by Sarah Stein
Although he’d killed Silas in front of everyone, he didn’t forget that his mate was still somewhere in the crowd. There wasn’t a person who was willing to speak up about the random voice after that display. He knew they waited on a speech, one where he gave them hope and promised to lead the pack better than before.
He refused to fall into their bait. If they didn’t believe him before, he wasn’t going to sugarcoat it now. Why should he make them feel better knowing they had not trusted in him? He would let them all fret, at least until he properly introduced his mate. The last thing he wanted was someone challenging him because she showed up.
Worwick walked around the body of Silas to stand right in front of the pack before declaring, “Analyse. I know you’re here. Show your face!”
Chapter Eight
It took a few moments for Analyse to gather her nerves before facing Worwick. After the scene she’d witnessed, she wasn’t so sure trying to find him was a good idea. Seeing a guy be killed wasn’t on her agenda for the night, especially seeing it from the guy who’d fucked her a night ago.
She was terrified to face him. What power did he have to think he could off someone without a second thought? Oh, she saw the whole thing and tried to put it all together but knew she was missing valuable pieces to the puzzle. What was the entire debate about?
There were too many questions, and they kept adding on to previous questions. Not one answer was available, but if he were to call her out, she was going to demand some answers. There was no way he’d kill her without her knowing why.
Analyse’s feet shuffled slowly forward as the people moved out her way. They all glanced at her, but no one spoke. They were more than likely just as afraid. If she had to guess, no one had expected a sudden death this night.
She wasn’t going to lie, that guy deserved his ass whipped especially challenging someone such as his alpha, and acting like he could beat his ass. No one should be blowing smoke like that and not finish what they started. Analyse firmly believed a fight was a genuine way to settle the argument. Death was a whole other ballgame.
“Don’t you think you’re walking a little too slow for my command?” Worwick questioned, “I believe I stated for you to come here. Move it!”
She glared his way with the thought of running as far away from him as she could. The nerve! Who the hell was he to order her around? No one in her life had ever dared to speak to her the way Worwick was, and yet, she felt compelled to do as he said.
She never knew why no one spoke to her in such a manner, and assumed she might give the impression ‘don’t fuck with me’ just by the natural set of her features. She didn’t think anyone feared her, but would probably never find out anyway. Analyse was fine with that, but it pissed her off that Worwick thought he could step out of line by ordering her around.
Was she angrier with herself for following his orders, or him for commanding it?
She picked up the pace but only slightly just to ease his mind. He was lucky she moved at all. After the night they’d had, he couldn’t be more of an ass than he was now.
As she moved, voices were heard from behind her.
One woman whispered, “Who is that, and where’d she come from?”
A man’s voice responded, “No clue. Never seen ‘er in my life, but I’d be willing to bet that she’s definitely here for the alpha.”
“Oh, but she’s a fine specimen that one there,” another man piped in.
Worwick growled in response to the last man’s observation, and caused Analyse lips to lift upward. With that small reaction, it caused butterflies to take flight once again. The expanse of the area quieted by his reaction as well, and you couldn’t even hear a pin drop if there was one. They definitely seemed to fear what would happen if the talking continued.
They were curious, this much she knew. Tough shit. Until she had answers to her many questions, she wasn’t going to relieve them of their curiosity. It wasn’t like she planned on staying long. As soon as she was given a chance, she would escape Worwick’s hold.
The troublesome thing was, he knew exactly where she resided. If he knew that, then he was aware of where her parents lived. She didn’t want him threatening her family. She had to play it safe regardless of what he sought from her.
All she needed to remember was that she was the one who went looking for him. Not the other way around. She had to show him she meant business. She was calling the shots.
It was easier telling herself that when she passed beside the dead body of the guy Worwick killed. One swift snap of his neck and he was no more. She knew she had unusual strength, but she was also realistic. There was no way she could stand up to someone of Worwick’s sheer size and caliber.
Those were great reasons why she kept walking towards Worwick. Her head was cast down, still gazing at the dead body when she stumbled forward.
“Who is she?” a woman from the crowd quizzed.
“Just a nobody who decided to wander too far into the woods,” a man whispered, “She’ll regret it especially in Worwick’s current mood.”
If Analyse wasn’t petrified before, she was now. Their whispers caused gooseflesh to appear on her skin. She yearned to turn away and forget what happened. If only she could plead her case maybe he would permit her to leave with the promise of never recapping what she saw.
Her feet finally landed before Worwick. Her breaths were shallow. Was it hot? There was no way she could be hot considering snow covered the entire area. Her fear was like a furnace she was captured in.
“Look at me,” he ordered.
She didn’t want to obey but chose not to enrage him any further. The only reason she finally glanced up was to make sure she lived to see another day. The least she could be given was a chance to say goodbye to her family.
Her breath caught in her throat. She was reminded of how gorgeous up close Worwick was. Once again his harsh beauty enchanted her. Her pussy pulsed from the remembrance of his cock buried deep within its abyss.
No. Analyse refused to think of what they’d engaged in considering what he just did. Murder. He’d unmistakably killed another person. Everyone around them acted as if it were okay, like it was a frequent, everyday occurrence. As much as he attracted her, he couldn’t get away with it. As soon as she escaped, the authorities would be contacted.
She knew the perfect way to keep him occupied. He was clearly enthralled with her. She wasn’t sure why but it worked to her advantage. Analyse was going to use Worwick. The cards had to be played just right, or his guard wouldn’t be dropped so she could flee.
Composing herself, she faced his stare dead on. She masked her features so he wouldn’t guess what her thoughts were. Would he be angry knowing he was being betrayed? If he found out, she’d end up like the guy who challenged him.
His eyes softened a fraction, and it confused her. She expected fury. Why would he warm up to her?
“Hey,” Worwick greeted.
She fought against a smile but failed, “Hey back.”
“Why have you come?” he questioned.
She wiped her forehead with the back of her palm before replying, “I was out looking for you, and for answers. I have so many questions, but it appears I showed up at the wrong time.”
He swiped his gaze towards the crowd and announced, “Meeting is adjourned until further notice. If anyone else has an issue, take it up with me. Otherwise, spend time with your loved ones while you have the chance. Tomorrow we will discuss the plans for a search party.”
“Don’t you think we should discuss something tonight, then leave first thing tomorrow?” Tomkins asked.
Analyse witnessed the respect Worwick had for the guy since he allowed his orders to be questioned.
He stood soundlessly for a moment before announcing “Why don’t you gather up our best men tonight and before we head out tomorrow, I’ll meet them. I trust your judgment with this.”
“Thank you Worwick. That means a great deal. I know quite a few men who
would be exceptional at the job. Don’t worry about a thing,” Tomkins assured.
Before leaving their side, Tomkins assessed Analyse but didn’t say a word. She knew he was curious about her arrival but was smart enough not to mention it to Worwick. She liked him and could tell by their small interaction that Worwick respected him.
“Come,” Worwick said.
He placed his palm in the middle of her back as he guided her towards one of the tents posted about a foot away. It was the furthest tent from all the others, and she assumed it was that way for privacy.
They walked in silence. Worwick’s hand stayed on Analyse’s back causing a jolt of electricity to travel from her spine all the way to her vagina. She wanted to squeeze her legs tightly to relieve the ache building.
Out the corner of her eye, she noticed all eyes were on them, but she kept her gaze forward hoping to avoid contact. She didn’t want the others to think she wasn’t anyone important. No one needed to know who she was in general, that way it’s easier to sneak away when she had the opportunity.
He grasped the corner flap to the tent and lifted it up before unzipping the opening. He pushed Analyse forward and then stepped inside before re-zipping the opening.
Upon sight, she noticed a ready-made full sized cot to the right of the tent with a minuscule see-through plastic window right above it. At the left of the tent was a three-bin drawer with supplies filled to the brim. Most of those rations were spilling out, but Worwick didn’t seem to mind. Situated in the corner was a suitcase filled with clothes and objects she couldn’t quite make out.
There wasn’t much space to call his own, but it was undeniably where he temporarily resided.
As if reading her mind, he stated, “I know it isn’t much, but it’s short-term. At least until we find what we’re looking for. We shouldn’t be here much longer; then we’re hoping to settle further north.”
She wasn’t sure what he meant and why they were traveling as if hippies. Deciding that it wasn’t important, she chose to ask her first question, “What are you?”
Chapter Nine
Worwick wasn’t surprised by her bluntness. She’d said she had questions, but he wasn’t prepared for her to ask so soon. If anything, he thought she’d comment on his lack of living. Surprisingly, he wanted to know what she thought but also had a response to her disdain for his way of existence.
He explained it right away before she even spoke a word. He wanted her to know it wasn’t permanent. What would she think once knowing she was his mate? She wouldn’t want to live like that. Comparatively, she lived well off. Why would she leave her warmth for a tent?
Instead of commenting on his way of living, she’d asked what he was. That was a difficult question considering he would eventually have to explain what she was. Did she have a clue?
“I’m a werewolf,” he revealed.
Analyse’s laugh filled the tent, and Worwick eyes slanted in confusion. He wasn’t sure what the sudden outburst of laughter was about, so he asked, “What exactly is so funny?”
“Right. I mean I know I saw you in wolf form, but for you to actually admit it is just..,” Analyse trailed off.
His expression changed, but he didn’t say a word.
She quickly composed herself before asking the next question, “Where are you from?”
He spoke calmly, “We’re from here. Not far from Arctic Village, to be exact, but we plan on moving further north.”
“You said ‘we.’ Is everyone here a werewolf?” Analyse asked. Her face spoke volumes; the disbelief was evident, yet somehow deep down she knew.
“Yes. We are all werewolves from the same place. There are others in our clan that were originally roamers and managed to find us, but they just needed a place to belong. We accept everyone, as long as they aren’t troublemakers,” Worwick explained.
“That guy was a troublemaker then?” Analyse questioned in thought.
“Silas? He had actually been with us for a long time. I’ve known for quite a while that he wanted more from the pack. He wasn’t happy, and instead of challenging me, he should’ve broken off and created his own pack,” Worwick informed, “I wouldn’t have been upset. I might have given him pointers and helped him.”
He watched Analyse in thought. He hadn’t wanted to kill Silas but there wasn’t a choice in the matter. You can’t let someone like that live without losing trust in that person, always wondering when they’re going to seek revenge.
“Are you the alpha then?” Analyse asked.
“I thought you would know the answer to that question.” He responded. “Yes, I am the alpha of the While Stealth Clan.”
“What am I?”
Their eyes met at once. Her question floored Worwick. He wasn’t prepared to answer it. One minute he thought she knew while the other disconfirmed his thoughts. Was she equipped to hear his answer?
“You’re one of us, a werewolf,” he confirmed.
Worwick’s expression was earnest, and he awaited her reaction. Minutes ticked by with no outburst. It freaked him out considering he wasn’t sure what to expect from her. She should be enraged, showing some sign of emotion. Upon peering at her face, he saw she was devoid of emotion.
Analyse was in shock. He saw it clear as day. Upon touch, her skin felt clammy, and she was pale with dilated pupils. He felt her pulse, and it quickened under his fingers.
There was no medical assistance. He had to take matters into his own hands. Worwick gently laid Analyse on his cot and elevated her legs. He tugged her clothes loose to allow for airflow so she wouldn’t suffocate. She would come out of it. He did not doubt about that. She was one tough woman.
It wasn’t long before she responded with, “How do you know I’m werewolf?”
She didn’t move, only spoke. It was a start, and Worwick was okay with that. He prepared himself for further shock by gently talking to her. There wasn’t any other way to explain it to her. If he didn’t disclose the information, someone else would, eventually. He was sure they could smell her wolf, but so far no one had commented on it.
“I sensed your wolf. She’s in there but lies dormant. I think it’s because you haven’t allowed her to come out,” he consoled, “She recognizes me. Which is why you gave in so easily to your instinct during the full moon.”
Analyse grunted with his answer, “That would explain why I succumbed to you so quickly. I’ve always listened to my instinct. I tried to fight it that night but I couldn’t seem to fight against it.”
“I’m betting it was the strong pull of the full moon. I’m not sure why you didn’t fully turn, even I had a difficult time trying to fight it,” he revealed.
She continued, “The full moon? I read about that but thought it was a myth in the book. That’s why you struggled hard but couldn’t seem to resist.”
He observed her face while everything she discovered sank in. She didn’t look upset about it, but with every answer he gave, she had more questions.
“Why don’t you sleep on the information I’ve given you, and we’ll talk more in the morning, preferably before the search party leaves,” he suggested.
“What are you talking about? I can’t sleep on this kind of information. And what do you mean by search party? What’s going on?” she wondered.
Again, there were numerous questions. Worwick had to be calm with Analyse, lest she run away, but he didn’t want to divulge the kidnappings so soon. She was forcing him to disclose pack information too suddenly.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Analyse inquired. Her hands shook as she glided her fingers with rapid ease through her locks.
He couldn’t believe how beautiful she was, sitting before him. To think that such a being was his mate. He needed to tell her what was happening. If she were one to be kidnapped, he’d lose his mind. He could witness the destruction in Tompkins eyes, the swirling mix of brown and orange implicated that his beast was battling to escape, and knew by that image Tompkins wanted to rain hell down on those wh
o kidnapped what was his.
He acquiesced, “There were a few members of our clan who were abducted by rogues just recently. Matter-of-fact, it was the night we were together. We are gathering a search party to go looking for them.
Her eyes grew wide as he explained the situation to her. She exhaled a long breath but, before she could respond to his revelation, a group of clan members yelled outside Worwick’s tent for his attention.
“It’s me, Tomkins. We have word on the direction the rogues have taken. If we leave soon, we could be on them by morning,” Tomkins said urgently.
Worwick rushed to unzip the tent opening, before guiding Tomkins and several others inside. He wanted to make the best decision but knew he couldn’t leave Analyse alone with the other members yet.
“Grab your things. We’ll leave in a few hours. I know it’s sudden, but we aren’t sure what they’ll do to our women,” Worwick explained.
He saw the look that washed over Tomkins features. Tomkins’ mate was one of those that had been kidnapped. Worwick needed to keep that in mind just so he didn’t piss Tomkins off. If the roles were reversed, Worwick would rain hell on anyone who got in his way of searching for his other half.
“You can’t leave now!” Analyse spoke from behind him.
The members had glanced her way before one man spoke up, “Who is she?”
The man eyed Analyse as if he were going to pounce on her. Worwick saw the look in his eyes, and his jealousy flared.
Worwick had to steer clear of making a fool of himself, “She’s mine!”
With that instant claiming, they knew who she was to him.
“I’m sorry man. I didn’t realize she was your mate,” one of the members spoke up.
He looked stricken, as if he’d overstepped boundaries. Hearing Analyse’s gasp, Worwick knew he’d fucked up by prematurely claiming her as his, but he couldn’t stop the possessiveness that overcame him. He risked a quick glance Analyse’s way, and was satisfied to witness the lust pasted on her face, her eyes glazed over as if her thoughts were of getting her hands on his body