The Ancients Series

by Christine M. Butler

  “Morning Jess!” Jack had come up behind me, almost causing me to spill my filled to the brim cup of coffee.

  “Jesus, Jack. A little personal space!” I set my cup down on the counter, and turned for the hug that I knew was coming. He picked me up in a giant bear hug, and elicited squeals from me.

  “He already got me this morning.” Ashley was laughing. “I swear he should have been a bear and not a wolf, with the way he likes to hug everyone. Seriously, it’s a dysfunction, Jack!”

  “You know you love it, Ashley.”

  “Jack, come sit down, Jess needs her coffee in the morning, otherwise she’s a bitch.”

  I turned to look at Sierra, “always a pleasure, Si.”

  “I know,” she said to me, and she meant it. Sierra and I had become something akin to friends over the years after what happened the day of my changing, but we were never going to have an easy relationship. I think a huge part of her still blamed me for her getting shot and not being able to have children. Not that it was my fault she followed me to threaten me about Zach, but she didn’t see it that way.

  I sat down next to Evan and sipped my coffee while I grabbed a piece of bacon from the pile in the middle of the table. “There are eggs over on the stove, Jess.” My mom said as she turned to grab something out of the refrigerator.

  “Thanks mom.” I got ready to get back up, but Evan put his hand on my shoulder to keep me in place and stood instead. He walked over and grabbed a plate, piling some eggs on it for me.

  “Isn’t that sweet,” Sierra said. “It’s funny how things turn out, isn’t it, Jess?”

  “How so, Sierra?”

  “Well, that day in the woods, we were fighting over Zach, and here we are, neither of us with him.”

  “We weren’t fighting over Zach. You were telling me he’d be yours, and I was trying not to care while I went through the calling, and my shift for the first time.”

  “Yeah, whatever. It’s just funny how things turned out.” She was picking at the food in front of her. “Did he really attack you yesterday?”

  I nodded, my hand involuntarily going to my arm just above my elbow where he’d grabbed me.

  “I’m sorry, Jess. He used to be a different person way back then. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with him anymore.”

  “Yeah, he did.” I took the plate Evan offered me.

  “Your new guy is way cuter though,” she offered, staring openly at Evan. When she noticed that Ashley was giving her the stink eye, she added, “what?” Your brother hugs anything with heartbeat, I’m allowed to appreciate the eye candy.” Jack was laughing, and Sierra grabbed his hand and squeezed it. Things may not have turned out the way she had hoped when we were younger, but Jack made her happy. It was probably more than she would have gotten if things had worked out with her and Zach.

  “Are you nervous?” I asked her.

  “About what?”

  “It’s been two years, and this will be the first time you get to meet Jack’s family.”

  “Oh, that. No, they can love me or hate me, but Jack’s mine either way.” I had to smile at that, because honestly, his family would probably hate her, and she was at least smart enough to know it. Not only did their son change into a werewolf for her, but he’d never have children either. There was bound to be some residual resentment, especially since Jack had refused to see them for the past two years. Granted, he did so out of fear that he might turn in front of them and get violent involuntarily, but they couldn’t understand that.

  “I make no promises for my family,” Jack added. “Which is why you two will be there. I’m worried enough about my own self-control, but Ashley just turned and they don’t know that yet.” He looked at Ashley, “good luck dropping that bomb in person.”

  “Yeah, thanks, Jack.” Suddenly Ashley didn’t look like her breakfast was agreeing with her. I reached over and patted her leg.

  “It’ll be okay, Ash. I’ll be there, and really they can’t be too surprised. You’ve talked to them about it before.”

  “Yeah, now Jeff gets to be their favorite, since he’s the only normal one left.”

  “He’s attending an art college, and I think his last girlfriend’s name was Bob. I don’t think mom and dad have a hope in hell at a normal kid.” Jack said with a hint of laughter.

  “Oh yeah, they’re going to be pissed. If ever there was a time for Jeff to come out of the closet to them, this would be it. You know, while they’re in shock about another wolf in the family.”

  “Don’t forget the fact that you’re already a bonded wolf, and dad didn’t get to walk you down an aisle or anything.”

  “Shit!” Ashley said. My parents were standing off to the side, laughing. They’d met Ashley’s parents, and they had always wondered out loud how Jack and Ashley had been a product of that union. Ashley had once told them it was a testament to their rebel nature.

  Everyone pretty much quit talking at that point, and finished eating so we could get the trip to do a family reunion over with.

  Everyone else already had a bag packed for the night, except me, so I ran upstairs to do that while things were cleaned up in the kitchen. I was grabbing some underwear out of my drawer when Evan walked in my room. “I like those,” he said with a smile.

  “I bet you do.” I put them back and pulled out a pair of boy shorts instead.

  “I like those too,” he insisted. “I’m pretty much going to like anything I can imagine pulling off of you,” he hesitated as he closed the distance between us, “with my teeth!” I sucked in a breath just as he nipped the back of my neck for effect. Goosebumps immediately broke out all over my body, and his hand snaked up and around me, rubbing his fingers lightly over my now hardened nipples. “I see you like that idea too.”

  “You are not making this easy, you know.” I was mentally slapping myself silly, because what I really wanted to do was strip the man naked and have my way with him right here, in a house full of my friends and family. I didn’t really care, but at least my statement had some sort of impact on him, because he backed up a couple steps.

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. Sometimes, I just… it’s difficult. Is it really two more weeks until the full moon?”

  “Don’t remind me,” I grumbled. “Maybe we can talk my family into doing the bonding ceremony privately, when we get back from Ashley’s family trip?”

  “You know why they’re going to want you to wait.”

  “Your family.”

  “Yes, your dad told me what happened with your Aunt, and why you made them the promise to wait. I understand. I will stop tempting fate.”

  I groaned inwardly again, “but I like when you’re tempting fate.”

  A low growl rumbled from his chest, and he had to turn around and walk a few more paces away. “I wonder if we have time for me to hit another cold shower.”

  Ashley popped her head in the door, “Do I have to separate the two of you so we can get out of here?”

  “No, we’re coming.”

  “No, you’re not, and that seems to be the problem.” Her double meaning did not pass me by, and I laughed as I threw the rest of my clothes into my bag.

  “Fine! I’m done, let’s go.”

  “Don’t forget your toothbrush, hon!” Ashley reminded me.

  “Thanks.”

  We took two vehicles to the cabin. Really, we could have just run through the woods a few miles as wolves and been there quicker, but Ashley insisted we do things the human way so we didn’t upset her family any more than were about to. Sierra and Jack piled in my Jeep with Evan and me. Ashley and Asriel took Evan’s car.

  “Does Asriel have a car of his own?” I asked, remembering that I’d never seen him drive anything other than Evan’s vehicle.

  “He has a truck. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure why he didn’t bring that. Seems like a better option than a sports car for a visit to a cabin in the woods.”

  “You think?” I questioned sarcastically.


  “I think he likes driving my car.” I laughed at him.

  “Speaking of cars, I can’t believe you still have this big yellow monstrosity.” Sierra’s distaste was evident in her voice.

  “She’s too prissy for your wheels, Jess.” Jack laughed.

  “She’s always been too prissy,” I added.

  “I’m sitting right here, and I just think, this is a man’s vehicle that you threw a sunshiny color on.”

  “This is so not a man’s vehicle. It’s perfect. I can take my Jeep anywhere. You drive a cutesy little Jetta when we live in a forest that gets muddy a lot. How many times have you been stuck, Sierra?”

  “That doesn’t matter.”

  “How many?”

  “Four.”

  “Mmmhmm, guess how many times I’ve been stuck in the mud!”

  “Let me guess,” her sarcasm laced voice was showing signs of strain. She was getting pissed with me. “None.”

  “That’s right, none.”

  “Well, that just goes to show you know nothing. When I get stuck, someone has to come rescue me,” she patted Jack’s leg, “and then I have to thank him for it.” Jack leaned over and kissed her like he was trying to rescue her right there in my back seat.

  “Get a room!” I snipped back. Evan was laughing at me. “Seriously, you two better not stain my seats back there.”

  When they came back up for air, Jack looked at the two of us, and asked, “so what are you two waiting for? It seems like you’re on track to be bound, why not just take the leap.”

  Sierra actually punched him in the arm. “Her aunt. I told you what happened.” She looked up at me then in the rear view, “sorry, Jess. He’s a dumb man sometimes.”

  “I forgot.” Jack said. Luckily, we were rolling up to the cabin then, so I was going to be able to get some air. I knew that unlike my Aunt, I had my parents’ blessing. That was at least more than she had. We did not, however, have the blessing of Evan’s family yet. Knowing that my family wouldn’t turn us away from the pack was a giant relief, but according to Evan we didn’t just have to worry about that with his family. We had to worry about physical harm coming to me, my family, or maybe all of us if we went against whatever they wanted. I had to hope that me being the white wolf would convince them that I could be with Evan.

  Ashley’s mom, Evelyn was coming out the door of the cabin to greet us. “I’m so glad you could make it, Jessica.” She said as she came over and wrapped her arms around me in a warm hug.

  “It’s been awhile, I missed you Mrs. Reynolds.”

  “We missed you too, dear.” Ashley’s mom may not have been happy about Jack becoming a wolf, but she loved me. She thought I would be a good influence on her daughter. I wondered how she’d feel when she found out I’d gotten her baby girl turned into a wolf. I suddenly felt very guilty.

  “Mom,” Jack called out from somewhere over my shoulder.

  “Oh, Jack!” She ran to her son and threw her arms around him in a powerful, crushing hug. Now, I knew where Jack got it from. “I’ve missed you so much. You look the same.” She pulled back, scrutinizing him even further. “I can’t even tell. Are you sure you’re a… you know…” she cleared her throat and whispered like we wouldn’t be able to hear her. “wolf?”

  “It’s not a dirty word, mom.” He whispered back at her, “and they can all hear you, even when you whisper.”

  “Oh.” Mrs. Reynolds flushed, as her hand went up to her mouth. She was a stickler for manners, and she’d just been rude.

  “It’s okay,” I said as I tossed my arm around her shoulders. “We won’t bite.”

  “Jessica Marie, I’m afraid the influence went backwards, my daughter has tainted you!” She looked entirely serious for a minute and then she let a bubble of laughter slip out.

  “Why, Mrs. Reynolds, I do not believe this… you just made a joke!” She gave me a quick hug again, before Jack drew her attention back.

  “Mom, I need to introduce you to my mate, err, my wife, Sierra.”

  “Oh, my manners are just inexcusable today.” Evelyn rushed over to the blond standing partially hidden behind Jack. I guess she was more nervous than she originally let on. “Hello, dear. It’s good to finally meet you. I don’t know why Jack has kept you hidden away from us all this time.” She reached around Jack and grabbed a very startled Sierra up in her arms, and hugged her tightly.

  Ashley had finally gotten out of Evan’s car, and started on her way over to us when she was literally tackled to the ground by her other brother, Jeff. “Ashley-poo!”

  “I really should have seen that coming!” Ashley grumbled from her place on the ground. Asriel didn’t look at all at ease. In fact, he looked as though he was about to snap on the newcomer. I caught his eye, and smiled at him to let him know it was okay.

  “JEFF!” I yelled to defuse the situation.

  “Sunshine? Is that you?”

  “No one actually calls me sunshine, Jeff.” I grumbled.

  “Oh, but I do, because you’re like a ray of friggin sunshine on our gloomy family!” He released Ashley and came over to me, picking me up in a hug that rivaled Jack’s and twirling me around. “When are you going to marry me, Sunshine?”

  A growl rose up from Evan that took everyone by surprise, and earned a startled yelp from Ashley’s mom.

  He leaned in conspiratorially, and whispered to me, “Oh never mind. I see tall, dark, and sexy over there already has a claim. You were the only woman I would have ever gone straight for, my family is going to be so disappointed.” He whispered teasingly, but he put me down before he could upset Evan any further.

  Jack had walked over to Evan’s side, and threw his arm around him, walking him to the back of the Jeep. “I thought you were here in case I lost my shit. My brother’s a wise ass, but you don’t have to worry about him, he’s gay.” There was laughter in Jack’s voice, and I saw the tension fall out of Evan’s shoulders.

  “Sorry,” he murmured.

  “Don’t be. If you think you had to impress Jessica’s family, you haven’t seen anything yet. This is the family you’re going to get the third degree from. She’s the only wolf my parents ever really accepted, and I’m including myself in that. She’s a daughter to them.”

  “Great, and I just growled at their son.”

  “Yeah, good first impression!” Jack laughed as he clapped Evan on the back, and grabbed his and Sierra’s bags out of my Jeep. I left Jeff’s side, and went to get my own bag, but Evan already had it. I leaned up on my toes, and kissed him on those luscious full lips of his.

  “My first impression of you was phenomenal. That’s all you have to worry about.”

  “Well, look at that!” Jeff exclaimed. “The girl does like boys after all. I was seriously beginning to wonder, Jess.”

  “Shoosh.” I yelled after him. “Where’s David?” I asked.

  “Oh, he went to chop down some firewood for later, like the big strong man he thinks he is.” Evelyn teased.

  “I’ll go help him.” Jack offered as he handed off his bags to his brother. “Why don’t you go do something with these for me?”

  “Girls, I think a couple more introductions are in order,” Mrs. Reynolds saying looking back and forth between Ashley and me.

  “Yes, ma’am.” I agreed. “Can we put our bags up and then do the introductions? I think it would be best if David were here too.”

  “Of course, come on, I’ll show you to your rooms.” She thought about it for a minute, and then started worrying at the edges of her sweater with her fingertips. “Actually, I’m not sure at all about the sleeping arrangements now. Ashley didn’t tell me there would be extra guests.”

  “Okay, we’ll drop the bags, and go find David.” I offered.

  We put our bags down just inside the cabin’s front door, and wandered through until we ended up out on the back porch, watching David and Jack going at it in a competition to see who could chop through the most firewood.

  “David, Jack,
why don’t you hold off on your little competition, and come here. There are introductions to be made. And David, you haven’t met Jack’s lovely wife yet.” Sierra perked up at her mother in law saying she was lovely. I just rolled my eyes, and stood waiting while the two men approached the porch.

  “Who are all these other people?” David said, eyeing Evan and Asriel.

  “First,” Evelyn said, “this is Jack’s wife, Sierra.”

  David held out his hand, and Sierra placed hers in it. He shook it, and smiled at her. “You are a pretty thing, aren’t you? Is my son treating you well?”

  “He is,” she said almost shyly.

  “Good. He better, and if he ever doesn’t you let me know, and I’ll throw a whopping on his tail. I raised my kids to do right by their spouses.” He smiled up at Evelyn then.

  “Yes, sir.” Sierra said with a laugh.

  “Jessica,” he came closer and brought me into a hug, “it’s been a while, girl. You still being good?” He asked me as he pulled away eyeing Evan.

  “Yes, sir.” I answered. “This is Evan,” I offered by way of introduction. “He’s my… well, we’re going to be bound on the full moon.”

  “That’s like your wolf marriage thing, right?” He asked, looking back over at Jack and Sierra.

  “Yes, it is.”

  David smiled then, “Well, welcome to the family then, boy.” He clapped his hand into Evan’s and shook it hard, judging Evan’s character by how he shook back. He must have liked what happened in that shake, because David grinned harder, then pulled Evan in close. “You hurt my girl, and you’ll deal with me, you hear?”

  “Yes, sir.” Evan said as their hands parted. I had to hold in the laugh that wanted to bubble up. Tears were in my eyes. I knew Ashley’s parents loved and accepted me for who I was, but that just made me feel good. Well, it did for about five minutes, until David turned his sights on his daughter and Asi. I saw the fear in her eyes.

  “Ashley,” he said, holding his arms out. She immediately flung herself forward to hug her dad. “You want to introduce me to your…” he stopped dead, backed up, and took a good hard look at his daughter, then he glanced at me, and Jack. “You want to tell me when this happened?”