself. “Yep. They’ll think twice before setting fires on my land.”
“Seems odd, a local pack risking burning trees when fires spread easily to their own turf.”
He thought so as well, but hadn’t voiced his suspicions to anyone. Secretly, Nolan had been scouting out the source of the fires, trying to pinpoint the arsonist. Brandon Harlow denied setting the fires.
He was starting to believe him, but who else would want the vineyard destroyed, his pack’s livelihood and territory ruined?
“Appreciate you standing up for me, Aiden.”
“Glad to do it. But why not have your beta wolf?”
“Don’t have one.”
Aiden’s brow wrinkled. He stroked his short-cropped black beard. “Right, I forgot about that in your pack. But you’re leading now. Why not take a beta?”
“Tradition. Betas have always been the heirs in this pack, dating back to my great-grandaddy’s time.” Nolan rolled his shoulders.
“So you’re going to wait until you have a son to have someone assisting you? Stupid tradition,” Aiden grumbled.
Nolan growled low. “Watch it, cuz. Don’t mock us.”
Aiden shook his head. “Your pack is smaller, but you’re running a business, Nolan. Take my advice. A beta wolf is necessary for your sanity. I don’t know where I’d be without Darius. You have someone to trust when times get rough.”
“I can handle my people, and my life. Back off.”
The other alpha held up his hands. “No insult meant.”
Everything Aiden said made sense, yet Nolan couldn’t budge on breaking with what his father had done. He wished he could confide in Aiden, but even though they were blood, they barely knew each other.
He’d been too young to assume control of the pack after his father died.
Aiden glanced out the bedroom window. “Thanks for giving me and Nia the cabin by the creek. But shouldn’t you be there for your wedding night with your bride?”
“My bedroom is here. Marriages, and babies, always begin here.” Nolan gestured to the bed, and both of them grinned.
His cousin’s smile faded. “Not very private.”
He agreed, but it was important to let the pack know continuity. After his father died, there had been turbulent times. Lupines wanted to leave. He held them all together through assuring them nothing would change.
Nothing had. Not in two years.
Maybe it was time for a few changes.
Aiden patted the bed. “Good, solid mattress. I can hear the springs creak already.”
Nolan’s blood thickened. He could imagine it as well. Bedding Jordan would be pleasurable.
It was the other times when she was out of bed that concerned him.
“You sure do like tradition in this pack,” Aiden observed.
“We’re slow to change.”
“Your father was glacial. He never changed anything. Not up until the day he died.” Aiden sighed. “Maybe if he had, he’d still be alive.”
Nolan said nothing. Craig had died in a foolhardy springtime tradition of the alpha proving his stamina by running over every square inch of pack territory for two days, without stopping for rest or water. Even though Craig had suffered from sickness that winter, pride refused to let him postpone or break that tradition. Weakness didn’t trump pride.
Craig tripped and went tumbling down the hill, his head smashing open on a rock.
“Fathers can be bastards.” Aiden’s gaze met his in the mirror. “Mine was. Don’t keep putting yours on a pedestal, Nolan. Because when that pedestal shatters, the jagged pieces cut you.”
Narrowing his eyes, he met Aiden’s steady gaze. “My pack, Mitchell. Stay out of it.”
But Aiden only smiled. “Agreed, Mitchell. Just giving cousinly advice. Ready to do this?”
His chest tightened as he thought of the enormity of what faced him. Once he’d imagined this moment as his future - marrying Jordan and claiming her for life. But the carefree, giggling girl had vanished, leaving a wild wolf in her place.
“Let’s do it.” He grinned to hide his true feelings about the importance of this moment and the dream he’d harbored all his life. Sex was easier to talk about than love and commitment. “Sooner I wed her, sooner I bed her.”
“Now you’re talking.” Aiden grinned back.
5
Dressed in the flowing white gown Nia bought for her, a circlet of pink roses upon her head and white satin shoes upon her feet, she waited for her groom on a raised dais by the fish pond. A wood trellis decorated with white and red roses stretched overhead.
Nolan’s pack was small compared to others – only two hundred, including young. Despite the last minute arrangements, a few outsiders had been invited to witness their hasty marriage. Two alpha-looking Lupines sat up front.
Friends of Nolan’s?
“Nolan told me he invited the local Fae queen as a courtesy.” Nia scanned the crowd. “I don’t see her. Or her court.”
“Selene always was private and preferred to stay out of sight.” Still, it disappointed Jordan that the Fae had not shown. She always liked them, and it had comforted her knowing they lived in the forest, protecting the trees and the vineyards.
Neither Aiden nor Nolan were in sight. Standing at her side, Nia offered an encouraging smile, but doubts flickered in her pretty blue eyes.
Jordan felt the same. Had Nolan decided to ditch her?
Overhead, the sun shone strong in a bright blue sky, and the wind rustled through the pines, maples and oak trees. Seated on white chairs covered with linen, the pack stirred restlessly. She saw her childhood friends Erica and Shirl in the front row, their smirks echoing her fears.
Nolan wasn’t coming.
Nia touched her arm. “Don’t worry. He’s coming. Aiden will talk to him.”
Jordan shrugged. This was far too important to express her real emotions, her fears and hopes. “Or talk him out of it.”
“Not my mate.”
The small bunch of pink roses in her hands trembled a little. She smiled to hide the inner trepidation. “I hope Nolan shows up. Otherwise it will be a waste of pretty flowers and decorations. The food, well, this pack never wastes food. Or wine. At least you’ll get a good…”
Jordan ceased talking.
A soft pop of air pressure and the Silver Wizard, Aiden and Nolan appeared on the dais. Nolan blinked hard, smoothed down the lapels of his black tuxedo.
“I don’t know how you do that without getting dizzy,” he told Aiden.
Aiden, dressed also in a black silk tuxedo, a pink rose in his lapel, shook his head. “I don’t.”
“Wusses,” Tristan said cheerfully.
The wizard, dressed all in black, regarded Jordan. “My apologies for the delay. I had some business to address regarding the winery.”
Jordan’s fingers tightened on her bouquet. She looked at Nolan. Whether in blue jeans and a blue chambray work shirt or a silk tuxedo, he was the handsomest man she’d ever seen. She smiled at him.
“Thanks for stopping by.”
Nolan’s light brown gaze flickered. “Thanks for dressing up for the occasion.”
His mouth curved up in the barest smile. Jordan felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this could work out.
Then she remembered the real reason why they did this. Nolan needed a mate, and she needed to avoid prison.
Tristan placed a hand on her shoulder.
She thought of all the rules, traditions and restrictions awaiting her as Nolan’s mate. She thought of the love they once had, and lost. She thought of the years spent running, the odd jobs, the low end jobs struggling to make it in a dank apartment festering with mold and roaches, no real home but the road.
I have to get off this carousel. Or my life will end up as a sideshow. The notion made her laugh a little inside.
“I do.”
Once she said it, she knew this was what she wanted. Jordan felt certain of it. It wasn’t the thought of darkness and prison, but the thought of the sunshine Nolan had once brought into her life.
She hoped he could bring it back again.
Tristan nodded at Aiden.
Aiden removed something from his inner jacket pocket. It was wrapped in blue velvet. She felt her stomach turn over as sunlight winked on the silver ceremonial knife.
Aiden handed the knife first to Nolan. Nolan’s gaze centered on her. Without flinching, he cut his palm with the blade, then handed it to her.
Jordan handed Nia her bouquet and took the blade. Her cut was quick, deeper than intended, and bled like crazy.
Droplets splashed onto the pristine white boards of the dais. The burning pain barely touched her. Jordan was far too nervous.
“Clasp your hands so your open wounds meet and your blood mingles,” Tristan instructed.
If only she could stop shaking inside, but that was impossible because this was too important. This dream she’d once harbored of marrying Nolan, a girlish dream that died the night…
Don’t think of that. Focus on now.
She and Nolan clasped hands, their mingled blood dripping to the wooden floor of the dais. Tristan bound their wrists together with a leather cord. “May you always be tied together by the bonds of loyalty, courage, strength, and love.”
Her heart pounding so hard she knew he could hear it, Jordan began to recite her vows.
WILD WOLF: Werewolves of Montana Book 12 Page 4
