I took the snacks and gestured for her to sit on the bed. “Thanks. It seems this entire pack knows the way into my heart.”
“Yep.” Rosemary giggled, her auburn waves bouncing against her cheeks.
“You’re welcome.” Cecilia found a comfortable spot to sit on the floor opposite Rosemary.
I dropped a few Oreos into the vanilla ice-cream and combined them the best I could. I got a few confused looks but no comments. Mixing ice-cream and Oreos together was a common enough thing, but I had no clue if it was common for the pack. I took a bite and let the cold, sugary flavors coat my taste buds.
“It’s okay to be worried about Cain,” Cecilia said. “I am worried too. I think we all are. My last pack…my last pack did not survive having an Omega among them.”
“What?” I made no effort to hide my shock.
Rosemary and Izzy wore the same stunned expression.
“Only Rikki knows,” Cecilia admitted. I passed the ice-cream to her and she began devouring it eagerly. “I, uh…Emily was my friend. We grew up together. Our Alpha was her father. He did everything he could to hide her identity as an Omega.”
“What happened?” Izzy asked impatiently as Cecilia took a few more bites of the ice-cream.
“Well, you know, secrets never stay secret forever. The pack discovered that she was an Omega, and many of the dominant wolves wanted to get rid of her.” Cecilia grimaced, staring into the ice-cream container. “It was surreal. They adored her one day and hated her the next. I did my best to defend her. Shattered a lot of bones on my end and theirs. And then…others outside of the pack found out. We were attacked by a large group of rogues and even a few of our own. Half of the pack was slaughtered, including the Alpha and Emily. It’s been 40 years, but the opinions on Omegas haven’t really changed.”
40 years. It seemed like yesterday and ancient history all at the same time. The seriousness of my circumstances was not lost on me. But it wasn’t only my concern anymore. The pack shared in my triumphs and my problems. The weight of my worry doubled.
“I was a rogue for nearly two decades when I heard about a female Alpha. I found this pack and asked to join. And I have only felt safe and content since.” Cecilia passed the container to Rosemary. “Well, until you.”
“Right… I am sorry,” I said. It wasn’t as if I didn’t understand her feelings, but it did not make it any easier to actually hear the words.
Cecilia was composed. “Our Alpha has claimed you as a mate. It is done. I was meant to face this again. I don’t hate you. Rather, I am scared to like you, to get attached to you.”
Rosemary and Izzy nodded simultaneously. They apparently echoed her sentiments.
“However, you are different from Emily. She was a submissive Omega. That is why you have caused so much confusion in the pack. Those of us familiar with the stories of Omegas believed them all to be submissive. You carry the traits of both a dominant and submissive. But I think that may be an advantage.”
“I hope so.”
There was a loud growl emanating from the center of the house. It was Rikki.
*
I made it to the foyer in time to watch Lloyd being flung out of the front door, courtesy of an enraged Rikki. His body sailed over the front porch and crash-landed into the tightly-packed earth of the driveway.
Rikki stomped out onto the porch, her body practically vibrating with fury. She pointed her finger at him menacingly. “I warned you.”
Lloyd struggled to stand. “I never made a move against you or that—”
“Is that so? Would you care to explain then why several members of the pack have come forward to tell me that you have been very actively voicing your disapproval of Bonnie? Why didn’t you tell me about what occurred two nights ago?” Rikki snarled, storming over to him.
Whatever semblance of arrogance that persisted in Lloyd after being tossed out of the house dissolved instantly. He lowered his gaze to the ground and there it remained. It was a few minutes before he spoke again.
“She’s no good for our pack, and I am not the only one who feels this way. Nobody wants to offend you, me least of all. We…I think you are great as Alpha, but we also think that you are too lenient on those who do not belong.”
Rikki’s rage intensified. Her hands balled into fists and she drew them to her sides.
“How do you think we’ve come so far? Omegas taught us so much about our weaknesses and strengths. They are the ones who taught Alphas how to form strong packs and helped our ancestors to tap into our common mind.” Rikki grabbed his chin and forced it upward to meet her gaze. “It seems that too many wolves have forgotten our history.”
Several members of the pack, including Rosemary, Izzy, and Cecilia appeared on the porch to observe the ruckus. All eyes were on me. What a surprise…because what else could this possibly be about except me?
“I will not force you or anyone else to stay in my pack if they do not want to be here. I can ask another Alpha to take you. However, if you decide to stay you will treat Bonnie with the respect she is owed as a member of the pack and as my mate. Otherwise, I will cast you out permanently.”
Rikki let go of Lloyd’s chin and stomped off in the direction of her shed. No one moved. No one spoke. Even though Rikki was gone, the tension in the air endured. Following Rikki was my first thought, but I figured that it shouldn’t only be Rikki defending me to the pack. I should also defend myself.
“I am painfully aware of how dangerous my presence is for the pack. Yes, I am new to all of this, but I joined because I wanted to. I wasn’t forced and not one of you were forced to accept me. I will do whatever I can to keep our pack safe, but disappearing isn’t the answer. The rogues will come regardless. The best chance that we have is together.”
All eyes were fixed on me as I headed to the shed after I was finished talking. Rikki was kneeling at the fireplace, lighting the logs in the hearth. Her back was straight, her frustration plain to see. I rubbed her shoulders gently, and she leaned into the pressure of my hands. Seeing her this way was upsetting.
“We cannot allow dissenters. We won’t survive as a pack if we are not together – of one mind.” She sighed heavily. “Lloyd’s opinion can grow and fester within the pack.”
“I was amazed at your restraint with him.”
She turned to face me. “Lloyd is an asshole, but he is pack. I do not wish to cause harm to any of my own, nor do I want to banish him. We need all of our pack. And we need you.”
As soon as she was done talking, Rikki grabbed my arm and pulled me down to my knees. Her lips were on mine before I could take a breath. Our bodies were drawn together like magnets. I straddled her, our lips never parting. The growing heat from the fireplace was equally matched to the heat between us. I wanted to feel her passionate kisses on every inch of my skin, but I also wanted to taste her. For her to let go and let me lead.
Our kiss deepened as passion flooded our systems and we could no longer be gentle with one another. Rikki removed my shirt impatiently, her fingers grazing each patch of skin as it became exposed. Waves of pleasure rippled through my cells. I shuddered when her lips found purchase on my neck.
I was wet with desire. I shoved Rikki against the wall and set about unbuckling her jeans.
“Close your eyes,” I instructed.
Rikki did as I ordered, but not without a smirk. I nipped lightly at her lips and then focused my attention on her jawline. Her honeysuckle scent was intoxicating. I pulled the rest of my clothes off and tossed them aside. Rikki opened her eyes, and I put my hand on her chest and gingerly pushed her back onto the floor.
“I’m in charge,” I said, kissing along her shoulder blade. “Say it.”
Silence was her answer. I looked up and saw that she was grinning. “I’m in charge. Say it,” I repeated, but I secretly enjoyed this little challenge she was giving me.
Again, her only response was silence. Time to play dirty. Using the tip of my tongue, I blazed a path along her neckl
ine down to her collarbone. She whimpered and I smiled. Rikki squirmed underneath my kiss.
“I’m…in charge,” I repeated again, each word slow and deliberate.
I seized her left breast in my hand and squeezed it greedily. I wanted to claim her nipple and devour it, but I also wanted to drive Rikki crazy with anticipation.
Rikki slammed one of her fists against the floor, moaning as I blew hot breath over her taut nipple. Still I avoided taking it into my mouth.
“God damn it, Bonnie.” She was nearly breathless.
“I am…in charge.”
Offering her breast to me, she relented, saying, “Yes. You…are in charge.”
With that, I finally brought her into my mouth. My fingers playfully twirled her right nipple. Rikki’s arms wrapped around my body, her nails pressing into my back. Her legs opened and I slid my fingers between her thighs, delighting in the moist atmosphere of her center. Rikki gasped as I plunged deep into her. She moaned and rocked her hips against my thrusts. I knew she was on the verge of orgasm and I wanted to savor every sensation.
“Fuck!” she shouted as she came, her hands clutching large sections of my hair.
I withdrew my fingers, releasing a flood of sweet fluids, and then kissed her fiercely.
“Damn you,” she said.
I smirked. I wasn’t done with her yet. I went to my bag and pulled out the strap-on I’d been waiting to use with her. I kneeled in front of her.
“I need you to fuck me with this,” I pleaded.
“Put it on me.” Her commanding tone caused me to shudder.
I slid the brief harness up her legs. She lifted her hips to make dressing her in the harness a bit easier for me. Rikki’s eyes were on me the entire time. Her fingernails grazed my arm. I waited for her to tell me what to do next after I finished. I was converted. I wanted to be dominated.
“How wet are you?”
Incredibly wet. I stood, naked and aroused beyond measure.
Rikki’s fingers brushed my clit and I cried out, both hands pressed against the wall to keep me upright. My mind was foggy, and my legs were shaking.
“You want this?” she asked softly, her hand gripping the silicone dildo.
I could only nod, and she guided my body down to meet her. As the dildo entered me, I trembled and moaned, my fingers tangling themselves in her hair.
“Fuck.”
Our breasts met. I rotated my hips as I moved on the dildo in a rhythm we both enjoyed. She matched my movements with thrusts of her own, which sent me rocketing toward an orgasm. I squeezed my eyes shut. Rikki buried her fingernails in my lower back, and then she commanded me to cum. And fuck, I did.
Sparks of pleasure shot throughout my body and I could feel myself surrendering to the beauty of our lovemaking. My body had never felt this content – as if every need had been met to the extreme. Rikki kissed my cheek and I shivered, gooseflesh forming on my skin. When my body finally went limp with satisfaction, I slid off Rikki, and then laid my head against her thigh. The dildo sat a few inches from my face.
“You are beautiful,” she whispered, running her fingers lightly over my breast.
“I’m going to devour you,” I announced. “As soon as I get some water.”
“Oh, yeah?” Rikki grinned.
I ran to the small kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water from the refrigerator and took several quick gulps after it was opened. I returned to Rikki’s side, kneeling beside her and admiring the angles of her body.
“Take that off,” I demanded.
Rikki laughed heartily. “Yes, ma’am.”
She removed the harness and put it on the floor beside her. I leaned in for a kiss and winced when she bit my lip. Blood sprouted from the place she pierced with her teeth. I pressed my mouth against hers hungrily.
I was headed for her belly when the door swung open. I was so startled I nearly shifted in defense.
“What the fuck, Tato?” Rikki hissed.
Rikki grabbed a blanket from the couch and tossed it to me. I wrapped myself in it and glared at Tato, angry at him for interrupting my time with Rikki.
Tato was shaking, overcome with anxiety. “I am sorry, but it’s Izzy. The baby – the baby is coming!”
Chapter Twenty
I found the entire pack in the front yard waiting for me and crowded around Izzy. The birth of a werewolf was an event no one wanted to miss. If I was successful in bringing a cub into this world alive while also preventing the mother from dying, it would mean that all members of the pack would now be able to have cubs of their own. Something everyone here desperately wanted.
It was strange that Izzy hadn’t been brought inside to give birth, but after thinking about it for a moment, I supposed it wasn’t. These were wolves and were creatures of nature. Rosemary signaled for me to follow her into the center of the circle. I prepared myself to push through the tightly packed crowd, but the pack members moved aside as soon as I approached. At the center of the circle was Izzy, who was lying on the soft grass, and Ric, who was sitting beside her holding her hand.
Izzy rested her head against Ric’s chest as a contraction turned her stomach to stone. She squeezed her eyes shut and blew air between her lips in an effort to distract herself from the pain.
There was no equipment available for use other than a medic bag. Rosemary had already started an I.V. of fluids for Izzy and had placed a small oxygen mask over her nose and mouth. The tank sat behind Ric in the grass. This was not going to be an easy birth. We were not in an ideal location and I could not forget the fact that Izzy was a human about to birth a cub. I rushed to her side.
“Where are the gloves?” I asked Rosemary.
Rosemary shook her head and held out the bag for me to see. “No gloves.”
Shit. As a paramedic, I certainly wasn’t unfamiliar with working in less-than-ideal conditions, but since this was an entirely new experience for me, all of the negative aspects of it seemed magnified.
“We cannot give or catch diseases,” Rosemary explained.
“Talk to the baby, Bonnie. Listen to your wolf’s instincts and go from there,” Rikki advised.
That was at least some encouragement. I scratched my head anxiously. Listen to the baby. I needed to control my nerves. Today, a cub would be born.
My hands shook. I reminded myself repeatedly that I was an Omega. This was my purpose. I rested my hands atop Izzy’s belly, feeling the contractions as they began and ended. It would not be long.
“You are impatient,” I said to the unborn cub.
Rikki appeared across from me on Izzy’s right side. She sat beside her and began stroking her hair as the contractions grew in intensity.
“Take slow and deep breaths,” Rikki told Izzy, who was struggling under the squeezing pressure of the contractions.
My human mind was unaware of what my wolf was sensing and understood – there was old magic in the air that was guiding the process. As if Mother Nature herself was working through me. My flesh was covered in goosebumps. I could no longer hear anything of the action around me. My mind was clear.
I could feel the presence of the unborn cub, as if it were already outside the womb and next to me in the grass. The cub was ready. Impatient. Restless. Eager. Another contraction. The wind picked up, winding through tree limbs and leaves, its somber sound harmonizing with Izzy’s pained groans.
Izzy pushed at my direction with each contraction. I lost myself in time. 40 minutes, two hours, 14 days – I had no way of knowing. A loud wail erupted. The sound of new life. I emerged from my trance, looking to this little bundle of pink flesh and amniotic fluid. A girl. She opened her eyes, a surprising hunter green, and searched for me in this new world. Once her gaze met mine, she recognized me immediately and began cooing happily.
I stroked her soft head with my fingertips. “Welcome, sweet girl.”
Rosemary wrapped the cub in a blanket and gingerly handed her over to Izzy, who was anxious to hold her. Ric was crying and kissing Izzy�
�s cheek.
His face still buried against Izzy’s head, he said, “You have blessed us.”
I knew Ric was speaking to me.
I could not help but be thankful for the fact that the baby was born without complications. Without the guidance of an Omega, I had been assured that this would have ended quite differently. The newborn cub would have shifted in the womb and tore her way out of the birth canal, ultimately killing her mother and herself in the process. I shivered and reminded myself that it had gone well. We had a healthy baby girl in our pack. We were lucky.
“Thank you.” Izzy reached out for my hand.
I nodded, taking her hand in mine and squeezing lightly.
“Can you take it from here?” I asked Rosemary.
She smiled softly and gestured for me to leave.
I leapt up and raced into the main house. The bathroom on the first floor would serve as my hideout while I needed it. I shut the door behind me and walked over to the sink to splash some water on my face. I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t upset. I was mystified. I was finally beginning to grasp how much power I held. How much the pack would count on me in the future.
It was an entirely new identity rushing into my consciousness, meeting and mingling with the other identities that were cementing themselves as part of my whole. Human, paramedic, werewolf, Omega. It was a bit overwhelming. I observed myself in the mirror, almost as if I was waiting for the physical manifestations of these identities to suddenly appear in my face and body.
“You have done a wonderful thing today, Bonnie.”
I nodded and turned to see Rikki in the doorway of the bathroom.
“There are so many reasons to fear what I am, but what I just did for Ric and Izzy…I feel more like myself again…like I am returning to the person I was before I was attacked, before I became a werewolf.”
Rikki moved closer to me, putting both of her hands on my shoulders. “I am so happy to hear that, Bonnie. All I want is for you to feel comfortable with all aspects of yourself – the old and the new.”
A Night Claimed Page 14