A Ravenous Pack: Wolf's Hunger 5 Books

by A. K. Michaels

  One of Gwenola’s daughters stepped forward, head held high. “I’m Florine, I’ll help you and Jacinthe will too. She’s strong and I’m certain she’s Beta material. Her hair’s short like that because she stood up to our father more than once and he cut it off to teach her a lesson . . . one she refused to learn. He ended up locking her in the cellar for a month instead.”

  Gwenola nodded. “Yes, Florine is strong too, although she was a little more discreet in her disobedience against Jermaine. He never caught her stealing supplies and giving it to the weakest in the Pack, thank goodness. He would have killed her if he had.”

  Zohar looked at the two girls, noticing the defiance in both their eyes. The third daughter, Katel, stood off to the side, her eyes told a different story altogether. One that he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear. He saw fear and loathing deep inside the girl but the main thing he saw was that her spirit had been well and truly broken.

  Gwenola went to Katel’s side, her arm winding around her daughter’s shoulder protectively. “Katel suffered terribly at her father’s hands. She’ll stay with me.”

  Florine rushed to her sister’s side. “Of course, Mother. You know I’ll always protect Katel, nobody will ever hurt her again, not while I still draw breath. Anyone who tries will have their heart ripped out and stuffed down their throat to choke on. Don’t worry, Sis, you know I’ve got your back.”

  Katel remained in place and silent, although her body shook with what Zohar knew was suppressed fear. He’d seen the signs in far too many abused Wolves and hoped that now Jermaine was gone that Katel’s family would be able to help her mend her hidden wounds.

  Danko coughed, breaking the somber turn of the conversation. “This meal is wonderful. Your cooking is out of this world, Gwenola.”

  “Thank you.” The woman beamed back, her cheeks reddening at the compliment.

  Zohar started to pile food on his plate, finishing his first helping so fast he didn’t even taste it, before adding another vast serving. Gwenola chattering away non-stop as he ate. He tuned most of it out, his hunger gnawing away at his belly and taking up most of his attention, until Danko smacked his arm with his fork.

  “Hey, Earth to Zohar . . . Gwenola asked you a question.”

  A growl escaped before he could stop it, Katel scooting backward with a terrified stare, her sister, Florine stepping in front to shield her. Zohar shaking his head to clear the red haze of anger that had reared its head. “Apologies, my thoughts were elsewhere.”

  Gwenola scrutinized him, her head cocked to the side, Danko breaking the awkward silence. “Gwenola was asking if you were going to officiate at the funeral for Libby.”

  Zohar’s head snapped up, his body pushing his chair back. “No. I’m going out to check the perimeter in case Jermaine and his men have decided to come back.”

  Danko shook his head. “Kovak has already done a sweep. It’s all clear.”

  “Then I’ll do another sweep. It’s better to be safe than sorry. We don’t want to be taken by surprise and I won’t place the Pack in any further danger, not while I’m acting Alpha.”

  Zohar rose quickly and without another word, left by the back door. He told himself the reason he was going was because it was his duty to keep these people safe. It had nothing to do with the hunger inside him . . . or the fact he didn’t want to witness Maisy’s grief again. Nor his inclination to go to her when he saw her sobbing earlier. No. It was all about his duty as acting Alpha, that was all.

  That’s what he told himself, again and again, even as he transformed and stampeded through the forest like a raging bull, with every step taking him farther away from the camp his heart almost bursting in his chest. The pain growing so severe he threw his head back and howled to the sky, sending every living thing around running in terror from the out-of-control Wolf.

  His insides afire with emotions he couldn’t even put a name to far less understand. Zohar had been an Enforcer for more years than he cared to remember, most of the time the only feeling he required was cold detachment, with fury thrown in on occasion when the situation merited it. That’s how he lived his life, that’s how he knew how to live, anything else was alien to him and he sure as hell had no idea what was going on inside him now.

  His beast wasn’t helping. In fact, it seemed hell-bent on making matters more difficult. Zohar refused to listen to his Wolf’s pleas, shutting out his beast’s voice, and forcing his paws onward to run through the forest at speeds that other Shifters only dreamed of.

  His size and strength were what made him the number one Enforcer but that wasn’t all that was required to hit that top spot. Zohar had to detach himself from the actions he’d had to carry out over the years, the things he’d done haunted him in his dreams, sometimes following him from the darkness of night into the daylight. That seemed to be happening more and more lately, forcing him to consider whether he needed to walk away now . . . or be in danger of losing his sanity.

  That was for another day. Right now, all he needed to do was run and shake off these damn feelings that were invading his body, his mind, and his very soul. He had a job to do and whenever he was on a mission he never allowed anything to stand in the way of getting the task at hand done. Never.

  On no occasion had he failed to deliver, and he wasn’t about to do so now. Zohar would play the part of Alpha and play it well. When the time came, he’d pack his bag and leave, move onto the next mission, and not look back. As he always did. There was nothing different this time . . . was there?

  Maisy hiccupped as she watched everyone walk slowly away from Libby’s grave, not quite believing she’d not see her friend in the morning.

  Libby wasn’t a morning person and invariably grumbled when Maisy brought her a cup of coffee with a smile and humming a song. “Maisy, why are you always so cheerful first thing?” Libby would ask, almost every morning.

  “Because it’s a new day and you never know what’s going to happen.” Maisy would reply as she handed over the steaming mug.

  “Yeah, I do.” Libby would sip the coffee, sighing. “We’ll get treated like crap and have to stay out of Marlon’s way or risk getting beat up, or worse.”

  “You never know,” Maisy would grin. “Our Knights in Shining Armor could come riding into camp and whisk us away.”

  “Keep dreaming, Maisy.” Libby would finally laugh. “You know I love you, girl, and I hope you find your Knight one day. I really do. Me? I just want some fucker to rip Marlon’s head off and taking out Jermaine too would be a bonus.”

  Maisy would smirk cheekily as she left her friend’s room. “Well, Libby, dontcha know that Knights have big sharp swords? Perfect for lopping off someone’s head.”

  Her heart almost tore apart inside her as she looked down at the new grave. Not quite believing her vibrant friend lay beneath the mound of earth. She’d never hear any more barbed comments aimed at Jermaine, Marlon, or the rest of their warped band of cohorts. Libby’s sharp retorts would never whisper in her ear as the Beta strode smugly past, Maisy doing her best to shush her friend for fear the spiteful Wolf would hear and lash out with a punishment that far outweighed the crime.

  Maisy’s heart ached so bad she could barely breathe at the loss of her friend. “Libby, how can I go on without you?” she whispered in despair to the cold darkness that now surrounded her. Her tears falling onto the earth and seeping into the newly filled in grave.

  She watched as they disappeared, sinking down to join Libby, her soul tearing apart at what her friend had given up for her. Maisy’s legs finally gave out and she fell to her knees, grateful she was alone and nobody would witness her weakness. Her hands digging into the soil as if she could bring her friend back just by pure will alone.

  Maisy’s entire being full of sorrow, so much so, that it took her a few moments to realize she was no longer alone. Her Shifter senses picking up the presence of another nearby. She turned to look over her shoulder and came face to face with cold, ice blue eyes in the face of
a huge Wolf.

  One she’d remembered from earlier as it tore Marlon apart.

  Despite its size, and the fact it stared at her with a look that seemed as if it were in a daze, Maisy felt no fear. Strange as she was certain that most would turn tail and skedaddle from the fearsome beast that was mere inches from her. So close, its exhale ruffled her hair as it huffed out a long breath before cocking its head to the side as its snout darted forward, inhaling her scent.

  As the Wolf, Zohar, was so close to her she reached up, her fingers running through his thick dark fur. The company of the beast finally halting her flood of tears, a sigh escaping her as she leaned toward his massive head. She had no idea where he’d come from, or why he was here, but she was thankful he’d arrived. If he hadn’t appeared she imagined she’d still be sitting in the dirt come sunrise.

  His aroma filtering through her senses and causing her heart to beat wildly in her chest, her blood roaring in her ears as her beast started to yip in her head excitedly. Maisy jerked away from Zohar who backed away, his gigantic paws leaving great claw marks in the soft grass. “What the . . .”

  She didn’t get to finish her question as the beast turned and fled back into the forest. His speed astounding her as he disappeared within the blink of an eye, an eerie howl lofting through the night air as she sat dumbfounded at what her Wolf repeated over and over in her mind. Ours.

  Maisy had felt something strange earlier, yes, she had, but this? No, definitely not. Zohar was a Council Enforcer and not just any Enforcer. He had the most feared reputation, well, from what she’d heard since earlier, and that had been plenty. He was cold, lethal, and completely devoted to the Council. He certainly had no time for her, or anyone else. Even if he did, would she want him?

  Could she leave her Pack and go and live . . . where? Hell, she didn’t know where Enforcers lived and she was certain he’d be off on missions all over the place. Would she be expected to sit around waiting on him to give her a day here and there? No. That’s not how things were supposed to work for mated couples and not how she wished to live.

  Just as she was about to tell her Wolf to shut the hell up a voice caught her by surprise, causing her to yelp and jerk forward, almost falling on her face. Strong hands grabbing her shoulders and lifting her to feet.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Danko. Zohar’s Second in Command held her steady, his eyes boring into hers with a knowing look before he turned to stare at the trees. “Was that Zohar?”

  “What? Oh, yes, he must have heard me talking to Libby and came to see what mad person was out here in the dark chatting to a dead person.”

  He lifted an eyebrow as he released his hold on her. “You’re not mad, Maisy, just grieving.”

  “What are you doing out here?” she asked sharply, flustered he’d caught her off guard and on her knees in the dirt next to her friend’s grave.

  “I was worried about you, as is Gwenola. It’s late and everyone else has already gone home. I’m afraid you’ve missed the wake.”

  Maisy shrugged, her palm over her heart. “I don’t need a wake for Libby. She’ll always be in here.”

  “At least let me walk you back to camp.” Danko gave her a smile. “I don’t feel comfortable leaving you out here alone.”

  “Okay, but I’ll be fine. Now that Marlon’s gone anyway. He was the one that was always at the head of any punishments handed out. Well, mostly, his men would sometimes take it upon themselves to give us a hit here or there, and of course, the Alpha was always on the lookout for someone to wield his power over. By the way, that’s a euphemism for being a bully and hurting people for no reason.”

  Danko nodded, his face darkening and a snarl erupting. “I’m glad they’re gone. However, I kinda wish Jermaine had put up a bit more of a fight.”

  “What? Why?” Maisy asked as they started back to the camp.

  “Why?” Danko asked, surprised. “Because then we would’ve been within our rights to take him out. No questions asked.”

  “Is that how it works?”

  “Yes,” Danko replied with a smirk. “In these circumstances we tell the Alpha to leave, with nothing, and if they go we can’t just kill them. If they refuse then we can take them into custody and if they put up any resistance we can use force, which invariably ends in death.”

  “I see,” Maisy said, sighing. “I think he got off lightly for what he’s done.”

  “I agree. Zohar did his best to bait him, but Jermaine is a typical bully and wouldn’t respond to someone like Zohar. He knew he would have no chance against him but I’m confident that Shade will hunt him down and deal with him, on the quiet, of course.”

  “I hope so. I’ll take solace in knowing that Libby will be avenged in some way, even if I don’t actually hear about it.”

  “Shade Shawcross is not the type of man to let this slide, trust me on that. One thing I’ll ask, Maisy, if you ever speak with Marissa, please don’t mention this conversation. I’m only telling you because I can see how much you are grieving for your friend but this is strictly between us. If Shade deals with Jermaine, he will do so on his terms, and he might not wish to share that, with anyone. Understand?”

  Danko’s tone was serious as he finished, his eyes locked on hers. “Of course. I won’t say a word to anyone.”

  “Thank you. Let’s just keep this between us.”

  “I will.”

  “Now, about earlier, did Zohar say where he was going? He’s been patrolling for hours.”

  “No, he was only there for a few moments and in his Wolf form.”

  “I see, well I guess he’ll appear back soon. I couldn’t help but notice, earlier and just now, that you weren’t afraid of him. That’s rare and not something I see often.”

  Maisy glanced up at the imposing Enforcer trying to figure out what was behind his comment. She was sure there was something but she couldn’t quite place what it was. His face was inscrutable, friendly, but giving nothing away whatsoever. She shrugged, trying to hide what she’d felt earlier.

  “I’m not scared of him,” she said quietly.

  “Really? That does surprise me.” Danko stared down at her, his eyes boring into hers.

  She tried to tear her eyes away but for some reason she couldn’t, and felt her cheeks begin to flush a moment before her feet stumbled and only his swiftness saved her from falling flat on her face . . . again.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, a knowing glint in his eyes.

  “Yes,” Maisy huffed, embarrassed but refused to raise her eyes to his. “I’m fine.”

  “So, back to Zohar. You’re really not frightened of him?”

  Maisy shook her head, keeping her gaze straight ahead. “No, and don’t ask me why because I’ve no answer for you.”

  Danko chuckled. “Fair enough, I won’t bother you about it any further, but maybe you’ll get the chance to figure it out.”

  Maisy stopped, her heart speeding up at the insinuation his words brought to her mind. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Danko had carried on for a few steps before he’d halted, turning to look back at her with a glint in his eyes she could see even in the darkness. “Just that we’ll be staying for a while until we can sort things out here. That means Zohar will be the acting Alpha for the time being so perhaps you and he can get to know each other better.”

  “What?” Maisy’s stomach turned over, and over again, and she wasn’t sure if it were excitement at the thought of Zohar staying . . . or fear that he was staying. “Why would you think I’d want that? I didn’t say I wanted that . . . did I? You’re jumping to a hell of a lot of assumptions, Enforcer.”

  Danko laughed as he turned away, continuing on his way to the camp. “Yes, yes I am, Maisy. But I’ll let you in on a secret . . . I’m rarely wrong when I make assumptions, just remember that in the days to come.”

  Maisy stared at his wide back as he strode forward, her head and heart doing wild things that scared
the living daylights out of her. She’d assumed that Zohar and his men would be leaving soon and she’d not have to face him again. Hell, if he stayed and her beast continued to act crazy then what the hell was she going to do?

  “Come on, Maisy, it’s late and dark as the pits of hell out here. I’d like to get you home safely because I have a hunch that my boss would not be happy if I left you out here all alone.”

  Danko finished with another laugh, this one louder and longer. What the hell did he know? Had he sensed her attraction to Zohar? Shit, she hoped not, that would be just too embarrassing.

  Wait. He’d said that his boss . . . Zohar, would be unhappy if he left her. Did that mean . . . no. That was impossible. Wasn’t it?

  Of course it was. Maisy shook her head as she jogged to catch up to Danko who looked over his shoulder, a glint in his eyes and a large smirk on his face.

  Zohar raced through the forest after tearing himself away from Maisy. He couldn’t even remember going to her, only that he’d heard the sound of sobbing while he’d been running wildly and then he’d been right there, next to her.

  His beast must have taken over, something that had never happened before. All he knew was that the sound of her grief tore at his heart as if it were breaking in two. The pain so real he felt as if someone had stuck a blade inside him and was sawing him in two, causing him excruciating agony.

  When she turned her tear-filled eyes to his, he wanted nothing more than to transform and take her into his arms to comfort her. Then he’d sensed her beast . . . not only felt her Wolf but picked up its excitement at his proximity and she was in human form. How could that be? It jolted him to his senses and he’d bolted so fast that the next thing he knew he was miles away, breathless, shocked and confused.

  None of those he was familiar with and which had him transforming to pace around angrily. His fist smashing into the nearest tree trunk over and over, splintering the wood until his knuckles were bruised and bloodied. Sweat dripping down his face to sting his eyes as he heaved great gulps of air into his lungs as he fought to control the emotions that rampaged through him.