by Alisha Basso
Rolling out of bed, she hesitated for a moment trying to recall where she’d placed her clothing the previous day. A quick search of the drawers refreshed her memory and she soon found what she needed. Donning a pair of track pants, a t-shirt, and a hoodie, she combed her hair, pulling it back in a clip, and then scampered downstairs in search of someone who could update her on what had happened.
Helen was in the kitchen, preparing bacon and eggs. “Morning, Elise. How did you sleep?”
“Not bad. Is Kane back? Did they find the missing man?”
“Yes, they got in around three in the morning. Kane stayed with him at the infirmary, but sent John back home with the news. Thomas was shot. He lost a lot of blood, but he’ll be okay.”
“Shot?” Elise felt a chill run through her as memories of her own mother’s death came rushing back. All too often, her vivid imagination recreated what must have happened; her mother in wolf form with her leg in a trap, poachers approaching as she frantically tried to free herself. Had her mother tried to transform to save herself, but been unable to due to her injury, or had she feared for the rest of the pack and remained an animal, sacrificing her life so that her family would not be discovered? Her mother would have been terrified; her heart pounding as she desperately called out to her mate for help.
Elise knew the story well. Her father had felt his mate’s terror through the mental connection that all bonded pairs shared. He’d raced as fast as possible to her side, but it had been too late. The gun-shot that killed her mother, had echoed through the woods as he came charging up the small crest to where his mate lay dying. They’d never found the hunters; her father had stayed with his mate as she breathed her last, rather than giving chase...
A pan clattered on the stove, causing Elise to jump and bringing her out of her reverie. She smoothed her sweaty palms on her pant legs and banked down the fear that had been rising inside her. Helen had her back turned and was busily flipping the bacon, not noticing anything was amiss. “Yes, Thomas was shot—possibly seasonal hunters who wandered onto our property either not seeing the ‘No Trespassing’ signs or deciding to ignore them.”
“So, what will Kane do about someone hunting on his land? Tell the sheriff?” Elise was pleased her voice was calm, not revealing the inner panic she’d been feeling mere moments earlier.
“It’s tricky. We can’t let on that anyone was shot. They’d want to see Thomas and it would be hard to explain how the wound was healing so quickly. Kane will probably report that he heard shots fired or that there was a near miss. Nothing will be done though. There might be a few more patrol cars for a day or two, but the local police don’t have the manpower to watch this large an area. Nor do we want them around all the time. Like all packs, we try to keep a low profile.”
Elise digested the information. It was just like home. A pack was basically on its own when problems arose. Involving the local police was always too risky. As Helen grabbed some paper towels to lay the bacon on, Elise realized that she was standing there watching the other woman work. “Can I help with something?”
“How are you at making toast and coffee?”
“I think I can handle it.” Elise found the needed items under Helen’s directions and went to take out the plates. “How many do you think will be here for breakfast?”
“Breakfast tends to be pretty quiet around here, so probably just the four of us. Kane’s staying at the infirmary and called to say he won’t be back until mid-morning. Thomas is still unconscious and he wants to talk to him as soon as he wakes up.”
The two women worked companionably as they finished the meal preparations. As the sun streamed in the numerous windows it warmed the large homey kitchen taking off the morning chill. Elise mused that it was very evident Helen took pride in her culinary domain. The wood cabinets gleamed, as did the various pots and utensils that hung over the large marble topped workstation, and the floors were immaculate.
In actuality, Elise found it a bit intimidating to think that someday she might be called on to fill Helen’s shoes. While she’d helped Sarah, Elise knew she wasn’t an experienced cook nor was she particularly domesticated beyond the basics. Alpha females were in charge of the house as well as organizing social gatherings and dealing with minor problems. It also meant providing leadership and advice to others in the pack and really, Elise thought, what words of wisdom did she have to share at her young age? Truth be told, she’d sort of floated through life thus far, never applying herself overly much to anything in particular. It was a bit disconcerting to realize that at almost nineteen years of age, her life had no goal or focus. She’d have to do something about that now, though exactly what she wasn’t sure.
By the time the meal was ready, John and Carrie appeared. John looked tired from his late night and sat down heavily in his chair. Carrie fussed over him, bringing him coffee and putting jam on his toast. Elise watched them while she ate, wondering if she’d ever feel the need to do that for Kane. Was that what was expected of her now? A slight sigh escaped her. She wasn’t even sure if she knew how to be a good mate. All in all, the morning thus far had left her feeling more than a bit inadequate.
Breakfast was partially over when the back door opened and a tall blonde woman entered wearing a skin-tight dress of shocking pink. Elise immediately remembered her from the previous day. She was the woman who’d cut in front of her and blocked the door before hanging all over Kane and trying to monopolize his attention. What was her name again?
“Marla, this is a surprise.” John’s greeting supplied the answer. His voice was neutral, but Elise had the general impression that the Beta wasn’t overly pleased to see the newcomer. The look in his eyes was icy rather than the usual friendly blue she’d come to expect. Neither of the other two women were overjoyed either, if their suddenly stiff postures were any indication.
“I just heard about Thomas and rushed right over to see if there was anything I could do.” Marla flipped her long, blond hair over her shoulder seemingly oblivious to her cool reception.
“Since he’s in the infirmary, and we all know how you can’t stand to be around anyone who is hurt, I fail to see how you’d be of any help.” Helen rudely addressed the beautiful she-wolf.
Marla bared her teeth at Helen in what loosely could be taken as a smile, if one wasn’t too fussy. “I meant that with Kane being up all night, he might be tired and need some help in the office. My shift doesn’t start until noon and I have done office work before.”
“Thanks for the offer, Marla,” John nodded solemnly, “but I think I’ll be able to handle things until Kane gets back. If it does get busy, Elise can help.”
“Elise?” Marla raised her perfectly shaped eyebrows and looked puzzled. “Who is...? Oh, I’d forgotten. The new little mate.” She acted as if she was searching the room before letting her eyes focus on the newest pack member. “So you’re Kane’s mate. I must say, you are a little thing.” Studying Elise from head to toe, she shook her head and made a little moue. “Hmm, you’re not very strong-looking. I hope you can stand up to the strain of the position. I know from personal experience how...demanding...Kane can be.”
Flushing at the insult and implied meaning of Marla’s statement, Elise wanted to sink into the floor, but knew she had to put the other woman in her place, if she wanted to maintain her status. Standing, she circled around the table and advanced on the woman, speaking with a trace of a growl in her voice. “I’m perfectly capable of being Kane’s mate and I don’t appreciate your comments. If you have a problem with me, say it directly to my face rather than making snide innuendos.”
Marla stepped back in surprise. “Why, Elise! I assure you I meant nothing at all. It’s just that Kane and I are old friends...” Her voice trailed off and she looked at the table. The others were studiously eating their eggs. A power struggle between two pack mates didn’t involve them. It was up to the two wolves to work it out.
Elise took one more step towards her and for a moment Marla h
eld her ground, but then retreated. “I’m sorry to have interrupted your breakfast. I’ll leave you alone, but if you need anything at all...” When no one responded, the woman left, slamming the door behind her.
Exhaling loudly, Elise turned back towards the table. The others were looking at her. “That was...unpleasant.”
“Actually, it was quite entertaining.” Carrie started to laugh.
Helen snorted. “It’s about time someone put her in her place. Good work, Elise.”
John just sipped his coffee, but Elise was sure he was smiling. She felt a grin breaking out on her own face as well and happily sat down to finish her breakfast. She’d survived her first encounter with a member of the pack—Carrie, John and Helen didn’t count—and she’d come out on top. It was a good feeling and erased some of her earlier insecurities.
*****
After breakfast, Carrie and John left for town to pick up some supplies for their soon-to-arrive pup. Helen accepted Elise’s help with the cleanup and then shooed her on her way with instructions to go exploring outside. Elise walked into the backyard and looked around with interest.
The early morning air was cool, but the brightness of the sun promised to bring a warmer day once the dampness burned off. Small white clouds dotted the otherwise clear blue sky and the air had the fresh, clean scent that always appeared after a rain. Noting the puddles on the ground, Elise vaguely recalled hearing some rain hitting against the windowpane sometime during the night. Had it been before, or after Thomas had been found? She hoped it was after the fact, not liking the image of the wounded man lying on the ground, blood and rain soaking his clothes as he awaited rescue.
Shaking the grim image from her mind, she concentrated on her surroundings again. Numerous large trees dotted the lawn, their majestic branches stretching outward to create a canopy overhead. Elise imagined that in the summer the yard would be pleasantly shaded by their leaves. In the far corner, a substantial vegetable garden could be seen, and a variety of flower beds were placed strategically around the house and outbuildings. Due to it being fall, the gardens weren’t looking their best, but evidence of the summer splendour could still be seen in the few hardy flowers that refused to quit blooming despite the cooler nights.
Circling to the front of the house, Elise carefully skirted a large puddle and then stood on the edge of the driveway. How far did she dare travel on her own? Looking down the drive, she could make out some houses beyond the bend. They were probably the homes of other pack members, she decided. Helen had spoken of an infirmary and she pondered where it might be located and if Kane would still be there. It wasn’t that she really wanted to see him, she told herself. It was just that she didn’t know anyone else or have anything in particular to do.
If she was with Kane, he’d introduce her to some more people and she’d feel braver about exploring. While the members she’d met briefly upon arriving yesterday had all seemed friendly, her encounter with Marla had left her a little apprehensive. Would she have to stand up to each and every member in order to prove herself, or would they just accept her? Had they only seemed friendly yesterday because Kane had been there? How would they react to meeting her without his protection? At dinner last night, she felt more confident when the others spoke of embracing new ways and new members, but now... She chewed on her lip as she pondered the questions rolling about in her mind. Joining a new pack was tricky; she’d never appreciated that fact before. Now that she had her own personal insight into the situation, she resolved to be a lot more supportive of new members in the future.
In the distance, Elise could hear a vehicle approaching. Squinting she noted that it was a red sports car and it seemed to be travelling rather quickly for such a narrow, twisty driveway. Clouds of dust swirled up around it, obscuring the view of the driver. Something about the vehicle was making her uneasy and she stepped onto the grass as it drew closer. Just as it was almost even with her, the driver jerked the wheel. The car fishtailed and loose bits of gravel flew up in the air. Elise jerked backwards as small pebbles pelted her. Unfortunately, there was a large puddle right behind her and she slipped, landing on her rear in the muddy water.
Gasping in outrage and embarrassment, Elise looked towards the driveway but the vehicle was gone. Muttering vile threats under her breath, she wiped her stinging cheek, not surprised when a smear of blood appeared on her hand. At least one of the sharp, stony projectiles had hit its mark. Thoroughly disgruntled, she got to her feet and tried unsuccessfully to wipe the mud off herself before stomping up to the house. She’d have to have a complete change of clothes and a shower.
Chapter 7
Thankfully the kitchen was empty. Elise really didn’t want anyone to know what had happened. Someone had humiliated her on purpose, and advertizing the fact was the last thing she wanted. Removing her socks and shoes so as not to leave a muddy trail, she padded barefoot up to her room and then finished stripping off her filthy garments. Setting them on the floor, she went to clean up before heading to the laundry area that Helen had shown her yesterday.
After turning on the shower, she peered in the mirror while waiting for the water to heat up. The stones had stung as they hit her face and she wanted to check the extent of the damage. Sure enough, her cheek was smeared with a streak of dried blood. Carefully, she probed the cut, judging its severity. Lycans healed quickly but even for them a deep wound took time to heal and could leave a scar. Opening the medicine cabinet, she found some antiseptic and dabbed the punctured skin, grimacing as the liquid stung the damaged flesh. A quick perusal found no other injuries, thankfully. Checking her appearance once more, Elise decided that a casual observer wouldn’t notice the wound, which in her mind was a good thing. She didn’t want a lot of people questioning what had happened. Once she found out who the driver was, she’d deal with him herself.
Grabbing a clip, she twisted her pony tail up on top of her head so it wouldn’t get wet and then turned away from the mirror, only to bump into a solid wall of muscle. Strong hands caught hold of her shoulders as she rocked backwards.
“Oh! You’re back.” Quite taken by surprise, she stated the obvious. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the fact that Kane was standing before her as naked as herself.
“Yep, I just walked in. I heard you moving about in here and, since I need a shower too, I thought we could share.”
Skimming her eyes down his form, she took in his sculpted pecs and abs before moving her gaze lower. His manhood was already at half-mast and she stared in fascination before realizing what she was doing. She felt her face grow hot in embarrassment and looked away.
Kane chuckled and caught her by the chin, forcing her to look at him. “Don’t be shy. You can look at me. I enjoy it almost as much as I enjoy looking at you.” He accompanied his words with actions, sweeping his hand down her body, caressing her from breast to hip and back again. “You’re a lovely female, Elise, with soft skin and intriguing curves that call out for me to touch them.” Leaning forward, he nibbled at her lips while using his hands to knead her breasts gently.
The combined sensations created by Kane’s use of his hands and lips made Elise’s body hum with pleasure. Without even meaning to, she found herself leaning towards him, trying to capture his mouth for a deeper kiss and pressing her breasts more firmly into his palms.
“You like that, don’t you?” he murmured as he guided her under the shower spray with him. Finding the soap, he began to wash her.
As the water pelted down, the fog that had been descending on her brain cleared. “I can do that.” She reached for the bar, but he brushed her hands aside.
“Shh... You’re my mate. It’s my job to take care of you.” Slowly he moved his hands over her, sliding across her shoulders and down her back, around to her waist then up to her breasts. He swirled soap over the soft mounds and Elise let her eyes drift shut as the pleasantly fuzzy feeling returned. The rhythmic movement both relaxed and excited her. Soon he abandoned her breasts
and knelt before her, washing her stomach, legs, and buttocks. He nuzzled the juncture of her thighs, and her legs trembled as she recalled the amazing sensations Kane had managed to create within her.
All too soon, Kane stood up, leaving Elise feeling restless and achy. His body brushed sensuously against hers. “Time to trade jobs,” he murmured, pressing the soap into her hands. Gulping, Elise took the bar from him. When she hesitated, he took her hands in his, moving them about on the soap to create a lather, then guiding her palms to his chest. Tentatively, she rubbed soap across his body and a low rumble emanated from his throat. Licking her lips, she continued to wash him, noting how his male nipples pebbled as her hands passed over them. Stealing a glance up at his face, she saw that his eyes were closed and his jaw was clenched. A small smile appeared on her mouth as she realized the power she had over him.
She became absorbed in her task. Never having explored a male’s body before, she found the activity fascinating. His muscles quivered in response to her touch, shifting under her palms. Circling around him, she washed his back before boldly moving lower, smoothing soap over his hips and buttocks, then down his legs. Her heartbeat quickened when she moved in front of him again, working her way up his legs, then skirting around his manhood, which was becoming more erect right before her eyes. Finally, feeling incredibly brave, she washed his stomach and slid her hands down the dark arrow of hair. The edge of her hand brushed against his shaft and she was surprised at how hot and silky the skin was. Gently, she ran a finger down his length and gave a brief chuckle as the organ jumped in response. A groan sounded above her. Daringly, she slipped her hand around him and explored his length and shape, all the while marvelling that something of this size could actually fit inside her. The sack at its base caught her attention and she cupped him, testing the weight and texture, before returning to his erection.