by Kym Grosso
“Come back here and relax,” he ordered, pulling her back into his arms. “It’s not bad. It’s just that sometimes when we shift in a pack, all your senses are enhanced. And at the same time, you’re in touch with others.”
“Yeah.” That didn’t sound so bad, she thought.
“You know that we are very sexual, chérie. Not that we can’t control our urges, because we can. But the temptation is there; wolves can partake or refuse. It’s up to each and every wolf how far they want to go. And of course, no means no, even to wolves. Most wolves have great restraint and control. But often on a full moon, they, for lack of a better word, ‘indulge’ in their impulses.”
Kalli tensed in his arms. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?
“Okay, here’s the thing. Tomorrow, your hormones, your libido is going to react strongly to the pull of the pack. Before you run, after you run…you’re going to want…well, you know, a release.”
“Sex?”
“Well, yes, but it can be overwhelming. But, I’ll be there for you. In fact, I think that tomorrow, when you change, maybe just you and I should run together. I don’t want you getting lost or hurt.”
“Or getting screwed?” she blurted out, on the verge of freaking out.
“No, chérie. It won’t happen as wolf. But after…”
“What, Tristan? What’s going to happen after?” She heard her voice rising as her anxiety worsened.
“After, we’re going to go home. You and me. And I’m going to fuck you senseless, baby,” he teased. “But remember the other night at the gala?”
“What about it?” she snapped, knowing where this was leading.
“Logan’s my beta. I trust him with my life. And as much as it will kill me, I trust him with you, with us…together. After this first shift with the pack, you’ll be able to control it. But this first time, I want it to be special for you, Kalli.”
“I know. But Tristan, what exactly are you saying? It’s not that I’m not open to experiencing different things with you. I won’t lie, Logan’s nice and he’s good-looking, but he’s so not….he’s not…you. You’re the one I want to claim.”
Tristan leaned forward, capturing her lips in a soft kiss. “I know, baby. I just want us to be good…for the change to be the most incredible thing you’ve ever experienced. Logan cares for you. You’ll be safe with us. We’ll take care of you, I promise.”
“Are you sure about this, Tristan? You do know that you’re freaking me out. I don’t want to turn into some kind of a sex crazed maniac tomorrow night,” she insisted.
Tristan laughed. “It’s not like that at all, Kal. In fact, I’m doing a pretty shitty job of explaining this whole thing. All I can tell you is that it will be beautiful; your shift, our lovemaking, everything.”
“This is so crazy. It’s not like I haven’t shifted, but it’s just been me, though. How pathetic is it that I don’t even know something so basic, like what color I am or how to hunt with another wolf?”
“It’ll come naturally. All of it. Our bond, Kalli, that’s what’s new…for both of us. Can you feel it?” he whispered.
“Yes.” She skimmed two fingers over her mark. “I’ve never felt so strongly for anyone else in my entire life, Tristan.”
“I feel the same way. My mark,” Tristan slid his fingers under hers, tracing the symbol, “I want everyone to see it so they know you’re mine. You’ve changed everything for me.”
“Not nearly as much as you’ve changed things for me. I’ve been scared for so long, I’ve forgotten who I was or how to trust. And you’re changing that, and it’s unbelievable to feel again. But I can’t imagine what I’ve done for you.”
“Let’s put it this way, I’ve been alone a long, long time. And I’ve never once in all those years wanted to be with one female…one woman.” God, he wanted to tell her how she was his mate and how much he loved her. But she hadn’t even shifted yet. He didn’t want to scare her.
“When you say all those years, what do you mean? How old are you?”
Tristan laughed. “Old enough to know I’m robbin’ the cradle when it comes to you, my little wolf.”
“But you look like you’re maybe thirty in human years. And even that is pushing it. Fess up,” Kalli pressed with a smile.
“Born in 1862. You do the math.” He grinned.
“So that puts you around one hundred and fifty?” She quickly calculated.
“That’s what I get for falling for such a smart woman. Pretty quick on the math facts, huh?”
“Did you know that as a half breed I carry the benefit of immortality too? Ironically, both my parents are dead, anyway.”
“Ah, but your mum was human. And your dad, well, he fought and lost. Even vampires can die. It’s just the way of…”
“Nature?” Kalli finished his sentence, laughing.
“See? My lessons are rubbing off on you, young grasshopper,” Tristan teased. “I’ve got lots of wonderful things I can’t wait to teach you.”
“I think it’s time I teach you a lesson or two, oh great one,” she jested, moving her hand over his leg, skating across the juncture of his thighs. “Although being the student definitely has its perks.”
Tristan tensed as her hand skimmed over him. The evidence of his growing arousal pressed against the zipper of his jeans. Pulling her closer, he kissed the top of her head.
“Baby, whatever role you want is fine with me. You up for a little ‘how to’ in the great outdoors kind of lesson?”
Kalli cried his name in delight as he flipped her over onto her back. Straddling her, he ran his hand up under her tank top, caressing her breast.
“Yes please,” she moaned, ready to take anything and everything he was willing to give her. Her heart was lost to him.
Chapter Twenty-One
After making love at the lake, Tristan and Kalli rode back to the barn, turned over their horses and hurried back home to get ready for Toby’s memorial. Unsure what to wear, Kalli settled on rolled-up jean capris and a black tank top. By six-thirty, it had cooled only slightly after a ninety degree day, and Tristan had warned her that they’d be sitting for a while and to dress comfortably. Sliding on a pair of sandals, she bounded down the stairs to find Tristan and Logan lounging on the sofas but engaged in a serious conversation. Assuming it was about Toby, she quietly sidled up to Tristan.
“Hey there, we were just talking about how we’re going to run things tonight. Fortunately, we don’t need to have many funerals ’round here.”
“Hi Kalli,” Logan greeted, looking handsome in jeans and a white t-shirt, his bare feet crossed and rested on the coffee table.
“Hey Logan,” she replied, looking to Tristan for guidance. For some reason, she’d become slightly worried about how people would react to Tristan’s mark, his claim on her.
“He knows, Kalli. It’s okay. We talked about everything,” Tristan assured her, giving her thigh a quick squeeze.
Like how I’m going to turn into a sex craved maniac tomorrow night, she thought to herself.
As if Tristan could read her thoughts, he continued with a sexy grin. “He knows about us, and yes, we’ve talked about tomorrow night.”
Logan interrupted, wanting to put Kalli at ease. “It’s okay. I understand why you created CLI and hid your wolf. Self-preservation is pretty damn important when you’re alone. But now you have us.” He looked to Tristan and then back at Kalli. “And we won’t let anything happen to you. Not tonight, tomorrow or any other day.”
“Thanks,” she acknowledged, willing herself to remain composed. “It’s…it’s not easy growing up in a pack like I did…alone. I just want you to know that I really appreciate you and Tristan looking out for me.”
Tristan wrapped an arm around her, pulling her to him. “Soon, the whole pack will be there for you. You’ll never be alone again.”
Kalli gave him a small smile, giving in to her need to snuggle him, to touch him.
“I can’t imagine wha
t it was like for you all those years…shifting alone. It’s just not right. You’re going to love running with the pack. Tristan said he’s running with you tomorrow night. I’ll lead the pack then meet up with you guys later.” He caught Tristan’s eyes and smiled. “I won’t lie, Kalli. I’m honored to be a part of your shift and helping you with your…um…needs. You know…should a need arise.”
“Oh my God. This is so embarrassing,” she gasped, putting her hands over her eyes. Her cheeks flamed. “Is there nothing you guys don’t discuss?”
Tristan’s eyes fixed on him with a glare. “What don’t you understand about ‘be cool’? As for tomorrow, don’t get used to it, wolf. She’s mine.”
Logan laughed, enjoying riling up his friend. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. As if I was ever not clear on that. Come on…I am the great seer.”
“Do share your visions…seems like you’ve been holdin’ back on me, bro,” Tristan accused.
“I can’t share all my secrets. It’s fate, anyway. I mean, look at your mark, it’s beautiful.”
“That it is. She’s mine, and I want the whole pack to know it.”
“Thank you, both. I couldn’t be happier to wear it. And soon, I will be leaving my own mark on you, my Alpha,” she purred openly. She didn’t care if Logan was there to hear her. The way she felt, she’d shout it from the mountains. Claiming him would be one of the first things she did once her wolf reemerged.
Tristan gave her a quick hug. “Hey, I’ll be right back. I just want to check on something before we go, okay?” He ran up the stairs, leaving Kalli and Logan alone.
“So are you staying here tonight?” Kalli asked Logan. “Tristan said that you usually stay here with him, and I want you to know that just because I’m here I don’t ever want that to change. You guys have your thing, and I don’t want to intrude or make things weird with me being here.”
“Weird, no. Better, oh yeah. I’m really looking forward to watching you make breakfast,” he grinned wolfishly, referring to her cooking attire or lack thereof.
Kalli laughed. “Hmm…I guess there really is no denying my wolf. She gets hot when she cooks.”
A knock at the door interrupted them. Kalli got up to answer it. As she went to turn the handle, the hair on the back of her neck pricked.
Surprised to see Kalli in Tristan’s home, Mira stood frozen in the entranceway. “What are you doing here?” she sniffed. “May I come in?”
“By all means.” Regardless of her instinct to say no, Kalli ushered her into the foyer. A rush of anger flooded her body, and she struggled not to lose it. Who the hell did this she-wolf think she was?
“Where’s Tristan?” Mira barked.
“Mira, come sit,” Logan insisted, sensing things could get dicey.
“Why is she here, Logan? This is pack business. I want to talk to Tristan.”
Logan stood. “Come on, Mir. Let’s have a drink before we go. Don’t do this.”
Mira turned to Kalli, readying to lay into her, when she noticed Tristan’s mark. Furious, she stalked up to her, gesturing to her neck. “Tell me this isn’t what I think it is? Tell me now!”
While Kalli was more than accustomed to dealing with irate humans in the ER, Mira’s mere presence in Tristan’s home infuriated her. It wasn’t just Mira’s anger toward her. No, this woman threatened her bond with Tristan, and she had no tolerance for the intrusion. Her wolf, recognizing the aggressive alpha female, sought her submission; nothing less would suffice.
When Kalli didn’t respond right away, Mira attempted to walk upstairs in search of Tristan. Instantly, Kalli growled and blocked her access to the staircase. With her hands clasping the railings, she refused to let Mira walk another step.
“Let’s get something straight, Mira. Tristan will come back down here when he’s damn well ready and yes, this is exactly what you think it is.” She pulled her strap aside so Mira could get an unobstructed view of Tristan’s mark, then she leaned toward Mira, staring her down.
“Tristan has claimed me. And after tomorrow night, he will be claimed as mine. So you have two choices: you can either be respectful in this house or you can get the hell out. I realize you’ve been friends with Tristan for a long time, but I’m warning you that I won’t tolerate this nonsense. I don’t want to hear one more word out of those finely painted lips of yours until you make your decision. And if you’re thinking of challenging me, bring it.”
Silence fell over the house as Kalli stood firmly planted, waiting for a response. Logan bit his lips in a tight smile and looked up to Tristan, who’d come to rescue Kalli after hearing Mira’s rant. Tristan grinned back proudly at Logan, raising a knowing eyebrow at his beta. They’d briefly discussed this possibility earlier. While it was natural that Mira would feel threatened, both Tristan and Logan agreed that Kalli wouldn’t allow another female to intrude on her relationship, especially now that she’d stopped taking those pills. Her wolf, who he suspected was also very much an Alpha, would seek to protect her mate. Not wanting to interfere, both men waited on the females to resolve their conflict.
Mira, sensing Tristan, lowered her eyes in submission. There was no arguing his mark; he’d selected Kalli as a potential mate. Even though she knew she wasn’t Tristan’s mate, she was devastated that he would claim a half breed. Worse, it meant she’d be cast aside in favor of his mate.
“I will be respectful in this house,” Mira bit out. She turned on her heels and stomped toward the door.
Logan went to stop her. “Mir, wait.”
“I’ll meet you at the funeral,” she spat, not looking back at him. Slamming the door, she set off toward the field.
Tristan descended the steps, and smiled at Kalli. “Okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. I’m not putting up with that ‘I’m the alpha female’ shit from her. I know she’s your friend, but…”
“Hey, I’m proud of you. And I agree she was being disrespectful. I care about Mira, but you're my….” Mate. “You’re mine. She needs to learn her place. Besides, I love how you want to claim me. I am so looking forward to it, too.” He wrapped his hands around her waist and kissed her gently on her lips.
“I’m yours,” she whispered in response.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Tristan had assigned Willow to lead the memorial service. In traditional preparation, an unmarked grave had been dug in a field on the property. Toby, wrapped in plain linen cloth, had been carried to the site by Tristan, who with the help of others, had lowered the dead wolf to his final resting place. The open gravesite was canopied by a clear starry sky. Settling around it, several pack members laid towels and blankets on the dewy grass.
Kalli quietly sat, watching the proceedings. While she’d attended several human funerals, she hadn’t experienced one within a pack. Silent in her thoughts, she glanced over at Mira who was casting her an icy stare. She ignored her. It wasn’t the place for arguments. No, it was a time for mourning and reflection. And Kalli, more than anyone, could appreciate loss.
Tristan stood solemnly before his pack and released a breath in preparation for the eulogy. “Lyceum Wolves, tonight we celebrate our young Toby’s life. Whether studying hard or working hard, Toby always had a kind word for everyone and did his best to support our pack. From chasing the pups and teaching them how to hunt, to chasing the ladies, Toby lived life to the fullest. He’d shown many Alpha attributes, and perhaps would have led his own pack one day. Our brother’s great spirit now shines within Lupus above, sparkling down on us. Tonight we share our experiences and our love with him and each other.”
Many of the pack members smiled recalling his actions, and openly wept in sadness, realizing he was really gone. It was one thing to find out someone had died; it was another to see the empty shell of their body lying in the dirt. The finality of his violent passing could not be denied. Noticing that Kalli sat alone, Logan got up and sat next to her, protectively wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“But before we begin the reminiscence, I want
to take a few minutes to make sure every one of you knows that danger remains. The boy lying in this grave serves as a cold reminder that the immortal are susceptible to the call of death. Pack must remain strong in the throes of battle, as the survival of our species is a never ending war. Enemies shall never cease to exist, my friends. In only a few more days, we will once again go on the offensive to eradicate those who seek to harm us. Until they are contained, we must remain diligent at home in our efforts to protect the pack and our territory,” he declared.
Tristan was planning an attack on the Wallace pack, but kept his strategy under wraps, given the circumstances. It was clear to him that Sato could not have been working alone. Perhaps at one time Sato had feigned lone wolf status in order to travel freely within territories. But Tristan’s investigation of Gerald indicated that even though their pack was not large, they’d been committing atrocities for well over a century. Tristan could not accept another attack on Lyceum Wolves or Kalli. They needed to be dealt with, swiftly and without mercy.
Bringing his thoughts back to Toby, he gazed upon the grief-stricken faces and continued. “As many of you know, Toby’s untimely death was met with vengeance last night. The blood of a wolf responsible for his death was shed in retribution. But the fight is not over. There’s another wolf who shares culpability in this heinous act; one who will soon meet the same fate,” he growled.
“But tonight, we honor Toby. Then we’ll mourn in remembrance, as only wolves do. I’ll begin.” Tristan gently knelt, looking down into the grave. “Toby. Son. I’m going to miss you so much. Teaching you how to ride a motorcycle was a memory I’ll always cherish. Even though you scratched my Harley up good your first try, you made me proud.” He laughed softly at the memory. “The look on your face when I got you your own bike for your birthday last year…it was like I was the one who got the gift. Little brother, you were more than an adopted pup to me. As I run tonight, I know that you’ll always be there in spirit with us. Be at peace, Toby.” Tristan gave a small smile up toward the constellations, as a lone tear ran down his cheek.