by Piper Fox
A knock on the door drew his attention away from the mirror and he opened it, not even thinking about the fact that he was still completely naked.
“Lexi was telling the truth.” Garrett stood on the other side of the door, grinning widely. “You’re finally out of the woods.”
Owen nodded slowly. “I can’t do what I need to do without you. Without the pack.”
Garrett handed over a pile of clothes. “Get dressed and come down to the back porch. We’ll grill out and you can tell me why you’ve come back now.”
Owen got dressed and wandered through the house, looking at photos of his brother and Lexi, Lexi’s family. They really had a life here. And Owen just felt like an interloper.
“Can I ask what happened to bring you out now? I know it wasn’t me.” Garrett was already standing at a gas grill, meat on the fire. “It’s okay, you know. I understand your pain, your fear.”
Owen grabbed a bottle of beer from the six-pack on the wide railing. “After Fiona, I just couldn’t be around you, around the pack. I couldn’t stand being around anyone.” He popped off the cap and took a long swig. “I wanted to come sit with out on the porch. So many nights, I wanted to. But I couldn’t walk up those stairs. It was too far.”
Garrett stepped away from the grill and clapped Owen on the shoulder, pulling him in for a hug. “I know. I don’t care about how long it took, brother. I’m just glad you’ve found a reason to come back now.”
“Her name’s Cynthia. And I need to save her. Like I couldn’t save Fiona.” Owen embraced his brother tightly, holding him for as long as he dared. “I’m going to challenge the Bellemare Alpha.”
Garrett pulled back, his eyes wide. “What?”
“It’s the only way.” Cynthia couldn’t leave Bellemare, and Owen couldn’t rescue her from that hell without going into Bellemare. The way he saw it, only one wolf would come out alive. And he was damned sure it would be him.
As long as he could get the Ironhaven wolves to back him up.
“We need to call Merrick.”
“I know. I couldn’t do that alone.” Owen shook his head and collapsed into one of the oversized deck chairs. “I don’t know how to be in a pack anymore. If I do this, if I come out on top, I’m going to have to lead one.”
Garrett grabbed a beer and sat next to him. “You’ve always been part of this pack. Even when you weren’t here, you had a place. This might just be a little brother speaking, but you’ve never led me astray. Even when you had to be particularly bossy to do it.” He took a swig before adding, “Besides, if you can break the rivalry between the packs, you know Merrick would be there to help all along the way.”
Owen nodded, even though he still wasn’t entirely sure. He didn’t really want to be an Alpha.
For Cyn, he would be.
“I better throw on some more steaks. If we call Merrick, we’re liable to get half the pack at our door.” Garrett got up and headed inside, leaving Owen to his thoughts.
An hour later, the table was piled high with enough food to feed a small army, or a medium-sized wolf pack, and the doorbell was ringing more often than the night dwarves crashed into Bilbo’s quiet dinner at home.
Almost immediately, Owen was surrounded by people asking him questions, wondering where he’d been, what he’d been doing.
Until Merrick let out a roar loud enough to shake the picture frames on the walls.
“Enough! Let the man breathe.” He gripped Owen’s elbow and tugged him through the crowd, out to the mostly empty back porch. A stern look pushed the few wolves back inside.
Then a spunky, rainbow-haired woman stepped out.
“Sierra, this isn’t the time.”
“The hell it isn’t. If this man’s really part of the pack, I deserve the chance to meet him. Find out what he’s all about.”
Owen smirked at the woman who had to be Merrick’s mate. “She can stay.” He leaned against the railing and sighed. “Hell, maybe we should just get the whole pack out here, tell everyone at once that I’m taking on the Bellemare Alpha.”
“What?” Merrick’s growl was deep, ominous, and entirely Alpha.
“He needs to die. And you know I can take him on.” Owen crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re my Alpha, but you can’t stop me from doing this. I’ve made up my mind. It’s been long overdue.”
“You can’t go into Bellemare alone. Zain would have you pinned before you even made it to him.”
“I know. That’s why I need you. I need your help. I need the pack’s help.” Owen laid out his plan, as far as he’d gotten on it.
Merrick listened with pursed lips, scowling the entire time. The man could’ve run all the tables in Vegas with a poker face like that.
“I know I can kill him.”
“What about his witch? You may have been able to take him on when he first cursed our town, but now, who knows what sort of spells, what sort of charms he might’ve had that witch cast on him.”
Owen snarled. “I’m not worried about some witch’s powers. I’m worried about the woman he holds captive, the leverage he has against the witch. I know that if Cyn can get to her mother, any charms or spells could be broken.”
“If he doesn’t kill you, if this plan of yours succeeds, you’ll be Alpha. You’ll be responsible for the death of a town mayor. They won’t be able to just sweep that under the rug.”
“I’ll deal with that when I come to it. I’m not letting another mate die. Not this time. I’ll kill anyone who keeps me from her.”
Merrick smirked as he reached for Sierra’s hand. “That’s what this is about. Your mate. I may have been a fool to not let human mates before, but I know the power they bring. The pack will stand by you.”
A Mate Saved
Life was even worse, even more painful since Cynthia returned to Bellemare.
Zain took away any comforts she had—no walks in the woods, no books, nothing that could possibly give her an escape from his clutches.
All she could think about was her big black wolf. She was destined to see him again; it was the only thing that gave her hope. She wanted to believe that the powerful kiss they shared before he walked away meant more than just goodbye. She clung to the idea that somehow he’d find her.
A blaring alarm rattled her to her bones, and she jumped from the cot she was laying on to run to the door. “What’s going on?”
“Wolf attack. Someone’s here who shouldn’t be.”
Cynthia gripped on harder to her hope that it was her wolf.
After what felt like an eternity of the ear-splitting siren, a key clicked in the lock, and the door to her basement cell swung open, revealing Luka.
“What are you doing here?”
“The pack’s under attack. It’s like all of Ironhaven’s here. You need to run. Get to the woods and hide there. I’m trying to get the witch out too. If you can, get as far from here as your legs will carry you.”
“Why are you helping me?”
Luka looked down, averting his eyes from hers. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done under my Alpha’s command. I’ve helped hurt people. I don’t want to be that wolf anymore. I’m running. If I can get a couple prisoners out who don’t deserve what the Alpha’s wrought either, all the better for it. Now go.”
Luka disappeared down the hall before Cynthia had a chance to say anything more, or to question his motives further.
She ran for the stairs, moving as fast and as quietly as she could, in case Luka was just setting her up for a trap.
As she got to the main hall of the house, she caught a glimpse of a black tail through a far window.
Weaving through the unfamiliar layout of the home, she struggled to find the kitchen, hoping against hope that there was a back door, a way that would lead her out of the house, away from the Bellemare guards.
“Cynthia! My Goddess, is it really you?” Her mother’s voice hissed from behind her.
She spun around and let out a gasp. “Mom!” She quickly s
canned all around them. “We have to run.”
“No, I have to stay. I have to help fight.” Her mother reached for her hand. “Your wolf needs you.”
“My… How did you know?”
“There was only one way you would’ve survived crossing the Bellemare border. Only one remedy for my spell. Whoever he is, he’s here now. Come with me to the rooftop balcony. It’ll be the best vantage point for my spell work.” She wrapped her arms around Cynthia. “Oh, my sweet girl, I’m so sorry to have put you in the middle of this.”
Cynthia hugged her mother as tightly as she could. “Come on. Owen needs our help.”
They snuck up a narrow back staircase that was likely once a servant’s stair, climbing for what seemed like forever before they stepped out onto the rooftop. The balcony, as her mother had described it, was barely more than a ledge big enough for a telescope, and had a railing that looked like it had seen better days, but Cynthia could see straight down into town square.
Owen was easy to spot, but she couldn’t believe the number of wolves out there with him.
Maybe he wasn’t as alone as he claimed.
She’d never seen Zain’s wolf, but the hulking grey beast circling Owen had to be Zain.
“How do we help him?”
“Hold my hand. Keep me steady, lend me as much of your energy as you can spare. I have to undo years of protection spells, as quickly as I’m able.” Her mom reached for Cynthia, and she didn’t hesitate.
She’d do whatever she could to make sure that Owen didn’t die in this battle.
It started with the roars.
Zain went first, letting loose a sound that could’ve been fitting coming from the pits of hell.
Several wolves cowered, lowering their heads and getting closer to the asphalt. Cynthia guessed they were the Bellemare pack.
Some of the others flinched but didn’t kowtow quite as easily.
Only a large russet-colored wolf and Owen stayed stoic.
Owen howled, cutting through the night like a knife. All the rage, all the power in the sound seemed pointed directly at Zain.
The beasts in the square might not have noticed, but Cynthia saw the subtle cringe.
In a flash, the two wolves collided.
The rest of the wolves stayed on the fringes, almost circling the Alpha and his challenger as they fought.
Cynthia wished there was a way to let Owen know she was there, that she was watching. She didn’t want to draw any other wolf’s attention, and she didn’t want to distract Owen with Zain’s teeth so close.
Instead, she closed her eyes and thought as loud as she could If you can hear me, know that I’m here, rooting for you. She had no idea if wolves had telepathy, or if he’d have any link to her, but she thought it just the same.
Her mother’s chanting was soft, almost lilting, but Cynthia couldn’t focus on what her mom was up to. All she could do was watch as Zain and Owen grappled together, rolling across the square.
A flash of teeth here.
Claws flying there.
Over and over.
Every time Cynthia thought Owen had the upper hand, Zain would overpower him somehow.
Every time she thought Owen was done for, he quickly proved he couldn’t be counted out either.
Cynthia felt her strength waning, and she gripped the shaky iron rail as the world swayed.
“Just a little longer, and your wolf will have him.”
Cynthia dropped to her knees, and then sat, searching for a sturdier base. She didn’t care how much energy it took, how long her mother had to chant. Whatever she could do to keep Owen safe, to stop him from dying in this fight, she’d do it.
Even if it meant dying herself, she wouldn’t drop her mother’s hand.
After what seemed like an eternity, Owen pinned Zain. Cynthia’s mom collapsed, falling backwards against the roof, her face pale, her lips almost grey. “It’s done. It’s up to your wolf’s strength now. The strength of his love for you.”
Cynthia pulled her mother into her lap, holding her close even as she watched the battle continue to unfold. She was still breathing, still alive, but so weak.
If Zain killed Owen, Cynthia feared she’d lose both of the people she loved.
But Zain wasn’t landing any more blows on Owen. His grey fur was stained red.
Cynthia whispered under her breath, “Come on, Owen. Finish him.”
The Alpha
Owen’s whole body ached.
He knew he was bleeding from several deep gashes, both from teeth and claw.
But he couldn’t stop. Wouldn’t stop.
Not until Zain was dead.
When the grey beast finally crumpled under his claws, Owen climbed off him and let out another long howl. This time, in victory.
Some of the pack scattered, but the rest of the Bellemare pack cowered, dropping low, and keeping their necks exposed, some even showed their bellies.
All Owen cared about was finding Cyn.
He shifted and stood above all of them. “Things will change in this pack. There will be no more of the animosity toward humans, or toward Ironhaven. If you don’t like it, if you don’t like the idea of an outsider taking over, you can pack up and leave before dawn. No one will stop you or try to hunt you down if you do.” He looked around at all the wolves.
“If you stay, know that I won’t be tolerant toward anyone who would hurt a woman, human or wolf, and I won’t abide by any who fight against my way of leading. It’s time Bellemare joined Ironhaven in friendship, not war.” He let out another howl, his voice needing an outlet stronger than words. “And someone had better damn well tell me right now where to find Cynthia.”
“I’m here.” Her voice was weak, and she looked pale, but it was enough to draw his attention up to her.
His mate.
“Is that the Mayor’s house?”
One of the Bellemare wolves raised and lowered his head in a nod.
“Clean up this square. The humans who live here don’t need to see what happened.” He turned and ran toward the house, following the scent of his mate.
The house was like a maze of rooms and narrow hallways, but when he found her, he didn’t bother with even a hello. He just grabbed her and pulled her in close, kissing her hard.
“My mate.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “You’re free now.”
She leaned against him heavily. “You should clean up and heal. And then you’d better make this mating official.”
He laughed, kissing her again. “I don’t have anywhere to live. I don’t have anything to offer you, except my love.”
She shrugged. “That’s more than I’ve ever had. We’ll figure it out. For now, I guess you could consider us squatters.” She looked around. “Is that healer you talked about among the wolves downstairs?”
“He’s not far. Ready to treat the wounded.”
“Mom needs him.” She pointed to the narrow stairs. “She’s on the balcony out there.”
“I’ll make sure she’s seen to. What about you?”
“I’ll live. Apparently with the new Alpha in charge.”
She kissed him again and pointed to one of the doors in the hall. “I’m going to lay down, though. Come find me when you’re clean.”
Owen watched her curvy hips sway all the way into the room before he jumped into action.
He got a few wolves to tend to Cynthia’s mother before found a bathroom and quickly showered off the blood and the muck of the battle, moving as quickly as his sore, healing body would allow.
Cynthia was asleep when he crawled into bed next to her. Pressing a kiss to her temple, he whispered softly, “My mate.”
Owen woke to late afternoon sun pouring in through open curtains. He let out a groan, reaching for his mate, but she wasn’t in bed next to him.
No, she was a little lower.
Her mouth wrapped around his cock tight.
Owen grunted, reaching down to pull her up against him. “No fair, starting thi
ngs while I was asleep.”
“You might have been, but your cock certainly wasn’t. Are you going to be hard every time I wake up next to you?”
“Definitely.” He grinned. “You got naked.”
“I wasn’t kidding about wanting you to make me yours. In all ways, Owen.” She straddled him, leaning down to kiss him. “You’re going to have to guide me around the corners. I’ve never done this before.”
Owen groaned again, gripping her hips. “You’re a virgin?”
“I’ve lived in a basement for almost eight years, surrounded by men who wouldn’t stoop so low as to touch me. Don’t mock me.” She shifted her hips over his cock, sliding his length against her wet folds. “Don’t make me wait any longer for you.”
Owen growled as he flipped her onto her back, settling between her thick thighs again as he kissed her hungrily. He could barely believe that she really was his, but his wolf didn’t have that problem. The beast was panting almost as much as she was for mating with her, for claiming her.
He reached between them, positioning himself against her tight entrance.
At Cyn’s tempting moan, he thrust in deep, filling her with one long, hard stroke.
Her eyes flew open, her lips parted in a wide “O”.
He kissed her neck, his hands reaching between them to cup her breasts, to ease and distract from any discomfort. He was big, and she was so tight, it was like filling a warm, velvety vise.
“Good Goddess, Owen.” She rocked her hips, pressing up against him.
It was all the prompting he needed. He claimed her mouth hungrily, filling her mouth with his tongue as he rocked his hips into hers again and again, taking her hard and rough. He knew he should’ve probably been slow, gentle with her for her first time, but he couldn’t hold back. Not when she was his mate, perfect for him in all ways. He needed her. All of her.
And he needed her to wear his bite.
She clawed her nails down his shoulders as her legs wrapped around his waist and her heels dug into his ass, driving him on.