Wolf of the Northern Star (The Wolfkin Saga Book 2)

by SJ Himes

  The door opened before she could knock, her hand raised an inch from the wooden panel. A young woman, perhaps no older than twenty, gave her an inquisitive smile that reminded Cat of the woman she sought. “Is your, um, mother home? Andromeda?”

  “She’s busy right now but you two are more than welcome to come and wait.” The young woman was slim and about Cat’s height, yet she had no doubt that the young woman in front of her was a formidable hunter. The werewolves here in Baxter were deceptive— many of them were like their matriarch. Winsome, blonde and all of them striking in a pale alabaster way that spoke of the strong genetic relationship. Not many of them looked like they could put up much of a fight or cause significant damage, but to a one, they were all predators.

  The wolfish grin that she was getting from the blonde girl told Cat that her thoughts must be evident on her face, and she blushed, cursing her own fair complexion. She stepped inside as the blonde girl held the door open wider, Glen following her inside. They took off their coats and hung them on the wall next to the door. “Andromeda is upstairs but I can guarantee she knows you’re here. You can come into the kitchen if you’d like something to eat or you can wait here in the front. I just started a fire in the living room.”

  Glen spoke up. “I’d love something to eat, thank you.”

  With a smile, she gestured for them to follow and she led them in the direction of the kitchen. They had been in here a few times already but not since the tribunal members arrived a few days ago and Andromeda asked them to remain in their cabin for their own safety. With the trials over, Cat was finally ready to get out of her cabin and see some other people aside from Glen. Not to mention that she was surrounded by hundreds of creatures that she would have never imagined existing before, and not interacting with them was driving her scientific curiosity insane.

  “Would you like some tea?”

  “Yes, please.” They took a seat at the long table in the attached dining room. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask your name. I’m sure you remember, but I’m Cat and this is Glen. We’re Ghost’s… Well? People? I’m not sure what to call us, really.”

  The young woman laughed and said, “My name is Marjorie, and I suppose the best way to describe who you are would be packmates. We use that interchangeably with family. Clan is used for a wider circle, a larger group of our kind. Since the two of you raised Ghost, packmates is the most apt description.”

  Marjorie busied herself making tea, setting an old-fashioned iron kettle on the stove and lighting the burner. She got mugs down from the cabinets and went hunting through numerous tea boxes on the counter. “Any preference? My mother prefers the older teas, those with black leaves, but we have a variety.”

  “I’ll take a chai tea and Cat will take anything with caffeine,” Glen grinned and gently nudged Cat on the wrist. “Cat’s affection for caffeine is really an addiction.”

  “An addiction that keeps you alive,” Cat grumbled in response. Marjorie laughed and Glen gave her a quick wink.

  “Here is your tea,” Marjorie said, setting down their mugs, a small dish full of sweetening packets, and a couple spoons. “Let me go see if Andromeda can see you really quick— can I tell her what you want to talk to her about?”

  “It’s just a serious case of cabin fever, but we would both like to get out more and interact with your people. If she agrees, of course.” Cat said, adding a couple packets of sugar to her mug.

  “Cabin fever bothers even us in winter but at least we can get out on the snow and do some hunting. I can’t imagine not having the option. Let me go see my mother. I’ll be right back.” Marjorie left the room on silent feet and Cat noticed that Marjorie was barefoot. Cat shivered thinking that even wood floors would be chilly in the depth of winter.

  “Do you think Ghost got his problem resolved with the shamans?” Glen said quietly stirring his tea. “I know everything is over now, but the werewolves we met on the path couldn’t tell us much. Other than the bare basics. I know it’s none of our business but I still want to know the details of what happened. Ghost has been ours for almost fifteen years. Since he came home, we have rarely seen him. I know I should be happy that he’s back with his people and his family, but I can’t help but feel like we’ve been cast aside. I know that it’s foolish, since for most of that time, we didn’t even know that he was a person. We treated him like a pet. A treasured pet, but a pet all the same.”

  “Ghost loves us,” Cat said firmly. “My curiosity with the wolfkin and Ghost has to take a backseat. Or at least it did while all this Tribunal stuff was happening. Maybe now that Ghost and his family have some breathing room, we can fix that. We can’t keep him forever. I think we need to figure out exactly what our relationship is with him now, and we can’t do any of that sitting in our cabin.”

  “Your timing is a bit inconvenient, but the reason for your visit is still welcome.” Andromeda spoke from the dining room doorway, and they turned to greet her, but their greetings fell silent at the sight of blood on her usually pristine dress.

  “Oh, my God, what happened?” Cat asked, heart in her throat. “Is it Ghost?”

  “Ghost is fine. So is his mate. Forgive me for my state, I forgot humans are not accustomed to seeing blood like this. Now that the tribunal is over, your presence here is no longer under any of their potential authority. If any of the clan leaders object to having humans here in Baxter, they can take it up with me or with Caius.”

  Cat had trouble taking her eyes off the large red stains that covered the front of Andromeda’s dress. The thin fabric was soaked through, clinging to Andromeda’s skin. She really hoped that wasn’t a person’s blood— anyone who lost that much blood would be in trouble.

  “This is wolfkin blood. And no, no one is dead. At least, not the person whose blood this is,” Andromeda said grimly.

  Just then footsteps came from the hallway above and then to the stairway. Andromeda looked to the door of the kitchen and Cat recognized Andromeda’s brother, River. There was a figure behind him, small and slim, covered head to toe in a dark gray, thick dress and an even thicker jacket with a hood that obscured his or her face.

  “I’m taking the silver SUV. I’ll be back in a few days. I have my cell phone if you need me. Please tell Clan Leader Caius, if he asks, that I have already left.” River said quietly, not even sparing a glance for Cat and Glen at the table.

  “Goddess bless you and stay safe, brother.” Andromeda said quietly, and she did not say anything to the hidden figure standing behind River. Her brother nodded once, then turned around and guided the mystery person out of the front of the cabin, shutting the door behind him.

  Andromeda said nothing more as she stared at the spot where her brother had been standing. She seemed to be lost in thought, though Cat could not tell all that well considering that Andromeda was nearly expressionless. She came back to herself after a long moment and seemed to remember that they were both there at the table. “I must change, forgive me. I’ll be right back.”

  Andromeda left quickly, departing through the rear door of the dining room. Cat couldn’t hear her footsteps as she left.

  Ghost refused to let go of Kane. His mate carried him along the path through the woods to the back of Andromeda’s cabin. Burke and Sophia followed with Gerald bringing up the rear of their group. Kane had sent the rest of the Black Pine wolves to their respective cabins ordering them to get their gear ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Ghost didn’t know exactly what Kane was planning, but he knew his mate wanted to be ready for anything.

  All Ghost wanted right now though, was time alone with his mate.

  Everyone present at the pit in the woods had dispersed already, the individual clan leaders either leaving alone, like Caius had, or in pairs, like Royrick and Mercuriel. The Red Fern wolves all went back to their daily lives quickly and quietly. Ghost felt bad for them— their peaceful existence here in Baxter had b
een disturbed by death and mayhem.

  Kane still carried Ghost in his arms, just as reluctant as Ghost to let go. Their lives the last few weeks had been hectic and stressful and Ghost was tired. He was finally home and hadn’t even had a chance to enjoy that fact— let alone celebrate his soulbond with Kane.

  Burke moved ahead and opened the rear door of the cabin, holding it open for Kane to walk by with Ghost in his arms. Burke winked at Ghost as they went by. The inside of the cabin was warm and welcoming in a way it hadn’t been even just that morning. There was a difference, though, that made Ghost lift his head in alarm until he recognized it—the scent of fresh blood.

  Claire’s blood.

  The scent of blood was lessening even as they went further into the cabin. Claire was no longer in the building and Ghost could smell River and Andromeda. He could also smell his two human packmates.

  He lifted his head from Kane’s shoulder and looked around excitedly. The scent grew stronger as they headed towards the dining room and kitchen. Ghost pointed towards the kitchen and Kane sighed in exasperation, but went where he directed with a smile.

  “Oh dear God he’s naked!” Cat said in a startled rush. “I still can’t get used to seeing them running around naked. And look, Kane’s naked too!”

  Glen was taking a sip of tea, which he promptly spat out as he laughed. Kane was chuckling and Ghost rolled his eyes when Cat grew red in the face and made every effort not to look directly at their nakedness.

  “Is it safe for you to be out of the cabin?” Kane asked with concern. “I know that Caius and Andromeda are accepting of your presence here but the other clan leaders are still in Baxter.”

  Glen was wiping down the table with a napkin when he answered. “Andromeda said we were fine but I have a feeling she might have wanted us to wait a couple more days before coming out of hiding. I’m guessing it’s because those clan leaders are still here, too.”

  “No one is going to hurt you. I won’t let them,” Ghost growled from his spot in Kane’s arms. “I’ll stop anyone who tries.”

  Cat gave him a brilliant smile in her typical fashion, all teeth and bright eyes. Ghost smiled back, reassured at the familiar sight. Kane quickly spoke up. “Let’s go put on some clothes, after we wash off this blood and grime. We’ll be right back.”

  “Andromeda went to change as well, so take your time. We’ll be waiting for you right here.” Glen replied. “Considering the hour, maybe we can convince our hostess to feed us.”

  At the mention of food Ghost’s stomach rumbled and he realized that he was starving. He hadn’t eaten anything substantial in days. Kane must be even hungrier, since his mate was four times his size in wolfkin form and hadn’t received many meals while locked away in the cell.

  Kane continued to carry Ghost as they left the kitchen and headed for the staircase. The other three went their own way and Kane took Ghost to the room they had used previously. Once in the room Kane shut it behind him with a solid thump.

  Ghost pressed his nose behind Kane’s ear and took a long deep breath, savoring the scent of his mate. Kane was alive and warm in his arms. The hectic mess of the last couple of weeks was at last over, and for the first time since Ghost was dragged away from Kane, they were alone together.

  Ghost nibbled on Kane’s jaw, tiny little nips that he soothed with kisses and quick licks. Kane chuckled and ran a large hand up and down his spine, pressing their chests together. Kane tasted of sweat, earth, and blood. He needed more. His hands scrambled at Kane’s shoulders and neck, Ghost whimpering in urgent desire, arching his back and pushing his hips forward, his hard cock twitching along Kane’s rippled abdomen. He didn’t care that they were dirty or tired or covered in others’ blood—he had Kane to himself at last and he wasn’t going to waste this chance.

  “Easy, little wolf,” Kane whispered before taking his mouth in a wet, deep kiss. “Shower first….” Ghost rolled his hips, and Kane grabbed his ass with a muffled curse, his fingers dipping into the crease. “Bed, now.”

  Kane took a few steps and fell forward. Ghost felt the impact of the bed beneath them, but his mind, mouth and hands were too occupied with the hard, chiseled frame of his alpha to care. Teeth latched onto the side of his neck and bit down, holding him still as large hands spread his legs, lifting his thighs and hips. Kane held him still with his fangs while fingers explored along his crease and pressed inside. It burned, and Ghost whined, but he panted for more. A dark chuckle came from Kane as he released his neck, a long tongue lapping at the deep impressions of his teeth in Ghost’s skin. Ghost arched up, every motion of his body demanding more.

  That place in his mind where Kane dwelt grew with each touch and taste. The walls between them fell. Ghost could not define the boundaries of their bodies or souls. He was light and fire, heat and desire. Kane growled, a deep rumble that purred through his body and mind. Ghost arched into his mate, crying out in desperate entreaty. His eyes were blinded by the infinite well of stars and light that dwelled in their joined souls.

  He fell, and took Kane with him.

  A crimson fire engulfed him. Kane’s fire. His alpha, his mate, his everything, burned and consumed him, renewing him with every touch. Pressure and a sharp sting made Ghost pull back from the infinite, eyes blinking up at Kane as his mate entered his body with a slow, long thrust. Ghost smiled, overcome with a sense of completion. This is what he needed. He would always need this.

  He wrapped his legs around Kane’s waist, lifting into each thrust. Dark eyes that held embers glowed above him, wet lips and sharp fangs nipped and licked at his mouth. Ghost opened, accepting everything his alpha had to give him. Kane groaned, and the driving pace of his hips increased, both reaching the peak together. It was far too quick and yet not quick enough. Ghost howled, hot liquid splashing between them as Kane grabbed the back of Ghost’s head by the hair and yanked his head back, slamming his hips against his ass until he came with a roar. Teeth marked his neck, holding Ghost still while Kane came within his body, thick, hot spurts searing his insides with welcome heat.

  The bed shook, a shiver of wood and creaking boards, metal springs twanging softly. Sweat ran down his face, stinging his eyes, and Ghost blinked away the resulting tears, laughing quietly.

  Kane lay upon him, limp and hot. Ghost smiled at the sight, inordinately pleased at his alpha mate’s exhaustion from fucking him. Fucking. Ghost loved that word. It was a singularly human word, full of different meanings and used in almost every way, but this version he loved the most. Fucking with Kane was worth every frustration and worry since his return.

  “Not fucking, little wolf,” Kane whispered against his neck, tongue lathing the spot he’d bitten. Their thoughts were each other’s. Unique, yet the same. “No matter how eager I am for you, what we share is never so simple as fucking.”

  “What then?” Ghost whispered, running his fingers through Kane’s damp hair.

  “I live to make love to you,” Kane said, pushing himself on his elbows to speak to Ghost face to face. “Bonding with my mate is a blessing I never thought to have, and I will treasure you forever.”

  “Kane.” His mate’s name was a choked gasp, tears flowing in earnest joining the sweat on his face. Ghost didn’t have the words to return in kind, so he did what he always relied upon—he turned to the bond.

  He poured all that he felt in the bond they shared. Joy at being reunited. Vindication and a fierce satisfaction that those who wanted to harm his mate were foiled in their plans. Lust and desire and this sweet, vibrant pain that somehow made his heart race with yearning and something even more indefinable. It was an emotion he had no name for—something he had never felt. It was powerful and made his heart beat faster, his blood sing, and caused his senses to expand making everything sharper, clearer. Everything had more impact, was more real, more immediate, than anything else had ever been in his whole life. His life as an animal left him woe
fully unprepared to define or apply a name to this feeling. He gave it all to Kane, hoping his mate would understand, would see and feel what he felt.

  “Little wolf,” Kane breathed out, and Ghost could feel surprise and then an answering joy. The endearment was said with such affection Ghost thrilled to hear it.

  “What is this?” Ghost asked softly, meaning the emotion he could feel coming from Kane in answer to what he gave. The bond sang. The cord between them pulsed, red and silver-white light blending. Hearts settled into a rhythm, a beat that became one.

  Kane kissed him, soft and sweet. Ghost sighed into the kiss, tilting his head to accept the gentle and thorough claiming from his mate. Kane pulled back, and whispered, “Do you not know? Think, my little wolf. What hurts your heart and soul at the same time it makes you feel alive?”

  “Pain and life…” Ghost whispered, reveling in what was happening between them, soul and body. What was this—it was intoxicating and sobering, a contradiction that left him electrified.

  Love. A whisper across his mind. Fond exasperation touched his heart before the Presence departed as quietly as it appeared.

  “Oh!” Ghost gasped out, delighted. He pushed at Kane’s shoulders, urging him to sit up. Their bodies slipped apart, and Ghost winced even as he scrambled to voice his epiphany. Kane sat back on his hip, a slow smile brightening his usually serious face. “Love! I love you!”

  Ghost squirmed onto Kane’s lap, kissing what he could reach of his mate as Kane chuckled. Big hands cradled him close, and his mate answered him. “Yes, my mate. This is love.”

  “You love me, too?” Ghost asked, though he was very certain of the answer.

  “Yes, Ghost. My little wolf, precious and glorious. I love you.”