“Rise.” Tatum said in a deep baritone voice that vibrated in Scotty’s chest.
Scotty stood slowly, not wanting to make any sudden moves. Scotty was no punk, nor was he stupid. He knew he was outnumbered and by all rights a trespasser and a danger to all.
“This is Mr. Nobody…” the man said, but before he could finish Scotty interrupted.
“I’m called Scott, Scotty to my friends.” He said with a slight smile.
“From nowhere.” The man pronounced slowly.
“Sir, I am from the Rolling Hill Pack, I apologize for trespassing, I was looking for the Skylark pack.” Scotty explained.
“Why, why are you away from Rolling Hill and looking for the Howling Wall pack?”
Scotty wanted to tell him it was none of his business and that he didn’t think the Blackstone Pack was this far south. “It is my mother’s pack.”
“You look too old to be suckled, so why are you looking for mommy?” The other man said.
Scotty determined the man was Tatum’s beta and if so, was due as much respect as Tatum himself.
“Luke, stop looking for a fight where there is none.” Tatum announced. “The Howling Wall Pack died out and the few that were left joined me and I was able to expand my territory and help those who were without an alpha and dying to live.”
“You are welcome to stay. For now.” Tatum said, he was about to give instructions to Luke when a pain twisted in his stomach. It was so sharp it made him stop mid-stride. He was hungry and irritable, all at once. His temperament has always been cool and collected, but for some reason he felt on edge and restless.
“I think we should question him a little more.” Luke said.
“Did I ask your opinion on this matter, or did I announce plain and clear that he is welcome to stay, for now?” Tatum growled, causing Luke to take a step backward.
“I meant no harm, Tatum.” Luke whispered.
***
“Going for a run…” Was Tatum’s reply as he began to strip out of his shirt. He didn’t know what was happening to him. His hands were shaking and beads of sweat began rolling down his sharp pointed nose, proved something was wrong. His stomach growled, as if taking on a life of its own. This was the second day he felt this uncontrollable hunger. When he heard a wild boar running in the distance and caught wind of its scent, he transformed into his wolf’s body and with strong agile limbs he took off at breakneck speed after the boar. He was enjoying the run and the chase, it wasn’t long before he’d caught up to the boar and with lightening speed, Tatum pounced on the boar’s back, dragging it to the ground. Without ceremony he bit a large chunk from its neck. Tatum tore into the boar as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks. His primal nature was at an all-time high. He felt like an animal, wild and free.
When he finished, he felt stifled, as if he couldn’t breathe. You just stuffed yourself like a pig. Of course, you can’t breathe. What is going on, what is happening to me? The more he pondered on his condition the more irate he became.
On the way back to the town, Tatum caught the scent of Blackstone’s enemies, the Ringers. He was furious that they would dare cross the line and enter onto Blackstone’s territory. Positioning himself between some trees, Tatum spied six kappa wolves. He recognized them as scouts surveying the area. A stabbing pain hit Tatum in the side. Taking a deep breath, he closed his mind off to the pain and concentrated on his anger. He didn’t know what was happening to him, and at the moment he didn’t have time to deal with any weaknesses, not when his pack was being threatened. Tatum made a quick decision, for the element of surprise was on his side. His large, padded paws, pounding into the rich earth making his stealth movement undetected as he made his way down the side of the hill. In his wolf form, he was at least twice the size of the average wolf, his beautiful shiny black and gray hackles stood at attention. He ripped into the first kappa,
surprising the others. His teeth tore at the flesh of anything within reach.
Luke looking for Tatum couldn’t believe his eyes when he witnessed his alpha in mortal battle with, not one or two, but six interlopers. Luke took off running and tackled one of the wolves, taking a nip out of its leg. In their pack’s link language Tatum said, let him go! I want him to report back to Seth that I will kill to protect my territory.
Luke let the rogue wolf go, he too wanted the word out there. Turning to Tatum he said, what the hell? he looked around at the damage Tatum had inflicted.
I can’t explain it. But that’s the least of our worries. Seth was taking over territories left and right and thought he’d have an easy picking with Blackstone and the southern packs. But there was no way they would give away all the land the Blackstone’s have gathered. War was inevitable, today was confirmation of that, Seth would be forced to retaliate.
When the two-reached town, Scotty was standing nearby and trembled slightly at Tatum in his wolf form. He was thankful the goddess gave him sense to join and not fight the alpha and his pack. He’d never seen a wolf so large, it was unnatural. He now knew the stories were true about the legendary Tatum the tracker, whose ancestors were dire wolves. The two-transformed back into human flesh before reaching Scotty. When Luke passed he said, “you’ve chosen the wrong time to band with us. We are now at war, hope you can fight. And, by the way, initiation is tonight.”
“I’d be proud to fight for Blackstone.” Scotty said proudly.
Luke turned on a dime for a surprise attack on Scotty, looking to see what he was made of. Scotty, quick on his feet, dodged the attack and instead pinned Luke to the ground.
“Please, don’t try me, I’ve come to you in peace.” Scotty announced.
“Just seeing what you’re made of pup, that’s all.” Luke laughed.
“I’m not a pup, nor an omega.” Scotty stated, letting Luke up.
Tatum watched from the corner of the building. He knew for a fact it took a lot to put Luke down, especially when he’s the aggressor. Before Tatum could think more on the subject the stabbing pain gripped him again. His first thought was to seek out the pack’s gamma. Tatum knew the knowledge of pack history would help him figure out what disease he might’ve contracted. The gamma’s knowledge of ancient medicine could heal him. Even Doc Jax could give him something.
CHAPTER THREE
Bristol couldn’t believe her stupidity in over sleeping, she hadn’t realized just how tired she’d been. She wasn’t accustomed to the exertion she experienced yesterday. She was preparing to leave the little cave when she took a few steps and stopped. She caught the scent of her pack nearby, thankfully, she’d covered her tracks. Afraid of being caught out in the open, Bristol moved deeper into the cave, she hunched herself in the dark corner hoping if anyone looked inside, they would not see her. She could hear Rex dishing out orders, which made her snarl her teeth. She wanted to kill him, kill him like he killed her father, and more than likely her mother, too. Bristol called out to Gamma Rhone, Please, Gamma Rhone, tell me what’s going on. Is my mother…Is she okay? Bristol realized she might be too far to communicate with Gamma Rhone. She was alone and truly on her own.
It seemed like an eternity before Rex and his henchmen cleared the area. When she was sure the coast was clear, Bristol took the opportunity to vacate the cave. Quickly, she dashed across the small lake which would hide her scent even the more. When she got to the other side, she found herself at a loss. She didn’t know which way to turn and to her dismay, she got lost and wound up where she began. Wasting time was not something she enjoyed, and for some reason she felt lightheaded and hungry again. She decided to eat before trying to get her bearings straight.
“Come on, Bristol, dad taught you how to track and travel. Stop with the nonsense and get it together,” she said talking to herself. She quickly killed two rabbits, she wanted the deer grazing in the meadow, but thought better of it. She was a strong believer that food should not be wasted. The sun began to set over the horizon and Bristol decided to find shelter. She didn’t want to backtrack,
nor did she want Rex to find her. She was sure his menacing attitude would not change once he had her as his alpha mate.
That thought alone made her forge ahead, until she saw one of Rex’s sentries standing beyond the trees. She had nowhere to turn and prayed he was alone. That Rex had them separate to find her. Dad always said the element of surprise and a great offense helped with your defense. Walking quietly on the balls of her feet, she snuck up behind the sentry, hoping he’d think her scent just one of the pack. Holding her fighting cane high above her head, with the silver wolf's head pointed downward, she approached. When the sentry turned she swung hard as she could, crushing the side of his temple. He fell with a solid thud to the ground.
Careful not to run into Rex, she continued walking through the thick brush, turning constantly to insure no one was following. She couldn’t believe Rex would cross the lake in search of her. Then it dawned on her she was still on Rolling Hill land. She increased her steps, taking advantage of the little bit of daylight left. I’ve got to get away from Rolling Hill, I need to find Scotty or a safe refuge from Rex. She decided to walk until it was impossible to go further. It was pitch black in the forest, and Bristol was tired. Her legs hurt and her shoulders felt tense, as if she’d been carrying the world upon them. Stopping under a large tree, she sat with her back against the rough bark, looking out into the night. She wondered about her mother, and wished she could send a message or something to Gamma Rhone. It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep. She dreamed again of the handsome man with dark hair and haunting eyes. Awakening to the slithering of a snake along her shoulder didn’t put her in a great mood. Tossing the snake aside, she stood, stretching, loosening her tight muscles.
She could tell it was early by the dew over the grass and the sun’s position. She welcomed a new day and marveled at the fact she’d wakened at the crack of dawn, giving her more travel time and a chance to leave Rolling Hill territory. Bristol walked along the riverbank and washed her face in the cool crystal-clear water. She wanted to skinny dip in the blue waters, but decided to wait. A nice cool dip would be her reward once she left Rolling Hill territory. She could see the fish swimming along the rolling river, without a care in the world. Even in her human form she managed to maintain the quick agility of her wolf. Putting her hand in the water she waited and when the large fish brushed against her hand she caught it, placing it in a tight grip. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she began to eat. She promised not to overindulge as she did the day before. She wanted to make good headway in leaving Rolling Hill and a heavy stomach would only slow her down. She also realized four legs would move faster than two so she shifted into her wolf.
Bristol was careful to continue walking off the pathway, as not to run into Rex and his goons. She knew from his conceitedness, he would never think her smart enough to travel out of sight, using the woodland as a cover, and following the river south. He didn’t know she’d been trained by the best and was an astute student. No, all he saw was a pretty face and someone to mate with. The mere thought of being with Rex turned her stomach. As once again pain gripped her mid-section and her belly began to rumble. It was very difficult but she mustered up enough strength to forge onward.
Bristol was doing good, making great time, as she followed her instincts. Until the wind began to blow. Every gust of wind brought discomfort to Bristol. She felt a pain in her chest, unlike anything she’d felt before. The pain was so sharp she was forced to shift back into her human form. Perspiration beaded her upper lip, her joints ached, every part of her body screamed for release. She even ache between her thighs. She was virgin, but not a child, so she knew the feeling was in her vaginal area. The feeling was so powerful, she had to stop and sit under a shady tree to catch her breath.
She rubbed her side trying to alleviate the pain that gripped her, when it finally stopped, her pussy began to burn. She slipped her hands inside her pants and began to rub the area. The feeling she was experiencing made her eyes close, as she got lost in herself. When her orgasm hit she was breathless, the sensation electrifying. Should she be ashamed of herself, hell yeah, she should feel like a bitch in heat, with no morals. But instead she felt exhilarated. Hell, she felt reborn, smiling she said out loud, “who knew?”
She never thought about her sexuality. Bristol spent most of her time practicing being a warrior, and preparing to be an alpha’s mate. That was something instilled in her since birth. Everything in her life since a child prepared her to rule Rolling Hill pack with her mate, plain and simple. Truth is, there were no males in the Rolling Hills pack that she’d been attracted to. The only wolf that came close to being what she wanted and needed was Scotty. However, he did nothing for her romantically. She and Scotty grew up as pups, so if anything, he was more family than lover, in fact, he was more of a big brother. Bristol shook her head at the thoughts of mating with Scotty. Sticking her tongue out she said, “yuk,” and began to laugh.
Continuing her journey, she began to fantasize about her duties as an alpha mate. Sex and romance were a mystery to Bristol. She wondered if it would be as tantalizing as her masturbating. Her mother never broached the subject and she never thought to ask about sex and her romantic, sexual duties as she-wolf. No, she never felt the need to ask about a relationship between a male and a female. After all, she thought she’d have a lifetime with her mother. Then the thought occurred to her, am I in heat? Is this where all my pent-up feelings are coming from? Again, she thought about how she felt when masturbating and decided it wouldn’t be the last time.
After crossing the large hill, Bristol stopped, lifting her head upward, she inhaled deeply. The odor was foreign, unlike any she’d smelled before. Then it hit her, she was no longer in Rolling Hill pack territory and no longer in Rex’s reach. Suddenly, the feeling of fear slammed into her chest when she realized, a new danger now existed, she was in enemy territory, and whose she didn’t know.
CHAPTER FOUR
“What do you mean I’m as healthy as an ox?” Shouted Tatum as he loomed over Jax, the pack’s doctor.
“I’ve told you the symptoms I’ve been experiencing and look, look...” Tatum revealed the beads of sweat rolling down the back of his neck. “We’re not yet in the summer months, doc, this is the beginning of the fucking spring.” He bellowed, shaking the glass bottles on the shelf behind him.
“I see, I see… But I can’t find anything physically wrong, Tatum.” Jax explained calmly.
“Maybe you should speak to Gamma Tate, you know he’s been around and knows a lot. Hell, he was once the healer of the pack.” Jax stated trying to remove himself from a situation he felt trapped in.
“Yeah, I thought about that and then I figured maybe you, a modern man of science, would have some answers. You know, if you hadn’t help the majority of our people, I’d…” With fists balled Tatum stormed out of the cottage, he wanted to hit something, or someone. Shit, he felt his skin burning as if on fire. He wanted to shift, to run, to kill. He was determined to get to the bottom this… thing… that had taken over his life. Suddenly the idea of seeing Gamma Tate took a back seat when his stomach twisted into a knot. It hit him so fast, he felt as if he’d been sucker punched. His wolf wanted out, wanted to eat. Tatum had always been in control of...well, everything. But now it was as if he’d been possessed by someone or something.
Shifting in a blink of an eye he took off running. His heavy paws, pounding against the dew ridden grass, left its mark as the grass matted into the rich soil. He was free, as he jumped a log. He stopped when he caught whiff of a spotted deer. Tatum’s wolf crouched down to attack, he was so low his belly brushed the damp ground. It felt good against his underbelly, hell he felt good, he felt alive. With his ears pinned back and his eyes on the prize, he leaped forth, pouncing on the deer’s haunches. The deer was quick and twisted sideways, then ran to the right. Tatum felt his adrenaline rushing through his veins. He loved the chase. Yes, deer, go faster, don’t let me catch you, he shouted to himself
, enjoying the fast paced game they were playing. It wasn’t long before Tatum cut the deer off and with one giant swoop, he was on the deer’s back, as his razor-sharp teeth pierced its neck, he didn’t ease up until he heard the deer’s bones crunch underneath the pressure of his jaws. The deer went down and tried a few times to rise, but Tatum put an end to it’s struggles by ripping out its throat. He took his time devouring the animal until only the bare carcass remained. When he shifted back he was bloody, dirty, and in need of a bath.
He washed in the small creek, thinking to himself, this is the life, running free, eating whenever and whatever. What is wrong with you? You have an obligation to the pack, your people. You are alpha! He argued with himself. He realized it was time to go back to town. And to see Gamma Tate.
The moment he stormed into the gamma’s hut, he felt uneasy. The small hut felt cramped and stifling. He was unable to straighten up and was forced to keep his head down.
“You look uncomfortable alpha; would you like to take a walk? Maybe it will help to digest your meal and give us time to talk.”
“If you don’t mind.” Tatum replied, grateful for the elder’s observation, and ignoring the fact that he knew he’d just eaten. “I’d love to.”
The two began to walk, Tatum took time to smile and return greetings to the town’s folks who passed them. He didn’t feel like being diplomatic, but when it came to children and the elderly, he went the extra mile with kindness. When they approached the edge of the town, Tatum began to discuss his concerns with the elder. Gamma Tate nodded his head periodically and said, ‘I see’, at all the appropriate times.
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