A Ravenous Pack: Wolf's Hunger 5 Books

by A. K. Michaels

  Fox raised an eyebrow. “Protect?”

  “I am Alpha,” she replied. “I will always protect you, it’s part of the deal.”

  “I don’t need protecting, Sheba.” He scowled. “I can fight my own battles.”

  “I’m well aware of that.” She smiled. “I saw that with my own eyes, but I am still Alpha and I protect every last member of my Pack . . . including you, especially you.”

  Fox’s scowl deepened. “All I ask is that you don’t interfere if there are any incidents. I can stand on my own two feet. Or paws. Whatever the case might be. I won’t stand behind your position, Sheba. I won’t hide behind you. That’s not the kind of man I am, so don’t expect that of me because if you do, then we’ll have problems.”

  “I wouldn’t expect you to, but it depends on the situation. You also have to respect my position as Alpha. There’ll be situations where it wouldn’t be right for you to step in, especially if it’s a direct challenge against my status. So we will decide on things as they arise. Agreed?”

  Fox sighed. “I agree, reluctantly.”

  “Good, now can we finish our mating? You’re leaving me hanging here, Fox.”

  His smile returned, his hard length pressing against her. “I think we can do that. I just hope I don’t hurt you too much.”

  Sheba’s lips tugged up in a smirk. “You’re being a little arrogant there, buster.”

  Fox shook his head, pressing himself against her again. “I don’t mean with this. I mean with these.”

  He held his hand up and she saw claws erupting from his fingers . . . long razor-sharp talons that looked deadly. “Oh shit,” she mumbled.

  “I’ll try and make it quick.” He leaned down, kissing her passionately at the same time as his cock entered her with a long, hard thrust.

  All coherent thoughts left her mind as pleasure washed over her body. She’d never felt so completely alive or aroused as she did at that moment. It was as if every cell in her body suddenly came alive at his touch. As if she’d been waiting on him her entire life . . . and in a sense, she had. That was the whole point. The Goddess’ gift . . . her soul-mate.

  Now she understood. Now she got it. Now she was in heaven. Now she drifted away into euphoria as Fox lifted her higher and higher until she floated free on a cloud of pure ecstasy.

  A sharp sting barely made it through the haze of sensations but as yet another orgasm ripped through her, Sheba clutched hold of Fox’s head, biting deep into his shoulder and finally marking him as hers. Her head falling back in a roar of pleasure but also one that alerted the entire Pack that their Alpha had sealed her mating. Her head buzzing with jubilation and a joy that would take days . . . no, weeks to pass.

  All she wanted was to stay right here, locked up in the room, and in bed with her mate for days to savor his luscious body and his expert ministrations. Boy, could she get used to those!

  She wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon and god help anyone who tried to interrupt them.

  Sheba trailed a finger down Fox’s chest, going lower until his hand shot out to cover hers. “Hey, you better stop or we won’t get out of bed,” he drawled.

  “That’s what I was hoping.” She smiled, leaning over to pepper his skin with kisses.

  “I thought today was the day we were to finally leave the room and you were going to show me the camp?”

  “One more day won’t hurt.” Sheba frowned, not wanting to share him just yet, or her concerns as to why.

  “Ray has called you on the hour, every hour, for the past two days, Sheba. I think we need to join the land of the living again.” Fox lifted her hand, kissing the palm. “Come on, we can shower together and I promise it won’t be a quick one. How’s that for a compromise?”

  She grinned up at him, her eyes twinkling. “How can I refuse such an offer?”

  “But after that we need to dress and resume normal life. All right?”

  “I guess,” Sheba replied, pouting.

  “No pouting. You’re Alpha and the Pack needs you. Come on, get that delectable ass out of bed, My Queen.”

  “Can I admit something?” Sheba stayed where she was, nibbling her bottom lip, worried that he’d be upset . . . or worse by what she was about to say.

  “Finally!” Fox sat up, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “I wondered when you’d finally let me in on it. You think I don’t know something’s bothering you? I know you’ve been worried, but I won’t press you, and I won’t use our new mind-link thing either to eavesdrop, and by the way that’s a little freaky. So, come on, spill.”

  “I’m scared that some of the Pack won’t be happy I’m not mated to a Wolf, that’s first, and then I’m worried that some of the wiseasses will make remarks about your name and cause arguments. I don’t want drama on our first day and, well, that’s why I’ve been putting it off.”

  “I sorta guessed the bit about my name, Sheba. I get that a lot within the Shifter community. It’s why I stay away.” Fox gave her a lopsided smile. “Unless I want to release some steam, then I go looking for them and I’m sure to get into a fight or two. But I didn’t know you were worried about being mated to me.”

  “I’m not!” she exclaimed. “Don’t ever think I am. I don’t have a problem with you being a Lion, Fox. Please don’t think that. You’re magnificent. But I’m the first female Alpha of this Pack. Shoot, it’s been hard proving myself because of that fact alone. And there’s some purists here that look down on inter-species matings, although we do have some. I’ve been working to change things and it’s slow going. But for the Alpha to have mated a Lion, I’m just not sure how it will go. I might be worrying about nothing, maybe everything will be fine. I just don’t know.”

  “First things first. My name, I’m used to dealing with that. So, if it comes up I’ll deal with it. The inter-species thing, now that’s different. I’m not sure how you want to handle that. I’m more than willing to deal with that too. I can take on any of your Wolves. You know I can. You’ve seen what I’m capable of and no Wolf can stand against me. But, and this fucking pains me to say, but as Alpha, it might be your place to deal with. But, and this depends on the situation, if there’s more than one, that’s where we stand together to deal with it. Nobody in their right mind would go up against us both . . . agreed?”

  Sheba thought about what he’d said, and it sounded fair. “Hey, you’re not just a pretty face, are you?”

  “Nope, I also have a brain.” He laughed, throwing the covers off and getting out of bed, showing his glorious naked body. “Now, let’s shower and go kick some butt.”

  Ray stood waiting on them as they arrived downstairs, his face inscrutable as always. Stepping forward he grasped Fox’s hand in a firm grip. “Welcome to the Dark Moon Pack, Alpha.”

  Fox returned the handshake, smiling. “Thank you, and thanks for saving my hide. You’re one impressive Wolf.”

  Ray grinned, shaking his head. “Think nothing of it. You’re the one that impressed me that day. Holding your own against those rogues with a trap on your leg was the damnedest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m glad to see you’ve recovered.”

  “Thanks, but I didn’t really have a lot of choice in the matter. It was fight or die and I didn’t want to die.” Fox shrugged.

  “I hear ya,” Ray replied, turning to Sheba. “We need to talk, Sheba.”

  “Good or bad news?” she asked as she walked toward the kitchen, the smell of bacon calling to her.

  “Bit of both.” Ray and Fox following. “As you know, we got rid of the rogues. Not just from our land. We’ve worked with the surrounding Packs and helped them to oust the lot of them. But, I’ve heard a few rumblings within the Pack . . . about Fox here. I thought I’d give you a heads up before you went out.”

  “Shit, just what I need.” Sheba sat down. “Well, I refuse to deal with it on an empty stomach.”

  Fox chuckled as her mother rushed around producing a veritable feast. “Jeez, there’s enough here to feed an army.”


  “It’s nothing, eat up, and it’s nice to see you two out and dressed for once.”

  “That’s my fault,” Sheba said, shrugging. “I wanted to put off all this bullshit for as long as I could.”

  Ray snagged a plate, piling it high with food. “Thanks, Alisha, I’ve already eaten but who could say no to your cooking?”

  “Aww, shush, Ray. You couldn’t say no to anybody’s cooking!”

  “Hey, I’m not greedy, I’m just always hungry,” Ray quipped back as he started to eat.

  Fox filled his own plate then looked at Ray. “Is it going to be bad for Sheba? I hate to be the cause of any problems for her.”

  “It is what it is, Fox. You are her mate, plain and simple. We stand together on this, as do most of the Pack. There’s always a few that are stuck in their backward ways. Sheba, if I may make a suggestion?”

  Sheba stopped with a piece of bacon right at her lips. “Sure.”

  “You can make up your own mind, of course, but unless something is directed to you specifically, I’d let Fox deal with things. He’s new here and has to make his stamp in the Pack, as not only your mate, but as his place as Alpha. That means he’s going to be tested as such, and with you being the first female Alpha, this is new territory for everyone. You and I have seen him in his Shifter form, we know how he looks . . . fucking huge and deadly to boot. Maybe the Pack needs to see that too. In my mind, the sooner the better. That might shut them up once and for all.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Fox said firmly. “I’m ready to deal with anything anyone says or does. I’ve dealt with a lot in my time, Ray, so a few barbs won’t faze me, but I’m more than willing to put on a show to get people to back off, from me and Sheba. But, I need you to know something, I’m Sheba’s mate and she is Alpha, first and foremost. I’ll support her at all times, but I don’t want to rule this Pack. Just want that to be clear to everyone, especially you.”

  “I’m aware of that, Fox” Ray gave Fox a sly look. “Sheba would never have mated with a man that wanted to rule over her…or the Pack.”

  Fox chuckled. “I can see why you two are best friends, and why you’re Beta, and I think the sooner we put a stop to any rumblings in the Pack, the better.”

  Alisha walked past, patting Fox’s shoulder. “I, for one, can’t wait to see your Lion.”

  Fox looked over at Sheba, giving her a wink. “I’ll try and let everyone know that they can’t mess around with either of us. If they do, then they’ll find out soon enough that neither one of us will put up with any shit. Right, Sheba?”

  Sheba had listened to them talking, mulling everything over and came to a decision. “If there is no direct confrontation to me then I’ll let it slide and allow you to deal with it, Fox. But I’m telling you, if there is even an inclination that they think I’m not a fit Alpha then I’ll be the one to step in and I do not want you involved. I’ve worked too damn hard to gain the Pack’s respect to lose it now just because I’ve got a man by my side. I love you, you know I do, but I won’t let our love rule my head when it comes to ruling the Pack.”

  Ray’s head spun quickly to Fox who pursed his lips then nodded. “Fair point. I can’t say I understand the politics within a Wolf Pack because within a Pride it’s not unusual to have a Queen rule. So if it’s been difficult for you then I’m truly sorry for that. I’ll always have your back, Sheba. Don’t ever think I won’t, but we’ve discussed this, and you know I don’t want your position. I have no desire to take over but I will support you anyway I can, as a mate should. You’re aware that my expertise lies in other areas and that’s where I’ll be looking to help expand the Pack and its holdings.”

  “What’s your expertise?” Ray cut in.

  “IT, computers and stuff like that. For instance, we should get a website set up to showcase Lunar and get some more business that way. Also, I’ve got ideas for specialized hunting trips for high-end businessmen, again with a site to promote it and I’ve got some contacts that can help. The waterfall is a great location for that . . . I’m not suggesting a huge building project. Maybe three cabins at most, set back in the trees so the landscape isn’t ruined, but the area is ripe for the type of thing I have in mind, especially the waterfall itself. It can be used for abseiling and rock climbing. It would go down a bomb with city guys and they’d pay a king’s ransom to do it. It could bring in a ton of money for the Pack and we could put a cap on the time it’s allowed. Say three months out of the year, so it doesn’t impact too heavily on the area, or the Pack. Those are just a couple of ideas I’ve had, but I’ve got several more.”

  Ray whistled through his teeth, sitting back in his chair and looking at Fox hard. “Wow, those are good ideas. The website for Lunar sounds great and the cabins at the waterfall, so long as it doesn’t ruin the area, well, yeah, those sound good too.”

  “Just a start, but this area is stunning and the Pack could be making a lot more than it is just now with some tweaks here and there and a little work.” Fox shrugged. “I have some other ideas too but if we start with those then we can see what happens.”

  Sheba finished the bacon she’d been enjoying before joining the conversation again, wiping her fingers and pushing her plate away. “First, we need to sort out the stupid asses in the Pack and get back to normal. Then we can see about the other stuff.”

  Ray stood. “Dion is aware you’ll be out and about today so he and his men are sticking around, just in case, and I won’t be far away either.”

  Fox finished his coffee, giving Ray a nod. “It’s appreciated but I think I’ve got this.”

  “I think you do too. See you later.” Ray gave them a two-finger salute then left out the back door, thanking her mom as he did. “Thanks for the breakfast, Alisha. I might pop in later for a snack.”

  “Always welcome, Ray.” Alisha laughed. “That man could eat all day long and still be hungry.”

  “Are you ready?” Fox asked as he got up, holding a hand out to Sheba.

  “What would you say if I said no?”

  “I’d tell you to get your ass up out of that chair anyway.” He grinned.

  “Well, I suppose I better say yes then.” She dragged herself up, grasping his hand tightly. “Guess we should go face them and get it over with.”

  “Yes, guess we should.” Fox pulled her to his side, leaning down and covering her lips with his for a quick kiss before whispering, “It’ll be all right, My Queen.”

  “I hope so.” She prayed he was right. She’d worked too damn hard to make it to where she was and now everything hung in the balance . . . again.

  The sun shone brightly as they stepped onto the porch, Fox’s hold on her hand tightening as he felt her unease grow. Damn, he was reacting to their mating link. He could feel her emotions and he sensed how nervous she was. She was an expert at hiding that from everyone. For him to know it was disconcerting and she wasn’t entirely sure she liked it.

  “It’s all right, Sheba. I’m with you and it’s going to be fine.” His thumb circling on her skin and calming her. Shoot, that felt good.

  She looked up at him and saw his eyes twinkling mischievously. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

  “Just a little.” Fox shrugged. “They’ve no idea of the show I’m about to put on for the first idiot that crosses me.”

  She patted at his chest, trying not to laugh. “Can you do a great big roar for me? A really big one?”

  “I surely can,” he said, lowering his voice further. “My Queen.”

  Her insides quivered. The insult that usually brought her to anger now produced nothing but arousal when dripping from his lips. “Not in public, Fox!”

  “Why?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, wait, I know.” He laughed loudly. “Sorry.”

  “Come on.” She pulled him after her, down the stairs and toward the first people she saw, smiling as she went, raising her hand in greeting as she passed.

  They waved and smiled, but that was all. Wonderful. On they went,
with more people coming out to see the Alpha’s mate. Some stopped to say hello and be introduced. Some gaped, some seemed awestruck, but so far there were no bad vibes. Thank goodness. But it didn’t last, not for long anyway.

  And the person who caused the problem was the last person she expected: Tucker Ball.

  Tucker wasn’t a youngster, he was an older Wolf who helped Tilly collect herbs and supplies, and generally assisted the Healer. He was respectful to Sheba, or had been up until now. But right now, he was standing in front of them with a weird look on his face as Sheba smiled at him.

  “Morning, Tucker, how’s things?”

  Tucker looked between Sheba and Fox, then back at Sheba. “I’m fine.”

  “This is Fox, my mate.”

  Tucker looked directly into Fox’s eyes and shit on a fucking brick, the look of distaste was plain to see. Sheba straightened, her fingers digging into Fox’s hand, but he loosened his hold on her hand, as Tucker cocked his head to the side. “Fox, that’s a weird name, ‘specially if I heard right and you’re a Lion and not a Wolf. Is that right?”

  Fox locked eyes with Tucker and nodded. “You heard right. Why? Is that a problem?”

  Tucker’s mouth puckered, his nose crinkled also as if he’d smelt something utterly disgusting and Sheba had to force herself to stay in place and not smack him in the face. “Our Alpha here should have a Wolf by her side.”

  “Is that right?” Fox sneered. “And why is that? Because you’re bigger, badder, stronger? Is that what you think? ‘Cause if that’s what you think I’m pretty fucking sure I can change your mind, Tucker.”

  Sheba’s eyes were locked on the two of them but she sure as hell heard the heartbeats of others that had arrived to watch the spectacle unfold. Obviously, word had gotten around about Tucker’s ideas about her mate and as soon as he’d approached, everyone had been expecting a showdown. Well, now they were gonna get one!