Werewolves Only

by Carrie Pulkinen

  Her lips parted, and she sucked in a breath as her gaze lingered on their entwined hands. Tears shimmered in her eyes, dampening her lashes when she blinked. He held his breath, a glimmer of hope sparking in his chest as she raised her gaze to meet his. She licked her lips and leaned toward him.

  “Luke…”

  The whisper of his name on her lips nearly crumbled him. He reached for her, taking her cheek in his hand, sliding his fingers into her hair as she nuzzled into his touch. “Please, Macey.”

  She shot to her feet, yanking from his grasp. With her arms crossed, she held herself, shaking her head. “I can’t.”

  She had to. He couldn’t let it end this way. Not after everything they’d been through. She was his world. His destiny. Screw the laws. Screw the pack. He couldn’t live without this woman. Pressure built in the back of his eyes as he rose from the ground. “Then I’ll step down. I’ll let someone else take over, and you can have all the time you want. We can take it slow, whatever you need.”

  “Don’t say that. You can’t let Stephen take your place; you can’t do that to your pack. You’re supposed to be alpha.”

  “I’m supposed to be with you. It’s fate, Macey, and I know you feel it too.”

  She dug her nails into her arms. “No. You were born to lead the pack. I’m just a distraction.”

  “Macey, please. What do you want me to do?” He’d do anything—be anything—for her. Life would be meaningless without her by his side. Why couldn’t she see that?

  She sucked in a deep breath and looked into his eyes. “I want you to leave. Go back to your pack and become the alpha. Forget about me.”

  Her words severed his heart from his chest. With his hands in his pockets, he toyed with the ring. No matter her answer, it belonged to Macey. So did his heart. “If you change your mind, the ceremony is at seven. Once I become alpha, it will be too late.”

  She opened the glass door and looked at him with sad eyes. “I’m sorry. Goodbye, Luke.”

  Macey closed the inner door and watched through the blinds as Luke drove away, the hole in her chest where her heart used to be growing wider as his truck disappeared into the horizon. She stepped away from the window and followed the smell of coffee into the kitchen.

  Her mom poured two mugs and set them on the table. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Macey picked up the cup and inhaled the comforting aroma. “Not really.”

  “What did he say?”

  She shrugged and traced the swirling pattern on the tablecloth. “He said he loves me.”

  Her mom reached across the table and stilled her hand. “Do you love him?”

  “No…maybe…I…I don’t know.” She sighed. “Yes. Yes, I do.” She loved him fiercely, and she couldn’t imagine spending the rest of her life with anyone but him.

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “What if he leaves me?”

  “What if he stays?”

  Macey folded her hands in her lap. “You don’t understand. Everyone I’ve ever depended on has abandoned me. I can’t take that chance again.”

  Her mom raised an eyebrow and sat up straight. “Everyone?”

  She rested her face in her hands and took a deep breath. “Okay, not everyone. You and Dad never left.”

  “So, three people then? Your biological parents and your sister. That’s not even close to everyone.”

  Her mom had a point. Put that way, her abandonment issues sounded petty. Almost ridiculous. But they had been the three people she’d needed the most. That counted for something. “I’m scared. I’ve never been in love before. I need more time.”

  “Why?”

  Because he’s a werewolf who thinks he can’t date me after he becomes the alpha. But she couldn’t tell her mother that. “It’s scary.”

  “You don’t think he’s scared too?”

  “No.” Luke wasn’t scared of anything. He was confident. Charismatic. Everything he did, he did with gusto, as if failure never crossed his mind. He was kind and sexy, and those piercing eyes were…and his body…Oh! She had to stop thinking about him.

  Her mom folded her hands on the table. “You’ve rejected him, hon. What are you going to do when he moves on?”

  Moves on? Thoughts of him finding someone else had never crossed her mind. She sipped her coffee to warm the chill that crept through her veins. “I don’t… It’s complicated.”

  “It’s not complicated at all. He loves you. You love him. You’re happy when you’re with him and miserable without him. Love won’t always be easy, but it’s worth the risk.”

  Was it though? She’d sabotaged every relationship she’d had before anyone could get close enough to hurt her. It was easier that way. Safer. She could easily spend the rest of her life alone, guarding her heart. But what kind of life would that be?

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Luke slouched in a chair in the meeting room and watched his mom fiddle with her hair in the mirror for the fifteenth time since they’d arrived at the hotel. All two-hundred pack members would fill the ballroom soon, and his mom had spent the entire afternoon running around, making sure everything was perfect for the ceremony. Seven members of the werewolf congress would attend to ensure they performed the rituals to code, making Luke’s succession official.

  The meeting would come first—a sort of state-of-the-pack address from the current alpha. They’d discuss the business of the year, and people could express any concerns they might have. Then the ceremony would begin. A new family, who’d recently moved to New Orleans, had applied to join the pack. Their admission would come first, followed by the announcement of Luke’s mate.

  His stomach turned. Could he spend the rest of his life with someone he didn’t love? He’d have to figure out a way. He looked at his old man. “Why Jackie?”

  “We interviewed several candidates,” his dad said. “When I researched their lineage, hers was the strongest. No dilution in the bloodline.”

  He ran his hand over his forehead, trying to rub away the pounding in his head. “Have you told her yet?”

  His mom settled into a chair next to him. “No. We wanted to give you a chance to…to make sure we made the right choice for you.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  Concern filled his mother’s eyes. “Do you have the ring?”

  His hand instinctively went to his pocket, his finger tracing the outline of the cold metal. “I’m not giving it to her. It was meant for someone else. Someone I love.”

  He gripped the arms of his chair. He’d been on a rollercoaster of emotions all afternoon, from the slow build of anger to the sharp drop of fear and finally settling into the steady ride of resignation. Now the anger was back in full force like a tornado ripping through his chest.

  “It isn’t fair.” He slammed his fist down on the table. “I’m the only one this damn archaic law applies to. Why can’t I have more time?”

  His dad steepled his hands under his chin. “You know why, son. It’s to guarantee the lineage—”

  “Yeah, I know. But I can guarantee Macey would come around if I had more time.”

  “Well, you don’t,” Marcus said. “It’s the law, so there’s no sense in whining about it.”

  “Our laws have changed before. Werewolves are evolving, and I think it’s time this law changed too. Half the congress is here. If I appeal to them—”

  His dad leaned forward, lowering his voice into a commanding growl. “You’ve made your choices and missed your chance. The ceremony will go as planned.”

  Luke reined in his anger, calming the burning flames down to a slow simmer. His father was right. He’d tried to win Macey, but she’d made her decision. There was nothing he could do about it, except go on with his life and become the best damn alpha New Orleans ever had. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to check his messages one more time. He pulled his phone from his pocket and tapped the screen.

  Nothing.

  He tossed it on the table.

&nbs
p; His old man grabbed it and slipped it into his jacket pocket. “I’ll hold on to this. You don’t need any more distractions.”

  He started to protest, but what the hell? If she hadn’t called by now, she wasn’t going to. “Did the congress approve Chase as my second?”

  “Paperwork came in this morning. It’s a done deal.”

  Since Stephen had attacked Luke’s intended mate, he’d be spending the next six months in the pit. The council stripped his cousin of his rank, and since he’d been incapacitated in the challenge, he didn’t have the strength to contest it. Chase would step in as Luke’s second in command until a child of the first family bloodline was old enough to take over. Hopefully Luke’s first-born son.

  The son he wouldn’t be having with Macey. He closed his eyes and imagined her swollen belly. Her golden hair cascading around her shoulders. The warm smile dancing on her pink lips as he rested his hand on her stomach to feel the baby kick.

  He shook his head to rid his mind of the heartbreaking image. “I need to get some air.”

  “The meeting starts in fifteen minutes,” his mom said.

  “I’ll be there.”

  A crowd had gathered in the corridor, so Luke straightened his spine and held his head high. He had to appear confident and strong, even though he was falling apart inside. People gathered in small groups to chat before the meeting while others filed into the ballroom to take their seats.

  “Congratulations, Luke.” John, a man around his father’s age, clapped him on the shoulder. “Who’s the lucky lady?”

  Luke forced a smile. “It’s a surprise.”

  He needed some privacy. Five minutes to compose himself, so he could go into his new life with a clear head. He wouldn’t get any peace out here.

  “Hi, Luke.” Jackie approached him, prancing across the hall, her lavender gown swishing around her ankles. “I’m curious. Does your mate already know if she’s been chosen? I don’t want to get my hopes up if…” She ran her hand over his arm and grinned shyly.

  He instinctively jerked away, the thought of enduring someone other than Macey’s touch making his stomach turn.

  Jackie shrank in on herself, and Luke patted her shoulder. What an ass. He needed to start acting like an alpha rather than a scorned teenager. Forcing a reassuring smile, he muttered, “It’ll be a surprise to everyone. Excuse me.”

  He walked with purpose now, eyes straight ahead, his mouth pressed into a line. His pulse thrummed in his ears. He couldn’t breathe. He had to get out of this crowd before he exploded. Skirting the wall, he checked the door handles, finding each one locked. There had to be another meeting room, or even a supply closet open. Just five minutes. That’s all he needed. Five minutes to breathe.

  The corridor made a T at the end, and he jutted right around the corner. The next door opened, and he rushed inside, slamming it behind him. The hotel’s second ballroom sat silent. Empty like his chest. A massive chandelier hung in the center of the rectangular room, its dripping crystals glinting in the sunlight that poured in through the window.

  Three wooden steps led up to a set of French doors that opened onto a balcony. He threw open the doors and stepped onto the terrace overlooking Bourbon Street. The sounds of jazz mixed with hip hop and pop floated through the air as the sun sank closer to the horizon. The revelers below went about their partying, oblivious to the events about to unfold.

  Life went on. His would too.

  “Luke?”

  He turned around to find Alexis standing on the steps. Her emerald dress matched her eyes. It would’ve matched Macey’s eyes too. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

  She lowered her head sheepishly. “Sorry. I…followed you.”

  He stepped back inside and closed the balcony doors, bringing peaceful silence back to the ballroom. “It’s okay. I needed a few minutes to compose myself.”

  “So, I guess Macey…”

  “No.”

  Alexis shook her head. “I really thought she’d change her mind.”

  “I hoped she would.” He sat on the top step and ran a hand through his hair. “I hurt her too much.”

  Alexis sank down next to him, resting her forearms on her knees and wringing her hands. “I’m the one who hurt her. The whole reason she’s acting this way is because I ran away. Now I’ve screwed up her life and yours.”

  “You were a kid. I won’t hold it against you.”

  “She does. And worse than that…she’s holding it against you. I can’t believe she’d step aside and let you take another mate when she’s obviously in love with you.”

  He cleared his throat.

  Alexis narrowed her gaze. “She does know you’re taking another mate.”

  “I didn’t tell her that part.”

  “What?” She jumped to her feet. “She doesn’t know?”

  He stood and crossed his arms. He didn’t owe her an explanation, but he gave her one anyway. “She already felt enough pressure knowing there was a deadline. I didn’t want to add to it.”

  Alexis crossed her arms to mirror his posture. “So you didn’t tell her. She probably thinks she still has a chance with you.”

  “No. I told her she had to commit before I became alpha.”

  “But you didn’t tell her why.”

  “It doesn’t matter. She made it very clear she didn’t want anything to do with me.”

  She blinked at him, her expression incredulous, before turning on her heel and marching away.

  “Where are you going?”

  “You may make a great alpha, Luke, but you’re a stupid man.” She stormed out the door.

  He tried for a witty reply, but words escaped him. Time had run out anyway. The meeting was about to start.

  Thankfully the corridor was clear as he made his way to the ballroom. Everyone would be taking their seats by now. Two guards stood outside the entrance, ensuring the pack’s privacy. His mom had reserved the room under the pretense of an engagement party, with strict orders for the hotel staff not to enter until the ceremony had ended.

  He nodded to the guards, gripped the door handle that would lead him to his fate, and closed his eyes. With one last deep breath, he pushed through and entered the ballroom. Twenty-five circular banquet tables drenched in white linen sat atop lush green carpet that stretched from wall to wall. A similar chandelier hung in the center of the room, but this one was lit and sparkled like a million diamonds. He pressed his hand against the ring in his pocket.

  The entire pack had gathered for this momentous event, dressed in their best formal clothes. So much pomp and circumstance for such a heart-wrenching day. He scanned the crowd for Alexis. She’d been dressed for the party, but he couldn’t find her. Apparently his stupidity was too much for her. He did spot Stephen’s mate sitting at a table in the back, a sullen expression occupying her face. Luke had spared her mate’s life, but she refused to make eye contact with him.

  Luke’s parents sat at a long, rectangular table at the front of the room. Behind them, on a raised platform, sat the seven congressmen. Luke straightened his spine and nodded to the men before striding to the table to join his parents.

  At precisely six o’clock, Marcus commenced the meeting. Luke sat rigid, his face turned toward his father. He nodded occasionally, hoping to give the illusion he was listening intently, while his mind drifted a thousand miles away. He didn’t hear a word his old man said.

  “Son?” Marcus put a hand on Luke’s shoulder, snapping him back to coherence. “Your report?”

  “Right.” He cleared his throat and stepped to the microphone. As he brought the pack up to speed on how they resolved the demon infestation, his heart clenched each time he mentioned Macey’s name. Surely this would get easier with time. He sat down and slipped his hand in his pocket to feel the ring. As soon as he got home, it would go back in the drawer and stay there.

  “If no one has any more comments, this will conclude our annual meeting,” his father said into the microphone. The crowd rema
ined silent. Marcus nodded. “We’ll begin the ceremony with the pack pledge, followed by our new member initiation.”

  Luke stood and recited the words he’d known by heart since he was a child. His pulse raced out of control as his father conducted the initiation. The new family knelt before him as he went through the formalities, officially approving their membership.

  It was happening too fast. He wasn’t ready.

  “As you all know, I’ll be retiring.” His dad glanced at his watch and grinned. “By the end of the hour.” Some of the audience chuckled. “I’ll be passing the torch on to my son, who I know will do a better job running this pack than I ever did. But before he can become alpha, there’s the matter of selecting a mate.”

  His stomach roiled. Sweat beaded on his forehead.

  “Since he’s not married, Luke has decided to trust his mother and I to select a mate for him. We’ve thoroughly reviewed each applicant and chosen the woman we think will compliment him best. Son, would you like to make the announcement?”

  No. The room tilted on its side as he rose from his chair. He caught himself on the edge of the table and let out a half-hearted chuckle to put the pack at ease. No matter how torn up he was on the inside, he had to give the illusion of control. Of dominance.

  He stepped to the microphone and scanned the crowd one last time. She wasn’t there. The tiny sliver of hope—that maybe Macey would show up and say she’d changed her mind—died away. He pressed his hand against the ring in his pocket, took a deep breath, and prepared to utter the words he’d never be able to take back.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Macey ignored the pounding on the door and buried her head deeper into the pillow. She’d come to her parents’ house because she didn’t want to be alone. Now she wished she’d stayed home.