Alpha Scent (Amber Woods Shifters)

by Rose, Arabella

  The Mckenzie girl was crouched in a corner, Rhett standing over her, raising his hand about to strike her. Brianna saw red, running at full force, impacting with his back. Rhett was strong, the collision only temporarily swaying him. Roaring, he twisted, backhanding her, her body flew into the opposite wall. The dizziness was rapid but the ringing in her ears disorientated her for a second. Scrambling up, unsteady on her feet she kicked out to his knees, his legs buckled but he was up way too fast for her. Unsheathing his claws he struck for her face, but her quick reaction shifted her position, the stinging across her neck was her reward. His full body weight crushed into her landing them both on the floor.

  “You interfering little bitch, you could not keep your nose out of my business could you?”

  “Not when it involves kidnapping innocent women you prick”

  His fist struck her temple, her neck jolted to the side.

  Don’t show pain, don’t show fear

  “Those women were my reward my sacrifice to the blood moon. I was going to breed the fucking lot of them, the power of the blood would make my cubs strong and virile. But you had to go and get yourself mated to the alpha of amber woods and use your pathetic tracking skills, totally fuckin up my plans”

  “What planet are you on you sick shit, the blood moon is legend”

  Rhett jumped up, Brianna could see the madness lurking behind his eyes.

  “Not legend Brianna fact, a new breed of wolves will be born and I am there creator”

  “You really are deluded” she snarled.

  His canines descended and his eyes glowed red, Brianna knew those signs all too well, it would spell disaster, Rogue Wolf. Shit.

  “Don’t you dare mock me!” he yelled

  Bringing his leg up, he stamped down on her thigh, the sickening crunch, was followed by the most intense pain she had ever felt, the femur was shattered. The screams of pain echoed around the chamber, her tears fresh and raw.

  BRIANNA!!!

  She could hear someone screaming in her head, but her world was spinning out of control, she wanted to vomit and pass out in twisted harmony but her mind was just not catching up.

  “You should have a matching pair Brianna, I should cripple you for life after you have fucked everything up for me”

  She closed her eyes against the pain to come, as a rush of air passed over her, she managed to pry one eye open to see a huge black wolf attack Rhett, the impact was strong, when they hit the wall the concrete fractured. Marcus locked his jaws onto the neck of Rhett snarling low.

  Baby. I know you are in a lot of pain but I need you to go with Connor

  What? No I have a right to challenge him for what he just fuckin did to my leg

  Brianna, you will listen to me, I am ordering you as your alpha to get out of here, Connor will help you and the Mckenzie girl out, Rhett is mine, this bastard is going to feel the full fuckin force of your mate, his death will be slow and painful after what he has done to you, nobody touches you, no fucker does that to my mate!

  But……….

  No baby! You will leave the room now

  Brianna felt strong arms fold under her body as Connor gently lifted her up into his arms, she had been so preoccupied she had not even noticed he was there or had even shifted. She cried out in pain as Connor turned to leave, her eyes looked over his shoulder. The last thing she heard was Marcus roaring before a world of complete darkness folded around her.

  20

  There were so many voices she heard, they sounded loud in her head, not aggressive, calm and reassuring. Everything felt heavy, her head refused to obey and lift up to tell them to shut the hell up. She tried to open her eyes.

  “She needs to shift Marcus, her leg will not heal properly in that form”

  That sounded familiar, she recognised the voice.

  “I know Michael, I don’t know if she has the energy to do it”

  Marcus, my mate, he is here, so everything is ok, isn’t it? Brianna managed to open her eyes slightly, the damn things felt like they had been stuck with glue. Even though her vision was blurry she could see two men next to her bed.

  “Hey” she croaked

  The conversation stopped and Marcus was on the bed next to her in an instant.

  “Hey baby, your awake”

  “I feel like shit”

  “I know Brianna. Michael is here. Your femur is broken and you have some concussion, bruises and cuts. The leg won’t heal unless you shift”

  Brianna closed her eyes. Shift? She did not have the strength to even lift her head off the pillow, how the hell was she supposed to shift?

  “I don’t think I can Marcus, I am so tired”

  Marcus looked up at Michael.

  “You sure, nothing else can be done unless she shifts?”

  “I’m sure my alpha”

  Marcus stroked her hair off her face, she looked so fragile right now. All he wanted to do was take away her pain. He had never experienced such anger and protectiveness when he heard his mate crying in pain. He made sure Rhett knew exactly how angry he was, making the torture last for nearly an hour.

  “Marcus?” she whispered

  “Yes baby?”

  He leaned down to kiss her forehead gently.

  “What happened to Rhett?”

  “That is not for discussion now Brianna, I don’t even want his name on your lips”

  “Typical alpha” she managed to laugh lightly.

  “Yes and your typical alpha, you are mine baby and I love you so much”

  “Love you too cave man”

  Marcus lay on the bed beside her, curling his body to hers, before nodding to Michael to leave. Once they were alone he wrapped his energy around her.

  Baby, you need to shift and I know it will be painful but I am here, Use my energy to do it, you need to heal

  I know, I’ll try

  Focusing on her wolf, Brianna encouraged her to come forward. She was whining and in pain. No shit wolf, I feel it too. She felt a male energy embrace her, almost like a gentle push into her own space. The shift was slow and she cried out at the pain in her leg.

  I know baby, I am here, your safe

  I swear to god if Rhett is not already dead I am going to kick his fuckin head in

  No need, it’s done.

  As her wolf came forward, her breathing slowed down and she let the power of her wolf take over, strong arms stroked her fur, the soothing action sending her to sleep peacefully.

  Warm sunshine caressed her cheek, stretching her legs she winced at a little ache but otherwise she felt fantastic. Turning her head she was alone in bed but the scent of Marcus was very strong indicating that he had been there all night. At least she did not feel like a train wreck anymore, but looking like one might be a different matter. God she was starving and so thirsty. Slowly pushing herself to sit she dropped her legs over the side, her eyes taking in the contours of her legs. No swelling and not missing one so that was a good sign. She looked down at her nightwear, trust Marcus to keep her comfortable with au natural. Bracing herself she stood on her good leg first, then gently placed her injured leg to the floor. No pain, but the muscles felt stiff, taking a deep breath she stood waiting for her body to crash to the floor but when that moment never came she limped to the bathroom.

  Yep, her reflection was how she imagined, like she had been dragged through a bush backwards. Taking care of the essentials first which included brushing her teeth, as her mouth was so dry she dressed in simple yoga pants and top. When she was satisfied that at least she looked half decent she ambled downstairs, slowly. The smell of pancakes and syrup wafted up the stairs enticing her to go faster. The close she got the more her stomach growled and the more she could hear like a whole football team was in her living room. Turning the corner, it seemed most of the pack were there, engrossed in conversation and eating. Her eyes drifted to the breakfast island to see Cora setting up a breakfast tray with Marcus asking her to pile the plate higher. Her gentle laugh had hi
m spinning around, taking quick steps to reach her.

  “Brianna, why are you up, you should be resting?”

  Picking her up, he sat her at the breakfast table, fussing around her. The whole of the pack were now gathered around her. Lizzy and Luke were vying for her attention and all of a sudden the room appeared too small.

  “Guys, please I need air” she laughed.

  Marcus just looked at everyone who all took one step back. Brianna rolled her eyes.

  “How are you feeling?” Lizzy asked.

  “A little stiff on my leg, but otherwise good to go”

  “No way baby, you get going when I say, not before, I will ask Michael to come straight here after his shift so that he can check you over” Marcus responded.

  Looking at the array of foods she licked her lips, nodding in their direction.

  “Are they for anyone?”

  “For everyone, but more for you Brianna” Cora chuckled.

  The breakfast was the best she had ever eaten and it was so warming to see the whole pack gathered in her kitchen with her mate. They had all fussed around her and made her feel like pack, which is a feeling she had not experienced in many years. Drinking the last of her coffee she pushed the cup away, Marcus had been holding her hand, rubbing small circles in her knuckles, the action so reassuring yet simple.

  “So then update me what happened after I inconveniently passed out”

  Marcus looked at his pack who waited for him to speak.

  “Well, Justin has taken Bradley Turner aka Michael Jenson to the high council for trial starting tomorrow, which gives us a chance to get all the evidence we gathered on him to them so they can sort out his punishment for the crimes he committed”

  “That’s great, oh what about the Mckenzie girl, you know we really should be calling her by her first name by now, poor thing!” She laughed.

  “Her pack drove through the night to come and collect her, they were very grateful for all our help. Her name is Maria and she is well, no side-effects of the drug”

  Brianna looked around the room searching for the pack women. She caught Lizziy’s eyes, Connor had once again left her friend’s side.

  “Oh they are having some well-deserved time with their mates and Niamh is in the medical room, being observed as she suffered the most out of the drug”

  “Do we know any more on the long term damage?”

  “Initial blood results from all the women showed that the drug was only temporary, but because they were injected every four to five days it basically kept there levels high. Niamh suffered the worse because of her younger age” Connor answered.

  She really was so proud of what they had achieved, her colleagues her pack. And that was the question she really did not want to ask, the one which would have the room explode in aggression. Marcus picked up on her thoughts.

  One day baby I will tell you what happened to Rhett but not now

  I understand, just wish it would have been me that finished him off

  Never, I would not even allow you within ten miles of him, which by the way we need to have a serious discussion about why you ran after him

  I was wondering when this would come up

  Oh it will come up, amongst other things

  She giggled in her head at his suggestive comments. Her body felt weary again and she stifled a yawn.

  “Come on back to bed, I told you to rest”

  “No Marcus I need to keep muscles moving”

  “Listen to your mate Brianna, he knows what’s best for you. Besides you will need lots of rest to prepare you for the mating ceremony, which by the way Alpha we have not set a date yet” Cora scowled.

  Brianna giggled, Cora was probably the only one who could make comments like that and get away with it.

  “The next full moon is one month away, so that will be when it is”

  The room erupted in cheers and congratulations. Which is when the deal she made with Marcus about a witnessed claiming popped into her head. Shit!

  Glad you remembered our deal baby, I will keep my side of the bargain and only have two of my best enforcers and my Beta present.

  That makes me feel so much better

  I guarantee you will love it

  I hope so

  I know so

  21

  One month later

  “I can’t believe I am having a mating ceremony today”

  Brianna had felt the last month had gone by so fast, so much had happened since leaving her job behind in Lunar Securities. Tonight she would be officially alpha female, she did not even have any worries anymore about the witnessed claiming. Each day that she had spent with the pack, was a day she felt more integrated, her wolf settled into pack life remarkably well. Maybe it had something to do with the small spark of life growing in her. Pregnant with twins! When she told Marcus he had been elated, then gone into complete over protective mode to the point where she had to tell him for the fifth time that she could have a shower by herself without slipping. Or maybe he was just being the typical horny mate she had grown to love. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, her blue eyes sparkled, her black hair was piled up on her head in a soft chignon, loose curls framed her face. Marcus had picked her dress for her, a gorgeous sapphire satin knee length strapless number, that hugged every curve of her, even now a small bump was present and she was only a five weeks pregnant, but that was shifter pregnancies for you, everything was detected sooner. She had argued over the choice of shoes, but had to agree that it was more sensible to wear low sandals, rather than the heeled boots she used to wear.

  “I know, I am so proud of you honey”

  Lizzy kissed her cheek, tears in her eyes. Brianna turned to her friend.

  “Hey what’s with the tears, is it not me that’s supposed to cry today?”

  Lizzy gave her friend the biggest hug, after today she would not see her for a very long time, she would not see anyone maybe ever again. She had made her decision last night after watching Luke play with the cubs, so at peace in the pack. She could never give him what he wanted as long as her wolf was bound. She knew he was her mate and he had said on many occasions that she was his. He wanted to wait until after the mating ceremony to finally acknowledge that fact, her body burned up every time they kissed or touched. Last night they had nearly went into the next territory, clothes had been ripped apart and his mouth had driven her wild. She could still remember the most beautiful orgasm he gave her after getting on his knees and licking her endlessly until she screamed her release. His huge erection was testament to the feelings he had for her, but he had said that was a taster, to wait until tomorrow until the alpha female had been claimed, then it was his turn.

  “Sorry I am just really happy for you”

  “You will have your day as well Lizzy, You have found your mate, Connor is yours”

  Lizzy nodded before fussing with Brianna’s hair for the millionth time. She felt guilty for not confiding in her friend, but she would not ruin her day. The letters had already been wrote, one for Brianna and one for Luke. Cowardly she knew but as long as she lived a half-life, a cursed life then she would never be fully accepted into a pack. She would take a life on the road and see where she ended up, if she was lucky she would find the whacko seer that did this to her and get everything reversed. Who knows?

  A knock at the door had her jumping back.

  “Bloody hell Lizzy you are more nervous than me” Brianna laughed.

  The door opened and Luke walked in. He really did scrub up well in his suit, minus the tie, wolves just did not do things like that, too restricting.

  “Hey beautiful, it’s time”

  “Luke for today I am allowing you that comment but after that no more, we clear?” she joked.

  “Very my alpha female” he mocked

  “Why are you calling me alpha female, you are not staying at amber woods?”

  “Ah but that is where you are wrong. I like it here, though I might stick around”

&nb
sp; Brianna walked over to him.

  “Really? Would that happen to have anything to do with a certain she wolf called Anna?”

  “Maybe, I like her, she likes me, our wolves are attracted”

  Lizzy playfully punched him in the shoulder.

  “Oh Luke what will happen to our friends with benefits arrangements?”

  Both women laughed as he turned a shade of red.

  “Erm Lizzy about that…………..”

  “Don’t torture yourself Luke, it’s all in the past, I wish you well in your future”

  “Thanks Lizzy” he grinned.

  Marcus watched in awe as his beautiful mate walked arm in arm with Luke who would be representing her old life. Lizzy followed behind with a delicate sprig of heather clutched in her hand. He had never felt so blessed as he did today, his pack were united once more he was mated and he was going to become a father to twins. As he stepped next to him she coyly smiled at him before he kissed her warmly.

  You look truly beautiful Brianna I love you so much

  I love you back Marcus

  The ceremony seemed to go over all too quickly and before she knew it the moon was sitting high in the sky. Most of the pack had shifted and had taken off on a night run, the call of the moon a beacon in the night sky. Marcus had taken her deep into the forest. In a small clearing he carefully removed her clothes, her nipples peaked at the small chill. Her hands softly removed his suit until they were both standing naked under the moonlight.

  “I am truly honoured to have met you Brianna, you are my world, my light, my dreams”

  The palm of his hand rested upon her abdomen.

  “I am sorry I ran from you two years ago Marcus, I am no longer afraid of the power of being mated, I am yours”

  “Mine” he growled as he kissed her firmly.

  Powerful alpha energy rolled off him and Brianna felt her shift take place. The large black wolf circled her, rubbing his face against her body, before taking his place at the rear. Brianna’s wolf leaned down, raising her offering to him. His shaft was harder and longer tonight and she panted as he took her roughly from behind.