“I doubt it’ll fit my wolf,” he teased, and I stuck my tongue out at him. His eyes heated for a moment and he shook his head. “You’re far more dangerous than I’d give someone of your stature credit for.” He pulled on my hand, leading me through winding pathways and into a clearing ringed by thick, towering pine trees, and lit by a series of posted lanterns.
“You sure you want to see us shift?”
I swore, glaring at Alarick as he stepped from the trees. Although he still wore his scowl, his blue eyes twinkled with laughter. “I’d really like it, if it’s okay. Aren’t we waiting for Shannon and Zev though?”
“They’re here already,” Alarick explained, indicating the trees behind him. They’d probably already shifted, I realized. “Do you actually want to watch us shift, or do you just want to meet our wolves? They know you’re pack. They won’t injure you in any way.”
A blush stained my cheeks and I glanced up at the stars. “Um, I’d like to see you shift, but don’t you, I mean…” I trailed off as Chann’s laughter danced in the air around us.
“Yes, we tend to be naked when we shift.”
“How about we skip that for now?” There was only so much I could handle at one time and I was anxious to meet their wolves.
“Turn your back,” Alarick instructed, gesturing for Chann to join him. I nodded my understanding, pulling the jacket tighter as I listened to them shed their clothing. Popping and cracking echoed around the open space, and I winced, wondering briefly if it hurt them. It sure sounded painful. A sharp bark had me turning, bringing me face to face with four wolves.
Far larger than ordinary wolves, they were closer to the size of ponies, their fur thick and soft looking. The smallest of the wolves was a light brown, and I assumed that was Shannon. The largest of the wolves was a deep, dense brown and he stood a full head and shoulders above Shannon’s wolf. The twins were a reddish brown, identical even in their wolf form. From the wagging tail of the one on the right, and the watchful eyes of the wolf on the left, I could guess which was Chann and which was Zev.
“Hi.”
Shannon yipped, slowly walking toward me, I assumed so as not to scare me. There was no point in kneeling, at least not for a human as small as I was, and with as large as these wolves were, it’d be fairly easy for me to ride them if I was so inclined.
“You’re all beautiful,” I breathed out, awe coursing through me.
Though they all moved slowly, it was only a few breaths before they were close enough to touch. I hesitated, unsure if they’d allow me to pet them, so I stood still, merely admiring their grace as they familiarized themselves with my scent. Alarick was the first to rub against me, his large head nearly knocking me over as he butted it into me. I laughed at the playful move, surprised it came from him. He weaved his way around me, twining and headbutting me as I giggled.
“Can I touch you?” I asked hopefully. His nod was regal, and I drove my hands into fur that was softer than I’d imagined it would be. He let me stroke over him, then emitted a rumble of approval before he stepped back, allowing the others to surround me and butt me with their heads, flick me with their tails, or push their noses under my hands for attention.
Chann knelt in front of me, his tail in the air, wagging back and forth as he yipped. He darted away before returning to the position once more. He repeated the motion a second time and Alarick nudged me with his head, knocking me into Chann. Confused, I looked between them, and Alarick’s eyes flashed blue for a moment as though his human side was attempting to talk to me. He glanced between Chann and I again, pushing at me. Very gently, so softly I was surprised he managed it, he grasped the sleeve of the blazer and tugged until my arm lay over Chann’s shoulder.
Realization dawned and I gaped at them. “You want me to climb on?” I guessed, nerves coloring my tone. He nodded sharply, an approving rumble rolling up from his chest. Chann lay flat now, giving me better access. I hesitated for only a moment before I huffed out a breath, sliding over him. “If you’re messing with me, I swear I’ll strangle you when you’re back in human form,” I warned. Alarick huffed, and the sound seemed to be filled with humor. Chann stood and I gasped, grabbing softly onto the fur in front of me. I didn’t want to pull it and hurt him, nor did I want him turning on me should that happen. My weight seemed to be no burden for the large wolf as he trotted after Alarick, Zev, and Shannon, who were close enough to my sides that they occasionally bumped into my legs. We wove in and out of the trees, the night air slapping into my cheeks as I leaned onto Chann’s back to avoid any errant branches.
My heart was pounding in my chest, but fear soon gave way to awe as we raced and darted, never far from each other as they effortlessly moved through the trees. A laugh of pure joy burst from me and an approving rumble came from the wolf I rode. All too soon we circled back into the clearing and Chann lowered himself to the ground so I could slide off.
“That was incredible. Thank you.” Shannon licked my face and I grimaced through a laugh, wiping away the slobber. “As amazing as this is, we should probably call it a night.” Time had flown by, and under the exhilaration, exhaustion was beginning to spiral over me. Not to mention that now that I was off of Chann’s back, the cold was becoming bitterly obvious.
Alarick barked, I figured it was an order I didn’t understand, and they all disappeared into the trees. Cracking and popping sounded, and I realized they were shifting. I whirled, making sure my back was to the trees so no unexpected glances would be burned into my brain. Laughter—even from Shannon—rolled out of the forest and over me as they all came to join me.
“Enjoy yourself?” Alarick inquired, as calm as I’d ever seen him. I wondered if it was because he’d just shifted and spent time in his other form, or if he just enjoyed embarrassing me. After the gift he had just given me, I really didn’t care either way.
“Oh, yes!” I didn’t even bother hiding it. “Can we do it again?”
He studied me for a moment, assessing me for something. “You really weren’t afraid of us.” Surprise colored his words, along with an emotion I couldn’t quite identify.
“No.” I shook my head. “It was the most incredible experience of my life. I was too awed to be scared.”
A gorgeous smile bloomed across his face, and he shook his head as though he didn’t understand me. “We’ll do it again. But I agree we should call it a night.” His eyes twinkled as he added, “You’ve still got Shaw first thing tomorrow.”
I groaned at that reminder and Shannon tucked her arm around my waist so we could walk back. “Keep baiting me, Ari. One of these days I’ll know how to use a bow.”
“I’ll wait with bated breath,” he drawled, as Chann and Zev laughed. “For now, warrior princess, I suggest you head to bed.” Only Shannon’s arm kept me upright as we made our way up the halls.
“I’d offer you a snarky reply, but I’m just too tired,” I admitted on a massive yawn, stumbling over my own feet as we headed for the entrance.
“I’ve got you,” Chann rumbled, scooping me up. “Sleep. We’ll take care of you.” I wanted to tell him I didn’t need taking care of, but exhaustion swept me away before I had the chance.
Chapter Eighteen
“I’m grateful for healing powers, I’m grateful for healing powers, I’m grateful for healing powers.” The words were a mantra as I stumbled from the workout room. Despite Mr. Cole’s promise that exercising would get easier, I’d be in traction at this point without his healing powers.
“I take it your workout didn’t go exactly as planned,” Chann commented, amusement clear in his tone. I glared at him where he leaned against the wall, waiting for me. Since that was usually Alarick’s job, I assumed he must have gotten tied up in another meeting.
“All those people who tell you about an exercise high are lying,” I grumbled. He laughed, shaking his head at my antics.
“Well, let’s take you to your room so you can change for dinner, then maybe I’ll give you a massage to hel
p with the stiffness.” He winked at me before heading down the hallway. I glanced at the floor, chewing on the inside of my cheek as I followed after him. We still hadn’t talked about the kiss we’d shared in the library the other day and I, for one, wasn’t sure I wanted to talk about it. I didn’t want to make it into a big deal. I knew none of the others in the pack, maybe even my new group, would approve of Chann and “the human” being together, and I had enough issues here without coming between the few friends I’d been able to make. Besides, it’s not like we had any kind of future together. It had just been a little kiss, a release of tension for both of us.
“Are we going on another run tonight?” I inquired hopefully, increasing the pace of my sore legs to try and catch up to him. Why didn’t tall people realize that we had to take four steps to every one of their giant ones? I basically had to jog to keep up with the rapidity of his walking.
“What happened to our studious little Pixie?” he teased, glancing over his shoulder at me. “You’ve asked to go out every night. I thought you wanted to focus on your classes.”
“I didn’t say we wouldn’t study,” I pointed out, “just that we’d do a run first. I like your wolves.” Logically knowing they were werewolves was completely different from playing with them in their other form. I focused on the stairs as we headed up the steps, being careful not to slip on the slick surface—the saddle shoes that were part of the uniform weren’t exactly great for traction. Chann halted in front of me, the movement so sudden I nearly ran into his back. “Hey, what…” I trailed off when I heard Chann growl.
“What do you want?” he snarled, holding out his arm to prevent me from moving around him, though only silence greeted him in response. I froze, my breath catching in my chest as I worried that Rhiannon and her cronies were in front of us. I dug in the pocket of my blazer, pulling out the phone Zev and Chann had given me, and shot a quick text to Alarick.
North stairwell. Third floor. Something’s up. As the text sent, I risked leaning forward and peeked around his shoulder. Instead of seeing Rhiannon, Scarlett, or one of their gang like I’d expected, I saw a handful of adult wolves standing on the steps who I didn’t recognize. Most were female, and they appeared to range in age from their late twenties into what I guessed was their seventies. The woman in the front would have been pretty if she wasn’t so busy snarling.
When she saw me behind Chann, her lips pulled back from her teeth in a hostile grimace. “I would’ve thought you’d be gone by now,” she sneered.
“You don’t have a reason to be blocking our way. Move aside.”
“Chann, darling, you can’t really be friendly with it.” The old woman’s creaky voice quavered, her eyes damp as she clasped her hands in front of her.
Chann stiffened even more, though his hand was gentle as it came to rest on my shoulder. “This is ridiculous,” he declared, his voice firm, his eyes on a female wolf who avoided looking directly at me. “Raff has ordered her to be brought here. You all know this.”
“She will never be one of us,” a male snarled. “She needs to be removed.”
I scowled as anger coiled in my stomach. “I’m not a wart to be removed,” I snapped at him, though he still refused to look at me. Some mimicked him, keeping their eyes on Chann, as though my mere existence was below them. Others, like the woman who appeared to be in the lead, snarled in my direction, disgust marring their otherwise attractive faces.
“You’re worse than a wart,” the first woman spat. “You’re a drain on the pack. A threat to all of us.”
“Shut up,” Chann ordered, his voice deep and menacing. “She’s done nothing to warrant this treatment. Student issues are dealt with by the teachers or amongst the students. You have no involvement here.”
“She’s with the pups!” The woman was nearly yelling now, her hands flexing at her sides. I saw claws extending and disappearing with every motion. Was that due to a lack of control, or was she showing me how threatening she could be? “My Luna—”
“You’re Luna’s mother?” I exclaimed. Although I enjoyed my time with all of the pups, Luna’s sweetness and humor had especially tugged at me. I’d always wanted a little sister and it was impossible to dislike the adorable girl. I never would have connected the scowling, contrary woman with the energetic little blonde.
“You shouldn’t even be saying my pup’s name.”
“What the hell is going on?” Alarick’s icy voice rang down the staircase, and I looked up to see him standing several steps above us, staring down at the gathering of wolves blocking our path to the dorms.
A few of them shifted restlessly, but Luna’s mother jutted out her chin in defiance. Alarick caught the move, if his snarl was any indication. He descended the stairs slowly, carefully, with Zev only steps behind him as the trio came side to side and faced off with the gathered adults. Alarick’s eyes glowed brightly as he took in Chann’s protective stance in front of me.
“I assume you’re here in regard to our newest packmate?” he asked idly, the tension in his shoulders belying the casualness of his voice as he began to slowly circle them.
“She’s not pack,” the male argued again, shaking his head. Luna’s mother nodded her agreement as they shifted, keeping Alarick in their line of sight—not that I blamed them for that. The tone he was using, and the aggression rolling off of him, were enough to make me shiver. I wouldn’t have wanted him at my back if those emotions were directed toward me.
“Rowel. Ashley.” He looked at each of them in turn as if daring them to continue speaking. Begrudgingly, they all tilted their heads and lowered their eyes, I assumed acknowledging him and his rank. “Your opinions aren’t necessary here. Our alpha has declared her pack. She is amongst the students. You have no right to interfere. Unless you’re interested in challenging me, of course.” He stepped forward, crowding into their space with a menacing growl.
“She’s a threat to the pups,” Ashley whimpered, cowed by the fury rolling off of Alarick.
“She’s not bonded, there’s no connection,” Rowel added, though he wisely kept his eyes averted.
“Whether or not she’s in the pack bond means nothing to me. She has been declared pack and is as much an honorary member as any of the other students under our protection. None of you are strong enough to take me—or my father—on. Neither he, nor I, will continue to put up with challenges to our authority. She is pack, and she will have the same respect you afford to any of the other students.”
“Yes, Beta,” they spoke in unison, surprising me with the use of his title.
“All of you have places you need to be right now. She is not a threat to our pack, nor to your pups.” His tone softened slightly on those words, reassurance flowing through them. “Any more dissent, however, will not be tolerated. Leave. Now.” As the group scattered, Zev and Chann growled, keeping them in sight. “Chann. Zev. Make sure everyone actually disperses and no one loops around. I’ll keep an eye on Penelope.” They nodded before one went in either direction to ensure none of the members circled back.
I watched them stride purposefully away, then blew out a deep breath. “Well, that was fun.”
“Come on. I assume you were heading back to your room?” he asked, gesturing for me to go ahead of him.
Doubt tugged at me as he herded me forward, and I nervously glanced back at him. “Why did you do that?”
He blinked at me, cocking his head in confusion as some of his anger dissipated. “What do you mean ‘why?’ They needed to be put in their place.” We reached my room and he paused, allowing me to dig out my key and open the door, revealing the blessedly empty room.
“You can’t exactly be angry that they don’t want me in the pack when they can tell you don’t even want me here.” I hadn’t meant to say the bitter words, but they had been on the tip of my tongue for too long, and I wasn’t able to swallow them back. “They hate me because they see you do.”
His hand slammed into the door, preventing me from closing it
. His eyebrows were creased together as he studied me. “Why would you think I hate you?”
I snorted. “You’re joking, right? I mean, you’ve made it perfectly clear you don’t want me here.”
Alarick sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he seemed to get his thoughts in order. “May I come in? Please?”
I blinked at the polite request. “Um, sure?” A little uncertain, I stepped farther into the room, gesturing with a wave for him to enter. Unwilling to settle on my bed, I sat on the desk chair, nervously interlocking and releasing my fingers over and over again. Alarick joined me in the room, shutting the door firmly behind him.
“I don’t hate you, Pixie. I admire you, actually.” Though the words were nearly gritted out between his teeth, it didn’t dispel any of my shock.
“Huh?”
“You’re strong. Courageous. Amusing.” His lips quirked a bit on the last word. “I haven’t been the most welcoming, you’re correct. The fault is mine, not yours, and I apologize if I’ve burdened you with that.”
“Then why…” I trailed off, too confused to continue.
“Did you catch what they said before, about you not being pack? About a connection?” he questioned, watching me carefully.
I shrugged. “Yes. He’s not wrong. I haven’t connected with anyone yet really, other than Chann and Shannon.” I was hesitant to name Zev, let alone Alarick. He grimaced at that, as though acknowledging his name wasn’t included on my list.
“This isn’t a connection like a friendship. As pack members, we’re all interconnected. It’s something that happens when a new packmate joins. The connection forms, binding them to us. Not on a physical level, but a mental one.”
Flower Moon Rising (Lupine Hollow Academy Book 1) Page 15
