The Problem

by C. G Leigh

  He moves pulling me into a tight hug, engulfing me in his scent. It has an oddly calming effect on me, we must look a sight he's about 6'4 and I'm only 5'7. He lifts me off the ground a few inches while embracing me. “Darlin can just say that despite the situation, you still look sexy as hell,” he takes in my dress.

  “Sometimes you say the sweetest things, Shepard Greybane,” I hug him back.

  He gently sets me back down, everyone is staring at us, “Thanks for the support, pal,” I awkwardly tap my knuckles against his shoulder as a friend would. What are we in the 80’s Gemma, no friends go that anymore.

  Anna beams, while Ray and Charlie share an amused look, everyone else looks at me doubtfully. Ray coughs, “Busted.”

  Shep kneels down to the harpy, looking at the creature angrily, "You shouldn't have had to protect yourself. He should have never gotten into town,” he practically growls his fists clenched.

  "He's right, boys load him into the truck he has answers we need,” Madgi agrees. Ray, and Charlie move, picking him up and leading him away towards Shep's truck.

  Shep looks at me pulling away, "You really are the bravest woman I know, what am I going to do with you?" He moves some of my hair from my face.

  I smile loving his warmth, "I have to go now but I'll check on you later, okay?" He kisses my cheek, “Oh by the way Effie may have healed your recent injuries, but ahh my gift is still there.” He pecks the hickey with his lips before smiling at my mortified face.

  “You tell me now?” I move my hair to cover it. He grins, “Don’t forget later,” he says heading towards the truck. Something about this man is enthralling, I'm supposed to be my normal restrained or rather awkward self, but I find my resistance to him slipping or all together gone.

  "Are you all going to be alright getting back to the house safely?" Madgi looks at us worriedly.

  Anna nods, "Go we'll be alright.”

  He turns to me, "Thank you Gemma you've once again surprised me.”

  I smile, watching him and the guys leave. "Well I guess the dress is ruined now. You can have it for free if you'd like,” Mina offers.

  I laugh, "Thanks.”

  "What would we have done without you?" Anna wraps me in a tight hug. Chantel follows suit and it becomes a group hug of sorts, these lycans are big on affection.

  "Why don't we get back and get cleaned up? We can gather the women and watch a movie,” Anna suggests.

  I smile, "That'd be nice.”

  As we all part ways back at the house, Anna makes me hand over the dress, swearing to have it recovered from it's less than appealing form. I shower washing mine and the creature's blood away and who knows what else from my body.

  When I finish, I go downstairs to join the women in the living room for a movie. Noemi walks past me with a bowl of popcorn in hand, "Heard what you did today that was cool of you,” she says as she passes by.

  I smile, knowing she has slightly warmed up to me.

  "Come sit by me,” Chantel gestures, making room for me on the couch beside her. Smiling, I take my spot and Anna puts on some romantic movie, about a girl who falls in love with a poor boy who grows up to be a rich man and they love each other through it all.

  As the time begins to pass my worries about Shep grow. When he does walk through the door, his fists are covered in blood, the wounds already healed. The men scatter all heading upstairs, Anna following Madgi up, worried.

  I wait a few minutes before going up, and stand outside Shep's room, my hand hovering, before I finally gain the courage to knock. He opens the door immediately, as if he has been standing on the other side knowing that I was there.

  "Hi,” I say.

  "Hi,” he says looking back at me.

  "Is everything alright, what did the harpy tell you?" I ask.

  He sighs, "Why don't you come inside", opens his door wider and I step into his room. It smells of him, the walls are all dark forest green, the floor hardwood.

  "The harpy said a lot, most of it we already knew, but he did tell us something very worrying. We knew that more werewolves have been coming this way, but we had no idea that Samuel is the reason. Do you remember the story I told you, Samuel is the original werewolf, he wants this town, and all of us gone, or else he's going to attack,” Shepard explains.

  I take a seat on his bed, "Could he really destroy this town? Does he have that kind of army?" I question.

  "We don't know, All we know is that he's coming and when he does we need to be ready. That's what the meeting with Ward was about. We were talking about possible ways to keep werewolves away from the town, but now that we know who has control of them it makes things difficult.”

  I gulp, "It seems you have bigger problems on your hands than a group of wandering hunters.”

  Shep nods, "I like having one wandering hunter on my mind,” he says pulling me onto his lap and wrapping his arms around me. "Despite all that's going on. I am a man of my word, I still very much want to spend time with you.”

  He holds me tighter, “Now that I’ve caught you, can I have my reward now?”

  I laugh, “Oh and what exactly is this reward?”

  He lifts me up, setting me on the edge of the bed and slides down to his knees, parting my thighs. “Why you of course.”

  I gulp the familiar warmth returning. “Can I?” He asks, growing serious.

  I nod, laying back and opening my legs wider for him.

  He yanks the panties down in one foul swoop. “Next time, I’ll take them off with my teeth, but we have to be quick. It’s game night and Lex will be by any time to corral us along.”

  He pushes my legs further apart and ducks his head down. “Every part of you really is beautiful,” he kisses my mound. Using his fingers he spreads me apart before driving his tongue into me.

  “Shep, crap, shit, fuck, oh my gosh,” my hips rise to meet the on slaught of his magical tongue.

  My hand reaches out and locks on his hair, pulling on it slightly. If I thought it was good before it becomes heaven, when his tongue moves up and he sucks on my bud. He pulls his head back for a second, to blow on my clit, before diving right back onto it with everything he has.

  More moans escape me than I think possible, calling out his name in between. “Shep, ah god, don’t stop,” I push forward even more. Feeling the familiar build up, my moans get louder. Shep pulls away for some reason and looks up, “What are you doing? Don’t stop.”

  “I need to breathe, Darlin,” he smiles. “You can breathe after,” I push his head back down. He laughs before ducking back down. The familiar pleasure returns and I moan, completely open to him.

  His tongue circles my clit, before he goes into full finale mode, he feasts. It takes me only a minute to feel the explosion within my body, rocking my core.

  I lay back, letting my legs fall, as Shap stands up and wipes his face of my juices. He licks his finger tasting every last drop of me.

  “You alright Darlin?” He lays on the bed, facing me. I nod, “You’re gonna be the death of me.”

  “I hope so,” He presses forward and kisses me, his tongue mingling with mine. He pulls back groaning, “I better take care of this before we have to leave.” He looks down at his tented jeans. I stop him as he stands to leave, “I wanna touch you too.”

  He groans, “Darlin you’re killing me, you really are, I want nothing more than you all over me but that'll have to wait, if you even breathe on me we’ll never leave here. Later I promise.”

  “Fine, later.” I agree watching him escape to the bathroom.

  Sighing, I lay back on the bed. I must be crazy. I pull my skirt back down silently thanking the heavens that I chose this outfit today. I’m going to have to call this my lucky skirt soon.

  A few minutes later Shep returns to the room, I sit up ready to continue where we left off.

  The door slams open, "What are you two doing standing around chatting we have to go,” Lex exclaims rushing out just as fast.

  I look to Shep conf
used, "Reese has a game today, we all usually go to cheer her on since her mom never goes. It's important to Lex for us all to be there,” he explains.

  I shake my head, "I’m sure it’ll be fun.”

  He smiles, "Okay just don't forget your sweater it gets cold.”

  I roll my eyes walking out and he trails behind me laughing.

  Having never been to a soccer game before this all feels so new to me as I watch both teams take the ball from each other, and kick it into the basket. While the guy in the black and white shirt keeps blowing a whistle, all I know for sure is that Reese is good at it because she keeps getting the ball and putting it in the hoop.

  "Yes,” Lex cheers the loudest whenever she gets it in. Reese always looks to Lex when she gets one in and for a moment they make eye contact. Explains what Anna said at dinner the other night about the whole love thing.

  "Is this your first game?" Shep asks clearly, having been watching me.

  I nod, "Back at the Academy we don't exactly have sports,” I explain.

  As the game comes to an end my eyes settle back on Reese, who looks around at everyone that came before flicking away with a shimmer of disappointment. Her Mom, she was looking for her mom. Now that feeling, I understand, needing someone who isn't there.

  She grabs her bag and comes over to us, "You played great,” Anna smiles warmly reaching out to Reese.

  "Thanks Anna,” her gaze shifts to me, "You must be one of the hunters that the town has been buzzing about,” Reese eyes me.

  I nod, "I'm Gemma.”

  "Reese,” she nods back.

  "So are we doing this or what?" Reese asks, turning to Lex.

  He nods, "Get in the car.”

  She grins, "You get in the car.”

  He laughs, "Mom we're going to the Diner for dinner,” Lex kisses Anna's cheek before rushing away with Reese towards the car, they playfully push each other around.

  "She seems nice,” I comment.

  "Yeah well looking at her Mother it's a wonder that she came out anything, but a bitter bitch,” Ray chimes.

  "Language,” Madgi scolds.

  "It's true,” he argues. No one moves to defend her.

  "Wow that bad?" I question.

  "Her name is Louisa, she owns the only bar in town. All she cares about is money, alcohol, sex and men in that order,” Anna clarifies disgusted.

  "Yeah well luckily none of that rubbed off on Reese. She just got into the college nearby and some big Ivy League school. It's going to break Lex's heart when she leaves, but as she's human, I can see her wanting to get out and experience the world,” Charlie says surprising me.

  "Come on the lot of you let's get you all home. Too much excitement for one day,” Madgi declares leading us all towards the cars.

  I sigh, my mind moving back towards Reese. At least my parents seem like decent people from what I've heard, but for Reese that isn't the case. All I know for sure is that we're two broken girls in a town unlike any other, and neither of us knows what'll happen next.

  FOURTEEN

  The next day Anna wakes me up, gently rubbing my hair until I fully open my eyes, "Morning sweety, I was wondering if you wanted to go into town with Chantel, Noemi and I we're going to sell the baked goods we made?"

  "That'll be wonderful, let me just get dressed,” I say getting out of bed.

  Once done with my routine, I head downstairs finding the others conversing in the kitchen. Shep and his brothers are already awake.

  "What are these supposed to be?" Ray asks, holding up a tupperware container of the muffins I made.

  "Why did you save them Anna?" I ask, surprised.

  She smiles warmly, "They're your first attempt. I just wanted you to know that you're appreciated,” she says placing a warm hand on my shoulder.

  "You made these?” Shep takes the container from Ray opening it and grabbing one. He takes a bite out of one, "They're not bad,” he lies going for another bite.

  I laugh, "Stop, Babe don't they're terrible if you eat anymore there is no guarantee you won't die,” I yell taking the rest of the muffin away from him so that he won't try and eat the whole nasty ball.

  “Babe, huh?” Shep grins. My eyes widen realizing what I’ve said, “Yeah you big baby,” I try and recover, giving Shep another friendship tap. Really Gemma enough with those.

  This only seeks to amuse Shep more, “Sure Darlin that’s what you meant.” “Busted,” Ray coughs.

  “The only thing that’s going to be busted around here is your head if you keep saying that,” I say softly threatening Ray.

  We all laugh, "Are you coming to town with us?" I ask looking up at Shep hoping to take the topic away from my slip up.

  He nods, "Yes a protection crew will be with everyone who goes into town from now on until we know the threat is over.”

  "What about Moon Day?,” Chantel asks, gnawing my curiosity. "What's Moon Day?" I ask.

  "It's the day in each month that the full moon lands on. We have a whole celebration and those who want to transform, do. We spend the night under the stars, embracing our environment. It's only a few days away,” Charlie explains.

  "So far it's going to run as usual. We'll just all have to be extra cautious, especially since they'll be in full wolf form,” Shep adds.

  "Not to worry, this town has held strong for years and will continue to for many more years to come. I should know I've seen it,” Anna says referring to her gift.

  "Now ladies we don't want to dally we have sales to make,” Anna excitingly claps.

  I follow Anna and Chantel towards the door, "Don't forget to grab a sweater it's supposed to be chilly today", Shep murmurs from behind me.

  I roll my eyes, "I'm sure I'll survive,” I throw back not listening to him.

  I get into the backseat of Anna's car, but before she pulls out she waits for a moment, "What are we waiting for?" I ask.

  Shep runs outside a moment later, a sweatshirt in hand, he opens my door and hands it to me, "Just in case, Babe,” he says, kissing me on the cheek.

  He needs to stop doing that, but he's so fast and a slight part of me doesn't want him to stop. Closing the door he gives us all a little wave, "Things seem to be going well between you and Shep,” Chantel observes.

  "I don't wanna talk about it", I say reaching out front, turning on the radio.

  Anna and Chantel share a look, a look that I do my best to ignore. We set up a few tables in front of the town hall, laying out all the baked goods. Seraphina and her daughters show up with handmade jewelry, others show up with pots, plants, assorted jams and candy. We seem to have created a fundraising farmers market of sorts.

  Savanna and Beatrice are forced to sit at the tables with all of us, "Haven't found a way out yet Gemma?" Savanna grins annoyingly.

  "No it looks like you both haven't either,” I say, giving her the same look she gave me.

  "Simmer down ladies we've got some fundraising to do,” Seraphina ushers.

  Mayor Ward walks towards the sales tables, "Ah and here comes our first customer,” Effie smiles.

  "I thought you were still in a spot of being angry with him,” Scarlett mutters confused.

  "Oh I am but he's buying me sweets so I've decided to postpone my anger for a day,” she jumps up and down excitedly.

  "Why must he indulge her?" Rose exclaims annoyed as she rests her head on the table.

  Ward approaches wearing his usual suit and tie, with a trench coat over it, "Hello ladies", he smiles genuinely at all of us. "I see things are going well for you,” he looks over everything, and turns looking between Beatrice, Savannah and I. Savanna scoffs, Beatrice ignores him and I look away. "Well the stands look great, Effie?” Ward gestures towards the sweets table.

  She gidilly looks at all the sweats, "I'll take the cherry one", she chooses smiling at the pink frosted cupcake. "Do you want that wrapped?" Chantel asks, picking it up.

  "No, thank you,” she smiles, taking it from her. She smells it, smiling like it's the
best thing in the world.

  Like she can hear my thoughts she explains, "They don't let me have sugar anymore, only on special occasions. I sort of went a little mad the last time I had some, and that ended with me singing karaoke upside down hanging from a tree.”

  "Yes but now we know to pace ourselves,” Ward clarifies handing me the money, "Keep the change,” he adds.

  "Seraphina, Effie and I are going for a walk,” Ward informs leading Effie away. I watch them fade into the distance, Effie devouring her cupcake and then proceeding to jump onto Ward's back making him give her a piggyback ride. He doesn't deny her even though the sun won't be down for a few hours and he's in a weaker state.