The Problem

by C. G Leigh

  "Where's Dante and Rick?" I ask, looking for them.

  "They wanted to go look through some antique store so I loaned them to a friend,” Scarlett reveals. Hoping that's the truth I let out a sigh of relief.

  Looking at the jewelry that they made, I spot a beautiful blue necklace with a sea shell pendant on it. Envious of the woman who'll get to wear it.

  Lex rushes over his hood up and a hesitant look on his face as he takes in all the jewelry, "Ah it's Reese's birthday tomorrow isn't it?” Anna smiles coyly.

  He sighs, "Yes and I have no idea what to get her. She isn't really into all this girly stuff,” he says taking in the necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

  Seraphina grins, "That's no problem at all,” she closes her hand and when she opens it a key chain appears in her hand with a soccer ball pendant attached to it.

  "That's perfect,” Lex smiles, taking it from Seraphina.

  He pulls out his wallet, "No worries this one is on the house.” Lex looks surprised, "Are you sure?" She nods, and he races off going to find Reese no doubt.

  "It seems your boy has it bad,” Seraphina gives Anna a knowing look.

  "Oh I'm aware I just wish they both weren't so stubborn. I'm counting the minutes until they both come to their senses,” she grins at me, perhaps no longer talking about Lex and Reese.

  A few hours pass with many sales made when I see Shep and his brothers coming our way, "Gemma could you run into the diner and let Sandy or Mina know that a group of us are coming in for lunch today?" Anna asks.

  I nod, doing just that, and ignore the daggers that Savanna shoots my way. When I come back out Jed and Henry, Chantel's husband have joined the group. Madgi kisses Anna as the boys help clean up the tables.

  "It's done,” I tell Anna, going to help the boys clean up, "Brainwashed you have they?” Savanna is annoyed with my helping behavior, I ignore her.

  Looking anywhere, but at her, we finish cleaning and head for the small diner. Luckily, Seraphina chooses to take Beatrice and Savanna home. It's beginning to feel like I'm somehow part of this big family, but I know I shouldn't think like that, they're supposed to be my enemy. Shep did have one thing right, it did get cold enough for a sweater, and I actually put it on.

  I sit between Shep and Anna as everyone around me talks, laughs, they all seem like such a big family. "We forgot to get you shoes to wear with your dress. We'll have to go shopping for some nice heels,” she comments.

  I laugh, "Anna I might be somewhat graceful in a fight, but I think heels might be out of the realm of possibilities for me.”

  She smiles warmly, "Alright flats it is, I'm determined to get you to the ball whether you have shoes on at all.”

  The door to the diner chimes as three women come in through the door, each wearing a short dress, covered in glitter and have bright neon hair.

  "Hi Charlie,” one with bright purple hair waves.

  "Hello Ray,” the next with green hair saunters.

  "Hey Shep,” the one with pink hair winks at him.

  The table goes quiet, "You boys want to join us for a small get together in woodland park?" The green haired woman asks a seductive edge to her voice.

  "Hell yes,” Ray exclaims practically ready to jump over the table to get to her, but before he is struck by his mother's elbow, "Sorry busy,” he wheezes.

  "What about you stud?" The purple haired woman asks looking at Charlie.

  He scoffs, "As usual I'm busy and don't want to play any of your games.”

  "Shep come out and play with us, we'll make it worth your while. I always wanted to know how big a lycan you truly are", the pink haired one murmurs. Licking her lips she reaches out to run her fingertips along the side of Shep’s face.

  Before I know what I’m doing I’m standing up and have her fingers twisted and her crying out in pain, “And you never will, now unless you want to find out what having all your bones broken feels like I suggest you never even look at him again.” I shove her away, and she wastes no time running away, “She’s crazy,” she tells her sisters.

  I calmly sit back down and examine my menu, “So what’s everyone thinking of getting?” I look up and everyone is staring at me.

  “If that’s you being jealous about your not boyfriend, I can’t imagine what being married to her would be like,” Ray says in awe.

  “Oh I am not jealous, I do not get jealous,” I argue.

  "Those woodland creatures always causing trouble around town. They all feed off of emotions, those three happen to prefer feeding off lust,” Anna explains a grimace on her face. "Made my boys promise to steer clear, I guess now that Gemma’s around they will", She laughs. This town is just getting stranger and stranger.

  “Really I wasn’t jealous, I was just looking after a friend, right buddy,” I try to clarify, giving Shep another buddy punch. Really Gemma? Again.

  Everyone looks at me in disbelief, “Don’t worry I thought you being jealous was hot.” Shep kisses me cheek, a grin on his face. I pout.

  The rest of dinner goes by uneventfully, as we’re leaving Lex and Reese meet us at the exit, "Mom, Dad Reese is staying with us tonight,” Lex explains.

  Reese doesn't make eye contact with anyone. "The more the merrier,” Anna smiles, throwing an arm over Reese's shoulders.

  "Like hell she is,” a woman comes around the corner wearing a crop top, short skirt and heals. She doesn't stand up straight, drunkenly staggering as she approaches us. "My daughter is going home, she ain't spendin the nit wit yah dogs. Come on you get inside,” she orders holding a beer up as she points at Reese with it.

  Reese moves to stand by her, who I assume must be her Mom, "No,” Lex reaches out to grab onto her arm, shaking his head.

  Reese looks back at him, "I'll be fine,” she says pulling away. As she's passing her Mom, Louisa grips Reese's arm tightly, "What hav I tol you bout that boy, you steer clar of him. Nottin but trouble the lot of em,” she slurs.

  Reese yanks her arm away and heads down the street, in the direction I can only assume is her home. She stops at a certain point to glance back at all of us until her eyes land on Lex, with saddened eyes she turns and keeps walking.

  Louisa glares at all of us, her eyes landing on Henry, "Hey baby,” she smirks. Without a word Henry pulls Chantel and Jed away and down the street not sparing Louisa another glance.

  The rest of us follow suit, Lex being the last as his eyes never leave the fading form of Reese. I thought my parental situation was bad, but her mom makes mine look like a cake walk.

  The next few days feel so normal, I help the women in the kitchen, Shep takes me out to the fields where he gets work done.

  As he works in the fields I sit in the bed of his truck reading a book I found in my room about historical times. Or at least I pretend to read it, while I watch him, he’s truly a work of art. I wish Quincy were here that way, she could help me work out how I feel about him. I know she’s taking care of herself and keeping my parents away from me till I’m ready.

  I’ve been trying to resist him lately, but my resolve is growing weaker and weaker. On one hand I know I shouldn’t want him, but on the other he’s so sweet sometimes, others he drives me so crazy I just want to pounce on him.

  “Boy is it getting hot out here,” He wipes a few beads of sweat from his forehead. Lifting up his shirt in the process, revealing a beautiful six pack of abs and giving me a glimpse of his body.

  I blow out a breath and shake my head trying to focus on my not reading. He lifts the shirt over and off his head, and I nearly keel over from my ovaries convulsing. Oh hot damn the man is pure muscle. All I want to do is lick chocolate syrup off those abs.

  I smile trying to look away when he runs his fingers through his hair. “Alright, okay,” I slam my book shut.

  I hop out of the back of the truck and march towards Shep, “What I’m sorry did I do something?” he feigns.

  I grab his arm and lead him behind a stack of hay barrels and into the shade. I push him d
own to the ground, climbing onto his lap. “You know exactly what you did,” I put my arms around his neck and lean in kissing him. This time I’m in charge.

  I lower my hands running them along his chest. “Darlin, I’m not sure I understand. Aren’t we just buddies?” I cover his mouth with my hand and dive for his neck, time for a little payback. I run my tongue over his warm skin, kissing it as I go.

  He moans when I get to a particular part of his neck, making me suck on it. I work my way slowly down his body. Placing small love marks all over his torso. I swirl my tongue over a nipple, gently sucking on it, before switching to the otherside.

  One hand works to undo his belt while the other plays with a nipple as I move down to his abdomen. “Gem, fuck, that feels good,” Shep breathes running his hands through my hair. Unbuttoning his pants I reach inside, taking him into my hand. He’s both long and thick, I withdraw my hand.

  “You’re killing me here,” he gasps. I grin, and lick my hand reaching back inside his pants. I grip his shaft in my hand, swiveling my wrist as I move my hand up and down over his shaft.

  I gently pull him free of his pants, admiring him. Beautiful, hot and huge, three words to describe it. “You don’t have to,” Shep looks into my eyes. I grin, taking it as a challenge and lick the tip of his engorged penis. He cries out, holding onto my hair tighter.

  I lick and soak the lower end of his dick so that it makes for a more slippery hold. Using my hand I continue to move up and down his shaft while I take the tip into my mouth, sucking gently, going down as far as I can without choking. I taste his slightly salty precum.

  “Oh gosh, Gem, please, just like that,” Shep groans as I keep alternating between licking and sucking him. My jaw is not yet accustomed to this kind of workout. “I’m about to cum,” Shep warns.

  I smile and suck him even harder, he shoots an impressive amount of cum into my mouth, I swallow every last drop.

  I pull away from him, after I lick him clean. “Was that your first time doing that?” Shep asks. “Yeah, was it okay?” “Darlin, that was pure pleasure, I just thought with how well you did that I might have some guy to go hunt down,” He grins pulling me up to his level and kissing me.

  He reaches one hand into my shorts wasting no time fingering my clit. I bite onto his shoulder, as I rock my hips against him. He knows just the right place to put his fingers. It doesn’t take me long to catch up to him, he licks his fingers as soon as he pulls them out of me.

  “Damn, what are we gonna do? I can’t seem to keep my hands off you,” I rub my hands along his body.

  He smiles, “Would it be terrible to just let it happen?”

  “That’s a fairytale, soon I’ll have to go back to my life. I can’t stay in my bubble with you forever.”

  “Why, if anyone tries to take you out of it, I’ll disembowel them,” He threatens.

  I grin, rubbing his face, “You say the most romantic things to me Shepard Greybane.”

  As Moon Day finally arrives, I'm feeling nervous, I've never seen any of them transform into a wolf, apparently it's a spectacular event. The guys all work to set up seats made of hay around a fire pit, while others set up tents and sleeping bags, they even set up a few grills. Anna, Chantel, Noemi and a few other women work to make different sides to go with burgers and hotdogs. It takes a few hours for everything to come together.

  Everyone grows more and more excited as the day progresses, but I find myself growing more apprehensive especially as the sun begins to set, "Gemma will you come with me for a moment?" Shep asks. I nod, letting him lead me away from the gathering crowd of people.

  He leads me further and further away, deep into the woods, with just a hint of light still in the sky I am able to follow closely behind him until he stops suddenly. "What are we doing out here?" I look around.

  "Well I just thought that since you've never seen one of us change before that seeing me change might ease your stress,” he says looking pointedly at me.

  "How did you know?"

  He grins, reaching out to move my hair out of my face, "I can hear your heart.”

  "Can you always?" I ask, wanting the truth.

  "Yes, I can hear every beat every breath and every gasp you make. So I know you're nervous about tonight", he reveals truthfully.

  I don't deny it, looking at him I sigh, "Alright show me,” I tell him with what I hope conveys conviction.

  He smiles, "That's my girl,” he quickly pulls off his shirt leaving me wanting to do something else all alone in these woods.

  “Hot damn,” I whisper.

  "What were you saying Darlin?" he whispers closing in on me. I shake my head, “Nothing, come on let’s get to it.” He shakes his head and moves behind me.

  I can feel his breath against my neck, he places a kiss below my ear. I swallow knowing my heart surely must be racing. Within the next few seconds I hear the breaking of bones, and grunting. Then I feel something touch my leg and turn around, my breath is stolen from me at the sight of the giant wolf. I move away from it, my foot snagging on a root and I fall back onto my butt.

  Touching the cold ground, I crawl backwards away from it or rather him. Black in color, but the same golden eyes as my Devil, a growl sounds from his throat. I see death In his eyes, and knowing I'm all alone out here, my heart races.

  Without hesitation he jumps, going for my throat.

  FIFTEEN

  His huge appearance, nearly three times my size is frightening, he licks my throat tickling me. I may have mistaken the look in his eyes, maybe it meant love, not hate. I should run, should fight him, but I just remain, not in shock, or petrified, but because I don't know the rules. I don't know what I am or aren't allowed to do with a wolf. He moves his head, sniffing my hand, and licks it, like a dog would, I laugh. Reaching my hand slowly out towards him he stills as if waiting for me to make the next move.

  My hand touches his soft fur and I now find myself petting his smooth coat, "This isn't so bad,” I find myself whispering before I can stop the words.

  He lays his body down and gestures for me to get on, "Oh no I am not getting on you,” I take a step back. He gestures again, "Fine but you better not drop me,” I remark getting on. He lifts me up like I weigh nothing, and carefully begins to walk around with me on his back. When I am comfortable he picks up the pace and I hold tightly onto him.

  I laugh as we spring through the woods, feeling so free. After a while Shep trots back to the front of the house, everyone except for a few remain, having turned and gone into the woods.

  Madgi approaches us looking happy, Shep lowers me so that I can hop off his back, "Did you have fun?” Madgi asks, looking me over.

  "Yes, surprisingly it was pretty spectacular,” I say glancing at Shep.

  "I'm glad, Shep do you mind watching over everyone? I promised your Mother I wouldn't be long?”

  Shep nods and Madgi takes off towards the woods. Shep moves towards the barn, coming back a few minutes later fully dressed and in human form.

  "Hey Gemma, you want a beer?” Noemi asks, going over to one of the coolers.

  "Thank you, but I'm only eighteen,” I reveal, turning her away.

  "Please when I was eighteen I was doing body shots. Here have one, it won't hurt you,” she yanks the cap off of one and hands it to me. She waits for me to take a sip. I smile, holding the bottle up and bring it to my mouth taking a sip. It's bitter, and may be the most disgusting thing to ever touch my mouth, but I force it down my throat, painting a smile on my face.

  She smiles in triumph setting her own beer down, and heads for the woods to join the others. Once out of view and ear shot I quickly hand the beer over to Shep, "I need you to drink this for me before she gets back.”

  He grins, "Why not just tell her you don't like it?"

  "Because I'm making ground with her and I don't want to mess it up, now drink up,” I gesture to the beer.

  "Fine, but for future reference I prefer whiskey,” he reveals chugging the beer back, h
anding it over once it's empty.

  "Thank you,” I smile.

  "Anything for you, beautiful,” he replies, making me blush.

  As everyone begins to return, the food is cooked, we all sit around the fire eating and laughing. They all tell me stories of the past, of the good times and the bad. They tell me about how Shep and his brothers all enlisted in World War two and Shep came back with about a half a dozen medals. Then Abe shows up and decides to tell the story about the time that a crazy girl crashed into Shep while trying to run from him and he was forced to hit her over the head, "That was me,” I exclaim, making everyone laugh. Noemi, thinking that I enjoyed my experimental beer, decides to keep handing them to me throughout the night, of which I keep having to slip them to Shep.