Corviticus University: Family Ties

by J. E. Cluney

  We sang and listened to the hottest hits, laughing when George and Ollie tried to hit high notes in some female pop singer’s new hit.

  The Kawana shopping center wasn’t as packed as I’d expected over the Easter weekend, and we found a park in less than five minutes.

  Emma practically dragged us all straight to Dotti, intent to get me to spend her gift-card, which I’d thankfully managed to grab, along with the visa gift-card from Hayley.

  Emma and Hayley helped me pick out a few dresses, and even Ollie suggested a cute red and black top, which I took to the dressing room.

  I tried on the clothes we’d chosen, showing them each one.

  Emma was the most blunt, making it clear that one of the dresses she chose for me didn’t suit me at all, as it was too tight across the boobs and would become painful, not to mention the band across the top didn’t look as good as it had on the rack.

  She loved Ollie’s top though, and the floral pink and white dress Hayley had chosen.

  Once I’d tried them on and selected a few to buy, Hayley and Emma began hunting around for something for themselves.

  We ended up agreeing to meet in Big W since Ollie was determined to get me some more underwear and bras since I had so few. I agreed, as long as they were my usual cheaper ones from the chain store.

  I paid for my clothes using the gift-cards, and only fifteen dollars remained on Hayley’s gift-card.

  Ollie and I headed off, leaving the trio in Dotti. Poor George looked a little lost as Emma heaped his arms up with clothes, and I waved goodbye to him, laughing as he gave me a strained, joking smile.

  “You enjoying your birthday so far?” Ollie asked as we made our way through the shoppers.

  “Definitely, it’s been wonderful. I loved the rides before lunch,” I said as I smiled fondly. God, floating through the air on his back, feeling the wind in my hair and tugging at my clothes, not having a single fear— it had been incredible.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed that. It was pretty cool, and I’d never thought to ask Lucas to do that, made me feel like a pegasus,” he chuckled. He’d quite enjoyed it, mostly because he knew we were loving it.

  “I’ve never really had a proper birthday, thank you,” I murmured as I slipped my hand into his.

  He gave my hand a small squeeze as he smiled softly at me.

  “You deserve the best,” he said sweetly as he gave me a kiss on the cheek.

  “Today and yesterday were the best. I couldn’t have asked for more,” I stated.

  “Well, you still have your cake once we get home,” he reminded me with a cheeky smile.

  That was definitely something to look forward to.

  We walked hand-in-hand to Big W, where Ollie followed after me to the underwear section.

  “What about these?” he suggested as he released my hand and held up a set of red lacy underwear.

  “They look good, but you can’t wear lace too often, isn’t good for you,” I said as I took the cute garments and checked their size.

  He’d amazingly picked up my size too.

  “Why?” He frowned.

  ‘It doesn’t let you breathe as well down there, which can cause yeast infections. Cotton is best,’ I informed him mentally. I was not saying that out loud while people were wandering around.

  “Oh,” he murmured.

  “I’ll still get them, I just won’t wear them too often,” I said with a shrug.

  “These are cute, and they’re cotton.” Ollie held up a black underwear set.

  They were quite cute, but this time he’d gotten me a size too small, so I swapped them for the right size.

  We chose a few more sets before deciding that was plenty, and I used the last of Hayley’s gift card while Ollie paid the difference.

  I was quite happy with my purchases for the day as I exited Big W with my two bags of goodies.

  Emma, George, and Hayley met us just as we came out.

  “How’d it go?” Emma grinned.

  “Good, got a few sets of underwear,” I stated. “You?”

  “Got a few cute dresses and a jumpsuit,” Emma said happily before glancing at Hayley.

  “I just got one nice navy dress and a belt,” Hayley said with a shrug.

  “Looks really good on her,” Emma added, clearly not content enough with Hayley’s casual response.

  “Thanks,” Hayley’s smile widened at the compliment.

  “No problem, you should really show off your legs more, they’re fine as,” Emma beamed as Hayley let out a girly laugh and waved a hand dismissively.

  I’d noticed Hayley had gone with jeans most of the time, which was a shame as she did have a nice slim figure.

  “So, clothes shopping is done. Anyone need anything else, or should we head on home to continue the birthday celebrations?” Ollie asked as he glanced around at the group.

  We all shook our heads, although Emma suggested grabbing a cold drink for the drive at a drive-thru on the way home, which we agreed to.

  We got home and I cut the tags off my new clothes and put them away before coming downstairs to rejoin everyone outside at the table.

  As soon as I stepped out the door, the birthday song started up, and I broke into a grin as I sat down at the head of the table.

  Birthday hats were magicked onto everyone while Skip and Natalie carried two cakes out with candles on top.

  “Make a wish!” Natalie instructed as she set the cake before me alongside Skip’s, and the song ended.

  I blew out the candles, unable to make a wish.

  I had everything I could ever want and need right here.

  The table whooped and cheered, and I laughed as Trish handed me a knife to cut them with.

  “Remember, you have to kiss the nearest boy if you touch the bottom.” She winked as I rolled my eyes.

  They’d gotten me a Bee Sting cake and what looked like a white chocolate cheesecake. My mouth watered as I plunged the knife into the cheesecake, and Natalie clapped her hands as I touched the bottom.

  I turned to Dixon, who was seated on my left and was the closest man right now.

  He rumbled with laughter as I kissed his cheek, and Natalie and Trish took over cutting the cakes up and serving them.

  It was hard for me to choose which cake slice to eat first, but I settled on the Bee Sting one as we all talked and enjoyed the quiet afternoon.

  I’d even lit my vanilla candle, which was wafting through the air. I’d be able to try to find my ring soon enough.

  I looked around at my family, boys, and best friend, my heart swelling with sheer joy and gratitude.

  Life couldn’t get more perfect.

  Chapter 17

  Marcus.

  Seeing Allison with her family, soaking up all the love and delight on her birthday, it made me beyond happy. She was constantly smiling and laughing, and I knew this weekend would be locked away in her heart forever.

  We spent the afternoon after cake playing games again and relaxing inside while she watched some youtube videos and tried out a few chords on the guitar and practiced piano.

  Emma and George had to head off, as they had their own Easter plans to get to, which we completely understood. They did wait until Allison had dug her little surprise bag from the candle wax, and her face lit up with awe when she revealed the sparkling ring inside. It’s band had diamond-like jewels in it, and one large one to rest at the top.

  Emma used an app on her phone, discovering its recommended retail price was four hundred dollars, which blew Allison’s mind.

  She put it on her middle finger on her left hand, admiring it every now and then once the couple had headed off.

  Ollie did another round of rides for us, making sure Allison got her decent fill of soaring in the air.

  I could feel her delight and awe as she rode overhead, and a sense of freedom washed over me through her.

  We’d have to make sure we did this more for her, as I could tell the other guys were just as delighted in seein
g her so thrilled and beyond happy.

  Hell, I’d enjoyed it too, floating through the air like I was riding a truly magical creature.

  As I watched her ride, I couldn’t help my own excitement that bubbled up for the camping trip we’d be leaving for tomorrow. It had been so long since I’d done such a thing, and being able to spend it with Allison as well was an even greater bonus for me.

  We had quite a few things planned for the week since we all had it off. We’d come home on the Saturday so we had a day to settle back in before going back to normalcy.

  We’d planned some fishing, beach trips, four-wheel-driving and more. It was going to be a lot of fun, and I was more excited for it than I cared to admit.

  ’Sulky little vampire has a new outlook on life,’ Skip snickered.

  ‘Don’t we all?’ I mused as I watched Allison glide overhead with Ollie.

  Lucas and Skip watched her too, and I knew I was right.

  She’d changed everything. She was our everything now.

  And life could only go up from here.

  Chapter 18

  Trish slow-cooked a beef brisket for us, which she’d started earlier in the day without me noticing.

  We’d all marveled at the tender, juicy meat alongside the fresh salad Natalie had whipped up for us.

  I annihilated the meal as my stomach growled, and I watched as everyone complimented the meal to Trish’s delight as she sat back with a mighty pleased expression.

  Bread and butter pudding was on offer afterwards with our choice of custard or ice-cream, and I enjoyed it while Lucas magicked the kitchen clean.

  “So, Allison, you up for coming out with your family tonight? We’ve got something small organized, a night run, if you’re interested,” Dixon asked casually as we ate at the table.

  Skip and Marcus were standing and leaning against the counters as they ate their desserts.

  Marcus practically breathed it in, forcing himself to slow down to savor it.

  “Sure, where at?” I asked once I’d swallowed a mouthful of perfectly cooked, sweet pudding.

  “Well, Ollie was nice enough to call his grandfather to see if we could go for a run on his property, and he was more than happy to let us,” Natalie said as she began stacking empty plates.

  “Don’t stress, Nat, I’ve got it,” Lucas said as he flicked his glowing purple hand.

  The dirty dishes rose into the air and floated over to the sink.

  “Well, we’ll head off shortly, if that’s okay with you, sweetheart,” Trish checked.

  “Sure.” I smiled as I looked to my guys.

  They were fine with me going off for a family thing. Besides, the idea of going for a run with my family oddly excited me, and I could feel my usually dormant wolf side pawing to come out.

  How very strange.

  As we all began buzzing around the room, I could sense the odd excitement from my family.

  Was going for a run as a family a big thing?

  Hell, maybe it was, especially since it was getting me all excited too.

  Lucas had the dishes done without our help, but Trish took over packing away leftovers as he headed off to get everything ready for tomorrow with Skip.

  Marcus flitted upstairs to work on Nightwood, and Ollie retreated upstairs too, with the intention of reading and relaxing.

  Trish grabbed my shoulder and gave it a squeeze, her eyes twinkling with an animalistic joy and delight.

  And then the five of us were heading out to their white Honda sedan, and Hayley, Trish, and I, all piled into the backseat.

  Trish was bouncing her foot before the car even started up, and Hayley was playing with her necklace, clearly feeling the same buzz that rippled through all of us.

  “This is going to be great. We haven’t all had a run as a family in a long time, and to finally do it with you…” Dixon cleared his throat, the anticipation for our run clearly making him oddly emotional.

  Seeing my biker-like uncle getting a little upset over something like this made me melt. He was such a big softie.

  The drive to Ollie’s grandfather’s place was oddly quiet, but the air was crackling and my blood was pumping as my fingers tingled.

  My wolf was howling inside me, and I had the odd desire to shift, something that was unusual for me.

  Wolves are pack creatures though, and from what I’d read about werewolves, shifting together was a bonding experience, running as a pack only strengthened their ties.

  We reached his grandfather’s place, but Dixon didn’t drive all the way to the house, instead, he pulled up at the second gate on his left part way up the driveway.

  They must have organized this as the paddock to use, to save spooking the horses much. That made sense.

  “This is going to be so fun, you’ll love it, sweetie,” Trish said as she took my hand and squeezed it. She was bubbling over with excitement, her eyes flickering yellow with her inner wolf.

  My heart thrummed as we all clambered out of the car, and Dixon opened the gate for us. It creaked as it swung in the cool night air, and I drew in a deep breath in an attempt to calm my excitement.

  Trish cheered as she ran through the open gate, stripping off her clothes and dashing around madly, fully naked.

  For an older woman, she didn’t look too bad, but I was torn away as we all began to tear off our clothes, our wolves begging for release.

  In mere seconds, we were running on all fours, my brown fur sprouting all over as my legs cracked and lengthened along with my snout and tail.

  Dixon shifted into a large grey wolf, while Natalie and Trish had similar brown coats to mine, and Trish had a sandy brown coat flecked with grey.

  A primal joy and sense of belonging tore through me, and I howled out in joy as my family joined in my song. We frolicked and yipped as we raced, leaping over one another and playing as we raced through the cool night air, slipping into the thicker trees and darting between them.

  Golden eyes shone all around me as we ran, and I could feel their joy and emotions rippling through the air and tingling through me.

  This was different to the bond I shared with my boys. This was something only a family could have, and I’d cherish it forever.

  Trish yipped excitedly as she shouldered me playfully, and I snapped softly at her in response as we began playing a small game of tag, allowing our wolf sides to have all the fun they wanted.

  We ran until we came to a creek, where Dixon plunged right into the dark water to cool down.

  Natalie hesitated, slowing down as she reached the edge and sniffing around cautiously.

  Hayley threw caution to the wind, hurling herself into the water with her father.

  Trish followed, and I yipped as I launched into the air and splashed into the water.

  Natalie caved in and joined us, and we played and splashed in the water for a short while.

  Running with Ollie and Skip was definitely fun, but this, this was something truly special, and I was so glad they’d asked me to come with them.

  Natalie whined as she came over and licked my muzzle, and Dixon splashed over to nuzzle me.

  The next thing I knew, they were all around me, showering me in gentle affection, clearly having felt my sheer gratitude to have them with me.

  They were giving off some serious waves of familial love, and I knew this was just their way of helping show me that I was one of them, that I was a part of the family.

  I got home feeling light and completely loved, and I couldn’t stop smiling as I hugged my family good night before they headed out to their tent.

  Once they were gone, I stretched and yawned, wondering where all the guys were.

  ‘Upstairs, we’re waiting for you,’ Lucas said in a velvety smooth voice that sent a sharp tingle down my spine.

  I quivered as I felt them all beckoning me, each teasing voice amping up my sudden arousal.

  Well now, they had something special planned to end my birthday night.

  I climbed the s
tairs, clutching the railing as the boys pushed their own feelings onto me.

  Goddamn, my panties were getting drenched now.

  I drew in a sharp breath as Marcus’ smooth, deep voice teased me.

  ‘You’ll be lucky if you can walk tomorrow,’ he murmured.

  My legs quivered as I began to throb with need.

  Well, they’d certainly switched my happy family bonding tune to raging sexual minx.

  But I was getting glimpses from their minds as to what lay in store for me, and it included the vibrator from my grandmother, which made me snort.

  I made it to my room, thrusting the door open and getting hit with the sweet essence of vanilla.

  They’d brought my candle up from Emma, and it was one of the many flickering flames carefully positioned around my room to give it a sensual light.

  Lucas had even magicked some little glowing orbs over the bed that held the same flickering glow of a candle, but they didn’t resemble fire.

  I focused on my four guys, and I covered my mouth as I took them all in.

  Hot damn, I was one spoilt woman.

  Skip was laying across the end of the bed, his tight ass begging for me to squeeze it as he gave me a devilish smirk. Ollie was crouched down at the end of the bed with a single rose in his mouth, while Marcus was standing on the right side of the bed at Skip’s feet, cocking his head at me as his frosty, gorgeous eyes twinkled with delight.

  And Lucas stood opposite him, one leg on the bed as he posed for me, giving me his dazzling, toothy grin.

  They all wore little black bowties and black satin g-strings by the looks.

  Now this was what a girl wanted for her birthday.

  Lucas snorted at this, and Skip chuckled as Marcus shook his head. Ollie did his best not to drop his rose as he fought back chuckles and ended up just making a weird donkey-like sound which pushed them all into chuckles and snickers.

  I grinned as I headed towards them, and Marcus flitted over, taking my arms in his as he stared into my eyes.

  “Tonight is all about you, VB,” he breathed as he kissed my neck, brushing his teeth over my skin and making me shudder with anticipation.