Primal Night

by Ally Parker

  27

  Ryker opened his eyes and stroked along Kali’s arm. The sun streamed in through the window, a beam cutting across his mate’s hair, making the strands shine. In moments like these, he struggled to believe they were real.

  All males of their kind prayed to the moon there was a female to save them from themselves; he’d resigned himself to the fact he wasn’t going to find her. He’d even made preparations for if he’d lost control.

  Through the same couldn’t be said for his pack. His heart twanged painfully. His gaze darted to the closed door and to where beyond the barrier the males stirred. Dark Falls was no longer his, he had to remember that.

  Passing the reins over to Grayson would be one of the hardest fucking things he’d ever do. Telling the pack the news had been hard enough on all of them, Kali the most. She’d sobbed when Grayson argued that he would refuse their demands and that they should fight against the decision. Guilt wracked through their bond. That in itself was a punishment Kali bore, and no matter how much he’d explained their sentence wasn’t her fault the feelings still lingered in their link.

  Kali’s punishment seemed particularly harsh, especially after a lifetime of abuse. Damn Council and damn Thane. His mate had sampled the smallest taste of what pack was meant to be—a family, the one place that offered safety against all the shitty things that occurred in their world. Only to have it ripped from her outstretched hands. Compared to the alternative, there wasn’t a choice.

  This would be his last day as Dark Falls Alpha. That night, as requested, he would relinquished his link with Dark Falls and Grayson would established his. Dark Falls had been his for over three decades. He felt grief-stricken with the pending loss. The thought of not seeing Roan in the kitchen cooking up a delectable treat or Knox’s lighthearted banter twisted his gut. He also had the pressing concern of what kind of life Kali and he would have with no pack, no home to call their own.

  Kali nestled closer into his chest as if sensing his distress even in sleep. She was the only thing keeping him together. If given the chance would he do things differently? Not a chance in hell. The sequence of events may have cost him his pack, but they’d also given him a precious gift few got to experience and all of their kind hoped for.

  Because of his mate he’d always be able to find the light, no matter how dark it was. He pinched his eyes closed and blew out a breath. Their future might be uncertain, but together they’d create a life in Sanctuary. He’d make sure Kali was happy, which would ease his soul.

  Christmas day would be the start to their new adventure, and he had the perfect way to kick things off. With great care he eased out from underneath Kali and padded over to his dresser. In stealth mode, he yanked on some denims and slipped out the door.

  Sidestepping into his office he strode forward, ignoring that this would be the last time he would venture into this domain. At least for a while. Deep down he knew even if he could come back, it wouldn’t be the same. Grayson’s wolf would become too dominant to submit under another; his beta and best friend would leave.

  He worked quickly through the most important paperwork so invoices could be sent out and a stream of income would still flow until Grayson either got the hang of the business end or employed someone to do it for him.

  “That’s all I’m going to be able to manage.”

  It wasn’t much but should be enough to tight the pack over. At least he’d managed to clear off enough space to see the inbox sitting on the edge of the desk housing his note paper. Pulling out a piece of paper, he scrawled a quick note and folded it up.

  His lips tugged upward. “Operation Kali’s Christmas Surprise is officially activated.”

  Taking one more glance around the room, he made his way to the hall. He’d walked out of his office nearly every damn day not ever taking notice of what was truly before him. The way the top level expanded into small alcove housing the best view of Dark Falls. He was going to miss Dark Falls, not from its view but from the males that made it home.

  Soft voices drifted up to him, and he could sense the undertones of the pack’s turmoil. Their wolves were with unrest and would be until he left. Knowing once Grayson took over each male’s wolf would settle was a small comfort. Warmed maple syrup hit his nose, and his mouth watered. Roan had been busy by the smell of it. He better move fast before the smells woke Kali.

  Slipping the note under his bedroom door where Kali would find it, he eased down the stairs and approached the kitchen where Roan and Knox where talking in hushed whispers. Both males jolted. He raised his brows. That must have been some conversation for them not to have sensed his approach. It didn’t take a genius to work out what the topic was.

  “Merry Christmas,” Roan quickly spat out.

  “Nothing!” Knox scratched his chest and looked out the window. “Ah… there’s nothing going on here but Christmas cheer. Lots and lots of Christmas cheer.” He gestured to the arrangement of cinnamon rolls, waffles, and croissants. “Enough Christmas cheer to fill everyone’s belly.”

  Again, Knox’s gaze darted to the window. Eyes narrowing on the male, he looked from Knox to Roan. He could feel Grayson’s presence close through the pack link and knew he was the center of Knox’s focus outside the window. “This is a challenging time for us all. Grayson is a good male and will do the right thing by Dark Falls. Let’s try and enjoy the time we have left.”

  Both males nodded. “If you have worries come to me and we’ll discuss them.”

  Knox grinned and reached over the bowls, picking up a cinnamon roll and shoving into his mouth. The male was always eating just as much as Roan was always cooking.

  “For now, I need your help. I have a small Christmas surprise I want to give Kali. We’ll be for an hour or so. Can you put some of everything into a bag for me? I have one small thing I need to do before I leave.”

  He turned and caught sight of Grayson’s red and black plaid-covered back. The male stared out onto the horizon, his shoulder propped against one of the thick wooden poles. If he was looking for answers, he’d have to look a helluva lot closer than oblivion. Stealing himself, he stepped out to the back deck. The wood paneled roof kept the morning sun’s rays from warming up the area.

  Grayson’s shoulders stiffened, and he didn’t turn to face him. Siding up to his beta he looked out over the snow-covered clearing. In daylight the pond looked slick with ice. On normal days Dark Falls was a sight to be seen; during winter, it was breathtaking.

  Breaking the silence, Ryker cleared his throat. “How long have we known each other?”

  Grayson snorted and shifted his stance to cross his arms. “I know what you’re doing. Don’t bother.”

  “It’s been the better part of three decades. Not including our interactions before you joined the pack.”

  As a cattle rancher, Ryker had sold meat directly to Grayson’s previous pack for a few years. Shifters loved meat.

  “You’ve always had my back. Out of all the males, you had the balls to pull me into line if my beast was riding me hard. I trust you with my life. Not to mention you’ve helped me out of a few jams.”

  Grayson cracked a grin and shook his head. “If you’re referring to the time you nearly got us killed during the games. It was no hardship on my part. I was itching for a fight anyway.”

  Ryker laughed, remembering the not-so-friendly game of football that had a heavy dose of contact during last year’s annual summer games. With all those Alphas across the state in such a close proximity, there always was at least one fight.

  “A few broken bones is a far cry from getting the pack killed,” he snorted.

  Turning, he clasped Grayson’s shoulder. “Of course I don’t want to say good-bye to Dark Falls. But, if there was anyone I had to hand it over to, it would be you.”

  Blowing out a breath Grayson looked tortured. “Dark Falls is yours.”

  “And you will keep it safe for me until I return.” If I’m able to return.

  Neither of them
said it. They both knew this would be the last time they’d enjoy each other’s company without the stress of their wolves feeling threatened. There was a reason there was only one alpha of a pack. At least now he held more control thanks to Kali. Grayson, on the other hand, wouldn’t have that luxury.

  “You know I’ll give my life to protect it.”

  Emotion clogged his throat, and he leaned in for a one-armed hug. “You’ve been a fine beta and you’ll make an even better alpha. Dark Falls is lucky to have you.”

  It was too much, and he had to get out of there before his wolf decided fighting would be better. Because that was a selfish move. Everyone he loved would die. Sometimes being a leader meant putting your own needs aside and doing what was best for those that mattered.

  Kali stretched out across the bed, the sun blinding her vision. What a night. What a horrible guilt to swallow you the whole night. Her eyes felt puffy—probably from all the crying she’d done. She’d survived years with the Outlaws and not shed one tear. Her mate facing the loss of his pack, and she’d been a wreck.

  Last night she’d wanted to be strong for Ryker, and she’d been doing just fine until his voice had cracked. Hearing his voice raw with emotion opened the floodgates. As soon as she thought of her mate, she knew he wasn’t in the room.

  She sat up and blinked until the sleep cleared from her vision. It was Christmas day. Her first free Christmas. She frowned, glancing around the empty room. Why hadn’t he woken her? Sure enough, Ryker’s side of the bed was empty. Her fingers ran along the sheet. Cold. He’d been gone for a while. Flipping back the covers, her toes curled into the soft mat surrounding the bed.

  “Ryker?” Their link was wide open, and she could feel his eagerness amplify across their connection. “You didn’t wake me.”

  When things settled she’d have to find some work so she could start buying herself some clothes. Ryker had already mentioned that they’d require clothes for her before they left. A female wearing next to nothing in Alaska would draw unwanted human attention.

  Pulling out a drawer, she grabbed some gray sweats and a black long-sleeved shirt. A quick roll around the waistband and it fit well enough.

  “You needed rest.”

  So he’d let her sleep. The sweet male was always trying to cater to her needs. She didn’t know if she’d ever get used to it or be worthy.

  “Kali!” There was bite to that one word.

  “I know. I know. It’s not my fault.” It just felt like their punishment had been harsher because of her shady past. It was a never-ending loop playing in her head. What if she’d been more selfless, or made better choices?

  “I’m going to have to put you over my knee and spank you if you don’t quit blaming yourself. Now get down stairs. It’s Christmas.”

  Excitement had her heading to the door in four steps. A folded-up piece of paper laying discarded on the floor caught her attention. Ryker must have dropped one of his work papers. He’d been working so hard to get on top of things. She frowned, crouching to pick it up, and saw her name scrawled across the top in smooth, loopy letters.

  Her stomach tightened and heart rate sped up. She unfolded the note and started reading.

  Dearest Kali,

  We may have met under unconventional means and our journey has been filled with enough challenges for a lifetime. I know without you I wouldn’t have been able to survive. You have given me the gift every male dreams about. Because of you I can control my wolf. Because of you, I have a purpose—a place that no matter the territory will always be home.

  You, Kali, will always be my home.

  While today will no doubt be difficult, it’s also the start of a new adventure. One we will share together. No matter what we face, we will make every day count. Enjoy every moment and start our lives knowing that while we are together we will always share a tomorrow.

  Before the festivities begin, I need to you follow the instructions below and come find me.

  Ryker

  Sniffling, she held the paper close to her heart. Ryker’s words would be burned into her heart, and she’d never forget that moment and how special her male made her feel. She scanned over the instructions and held onto them tight, leaving the room.

  What was he up to? Then the smell of bacon, cinnamon, and maple hit her nose. She groaned, already planning on loading up her plate with every single dish on offer.

  “Damn, these waffles are good.”

  A male that sounded like Ford groaned around a mouthful of food.

  “You should try the cinnamon rolls, just the right amount of brown sugar and cinnamon.”

  Rounding the corner, she nearly ran into Knox teetering three plates over his palms, all filled with goodies.

  “Hey Kali, Merry Christmas.”

  He gently knocked shoulders with her in a brotherly way and the action made her feel accepted and part of the family. She looked at the array of food and took in a deep breath and headed straight toward a waffle. “Roan, this is mouthwatering. What a feast.”

  Was that a blush rising up the male’s neck?

  “You better take that for the road.” Roan tapped his head. “Ryker is keen for you to find him.”

  She laughed and quickly poured some warmed maple syrup onto the waffle and in four bites it was gone. Rushing around the kitchen counter she wrapped her arms around Roan. He momentarily tensed before dusting his hand on his flour-covered blue shirt.

  “Thank you for the food. I haven’t eaten like this since I was a pup.”

  Again, the blush crept up Roan’s neck “It was nothing.”

  Sensing he didn’t like the attention, she let it drop and headed out the door. Chilled air billowed, spinning a funnel of snowflakes in an arc across the clearing. She shivered. Her shifter thermostat was great, but not that great.

  She took one last look at the directions and stripped, leaving her clothes neatly folded on the largest outdoor table she’d seen. Geez, it could have seated up to twenty shifters. Another gust of wind, and the change washed down her body.

  Within seconds she was shaking her brown fur and approaching the edge of the patio. She lifted her head and drew in the scents around her. Immediately, she could tell Ryker hovered in the area, along with another male, Grayson by the smell of it.

  “I’m coming to find you.” She teased through their link.

  The note had told her to head east five miles straight up a ravine until she came across a boulder the shape of an hourglass. In her wolf form, she didn’t need instructions. Pine tickled her senses, and she picked up the pace, running as fast as she could.

  Trees thickened and the sun dimmed beneath the canopy leaves. Her muscles stretched as her strides grew longer. Several inches of snow slowed her down until she made it to the top. The area looked and smelled somewhat familiar. Nose to the ground, smells assaulted her senses. Deer had been through the area; so had other shifters, though their scent had faded.

  Deep inside in the part that connected her to Ryker, she warmed. She smelled him, close. Her ears perked up. To her right a flash of gray shot past. The next thing she knew a gray blur launched across the air and tackled her to the ground.

  Quickly, he bounded back up to face her. “I couldn’t wait any longer. So, I decided to hunt for you, and I caught you fair and square.”

  “That was a cheap shot.” She laughed, closing the gap and nuzzling his neck.

  As a wolf, Ryker was impressive compared to her smaller frame.

  “What is it you wanted to show me?”

  He licked her muzzle and playfully rubbed up aside her. “Excited for your surprise?”

  Then he dashed off deeper into the woods.

  28

  After ten minutes Kali’s pace slowed. She looked around the hillside and realized this wasn’t her first time in that area. It looked different in the daylight. But the tree line, the boulder, were the same as the night she’d escaped Ryker’s den.

  Five paces ahead Ryker stopped and turned to look
at her. “You’re not quitting on me now, are you?”

  Eyeing the branches over the entry point she took a step closer. “It depends. Do you plan on cuffing me to the bed?”

  Images slammed into her mind of her laying outstretched on the bed while Ryker licked and sucked his way down to her core. Maybe being cuffed wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

  “I hadn’t planned to… but if that’s something you want, I’m willing.”

  She bet he was.

  Ryker shifted and stood there with his muscles glinting in the flickers of light. Each contoured ridge spoke of strength and vitality. She knew he was so much more than eye candy. He dropped to a crouch and spread the foliage away from the hidden entrance.

  Looking over his shoulder, he smiled. “Come on.”

  She swallowed. Anticipation was a living and breathing pulse beneath her skin. Letting her human side take over, she followed Ryker down the encased ladder. His warm hands wrapped around her waist and he lifted her spinning them until they fit perfectly together.

  “Merry Christmas, my mate.”

  Her hands climbed up his chest and wrapped around his neck. He could call her mate every day for the rest of their lives and she’d never tire from it. On tiptoe, she leaned forward, hovering a breath away from his lips. “Merry Christmas.”

  Ryker tugged her closer, he dipped his head, closing the distance, kissing her soft and gentle. She moaned. Her nipples hardened, and arousal clouded the air. His erection pushed against her lower belly and she wanted to feel it deep within her.

  Damn, Ryker could take her hard and fast and she loved it. He could take her soft and slow and she loved it. When it came to her male, he worked her body like an intricate labyrinth, finding each and every sensitive spot and using it at his disposal.

  Before she could get carried away, he pulled away, groaning. “Not yet.”

  Tugging her along, he led them into the den. She looked around and smiled. A small folded table sat against a backdrop of fairy lights with plates and plates of all the goodies Roan had made. It was their own secluded Christmas breakfast.