To Come First

by J C Rae

  I look around the room as I try to decide how I want to proceed. If I'm going to stay here, then I will need to trust someone. My gaze stops on Bryce. He's been a major asshole since I arrived but he's only been trying to protect his Alpha from an unknown. I can understand that and even respect it some. I have always wanted someone to protect me. I think that's actually every little girls dream. It just so happens that I had to grow up so quickly that most of my dreams turned to nightmares and I quit thinking about that. When every day is a fight to stay alive, you grow up fast.

  He must feel my gaze because he locks his eyes with mine. I can see the questions shadowed in his look and I'm surprised to hear his voice. "I know that I've been an asshole and I won't apologize for my behavior. However, you should know that Alpha is correct when he says that I am trustworthy and can keep a secret. Now, what agreement are you guys talking about?"

  "Well," I start and look around again. I guess if I'm gonna trust anyone it could be those in this room. With that thought, I drop my shield. Instantly, I can see eyes widen and snap to me. "Well, Uncle, can you get my scent now?"

  I stand as two low growls start on my right and I look over to see Bryce and Braxton staring at me, their brown eyes glowing as they stalk towards me. I can hear someone in the background say "Oh Shit!" but I don't take my eyes off the pair who are slowly getting closer. What the hell is going on!

  Quickly I snap my shield back in place and look towards Uncle. "What the hell was that?" Bryce and Braxton have stopped where they stand about a foot from me but they are still staring, one looking pissed off but intrigued while the other is looking like it's Christmas morning. They both have a hungry look in their eyes which still seem to have a slight glow. I'm looking back and forth between both of them and Uncle, not sure what's going on.

  "Boys, you need to return to your seats so that I can explain this to her. Ash, please take a seat."

  I look over towards Matt who is staring at the twins in shock. He must have stood up while I was distracted. He notices my stare and relaxes, smiling slightly while he nods his head and sits down. I take that as my cue to sit back down but when I look back towards the twins, I notice that they have moved right beside me. Tensing slightly, I start to step backwards, forgetting that my chair is there. Rather ungracefully, I fall back in the seat, which causes both the twins to reach for me. I'm unable to contain the flinch which causes them both to stop immediately.

  Confused about what's going on, I look back at Uncle. "You better start explaining what's going on before I decide to leave. This is not making me feel safe, at all!"

  Uncle nods his head while looking at both Bryce and Braxton. "Boys, please take a seat."

  Instead of going back to their original seats, they both sit on the floor around me, one on each side. I shake my head and look back towards Uncle, hoping that he is going to explain this.

  "It seems like your scent has attracted both Bryce and Braxton. I know that we glossed over our mating habits but scent has a large factor in choosing who you will bond with. There are other things involved but please know that they would never hurt you. I understand you are new to our life and so do they but their mating urges have been triggered so they are going to want to stay close to you. I have never known this to happen before. Are you sure that you are not a wolf?"

  A high pitched laugh breaks out before I can stop it. "I'm pretty sure I would know if I'd ever turned furry before, don't you think!" Taking a few deep breaths, I try to calm myself down before I continue. "So these two now seem to think they have some sort of claim on my?" That thought makes any calmness I may have had fly right out the damn window! "I mean, I'm not even 18 yet. How is this possible! Can't you, like, make them stop or something? Bryce doesn't even like me! This can't be what he wants."

  My voice kept rising as panic set in, making my chest rise and fall with rapid breaths. I stand quickly and head towards that door. "Do not follow me. I need some space to think." With that, I am out of the kitchen door and headed towards the front door.

  Light footsteps behind me causes my irritation to spike. I spin around to yell at whoever dared to follow me when I see Timmy standing there. He gives a small wave and smile. "I thought you might need someone to show you around since you've never been here. Alpha said you might be okay with me coming with you? I'll understand if not but I just wanted to offer." With that said, he stares at the ground like he's waiting for me to yell at him. I know that's what I was going to do, but I can't seem to make myself be mean to him. From the little I've seen, this boy has had a hard life. That is something that I understand and I don't want to make it any worse for him.

  "Lead the way, tour guide." I say with a smile, making him jerk his head up to look at me. "And please quit looking at the floor when we talk. I enjoy our conversations and would like to see your face. I will not be offended by you looking at my face."

  He nods his head and starts forward before pausing. I'm not sure what he's doing but I let him stand there and figure it out. He doesn't leave me standing there long before he reaches out a hand towards mine. He wants to hold hands. Oh my, I almost melt right on the spot. Instead, I reach forward with my hand and meet him in the middle.

  Once our hands are locked, he turns towards me with a huge smile, "I wish I had a sister like you growing up." With that said, we head out the door. He seems to have a destination in mind so I let him take the lead, pulling me forwards with our conjoined hands. We walk in comfortable silence for about 5 minutes before stopping. While we were walking, I was busy checking out the view. I've never lived in the country so all these trees shock me.

  Focusing on our surroundings, I notice that we are now in an open field, surrounded completely by large trees. It feels like we have ventured into our own little world, and I tell Timmy that. He giggles a little. "This is where I come to be alone or when I need a break to think about something. I thought you would enjoy it here and I don't mind sharing." He says shyly.

  I smile my appreciation at him, understanding that this is his safe place and he's now sharing it with me. "I appreciate it Timmy. I really do. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Any suggestions?" I ask with a laugh.

  "Well, I know that Bryce and Braxton are really good guys. They've never been mean to me. They keep our pack safe, that's their jobs. I don't really know much about mates because I haven't had that class yet but I have heard that it's a sacred bond that is blessed by the moon itself and we only get one pairing. I'm not sure what bonds people together but, from what I've seen, it's a lot better than human relationships. There's no fighting, no hitting, and no being lonely."

  The last part is said so quietly that I almost don't hear him. I move towards him and wrap him in a hug. I can't remember the last time that I initiated a hug but I try not to make it awkward. Without even thinking about it, I start telling him how I grew up. I gloss over the abuse but explain how lost, alone, and afraid I felt. I also explain that I know we are kindred spirits because we can always find our own kind and he can talk to me about anything, anywhere, anytime that he wants. His small nod lets me know that he heard me but he doesn't say anything.

  I am both emotionally and physically warn out so we head back towards the house. While we are walking, I turn my head towards Timmy. "Thanks, little man, for taking care of me. I won't forget it."

  When we get closer to the house, I can see a couple guys sitting on the front steps. As we near them, I can make out Matt, Bryce, and Braxton, along with Uncle and a couple others I don't know. I really just want to go to bed but it doesn't look like that's going to happen so I slow to a stop in front of them. Looking down towards Timmy, I give him a small smile and tell him that I will see him tomorrow. He gives me a long hug and then turns to walk into the house.

  While I'm saying goodnight to Timmy, Uncle has dismissed the others that were hanging outside with them. I start to tell them that I'm tired and just want to go to bed but Uncle holds up his hand to stall me. "Ash, I know today has been jam p
acked full of surprises. I never apologized for what happened with Alpha Caden or thanked you for probably saving our lives. Without your shield, it would've been a lot messier and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you protecting us. Even before I met you, you protected Matt from those monster foster parents and saved his life. I just want to let you know that it's not always like this."

  As he's talking, I notice that neither of the twins have quit looking at me. Their eyes are no longer glowing but their stare is still intense. When I look back towards Uncle, he continues.

  "I know that you are wary about the events that occurred in the kitchen. I want to let you know that we will never force anything on you. If you will, I would like for you three to talk for a couple minutes before retiring to bed. I think it would be good for all of you to decide where you go from here."

  With that, he turned to the others and motioned them to follow him inside. Once they were gone, we just looked at each other. I wasn't sure if I wanted to start off this conversation but since they weren't saying anything, I suppose it was up to me.

  "Listen, I don't know anything about mates or mating. I just learned about wolves today and I've been attacked twice since. After talking to Timmy, I understand how important this is and I suggest that we get to know each other, slowly. I will warn you now, it has been a long time since I've even had friends and I've never had a boyfriend. I don't trust other easily. Well, usually I don't. It seems that Matt and Uncle have wormed their way in somehow. And, well, Timmy too, now that I think about it. I have never had someone that was kind to me or actually cared about me. I am used to that and this is a big change. I will give you guys a chance but let me warn you, I don't believe in second chances so you better make the first one count. I've been discarded and abandoned too many times to waste my time with someone that doesn't deserve it. If you guys can accept that, then I will try my best to get to know you."

  With that said, I sat down on the steps and waited on their response. They looked at each other and it didn't surprise me that Braxton was the one that spoke up first. "Ash, we would be honored to spend time getting to know you. I can honestly say that I am excited and I hope that we can earn your trust. I want to know you, the real you, and I hope one day you will be comfortable enough to open up. You already know that my brother is an asshole," he starts but is cut off by a low growl. Smirking, he looks towards Bryce and waves his hand to dismiss him. "You know you are, so don't argue. Now, what I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, he may be an asshole but he is loyal. He always tries to keep everyone's best interests in mind and he is hardwired to be a protector. That is why he is our lead enforcer. We haven't had an easy life and I will admit that his was harder than mine. He protected me when no one else would. Maybe we can trade our stories some other time but the point I'm trying to make is that we are both all in and are hoping that you will give us this chance."

  When he's done, he looks over to Bryce and nods his head. When Bryce doesn't say anything, Braxton huffs and punches him in the shoulder.

  Warily, Bryce nods again. "He's right. I'm an asshole. In my defense, I have to be to get some of these stubborn ass wolves to listen to me. I'm never going to be warm and fuzzy but I will try to be nicer to you. I wasn't really trying to be mean but you were a possible threat to my Alpha and I take that very seriously, especially when no one will tell me anything about you. It was actually really pissing me off. Then I saw how beautiful you are and I thought you had them entranced by that. Of course, then you started talking and I kept trying to think of ways to get you to continue. No one ever stands up to me like that and I actually enjoyed it. I'm happy that you are giving us a chance."

  With that, he was done talking. I looked at both of them and couldn't help but smirk. "Well, I'm glad we had this talk. Now, I'm ready for bed so I say we go inside and start fresh tomorrow."

  We all stand up and head inside. When we all turn towards the stairs, I look over at the boys. Braxton looks up at me sheepishly and says, "We both sleep on the same floor you're on right now. Actually, our rooms are right across the hall from yours, so if you need anything, just holler."

  I smile at them both as we reach our doors and wave before walking in and dropping on the bed. I really should take a shower but I'm beat. I barely get my shoes slipped off my feet before I'm out. My last thought before sleep claimed me was that this is gonna be quite an adventure.

  Chapter 14

  I woke up the next morning feeling more refreshed than I had in a while. The sun was just starting to rise so I decided to have a bath before breakfast. Walking into the bathroom, I looked around surprised. I've never seen a bathroom this nice before. There was a large counter and sink on the left that was a gorgeous gray and white marble. The stand alone shower followed with the same patter and was encased by 2 panels of hazy glass. I don't know what they are called but their nice.

  I stepped inside the shower, fully clothed, just because I could. I could see multiple shower heads along both the walls and ceiling and decided that I would very soon become acquainted with this shower. Stepping out of the shower, I headed towards the huge bathtub. The square tub was surrounded by the same marble that everything else was and there were jets. Oh my gosh, there are jets.

  I turned on the water as warm as I could stand and quickly stripped down to my birthday suit. The pressure was amazing and by the time I stepped in, the tub was already halfway full. Sinking in, I sigh in amazement. This feels so good that I don't know if I will want to move ever again. I shut off the water and look around to see how I can activate the jets. Finding the black button is easy and before I know it, the water is bubbling around me.

  After I relax for a little while, I turn off the jets and wash my hair and body. I'm not sure what I'm gonna get into today but I feel like I can take on the world. It's amazing what a good nights sleep and a relaxing bath can do.

  As I step out of the tub, the lights go out. I'm not sure what is going on but I guess this might be a normal thing in the country. I'm really glad I left the bathroom door cracked open so I use the sunlight to make my way into the bedroom and get dressed. As I'm putting on my shoes, I hear Uncle in my head, Enforcers, we are under attack. Defend the house. Everyone else, get to the safe rooms immediately and check in when you are safe. Beta's, on me now and we will help the enforcers deal with this threat.

  I have no clue what has happened but evidently we are under attack! I grab my knives and strap them on. They were a present from John, my old trainer, and I have kept them hidden ever since so no one would try to take them away. Now seems like the best time to get them out. I've practiced a lot in the privacy of my room with them and using YouTube, I've become really good.

  Heading out of the room, I'm not sure which way to go. Heading towards the front door seems to be the best option, especially since he told the enforcer's to guard the house. I wish I had met everyone because I could shield them all and prevent anyone getting hurt. Since that hasn't happened yet, I will just have to find them and do it one at a time.

  I make it to the front door and peek outside. I can see a couple wolves around the front of the house but I'm not sure who they are. Damn, I wish I'd met some people at least. As I'm opening the door to go outside, I hear someone calling my name behind me. Turning, I meet the scared eyes of Timmy. I immediately shield him and pull him into a hug.

  "Timmy, do you know where the Alpha is? Or even Bryce and Braxton?"

  He shakes his head no and I can feel him shaking as he clings to me. "Timmy, I have you shielded so nothing can hurt you right now. I need you to get to the safe room and help protect the others. I'm shielded too so no one will hurt me and I need to help. Can you do that for me?"

  He raises his head up to look into my eyes and I can see he is scared but he seems to shake it off and stand up taller. The look in his eyes changes to trust and determination and he nods his head to me before taking off towards the kitchen.

  Taking a deep breath, I head out the front d
oor. I may not know who the wolves are but I can shield them since I can see them. Throwing their shields up, I turn back to the house. I’ve never tried to shield something quite so large but I guess there’s nothing wrong with trying. Focusing, I wrap a shield around it. When I’m done, it feels the exact same way it does on a person. Huh, guess I learned something new today. The wolves don't seem to notice me so I take the chance to try contacting Uncle.