by Jen L. Grey
We weaved around a few girls who murmured hello to Rage and stared as I walked by. He didn’t even bother turning his head in their direction as he guided me through the shifters.
“Is it a good idea to have a vampire here with all of us?” Charlie’s back was toward us as his voice was hushed, talking to Rage’s dad.
“He’s one of my son’s friends, so of course, he’s welcome here.” Matthew turned his head, diverting his attention to us. “And of course, we needed to welcome Raven to our pack.”
“What?” I couldn’t have heard that right.
Charlie turned and smiled at me. “I’m so glad Rage found his true mate. I can only hope Ryder is blessed with the same opportunity. I’m Charlie, the beta of the Jackson pack. It’s amazing news that you’ll be joining us.”
“Dad, I never said she wanted to join the pack.” Rage’s body tensed, and he took a step closer so that our bodies touched.
“Didn’t you say she was a rogue?” Matthew's forehead creased, and he scratched his neck. “She needs a pack, I assumed she would join ours. It makes sense that you two would be in the same pack.”
When he put it that way, it made sense. Strangely though, I hadn’t felt like a rogue wolf. I hadn’t felt depressed, lonely, or out of sync either.
“That’s her choice, and I’ll respect her wishes.” Rage’s voice took the low, raspy tone that was dead sexy.
“Of course.” Matthew lifted both hands in the air and focused on me. “I’m sorry if I assumed wrong. We’d love for you to join our pack, but don’t feel obligated.”
Choosing a pack was a big deal. We had to find one with an alpha that we believed in and one that felt natural. It definitely wasn’t something a person should do without thinking it through. The pack I left was the one I had been born into, and look how that had turned out. “It’s something I need some time to think about. I’m honored that you’d welcome me with open arms.”
“Of course. Another Bloodshed Academy alumnus is always welcome here.” Charlie smiled and then stepped closer to Rage and me, his voice a low whisper. “Why did you bring that vampire here again?”
That irked me. “Because he’s one of our best friends, and we wanted to spend Christmas with him.” I’d be damned if I admitted it was because his family left to do political stuff. Cole didn’t speak of his family often and normally tried to change the subject when they were brought up. Some things were starting to make sense to me.
“It’s just …” Charlie’s eyes widened, and he glanced around, waving his hand up and down telling me to lower my voice. “He’s not one of us.”
A deep chuckle resonated from Rage’s chest.
“Oh, you don’t consider a vampire a supernatural?” Cole was the first one I met from the Academy and protected me. There was no way in hell I’d let someone bad mouth him like that.
“Well, of course he is …”
“Then he’s our kind.” It was that simple. There was no reason to make it more than it was.
“I see she takes the same view as you.” Matthew frowned as he stepped slightly in between us and Charlie. “I agree with Charlie, son. It’s strange having a vampire here with all these shifters.”
“We go to school with all kinds. Why should our home be any different?” Rage’s anger was evident in his tone. “You even like him.”
“I’m not saying we can’t like him, but to purposely hang out with each other all the time, it’s not natural.” Matthew sighed and glanced around. “We’re making a scene.” He shook his head and frowned at Charlie. “You should’ve known better than to start that right now.”
“You’re right.” Charlie nodded and relaxed his stance. “I’m sorry.”
“Is everything okay?” Audrey smiled as she glanced at the four of us. “We are behaving, right?”
“Of course, dear.” Matthew leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“Well, then, I’m going to steal Raven away.” She smacked Rage away from me and wrapped an arm around my neck. “It’s time for her to hang with some girls.”
It was nice to get away. I hadn’t expected Rage’s dad to think that way. “Should I be nervous?”
“No.” She leaned her head near mine. “Please don’t take Charlie and Matthew to heart. When we went to the academy, there was a small movement for all supernatural kinds to be separate, so that’s what’s been programmed in their heads. They like Cole, but it’s just them worrying about things not following the old ways.”
“It did surprise me.” These were my mate’s parents so I couldn’t lie. “But I could understand that a little better. Why don’t you feel that way?”
“Because growing up as a pup, my pack was allied to a vampire clan, so I was raised more liberally.” She gave me a sad smile. “Remember, you and your mate won’t always agree on things, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t meant for each other.”
Rage told me previously that his parents were chosen mates and not true. In this day and age, finding our other half wasn’t easy, considering the way all packs had become spread out. I couldn’t help but wonder if that wouldn’t happen between him and me. “Maybe.”
“You’ll see. Now, this won’t be pleasant, but you need to meet Charlie’s wife, Lola. It’s imperative that we acclimate you and your role since you and Rage are the future here.” We weaved through some people that murmured hello before she slowed to a group of ladies. Two appeared to be close to my age with what had to be their mother.
“Well … hello, Audrey.” The older lady’s dirty blonde hair hit just past her shoulders, and she stuck her pretentious nose in the air. “Who is this?”
“This is Raven, Rage’s mate.” Audrey smiled as she pulled me into her body. “This is Charlie’s wife and daughters.”
The two girls scanned me up and down before frowning. They were both pretty, don't get me wrong, but there was a sense of entitlement to their demeanor.
“Of course he’d pick someone outside of the pack.” The one who was a few years older rolled her hazel eyes and frowned. “He always tries to be different.”
That wasn’t it at all. “That’s not true, he always does what he thinks is right.”
“And how was him not asking me to be his mate right?” She flipped her hair over her shoulder and glared.
“Now, Brianna, behave.” Her mother glanced at me. “I’m sorry for my girls. Brianna had always hoped that Rage would be hers.”
“That’s funny because I didn’t realize I was someone’s property.” Rage’s raspy voice had an edge. He glared at both Brianna and Lola.
“That’s not how we meant it.” Lola straightened and took a deep breath.
“I heard the whole thing, and they totally did.” Cole stepped on the other side, squeezing in between Audrey and me. “It was like they were trying to pee on you even though Raven is your true mate.” His cold blue eyes filled with disgust.
“How in the world would you ever think that was possible?” Rage took a step toward Brianna and wrinkled his nose. “I purposely went out of my way to avoid you and not talk to you when I lived here. Did you think that would change?”
“Now, Rage, please stay calm.” His mom bit the bottom of her lip.
“Do you expect me to stay …”
“Listen to your mother.” Cole barked out a laugh, looking over these girls up and down. “Do you expect someone like him,” Cole said as he pointed to Rage, “would settle for some sorry ass that can’t even make it to the academy?”
“Let me make it clear.” I expected Rage’s pack to be better than this. It was like wherever I went, people disliked me instantaneously. It sucked for them. “He’s my true mate, so back the fuck off.”
“Now listen here …” Lola’s face flushed as she placed a hand on her chest.
“That’s enough.” Matthew stepped into the circle, and his nostrils flared. “What the hell is going on?”
“It seems Brianna isn’t happy that I have a mate.” Rage smirked and grabbed my hand.
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“Brianna, we’ve talked about this.” Charlie’s eyes glowed as he stared at his daughter. “Wolf shifters celebrate when one of our kind finds a mate, especially a true mate.”
“But …” She placed a hand on her hip.
“I said that’s enough.” Matthew’s tone had the alpha power laced within it. “This is a time to celebrate, not to do this.”
“Let me take Raven around to meet the others, and then we’ll head back to our house.” Audrey weaved around Cole to get to me and tugged on my arm.
“Fine, but if anyone else starts anything, link me.” Rage was tense with his jaw clenched.
“Of course.” Audrey sighed as we left the group. “I’m sorry about that. Charlie’s family is a little high maintenance, but I hadn’t expected that. Had I known, we wouldn’t have gone over without Matthew and Rage.”
“It’s not your fault.” I hated it when people apologized for something that they didn’t have any control over. “Is anyone else upset about me and Rage?”
“Of course not.” She patted my shoulder. “I knew that Lola and Brianna probably weren't thrilled, but I hadn’t expected that.”
At least the confrontation was over. We were here for a few more days, so there was no telling what else might happen.
Chapter Sixteen
The next few days went by without a hitch. I’d met several others in the pack, and they welcomed me with open arms, which was a great relief after how Brianna and Lola acted.
It was Christmas morning, and I was in bed next to Rage. I had won the argument about sharing a room with him so blatantly in front of his parents. Even though we were mates, we were in college and hadn’t performed the mating ceremony that made it official in the wolf and human databases. It was essentially a wedding but with a shifter vibe.
Of course, Rage stayed in a guest room but snuck into my room every night. At first, I pretended to complain, but having him next to me allowed me to sleep better. “Hey, we better get up so your parents don’t go looking for you in your room.”
He groaned and turned in my direction, pulling my body flush with his. “Can I at least get my Christmas present first?” His hands lowered across my belly and he slipped his fingers under my pajama bottoms.
“No, your mom is already up.” It was one thing for them to know our bond was securely in place. Still, the act demonstrating how we did it shouldn’t happen on Christmas morning, especially when his family was already up.
“Damn, I’m glad Jess texted you and that we’re heading back tomorrow.” He kissed my neck, making my body heat in response. “Besides, your musky scent is not helping your cause.”
Footsteps close to the stairs were like a bucket of cold water being dumped over me. “Let’s go.”
“Fine.” He chuckled and climbed from the bed. “Let’s go. It does sound like Mom and Dad are in the den.”
I jumped out of the bed and headed into the bathroom. I quickly changed clothes and ran a brush through my hair. When I went back into the bedroom, Rage had changed into a pair of blue jeans and a red polo shirt. “You ready?”
“Yup.” I made my way over to him and stood on my tiptoes, brushing my lips over his. “Merry Christmas.” It surprised me when I realized how long we’d been together. It was a little over a year, but it seemed like yesterday. My heart flipped when I was around him, and kissing his lips caused a warm buzzing, which made it just as great as our first one.”
He opened the door and held his arm out. “Then let's go.” His chocolate eyes smoldered, and his scent filled my nose.
This was one of my most favorite Christmases yet. The only thing that hurt was not seeing my parents.
When we entered the den, the Christmas tree was lit. I couldn’t get over how gorgeous it was. It was a rose gold tree with sparkling lights throughout. On top sat a wolf wearing a Bloodshed Academy shirt. At first, I’d found it weird, but when I thought it through, it made sense. We were werewolf shifters, and his parents had met at the school.
“I love Christmas here.” Cole came bouncing in, his eyes bright as he sat in front of the tree. “We don’t even have a Christmas tree at home.”
There weren’t many presents under the tree; only a few, but the real present was spending it with two of my best friends in the world.
Stone yawned as he strolled into the room. He sat on the couch right in front of the tree. “We don’t have to start so early.”
“It’s nine in the morning.” Cole scoffed. “And Christmas, so this is extremely late.”
“Alright, let’s begin.” Audrey clapped her hands and grabbed a present, giving it to Matthew.
“Fine, but you have to open up your present at the same time.” Matthew reached and grabbed the biggest box under the tree.
“That one is mine?” She picked the box up before sitting next to Stone. The shiny wrapping paper caught the lights in the room.
“Only the biggest for my girl.” Matthew winked at his wife.
“Is this an appropriate conversation here on Christmas morning?” Cole frowned and waved his finger toward them. “Your kids are in the room too.”
“What?” Matthew’s forehead creased as he looked at Cole, then the present, and back at Cole again.
“He’s being a typical twelve-year-old boy.” Audrey giggled and began to open the present.
A wide grin spread across Matthew’s face. “Well, even though I hadn’t meant it that way, it’s a true statement.”
“Please, don’t do this.” Rage buried his face in my hair. “He’s going to start offering to show you his so he can prove he’s smaller.”
“Hell yeah, I will.” Then Cole stopped and jumped up. “No, no. Mine is the biggest, I swear. I can show you.”
“It seems like he’s always wanting to show everyone his penis.” I’d lost count of how many times we’d had this same conversation.
“It’s a beauty to be … hold.” Cole smirked and nodded his head. “Do you wanna grab … I mean see?”
“What the hell is wrong with him?” Stone covered his eyes with his hands. “He’s going to pull it out, isn’t he?”
Audrey giggled as she watched the terror unfold before her.
“Don’t pull that out,” Matthew growled. “I want to enjoy my Christmas morning.”
“That’s what she said.” Cole stood and did a hip thrust.
“You’re going to put your back out moving your hips like that.” I hadn’t meant to say that. I’d just encouraged him to continue down these derailed train tracks.
“Then Rage isn’t giving it to you properly.” Cole moved beside Rage and tapped him on his shoulder. “I may need to give you some pointers.”
“You just had to go there.” Rage play growled at me.
“Come on, Ravey.” He grabbed my hand, tugging me toward a cream-colored loveseat. “He can watch as I demonstrate for him.”
I dug my feet into the carpet.
“Oh, hell no.” Rage grabbed me around the waist and pulled me back against him.
“What? I’d be clothed.” Cole lifted both hands and shrugged.
“Do you think that somehow makes it better?” Stone scoffed and shook his head. “How can you be friends with him?”
Stone was rather uptight, but I had a few minutes alone with him the other day, and he was personable. For whatever reason, Cole brought the worst out of him. If he grew up with his dad’s beta feeling that races shouldn’t mix, then it’s no wonder he felt that way. I just couldn’t help but wonder how Rage broke the mold.
“Because he wouldn’t really do it.” Rage rolled his eyes at his friend. But just in case, I step in.”
“Don’t be a poor sport, Stone.” Audrey began opening her present. “She isn’t even your girl.” She unwrapped her present and opened the box, and her mouth dropped open. There inside was a carved wolf made of wood and painted all black with white around its snout and ears. “That’s me.”
“Do you like it?” Matthew tapped his foot as he waited
for her reaction.
“Like it?” Audrey kept her focus on the wolf sitting before her. “I love it.”
“I’m glad.” He let out a long breath and smiled. “I figured it could go either way.”
It was a very thoughtful gift. It was nice to see that Rage’s parents loved each other just like mom and dad did. My heart kinda sunk at that thought. I hadn’t talked to them in the last couple of months. I’d been avoiding it, and I wasn’t quite sure why.
“Alright, it’s your turn.” She motioned to the present he was holding in his hand.
“Okay.” He unwrapped his long rectangle package and opened a jewelry type box. A small grin spread across his face as he pulled out a watch. However, it wasn’t like any ordinary watch; instead of a circle, it was shaped in a wolf’s face. “This is perfect.”
It didn’t take long for Stone to open his presents. Now it was Rage’s turn. His parents had given him some new clothes and a laptop. When it was my turn, I got a little nervous. I grabbed the cylinder-shaped present under the tree and handed it to him. “Here you go.” I was kind of anxious about the gift, not sure if he would like it or not.
He held it and shook it. “Is that a picture of you?” He grinned at me as he examined the sides.
“Or better yet, a picture of me.” Cole piped in. He hadn’t gotten a present since he only came last minute, but he didn’t seem to care.
Slowly, Rage unwrapped it, and when he removed one of the ends, a map of the United States fell out. He grabbed it and opened it. The words on the top read ‘Anywhere With You’, and it had a heart placed in New Orleans, Clarksville, and his parents’ house.
“It’s a way to track where we’ve been together.” I sat next to him on the loveseat and placed my finger on the hearts I’d colored. “I want to travel the world with you. This is one way we can track where we’ve been and where we need to go.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet.” Cole grinned and walked over to us. “I’ve been there with you in each place too. So where’s my map?”
“First off, I didn’t realize you were going to be here or I would’ve brought your gift.” I did feel bad, but there wasn’t much else I could do.