by J. E. Cluney
I had no real future here in the Pack, living a mundane country lifestyle. My father always told me I was ungrateful for not being happy with our way of life, but I always felt like there was more for me out there, some greater purpose for me.
I opened up my teak dresser to find my clothes still here, with no musty scent. Now that I looked closely, no dust lined the surfaces either. So one of the she-wolves who doubled as a cleaner was still keeping it in check. Every position in this Pack was equally cherished and required, no one was treated differently, whether it be Keith down by the river who handled everyone’s plumbing, or Bianca who enjoyed cleaning the mansion for my father.
I froze as I spied the picture frame of my mother, and a lump formed in my throat as I stared at her.
Fiery red hair and chocolate eyes, a beautiful woman holding her son and baby daughter as she smiled for the camera. My brother was no older than six, meaning I was only two, since we were four years apart.
It wouldn’t be until I turned ten that the wolf disease would claim her. A disease thought to have gone extinct among our kind. Those who carried ancient bloodlines were more prone, but she’d been the first to fall victim to it since my great-great-grandfather. A mad disease of the mind that crazed her, forcing on a final wolf shift. She’d attacked Pack mates, and by order of the Council and our laws, she had to be put down by a Huntress.
My Aunt had been the one to do it. My father’s sister.
My father hated me for wanting to become the thing that killed my mother. No matter how many times I reminded him that it was how it had to be, she’d gone rabid, claimed by the disease that gave our children nightmares. It was another reason I didn’t want to be a breeder. What if my children caught it, or I did myself? I wouldn’t want them to get hurt. My boys could defend themselves, but a child? I was just lucky that the disease had shown symptoms first, and my father wouldn’t allow her to be left alone with us.
She’d snapped at a Sunday communal dinner out on the lush grassy grounds of the mansion. There’d been screams and fear, blood and pain. We were just lucky my Aunt was there. No one else would put the Alpha’s mate down. No one else held the Authority apart from the Alpha and Huntress, and there was no way my father could put her down.
My brother and Nathan had whisked me away at my father’s request when my mother began shrieking, her body contorting with the most powerful and painful shift.
I didn’t have to watch as she was put down, something I was forever grateful for.
I sniffled, wiping harshly at the lone tear that had betrayed me.
I would protect those that needed it, I would become something more. I never hated my Aunt for what she did, I was grateful. I’d seen my mother lose herself over the days leading up to it, becoming nothing but a shell of herself. At the dinner beforehand, I remember asking her if I could join the Pack for their midnight runs on Sunday nights when I reached shifting age. Werewolves don’t shift until they hit puberty. Another fun thing thrown in amongst all the other teenage drama.
She’d just stared at me blankly, not hearing me as her eyes dulled. That’s when I knew she was gone. My mother had died already, and all that was left was a rabid wolf in her wake.
If it weren’t for my Aunt Neema, rushing out with a silver blade she always carried, many could have died. Quite a few had been hurt, no one willing to attack the Alpha’s mate even in self-defense.
I glanced back down at the open drawer of clothing in my dresser, forcing myself to pluck out some denim shorts and a black shirt. I yanked another drawer open and snatched out some underwear as I headed for the bathroom next door.
I shook the memories from my mind, letting the cool water wash away the sorrows that had come forth. I mentally checked my cycle, relaxing when I remembered that I was not in the window-frame to fall pregnant, at least, I was pretty sure I wasn’t, being away from my boys meant I rarely checked up on it now since I wasn’t having sex. My boys didn’t like to use condoms, and many times I had to go to the infirmary on the grounds for the morning after injection designed for werewolves. It was more common than humans would think possible, but werewolves were sexual, horny creatures, and some women weren’t ready, especially the horny teenagers, their bodies not yet equipped to carry a child.
Our bodies ran hotter than our human counterparts, and cool showers were normal, so was not wearing jackets and warm clothing in cool night air.
I scrubbed myself, taking my time to clean, knowing that despite how they shared me, Nathan had a fondness for sweeter things, and getting the majority of Jaye out from inside me would be beneficial for him. He loved to taste me, to touch me and kiss me like the sensual lover he was.
The thought of him delving between my legs heated me and I grumbled, trying to drive off my raging desire and hormones. If this was bad, wait until I went on heat. Now that was hectic. Most she-wolves withdrew to their homes with their mate when the time came, and we didn’t question it.
The young teen she-wolves were held at home as well, only their father allowed around them, as he would be unaffected by the change in his daughter. As for the rest of the Pack, well, control was not easy for ‘wolves when a female in heat was around.
My first few times in heat after the boys had accepted the notion to share me, hell, that had been fucking amazing. All of them clamoring to fuck me, desperate and needy, their warm bodies all around me, not caring that they were all there.
It was after that that my father found out about our interesting relationship, and he disapproved silently, unable to stop it. He may have been Alpha, but you don’t mingle in the sexual affairs of the Pack, even if it was your own daughter. Besides, he trusted the three, and knew they wouldn’t bring any harm to me, so he kept his disapproval to himself. Except for the looks he’d give me when he’d known I’d been with them all at once. It was one of confusion and interest, as if he’d never considered such a thing. But then the disapproval would take over and I’d ignore him and walk off.
I shut the shower off, content that I’d cleaned myself enough, the scent of lavender wafting from my skin from the homemade soaps that Bethany, one of the teen she-wolves, made.
I dried myself hastily, eager to find what awaited me at the barn. Nathan wanted to make our first time since I’d left a special one, and I couldn’t wait.
I tugged on my denim shorts and black shirt. I dried my hair which had gotten a bit wet despite having thrown it up in a ponytail to avoid the water, and I let it fall back down over my shoulders.
I tossed my dirty clothes in the basket and headed out, making sure to grab my boots as I headed back down the hall.
Outside, the crisp night air filled my nostrils and I eyed the grounds of the mansion. Recently mowed and smelling of freshly cut grass, the scattered flowerbeds along the walls of the mansion and the odd carefully shaped shrubs along the footpaths that circled it were a sight I kinda missed.
The barbecuing area had a few of the males of the Pack hanging around as they shared some late night sausages and beer, giving me a wave as I headed past them. The stables were off behind the mansion to the left, and the barn was just past that. The horse fields were beyond the barn, past the horse corral. And then we had some woods that sectioned off the mansion from the cattle fields. If I continued straight down from the back of the mansion instead of turning left, I’d eventually hit the river, which you could just see through the trees on clear, sunny days.
I drew in the scents of the barn as I drew near, the scent of hay and horses, of leather and ‘wolves.
And Nathan.
I heaved the big white barn door open, my nostrils flaring as I eyed the stacks of hay and feed for the horses and cattle.
“Up here,” Nathan called from the top level.
I sniffed again, scenting the sweet berries. Dessert indeed.
I crossed the dusty, hay layered floor and gripped the old wooden ladder to the top level. The moonlight filtered through the open barn window above the barn door, an
d I pulled myself up, excitement and desire rushing through me as I caught the scent of his eagerness.
I couldn’t contain the grin as waves of tender love rolled over me as I reached the top, spying Nathan past a few hay bales. He was splayed out with his button-up shirt undone, revealing his chiseled chest and defined abs, his smooth, soft skin glowing in the gentle moonlight. He lay sprawled out on a red and blue checkered picnic blanket with a selection of berries sitting ready for me. And he’d positioned it all right before the large barn window, so we could look out over the horse fields under the soft glow of the moon and stars.
“This is so beautiful,” I breathed as I hesitantly joined him, wanting to capture this gorgeous moment and his thoughtfulness.
“I thought you deserved the best,” he murmured, his nostrils flared as he drew in my scent. “You smell even more delectable than before.”
“Lavender. I see Beth is still making all the soaps, she’s got quite a skill there,” I said as I joined him on the blanket, kicking off my boots and drawing my knees up in front of me.
“Figured you’d like dessert,” he said with a proud smile as he waved his hand over the selection set out on a platter.
“How could I resist,” I murmured as I plucked some blueberries from the platter and savored their sweetness.
“Here, let me,” he said as he sat up, catching my hand as I reached for more berries.
I raised an eyebrow but smiled as he chose some strawberries for me.
I allowed him to feed them to me, gently taking them from his fingers and making sure I dragged my lips slowly across them.
His eyes dilated, and even in the moonlight I could see the bulge in his pants. I preferred it this way, no harsh lights, only the moon lighting us.
“Are you worried about this Richard thing?” he asked as he looked out across the horse fields with a furrowed brow. There were a few horses grazing, many were sleeping, and some even lay down as they caught the much needed deep sleep. I could see the far field with our big paint stallion, his black and white coat standing out under the moon as he watched over his mares protectively.
“No, not really. My father will handle it, besides, surely I get some say in the matter,” I shrugged, unable to keep the underlying anger from my voice. Truth be told, I was pissed about the whole thing. The fact that that horrid old man wanted me. I knew how selfish he was. He made sure that he claimed almost all of his she-wolves when they went in heat, not allowing their mates to sire many children of their own.
He was a cruel Alpha, but his Pack obeyed him as that was what a Pack did, even if he was a disgusting pig.
But his Pack consisted of many fine werewolves, one of the strongest Packs in the area alongside our own. The Council would think a joining of the two would be a fit idea. But who would be Alpha then? My father could win against him, I didn’t doubt that, but if he took me as his true mate, then my father would lose his position when the Packs merged, as I was the firstborn female to my father. Richard would take the title, and my father would either have to follow him or be run out of the Pack. Or worse, depending on what Richard chose.
But my father was an Area Enforcer, surely he had some pull with the Council.
“I hope he can get this settled. I mean, a joining of the Packs would be beneficial to our kind, but not this way, not with what he’s proposing,” Nathan growled, his chest rumbling like a true wolf.
“He will,” I said, but my voice faltered. I hoped he would. He had to. But if he didn’t, surely there was something I could do?
“I can’t believe that I don’t get a say. I’ve created my own life, I’m training with Neema, I’ve got my own dreams and desires. I don’t want to to become some old idiot’s mate and breed with him,” I groaned as I lay back on the blanket. My hands itched to punch something, to vent my frustrations and anger. But something about being with Nathan always kept me in a calmer state. He was always so laid-back, so controlled and gentle.
“We won’t let him have you, this Pack would protect you against it. I’d protect you, Jaye, Scott and I, we’d never let that happen,” Nathan lay down beside me and cupped my cheek.
“The Council gets the final say. I could run away, but then I’d be hunted for fleeing the duty and laws of our Pack,” I murmured. I wanted to march right over there and smack that old ‘wolf in the face for even thinking he could do this. How dare he?
“Not even taking a mate could get rid of it either, otherwise I’d suggest that,” Nathan said, his voice pained and unsure.
“No, not after the proposal is made,” I agreed. The Council would rule the acquisition of a sudden mate to be against the proposal made. It would not be seen as a legitimate binding.
“I wonder if I could beat him in a fight,” I suddenly said. Could I, with all my new training, possibly beat the Alpha looking to claim me? Was that an option? A fight for the right?
“Maybe. Depends. As a wolf, you’d lose. Nothing against you, but he has the power of the Alpha,” Nathan gave me a sad, thin-lipped smile. He was right. The title of the Alpha was not just a title. It gave you the power of ten wolves, the strength of the true, first wolves, and the speed of them as well.
“But as man and woman, maybe I could,” I pondered. I’d learned how to defend myself in woman state, how to use a man’s brute force and strength against him, how to use my smaller size and flexibility to my advantage.
“Possibly,” Nathan shrugged. “But I’d not like you try that.”
“No,” I mumbled. Fighting an Alpha. Now that was never something to be done in vain. Many ‘wolves died when they got cocky and tried that. Many were run out of their Packs, and the Alpha’s rarely ever lost until they were old and withered, the power inside them no longer enough against those younger and more agile.
I may think of Richard as old, but he was not truly old, he still had vigor and life left in him.
“Hey, don’t sweat it, hun. Your father has this covered. For the weekend, you get to enjoy being home with us,” Nathan gave me a devilish smile as he dipped his head, his soft, sweet lips brushing mine.
“Right,” I breathed, drawing in his intoxicating aroma of horses and hay, leather and sweat. A true rancher.
He waited for me to make the move, pushing forward and kissing him, seeking entrance into his mouth. He moaned as he kissed me, exploring my mouth and battling my tongue as he pulled my shirt up and danced his fingertips across my belly.
His kiss was sweet and gentle, but I could feel the underlying desire and energy. The need that ran through his veins to mate.
He leaned over me, resting his body on mine carefully, holding himself up with one arm as he kissed me, his mouth growing hungry.
I ran my hands up his chest, tracing his smooth pecs and pinching the perk nipples gently.
He moaned, enjoying the sensations. His free hand trailed up under my shirt, and I raised myself up to allow him the movement required. He unclasped my bra with agile, experienced fingers and I lay back down, breaking the kiss as I tugged my top off.
“Now, aren’t we rushing things a wee bit,” he growled softly as he kissed beside my mouth, trailing soft, slow kisses down my jaw, then my neck.
“I can’t help that I want you,” I moaned as I swung one leg up over his hip, feeling the push of his arousal against my thigh, his tight jeans making it easier to feel.
He chuckled, the sweet sound reverberating against my collarbone as he kissed it gently.
“I want to take this slow, I want to enjoy you, and I want you to enjoy it too,” he breathed, his hot breath flushing my skin. The mix of cool air drifting in through the open window and his warm body against mine was heavenly, and I entwined my fingers in his hair as he moved to my chest.
I moved against him, throbbing and aching for him as he kissed my left breast.
“Steady,” he murmured, his voice still as smooth as hell despite his bulge against my thigh.
I moaned as he took my perk nipple in his mouth, suckl
ing and flicking his tongue over the bud to draw soft mews from me.
He used his free hand to fondle my right breast, running his thumb over my nipple and kneading my breast gently.
I could feel the callouses on his fingers, he may look smooth and perfect all over, but his hands told the tale of years of ranch work. Of roping cattle and working horses.
I gasped as he nipped my nipple gently, and I wanted to rip his jeans off and have him now.
But I held back, savoring his gentle kisses as he switched breasts, giving them both equal attention.
I tugged at his shirt, desperate to have it off him so I could feel the muscles in his back, drag my nails across his skin.
He obeyed, allowing me to pull his shirt off before he dove down to claim my mouth once more, our naked torsos moving against one another. I dragged my hands down his beautifully tanned back, sun-kissed from the days spent outside when it was too hot and sweaty for a shirt.
He moaned as I slid a hand down to trace the top of his waistband, playing with the line of hair that trailed down from his belly button.
I unbuttoned his jeans and slid the zip down as he gave a relieved sigh.
“You need a bigger pair of jeans,” I said, my voice sultry and needy in his ear.
“You need these off,” he said, his voice finally raspy from desire as he undid my denim shorts and tugged them off, underwear and all.
I wanted him to pull his throbbing cock out and drive himself into me, claiming me and filling me fully. I wanted him - no, I needed him.
He caught my mouth again in a hot kiss, and I arched back, wrapping my legs around his waist and feeling the bulge in his briefs. He moved against me, the fabric rubbing me nicely and making me moan and tremble.
He dragged his lips from mine and littered frantic kisses down my neck once more. This time he didn’t stop at my breasts, although he did give them some loving on the way down.