Aristotle (The Strong Pack Book 2)

by Crystal Dawn

  “I thought he had a half dozen female hunters?”

  “Most of them are still in training or just not at the level he feels comfortable risking them. Elena and Alice are good to go if you decide to send them in. Jasper is waiting to hear your decision.”

  I thought a moment. The females could take care of themselves the only one at risk was Nola and she was already at risk. “Send them in.” I decided.

  “I’ll relay the order.” Edward said with no surprise. I was surprised at my decision which was made quickly but with heart wrenching second guessing. Even now I wondered if I would regret my choice.

  I looked at my mate sleeping with her face relaxed. She looked young and innocent. What would she think of my choice? I left her to sleep on the couch while I sat back at my desk waiting until I heard word. All the things that could go wrong ran through my mind. The mantle of leadership sat heavy on my shoulders at times like these but it was mine to hold on to and I would keep it until the time was right to pass it on to Jericho. That wouldn’t be for a few years yet. Time passed slowly as I struggled to stay awake with no one to talk to and literally nothing to do. I would go to bed as soon as the mission was over whether the results were positive or negative. At that point it would be done and I would have no further influence on it.

  My phone finally buzzed alerting me to a text. It was Jasper and he said Nola was in the house they had sent his females into and they had lured a couple males out. They would be arriving here to be questioned. There were still other rogues in there with Nola and Kendall, at least three. Did I want him to proceed with a raid or wait for the results of the questioning of the two captured rogues?

  Aw hell. If we waited for answers, I already knew what they’d be. There were four rogues total holding Nola somewhere in the house with them.

  I typed out my answer and my finger paused over the send button for a moment as if questioning the rightness of my response. It was late, I was tired. The rogues were down to just four males and I bet they were tired. Nola usually slept at night so if she was tired I was hoping he let her go to bed where she would be safe during the attack. Go forward with stealth. That was the message and I sent it. I knew that Jasper would act on it instantly, because that was the way he’d been trained and what was expected. If I thought I was nervous before, now I was on pins and needles.

  “What’s wrong?” a soft sleepy voice asked.

  “Nothing’s really wrong. Jasper’s hunters are going in to get Nola right now and I won’t feel okay until I know she’s safe.” My eyes felt like someone had thrown sand in them and I could barely hold them open. I ached all over, unusual for a wolf since our bodies were in such good condition and our healing usually swift. I knew I looked like hell, but I felt even worse. Everything was just peachy, not!

  “There good at what they do, I’m sure we’ll get a call soon and they’ll be on their way back with Nola safe and sound.” Sherona said.

  Oh goddess, I hoped she was right. Even though I still hadn’t heard, I felt better just because my mate predicted it would all be fine. Sherona sat up and it was clear she wouldn’t be able to sleep now either, but misery loves company. She came over to me and I pulled her on my lap holding her close while we waited. It wasn’t a long wait and my phone buzzed, but I was almost afraid to look at it. Sherona took it away and I heard her exhale deeply.

  “They’re bringing her home along with some nasty rogue prisoners.”

  I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. It was over and we could go sleep. I was too tired for anything else until I’d gotten some rest.

  The next morning it was time to wrap everything up in a nice bow. Nola was moved in the pack house with Gus so we could keep an eye on them. The extra help T.J. got made a huge difference. T.J. no longer looked like walking death. This made Sherona happy and I was intending to collect on that later this afternoon.

  The council sent someone to pick up the rogues and the bounty was paid right away. The warden must have been nearby because he got them before noon. Gus got his reward and it was a lot for a little fellow but his mother would help him deal with that. Several of the hunters including the two females got big bonuses too. Not a bad end to a long day. Things could have turned out so much worse.

  Nola seemed alright and she said she wasn’t raped. I believe her because she couldn’t hide that kind of pain from me. Alphas just know. Besides, Sherona agrees so I must be right. I think things will settle down for now at least. It’s a good thing too because we have a lot of plans, Sherona and me. Right now that plan includes sneaking off for some afternoon delight.

  Epilogue

  I slid in slowly putting no weight on her. I knew she didn’t like being treated like she was made of glass but I couldn’t help myself. She was much too precious to risk in the heat of passion with what grew inside her even if there was not an indication of that yet. The mating ceremony would start in an hour but I needed her right now if just to take the edge off my excitement and need. The wedding would be in a week or so. Both my sons would be here for it.

  Judah had been stunned when I had told him I had met my soul mate. I supposed it had never occurred to the boy that I was still in my prime and capable of wanting a female. I had always been discrete. There was no need for my sons to know about any female I was with. Maybe it wasn’t so surprising that Judah was caught unsuspecting. I’d wanted to wait for Judah for this ceremony, but he just couldn’t make it in time and with a pup on the way it had seemed important to do it as soon as possible. Not so much to Sherona who had modern views, but to me, because I didn’t. Maybe I also wanted to cement my claim so she would feel more bonded to me.

  She squeezed her channel tight around my engorged shaft bringing my attention to her instantly. She giggled at my response and arched against me. Nothing on Earth could ever match the feeling of being with my mate especially inside her like this. Right now we were truly as one, together in love and feeling nothing but pleasure. Since the moment I had laid eyes on her, I’d known she was the only one for me. It had taken a while to get her to admit she felt the same but once she had, life had become everything I’d hoped it would be.

  My body reacted to the tight clutch of hers and I moved a little faster and harder. She made small sounds of pleasure trying to encourage me to turn loose as I used to. I knew in my head that her body was wolf tough, but it didn’t matter and I held back anyway. Her nails racked my back inflicting a pleasure/pain that sent shafts of need through me. I fought to keep my wolf, who thought I was being silly, in control. Everything I knew told me my passion turned loose wouldn’t hurt her but there was a protective side to my nature that had never shown before. Maybe it was because she was so newly wolf, but I held back even though sweat beaded on my face and my wolf urged me to let go.

  We had just found out today that without a doubt she was with child. I was sure I would do better once I had time to adjust. Sherona wasn’t making it easy on me with her urging and encouragement to go deeper, harder and faster. I felt myself breaking loose from my carefully exerted control and rolled over letting her decide how fast, deep and hard she wanted to go. It was like holding a wild woman as she moved up and down my hard shaft like a woman possessed and rubbed her clit against me firmly. She moaned and mewled, her enjoyment obvious and I thought this might be my new favorite position.

  I wasn’t so much of an alpha I couldn’t enjoy letting my lady take the lead. My sexual tension was ratcheting up higher and higher and I felt like she was squeezing my release right out of me. She seemed to renew her effort as if she sensed I was close and I wondered if she was equally close. I didn’t wonder for long as I felt her shiver as she ground her clit against me. I felt her clenching at me, clutching me tighter than a fist. I became dizzy with need and overcome with the wave of desire that rushed through me. I felt her shake as she screamed my name and I blew my load deep inside her. She rode me as I bucked like a bronc with each jerk of my release.

  “That’
s more like it!” She whispered triumphantly in my ear.

  Oh yes indeed. That was definitely something. I lay there for a few moments unable to move until I remembered our ceremony. There were some relatives from her family that had traveled a long way to see us joined in proper wolf fashion. It would not do to let them down. Sherona wasn’t moving either and I hoped she would be alright to prepare for her part of the tradition.

  “Sherona.” I whispered. Still out of breath from our recent performance even though she had done more than I had.

  “Mm?”

  “We have to get ready. We have five hundred guest Sweetheart, waiting for us.”

  “That many?” She asked with a mischievous smile.

  “Easily.” I confirmed with a chuckle.

  She had played possum to see if I would worry. It was true the bonding ceremony was more for me. It was wolf tradition and although I knew we were soul mates and would never part in this life, I felt more secure knowing she was willing to make an honest wolf of me. The wedding was more for her family, to show them what she meant to me. My Sherona was a free spirit and didn’t feel the need for a ceremony to unite us.

  As far as she was concerned, we were already mates and it would be forever. I was humbled with such a mate. She had no concern about what I could do for her or provide her, she just wanted me. She was already giving me so much more than I had ever expected, maybe so much more than I deserved. She put on a robe and went to find T.J. who would help her prepare. I lay back for a few minutes reflecting on how lucky I was to have Sherona in my life.

  I got up and dressed, wearing my suit hoping to please my mate. I knew she would be breathtaking no matter what she wore. I smiled to myself as I thought she was even lovelier in nothing at all. Excitement started to run through me. We were finally going to be bonded as mates in front of friends, family and pack. My Sherona, my mate and the mother of my pups would finally be claimed in the wolf way.

  I was dressed and ready but it was a bit early. I went to find my son and grandson. I assumed T.J. would stay with Sherona until the proper time. Jericho wasn’t hard to find. He was the center of attention, or actually little Joe was. The pup’s curly black hair, so much like Jericho’s when he was a youngling was being stroked by all the females who surrounded him. His crooked toothless smile charmed everyone present and the baby giggles rang out, bringing a smile to everyone’s faces. He was a Strong from his tiny toes to his feather soft hair. All the males of our family learned how to charm females from an early age.

  I saw Damon near Jericho. He would be the official for our ceremony. He had come without his mate and twin girls due to the recent and possible future dangers our pack might face. I was sure his decision hadn’t gone over well with his feisty mate. I knew how my mate would react and Marissa was as independent, a family trait from what I had heard.

  Damon moved off to pick up his book, it was a book that pack alphas and leaders were given when they assumed a position of power. I thought of my own book and the potent magic that flowed through me whenever I held it. I would never forget the first time my father had handed it to me.

  “Ari someday you’ll lead our pack and this book will guide you. Never forget the lessons of the past and the guidelines for the future that it lays out for you. A pack alpha must be fair but strict. He must be guided by love and wisdom. He must treat all equal and hold himself to the highest standard to be a role model for all.”

  I remembered thinking it sounded like the perfect father, mine. It also sounded like the male I wanted to be and hoped I was. Goddess knew I tried and when I failed, I dusted myself off and gave it another, better shot. Sherona would help me to be a better, stronger male because she brought out that side of me. I heard music and knew that was the signal for everyone to get in place. I moved toward the spot facing Damon but to the right. We were all in a huge clearing near the pack house since there were too many people to hold this inside.

  We had set up tables for hours yesterday preparing for the meal we would have after the ceremony. The females had spread flowers and ribbons everywhere I looked. I knew a huge cake not unlike a wedding cake sat on the first table with a white and black wolf topper. I could smell the whole hogs cooking and other food scents mixed in. It was almost torture to smell all those savory scents and my stomach growling reminded me I should have eaten breakfast.

  I looked for my mate since it was time for her to make her appearance. I saw all my friends, family, her friends and family around me smiling and looking happy. I heard gasps coming from some of the guests that were further away and moments later saw my gorgeous mate looking more beautiful than ever before. She had worn a lacey white gown that clung to her curves. Curves I could already imagine filling out and rounding as our child grew.

  It showed a lovely hint of cleavage and I saw she wore a necklace I had given her the other day. It was a heart shaped locket with a place for a picture to be displayed. She wore heels even though I knew she didn’t care for them. That was for me as was the undergarments I imagined she wore beneath the lovely dress. Her hair was in curls with some ribbons threaded through it. The females seemed to love those ribbons. Her lips were a rosy red and looked swollen from kisses. The kisses I’d given her a few hours ago. I swelled with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

  She made it to me and I just wanted to kiss her some more. I restrained myself as I took her arm and we turned to face Damon. Damon went through how important this ceremony was to wolves and what it meant. He talked about the blending of two souls and hearts into one. He wished us the blessings of the goddess. He used a knife to make small cuts then he tied our wrists together and let our blood mingle. He presented us to all those gathered as a mated couple. There were slight variations in the ceremony, but Damon did a wonderful job and he wasn’t too long winded as some alphas tended to be.

  I kissed my mate and all present cheered in shared happiness. It was time to eat and I’d admit to being starved after smelling the food cooking for hours. It was melt in your mouth good and once it was time for dessert Sherona and I cut the cake. We fed each other a bite and the cake was sweet and delightful. We stayed for long enough that no one could complain and then we slipped away to spend time as an officially mated couple. In honesty, I felt no different than before the ceremony but now everyone knew she was mine.

  We slipped away to our room leaving our guests to enjoy unlimited food and drink. Music played and couples danced distracting attention from us as we fled the busy place. My mind wasn’t on our guests or the party they enjoyed, it was completely on the female at my side and getting her somewhere private where we could be alone. I was dying to see what she had worn underneath that lovely dress.

  A week later that need to be alone was just as great and just as hard to fulfill. Judah had come and he had resisted developing a relationship with T.J. or Sherona. I hadn’t realized that in his unit racism had thrived. It seemed I had a pure blooder of sorts in my very own family. It hurt T.J. and Sherona but at least the attitude didn’t extend to little Joe. Judah seemed to adore him and he played with him often. Judah had only been here two days but he had made an unfavorable impression on my mate and his brother’s mate. I wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect to either female so Judah just stuck with thinly veiled insults. One bright spot was when Malinda, T.J.’s and Sherona’s cousin, had arrived and was newly turned to wolf. Judah had immediately sniffed around and looked like he was in love. He looked crestfallen when he found out she was a changed human.

  Malinda had pulled into the yard on a bike that made all the males and some of the females drool. She was nearly six feet tall and built to love. Her long blue black hair hung to her ass and her blue eyes, the color of midnight, didn’t miss a thing. Sherona and T.J. rushed up to her to welcome her with hugs. Judah just stood there and stared, I’ll admit the girl was something else. They rushed her into the house and Judah followed at a distance. Maybe this white wolf could change his mind about humans.

  I
hoped so because I didn’t like his outlook one bit. Malinda would make a fine addition to our pack. She’d impressed me with her many talents. She could fight and she could do things on a computer that Jasper said would save them a great deal of time on investigations.

  The females talked and carried on while Judah hung back and watched. He was smitten at the least, but he wouldn’t approach her and it was best he didn’t until his attitude changed.

  That was yesterday and today everyone was dressed up and waiting for our wedding to start. I didn’t need this to feel the bond with my mate but I found myself getting excited along with everyone else as I looked at the minister in front of me. I turned, waiting for Sherona to come into view. I knew she would look lovely and I wasn’t disappointed. Her veil, white like her dress, covered her face but I could make out the shape of it. It obscured but didn’t block her features and I couldn’t wait to raise it and kiss my darling bride.

  I was happy to tie her to me in every way imaginable so she would never leave me. My sons stood beside me, Jericho happily and Judah with a slightly sullen look on his face, until he looked up and caught sight of Mal standing across from him. How he had missed her trek up the aisle in front of T.J. and then Sherona, I couldn’t imagine. I would have some work to do with him undoing the damage his army years in the special wolf unit had done to his thinking.

  T.J. and Mal stood to the side as Sherona took her place next to me. The minister droned on, he was enjoying the spotlight before he started on our vows. My eyes were for my mate and she was everything. I hoped Judah would find the happiness I and Jericho had found but I feared he wouldn’t find it until his attitude was adjusted. I noticed Kaleb and Sandy staring at each other, but they were each in attendance with a date. I wished they would both grow up and realize they were mates so they wouldn’t continue to be so miserable.