Daughters of Artemis

by Della Buckland

  "Each of us was kicked out his pack for one reason or another. I was the first of our pack to be exiled from Micah's. I was kicked out because I refused to mate myself to the werewolf he wanted me to. I'd pretty much been a disappointment to him from the moment I was born. Micah always wanted a son, but instead, he got me."

  "Micah is your father?" Luna couldn't believe it.

  "Yep. I'm the only child he and my mother, his ex-mate had. He wished for a son, but he had a daughter instead. One who loves women instead of men, which kind of messed up his plan for marrying me off to his lieutenant. Micah is alpha and doesn't like being disobeyed. I too am alpha, and two alphas can't co-exist in the same pack. I was left with the choice of either fighting my father for control of the pack or leaving and starting my own. I chose to leave. I might not like him very much and agree with him and his methods even less, but he's still my father."

  Luna nodded her head and sifted through the remaining questions in her head before stopping at one.

  "How do you know so much about what happened to me in the woods two weeks ago?"

  This time Syrene gestured to two young women cleaning off tables and carrying dirty dishes behind the bar.

  "Coral and Jan were there. They were the two young wolves you ran by to escape to the Ranger station. Micah was angry with them for not trying to stop you from escaping, so he banished them. To make matters worse, Coral is pregnant. Her mate wasn't with the pack at the time and hasn't returned yet to find that his mate has been banished. Once he does, I fully expect him to come here to find his mate and join my pack."

  "Were you and your pack the ones I felt watching me?"

  "No. That was Micah and his pack. He found your information from the backpack you left behind and has been keeping tabs on you until he felt the time was right to claim you. Micah has always been known for playing with people like they're prey. I just recently found out when Jan and Coral joined my pack. We were on the streets looking for you tonight because we hoped to protect you from being forced to mate Micah."

  "But if all pack members are connected, won't he know what you're planning?"

  "Once I separated from the pack, my mental link with him and others of his pack was severed. As with everyone here. When they joined my pack they re-formed those mental links with me and the other members of my pack. Now, I think I've thrown enough at you for one night. I'll show you back to your room so you can rest."

  "My room?"

  "Yes. Micah knows where you live and has been watching you for some time. He'll know something is up when you don't come home. If he searches the area, he'll catch my scent and figure out that we have you. If I sent you home, he may tire of his game and try to force you to mate with him. We have to keep you away from him. It is the only way until you mate." Syrene stood up and Luna quickly rose to follow her. Syrene led her back to the room she'd awoken in. "I figured you might want some privacy while I answer your remaining question. Although honestly, the others already know what it means."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "You asked why I can communicate with you telepathically, and the others can't yet."

  "Oh yeah, why is that?"

  "The only time werewolves are able to communicate telepathically with someone outside of the pack is because they're meant to mate. It's kind of like the werewolf's way of calling out to their mate even before the actual mating has occurred."

  Luna looked at Syrene as if she'd suddenly gone dumb.

  "So what you're trying to tell me is..."

  "I'm your mate, Luna."

  Luna's pussy pulsed at that information the same time her mind completely rejected the notion.

  "But I've just met you. I don't know anything about you. How can you be my mate? God, I can't believe this is even happening."

  "This is why I figured we needed to be alone to talk about this. Please have a seat." Syrene gestured towards the bed, and they both walked over and sat down. "From the way you responded when I first spoke to you telepathically, I figure it's safe to say you've never communicated with anyone that way. Werewolves aren't psychic. We can't communicate mentally with just anyone. We can't even use that form of communication with other werewolves—just members of our pack. We communicate with those we are connected to. Those who are or who are meant to be part of our family. I reached out to your mind because for some reason I heard your thoughts clear as day... as if you were already one of my pack." Syrene slowly reached one hand over to take Luna's. It was weird, but that simple gesture made Luna feel some connection between them grow stronger. "Look, I know this is all new to you and very sudden, but I figured it was only fair that I tell you. You're my destined mate and I'm yours, but it's not a commitment to enter into lightly. As mates we'll be together for as long as we live. Werewolves mate for life. Once we mate you'll be able to communicate telepathically with my pack and they with you. You'd be one of the pack."

  "Even though I'm not full werewolf?"

  "Absolutely. You wouldn't be the first hybrid to join a pack. That's how we know so much about what to expect. Also, I personally wanted to stress that I do want you as my mate, but I don't want you to rush into mating with me only because you wish to escape Micah."

  Luna took in Syrene serious expression. This was very important to her as it should be. If Luna was in her position she'd want to be sure that her life long mate truly wanted to be with her for her and not to escape some mad power hungry werewolf.

  "I definitely have a lot to think about," Luna replied.

  "All right," Syrene said as she stood. "Have a good night, Luna. I'll come get you for breakfast tomorrow. Well, actually more of a late lunch. Running the club means a lot of late nights and no one wants to wake up too early." Then she cupped Luna's face between her soft hands and pressed a long, gently seductive kiss on her lips before once more saying goodnight and leaving her alone in the bedroom. The kiss had been short and sweet, yet Luna had felt it all the way down to her toes. If a simple good night kiss affected her so strongly, how powerful would sex with the woman be? Luna shivered at the possibilities as she stripped out of her clothes and got ready for bed.

  Even though Luna was physically exhausted, she couldn't seem to shut off her brain. Over and over, all the information she'd learned from Syrene combined with everything she'd been though kept replaying in her head. Whether she believed werewolves were real was no longer a question in her mind. Seeing Syrene transform right before her eyes took care of that doubt quickly. Did she believe that Syrene was telling her the truth? Luna didn't understand why, but she did wholeheartedly. It didn't make any sense at all, but she trusted Syrene as if she'd known her for her entire life. Of course, if she said that to Syrene, she'd probably say it was because they were mates and destined to be together, so of course she'd automatically trust her. Then Luna began thinking about the pack and how'd she'd instantly become one of them if she took Syrene as her mate. It was very tempting. Luna often felt as if she were missing some familial connection while growing up, something she was sure Syrene would also attribute to her werewolf half. She'd always had her mom, but when she passed away she was alone and had been ever since. Now she had an incredible woman offering herself as well as the people who depended on her for guidance as a package deal.

  On the other hand, joining a pack meant she was willingly placing herself right in the middle of werewolf politics, which she knew absolutely nothing about. Then again, it seemed she was destined to be drawn into it whether she chose to or not. Micah was determined to claim her as his mate. If he didn't like being disobeyed by his own pack, Luna could only imagine what he'd do to her if she refused to do as he wished. When exhaustion finally claimed her, Luna had absolutely no idea what she was going to do.

  That night she had a dream that she was once again lost in the woods and being chased by Micah and his wolves. She ran and ran until she once again came to the Ranger station. When Luna reached the door, she turned the knob, and it opened. There sitting inside
on a leather chair was Syrene, looking beautiful and strong. Just the sight of her made Luna feel safe and loved. Syrene beckoned Luna to her, and as she walked towards her the door to the station closed and Micah's growls were shut out. Luna knelt in front of Syrene between her legs. Syrene wrapped her arms around Luna as she brought their lips together. Luna felt that kiss down to her soul. She loved this woman and knew Syrene loved her too. This woman would protect her and the pack from all those who'd threaten them. She was strong, beautiful, wise, and she'd chosen Luna to share her life with. It was there for the taking if she wanted it.

  When Luna awoke, she had tears in her eyes. The peace and happiness she'd felt in her dream was something she'd yet to find in real life. It certainly put everything into perspective for Luna. Did she want to explore this half of herself she hadn't known existed with the beautiful Syrene by her side? When forgetting everything else, it made making her decision a whole lot clearer. She'd just sat up in bed when there was a knock at the door.

  "It's Syrene," came that same sultry voice she was growing to love.

  "Come in," Luna called back, adjusting the sheet to cover her nudity. Syrene walked in wearing a short flowing white wrap that tied around her neck like a halter. She wore no shoes as she glided into the room. Luna watched as she closed the door then came over to the side of the bed and sat down next to her on top of the covers.

  "How did you sleep?"

  "All right considering everything that happened yesterday."

  "You feel overwhelmed, don't you?"

  "I definitely was last night, but this morning... not so much."

  "That's good."

  "I heard what you said last night about being sure I was ready for the mating and to not rush into it because of Micah. Syrene, I truly don't know how it happened, and I damn sure can't explain it, but I feel this connection with you. It's the strongest pull I've ever felt to another human being in my entire life. It's part of the reason I'm not finding it so difficult to accept that you're my mate despite the fact we just met last night. I just wanted to tell you I'm sure that I want to be with you and it's not because I'm afraid of your father. True, I am terrified of him, and I'm even more terrified what he'll do once he finds out I mated with another before he forced me to with him..."

  "Don't worry about Micah. I'll take care of my father." Syrene raised her hand and gently cupped Luna's cheek as she brought their lips together. The sweet kiss deepened when Syrene opened Luna's lips for her tongue to enter and play with Luna's. Luna wrapped her arms around Syrene's neck, her movement causing the sheet over her to slip down exposing her bare breasts. Syrene cupped her mounds before tweaking both nipples. Luna moaned as the pleasure in her sensitive nipples radiated down her spine and headed straight to her clit. Maybe she was in heat, because she sure didn't remember ever being this sensitive before. One of Syrene's hands moved down her abdomen and reached under the sheet for her moist center. "I want you so bad, Luna. Your scent is driving me crazy."

  "Will... you still want me once we mate and my scent changes?" It was hard to concentrate as Syrene's fingers teased her pussy with shallow thrusts in her aching hole.

  "Even more so. Another thing about werewolves: they're very territorial when it comes to their mates," she said before plastering their lips together once more and pushing her fingers deeper inside. Luna reached to the tie behind Syrene's neck and undid the knot, allowing the wrap to fall free from her body. As Syrene stood to take the wrap the rest of the way off, Luna pushed the sheet away, exposing her body completely to Syrene's gaze. The look of hunger on her mate's face had Luna shaking with anticipation.

  "I want to taste you," Luna replied. The huskiness in her voice made it sound deeper than it was mere minutes ago.

  "And I you. We'll both get our wish," Syrene replied before lithely climbing onto the bed and straddling Luna's body. Luna laid back as Syrene trailed kisses from her head down the front of her body, stopping to pay homage to her breasts with her mouth before continuing down. Luna laughed when Syrene circled her belly button with her tongue and placed teasing kisses all around her hips and pelvis. "Mmmm... you smell delicious. Like a fine wine."

  Luna had closed her eyes, but as she listened to Syrene's voice and felt the bed dip as Syrene changed position, she reopened them. She found herself staring at Syrene's legs straddling her head while Syrene's face remained inches above her pussy.

  "Love me as I love you, mate," Syrene said.

  That was all the warning Luna had before Syrene's tongue swiped at her glistening labia. Luna wrapped her arms around Syrene's thighs for purchase and at first found it very hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Then the smell and sight of Syrene's arousal had Luna as eager to give Syrene pleasure as she was to receive it. One taste of her mate's juices, and Luna became as ravenous as Syrene was. When Luna's tongue hit a particularly sensitive spot, Syrene would growl, and the vibrations on her already sensitive clit had Luna fighting off orgasm multiple times. The sensations flowing through her system were so good she didn't want it to end.

  "You taste like ambrosia, Luna."

  "Syrene!" Luna screamed as once again her orgasm threatened to overwhelm her. She knew when it did, it would leave all previous orgasms in the dust. Determined to not be the only one mindless with pleasure, Luna redoubled her efforts until she heard Syrene's moans increase and her inner walls begin to ripple around Luna's tongue. The more they ate at each other's cream, the stronger Luna's connection to Syrene became. Right before they peaked, she swore Syrene's thoughts were inside her head with her own, and their orgasms felt double the strength as they mentally shared their sensations with each other. It was the most profound experience Luna had ever had. She was irrevocably bound to Syrene from that point on, and she couldn't have been happier.

  They made love multiple times that day, until they finally fell into an exhausted sleep around eight in the evening. They were sleeping peacefully when Luna began to feel that something was wrong. As she slowly came awake, she heard a voice in her head, but this time it wasn't Syrene. It was one of Syrene's pack letting them know that Micah was on his way there with a couple of his pack members in tow. Luna then realized she could also sense the rest of the pack in the back of her mind. It was surprisingly comforting to have everyone inside her head. She found it amazing that she heard them as if they were right in the room with Syrene and her even though she knew they were all downstairs preparing themselves for Micah's arrival. "Well, it didn't take him long to find me," Luna commented as she reached for the clothes she'd discarded the night before.

  Syrene stirred beside her. "Didn't think it would. Your senses are probably stronger then regular humans, but not as strong as ours. You'll probably smell and sense his presence when he's a bit closer."

  Luna didn't question Syrene's word. There was a lot she still needed to learn about this werewolf world, but she knew Syrene would be right there with her the entire time. She knew it in her heart and in her mind. Even though they were no longer touching, Luna still felt the connection between them strongly, as if there were an unbreakable thread connecting them. Their bond made her less afraid of what might happen once Micah arrived.

  By the time Luna was dressed, Syrene had her wrap once again in place. Luna nodded that she was ready, and they left the bedroom together to join the rest of the pack downstairs. They were halfway down the stairs when Luna sensed what she knew instinctively was the close presence of an outsider and realized she'd finally sensed Micah. The moment they reached the bottom step, there was a series of loud bangs on the front door.

  "Open the door, John," Syrene instructed one of the club's bodyguards stationed near the door. The whole pack seemed to place themselves strategically to defend their alpha and her new mate, Luna. When the door opened, Luna half-expected to see the silver wolf she'd seen in the woods, but instead she saw a middle-aged man flanked by a number of younger men and women. Apparently, werewolves aged well as Micah's physique was of a much younger man. H
is silver hair was the only giveaway that he was old enough to have an adult child. "Nice seeing you again, Micah." Syrene's voice reflected that she felt anything but.

  "Why am I not surprised to find all of my misfit wolves have congregated around the original misfit? You have interfered in my business one too many times, Syrene," Micah replied with menace. Then his eyes fell upon Luna, and he visibly sniffed the air. His face and body language instantly changed as his demeanor turned from annoyance to pure rage. "How dare you steal my mate?"

  "I didn't steal your mate. I claimed my own. Unlike you, I'd never force a mating on anyone."

  "She was mine! You had no right."

  "I had every right. And you will remember you're not in your territory anymore. You're in mine. I will not tolerate it."

  "You ran away from challenging me before. You won't rise to the challenge now."

  "I didn't have a mate to protect then. Do you really want to test your theory?"

  Micah seemed taken aback by Syrene's words. He also must have not expected Syrene's pack to be so large, as he only brought five wolves with him and was now outnumbered about two to one.

  "Face it, Micah. There's nothing you can do," Syrene added.

  Micah looked as if he wished to throttle Syrene, but he seemed to be holding back. Luna didn't know if it was because he was in another pack's territory, that he feared his daughter would challenge him and win control of his pack, or that he didn't like being outnumbered. Either way, it appeared even to Luna's naive perspective that Syrene had already won this battle of wills with her father.

  "Fine. You can have the hybrid. She wasn't good enough to be my next mate anyway. Mating with her would probably have thinned the blood line." Micah was trying to save face, but Luna doubted if his own pack would even believe him. "You two deserve each other."

  "I'll take that as a compliment as well as your blessing. Now if you don't mind, we have a business to run, and I want you out of my territory." Syrene's voice had such command to it that Luna automatically understood why she was alpha. She was a natural born leader and a much better one than her father, from what Luna had seen. The bodyguard standing at the door held it wide open for the unwanted group to leave. Micah exited first, and then four of his pack turned and followed him out. Only one man stayed behind, but his gaze wasn't on Syrene or Luna. It was at Coral standing next to the bar. Luna heard the young girl's voice say the name Peter in her head, and she knew instantly that this was Coral's mate.