by Jade Royal
“Move.” She ordered him. Her eyes were steely and flashing between her human and her wolf eyes.
“There’s something we need to talk about.”
“If it’s not about you teaching me to fight and me going after Maverick, then I don’t want to hear it. I’m not some submissive wolf you’re going to keep locked away.”
“I’m not asking for submission. I’m asking for you to think smart so you don’t wind up hurt.” She sucked her teeth hard.
“Bliss, my wolf or me for that matter can’t just sit back and watch you fight a male wolf. I just can’t.”
“Why not?” she asked.
“Do you know anything about wolves and relationships?” he asked. She shook her head. “Okay well, I can fuck any female I want. There’s no restriction to that, and any woman can have any man she wants, but with wolves, somewhere out there, the universe has a special soulmate for you. The one person that is compatible with you no matter what. The one person you’re supposed to be with forever. When you stumble upon your mate, that’s it for you. They are the only ones you see, and there’s certain connections that mates have. Not every wolf finds their mate, but when they do, their mates become their world. The attraction and the pull to your mate is inevitable no matter how hard you resist it.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Bliss asked.
“Because from the moment I brought you back here, Bliss, I knew the universe made you for me.” Bliss backed up, her eyes wide.
“What!” She screeched.
“We’re soulmates, Bliss. Your attraction to me isn’t just random. I’m sure you’ve never kissed a man the first time you’ve met him. I told you to listen to your instincts, and the way you growl at Rita for being near me, the way you claim me as yours even when you don’t understand why, and when you find yourself jealous, it’s all because your wolf is driving your emotions. She knows that my wolf belongs to her.” Bliss shook her head hard.
“I don’t think so!” She snapped. “Soulmate? The man I thought was going to be my soulmate fucking stabbed me and left me for dead! He used and abused me, and you think you can spring up another soulmate plea, and I’ll just fall into your arms? You’re crazy!”
“Bliss, just listen to me.” He pleaded.
“You told me earlier you had a mate!”
“I was talking about you!” He shouted. “Because I’m not a fool to let my wolf suffer by not claiming you. The reason I almost lost control earlier was because my wolf didn’t want to wait anymore. He wanted to claim you because he thought I was going to, and we’re both going to be in a lot of pain until we mate. I haven’t lied to you about anything. Why wouldn’t you believe me?” Bliss didn’t know why. She just couldn’t be tied down again. Not after Maverick.
“Because I just can’t handle this soulmate shit!”
“Alright, fine. I’ll just go and fuck Rita.” Like he expected, her wolf eyes stayed steady. She growled at him and pounced, digging her claws into his chest. Again, as if she was snapping from her daze, she realized she was hurting him. She retracted her claws and moved back.
“I didn’t mean that.”
“Yes, you did.” He snapped. “Don’t be so stubborn. Listen to what your wolf is telling you. As hard as it may seem to believe, just listen to your wolf, and she will tell you the truth.” Bliss continued to back up. She turned away from him so she could think. Flashes of the way she wanted to attack Rita for being near Kellan, and the way she was obsessed with his smell came to her. Not only had she acted that way, but she’d been eager to kiss him when they met. Her skin always heated when they were close, and she tried to bite his neck. None of that made sense to her, until now. It made sense that they were soulmates. She didn’t react like this to any man. Not even Maverick, but she hardly knew Kellan. She just felt safe around him. Soulmate? It just sounded too daunting.
“I can’t be your mate,” she finally said. “I’ve got too much baggage.”
“Baggage that you left behind,” he said. “You’re starting fresh, right?”
“Right. Which means I shouldn’t be tying myself down to any man. I just can’t.”
“I don’t think you quite understand,” Kellan said. “You can’t choose to stay away from your mate. Physically, it’s impossible.”
“I just wanna kill Maverick, okay? And I’ll do it with or without your help.” She rushed by him and exited the room, feeling herself begin to suffocate. Soulmate? Even if she was running from him, she felt her wolf begin to whine, almost as if she was crying to be with her mate. Bliss just shook her head and left the cabin quickly to go relax in the woods to clear her mind.
********
After Kellan told Bliss about the whole mating situation, she avoided him like the plague. He couldn’t blame her. He knew she was probably stuck in her head about what happened with Maverick, but they were both in for a lot of pain if they didn’t mate soon. Kellan could already feel the anger his wolf was beginning to exude. He tried his best to hide it, but he was going to turn into an undesirable alpha if his wolf didn’t get what he wanted. Knowing Bliss was avoiding him, he didn’t go seeking her out. He figured he’d give her the time she needed, but when they were in the same area, she would look at him. They would look at each other. It was just something that couldn’t be resisted.
The next night, all four wolves sat outside having the dinner Rita cooked. Kellan sat on the steps while the women sat on blankets just in front of the porch.
“You want a beer, Kell?” Rita asked him.
“Yeah, sure.” He shrugged. Rita went to the cooler and brought out the bottle of beer. Even though Bliss was just trying to stay low key, she couldn’t help it. Her wolf was driving her crazy. Not being near Kellan was killing her. Her skin was crawling as if ants were eating her alive, and her brain felt like it was about to implode. Sighing hard, she went to Rita and snatched the beer from her. She couldn’t see another woman tend to her mate. She just couldn’t. Using her claws, she popped the cap and gave Kellan the beer. He gave her a look as she plopped down next to him. Immediately, her skin stopped crawling, and her head didn’t ache. Breathing a sigh of relief, she just let her wolf take in her mate’s scent.
“It’s gonna get worse than that.” Kellan told her simply. She could tell he was upset with her. The way his words dropped from his mouth wasn’t how she was used to him speaking to her. He leaned back, resting his elbows on the steps and drinking his beer casually. Rita was looking between them, or more like looking at Kellan. Bliss didn’t like it.
“What are you looking at?” Bliss snapped at her.
“Stop it!” Kellan snapped at Bliss immediately. “Leave her alone.”
“But--”
“I’m not your mate, right?” Kellan asked her. “If you don’t want to claim me, then stop snapping at my wolves because of your jealousy.” Bliss bowed her head at his show of his power. She whimpered and got up, running off quickly. She escaped to the woods where she could find solace.
“Shit!” Kellan cussed at himself. He didn’t mean for his words to come out like that.
“Did you tell her it causes you pain if you don’t mate?”
“I don’t think she understands.” Kellan gritted. He was acting out because his wolf was making him. His agitation was radiating towards Kellan.
Just as he got up to go and get Bliss, she came rushing back out of the woods. At the same time, Kellan sniffed the air scenting nearby wolves.
“I smell someone unfamiliar,” Bliss said. She stood next to him as if ready to protect him.
“Behind me.” Kellan ordered Rita and Kyra. As their alpha, they hurried behind him knowing he’d protect them, but Bliss stayed at his side--where she should be. Kellan was preparing for a threat, but as the scent got closer, he recognized Jayce.
“It’s Jayce,” Kellan said, and along with his scent, Kellan knew who Jayce was with. When he saw three of his best friends smiling at him, Kellan couldn’t help but smile back. The worst part ab
out leaving the pack was leaving them behind.
“Look here. The fucker still looks like he got a stick up his ass.” Tristan laughed.
“Kiss my ass.” Kellan laughed. He met them halfway and gave both Jaxson and Tristan large hugs. That’s when he saw the family behind them. Kellan bowed his head to the woman and shook the man’s hand. Their pup was eagerly looking around at her surroundings.
“What’s going on?” Kellan asked.
“Wait a minute,” Jaxson said. He nodded his head towards Bliss and bowed at her. Tristan did the same.
“Why are they bowing?” Bliss asked.
“They can feel your alpha vibes,” Kellan said. “You naturally radiate it.”
“Oh.” She looked back at the men who were just as tall as Kellan, but there were two who were huge. They looked like they belonged in the WWE and not shifters.
“My name is Bliss,” she said quietly. They introduced themselves as Jayce, Tristan, and Jaxson.
“You are stunning,” Jaxson said getting close to her. Kellan let out a warning growl. He shot his alpha vibes towards Jaxson who backed up.
“Oh, I get it. Your scents aren’t mixed though. You aren’t mated?”
“We’re not mated.” Bliss spoke up.
“Yet!” Kellan sneered giving her a heated stare. He shook his head and looked back to the family that he knew from their old pack.
“Now, what’s going on?” Kellan asked.
“Maverick has his eyes set on Gemma.” Jayce informed him.
“Are you kidding me? She’s only a pup. She hasn’t even matured.”
“He doesn’t care,” Jayce said. “And he wants to do it by force.” Kellan knew just what that meant, snd so did Bliss.
“We came here hoping that we’d have a new place so that our pup is protected.” The man Kellan knew as Gabe spoke up.
“After all, what place better for protection than an alpha with a new pack and no threats?” Jayce asked. Kellan knew just what his friend was suggesting.
“To protect her against Maverick, you are welcomed to my pack, but I have no land. This cabin is all I have. The women can stay inside, but we’ll just have to make due until I figure something out,” Kellan said.
“That is more than fine.” Gina spoke up. She bowed showing her allegiance.
“When you’re settled, we will have the ceremony,” Kellan said. “Have you eaten? We have steaks. Rita, get them something to eat.” Gina and Gemma hurried off with Rita and Kyra. Gabe looked at Kellan.
“I’ve never blamed you for what happened.” He told Kellan. Kellan nodded as the older wolf walked away. Kellan was happy to have the family safe, but he was nowhere near ready to accept new pack members.
“Shit.” Kellan shook his head.
“What?” Jayce asked.
“I’ve got no land, no beta, and no enforcers. I accepted them because I care, but what the fuck. How am I supposed to have a pack without the essentials?”
“I’m insulted,” Tristan stated. He crossed his arms. “What? You think we came here because we ain’t have shit else to do, or because you thought we wanted to see ya’ ugly face?” Kellan gave him a look. Bliss chuckled beside him. Kellan glared at her before looking back towards his friends.
“We’re here to be in your pack too, idiot,” Jaxson said. “And if it still matters to you, we’re still enforcers, and Jayce is beta. Let’s get the damn ceremony over with and all that sappy shit and make this official.” Jaxson could be a goof when he wanted, but he was all about business. In fact, all three of them were.
“I’m honored that you three would--”
“Cut that sappy shit.” Jaxson rolled his eyes. He was never one to show his emotions or delve too deep into them. The three of them always teased him that when he found his mate, that was going to change, but Jaxson believed there was no on in this universe made for him, and just thinking about it, Kellan couldn’t help but to look at Bliss. She was looking at his friends and smiling at the things they were speaking of.
“What about the old pack?” Kellan asked. “The women and pups there? No doubt Maverick and his cronies will start running them ragged.”
“Well, we want them to all come and be in your pack, Kellan. Our pack. They don’t deserve to be left behind,” Jayce said. “We stayed because we knew you wouldn’t start a pack, and there would be no one to protect them, but now that you’re starting a pack, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be allowed into the pack.”
“No. I perfectly agree. Like I said, land is the problem. My father supposedly had land, but he died before he could ever take me.” Jaxson and Tristan looked at each other before Tristan spoke.
“Under Maverick’s order, I cleaned out your dad’s cave. I found a whole bunch of papers he had kept hidden in a safe. I was able to crack it after like the fiftieth try. I kept all the papers. They’re hidden back at my place. Maybe he kept information about the property in those files.”
“That’s somewhere to start,” Jayce said.
“That means I’ll have to come back to the pack,” Kellan mumbled.
“I can get back at Maverick!” Bliss spoke up, realizing she had a way to go and seek out Maverick. Kellan gave her another one of his sharp looks.
“I said you weren’t doing that, and I meant it.” Kellan growled.
“I want to kill him.” Bliss complained. Jaxson raised his brows.
“Kill him? I’m sorry, little mama, but the only person that can kill Maverick is the alpha,” Jaxson said. Bliss stepped up to him and looked him up and down.
“Who you callin’ little, Donkey Kong?” Tristan, Jayce, and Kellan just about fell over at Bliss’ insult, but then Kellan knew his mate had a little mouth on her. Jaxson could only look at the female in awe. No female in their old pack had spoken up to him like that because he was an enforcer, but Bliss was shoving her alpha vibes at him. Even though they weren’t enough to assert physical dominance, she was showing her strength, and Jaxson respected it.
“I’m just stating facts,” Jaxson said. “You can go trying to kill Maverick. You won’t even land a punch.” Bliss huffed and crossed her arms. She hated being told she couldn’t get back at Maverick. She just wanted her vengeance, that’s it, but she probably knew what they were saying was true.
“Whatever.” She huffed backing away from the large man. “So, what are you gonna do, Kell? Go back to your old pack?”
“Yes.” Even though they weren’t mated, Bliss felt Kellan’s discomfort. Without realizing it, she was rubbing up and down his spine giving him comfort. He relaxed visibly, letting out a deep breath.
“Someone has to stay back with the rest of the pack,” Kellan said.
“I’ll stay.” Jaxson volunteered. “You, Tristan, and Jayce go back. Find the papers and bring back anyone who wants to come. We have a couple sleeping bags with us, and some tents, but when you leave, I’ll take the pack and go into town and buy some large tents and more sleeping bags for when you bring the others back. Looks like we’re gonna be camping until we get land.” They all nodded in agreement.
“I’m coming with you,” Bliss offered up.
“No,” Kellan said. Bliss sucked her teeth.
“Is this the kind of mate you’re gonna be? Scolding me and telling me no like I’m some child?” Kellan grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her to the side.
“The thing is, Bliss, as my mate, you should feel how uncomfortable I already am at going back. Plus, to bring you around a man I can’t trust? That’s not a situation I’m putting us in, and I want you here. You’re still alpha female, which means if I can’t be with my pack, then you can. They need you too. It can’t just all be about going to kill Maverick. I’m not even going there to kill him. I’m just getting some women and pups out from his control and collecting my father’s files. That’s it.” Bliss could understand what he meant. Again, she had to dial back her eagerness for vengeance and think clearly.
“When will you leave?” she asked.
> “Tomorrow. Jayce and Tristan need to rest from their trip here in the first place.” Bliss nodded and let Kellan go back to his friends.
“Alright, so tomorrow night we go back to the old pack. Tonight, after you’ve eaten, we can do the ceremony,” Kellan said. As each of them walked by Kellan, they patted him on the back. When he was alone, he took a deep breath. Being an alpha wasn’t to be taken lightly, and if people were going to trust him enough to be their leader, he couldn’t disappoint them--not like he’d disappointed his mother and father.
His skin began to crawl like he was being bitten by ants again, and he felt hot. Rolling his head from side to side, he tried to get control of himself. If being alpha wasn’t bad enough, he was also dealing with a mate that didn’t want to be mated. Nothing was apparently going to come easy.
Chapter Twelve
Besides the fact that Kellan was nervous about going to face his old pack again, his body was buzzing again with the awareness of the new members in his pack. The feeling would take a couple days to settle and not be so noticeable, but Kellan loved the feel of being an alpha. The feeling of the new members’ blood coursing through him sent positive energy through him. He was feeling positive, except for the gnawing feeling coming from his wolf at his displeasure of not having his mate, and now that Kellan was leaving her for a day, he was worried he was going to go feral without her.
“Call if anything goes wrong.” Kellan told Jaxson.
“I know, I know.” Jaxson waved him off.
“Jax, I’m serious.” Jaxson knew what Kellan was worried about. Kellan had given them the whole story about how he turned Bliss in the first place.
“Relax, Kellan. I’ll protect her with my life.” Kellan breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thanks, man.” He looked toward where Bliss was standing, hugging herself.
Hurry back, she whimpered in his mind.
Tonight. I’ll be back. Don’t worry.