by Sam Crescent
“Ask me anything, and I will tell you everything you need to know. I won’t hold anything back, and I’ll be true to you.”
“Okay, that is a good deal.” She went on her tiptoes, and smiled. “I’ve never done it over a desk. Maybe we could make a memory here?”
Dante wrapped his arms around her waist, and pressed her over the desk. He’d gladly make memories with her.
Chapter Eleven
One week later
“You’re the talk of the whole pack,” Luke said.
“Leave your sister alone. I think it’s good that she has found someone who appreciates her,” Alice said.
Zadie smiled at her parents, and then turned to Luke. “I thought you liked Dante.”
“I do. He’s a great guy, and that, as far as I’m concerned, is the problem, isn’t it, Luke?” She tilted her head and watched as her brother glared.
“Okay, fine, yes, it is. He’s a great guy, and as weird as it is for me to say this, I don’t want you to leave. I know it’s going to happen, and it’s going to happen sooner than I’m ready for.” Luke stood up, and left the kitchen, storming outside into the garden.
She had been expecting this. Dante had warned her that it was hard for family when someone left. He’d been showing her pictures of his home, and telling her stories, memories. In the past week, she had felt closer to him than anyone else in her life. She had told him that she looked forward to leaving with him when he went back home, and as she told him that, he’d warned her about her family being upset.
“Don’t worry about Luke,” Alice said, gripping her arm. “I’ve seen you with Dante, and I know this is the real deal.”
“I care about him a lot. Nothing is going to change. Apart from me living here. I’m out most of the day anyway.” She looked toward the front door. “I’m going to go and talk to him.” Leaving the kitchen, she didn’t find Luke outside.
Picking up his trail, she entered the forest, and began the walk, which took her to her favorite spot out near the river. She found Luke standing at the edge, throwing stone across the surface of the water.
“That was a bit of a temper tantrum,” she said.
“Go and do whatever it is you need to do, Zadie. I’m fine.”
She folded her arms and closed the distance between them. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“You’ll be late for work.”
“So will you. This is a little strange, Luke. One moment you’re happy for me, the next you’re not. I’m kind of confused by you. I don’t get it. What have I done wrong?”
He threw another stone out to the water. “It’s nothing okay? Forget about it.”
“You’re my brother. Just be honest with me. What is your problem?”
Luke turned to her. “I guess I’ve gotten so used to you being around that I’m having a hard time dealing with the thought of you leaving. We’ve always been close, Zadie. You’re my best friend, and you know what I deal with.”
“This was going to happen. If not to me then to you.”
He let out a breath. “I guess I’m having issues with you leaving. That’s all it is. You, me, Mom, and Dad. It has always been us four. We’ve been out own little pack, and I’m being an asshole, which staring at you right now isn’t helping. I don’t want to be the asshole. I’m the big brother, and now I feel like a stupid kid.” He threw another stone, and this time she chuckled.
“This is really sweet, Luke. Honestly, I’m going to miss you, too. You’re my big brother, and there will always be room for you to visit. Maybe you haven’t found your mate because she’s in another pack.”
“Maybe.”
“What about Bethany? I’ve seen the way you look at her.”
“I’m not going to mate with anyone.”
“Are you still pining for Bianca?”
“No.”
“Then what is it?” she asked.
“I’m not going to allow myself to be hurt again, not even for Bethany.”
“She’s a good woman.”
“I know, but I guess I just don’t have that trust thing anymore.”
Luke had feelings for Bethany, Zadie was sure of it. He was so stubborn though, and she wasn’t about to push her brother.
“You can come and visit any time you want, and this is what you’ve always wanted for me, Luke. I love him, and I want this.”
Luke sighed. “I know, and I’m being stupid. I want you to go and be happy. I do.”
She gave him a hug, and he patted her arm, much like he did when they were growing up. She considered it his pacifying tap. “Don’t let Bianca destroy your view of all women. We’re not all the same you know. We’re all different.”
“I know. Go on, I’m fine here.”
“I can wait. I’m not the one opening the nursery today, so I can stay as long as you need me to.”
She took a seat on the ground, and watched as her brother continued to throw stones into the water.
“If he ever hurts you, tell me, and I will make him hurt,” Luke said.
“He won’t hurt me, Luke.”
Hours passed, and she still didn’t move. When they heard movement, they both turned toward the clearing to find Bethany and Dante there.
“I better go,” Luke said.
She didn’t try to stop him. Staying sat and looking out at the water, she heard Bethany and Luke leave. Dante moved to sit beside her.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey.”
“You weren’t at the nursery.”
“I had to deal with my brother. He’s having abandonment issues.”
“You and he have always been close?”
“Yeah. When we first moved here, it was hard for us. We were the newbies, and we had each other. For the longest time that is all we had. I’m leaving, and he’s struggling.”
Dante took her hand. “You finally made your choice?”
She held onto his hand tightly. “I told you I’d come with you. I don’t know if I’ll be the best company, but I will certainly try.”
He pulled her into his arms. “You’re going to be more than fine. I know it. Luke is also free to visit any time he wants. I’ve got nothing against him coming to see you.”
“I know that, and I told him. I also hinted that he could find his own woman there. I don’t know if he believed me, but we’ll soon see.”
He stroked her hair, and she released a sigh. “What is it?” he asked.
“I’m a little nervous.” She chuckled. “A new pack, a new life. It’s kind of scary.”
“Don’t you worry. I’ll be by your side throughout it all, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.” He pressed a kiss to her lips, and she smiled up at him.
He really did make her feel like the only woman in the world, as if she was the only one that existed.
“I’ve heard people talking in town,” she said. “They’re asking all kinds of questions, and I don’t know how to answer.”
“You answer them honestly. You tell them that you’re my girl. My mate, and if anyone has anything to say about that, then you send them to me.”
“This has got to me the most surreal moment of my life. I never for a second thought I would find you.”
He sat behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I was dreading coming here. I knew Sloane wanted a mating, or something. I’m used to people wanting something from me. Coming here has been one of the best decisions I ever made.”
She stood up, and took his hand. “Come on,” she said.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
Placing a finger against her lips, she took his hand and led him all the way back to the cottage. Not once did she give anything away. He didn’t ask questions either, and for that she was happy.
Over the past week, she’d found it next to impossible to lie to him, or to keep anything from him. In fact, her feelings about him had changed a lot since he’d shown her part of himself.
Once they were inside his bedroom at the cot
tage, she closed the door, and then bent down, smiling up at him.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“You asked me the other day if there was anything I wanted to try, and guess what, there is.” She began to unbuckle his belt, and then she lowered his jeans toward his knees. He rarely wore boxers, and this was one of those days.
His cock sprang forward, and she ran her hands up and down the length. When she was around him, she found the confidence to do things she never thought possible. Right now, initiating this, was one of those moments.
“You want to suck my cock?”
She didn’t give him an answer. Instead, she placed her mouth over the tip, and then sucked him inside. When he hit the back of her throat, she stopped. She watched his eyes close, and believed she was doing something right. Seconds passed, and finally, she pulled off his cock.
“I’ve never done this before, so a little guidance would be good.”
“Damn it, woman. You know how to say all the right things.” He sank his fingers into her hair, wrapping it around his wrist. “Lick along the shaft,” he said.
Hearing his instructions turned her on. Staring up into his eyes, she began to lick his cock, following everything he said. Once she had him nice and slick, she took him into her mouth, working him to the back of her throat. Bobbing her head, she followed his guidance, and it wasn’t long before he gave her the warning that he wasn’t going to last.
She wanted to taste him though, and she kept on licking him, swallowing down every single drop of cum as he filled her mouth.
Before she had even finished, he picked her up, placed her on the bed, and his mouth was on her pussy within seconds.
****
Dante put the bottles of water down on the bottom, followed by bowls of pasta salad, rice salad, and a leafy salad. Next were meats, cheese, and some chocolate-covered strawberries.
“You’re packing a picnic for her. I don’t recall you ever doing something so elaborate at all for anyone else,” Bethany said, peeking inside.
When she made to grab one of the strawberries, he slapped her hand away. “You’re not touching.”
“Is all of this to go back into the forest? Aren’t you bored there?” she asked.
“This isn’t for the forest. I found a quaint little park just outside of Sloane’s perimeter. I’ve been there a couple of times. There’s a beautiful lake, a park for kids to play, and even a fairground. It’s for families, and I don’t want any of the pack to be near.”
“It’s like your first official date.” Bethany sat down on the counter. “And I’m getting bored being here all by my lonesome.”
“Are you wanting to go home already?”
“No, but I’m totally calling dibs on tomorrow night. I want to spend some time with Zadie, and since you’ve come along, I’ve barely seen her.”
“I’ll be sure to let her know.” He kissed his sister’s cheek, and grabbed the picnic basket. “Try to stay out of trouble.”
“I can’t even for a second believe that you think I’d even try to get in trouble.”
“I know you, sister. You’re always trying to find trouble, and often do. Be good for a change.”
She rolled her eyes, and he left her alone. If he wasn’t careful Bethany would be causing all kinds of destructions. He’d come home once to find the house nearly burnt down because she decided she wanted to see what happened to pasta if you let the water boil out, and then left the saucepan on the hob.
Passing the town square, he followed the road, and paused when he saw Zadie coming out of her house. She was dressed in a yellow summer dress that seemed to enhance the redness of her hair. Breathtakingly beautiful, charming, everything he could have ever wanted in a woman, she really was the perfect mate, and with the weeks passing, it was only a matter of time before the next full moon.
She spun in a circle and smiled at him. “What do you think?”
“You look gorgeous.”
“It’s so hot. I didn’t want to pick anything that would make me sweat or anything.” She gave him another twirl. “I’ve not worn it in forever.”
“It’s an old dress?”
“Yes, very old. A couple of years. I wore it once, and it just didn’t feel like me, and now I feel like this is totally me.”
He cupped her hip. “You’re going to have to stop spinning around. There’s only so much control I can manage.” He kissed her neck as she threw her head back and laughed.
Taking her hand, he was aware of several of the pack watching them. He didn’t let her go, nor did he try to hide that he was holding her to him. They left the town, and headed along the dirt road.
“I’ve never walked to town before. I mean the human town that is. When I go to the store to grab groceries, I always take my car.”
“This is about the two of us getting away from both of our packs.”
“They are getting along really well. I’ve heard that at least two of your pack men have found their mates.”
He’d heard that, too. “Sloane and I have been talking about it. Both of my men wish to remain here, and I have to make sure your Alpha is aware of that.”
“I spoke to Sloane yesterday,” she said. “I told him that after the full moon, I want to go with you back to your pack.”
“I’m really happy you made that choice.” Not that he was ever going to give her an option of not going. He’d always intended to claim her as his own. If that meant kidnapping her, he’d have tried it. He’d do anything to see what worked to keep her.
When they were twenty minutes away from the pack, and another thirty toward the human park he was going to visit with her, Zadie stopped.
She held onto his arm, and closed her eyes. “Do you hear that?” she asked.
He took a moment, closing his eyes, and hearing … nothing.
“It’s so quiet,” she said.
Dante heard the small animals, but again, they didn’t cause much fuss. They were just sounds.
“This is heaven right here. A little bit of peace away from everything.” She opened her eyes, and smiled at him. “This is the best date ever.”
“Date? Bethany said the same thing this morning to me.”
“She said the same to me when she called me this morning. So is it our very first date?” she asked.
“I think it’s safe to say that this could classify as our very first date.” He pressed a kiss to her lips, and they started walking again.
“Tell me what you miss most about being at home,” she said. “With your pack.”
“I miss just being in my family’s home. It was the house that has been there for so many generations. When I’m there, it feels like home. Also, I like being able to go about my business without being watched.”
“Oh dear, do we watch you too much?” She pressed her face against his cheek. Her eyes were wide, making him laugh.
“This is what I adore about you. Without even trying you make me smile and laugh.” He looked forward to the rest of his life with her.
“I’m glad. There are times you make me really nervous. It’s good feelings. Before you came to town, I had been so sad. The night before had been another of the claiming days. Every time when the moon is at its peak, it’s a claiming day. Of course, for others it’s just a chance to be with their mate. I was really sad the night before I met you. All of this felt impossible.”
“They didn’t deserve you, Zadie. None of them did. I’m pleased none of them touched you, or had the chance to claim you. At the end of this month, I get to steal you away from them.”
She chuckled.
Rounding the corner, he led the way toward the large park. It was hot, and already there were a lot of people milling around. No one paid them any attention. He found a small spot in the shade, and began to assemble his picnic. Once everything was ready, he helped Zadie sit. “I may have some control issues,” he said. “I want everything to be perfect.”
“I couldn’t imagine it being anything but.�
� She looked at the ground. “Salads, meats, cheese. You went all out.”
“I also had to stop Bethany from eating these, and it was worth it.” He presented the chocolate-covered strawberries for her.
“Wow,” she said, taking one of the bottles of water.
He grabbed something of everything, and handed her a plate. “I got everything made from the diner. If it tastes bad, blame them.”
“It won’t taste bad. I don’t think that’s possible.” She took her fork, and scooped up some rice.
Dante turned back to the food and began to load his plate with enough to feed four. Wolves had a bigger appetite than most humans.
“What will happen when I come with you?” she asked. “How does it all work?”
“Sloane will say that you are free of his pack, or whatever he has to say. If he gives his blessing, it as a simple kiss on the head, and a goodbye. If he doesn’t, then I will have to fight him.”
“Fight him?” Zadie asked.
“Yes. I’d have to prove to be more Alpha than he is, so it would be a fight to the death. I already know that Sloane doesn’t want that, and neither do I. If you accept me, and want to be with me and mine, you’ll move from one pack to another.”
“I don’t get how it works. It’s strange.”
He sat back, and ate a piece of chicken. “It’s like a mystical bond. When your parents joined the pack, they united under Sloane’s rule. He then guaranteed to protect you as he was Alpha. That protection was like a security belt. It’s one of the reasons you may feel uneasy when you go too far from the pack. Most pack bonds keep them united together.”
“Is that what you had to deal with when you left your pack to be in the city?” she asked.
“Yes. Partly. I’m also an Alpha. The hold that my pack had on me was strong but not as strong as those without Alpha blood. My father’s blood ran within my veins. I still felt the call of my pack. Just not as strong as it once was.”
“Will it hurt?” she asked.
“No, it won’t hurt. You’ll feel a shifting, and for a split second you’ll be overwhelmed by a feeling of loneliness, but don’t worry as that will pass. It all passes, and then I’ll take your hand, leading you away.”
“It all sounds so final,” she said.