by M. Ekman
Jason’s voice was gruff, “Cannot leave.” Evidently, he was having a hard time holding back his wolf as well.
Ruth rolled her eyes and opened her mindlink to the whole pack, since she didn’t know which of the 100 links now in her mind was the doctor's. “Pack Doctor, we need enough wolfsbane to knock out a beta now!”
Once you became familiar with the wolves of your pack you could pick out their individual links in your mind and converse with them privately. Most did not like to open their whole mindlink to everyone because it could cause quite a headache. However, Ruth hadn’t had the time and so risked the pain.
A couple of the pack members behind Ruth shifted their weight but none reacted to her call. The pack doctor must have been somewhere else, but hopefully he wasn’t too far away. Within minutes, Ruth heard huffing and puffing coming from the pack house. A rather portly man emerged from the door trying to catch his breath while holding a syringe. Not really thinking it through Ruth tapped into her natural wolf speed without shifting and ran over to the doctor who smelled suspiciously like an omega.
Ruth shook off the oddity, grabbed the syringe, and sprinted at full speed toward Nathan. She bowled into him knocking him face first into the dirt and jabbed the syringe into his neck before anyone could react. At first Nathan thrashed trying to buck her off but Ruth had her knees pinning his legs down and her hands pushing his shoulders using as much of her weight as possible.
Suddenly Nathan’s movements slowed as he started to lose consciousness. Taking pity on her almost mate Ruth crawled off of him and whispered in his ear quiet as a butterflying wing, “I, Ruth Osbolt reject you Nathan Alexander Rykov as a mate.”
She figured it had to be the bond causing his pain and fully severing it should end whatever was going on. Sure Nathan was a jerk, but she wasn’t so cruel as to want to torture him. To be honest a wolf like Nathan really wasn’t worth the effort. The less Ruth had to do with the arrogant wolf-man the better off she’d be.
Ruth almost gasped at the sudden disappearance of the bond, which felt like a limb had been cut off. She covered up the burning sensation that followed by moving to rise. Tyler quickly slid in front of her and in a gruff voice spoke to a stunned Alpha Brax, “Leave now.”
Alpha Brax shook his head and, without a sound, gestured for two of his enforcers to grab his son. As soon as the men made it to their vehicles and disappeared from sight the Blood Mountain Pack visibly relaxed, with Tyler being the only exception. Ruth grabbed her alpha’s arm jerking him to look at her.
“What is going on here?! Why didn’t you tell me you were the Blood Mountain Pack? Why do you have a portly omega as the pack doctor? What else are you keeping from me?” Ruth whisper-shouted so as not to alert the whole dissembling group behind her.
Tyler glared at her, “What possessed you to attack a crazed wolf?”
Ruth threw her hands exasperatedly into the air, “I was trying to save—you know what never mind.” She turned on her heel and stomped her way back into the pack house. Ruth took the stairs to the left of the main entrance two at a time and made it about halfway up, before an arm wrapped around her hips crushing her against a muscular torso.
“Tyler put me down. I’m in no mood for this.”
Rather than obey her command, Ruth felt her knees swept out from under her. He carried her, bridal style, up the rest of the flight of stairs. Instead of clinging to Tyler’s muscular shoulders like she inexplicably wanted, Ruth petulantly crossed her arms. She knew there was no way she could physically overpower the bull-headed alpha in order to be put down. The wolfman didn’t place her feet back on solid ground until they’d reached his office with the door firmly shut behind them.
Even when she was finally released from the alpha’s hold Tyler retained possession of her hips with his large hands on either side. “Ruth, I’m sorry.”
Ruth had been looking everywhere but at the alpha, however his words caused her to snap her head in his direction. His eyes shone with sincerity. Unfolding one of her arms Ruth used a finger to poke the alpha in the chest, “Don’t think just because you’re my alpha now that that gives you permission to paw me. And, how dare you keep me in the dark about everything and make me look like a fool.”
Tyler used his hold on Ruth’s hips to pull her infinitesimally closer, crushing her hand between the two of them, “Did you really complete the rejection?”
Eyes as wide as saucers, Ruth open and closed her mouth.
At her expression Tyler chuckled, “No one else heard you.”
Ruth had told Tyler everything, intentionally or not, and she felt like she was being played in all this. He had been keeping so much from her and made her look like a fool. Even though she still didn’t regret her decision Ruth wanted Tyler to be more upfront about everything.
“What does it matter if I did?”
Almost immediately Tyler’s eye’s flickered to amber as his wolf came to the surface, “You. Are. Mine.”
For the second time in less than a minute Ruth’s eyes went wide. “I am not yours!”
In the blink of an eye, Ruth found herself liberated from Tyler’s hold, as he was suddenly standing across the room by the bookshelves facing away from her. “Forgive me Ruth, I don’t know what came over me. My wolf has been exhibiting more control than usual…I won’t touch you without your permission again.”
Ruth grumbled, “Yeah, like I’d give you permission.”
Ignoring her comment Tyler continued to stand with his back to her breathing deeply. After he seemed to have restrained his wolf Tyler turned around, “I do owe you an explanation…Several, in fact. First, I will address your concerns about our pack doctor. Doctor Michael is the pack doctor simply because he wants to be. I have no restrictions on my pack for omegas except that they of course cannot be enforcers or any sort of warrior since they don’t have the strength or stamina for it. My pack is small and it doesn’t make sense to limit the few members we have.”
“Second, I didn’t tell you what pack you were in because I didn’t want you running for the hills, again, in your condition. Your body couldn’t have handled another run like that so soon.”
Ruth eyed her new alpha but she could tell he was being honest, though there was a nagging suspicion that there was something he was leaving out. “Why are you still keeping things from me? I’ve tried to be understanding and let you tell me what is going on in your own time, but this is getting ridiculous.”
Tyler had some kind of poker face, giving nothing away he said, “I believe I’ve answered the questions you spat at me in front of the pack.”
Normally, Ruth would feel sheepish after essentially challenging her alpha in front of other wolves but she was too angry at Tyler’s blatant lies. “What are you talking about? Why can’t you just trust me? It’s not like I’m some delicate flower who can’t handle hard things.”
Tyler released a breath, “This I know.”
Ruth waited for a confession to follow and when one didn’t she stood, “There is another reason for keeping me in the dark about this pack I can sense it, so stop lying. If you wish to continue this farce, then by all means, but I’m not falling for it.”
Before she could make it two steps Ruth’s way was barred by Tyler’s body. “I’m sorry Ruth. I don’t want to deceive you. You are of course right and there is another reason. It is just that…or rather there are things about me that—” he let out a frustrated grunt at not being able to find the right words.
Seeing his struggle and earnestness Ruth felt her anger melt away. He was an idiot but he really wasn’t trying to hurt her or manipulate her. Unthinkingly, Ruth reached up and placed her hand on his chest over where Tyler’s heart was.
Looking down at her small hand Tyler let out a pent up breath he’d been holding. Ruth froze fearing that she had been too forward, but her worry soon melted away as Tyler gently placed his hand over hers.
“I hope you know that this doesn’t mean that our discussion is over,” she
said with sternness as she removed her hand. “I deserve to know what’s going on, but I am able to wait for an answer. Not forever though.”
Tyler glanced up at her with mirth in his eyes, “Don’t worry I would never mistake you for a patient wolf.”
In shock, Ruth stuttered, “I—what—you—“
Her fumbling caused a smile to creep across Tyler’s chiseled face. He opened his mouth to speak but must have thought better of it since he shook his head and became serious again. “I am sincerely sorry for keeping the truth of the pack from you. I should’ve known better. I will do whatever it takes to help you find your place, truly feel like you belong. Our small size makes us more of a tight knit group and every new member we get becomes…shall we say over-ingratiated. I’m already getting yelled at for holding you all to myself for so long. The she-wolves are upset I’m keeping you from your party and the males want to welcome you to the pack properly.”
Ruth was still stunned but thankfully no longer scrambling for words, “No one is mad about earlier with Alpha Brax?”
“Of course not. We all wanted you to stay and if that’s what it took then, in Violet’s words, ‘so be it’. Plus you still have a birthday party remember?”
He started to reach out to Ruth, who was chewing on her lip in a distressed manner, but dropped his arm before it made contact. Before he could say anything more there was a loud knock at the office door.
CHAPTER 10
“It’s for you,” Tyler said with a sarcastic bow as he opened the door to reveal Violet standing in the doorway.
“You better not be making this a habit, Alpha. You’ll have enough of her time later. We need to get you in your dress missy. I’m just glad I put extra pins in your hair so it didn’t come undone during your...activities.” Violet declared with hands on hips.
Ruth rolled her eyes as she made to follow Violet, though she spied Tyler out of the corner of her eye gripping the door harder than was strictly necessary. A part of Ruth wanted to stay and wipe away the mask that Tyler now sported, but her desire for answers was stronger. She needed to know what he was hiding before Ruth could delve into the complicated mess that was Tyler’s feelings.
Impatient, Violet grabbed her arm and dragged her into Ruth’s bedroom. Before the she-wolf could blink she found herself standing before her bedroom mirror looking at the sweetheart neckline of the dress as Violet applied a few final makeup touches.
With a flourish Violet declared, “You my darling are ready for your debut!”
Ruth shook her head at her friend but followed Violet out into the hallway anyways. For some reason, she found herself wishing that Tyler were there waiting for her and that when he saw her he would—No, she had to stop thinking these kinds of thoughts.
With a shake of her head Ruth plastered on a smile and linked her arm through Violet’s. She was so glad she didn’t have to avoid everyone’s touch now, which had been extremely difficult since wolves are naturally so physically affectionate. Even Ruth’s years of being sequestered off in her solitary home couldn’t change that instinct.
Violet gave her a warm smile and jostling their joined arms, “I hope this is a good thing.”
“It needed to be done. I don’t know that I could ever have been truly happy with someone like that. Not only that but if I hadn’t joined this pack I would have been leaving you to your own diabolical devices?” Ruth joked.
“You have no idea,” she replied as she led them through the pack kitchen.
Ruth had never seen such a huge kitchen in her life and everything looked new and shiny. Stainless steel appliances gleamed and there was a massive granite covered island in the middle covered by trays and trays of food. Maggie was there, along with a couple other omegas, cooking up a storm.
Everyone stopped what he or she was doing to give Ruth a hug and wish her a happy birthday. She was flushed by the end; embarrassed over all the attention. Violet grabbed her arm and with a tug pulled her out the kitchen’s back door and onto a gorgeous patio.
As soon as Ruth had stepped outside her mouth nearly fell to the floor in surprise. There were beautiful teal colored ribbons around the backs of chairs that surrounded various tables with stunning deep purple floral arrangements at their center. Twinkle lights decorated a table that was starting to fill with food, and off to the side more twinkle lights were strung from iron poles that lined the perimeter of the patio to the roof of the pack house.
Everything looked so amazing and perfect. It was more than Ruth had ever imagined for herself, and surprisingly she was not the least bit sad the characters in her fantasy had changed. Before Ruth could do anything too embarrassing like sobbing harder than a newborn pup, she felt two arms go around her in a tight hug.
“I hoped that you would like it. Ruth, I want this place to be a true home to you. All of us want you to be here as part of our pack.”
Ruth could only return the hug since words seemed to have fled her. “Now enough of all this sappy stuff. This is your party and you should be having the time of your life,” Violet pulled away laughing over the emotions that were trying to pour out of her eyes.
As soon as Violet stepped away, Ruth found herself swarmed by various cheerful wolves. Luckily she remembered all of the women from the little welcome party they had thrown for her. Many of the enforcers who she’d caught glimpses of when she’d faced down Alpha Brax introduced themselves as well.
It made Ruth chuckle to think of the alpha’s dire warning about the dubious reputation of the Blood Mountain Pack. There wasn’t a single wolf she’d met who’d given her the smallest indication that they were so much as indifferent to her. She knew the rumors as well as anyone else that this pack had nearly begun a territory war in the entire eastern region of the continent. These rumors seemed off though, at least if the wolves before her were any indication.
Wolves from Beta Jason to the smallest pup were laughing and pushing each other around. None of them behaved the least bit haughty, or even appeared grave faced. It was not that everybody was beaming with joy, but, in their own way, each showed they were having a good time with their favorite people. And now, it appeared that Ruth was included in that boisterous group.
The chatter died down as a huge tray of freshly grilled steaks made their way to the buffet table. Beta Jason took the opportunity to announce, “Welcome to Ruth Osbolt’s 18th birthday and pack-joining party all rolled into one. Once everyone’s done eating we’ll have a pack run.”
A couple of vocalized whoops and howls punctuated the beta’s short speech before everyone converged on the steaming food. Ruth was content to watch for a minute as children rushed out from underneath tables with their parents scolding the pups for the chocolate that covered their mouths and sticky fingers. A small smile spread across Ruth’s lips as she witnessed it all.
Her old pack hadn’t been constantly fighting or somber or anything but there was a hierarchy it was very clearly defined. Everyone was expected to behave in a certain manner, even the children. Here no one seemed to care what rank someone else was they all just enjoyed each other's company.
Ruth’s stomach pulled her out of her thoughts with a large growl. Embarrassed Ruth awkwardly giggled and excused herself from the circle of people surrounding her. On her way toward the heavy-laden tables that her stomach was nearly whining for, Ruth felt a tug on her arm.
“Come on. I saved a seat for you! You need to meet my mate,” Violet’s bubbly voice chirped.
She smiled, grateful for her new friend, “I’d love that.”
Violet led Ruth to a table that looked to be in the center of the backyard where every plate was piled high with food though not every seat was occupied. Beta Jason was there along with a younger looking version of him. They shared the same near black hair and hazel eyes although Jason’s features were much sharper then the boy next to him and he looked at least five years younger. Violet plopped down next to the younger Jason and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
When Rut
h still stood there uncertain of where to go Violet looked up, “sit down silly girl.”
Violet literally slammed Ruth into the seat next to her before gushing, “Bobby this is my new best friend Ruth. Ruth this is my goofball of a mate, Bobby.”
Ruth was taken aback by the best friend comment considering she’d only known Violet for a few days, but received an unconcerned warm smile from Bobby.
“Violet can be somewhat intense sometimes. Just ignore her if she gets to be too much,” Bobby said.
The comment earned him a smack on the arm and glare from Violet, which Bobby countered with a quick peck to his mate’s lips.
“Are you and Jason related?” Ruth couldn’t help asking.
Jason laughed, “You could say that. This lucky idiot is my baby brother.” Jason moved to pinch Bobby’s cheek, which the younger man easily dodged.
“What my brother means is that I’m the wickedly handsome one who he’s lucky to call brother.” Bobby winked.
Ruth looked back and forth between the two men confused. Bobby positively stunk of omega, but Jason was a full Beta through and through. It was rare for a strong mate couple to produce an omega or for an omega couple to produce a Beta like Jason.
Jason noticed Ruth’s confusion, “Our mother was an omega and our father was an enforcer, though he was lower on the totem pole. Most of my strength came after Tyler made me Beta.”
That was odd; in most packs Beta’s were simply the second strongest male. Ruth didn’t know that being initiated in as a Beta increased a wolf’s strength. Before she could say as much to Jason she felt a tingle down her spine and turned to see Tyler step outside. He was deep in conversation with an enforcer, but broke it off as he reached Ruth’s table.
He greeted everyone barely sparing Ruth a passing glance, and then quickly pulled Jason into a conversation. For some reason, his closed off attitude rubbed Ruth the wrong way. It was as if she missed his cocky smile and handsy attitude with her, but that would be absurd. Or at least that is what Ruth tried to convince herself.
