Bret snarled. "Why are you smiling?"
I sighed. "Look Bret. In the world of werewolves you have to have a pecking order. Sure you can be friends and lovers, but you have to keep the order and you tried to break it. I didn't mean to humiliate you, but you challenged me in front of others. I had to remind you who your alpha is."
Bret growled. "You aren't alpha, you are just screwing the alpha!"
I growled back at him shoving my finger in his chest. "You don't know anything! I'm not screwing anyone and I am your alpha. Do you need a reminder?!"
Bret snarled. "Try it and see who the real alpha is."
I felt my body temperature rising with my anger and felt my body starting to twitch. I looked at Bret's body and saw him beginning to change as well. I groaned, "Fuck it!" I let my body take over and transform. I could feel the bones popping and sliding around to change my shape. My skin split apart, making a disgustingly wet sound as it ripped into pieces and then started falling below me. I closed my eyes and inhaled holding my breath as I finished the transformation. I slowly re-opened my eyes and looked out with much clearer, much sharper eyes with a muzzle between them that surprisingly didn't interfere with my view. I picked each foot up and wagged my tail then pulled my lips up in a smile.
I shook my body and turned to look at Bret. He was bigger than me in height, width, and weight, but I knew I could still defeat him. It was too cramped in the bedroom to move around easily though. He snarled at me and I snarled back. I sighed in happiness, finally finding a body that felt right. This body was like home for me. I no longer cared to school Bret, I just wanted to run. I ran through the bedroom door breaking it into pieces and ran down the hallway. Bret barked and growled as he ran after me, but I didn't care. As I turned from the hallway towards what used to be the living room I saw Ares, Koda and Matt in the kitchen. When they saw me their mouths dropped open in shock. Ares ran towards me, but I couldn't wait for him because Bret was right behind me.
I ran through the giant opening and towards the closest set of trees. The early morning air was crisp and clean as I breathed through my new mouth and nose. I ran faster into the trees dodging and weaving through them. I could feel the energy in the trees and plants and asked their permission to frolic among them. The trees seemed to anticipate my moves, leaning out of the way to give me more room to run faster and enjoy my new found freedom. I could hear the others running after me and it made me smile. For once I was in charge. I ran through the forest and inhaled the smells for what seemed like the first time. I could feel Ares gaining on me and turned to watch him. His black fur glistened in the dawn light as his muscles bunched and stretched to run to catch up to me. He was truly magnificent and I knew he was alpha. He was much larger than Bret and extremely larger than me. His majestic head tilted to the side as he caught my eye. I lolled my tongue out to the side in a playful show.
His voice whispered through my head. Why are you a wolf?
I snapped my tongue back inside my mouth and stopped running staring at him in shock. How can I hear you in my head?
He snorted. All wolves can communicate through mind-to-mind telepathy. Some, like me, Koda and Matt can do it while in human form.
I sighed. Bret was challenging me again and I decided to let myself…
Bret slammed into the side of me sending me head over heels. My head missed a nearby trees by only a few inches. I wasn't sure if the trees had moved or not, but I thanked them anyway. I jumped up and snarled, but Ares already had Bret on his back on the ground. What is your problem, Bret?! She didn't do anything to you.
Bret snarled. She humiliated me yesterday. He turned his head to look at me. And I'm right about the alpha thing.
I snarled and launched myself so that I pushed Ares off of Bret and took his place above Bret, snarling with my teeth by his throat. Do you want to die Bret? I will kill you if you don’t stop trying to fight me. I am alpha as much as Ares.
Bret snorted. Ares is alpha, but you are just his bitch. The only reason no one will challenge you is because of him.
I shook my head shaking my mane. I am alpha with or without Ares. I don’t want to kill you Bret, but you are leaving me little choice.
Ares, Koda and Matt surrounded us. Matt growled softly. Don't kill him. Let the loser go back to the village and live there with them. He is only pissed because you chose Ares over him. And he doesn’t believe you aren't screwing Ares because what other reason would you chose Ares over him? Right Bret?
Bret snarled and I bit down into his throat. He yelped loudly as blood began to leak down his coat. You better knock it off Bret. I don't care what you think because I know I am alpha. With or without Ares I am your alpha.
I released my hold on his neck and stepped backwards to join Koda, Matt and Ares. Bret hopped up to his feet and shook his head. You are definitely not the same girl I fell in love with.
I snarled. Because you fell in love with a lie my father had set up. This is the real me and if you don't like it then too bad. I'm already taken anyway.
Bret coughed. Ya, good luck being his slut. Although you seem pretty good at it so far.
Ares charged forward knocking Bret to his side. Enough! You cannot talk to her that way. She is not a slut and she is your alpha. Now go back to the village before I kill you.
Bret stood up and ran back to the village without another word. I walked forward and turned around so I could look at the three wolves with me. I giggled internally at the thought that they were wolves now and not men. I could see Koda, Matt and Ares having some type of dialogue among them, but had no idea what about. I snarled, making them all look at me. It's not nice to talk about me when I can't hear you and am standing right here.
Matt tilted his head to the side. You should be able to tap into our conversation if you want to.
I shook my head. Nope, I can't. So what are you talking about?
They looked at each other and Ares finally turned to me. We were discussing how beautiful you are in wolf form and how much like the Mother you look. You are exactly as she is drawn and described, except for the purple eyes.
I frowned. I still have purple eyes? I thought your eyes were supposed to change to wolf eyes?
Koda nodded his head. They're supposed to, but it may have something to do with you being half.
I nodded my head and looked around the forest. I wished the moon was out, but it was my own fault for not changing sooner. We walked back to the house in silence, or at least I was in silence. I waited while the others changed and walked into the house. I was about to start to change when Ares walked back out wearing a pair of pants. He smiled at me. “You alright?”
I nodded my head feeling my ears flop as I did. I sat on my butt and pictured my human self. My bones popped and I felt myself shrinking in size until I could feel the cold wood porch beneath my butt. I curled into a ball trying to hide my body as Ares handed me a large blanket. “It’s all I could find quickly.”
I wrapped my self up in it and stood up. “Thanks.”
Ares smiled. “You need to put some clothes on though because we’re leaving.”
I frowned. “Where are we going?”
He shook his head. “It’s a secret.”
I sighed. “Like everything else in my life.”
Ares took a step towards me and my heart beat instantly picked up speed. I swallowed and he smiled. He reached out slowly and stroked my cheeks softly. “I’m very lucky to have gotten you as a match.”
I opened my mouth to say something, but Ares stopped me with a kiss. My legs felt like jelly and Ares wrapped his arms around my waist to keep me from falling. I pulled back from his kiss and whispered, “It’s not fair that you make me feel this way and I have no effect on you.”
Ares laughed and shook his head. “You have a great deal of an effect on me. I just am better at hiding my emotions.”
Koda cleared his throat making us turn towards him. “Ares it’ll be getting dark soon.”
Ares sighed
and nodded his head. “Of course.”
He pulled away from me and it felt like a scab being pulled off. I bolted inside and to Koda’s bedroom where a pile of clothes were lying on the bed. I changed faster than I ever had before and walked out to the porch where Ares, Koda, Matt and Victor were talking. I leaned against the porch railing and stared out at the abused town knowing it was my fault. Matt walked to stand next to me and smiled. “How are ya doin’ Love?”
I shook my head, “So much fighting and death and damage all because of me? It doesn’t make sense. I’m not special.”
The other men stopped talking and I turned around to face them. Ares shook his head. “You are special. You and I are special together. There are going to be people trying to get you and use you for themselves, but you must never think it’s your fault.”
Two black SUV’s pulled up in front of the house and Koda smiled. “Time to go.”
I walked towards the SUV’s ignoring Ares and Victor as best as I could. They were both whispering too quietly for me to hear their conversation, but obviously they were talking about me. I climbed into the first SUV and crawled into the center seat looking out the side window.
Ares sat down beside me and placed his hand palm side up on my knee. I stared at it for a moment then sighed giving into my desire and placed my hand in his. My heart picked up tempo and I felt content. I closed my eyes and Ares sighed happily beside me. “Thank you.”
I rested my head against his shoulder. “It’s getting much harder to fight. Plus, it’s not like I don’t like holding your hand.”
Ares laughed and kissed the top of my head. “I like holding your hand too. You should sleep now. It’ll be a while before we reach our destination.” I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feel of his hand holding mine, but sleep wouldn’t come.
I shifted on the seat and Ares released my hand so he could pull me down into his lap. I started to protest, but knew I would be more comfortable. I laid my head in his lap and he draped his left arm across my stomach and began stroking my hair with his right hand. I rubbed my cheek against his pant leg and sighed happily. For once it felt right to do this. With Bret it had always felt wrong somehow. Could it have been because I was meant to be with Ares?
Time dragged on, but Ares never stopped rubbing my hair. The vehicle finally stopped and I sat up stretching my arms above my head. Ares frowned. “You didn’t sleep?”
I shook my head. “No, but it was relaxing.”
He smiled at me and it was so gorgeous that my heart skipped a beat. Koda cleared his throat pulling me out of my trance. “I’m hungry.”
Ares sighed. “You’re always hungry.”
I looked out the window and gasped, “My town!”
Ares smiled. “We need to rest for a day and I thought you might like to get some of your other things from your house.”
I climbed out of the SUV and looked around the deserted streets. The only lights were coming from the pub and I could hear everyone talking loudly from inside. I turned to Ares and hugged him. “Thank you.”
He kissed my cheek softly. “I’ll have to remember to do things like this more often.”
I looked at his naked chest and frowned. “Maybe you should find a shirt first?”
Ares frowned. “Are you embarrassed by my body?”
I laughed. “Definitely not! I just don’t want to have to beat all of the girls off of you when we go inside.”
He smiled. “Aw, you’re jealous.”
I snarled. “Don’t patronize me.”
Koda tossed Ares a shirt from inside the car and Ares quickly put it on. I started walking towards the pub before Ares could tease me anymore. I turned around before opening the door to make sure that Matt, Koda and Ares were fully clothed then walked into the pub. Everyone ignored me as they watched the news of another attack. I walked to an open booth and waved at the waitress Darcy. She smiled at me and nodded her head. I waited until all of the guys sat down then sat on the edge seat beside Ares. He smiled at me and continued whispering to the others. The news story ended and Jason, Skankzilla’s dad, turned off the television.
Darcy hurried over and smiled at me. “Hey Darlin’! I was worried about you and your dad when you both disappeared.”
I smiled. “Oh we just went camping. You know how Darren loves camping.”
She laughed. “So what do ya’ll want?” I rolled my eyes and Darcy laughed. “The usual?”
I nodded my head. Ares nudged me and I sighed. “Darcy this is Ares, my boyfriend.”
Darcy looked him over with lust in her eyes. “You do know how to pick them. Well what do the rest of you want?”
I looked around the pub as the others ordered and caught Skankzilla glaring at me and storming towards me. I tensed and felt my lip pull up in a snarl. I quickly pulled my lip back down and smiled at her. She put her hands on her hips and glared at me. “Where’s Bret?!”
I batted my eyelashes. “Why would I know that, Skankzilla?”
She growled at me and it sounded so pathetic that I almost laughed. “Listen you hooker trash. I’ve taken your crap because of Bret, but if you’ve done anything to him…”
I stood up an inch away from her face. “You’ll do what?”
She stuttered and took a step back. “I…I…” Ares cleared his throat and Skankzilla looked around me to him. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him. “Oh, hi.”
He smiled. “Bret moved. He said to tell you he’s sorry he didn’t say goodbye.”
She stepped around me and flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Oh, well I’m Trish.”
Ares winked. “I’m Ares, Artemis’ boyfriend.”
Skankzilla’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. “You’re dating her?!” Ares nodded his head and she asked, “What did she have to do to date you?”
I reached back to punch her when Billy grabbed my arm. “Calm down Artemis. She’s not worth it. You know she’s just mad that Bret left without saying bye to her.”
Ares glared at Billy’s hand on me, but stayed perfectly still in his seat. I pulled my arm away from Billy’s hand gently. “You’re right Billy.”
Skankzilla turned to talk to Koda, but he waved his hand dismissively at her. “Beat it, Skank.”
Billy looked at the four men sitting at the table with me and frowned. “Who’re they?”
I smiled. “Billy this is Ares, Koda, Matt and Victor.”
Billy nodded his head at them. “So, are you staying or you on your way out?”
Ares was still glaring at Billy angrily and I remembered that Billy had tried to shoot them while they were wolves. I shook my head. “Just stopping at my house for some things and staying the night. We’ll be leaving tomorrow morning.”
Billy smiled at me. “So, you’ll be here tonight? You could come over…”
Ares shook his head. “She’s taken, boy.”
I glared at Ares. “Ares, I can handle this.”
He folded his arms across his chest and continued to glare at Billy. Billy frowned. “What’s he talking about?”
I sighed. “Ares is my…I’m dating Ares.”
Billy looked Ares up and down. “How long?”
I frowned. “What?”
Billy looked at me. “How long have you been with him?”
“Not long.”
Billy shook his head. “Artemis he’s…” He pulled my arm gently turning me away from the table. I heard Ares grow softly, but it was too low for Billy to hear. “Artemis I don’t like this guy.”
I smiled and patted his back. “Good thing it’s not up to you then. It was nice seeing you Billy, but my food’s here.”
I turned to sit down and Billy grabbed my arm hard, pulling me back toward him. “What’s does he have that I don’t?”
I stared down at his painful grip on my arm and opened my mouth when Ares spoke slowly beside me. “Manners for one. Release your hold on her before I lose my temper.”
Billy smiled smugly. “And why should I worry if y
ou lose your temper, huh freak?”
Ares smiled and the promise of pain was plain on his face. “Try me.”
Billy started to tighten his grip and I punched him in the face with my other hand. He let me go and stumbled backwards falling against the bar. Ares pulled me back against him. I glared at Billy. “You were always so jealous. I thought it was just of Bret, but you’re just too insecure.”
Billy glared at me. “You’ve always just been Bret’s pet freak!”
Ares moved across the aisle faster than I could see and picked Billy up by his throat holding him up with one hand. “I would prefer it if you refrained from insulting my girlfriend. As you can see I lose my control when that happens.’
Ares dropped Billy to the ground and Billy gasped for breath. J.D. started to move towards us, but Jess grabbed his arm and shook her head. I smiled at Jess and she smiled back. She pointed at Ares then put two thumbs up nodding her head smiling. I smiled back at her and pulled on Ares’ arm. “Come on, let’s eat before it gets cold. He’s just a loser like Bret.”
Ares looked at my arm where a small red mark still sat from Billy gripping me. He kissed it softly. “Do you see what I’ve told you? I’m fast, but not fast enough at times.”
I kissed his cheek. “It’s alright.”
He sat down and I could see the judgmental eyes of the others in the pub glaring at me. I sat down and we ate in silence. The noise started up again in the pub, but I could hear every painful comment from everyone talking about me. I finished my burger and chocolate shake and walked out of the pub.
Jess walked out behind me and smiled. “Hey.”
I smiled at her. “Hey. Sorry about that.”
She shrugged. “Why are you apologizing to me? That’s the most excitement we’ve had in a long time! And your boyfriend is sexy! Man! I couldn’t believe how he held Billy up with one hand.” She said in awe.
I giggled nervously. “Yeah, he gets real angry when people hurt me.”
She sighed. “I’m sorry about how we treated you before Artemis. You don’t have to leave you know?”
Song of The Moon Artemis Lupine Page 18