by Melissa Haag
Before she looked up, someone walked in. Charlene’s eyes lit up with joy, and I knew who it was before he made it to the stove.
“Anton, you can have the rest of mine,” Charlene said holding out her bowl.
I wanted to growl as she stepped closer to him.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Totally.”
I watched him bring her spoon to his mouth and clenched my teeth. He was tasting her. I was sure of it.
Winifred watched me openly, waiting for my reaction. Like earlier that day, I did nothing. With humans, patience was the key. I knew that well. But when it came to Charlene, the patience might kill me.
“Take a seat at the table,” Winifred said to Charlene after Anton finished and left.
“Tomorrow, we’ll make two pots of stew,” Charlene said to Mary as she moved to sit. “Whoever brings the meat should double what’s being brought. It doesn’t have to be the same kind of meat. Two rabbits and two pheasants would work.”
“All right.” Mary moved to Charlene’s side to assist Winifred.
Winifred set the iodine and bandages on the table, moved Charlene’s hair aside, and bent close to look at the stitches.
“I see the tear. And the new marks.”
I regret giving you permission, she sent me.
“I thought it best to get the remaining attempts out of the way,” Charlene said.
“I’m concerned that, though those here have agreed not to attempt another Claiming, others might still want to try. What happened a few days ago proves—”
“Winifred,” I said, cutting her off.
I will keep her safe. Do not attempt to scare her away now.
“Pup,” she growled, “I will not tolerate another interruption. You’ve voiced your opinions; now, let me do my duty.”
“Your duty is to keep the peace. There’s peace here. You can leave.”
Charlene’s mouth dropped open, and she turned to stare at me. When Mary tried to tug her from the room, likely Winifred’s suggestion, Charlene stood and faced me.
“I think you should show Winifred a bit more respect,” she said. “You told me this place is in her name. She’s the only one of you out in the real world, working to make sure you can keep it. Without her, where would you be? Have you asked yourself that?”
Winifred did more for our existence that I cared to admit. Yet, as much as she gave, she also seemed to want to take away. Noting Charlene’s angry stance, I decided a retreat was in order until we all had time to cool off.
“Winifred, I apologize,” I said. “Do what you think is best.”
I walked out the door, and Grey fell in step beside me.
“That seemed to have gone well,” he said.
“How do you figure?”
“You still have your balls.”
I shook my head at him. We were just about to enter the trees for a run when Bine, Zerek, Hem, and Carl found us.
“We would like to join you,” Hem said. “We’ve never run with a pack before.”
“And we would like to eat something that isn’t burnt,” Zerek said.
I couldn’t fault them for saying the truth and agreed to a pack hunt. It led us further from sanctuary than I would have liked, but I knew Winifred would keep both Mary and Charlene safe. We crossed several fresh trails as we roamed a distance. One scent I recognized well.
Charlene’s attacker is still nearby, I sent Winifred.
Yes. I know. I can’t order him away from sanctuary, but he cannot harm Charlene again like he already has. She will be safe.
I didn’t have her faith. She hadn’t witnessed firsthand the lengths some of our kind had been willing to go to secure our future. And that level of demonstrated intensity was what worried me the most.
When we returned from our hunt, many of the males had cleared the yard and found places to settle among the trees. A few stood in the shadows just beyond the light of the opened door and watched the females inside. We joined them, and I was relieved to see Anton wasn’t there.
Glancing through the window, I saw Charlene at the table, gingerly moving her neck and rolling her shoulders while Winifred and Mary washed dishes. I moved toward the door and heard Charlene speak.
“I think I’ll head up to bed.”
I quickly opened the door and stepped inside.
“I’ll walk you.”
My sudden appearance didn’t seem to surprise her. Charlene glanced at Winifred and Mary, but neither said anything.
I disagree with the way you manipulated the situation, Winifred sent me.
I manipulated the situation to protect those who matter to me. It’s no less than you have done repeatedly for us. We want the same things. To keep Charlene here and keep her safe. Telling her she’s been manipulated will threaten our goals.
I could feel Winifred’s annoyance, but she said nothing in response as Charlene agreed to let me walk with her and led the way from the room.
After a day spent apart from Charlene, I inhaled her scent and let the pull claw at me. I’d missed her. I wanted to talk to her and spend time with her but wasn’t sure if she wanted the same. Not after her day spent with Anton. She didn’t smile or become excited when I walked into a room. Disgruntled, I watched the way her hips swayed as she walked up the stairs in front of me.
When we reached her room, I stayed in the hallway to let her change. However, the extended silence from within the room had me wondering if she’d open the door again. I was just considering letting myself in when it swung open. She didn’t look at me, just moved aside and motioned me in. Her scent was wary and slightly sad. Without a word, she went to her bed and slipped under the covers.
I quietly closed the door then sat to lean against it. Doubt ate at me. If I were really meant to be her Mate, shouldn’t my presence make her happy?
In the weak light from the window, I watched her roll toward the wall. Her breathing and heart didn’t slow as minutes passed. She yawned loudly several times before finally rolling toward me. Her eyes were open, searching the darkness for me.
“Can’t sleep?” I asked.
“No. I want to, but my mind won’t let me.”
“Want to talk?” I would listen to anything she had to say.
“I don’t know...”
“Why are you hesitating?”
“Because I’m not sure about you.” A frown creased her brow and then she started talking in a rush. “You didn’t like me. Then, you wanted to bite me. When I gave you what you wanted, instead of leaving me alone, you watch me even more. You seem annoyed most of the time. I think you still don’t really like me, and I know you’re keeping things from me. But it’s not just you. I’m questioning whether it’s smart to continue making plans to stay here through the winter. My presence obviously isn’t welcome. My neck can’t take any more holes; if it does, I’ll start spouting water every time I drink. Even if I’m not asked to leave, how can I possibly survive a winter here? Despite the steps we’re taking, I don’t think it will be enough. If the cold doesn’t kill me, malnourishment most likely will. How will talking about what’s on my mind change any of that? It won’t. Actions will. But I upset your kind if I talk about acting too much. So, no, I don’t think I want to talk about any of it.”
Her fear and worry frustrated me. Her concerns about surviving here meant we weren’t doing enough to make this place ready for her to assure her she could survive. I hated that she’d been feeling this all along and never said anything.
“You will always have a place with me, and I will always listen.” She needed to know that.
“You still think I belong with you...even after the bite failed?”
“Yes.” I felt it in my very bones. “Try to go to sleep, Charlene.”
She sighed and closed her eyes. It was a long while before she slept.
NINE
I slept very little; Charlene’s words ate at my mind. When I heard movement next door, I reached out to Mary to see if she was awake
and willing to sit with Charlene.
Her response was an immediate yes. As soon as Mary was with Charlene, Gregory and I went downstairs. Winifred was in her fur, curled by the fire. She didn’t open her eyes or move, but I knew she was awake.
“What are we doing?” Gregory asked when we stepped outside.
“Recruiting.” I looked at the trees, knowing there would be wolves close enough to hear my words. “We need more help. Charlene’s still worried.”
No one stepped from the trees.
Do you have any suggestions for new members?
Ash helped with the coop yesterday. He was giving suggestions and didn’t get upset when Charlene explained why most of them wouldn’t work.
See if you can find him. I’d like to welcome him before Charlene’s awake.
Gregory nodded and walked toward the trees. I turned and started walking toward the coop they’d been working on yesterday. If having birds nearby would make her feel more secure here, then we would find a way to keep birds.
However, before I reached the wire pen, a male stepped from the trees.
“You’re recruiting?”
“Yes. Are you interested in joining?”
“It depends on why you’re increasing the size of your pack.”
“To hold sanctuary. To keep Charlene safe,” I said, honestly.
He crossed his arms and stared at me for a minute, evaluating what he saw.
“I heard stories about you before you came here. Your pack worked to keep the north clear of trappers and hunters. You had no use for the humans. That was the pack I wanted to join. Now, you’re weak and soft. Just like the human you’re trying to protect. You’re wasting your efforts on something that will kill us all instead of trying to protect us.”
He turned and walked back into the trees.
I couldn’t be angry at his words. They echoed exactly what I’d thought before I’d met Charlene. Part of me still worried I was dooming my pack. Yet each time I looked at Charlene, I knew I had no other choice. She was mine. I wouldn’t abandon her. I would keep her safe. And fed.
Studying the fence, I knew we’d need to save money to buy the right kind of netting for the bird pen. As she’d pointed out, most of us lacked human skills, and I was certain no one knew how to repair any kind of netting we would find in the salvage yard.
Found him, Gregory sent me. Meet us in the yard.
With a last look at the size of the fence, I went to meet Red. He was the hardworking, quiet type, and I hoped he would like the idea of making sanctuary into something more. He did and willingly joined the pack.
Before the newest link fully settled with the rest, a group of males, some in their skin and some in their fur, stepped into the clearing. In their midst, I easily recognized the male who’d tried to hurt Charlene and felt my canines lengthen.
The lead wolf approached me. His large paws left prints in the exposed soil. Heavy and big, he was no unseasoned wolf.
He shifted into his skin, towering a few inches above me.
“I challenge you for the right to lead your pack,” the male said.
Charlene’s attacker smirked. Winifred might have prevented him from harming Charlene, but he hadn’t given up. It was obvious he’d been doing his own recruiting.
“Challenge accepted,” I said, without any choice. If I declined, they would challenge the pack for the right to hold sanctuary. I wouldn’t risk Mary, Ann, or Charlene with a full scale fight. And regardless of Winifred’s attempted meddling last night, she couldn’t interfere with a pack challenge.
The man started to shift, and I quickly stepped out of my pants and threw them aside. Wolves gathered around us. My pack stayed close to the building, ready to defend those inside.
Mary, if she wakes, keep her calm. And, don’t tell her she might lose her home because of this fight. She’s worried enough.
Stay focused, Thomas, Grey sent me. Gregory and I will handle everything else.
The large brown wolf crouched low and growled. I echoed his move.
Howls rose around us as the onlookers shouted encouragement.
Tense, I waited until I saw his gaze shift. I launched myself at him to meet his attack.
His paws brushed my shoulder as he twisted to push me aside. The move, meant to give him an opening to my neck, gave me an opening to his back leg. I dove forward, out of his reach, and bit down on the meaty part of his thigh. He howled, and I bit harder.
When I felt him twisting for me, I let go and turned to meet his open jaws. I closed my teeth over his muzzle. He tried to shake me off, but I held firm. He crouched low, ready to flip me, and I quickly let go. He backed away and shook his head. Blood flowed freely from his leg and snout.
Charlene’s voice reached me as my opponent studied me.
“Wait. You said packs are family units. So who’s Thomas fighting?”
Mary, say no more.
The wolf seemed to sense my momentary distraction and launched himself at me. Ready, I met the attack with teeth and claws. He cried out as I found my mark and made him bleed again. He didn’t try to counter but twisted out of my hold and backed away once more.
Anton’s voice reached me even through the glass window.
“She can’t talk to you, but I can. Thomas has been recruiting. He’s now the first leader of a non-family pack, one large enough to ensure Thomas can claim any territory he wants. He’s claimed this territory. His challenger, should he win, would be Thomas’ pack’s new leader. That would give him rights to this compound, to you because you’re unClaimed and living here, and to Mary, since she’s unClaimed and currently a member of Thomas’ pack.”
I snarled and dove for my challenger’s neck. After I finished with this one, I would rip Anton apart for making Charlene fear for her safety.
“I’m sure you’ll have questions for him when he’s done. Would you like me to escort you to the main room? Winifred asked that I keep an eye on both of you.”
Winifred. I wanted to curse. Instead, I pushed harder to end the fight. However, my challenger didn’t concede as quickly as I would have liked. The sun had moved to the tops of the trees before my opponent rolled to his back and showed me his belly.
I shifted to my skin and glared down at him.
“Go. I don’t ever want to see you again. If I hear you reenter my territory, I will hunt you and kill you.”
He got to his paws and jogged from the clearing, his tail tucked between his legs.
I locked eyes with Charlene’s attacker, who’d instigated the challenge.
“I have faced far worse than you can imagine. Make sure you let your next mutt know who he’s challenging.”
The male snarled and left the clearing. Some of his followers split off to go their own way, and I could only hope he would give up now.
“You’ve looked better,” Grey said, joining me. He handed me my discarded pants, and I tugged them back on.
“You should just run him off,” Gregory said, approaching.
“You know I can’t. He hasn’t challenged me directly. Until he does, the laws of sanctuary still protect him.”
Just like the law protected Anton. Breathing deeply to try to shake the overwhelming urge to beat some respect into the mongrel, I focused on why I was annoyed. He’d needlessly worried Charlene. At least, I thought she might have been worried.
Because of the quiet in the clearing, I heard her faint voice.
“Well?”
“Thomas won,” Mary said.
“Good. Tell him we have a bath ready if he wants it. Breakfast will be done in a few minutes.”
Unwilling to wait any longer to see her, I strode to the door.
Mary stood by the table and Anton near the door. Dismissing both of them for the moment, I looked at Charlene, who stood before the stove. She was stirring something.
At the sound of the door opening, she turned. Her gaze met mine, and her pulse fluttered before she quickly looked away and went back to stirring whatever she
was cooking.
I’d expected worry or fear, but in that single look I’d seen something entirely different. Something that hit me hard and made my blood heat. The pull intensified to the point of pain.
I crossed the room, needing to be near her and breathe her in. Once I stood behind her, bumps rose on the skin of her arms and she shivered lightly. I ached for her. My palms itched to feel her skin.
Her scent sweetened, but she didn’t turn to acknowledge me.
“Mary, this is just about done,” she said. “I’ll set it on the small table so it can finish cooking without burning.”
I reached around her, my arm brushing hers as I lifted the pot from the stove.
“Thank you,” she said, sidestepping in an attempt to escape me.
Catching her hand, I kept her beside me and held out the pot to Mary.
She took it without a word and slowly moved toward the table. I could feel Mary’s worry and tried to calm down. Behind me, the door closed, and I knew Anton had left.
I smoothed my thumb over the back of Charlene’s hand and waited for her to meet my gaze.
“Do you have questions?” I asked.
She studied me for a moment, uncertainty in her eyes.
“How many are in your pack now?”
“Nine,” I said with a slight smile. The number should guarantee her safety; I didn’t know of any larger pack.
“And what will you do with those nine pack members?” she asked.
“Fix this place. See if we can’t find ourselves a new purpose.” Hopefully that would reassure her that she wasn’t alone in her efforts.
“How exactly did you gain each of your new pack members?”
The unexpected question confused me. I didn’t see why she would be interested in how I’d recruited them. Was she worried they weren’t trustworthy? Before I could ask, she went on.
“If that wolf would have won, Mary would have become one of his pack. What if she didn’t want to be one of his pack? Could she just leave?”