by Yvette Hines
Continuing her path to him, full hips swaying wide and slowly from left to right. “It is I that has come to do something for you, Alpha. I offer myself to you for our mutual satisfaction. It has been a long day for us all.” She stopped at the side of the bed knowing better than to join him without an invite.
He took a moment to assess all of her thick curves, bountiful bosom and supple thighs. There was no doubt in his mind he would be able to find ecstasy with her. “You will need to find another to satisfy your need of the day, Sylista.”
Slowly she trailed her gaze along the plain of his body and stopped at the hard strength of his cock. Meeting his eyes again with a single eyebrow arched, she inquired, “Are you sure, my Alpha? Perhaps it is another you desire to join me in pleasuring you?”
Several in a bed of unmated valfs was not unheard of. Hell, Haulcon had partaken of that kind of pleasure many times both before and during his time with Nyca. However, it was no longer what his body craved.
“I am sorry. This sunrise I seek rest alone.”
She bowed her head. “As you wish, Alpha. Know that the offer is always there.” Turning, she left his room.
He could swear there was more sway in her hips than when she walked toward him. Shaking his head, he collapsed onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. Why had he turned down such a luscious invitation?
Adair was why. He knew it. His wolf didn’t have to remind him that his body now craved only one female. He should never have laid with her. Even worse, drinking from her had ruined him for the taste of any others’ blood. True that Jacin’s tainted blood was not any to go by. But, even the buck he’d located yesterday and brought down he had not enjoyed. Needing the nourishment for the day’s battle was what had kept him drinking.
He knew he could not go on this way. He was a valf Alpha. He would need to ensure his people were safe and secure and find a mate soon. It was required of him.
~YH~
Haulcon walked into the banquet hall he had left just several hours before. It was cleaned from ceiling to floor. It didn’t even appear there had been a battle there earlier. No evidence of the bodies or blood that had littered the floor. The table was heavily laden with food and there was music filling the room. No one was eating or dancing yet, but having been to one other offering ceremony in his life, but many other festive occasions, Haulcon knew that it would not take long before all open spaces were filled with individual valfs swaying to the music.
He had given the order to have the gates heavily barred so that all could attend the offering ceremony. After the division, this was a time for all of them to come together.
“Hello, my Alpha,” it was Sylista who sashayed up to his side.
The woman didn’t give up. That was one thing he could say for her. “Sylista.”
“May I offer you a drink?” She held a cup out to him.
There was no need for him to glance down into the cup, he knew it was filled with thick, fresh blood from some woodland animal.
“Not at the moment. With all of the offering of the night, I’m sure I will have more than my share.” Besides his stomach had not completely settled from his consumption of all of Jacin’s blood. He would have liked to postpone this event for a couple days just to ensure he would be able to complete the offering tradition, but after what had happened so soon after Ridok’s death Haulcon didn’t want to risk taking the clan officially.
“I understand. Shall I be the first to extend my wrist?” She reached up and stroked his hair, allowing her wrist to brush along the side of his mouth.
Her scent was a combination of earth and wildflowers. Not that it wasn’t delightful. It just did nothing toward enticing him.
Cocking an eyebrow at her forwardness, he watched as she withdrew her touch and wrapped both hands around the cup she had just offered him. He noticed her slight tremble. He could see that she got his point that she had overstepped a boundary with her Alpha.
Instead of calling her to task, he said, “The honor of the first draw always goes to the second in command. That is Friedol. We don’t want there to be any mistake in who stands beside me.”
“That is true. I’ll take better care from now on, Alpha.”
With a sharp nod, he walked toward the front of the room where Friedol and his mate were standing.
“Friedol. Chrysen.”
“Alpha.” Chrysen smiled at him.
“I see you have found yourself a bit of entertainment. Can I hope that she gave you some company after your victory?” Friedol teased him.
“No and no,” he declared as he took a glass of water from a server as he passed by.
“Why not? I can’t see any reason why any male valf would not want such willing, vivaciousness in his bed.”
Chrysen elbowed him.
“Keep that up and you will be finding a bed on the floor,” Haulcon joked back with his friend as he saw the tight expression on Chrysen’s face.
“Do not forget mate, your sharing days are over. So, if you wish for that valf female to lose a limb, continue to comment on her.”
Friedol lifted his hands in surrender. “I only want you warming my bed, mate of mine. I only expounded on her form to entice our Alpha toward her.” He lowered a hand and swatted Chrysen on her plump ass.
“Mmhmm.” Chrysen lifted her cup and drank, allowing her attack on Friedol to drop.
“So, Alpha. Do you see someone else to your liking? I will make sure they are presented to you.”
Haulcon finished off his glass of water then pretended to give a scan of the available females in the room. However, he truly had no desire to find anyone. It was only to humor his best friend. “No one at this time. I’m sure after the weight of the day wears off I shall have a clearer head for a choice of a bed partner.”
“And a mate,” Nyca and her mate Marco joined them. Just like everyone else, she was dressed in celebration finery. She wore a traditional long black dress with blue jewel threaded along the side. The neckline of her dress plunged so low the indention of her navel was revealed.
“Is everyone attempting to pair me with someone? Did I miss a bylaw somewhere that said an appointed Alpha must have a mate within the first twenty-four hours?” Haulcon knew there was bite to his words, but he felt cornered and frustrated at the discussion.
Was everyone in the room talking about his unmatched status? Did they think something was wrong with him? A flaw in his character? The last thing he wanted was for there to be question about his ability to lead. It was true he had been single for well over a year since things ended with Nyca. But, to him, finding a mate, the right mate, took time and patience.
“How about we start the offering ceremony?” Marco suggested.
Haulcon had never been more grateful to an individual than he felt toward Marco at that moment.
“Good idea,” Haulcon agreed.
“Then we shall begin,” Friedol declared. Moving to the center of the room, he clapped his hand three times loud.
The room became silent, even the music was turned all the way down.
“Evening, everyone!” Friedol called out.
“Evening!” All valfs chorused back.
“I believe I speak for everyone when I say how glad I am that our true appointed Alpha has returned.” Friedol was handed a cup of blood as an attendant went around the room and refilled everyone’s drink.
Haulcon was the only one who did not get a beverage. With the night’s events, none was needed for him. He had used the water to cleanse his pallet.
“Let us raise a toast to Haulcon, Alpha of the South-East Valfs!” Friedol held his drink high above his head.
Others around followed suit.
“We salute you and offer our wrists to you tonight, Alpha. Promising to give you our faith, service and loyalty.”
“Our faith, service and loyalty to you Alpha,” the crowd chanted then took healthy drinks from their cups.
Haulcon looked around at all the faces filled with admi
ration. This night was the start of the rest of his life. Only the Great Spirit knew what all was in store for him as he led his clan. He gave a deep bow of thanks to their dedication to him.
His best friend came toward him. Friedol stopped directly in front of him and pushed the left sleeve of his dress shirt up past his forearm. “Alpha, I give you my blood, an offering of my devotion to you, to our clan.”
Taking hold of Friedol’s fist, Haulcon brought it to his mouth and said, “I accept the honor of your devotion.” He lowered his fangs and buried them into the tender part of the other male’s wrist.
A brief drink was all that was required. Pulling away, Haulcon declared, “Thank you, second in command.”
Friedol moved away.
Nyca was next to offer her wrist and Haulcon named her commander of arms, then came Chrysen and Marco followed by Larina, Tison and the rest of his clan. After he sipped from each person he gave them their title and positon in the clan, most were the same as they had been with the previous Alpha. However, it was his responsibility to select his chief officers and those were the six who had not given up searching for him and stood beside him as he fought.
The night wore on long. But, Haulcon never faltered as he accepted one clansman’s wrist after another. When that was completed he took one of the servers, Dresa, onto the floor and started the dancing. She was an elderly woman who had lost her mate a few years back, she had always made sure his room was attended to. He gave her the honor of ensuring his things were moved to his new room and over all servant staff.
She laughed and smiled gleefully as she moved around the floor still as agile as any youth.
People joined them, dancing, eating and celebrating with each other. Haulcon knew the night would not end until the sun drove them all to their beds.
That was fine for him. His clan was just the distraction he needed.
Chapter Seven
“Are you sure you want to take this trip, Adair, you don’t look too well.” Mr. Cook assessed her with a curious look.
“I’m fine.” She lied. Her body had felt a little out of sorts for the past few days, but she refused to admit that and risk losing this assignment.
Mr. Cook flicked a finger against the corner of the proposal he held in his hand, but kept his gaze on her.
Adair was uncomfortable, but she met his stare evenly. “A twenty-four hour bug that’s all. Fall came in a bit early this year, it’s not even Halloween. The drastic change has my body out of whack.” That was all she would admit.
“If you say so.”
“I do.” She forced a smile on her lips. “That’s why it’s the perfect time for me to head out to warmer climates. As you will see in my proposal I did stick with the Grand Canyon,” she began, moving the conversation back to the reason she was in his office. “I’ve spoken to one of the most experienced guides of the canyon. I have not only the length of time I will be gone but the types of animals I will shoot. I plan to complete a traveling diary that you can use for several issues and do a video recording of my experience for the online mag.”
He did glance down this time, flipping through the two pages she’d given him. “I see you’ve thought of everything.”
She had. In the past two weeks, her sole purpose with every ounce of free time had been to ensure she did all her research so she could get out of town and soon.
Every minute her mind wasn’t occupied with work she’d thought about Haulcon. Dreamed about him, desired him. More than once over the last week she’d found herself with car keys in hand ready to drive out to the bluff just for a possible chance of seeing him. Thankfully, she’d come to her senses before she reached her jeep.
“You can also see that I’m camping in the Canyon to minimize my reimbursement cost.” She flashed a smile at him.
He chuckled. “You know that’s always my bottom line.”
“In the years I’ve worked for you I have gathered that,” she chuckled. She really did like Mr. Cook. Out of all the editors she had interactions with he was always fair and honest to his people. Even though she technically didn’t work for him, she was freelance and could walk away at any point in time, he still extended the umbrella of concern toward her.
“Against my better judgment I will grant you approval. This will be a damn good piece, too sweet to ignore.” He stamped and signed the last page before passing it over to her.
“You will not regret this.” She took the papers and stood.
“I already am.”
Hearing his words she stared at him.
“I still say running away is never the answer.” He sighed and shook his head. His expression was filled with fatherly concern.
It was something she never got from her own dad and seeing it caused her chest to feel tight, she struggled to draw in air.
Picking up his cigar from where it balanced on the rim of his coffee mug, he placed it in one corner of his mouth and gripped it with his teeth. “So, when do you head out?”
“In about two weeks. I have a couple assignments to complete for Babies and Papa’s then I’ll be gone.”
“Well, you take care of yourself, Adair. Let me know when you’re back.” Over the years, he knew better than to ask her when she planned to return. Her time was her time. That was the beauty of being freelance. Since all expenses upfront were hers and his company only had to pay her back for the agreed upon amount, she chose how long to stay away. Sometimes days other times months. It was in her nature to stay at a location until she got the exact shots she wanted, what satisfied her. The assignment and pay were secondary to her actual enjoyment of having a camera in her hand.
“Will do, Mr. Cook.” She left before he could shower her with anymore concern. There was only so much fatherly advice she could take.
Since her Pap-paw died years ago, she’d built a shell around her emotions, blocking out any need to be cared about. No one was around to do it, so she felt it was a waste of time to yearn for it. Associating with Mr. Cook always put those latent emotions at risk of being exposed. Then where would she be?
At a long-stay motel on the corner of lonely and grief streets.
“No, thank you.” She was better off not needing anyone.
~YH~
Adair struggled to get her things together. In two days she would be on a flight to the Arizona side of the Grand Canyon. However, she couldn’t seem to get her mind or body straight. She found herself walking into rooms and forgetting why she’d even gone in there in the first place.
She was too young for the change of life. Not even thirty yet, her mind should be as sharp as a tack. However, she hadn’t been herself in the last two weeks since getting approval for her trip. Normally by now her things would be packed and at the door, just waiting as she counted down the hours to leave.
But the only thing she had managed to get into her large, high-capacity hiking backpack was her camera and case, backup battery packs, two flashlights, four packs of D batteries and one pair of panties.
Even her trail mix ingredients were still spread out on the counter uncombined. Not to mention there were no rolls of film in the backpack.
“I’m a mess.” She could only admit that out loud to herself. Hiding it from others and pretending everything was okay was one thing, but she couldn’t fool her own mind.
She sat down on her couch and curled her legs beneath her hip. The urge to sleep for hours pushed at her, only driving behind her need to eat. However, she had eaten all kinds of things over the last few days, but couldn’t find what she craved.
To make matters worse, she felt like she was starting to hallucinate because she seemed to see Haulcon at every turn.
Haulcon.
Her body ached and cried out for him. At night she felt chilled to the bones and the only thing that warmed her up was reciting his name like a mantra until she drifted off to sleep.
She shoved up from the couch. “This is insanity, Adair,” she yelled at herself.
It had been three
weeks and a day since she’d last seen him. The man had his life, his own clan that not only didn’t include her but was a complete different species. Valf. That one word was so far away from the word human it was ridiculous.
So, the man was sexy. And made tall, dark and handsome the understatement of the year when used to describe him. “More like massive, imposing and dangerous.”
However, she didn’t fear he’d hurt her. There’d been plenty of opportunity for him to kill her if it was in his nature. But he hadn’t.
What he had done to her with one bite, one thrust and a kiss had been twenty times more body rocking than all of her three prior lovers combined could accomplish.
“I’m just sex deprived that’s it.” It was easier to blow off what she felt thinking about Haulcon to lust. Anything else was just ridiculous.
She desired him, but the strong urge her body had experienced to be around him like when she was in the forest was gone. Their connection, as he called it, was well and over.
Then why can’t you get him off your mind?
Why were you halfway up the mountain last night before you realized where you were going?
She’d gone out for steak and fries and had turned off in the opposite direction of downtown.
She arrived at the restaurant so late that the manager had given her call-in order away.
Shaking her head, she marched into her room forcing herself to pack.
“Six panties and seven sports bras, check. Five pairs of socks, check.” She decided calling out the items she needed would keep her focused.
Gathering her clothes, she dropped them in the center of her bed as she collected them. In her bathroom she grabbed her ever-ready vanity bag. Glancing inside to ensure there weren’t any items that needed replenishing like body wash, unscented lotion, deodorant, nail clippers, a small mirror, and toothpaste. She pulled out her toothbrush and put in a new one. She noticed she only had a few tampons left so she grabbed her box from under the sink to add more to the small bag.
That’s when something started to dawn on her. Leaving the things on the bathroom counter, she rushed to the wall in her bedroom. Staring at the calendar of baby animals nailed up beside her dresser mirror she saw the date, October third.