Wolf Roulette: Supernatural Battle

by Kelly St Clare

  Standing, I hugged Pascal in response to her mounting fear.

  “You’ll be okay, my friend,” I whispered.

  The older woman nodded, tears slipping over her cheeks. Passing over her tablet, she joined the rest of the tribe.

  I faced Sascha.

  He sank to his knees.

  “Please don’t do that. It’s a stupid clause.” My cheeks burned. “Stand up.”

  “My pack concedes the win of Victratum to the Ni Tiaki. Per the terms of the game contract, Deception Valley now belongs to you.”

  I’d say only the Luthers could hear his words.

  “I accept. Get up.”

  It would have killed Greyson to bend a knee. Then again, he really only cared about one thing. Him and Booker both.

  Sascha’s expression was sombre.

  Mine too.

  Ending the game was a major hurdle to overcome, but the war wasn’t over yet.

  Dread mounting in my stomach, I turned Pascal’s tablet on and logged into our tribe system.

  “What are you doing?” Sascha said.

  I exhaled. “The poll results are on here.” No one had seen them yet. Only I had access.

  “Your attention, please,” I called.

  Luthers and stewards gradually fell quiet.

  A wet-faced Wade approached and handed me the microphone from my sax. He set the portable speaker next to me.

  I lifted the mic. Here goes. “Last night, every member of the Ni Tiaki tribe participated in a set of polls. These polls outlined decisions they needed to make for our future and the future of those in this valley. I have the results here now.”

  Fuck.

  It was seriously horrible that even after going through Victratum, everything hinged on the contents of this file. I’d be so glad to never hold another poll in my life.

  “Courage, mate,” Sascha said quietly.

  I tapped on the file. “The tribe were asked if they wished to approach the pack with a land proposal in the interest of entering a truce or if they wished the pack to be exiled from Deception Valley per the rules of Victratum.” I swallowed. “The tribe voted in favour of approaching the pack with a proposal in hopes of a truce.”

  Most Luthers were shocked. Their scents changed rapidly. Relief. Disbelief. Hope. Fear.

  I spoke again, “The tribe were asked if they wished to pursue further negotiations with Clan Sundulus, the Vissimo of Bluff City, to form an alliance against outside threats. They voted in favour of continuing negotiations.”

  Locking my legs, I scrolled through the results of the third poll. The tribe had also voted on which clauses they wanted included in any truce with the pack.

  A care of the land clause.

  An exit clause if the pack ever turned on the Ni Tiaki.

  A non-violence clause that would result in land penalties for both sides. The last thing I’d wanted was for a truce to dissolve the second a Luther hit a steward or vice versa. Instead, both sides would lose land as a consequence. It was something both sides held dear, and considering the tribe had far more land, the clause had reassured many.

  In time, they’d learn my wolves wouldn’t hurt them though.

  Opening a new email, I attached the poll results and sent them to every member of the tribe. Over 85 percent unified for the biggest decisions. The closest results were those for the truce clauses.

  I looked up at Sascha.

  There was one last thing to do before I could fall into his arms. And I planned to do that as soon as possible.

  I walked to stand before the pack and lowered the mic. “I’d like to formally invite your pack leader and his top wolves to meet with me and my head team tomorrow morning to discuss an ongoing truce. Victratum is over for good. Moving forward, the Ni Tiaki believe in partnership with the pack. They realise that this cannot happen without giving you a secure home. They’re willing to do this. Are you willing to speak with us?”

  The pack members exchanged glances.

  Alexei’s gaze bore into the side of my face.

  Sascha strode past to stand with his pack. He inhaled and smiled before returning to my side to take the microphone. “The pack will meet with the Ni Tiaki to discuss a truce. We can both agree we have larger concerns to focus on together. And as a gesture of goodwill, I would like to gift the tribe with everything the pack has gathered on demons and witches over the last two centuries.”

  My mouth bobbed. They what?

  My stewards gasped and broke into whispers.

  “We were preparing to fight our way out,” Sascha explained. “What we’ve found is concerning. We hope it will jumpstart any future plans and make us more valuable in a potential alliance with Vissimo. To be clear, whatever the pack’s decision on a truce or alliance, we will gladly leave all our gathered information with the tribe. We trust the land in your hands and don’t wish to see it overrun by other powers—supernatural or human.”

  That really hit my stewards hard. The pack hadn’t erupted into violence at the closing of the game. They weren’t angry or sullen or vicious.

  They’d accepted the result and had offered us something extremely valuable without any ties.

  I could smell that while his pack were considering a truce with us, an alliance with vampires was still a solid no for many. My grid stunt likely didn’t help. The smell of the vampires hung thick around the lake though they’d vacated as discussed to return to manor lands.

  “The Ni Tiaki extends its heartfelt thanks to the pack,” I said in awe.

  He bowed slightly.

  I wanted to take all of this as a sign that things would work out. But I just couldn’t believe the game was over. Not until it was really done.

  “Pack. Return to our territory.” Sascha stepped forward and closed my numb fingers around the mic.

  Turning, he stalked after his wolves and disappeared into the trees.

  “Stewards,” I said hoarsely. “Let’s head back to the manor.”

  After Booker’s work in the grid, I was still shaky. Wade and Cam took control and led me to the Jeep.

  We didn’t speak much on the way back.

  A few stewards may celebrate because we beat the pack.

  The majority would just celebrate because Victratum was over.

  The game was over.

  Wade drove the Jeep through the gates I’d once entered as Andie Booker, and I felt a shift within me.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  My hand was in his. I smiled tremulously. “Change.”

  My friend squeezed my fingers tight. “Good.”

  Stewards streamed into the manor and grounds—everyone of all ages in attendance. The youngest had no idea werewolves existed. They did know that their parents and loved ones fought against the people on the south side most Wednesdays.

  They knew that was over.

  One day they’d know the truth, but they wouldn’t ever play Victratum themselves.

  The stewards’ shock slowly melted to pure relief and happiness. Their elation seeped under my skin, and for a time, I milled in their midst to receive their hugs and congratulations and gratitude.

  I listened to their fears upon seeing me unresponsive after the game.

  I reassured them about what was to come and encouraged them to enjoy tonight.

  But half of my heart was on the south side and it pulled at me.

  Wade dragged me to a dark corner of the patio. “Leave.”

  My brows shot up. “Why?”

  “It’s midnight.”

  I gasped. “Ella F has turned back to a pumpkin again.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Funny.”

  I thought so.

  “You’ve spent enough time with the tribe. Leave. Go to Sascha.”

  My pulse thumped in my ears. “Why?”

  “To play him the saxophone naked. I don’t care.” Wade rolled his eyes. “You’ve done the head steward thing. Our fanged guests are gone. Go do who you really want to do.”

  “What wi
ll you tell the tribe?” I brushed my hair back.

  “Nothing. You’re going to get in Ella F. And unapologetically drive to your wolfman. Got it?”

  They’d know where I was going.

  And actually, I was okay with that.

  I hugged my friend tight. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, baby girl. You should shower first though. Just saying.”

  I sniffed. The guy had a point.

  I weaved between tribe members on the patio and eventually reached the hall. Walking to the stairs, I paused by the office. The door, which I’d absolutely locked, sat ajar. Light streamed out.

  I pushed the door open to reveal Rhona.

  “These boxes are filled with notes about you.” Rhona didn’t apologise for snooping.

  She must feel better.

  I walked into the office. “They contain everything Sascha has ever thought about me. Well, most of it. I assume that he’ll keep records until the end of the mating call.”

  Rhona lowered the piece of paper in her hand. “It’s like a love letter.”

  “These are the most vulnerable words he’ll ever write,” I replied. “Anyone who reads them will see into his mind. And they’ll learn everything about me too.”

  Rhona glanced up.

  I inhaled the way her cut grass and vanilla scent tangled together and intensified with the strength of her yearning. For both of those things.

  The innermost thoughts of her father’s killer.

  An in-depth and true knowledge of her sister.

  This could be another mistake.

  By now, I trusted my gut.

  “Read them all,” I offered. “Just lock the door after, please.”

  Her eyes rounded. “You want me to read them?”

  “Real trust starts somewhere.” Closing the gap, I took her in my arms.

  Rhona hugged me back.

  I breathed her in.

  “Are you sniffing me?” she accused.

  “You smell like cut grass and vanilla.” Luther pups usually took on their mother’s scent, but I was willing to bet that Rhona inherited the vanilla from Herc—possibly after Savannah’s death.

  For myself, I chose to believe I got vanilla from my mother. And maybe the orange scent from Murphy.

  “You just stink,” Rhona eventually said.

  “I’ve been informed.” My question was how I stunk so bad. I’d played saxophone and passed out. But whatever. “I’m off for a shower. Take your time with the boxes. I’ll be with Sascha tonight.”

  Rhona stilled, but took a breath and slowly relaxed. “I hope you have a good time.”

  Those words required equal vulnerability to those she’d soon read in the boxes.

  “Thank you.” I closed the office door after me.

  And smiled.

  35

  I rolled down my window. “Hey, Grim.”

  Poor guy got knocked out earlier and still landed gate duty.

  He glared. “Andie.”

  “I hope the tranquiliser isn’t hitting your wolf too hard.”

  “I hate being darted.”

  I smirked. “Ditto. Now we’re even. I’m here to see Sascha.”

  Grim waved an arm, and I smelled his begrudging respect.

  It’s possible that I’d have some egos to soothe. No one wanted their faults and weaknesses exposed. Luthers were no different, especially when they worked so hard to overcome the vice of their status to make things work in a pack.

  Hopefully Mandy would help out with the deltas because out of everyone, they’d hold the strongest grudges.

  “Thanks.” I drove on.

  I’d showered, then stood in front of my mirror and changed ten times.

  Shorts and a T-shirt were the casual result of that angst.

  Super seductive choice, Andie.

  Alas, the fear of appearing overly keen won over the sexy dress, the sexy jeans, and the sexy crop top.

  I parked outside Sascha’s bungalow and got out of Ella F.

  He stood in the open doorway. “I hoped you’d come.”

  Nothing could have kept me away. If Wade hadn’t given me marching orders, I would have snuck away an hour later.

  Stepping into his embrace, I inhaled our scent. Pine, musk, river water, and sweat played with vanilla, oranges, liquorice, and pumpkin spice.

  I sighed. Will everything be okay, Sascha?

  Yes, mate. I’ll do everything in my power to see it done.

  They were words I’d waited a lifetime to hear—or so it felt. Rising on tiptoe, I brushed my lips against his.

  We both shuddered with what it promised.

  I played with the wet ends of his brown hair. He’d just showered too. Was that in response to me driving over?

  My silent laughter swept outward.

  Sascha trailed his nose along mine. “What’s funny?”

  So many things.

  Nothing at all.

  I looked into honey eyes I loved. “Sascha. Will you take me to bed?”

  He froze on the spot. Turned to stone.

  “You need to promise me an unforgettable night though,” I whispered in his ear, uncaring that any wolf who was awake could hear my words. “This guy’s been holding out on me, so it’s been a while.”

  “Oh yeah? Why did he do that?” Sascha unfroze and slid his hand to the bottom of my shorts.

  Clearly, he didn’t object to the outfit.

  I ground into him. “He said he wanted it to be special. I think he was luring me in.”

  “Sounds like he was using it as a weapon.”

  “Mmm. Should I be angry at him for that, do you think?” I pressed kisses up his jawline.

  He groaned and turned his head to speak against my open and ready mouth. “No, you should admire his…”

  I ground into him again.

  “Have sex with him,” Sascha blurted.

  A slow grin spread across my lips. “Gladly.”

  Taking my hand, Sascha led me away from his bungalow.

  I glanced back. This seemed counter-productive. “Where are we going?”

  “There’s a place for this thing.”

  He deposited me in his pickup truck.

  Sascha burned rubber leaving pack lands and drove us farther east. We wound up to the place we’d once come to for our failed date.

  He turned down a dirt road, and the pickup screeched to a stop.

  A wood cabin. “What is this?”

  “A place for couples going through the mating call.”

  I shimmied out Sascha’s side of the truck, and he swung me into his arms.

  Sascha stopped and gazed downward. “Andie, I don’t want to deny the heat tonight. What do you want?”

  He was only asking that question after bringing me to the mating cabin. I withheld my laughter. “Guess you’ll find out.”

  Sascha paled.

  He held me close and managed to open the door.

  I eyed the inside of the cabin.

  It smelled clean, but I had to know. “How many couples have used this?”

  “No one. We’re the first mating since it was built.”

  My brothel germ concerns melted away. “Nice to have somewhere private.”

  He grinned. “This was built in sympathy for the pack actually. Mating couples in the heat aren’t very considerate and have endless endurance—so I’m told.”

  Oh. Right.

  Sascha sat me on the bed.

  My eyes narrowed. “This has been freshly laundered.”

  He scanned my face. “I’d thought something might happen after the ball. I wanted to be ready.”

  The thought of making love in dusty sheets didn’t appeal. “You may proceed.”

  He yanked on my legs and I flopped back, laughing.

  I propped myself up on my elbows. “Sascha?”

  “Mate.”

  My stomach swooped. “I’ve never been with a Luther before.”

  His nostrils flared. “I sincerely hope not, little bird
.”

  “If I do something wrong, will you tell me?” Ugh, embarrassing. I flopped back again and covered my face.

  Gentle hands forced my hands away.

  “Beautiful wolf,” Sascha said. “I’ve never been with someone raised as human. Will you tell me if I do anything wrong too?”

  The words were only meant for my comfort, but I accepted them at face value.

  My cheeks warmed. “Yes.”

  Sascha leaned in to kiss me, and it was like stepping into a warm bath. We melded together, slipping further into each other than humanly possible. Our thoughts merged into a single, steady stream of consciousness.

  Our scents were indistinguishable.

  Our hearts thudded in unison.

  The bond burned between us.

  I paused for breath. “I love you so much.”

  “And I you.”

  His neck muscles were taut, and I smelled his restraint, but he didn’t hurry.

  I lifted up as Sascha worked my T-shirt up and unclipped my bra. Growling, he bowed his head to my chest and worked there until my claws started to extend.

  He left me squirming to remove his clothes, then returned to unbutton my shorts and slide them down.

  Skimming his palms up my thighs, he sighed. “So fucking beautiful.” In my mind he added, You can’t be real.

  I’m here and I’m not leaving ever again. I knew it the second Wade drove through the manor gates after the game.

  Sascha had waited for me.

  I’d waited for him.

  And now was our time to be.

  Sascha whispered a sweet kiss on my lips. He spread my thighs and settled between them. I wriggled at his breath on my sensitive skin.

  He kissed both of my inner thighs, and I clutched at the blankets.

  Sascha sucked my clit into his mouth.

  My body began to shake.

  Sometimes, he tortured me with cruel slowness. Neither of us could do that tonight. His mouth worked furiously. His tongue circled and laved and circled again.

  A soft cry left my lips, and instead of tensing, my body went entirely limp.

  It knew what was coming.

  I had nothing against the fire licking my body. “Sascha.”

  At least I tried to say his name.

  My eyelids fluttered and my body trembled violently under his touch. Sascha inserted a finger inside me and moved his hand at Luther speed.