Loving My Pack

by Lane Whitt

  “Only a woman with eight bed partners wakes up looking that tired. Come here, you ravenous little thing.” Logan greets me after a much-needed shower and dressing in yoga pants and a one-shouldered sweater.

  “Good morning to you, too.” I blush even though I roll my eyes at him. He pulls me down on the couch next to him, letting me snuggle into his side. He kind of has a point, though. I could use a nap already. Reed, though, looks as if our morning romp has actually given him energy. So not fair.

  “So, what are the plans for today? Anything interesting?” Reed asks as he picks through a bowl of fruit and some other platters left out on the coffee table. He makes a small plate of strawberries, cheese, and sliced French bread and hands it to me before going back for himself. I thank him with a smile for his thoughtfulness.

  Logan shrugs beside me. “Not really. Remy wanted us both to meet up with him and the others at some point today. He took Mikey and headed out to one of the construction sites early. Ash is doing training, and the others are all around here somewhere. Oh, but Marcus did come by a little bit ago to see Kitten.” He says the last to me. I nod that I heard him as I take a bite of bread and cheese.

  “And you?” Reed asks.

  “I’m torn between rounding up some of the wolves and taking them shopping and looking into fabrics to design clothes for our upcoming little one.” His foot taps the floor as he ponders.

  “You’re going to make clothes for the baby?” I gasp, more than a little surprised.

  He gives me a look like I’m crazy. “Duh.” He almost looks hurt.

  I shrug. “I didn’t know you made baby clothes.”

  “I didn’t. I don’t. But it’s a thought. I’d like to at least design a few things for our kid, though.”

  I beam at him. “That sounds wonderful, Logan.”

  “Why would you take some of the pack shopping?” Reed asks.

  “Ugh! Because this online shopping thing is for the birds! That’s why. A lot of the ones who lived in that god-forsaken nightmare out back don’t know their own sizes due to only wearing what was available. Now, though, they should be able to have some things that fit them properly…and that I like,” he tells us dramatically.

  “Remy most likely won’t want you to go, though,” Reed tells him.

  “Oh, yeah. That slipped my mind. Probably best if I don’t,” Logan agrees.

  I tilt my head at the two of them. “Why not?”

  Logan’s eyes shoot to Reed’s. They share a moment before Reed turns to me, a smile on his face, but it looks off. “Because we have to meet up with him and the others today, remember?”

  “Right,” Logan adds. He jumps up from the couch. “We should go get that out of the way.”

  Before I can ask why they’re acting strange, both of them have their backs to me as they walk toward the stairs. Boys. Weird.

  After finishing off my small plate of food, I fell asleep right where I sat. It was nearly noon when I woke back up again, but I was determined to accomplish more than eating and sleeping today. Readjusting my clothes back to rights I’m about to head down the stairs, when I scent Finn close by. He wasn’t in his room when I passed by, so, curious, I seek him out. I find him in one of the unused rooms on our floor. The door is shut, so I knock lightly before opening it.

  Peeking my head around the door, I see a slightly flustered Finn trying to shove papers into drawers. I tilt my head at him. “Sorry if I interrupted…”

  Dazzling green eyes meet mine, instantly losing the mild panic from a split second ago and softening into a different emotion. “Oh, it’s just you. You can come in, Kitten. I thought you might be Remington.”

  I raise a brow at him, a smile tugging at my lips. “And just what are we hiding from Remy?”

  Finn’s boyish grin lights up his whole face, his pinkening cheeks only adding to his appeal. “I’m not hiding anything. I was just working on something and it isn’t ready for him to see yet,” he explains.

  “Okay.” I shrug. As he pulls the crumpled papers back out of the desk, I walk behind his chair and place my arms around his neck. I bury my face in between his shoulder and chin, inhaling his unique scent. The only way to describe it would be that of vast, open spaces of rolling green hills. Closing my eyes for a moment, I bask in the calm strength that only this man can provide me.

  “This…” Finn mumbles quietly.

  “This?” I question as I open my eyes, letting my hands trail lightly over his narrow chest.

  His midnight hair tickles my cheek as he nods. “Yes, this. Little moments like this one…it’s what was missing before,” he explains. We share a smile of understanding before I kiss his pouty lips and move my hands to his shoulders.

  “Can I know what you’re working on?” I ask with a glance at the random-looking papers.

  “Uh, yeah, I guess. It’s just an idea. I don’t know if it will work, or if we even want it to.” He trails off, seeming to get lost in his thoughts.

  I walk around him and hop onto the edge of the desk. “So, what’s the idea?”

  He takes several minutes to respond, running his long fingers through that inky hair. “On the most basic level, it’s a school.”

  I chew my lip, nodding as I wait for him to add more. When he doesn’t, I press further. “A school for wolves like us?”

  “Maybe.” He sighs. “It’s just an idea. I’m trying to figure out a few things long-term for the pack. I feel like the changes we’ve made since being here are just temporary. Like band-aids. Necessary band-aids, but ones that won’t completely solve the problems.”

  “What problems are we trying to solve, exactly?” I ask, now more interested in this project than just a passing curiosity.

  “For starters, it could be a place for pack members to become educated, as any school’s purpose is. We are wolves that live as humans, so it stands to reason to be educated on both the wolf world and the human world. The school would solve the issues of pack members being left in the dark when it comes to their own histories. As well as them understanding human society well enough to blend in. Most of the wolves here have never stepped foot off of pack lands; they wouldn’t know the difference from a five-star restaurant and a post office.”

  “I know,” I whisper sadly. “The neglect shown to these people is overwhelming. I think I know why no one ever educated them on all things wolf, though.”

  Finn raises a brow at me. “Oh, really? Why is that?”

  “Probably because nobody knows. Which doesn’t make sense, I know, because everything I’ve read makes it seem like there have always been scientists and researchers and those who want to record our history. My guess is that those in charge hide whatever information they don’t want brought to light. I mean, how is it that no one can tell me why I exist? I can’t be the first of whatever I am.”

  “I agree with you, in part. Your own grandfather is known as Maksim the Great due to what humans would call an “Enlightenment Age”. I have no doubt that the science, research, and history are there. What any of the history books forget to mention is the why of how everything changed. It’s almost as if wolf society was advanced at one point, only to fall back into the Dark Ages where the answer for everything is magic.”

  “My guess would be The Suffering. When that took place, it seems as if everything shifted. New rules came forth, and whatever knowledge was common only became known to the few.” I shrug. I’ve read through the few books available here and facts seem to be far and few between, mostly written as opinion pieces. I know Finn had read them, too, probably coming to the same conclusion.

  “Your grandfather would know,” he hedges.

  I nod my head, biting at my lip. “I’ve thought of that, too. I just don’t know how to start that conversation. How does one simply ask, “You know all that information you’re hiding from everyone else? Yeah, I’m gonna need that.”

  Finn’s startled laughter makes me smile. “There are more subtle ways of beginning an uncomfortable dial
ogue, Kitten.” I just shrug. If there are, I don’t know them.

  “I still think anything he would tell us would just be more pack propaganda. The only way to get a full wolf history would be to ask all the wolves. Not just ones in our own pack.”

  Finn nods. “I agree. There needs to be an open information exchange amongst us all. That’s what I would want for the school. That wouldn’t happen overnight, though.”

  “No, but if anyone could make it happen it would be you. You could be the first person to map and record the entire wolf history,” I say brightly.

  “You think too highly of me.” He snorts.

  “I think you don’t think highly enough of yourself. If this is something you want to make happen, then you’ll make it happen. And I’ll help, if you want. We could start by documenting what we do know about wolves now. I think the hardest part of it all will be separating fact from fiction. Or better yet, science from magic. And let’s not forget that you and the others carry with you important information that no one has ever cared to document. The history of changed wolves.”

  Finn stares at me for a long time, his face held in wonder and contentment. I gaze back at him quietly, hoping to convey just how much I believe in him and his dreams. I don’t know what makes Finn shy, or why he second-guesses himself, but I decide right here and now to find out and build his confidence in himself.

  His cheeks pinken, realizing he’s been staring, and he clears his throat to hide unnecessary embarrassment. “We got off topic there.”

  “Just a bit.” I giggle. “Do you want to tell me more about this school you’re thinking about?”

  Chapter Three

  I peek around the corner, scanning the room quickly. No sign of the enemy. I roll my eyes, about ready to give up and start wondering why I’m so bad at this game, when I remember to use my wolf senses. Duh, Kitten.

  I hate trying to sniff the air, as absolutely everything has a scent and it can be overwhelming, but I’ve been practicing with my advanced hearing. I listen for the telltale pattering of heartbeats and follow the one I detect hiding behind the curtain. A giggle escapes me as the excitement of the chase is just too much to contain any longer.

  A squealing peal of laughter is all the warning I get before Mikey, dressed head to toe in ninja black, shoots out from behind the curtain and high-tails it out of the room. I laugh fully now, giving chase and dashing down the hallway while trying to avoid running into the few people walking about. For a young thing, he sure is agile. It’s not until he slows to make the turn into the kitchen that I have the opportunity to catch up with him.

  We’re both laughing way too hard as I grab him around his waist and start tickling him senseless. We end up falling to the floor in a tangle of limbs, with me trying to find his most ticklish spots and him trying to escape me. I know we’ve caught the attention of several people, but I’m not ready to give up until Mikey tells me where his accomplices are hiding.

  “Just tell me where they are and this can all be over!” I manage through laughter as I aim for the pits.

  “Never!” he squeals back.

  “I got twenty on Kitten.” Tristan’s voice floats to my ears.

  “Nah, the kid is squirmy. It’s like trying to wrestle an alligator.” Logan takes his bet.

  Their banter gets my attention and I glance over, spotting Logan atop the counter, popping grapes into his mouth as Tristan leans next to him, catching the ones he drops. They both watch with amused grins. Unfortunately for me, Mikey takes advantage of my distraction and hops up faster than a bunny on crack.

  “Ha! You’ll never take me alive!” he shouts at the top of his lungs as he makes his escape.

  “No fair!” I call after him. “They distracted me.” Turning back to the guys, I point an accusing finger at them both. “You distracted me. Whose side are you on anyway?” Tristan just shakes his head as Logan makes a face, sticking his tongue out.

  I get back to my feet and race down the hallway to where I think Mikey has run off to. As I’m approaching the corner my shoulder bumps into something hard, and I let out a squeak as time slows down in that odd way that only happens when you’re falling. Strong arms wrap around me and catch me right before my face makes impact with the floor.

  I’m lifted up and set to rights, but before I can say thank you a pair of angry, liquid-silver eyes are right in front of me. “What are you doing?” Remy booms at me, making me take a step away from him. “You can’t be running around that fast. You could have gotten hurt! The baby could have gotten hurt! You can’t just…” He trails off as he closes his eyes on a deep inhale, fists clenching at his sides.

  “Ah, so it’s been confirmed then. I’ll try not to take it personally that none of you have reached out to me to share the news. Or the fact that there was no ceremony for the pack’s sake.” Grandfather’s Russian accent slips out as he makes it known he’s none too pleased to be informed of the news in such an informal manner.

  I take my eyes off Remy for a split second to see that he was in the company of Maksim and Albert. “I-I was playing hide and go peek,” I stutter an explanation.

  “Well, don’t!” Remy barks at me. He appears to have calmed himself. A little.

  I purse my lips at him, hands already sliding to my hips. “I will if I want to. I don’t need your permission to play a game.”

  “Do you realize what could have just happened?” he says in a softer voice, though I can still sense his anger.

  “Um, I could have fallen?” I stare at him confusedly. “I was doing fine before you appeared out of nowhere. Maybe I should get you a bell or something.” I say with a smirk, remembering the first time I ran into him.

  Silver eyes widen as his mouth drops open. “Are…are you blaming me for what just happened?”

  “Now, now, children. Let’s not fuss over what could have been and point fingers. The matter was handled.” Grandfather steps between us and slides an arm around my shoulders, ushering me back down the way I came. “Albert, why don’t you run ahead and see to it that the sitting room is suitable for a private chat?”

  I look back over my shoulder at Remy as Albert moves past us. He looks like he’s cooled off now, and I can’t help but stick my tongue out at him playfully. His eyes narrow heatedly in response and he mouths the word “Later” at me. I clear my throat and move out of Grandfather’s hold as my cheeks turn pink. A satisfied-sounding grunt from behind me reaches my ears, but I choose to ignore it.

  We pass by the kitchen. Both Tristan and Logan are singing “Kitten got in trouble” in a sing-song tone before Remy shushes them with a look.

  “Hey, can one of you guys go tell the boys I can’t play right now?” I ask.

  “Sure thing, Pretty Girl,” Logan tells me, kissing my forehead and sauntering off.

  Tristan chooses to join our little group and it appears as though Jace will be here for it as well, as he’s conversing quietly with Albert in the sitting room when we come in. I approach my golden boy with a smile already tilting my lips, but as I near them his golden eyes flash to me and his whole body goes rigid.

  Turning to Albert he speaks formally and sharply. “Find me later, Albert. I have to figure this out before it drives me insane.”

  As Jace passes by me he nods his head but doesn’t so much as say hello.

  “Of course, Alpha Jace,” Albert replies.

  Jace stops dead in his tracks in the doorway, his skin rippling as he tries to control his wolf. “Don’t call me that! I can’t stand this shit!” He throws his hands out to his sides, stomping away from us. I blink at the empty doorframe in shock. What was that about? Now that I’m thinking about it, I realize it has been a while since I’ve had a real conversation with Jace. He’s been sleeping in later than the rest of us and I had just assumed he’s been busy. But now…I wonder if he’s been avoiding me. I finally turn my eyes to the rest of the room and silver orbs are waiting. Remy shares a look that tells me that we’ll figure out what’s going on with
Jace. Together.

  Grandfather clears his throat in an attempt to get us back on track and say whatever he brought us here to say. “Well now, look at you! Already glowing. I had my suspicions, but I was waiting for your mates to catch on,” Grandfather jokes.

  His powerful arms go around my shoulders as he pulls me into a warm hug. “Congratulations, my dear. With this child, you will secure your mate’s place as alpha and ensure the Ivaskov line continues.” He beams at me as he pulls away.

  “Yes, Princess. The news of an heir and our future, rightful Alpha is most welcome news,” Albert adds.

  “Uhhh, thanks?” I’m not sure what the right response is here.

  “It would be a good move to announce this news to the pack as soon as possible. I’ll need to set up a receiving line after the announcement, and correspondence will need to be sent to the other packs. While some may take offense to your mates, none will challenge the legitimacy of an Ivaskov heir.” Albert takes out a notepad and pen and starts making a list.

  My eyes connect with Remy’s as my earlier shock of two minutes ago fades, and a dismaying weight of something unnamable fills my chest.

  “Come, Granddaughter, let us sit for a moment.” Maksim leads me to the small two-seater couch as everyone else finds somewhere to sit or lean. A moment later, Logan returns and quietly sits next to Tristan.

  Maksim takes my hands in his, effectively turning my body towards him. Eyes so much like my own implore me to hear him out. “You might want to take this time to consider young Michael’s position within the pack. I know you are fond of the boy, but the wolves won’t like their future alpha having competition. Especially from a human child, and one not of royal blood. His title may need a bit of…fine tuning.”

  And there it is…the reason my blood had turned to ice. I guess I should have seen this coming. “His position in the pack is my son. That’s not for anyone to question or challenge. He’ll be a brother to any other children I have,” I state firmly.