by KM Lowe
Yeah. I can't see that happening.
***
The second half of our journey has dragged. The hours have ticked by, and we are going into our ninth hour on the road since we left Jasper's house. We've all taken it in turns to rest, but since I've no driver’s licence yet, I couldn't take a shot of driving. Between Markus and Jasper, we've made it in one piece.
We're travelling down the last dirt track road. I say road, but you wouldn't think it was a road if you didn't know where this led. Again, I guess that's why this camp is secure, because it really is in the middle of nowhere.
"What if they don't like us?" I say out loud, but I didn't mean to voice my concern.
"Why wouldn't they?" asks Jasper, earning him a shrug. "They know me, and if they can tolerate me, they'll love you guys. Stop worrying, Lisa. A couple of days here and you'll feel like you've been here for years."
Our car pulls up outside a large wood cabin. A porch wraps around the whole cabin, with chairs out front. I must admit, it’s bigger than I expected.
"That's the Alpha's cabin," says Jasper.
I nod and proceed to get out of the Jeep. I look around the whole area, and the smell of fresh air, wild heather, and all other wild smells assault my nose. I take in a few deep breaths and try to settle my nerves. There’s something about the great outdoors that makes me feel relaxed and free.
"Jasper." I turn to see a tall woman with long blonde hair jogging over. She wraps her arms around Jasper’s waist and he kisses her cheek. "Good to see you up here. Carlos wanted to be here, but he had to go out for a while. He should be back soon."
"It's okay. We'll see him later. Chardonnay, come and meet Markus and Lisa." Markus' hand rests on the base of my back. I’m glad he did it, because I relax... slightly.
"Hi, I’m Chardonnay. I’m the Alpha's mate. It’s nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you." I hold out my hand, but I’m taken aback when Chardonnay pulls me into her warm embrace.
"Guys, you can get the bags, can't you? I'll show Lisa around," says Chardonnay, pulling me into the trees before I can complain. I hear Jasper telling Markus that I’ll be okay with Chardonnay, so I know I'm safe with her if Jasper approves. "I've been told all about you, and I believe this is your first time in a pack. It must be weird for you."
I bite the inside of my lip and carry on looking ahead as smaller cabins appear. "I only found out about the whole wolf thing on Sunday. To say it has been a crazy week is an understatement. I know I’m safe up here or Jasper wouldn't have agreed to bring me, but my heart is in my mouth. Being around other wolves is... scary."
Chardonnay throws her head back in laughter. When she composes herself, she links her arm with mine. "I'm going to like you. I'll show you around and let you get to know people. Everyone is going to love you. You have an aura that radiates from you. Everyone will feel it. Don't be scared. You’re family, and family protects one another."
That wasn't the first time I'd heard someone talk about my aura. What the hell does it mean? I shake off my thought and notice the camp has started to come to life. There are people working outside their cabins, children running around, people standing on the sidelines watching Chardonnay. I'm guessing they're wondering who the hell I am, and wondering if their Alpha is safe enough.
"Joel, come and meet Lisa."
A couple of well-defined men jog towards us. Are all wolves so strong and manly?
"Hi. We've been looking forward to meeting you. I'm Joel, and this is Carlyle. We're in charge of security of the pack, so you'll see us around a lot. If you need anything, just let us know."
"Thanks. I appreciate it. Is everyone going to welcome us to the pack like you guys?"
"Of course. Any friend of Jasper and Julian is a friend of ours. A few of the pack might be a bit wary of you, because I hear you have a lot to learn about pack life, but show them you're willing and you'll be good."
"I am willing. I want to know it all. It's all new to me, but I want to know how my mother lived."
"Our pack is very different, sweetheart," says Chardonnay. "I’m not one to sugar coat things, and I'll always be straight with you. The pack your mother was a part of would have been like hell. You had a lucky escape."
Tears spring to my eyes and I don't want to show my weakness. I had a feeling after speaking with Jasper that my mum had a bad life in her pack, but hearing a stranger confirm that was different. It's earth-shattering. Soul-destroying. I'd much rather believe that my mother didn't want me, that she had a better life without me. I wish I could go back to believing that.
"Don't worry. We'll make the bastard pay for everything he has ever done wrong in his life. I believe we’re standing with you," says Joel, looking between Chardonnay and me for confirmation.
I shake my head and look down to my feet. "I haven't even shifted yet. How can I stand with you in my human state? I would take great pleasure in wrapping my hands around my..." I want to say father’s neck, but he doesn't deserve that title. "Well, I'd love to feel his neck snap under my fingers but I'm guessing that it will take a lot more than my human hands."
This is all fucked up. I don't think I will fully believe that I’m a wolf until I shift. I still expect to wake up any moment from a nightmare. Yet, here I stand in this strange camp that feels very much like home. How weird is that? I shouldn't feel comfortable with these strangers.
"Lisa." I turn to see Jasper and Markus walking up behind me. Markus takes one look at my dishevelled state and his arms wrap around me. My head burrows into his shirt and I breathe in his scent.
"Hi, guys. How are you?" asks Jasper.
"All the better for seeing you here. It's been a while." Joel pats Jasper on the back.
"Indeed it has."
I keep myself buried into Markus' chest, but I turn to my side so I can see the exchange between Jasper and the pack members. Maybe that will relax my mind a little bit. "I see you've met my girl. Now, what have you said to her?"
"Eh..." stutters Joel.
"They've not done anything, apart from be truthful. It's all a lot to take in," I admit.
"Okay, you can keep your heads for the time being." Jasper jabs Joel’s arm and the laughter echoes around us. "This is Markus, my son. He is also Lisa's mate, so keep your hands off."
Markus holds his hand out. "Nice to meet you..."
"What did you just say?" I stand up straight and direct my anger at Jasper. What the hell did that mean? How dare he insinuate that I would go with anyone other than Markus?
"What?"
"How dare you make me feel worthless? I’m with Markus, and none of their muscles, good looks, or personality would make me bat an eyelid. How dare you, Jasper?"
Out of all the revelations this week, this has been the angriest I’ve been. Maybe it’s all built up to this moment, but I don’t care.
"I didn't mean it like that, sweetheart. Wolves have a high sex drive. They need to know Markus has claimed you as his. It has nothing to do with you. It just saves me breaking these two apart..."
"Save it." I cut him off. "They can look all they like but it doesn't mean they would get anywhere. Chardonnay, can I take a rain check on the tour? I've suddenly had enough."
"Sure."
"Nice to meet you guys. Stop by tonight to let us know what needs to be done. I'm assuming there will be a lot we need to know." I speak to Joel and his friend, but I've forgotten the friend’s name.
"Indeed there is. Markus, we thought you would like to join the security and be kept up to date on what's happening."
"Perfect. I'll show you where we're staying." He speaks into my hair and I nod my response.
"Thanks."
"Lisa..." Jasper steps after us.
"Save it, Jasper." I turn away from the gathered crowd that has started to wonder what was going on, and Markus wraps his arm around my shoulders. There isn’t a word spoken between us and I let him lead me down the path to where we’re staying for the foreseeable. The air is so fres
h up here. It’s completely different to being at home in Anderson.
We stop in front of a large cabin, and Markus pushes the door open. I turn around to take in the true beauty of the camp. It’s peaceful. Calm. Quiet. Who would have thought a pack of wolves live here?
I shake my head and try to get back to here and now. I feel all over the place. Why? Was it because of Jasper's choice of words? Was it hearing about my mother's pack life? Is it everything finally falling into place? Who knows?
I walk into the cabin and close the door. I lean my head back against the door, like I’m trying to lock everyone out. Right now, it’s Markus and me. If I could keep it like this forever, I think I would.
"What's going on, babe? This isn't like you? You do know Jasper didn't mean anything by what he said? He was trying to protect the guys, because if they touched you, even a handshake, I would want to rip their heads off. It's a wolf thing."
I have a lot to take in. On one hand, I’m happy to be here to learn, but on the other hand, I want to run for the hills and never look back.
"I feel like a bitch. Was that even allowed, the way I spoke to Jasper in front of the pack? I’m going to end up getting us killed." I slide down the door and pull my knees up to rest my forehead on them. Markus places one hand on my head and the other on my knee. I relish his touch.
"Everyone knows Jasper is like a dad to you, and he treats you like a daughter. I daresay there are rules about speaking to someone of Jasper's power and place, but everyone that was out there won’t be sending out a witch hunt any time soon. We have bigger issues to deal with. Right now, I’m worried about you. Speak to me."
I don't know what to say that I haven't already said this week. Markus knows everything about me. Even now, we're going to learn together. "I'm just all over the place. I don't like to feel like I'm not in control of my life. I know nothing about this life, Markus. Nothing. I'm a nobody compared to everyone out there. Yet, they all seem like they want to help us. I'm lying to my family and that doesn't sit well with me. They've always been honest with me. I don't know why I was so angry out there. I can blame the travelling, or being tired, but there was no excuse." I chastise myself and shake my head as reality hits me.
"Come with me." Markus stands and holds both of his hands out to me. I take his warm hands in mine and he pulls me softly to my feet. He leads me through the cabin, and I don’t take in anything else. My eyes focus on Markus' back, and that's where they remain until we reach a bathroom. Standing in the middle of the large space is a late bath tub with gold claw feet. The room is remarkable and not what I expected.
"Sit down."
I sit on a stool in front of the vanity unit. I watch Markus closely as he puts the plug in the bath and runs the hot water. He squeezes bubble bath into the water, and the soft aroma of lavender quickly fills the room. Already, my body feels so much lighter. Maybe I just need to relax for a little while.
Markus walks over to me, lifts my feet one by one and takes my Converse off. It’s a relief to be barefoot after having shoes on for so long. His thumb presses into the sole of my foot and massages softly in small circles. The amazing feeling radiates through my body until a soft moan escapes my mouth.
"I want you to get in that bath, and I'll go and make you a hot drink. When you come out, you're going to go for a lie down before we need to meet the Alpha and discuss what happens next..."
"But..."
"No buts." Markus places his finger over my lips to silence me. "Do as you're told for once."
I nod slowly and move his finger to pull his lips down to mine. It feels like forever since his mouth was on mine, but it wasn’t even two hours ago.
When he pulls away from me, his wicked smile tells me all I need to know - he isn’t going to touch me anymore. "Bath. I'll be back in five."
I watch his retreating back and I hear his footsteps fade the further he gets down the hall. I stand up and slip out of my clothes in record time. The water is still running into the bath, and I test the temperature with my fingers before climbing in. The moment my body lies back in the water, any cares or concerns vanish. My body falls into oblivion.
This is bliss. If only I could stay like this.
Chapter 11
Markus
The first few hours in the camp were different to what Lisa and I are used to, but I'm sure in time we will adapt. I've spent the last hour sitting on the rocking chair in the corner of our bedroom. Lisa had her bath and crashed out the moment her body hit the bed. I let her sleep and took in the beauty that surrounds this woman. She is mine. All mine.
I look down at my watch and notice it's eight p.m. A light knock on the door has me standing up to answer it. I know it's Jasper, because he's the only other person staying in this cabin. I think that's why we had this bigger family-sized cabin, compared to the single room cabins I've come across since we arrived. The only other big cabin I noticed was the Alpha's home, which I'm guessing is the norm for Alphas.
"Hey," I say almost in a whisper, careful not to wake up Lisa.
"How is she?"
"She was exhausted. I don't want to wake her, but I know I need to."
"Let her sleep, son. She will feel better for it."
"No. She needs to be a part of the planning and organising. It's the only way she's going to trust the pack. We need to eat anyway."
"Okay. If you're sure. Dinner is being served at nine over in the Alpha's cabin. Meet me out front at eight forty-five and we'll walk over together."
Jasper doesn’t even give me a chance to agree or disagree. He makes his way down to the room he’s staying in. I take a deep breath. Tonight, we get to know everyone we need to, and tomorrow, we work at making sure Lisa never has to look over her shoulder again. I can't say I'm looking forward to any of it. The unknown is tearing me apart piece by piece.
"Markus." Lisa's sleepy voice makes me turn around and sit on the side of the bed. "What time is it?"
"Just past eight. We need to get ready to be at the Alpha's cabin for nine. Are you feeling up to it?"
"Sure. The quicker we go the quicker we can come back. I could sleep for a week."
"Me too, baby. I'm going to get freshened up and then the bathroom's all yours." I lean in and place my lips over hers. The soft, subtle moan that escapes her has my dick straining in my pants. I want to be inside her. I need to be inside her. "I need to move or we won't be meeting anyone tonight," I say, making her smile.
Her soft, warm, hand runs up my bare arm. I watch her fingers wrap around my skin and the tingles run through my whole body. I place a kiss on her forehead and stand to leave the room. I don't know if she meant to get me aroused, but she did. I need a distraction now. I need to think about anything other than Lisa.
Wolves. Fighting. Alpha. Jasper.... eurgh! A cold shower will have to work. It has to.
If I was this worked up at home, I would've gone for a run. I'm not sure of doing that here, because I’m an outsider to those of the pack we haven't met. If only life was simple.
I’m stripping out of my shirt when Jasper appears around the door. We've always had an open relationship and he always picks up when I need him. "Let's go."
"What?"
"Let's go for a run."
"What about Lisa?"
"She's fine. She's safe here. Joel is around. I'll let him know when we shift. Let's go. Half an hour and we'll be back in time to get changed for dinner."
I shrug and let my shirt slide down my arms. I open our bedroom door on the way past and Lisa is sitting on the edge of the bed with a robe around her. She hasn't got very far since I left her. "I'll be back in half an hour. I'm just going for a run with Dad. Will you be okay?"
"Sure. Go. I'll get a shower now." She jumps to her feet and walks towards me. She goes up onto her toes and places a kiss on my cheek on her way past. I wait for a moment until I hear the shower door shut and lock. I’m not keen on leaving her alone so soon, but we'll probably be back before she's out of the shower. I kn
ow exactly what she's like in a bath or shower; the time just slips away from her and her skin ends up like a prune.
I make my way out to the front door and Jasper is talking to Joel. I nod my head and slip my boots off, leaving them at the side of the door. I’ve never shifted within a pack before, and I have no idea what’s normal.
"Ready?" asks Jasper.
"I think so."
"Joel will circle the cabin until we get back. We’ll walk to the edge of the trees and shift."
I nod, unsure of what’s going to happen, but I know I need to gain my confidence and show these wolves I'm not a pushover.
"You okay?" Jasper squeezes my bare shoulder.
"Yeah. I'm just agitated."
"I gathered. That will ease when you mate. It's normal. Plus a strange pack, new rules, new lifestyle. You'll be fine, son."
"Thanks. How did you know?"
"I could feel your uneasy, undecided mood. I know you usually run when you get like that. Here we are. It's no different to changing back home. We strip here and come back to get our clothes. Twenty minutes and we return."
I strip out of my jeans and pants and place them in a pile beside Jasper's. He shifts in seconds. The sound of his bones aligning never gets easier to hear. It still makes my blood run cold, but when I look up, a huge, dark grey wolf stands in front of me. Ice blue eyes stare through me and I take that moment to shift. I shake my body and my fur fans out. My paws scrape down on the ground, I give my nod to Jasper, and he takes off in front of me. I pound against the dirt underneath my paws and I chase Jasper until we reach a beautiful lake. The wind in my fur is exhilarating. It makes me feel fresh and relaxed. My wolf has been released and nothing is holding me back. Nothing will ever beat the feeling that washes over me when I shift. I'm free. I'm alive. I'm my own person.
When we reach the lake, I lap up at the cold water, letting it quench my thirst. My heart is beating so fast in my chest, but it's for a totally different reason from back at the cabin.