To Come First

by J C Rae

  He was still struggling, trying to get out of my hold but between my hands and my shield, I knew he wasn’t going anywhere. However, I didn’t want to be entirely focused on him if someone else decided to try me, so I swung at the side of his head and knocked him out. I couldn’t help the little smile that crossed my face as I realized that I still had it.

  When I stood up, my smile must’ve still been there because one of the women in the crowd laughed and told me that I looked like I was having fun.

  “I haven’t had this much excitement in a while.” Was my only response. I looked around at those gathered and decided I just wanted to sit down and relax until we were ready to leave. I could see Uncle, Matt, and Randolf heading my way, no doubt drawn by the crowd of onlookers. Uncle said a few words and it seemed like everyone disappeared, literally. One minute there was a crowd and the next there was no one. Not even the guy that I knocked down.

  So, we all loaded up in one of the SUV’s and we were off. Now I’m still sitting here looking at Uncle’s house. Castle would almost be a better term but I don’t see a drawbridge or a moat. It looks like it’s three stories tall with multiple windows dotted across the front. I can’t see much around the sides but it’s probably just as breathtaking.

  While I stand there gawking, a young boy about 8 or 9 walks up to me and just stands there. I look down at him, waiting to see what he says.

  “Ma’am, would you like some help carrying your bags?”

  There’s no way that he could know I have all my worldly possessions in a duffel bag and back pack but at least someone seems to be nice around here. I smile at him as I say, “Well, I only have 2 bags but if you would like to help me, I would be honored.”

  He seems to puff up at this and then he grabs the back pack. He seems to know where we are going so I grab my duffel and follow him. When we reach the front door, I see that Matt and Randolf have stopped to talk to a guy about their ages. He stands about the same height as Randolf but that’s where the similarities stop. Randolf’s light brown hair and lightly tanned skin seem to bring out his bright blue eyes while the other guys white blond hair stands out against his dark skin and it looks like he doesn’t smile, ever. His brown eyes hold a coldness that I haven’t seen in a long time and it causes a shiver to run up my spine. This is definitely not someone that I would want to piss off, which is definitely not good for me because I will probably end up doing it anyway.

  Matt, who saw me walking towards them, reaches for my duffel at the same time he says, “I see you’ve met Timmy.”

  I’m not sure who he’s talking about until the boy beside me speaks up, “Well, I didn’t really introduce myself but I wanted to be useful.” He turns towards me, “Hi, I’m Timmy. I’ve lived here for almost a year now and I know what it’s like to be the new kid on the block so I just wanted to help you out. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I was.”

  The whole time he’s talking, he’s staring towards the ground, only glancing up to see if I’m listening to him. I guess I’ll have to get that story later. “Hi Timmy, my name’s Ash. It’s great to meet you and I’m so thankful that you decided to help me out. See, I’m not so good in crowds and I tend to be a little defensive around new people. I want to apologize in advance if I say something that offends you and please ask that you point it out to me so we can discuss it. I would rather people are upfront so I don’t have to dance around worried about hurting someone’s feelings.”

  “In that case, what the hell are you doing here and why do you not have a scent?” I hear from behind me. The voice is gruff and gravelly, like it doesn’t get used very often. When I turn around, I see it’s the guy Matt was standing with.

  Up close, I confirm my earlier reaction that he’s trouble. His perma frown seems to be set in place and he’s looking at me like I stole all his cookies. I guess I didn’t respond quickly enough because he growls almost so low that I don’t hear it but it causes the others to straighten up. I guess I’ve been staring at him but I can’t seem to take my eyes away. I have a feeling that he’s someone you don’t want to ever let out of sight because he might be sneaking up behind you.

  “Drop your eyes and acknowledge me or I will make you.” That growly voice once again sends a shiver up my spine. Good lord, what are they feeding these guys?

  Matt looks between us and says, “Bryce, this is Ash. She’s here at Uncle’s request and she is new to our world. I don’t think she knows that she shouldn’t be staring into your eyes because you see that as a challenge, right Ash?”

  His question makes me cant my head to the side so he knows I heard him but I don’t drop my eyes. Instead, like the dumbass I seem to be, I step towards him. “Well, Bryce, I don’t seem to play by your rules and I know trouble when I see it. You, Mr Tall, Dark, and Dangerous, are definitely trouble! That’s all the acknowledgment that you will get from me.”

  With that, I look away towards Timmy and nod that I’m ready. He seems to understand and starts walking me towards the door. Seconds before we reach the door, I feel someone coming up behind me quickly. I drop the duffel and turn around, ready for a fight. Bryce is standing there but instead of attacking, he just looks at me curiously. “I will figure you out Ash. And don’t think for a minute that I forgot about you not answering why you have no scent. You can keep your secrets if you want but know that I will be watching you. It’s my job and I take that very seriously.”

  With that, he turns and stalks away. I watch him the whole time and I’m not too intimidated at all to say that it was mostly his ass I was watching. If everyone here is as sexy as the ones I’ve met so far, then my hormones are in a world of trouble. Good thing they can’t catch my scent.

  ◆◆◆

  We finally make it inside and I almost walk into a wall because I’m gawking so much. Oh my gosh, this place is huge! “Holy shit, there a chandelier. Why’s there a chandelier?”

  I turn to Matt and catch him chuckling quietly so I guess he’s not going to answer me. Instead I turn towards Timmy. “Hey little man, is there a room where I can’t break anything? I mean, I love the place and all but I’m more of a simple gal. This makes me feel like I should be wearing an evening gown and eating crumpets or something.”

  Timmy tries to keep a straight face, he really does, but in the end he loses the battle and joins Matt in laughter. I don’t see what’s so funny but oh well, I guess to each their own.

  “Ok guys, enough with the laughing at me. Point me to where I am sleeping so I can drop off my bags and then I’ll need the kitchen so I can eat. Chop chop.” I emphasize the last part by clapping my hands. I guess if I’m gonna stay at the palace I may as well act like a princess. That last thought has me chuckling.

  We head up the stairs to the second floor with Timmy explaining what is where. “The first floor has the living room, dining room, kitchen, a couple offices, and the rec room. There’s also a pool and a gym down there. Oh yeah, and the library. It’s a really cool room. This floor has a lot of bedrooms and is where most of the pack who lives here sleeps. My room is actually really close to yours. There’s a couple of bathrooms here that we share but Alpha Carl has given you a room with an adjoining bathroom. I think it’s cause you’re a girl.” With that last sentence, he blushes. I can tell that he’s not done so I just nod for him to continue. “The third floor is the Alpha’s suite and office. It also has family rooms and is where Matt will be staying. Alpha did tell me that you would be joining them up there once your room is finished, which is so cool! I hope we can be really good friends and you will let me visit you up there. The best views of the lake are up there. I mean, my room has an awesome view of the lake thru the window but the third floor has balconies! I mean, you can step outside without leaving the house. How cool is that?”

  His enthusiasm is almost contagious. I smile down at him and tell him that I would be honored if he would visit me, both in my current room and my future room. I even ask him if he would give me a full tour some time so I don’t
get lost, which he quickly agrees to.

  By this time, we are standing outside of a plain wooden door. “Well, Ms Ash, this is your room. Mine is two doors down on the opposite side, so if you need anything you can find me. Alpha said if you need anything else, we just need to let Ms Alma know and she would get it for you. If you want to drop off your bags now, I can take you down to the kitchen so you can eat. We already had our pack dinner but I’m sure you can find something to eat down there.”

  With the thought of food comes the inevitable growl from my stomach. Hey, what can I say, food is definitely a priority for me so we drop off my bags and head back down the hallway to the stairs. Once we hit the main floor, Timmy leads us towards the kitchen. I glance over at Matt to see that he’s looking around as if it’s his first visit here too.

  “Matt, have you been here before?” I’m not sure why but I see a sadness in his eyes.

  “No, I was not allowed to visit Uncle. He would come see us a couple times a year and bring a couple Beta’s and enforcers but I never got to come here. Most of the time, packs don’t mingle like that because any knowledge could be used against the other pack. I understand now but I didn’t when I was younger so I grew to despise Uncle and his pack.”

  I let that sink in as we walk into the kitchen. My tunnel vision immediately focuses on the woman standing behind the bar, setting what smells like grilled cheese sandwiches on a plate. When we walk in, she raises her head and I notice the laugh lines on her face and the jovial smile that looks like it’s permanently etched there. She waves her hand over the food like Vanna White does when she's announcing a new puzzle and I instantly head that way. Matt and Timmy are a step behind me but my focus is only on the food.

  "My, my, young man, you have grown since the last picture I saw. Of course, that has been a couple years ago. I'm so sorry to hear about your parents but know that you are welcome here and you just need to ask for anything you need." With that, she comes around the bar and engulfs Matt in a hug. He seems to sink into the embrace like a child as he hugs her back.

  When she's done, she turns towards me but I don't notice because I already snatched a sandwich and started eating. When she clears her throat, I look towards her and swallow my food. "Well, young lady, you sure have caused a fuss for no longer than you've been here. Poor Luca and Bryce are up in arms with Alpha about you but Randolf seems almost giddy. Seems you definitely make an impression on everyone you meet. Would you like anything else to go with that sandwich?" She raises an eyebrow and I realize that I kept eating while she was talking. Oops.

  Swallowing quickly, again, I set the rest of the sandwich down and wipe my hands. "I'm Ash and I'm sorry if I caused you any issues. I really appreciate the sandwich but I don't need you to go out of your way by making anything else. If I need anything, I can make it. As for the three Amigo's, I don't know what to say. I only met Luca as a wolf and he was getting ready to try to rip off my face cause he thought I tried to hurt his Alpha. Bryce was an ass to me when all I was trying to do was come inside and Randolf just likes the fact that I talk back, I think. It doesn't seem like he's used to that." With that, I turn back to the sandwiches and put one on a plate for Matt, which I hand to him, and then look towards Timmy to see if he wants one. He shakes his head no but turns towards Ms Alma.

  "Ms Alma, do you have any of those yummy cookies left?" She smiles brightly at Timmy and turns back towards the counter. Matt and I take a seat at the stools and finish eating. I go for 1 more grilled cheese while Matt grabs two more and then looks like he's thinking about asking for another. While he's finishing, I look at Ms Alma.

  "Ms Alma, that was really good. Thanks!"

  "No problem young lady. Would you like a drink?" she asks.

  I wave her off as I stand up. "Why don't you take a seat and I can get the drinks."

  Once I have everyone's drink orders, I head to the fridge and find everything I need. I cart it all over to the counter and am just setting it down when 2 giants walk thru the door. One of them I recognize as the asshole Bryce who stopped me at the front door. The other one doesn't look quite as mean but everything else is a perfect match to Mr Asshole. Oh crap, there's two of them. I'm so screwed!

  I must've been staring because asshole twin two smirks and then stops to stand beside Matt, who stands up and embraces him like long lost brothers would. I drag my eyes away and see that Bryce has not stopped staring at me since he walked in so my inner bitch comes out to play.

  "Oh Bryce, I'm so glad you found us. I was getting worried that you weren't fulfilling your daily stalker regimen by letting me out of your site. I mean, I could really do something bad if you don't watch me at all times. I could eat all the food in the kitchen and then the world would be screwed. Oh, wait, I could use all the toilet paper and then we'd have to use corn cobs! Oh, the horror!" The snort from Ms Alma makes me look over at her. She's trying, and failing, to laugh silently and her shaking shoulders show how much she is enjoying this, so I guess I should continue. "And look, there's two of you. This must be my lucky damn day. One of you can watch where I've been while the other can watch where I'm going. Oh joy!" I sigh dramatically and throw my hands in the air.

  "I would definitely enjoy watching your behind, erm, I mean keeping watch from behind." This from twin Asshole shocks me enough that I'm sure my mouth is hanging open.

  "Damn, now I need to know your name because I can't keep calling you Twin Asshole in my head. Seems like you got the personality while he got the, well, what good parts did you get exactly?" I say as I look back and forth between Bryce and Twin Asshole. The snort behind me only makes my smirk into a full blown smile.

  "I'm Braxton and I think that I'm definitely going to enjoy having you around. To answer your question, we are still trying to figure out what good qualities my poor twin got but so far, we haven't been able to come up with anything. Maybe you can help with that, since you will be spending so much time together."

  "Yeah, I think I can try but don't be disappointed if I can't come up with anything. Other than looking like the hot bad boy, I haven't seen any redeeming qualities. Of course, since you're twins, you look the same, so maybe that's just you rubbing off on him."

  Everyone in the kitchen, except Bryce, starts laughing. This could really be fun.

  Chapter 13

  We all settle down quickly and I can feel the exhaustion starting to set in. Uncle walks in right when I'm mid yawn, with my mouth hanging open wide. "I know you are tired but I was hoping that I could have a word with you before we all settle in for bed?"

  I look around at the people in the room. Timmy is sitting by Ms Alma, happily eating a cookie while drinking his milk. Ms Alma is fussing over something she and Braxton are discussing. Matt and Bryce are quietly talking while the latter continues to steal looks at me. I'd thought about asking what his problem is but honestly, at this point, I just want to lie down.

  "Uncle, is this something that we need to discuss in private or can we just talk right here. I'm not sure how far I'll make it if I try to move."

  With that, everyone else in the room is watching us. "Well, if you are okay talking here, then that's what we will do."

  Before he can go on, I interrupt. "Uncle, have you eaten?" When he shakes his head no, I stand up and walk to the fridge. Before I can make it there, I feel a light touch on my arm that makes me stiffen up. Turning my head, I see Ms Alma with a sad smile on her face as she tells me that she's got this.

  Once I take a seat, Uncle explains that he wants to introduce me to the pack tomorrow. I already figured that part out so I'm not surprised. I also remember that I agreed to drop my shield so he could learn my scent.

  "Uncle, do you trust everyone in this room?" I'm not sure why I ask but I know that he won't lie to me. I also know that he wouldn't keep them this close if he didn't trust them but it would be nice hearing his answer. It seems like he has gotten under my defenses and gained my trust in just one day. Besides, Matt, that's never happened!

>   "With my life." is all he replies with. I'm pretty sure he knows why I wanted to know but I look at him anyway. "I understand your hesitation about our agreement and we can certainly go to my private rooms, if that would make you feel more comfortable. However, I also want you to understand that you are safe here. The people in this room, plus a few others, will never hurt you or hold any of this against you. If you would like, I can call my most trusted wolves together before we meet the rest of the pack so that you know who you can go to with any questions or problems."