Tatum: A Wolf's Hunger Alpha Shifter Romance (A Wolf's Hunger Book 12)

by S Raven Storm

  By the time they reached the outskirts of the town, Bristol was famished. Within seconds she stripped off her shirt, propped her stick against the tree, and hung her shirt on it, before transforming into her wolf. She was happy and free, as she jumped playfully around Tatum. Chasing him around and around in circles, taunting him, change, big bad wolf, change for me.

  Tatum did just that, he shifted into his wolf, but his eyes never left his beautiful mate. She was cocoa brown mixed with black and white, her dark brown eyes now twinkled amber as they glowed with excitement. Tatum caught scent of a doe near by, he signaled for Bristol, who took off at a speed unlike any he’d ever seen. She was quick with unbelievable agility. She cut corners so fast and with such a mighty force it caused patches of dirt to fly high into the air. With a massive leap, she had her prey by the back of the neck, severing the spine as she flipped the young doe over and sliced it open from chest to its lower belly. Tatum was in awe of what he saw. She’s magnificent! More than I could ever hope for in a mate. Thank you, thank you Goddess.

  Tatum gobbled up the doe he caught. He was ravenous and took little time engulfing his meal. But his voracious appetite included more than food, it included Bristol. Tatum began to think of his future with Bristol, and a smile tattooed across his face, as his wolf jumped for joy. When they both completed their repast, they laid upon the grass, savoring the moment. The sun was shining through the trees, and the sound of the birds chirping, was like a sweet love song. Peace washed over Bristol as she sighed deeply.

  “We need to head back. Gamma Tate needs to speak with you and I need to meet with my beta, Luke. He was the one who helped me rescue you.

  “Oh my god, look at you, and me, too. I can’t meet a gamma looking like this! Do we have time to go back to your place?

  “I have a better idea. Follow me.”

  Tatum took off down a deep and narrow slope. It was obvious he knew the terrain like the back of his paw. But Bristol was a little skeptical about going down the precipitous embankment, until Tatum said, “keep your head up, follow my steps and trust yourself.” Bristol was happy when she reached the bottom, she’d been holding her breath the whole time and immediately exhaled, then inhaled deeply to compensate. She was in awe at the sight before her. It was a beautiful grotto. The opening was protected by thick vegetation.

  Changing to their human form, Tatum helped Bristol inside the grotto. She could see another opening, at the far end of the cave. A curtain of water streaming down the opening proved to be a waterfall. Bristol was mesmerized by the beauty of the cave, as the illuminating phosphorescence lights provided a romantic and secluded sanctuary for the couple. Once her body adjusted to the cool water, Bristol began to relax.

  “What’s making the cave light up?” she asked looking all around.

  “It’s from the algae.”

  “What’s algae.”

  Tatum swam to the wall and put his head under water. When he came up he had a rock with green, fuzzy, slimy goo on it. She turned her nose up, shaking her head, as Tatum started laughing. He stopped, looking at her intently and said, “I heard you tell Jax you know I’m your soulmate.”

  “Yes, I did.” She shrugged her shoulders “it’s true.”

  “How can you be so sure? I’m trying to wrap my mind around all of this. My feelings, hell, everything. I know my wolf believes you’re my mate. Yet, I’m at a loss for a rational explanation.”

  “I feel it too, but I know it’s real not only because of the way I feel when I’m with you, but because I believe in our ancient ways. I felt the hunger, so have you.” She said, removing the spikes from her hair and loosening her braid. Leaning back, she let her hair get wet.

  “At first it was painful, I didn’t understand what was happening to me, but since I’ve met you I feel a peaceful assurance.” She smiled.

  Tatum cocked his head to the side, making a mental note to ask her about the nails in her hair, every movement made him smile and caused his heart to beat faster. “What about the mate you have already?” He asked waiting to hear the words he knew would break his heart.

  “I have no mate, and I’ve never… Well, I’ve never experienced …

  “What about Scott or Scotty?”

  She laughed, “Scotty is the closest thing I have to family, now. We grew up together and he was my father’s beta and if the truth be told, he’s like a big brother to me.” The light tone in her voice died, by the end of her statement. Her twinkling eyes, now filled with sorrow. “He lost a battle for alpha due to trickery, by Rex, a low-down dirty dog, who wants me as his mate.” She sighed deeply before adding, “he killed my father and my mother. It was him I was running from and now I know it is you, I was running to.”

  Tatum’s relief was undeniable, “Thank you, but I didn’t mean to make you unhappy. I’m sorry.” He said wrapping her in his arms, her spoor sent his wolf spinning out of control. “Talk to me, tell me who you are. I want to know all about you, and I don’t care if we wait to mate, so long as it isn’t too long.”

  “I have no problem sharing my life with you and I know you’re my soulmate and don’t want to wait another day to rightfully become your alpha-mate.” She smiled boldly.

  “I’m the daughter of the powerful alpha couple, Midas and Leona. I had two sisters and a brother that I don’t remember. They died in the great blizzard, I was the only one to survive. Needless to say, I was daddy’s little girl and the son he didn’t have all rolled up into one. I learned early how to take care of myself, for my parents would go on hunts that took them from home days at a time. When I left Rolling Hill, I left my mother bloody and beaten, fighting off Rex, after we found out he murdered my father.” She swiped away the tears that began to flow. “Rex was never beta, or alpha material, he is and will always be an omega and I guess he wanted more. Scotty would have beaten him if he didn’t back Scotty up so he’d fall in a hole.” She said slowly as she whispered, “but I will have my revenge, one day.”

  Her fierce attitude excited him as he pulled her closer to him. “I like the way you feel in my arms.” His lips claimed hers. Bristol’s mouth was sweet and inviting. Tatum let his hands roam freely over the curves of her body.

  “And I love the way I feel in them.” She laughed, as she kissed his chest.

  Her breasts were small and her nipples hard. Bending his head, he let the tip of his tongue swirl around the taut bud. She gasped for air, letting her head fall back as he abandoned the one breast to entertain the other. His teeth grazed her tender flesh and she pressed against him even the more. Kneading her plump, round ass had his wolf running in circles. Lifting her up so they could be eye to eye, Bristol wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms enclosed around his neck, and she began to kiss him, pushing him over the edge.

  “I like when you pick me up.” And she did. She was always taller than the other females, even her mother, who was taller than most. But next to Tatum she appeared diminutive. Her mound pressed against his cock, made her grind herself against him. Tatum took his time to slowly enter her. She knew it would be painful at first, but she was ready, plus she’d always had a high tolerance for pain. Yet, after the pain, there was nothing but pure pleasure.

  She was tight, hot, and wet. All the makings of a promise soon to be fulfilled. He moved methodically, taking slow even strokes until she moaned in ecstasy. The sound echoed through the grotto and vibrated in his chest, as his hips began to grind against hers. His wolf howled, making him shiver. Bristol’s nails dug deep into Tatum’s shoulder blade and it felt good. She began to adjust to him, and her boldness took over, as she matched him thrust for thrust.

  Bristol couldn’t think, only feel, as Tatum’s mouth seared her flesh while his tongue tantalized her from head to toe. The moment he entered her, to this moment in time, it had been like a dream. The things he was doing and the way she was feeling was nothing like when she’d masturbated. No, there was no comparison, at all. She could hear his wolf panting and howling with desire and
delight, as her wolf reciprocated. Bristol was lost in their lovemaking, all she wanted to do was please him... please him without measure. She wanted to give him all she had to give. Her body had been awakened by his lovemaking, never to be dormant again, she couldn’t wait to see what else he had in-store for her.

  Tatum plunged deeper into the abyss of her sweetness. It was then he heard her wolf cry out, and his strokes became stronger, faster, deeper. “Baby, I’m about to come, I need to make you mine, now,” Tatum whispered, turning her head to the side, exposing her long slender neck, Tatum bit her, sealing the ritual, making her his for now and forever. He in turn lifted his head, baring his neck to Bristol. She accepted him as her mate and let her sharp teeth pierce through his skin.

  The taste of her blood heightened his libido. The fact she was officially his she-wolf, to reign with him, to fight for him, and produce a litter from him was stimulating his inner beast. When her wolf cried out, signaling her orgasm, he shattered into a million pieces. Ejecting his cream inside her. His climax was unyielding as he pumped feverishly into her. Together they experienced a rise to crescendo that was both torrid and explosive.

  They laid in each other’s arm, relishing the moment that just passed. The sun had changed position, revealing another part of the day had arrived.

  “Don’t you think we should be getting back? She asked drawing small invisible circles on his chest.

  “I’m not sure I want to leave.” He said as he rubbed his hand along her soft, silky skin. They quietly laid upon the landing of the grotto, as the sun played peek-a-boo with the trees.

  “I was thinking the same thing. How about we make this our getaway place?”

  “I’d like that. Thank you.”

  “Anything for my alpha mate,” he said, happy to bring a smile to her face.

  Bristol rolled onto her side, kissed Tatum, letting her tongue run along his bottom lip, then tenderly nipping it.

  “Keep it up, and we will be visiting Gamma Tate tomorrow. I promise.”

  “I don’t have a problem with that. I promise.”

  “You know what, you’re not a she-wolf, you’re a she-devil.”

  Walking hand and hand, Tatum showed Bristol the trail to take out of the grotto’s cavern. It wasn’t as challenging as the path they used to enter, in fact she wondered why not just use this path to enter.

  Why didn’t you bring me this way first, instead of coming down the hill?

  The hill is faster going down, but difficult climbing up. Plus, it’s hard to find this trail going down, because of the way the trees and vegetation grows.

  They made it back to the big tree and Bristol donned Tatum’s shirt again and grabbed her fighting stick. It appeared to take longer to venture out than it did to return to town. She wasn’t ready to share Tatum with anyone else. But she knew now that she was his mate, an official ceremony must be held, before she could rightfully take her place as the female alpha of the pack.

  The little cottage with its wraparound porch was charming at best. The little old man sitting in the big rocking chair, looked vaguely familiar, it was funny, when she saw him, she thought of Gamma Rhone. Tatum laced his fingers with Bristol’s and squeezed for reassurance as they walked up the steps of the porch.

  “Gamma Tate, this is Bristol. Bristol, Gamma Tate.” Tatum introduced the two before pulling one of the rocking chairs around so Bristol could sit. He motioned for her to sit, however she walked closer to the gamma and taking his hand, she kissed it.

  “It’s an honor and a pleasure to meet you, Gamma Tate.” Bristol beamed as she continued to hold his hand.

  “I can see you’ve been raised in the ancient ways. Wonderful, I am very pleased to meet you, too.” Gamma Tate beamed.

  “You can let go of his hand now. And he is to kiss your hand not the other way around.” Tatum announced, as he pushed the chair closer to Bristol.

  “You shouldn’t speak in that manner when you’re around a gamma,” She cited, narrowing her eyes to show her displeasure.

  He looked at Gamma Tate who didn’t try to hide his amusement.

  “Okay, sorry! What did you want to see us for?” Tatum asked, wanting to get home so he could make love to his alpha mate in his… no, in their bed.

  “I was hoping to counsel the two of you before the mating ritual took place, but I can see I’m too late for that.” He stated, looking at the marks on Tatum’s and Bristol’s neck.

  “I apologize, it was as much my fault as Tatum’s.” Bristol cried, as she grabbed the elderly man’s hand and placed it upon her forehead.

  “Well, I’m not sorry.” Tatum said looking the gamma in the eye.

  “What’s done is done, I will make the announcement and arrange for the official ceremony. But first I need to know a little more about you, my dear.” Gamma Tate liked Bristol, she was a breath of fresh air and he could see she’d be very influential to the pack, especially the alpha.

  Bristol told Gamma Tate the same story she told Tatum at the grotto. He listened carefully and never once interrupted. When she finished she let a deep sigh escape her lips. She felt better, she felt as if a burden had been lifted from her chest. She smiled and said, “Thank you.”

  “What are you thanking me for, my child?”

  “For easing the heavy load I’ve been carrying since I left home.”

  “I met your father many years ago, he was a great alpha.”

  “Thank you for saying so. You remind me of the gamma of my pack. I miss him and everyone dearly.”

  “He must be a very wise man, and proud of you.” He smiled and looked over at Tatum who was busying himself talking to someone via the pack’s link.

  “His name is Gamma Rhone.” She said proudly.

  Gamma Tate sprang from his chair. “Rhone! What does he look like?” He asked, drawing the attention of Tatum, who approached the couple curious of the conversation.

  “Well to be honest, I would say he looks like you. I mean, the moment I saw you I thought of him. I don’t know if all gammas look the way the two of you do or not.” She replied.

  “Rhone is my brother, I haven’t seen him in many years. When my oldest brother became alpha of our pack, Rhone and I took off to start our own packs. I had a small pack, the Riverland, but we had too many weak links and when Tatum’s father came to challenge, I conceded with the agreement I’d be his gamma, due to my age and experience.” He wiped a tear from his eyes, “I haven’t seen him in over twelve years.”

  Bristol hugged the aging man, sensing his pain and told him, “he is well and very wise, like you. The fact the two of you are in such important positions says a lot.”

  Tatum realized he was helplessly in love with Bristol. She was wise beyond her years with a heart made of gold. The fact she held such respect for the office of gamma and just upon meeting Tate, to pledge her allegiance to him, spoke volumes about her character and loyally. Yes, he loved her with all his heart and would kill the fool stupid enough to intervene in his quest for happiness.

  Tatum spotted Luke walking down the center of the road, he was coming from the direction of the storehouse. When he saw Tatum on the porch he picked up his pace. Luke jotted up the steps, stopping before Bristol, he said, “Hi, I’m Luke. I must say you look lovelier than the last time I saw you. I’m so happy you’ve recovered so quickly, my queen.” He beamed.

  Bristol took his outreached hand. She liked the beta, and said with sincerity, “I owe you a debt of gratitude, thank you…” Luke was handsome, almost as handsome as Tatum. He had long dirty blonde hair that sat on his shoulders, curling at the end. His light brown eyes danced in the sunlight showing a red tint behind them.

  Tatum didn’t like Luke holding Bristol’s hand, and he didn’t like all the flowery nonsense he was spewing. Both Bristol and Luke turned to Tatum when they heard his wolf growling.

  “Hey, she’s my alpha, as you are my alpha. I will love and protect her as I do you.” Luke proclaimed, his eyes never wavering as he looked T
atum eye to almost eye, since Luke was an inch or two shorter than Tatum.

  Tatum accepted Luke’s speech as being sincere and from the heart, however, he still didn’t like him holding her hand and rattling off a bunch of flowery stuff to her. She belonged to him and only him.

  “How did you know I made Bristol my mate?” Tatum asked curious about Luke’s statement.

  “Gamma Tate told everyone she was now our female alpha and that the ceremony will be held in two weeks.” Luke replied looking between Tatum and Gamma Tate.

  Bristol began to laugh, she laughed so hard tears gathered in her beautiful brown eyes. “You and your brother have more in common than just your looks.”

  “How the hell did you know I made Bristol my mate?” Tatum bellowed, not finding the humor in Gamma Tate not waiting for him to give the okay.

  “A little birdie told me.” He replied with a twinkle in his eyes.

  “There were no birds around, you old busy body,” Tatum huffed.

  “He has brought us luck by announcing our union. Now, all will know it was blessed by the gamma and the preparations have begun for the ceremony, which I for one am glad is not on my shoulders to handle.” She smiled sweetly, causing Tatum to do the same.

  “What happened with the rogue wolves?” Tatum inquired in a deep voice trying to recover from smiling like a little boy with a new toy.