Chosen

by Melanie Purser

  “Not really, no.”

  “I’ll let you girls talk,” Darien graciously gives us some space and goes off to do whatever he does when he’s not doing me.

  Alex is staring dumbfounded at me. I let out a breath of air and she follows me over to the couch. We take a seat and I prepare myself for my first ever “girl talk”.

  Before she can ask, I give her a few details of my life before I came here. Of course, she had some questions that I answered, but eventually I tried to change the topic to her. I wanted to know her story. Mine was sad and boring and besides, everything is good now. More than good even.

  She reminds me that she was in the Northern California pack and that Darien took out her old Alpha for abusing women.

  Apparently, she didn’t stay in one spot too long so that’s why she never had to deal with the Alpha. She is a photographer so she often moved around for work. She also spent a lot of time at parties, mingling with humans and taking pictures of celebrities to sell to magazines. She found gigs wherever she went.

  I also learned that she’s 28 and still single. Before I arrived, she was actually contemplating leaving again to travel, take pictures, and search for her mate.

  She hesitantly confesses that she actually tried to put the moves on Darien, and my wolf stirs. She simmers down when Alex quickly tells me that Darien wasn’t having any of it. And then I felt bad for her rejection. If only slightly anyways, but I truly hope that she finds a mate here.

  Though I know her even less than I know my mate, I don’t want to lose my first girlfriend.

  After an hour or so she gets up to leave. I could talk with her all night, and once I get a job, I can see us shopping and having girl dates together which is something I never imagined enjoying before. I walk her out, but before she leaves, I have a question for her.

  “Hey, you’ll stand by me during the wedding ceremony, right?” I ask shyly, afraid she might turn me down. Instead she envelops me in her arms with a speed that even I was unprepared for. “I’ll take that as a yes,” I giggle and she joins my laughter.

  “Of course, I will. Thank you, Ari,” she beams at me before practically skipping down the steps to her car in the gravel lot. Darien walks up behind me and wraps his arms around me.

  “Look at you two making fast friends,” he says proudly.

  “Yeah, with the girl who tried to put the moves on you,” I fake my annoyance. He tenses at the comment.

  “Hey now, nothing happened between me and her. You know you are the only one for me so don’t let what she did bother you,” he tries to calm me, but I surprise him by laughing,

  “You mean how Charlie and Niko didn’t bother you, and how Alpha Flint didn’t bother you, and also how Jerek’s relationship with me doesn’t bother you?” I point out. He pales.

  “You caught all that, huh? I forget how perceptive you are,” he laughs.

  When he kisses the top of my head, I turn to face him.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t get between you and Jerek. I know it’s irrational for me to think it’s more than what it is, and I trust you to handle him if he tries anything more.” His trust floors me. No one has ever trusted my judgment enough to give me so much freedom over my own life. Maybe it’s because he knows I’ll disappear if he doesn’t give me freedom, but whatever reason it may be, I still appreciate it.

  We made dinner together before he took me up to bed for dessert. We spent our remaining time enjoying every inch of each other, and every last moment together before our peace is disturbed. He goes back to work tomorrow so we no longer get to spend every second of the day together.

  While I’m also excited to start job hunting and get on to our wedding, I have been enjoying getting to know the man I plan to spend the rest of my life with. It’s comforting and pleasing to see that he’s not eager to go back to normal life either.

  Chapter 14

  After Darien left for work, I spent the morning looking for any new job listings. There weren’t many in this small town aside from some delivery jobs, which I can’t do without a car. I most definitely won’t be asking Darien for a car. I will purchase my own when I have enough money to do so.

  Since job hunting was a bust, I start looking around the house for wedding stuff. With Darien gone, I’ve made it my job to make sure everything is ready to go for our wedding day. Really, I just want to say “I do” and move on rather than make a huge deal about it in front of a bunch of people, but it’s what my mate wants. He’s a typical Alpha male who wants to claim me in front of everyone.

  He was right that there are lots of chairs. I found a ton in the barn, and it is a bonus to find that they are all wood fold-up chairs. They will hardly need any added touches to them since they are rustic and decorative on their own.

  I also find a bunch of old wooden boxes and crates that I can definitely use as well, but the best thing I find are two old barn doors that were probably used before the barn was updated. Apparently, I am a lot more creative than I thought because I have an awesome idea for these.

  Inside a storage room that I discovered, I found even more stuff to use as decoration. There are still other things I will need to make it all come together, so I am going to have to ask Darien for more money, but thankfully it’s all stuff I can probably get from a dollar store if there is one around this little town.

  In my searching I hear a truck pull into the driveway. I realize that it’s Jerek as he gets closer. Just a couple nights ago, Jerek basically claimed himself as my bodyguard. Anyone else, I would have introduced to my wolf’s teeth for trying to pull that shit. But, for the dangerous lonely wolf who has had a rough life, yet is still trying to hang on to a purpose, he has my respect.

  That being said, I open the door, shift, and sprint towards his unsuspecting form walking up the driveway. He quickly shifts in a panic, and I lunge for his throat. I didn’t say I was going to let him get away with what he did.

  My wolf chases his retreating form into the coverage of the woods. A human’s eyes wouldn’t be able to see us from how far we sit from the road, but it’s still safer just in case. He leaps onto a tree, using it to quickly change direction and face me.

  I charge into him, and we tumble, a mess of claws and snapping jaws. Rolling onto my feet, I jump away from his reach. I let him charge me this time. When he does, instead of jumping away like he expects, I dive at his feet and slide beneath him, and rear up hard, sending him flying over me.

  He stumbles, but he is agile and regains his footing quickly. Jerek faces me then and the confusion on his face is priceless, but he is even more concerned when I lay down. His wolf whines as he warily saunters closer. I’m showing him that I’m not actually a threat. I’m just trying to test his skills and strength.

  Okay, so I may have enjoyed scaring him a little too much. I could have given him a heads up, but where’s the fun in that?

  Once he reaches me and looks me over for injury and finds none, I stand again. I give him a playful yip, and now that he understands, it’s time for round two. I let him make the first move this time. We spar for another hour or so. He shows me his worth and determination, and I show him mine.

  Bodyguards for the Alpha’s mate are usually either appointed, or would just be one of the Alpha’s guards as well. Typically, the guards are constantly changing, appointing whoever is available at the time.

  I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone volunteering for the position without even being asked. Especially to be a full-time guard. Only Alphas get that sort of treatment.

  I don’t need a guard, but since I’ve already accepted him as such, I need to know his strengths and weaknesses, and he needs to learn that he’s not defending some amateur. If there is danger, I’ll be right there by his side. From this moment on, we are partners and need to learn to fight as a unit.

  With the little energy we have left, we sprint back to the house to get dressed. No one but Darien has seen me naked, and I don’t plan on altering that fact. Once I’m full
y clothed, I move to meet Jerek back downstairs. It appears that he found some clothes in one of the guest rooms. Werewolves always keep extra clothes around for all shapes and sizes in case of situations like today. Hopefully he wasn’t too fond of the ones that got shredded.

  Before my feet can touch the ground on the last step of the stairs, I am locked in an embrace with Jerek. His large form engulfs me. I should push away, but there is nothing inappropriate in his intention. The danger and sadness that I sensed in him before has morphed into something that is not quite happiness, but a feeling of contentment and purpose. He kisses the top of my head before finally releasing me.

  “What was that for?” I ask a little bewildered.

  “You know why,” he returns, and I do know why, but I want to hear him say it. I want him to hear his own words said out loud to make it that much more real.

  I raise a brow at him, and he sighs, but eventually he gives in.

  “For giving me a reason to stay, and a reason to live. Thank you for taking a stranger seriously and not tiptoeing around me after I’m sure you heard my story. You just got here with your own demons to overcome, and I within only minutes of knowing you, found my purpose for being here,” his words touch me more than I had expected them too.

  “Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” I laugh nervously, but I’m glad you found your way. I’m proud of you.”

  “I’m serious, Ari. I was ready to go lone wolf, or worse, let the wolf take over. And you saw it in just seconds of talking to me. I also recognized myself in you, but I also felt a pull towards you. It was nice to feel something other than nothing all the time. I watched you that night, nervous and shy, but also strong. It finally clicked that what I saw in you was loneliness, but I wasn’t lonely talking to you. I felt like I was supposed to be a part of your life, but you are Darien’s,” he says without any ounce of bitterness. I don’t know what to say so I just continue to listen.

  “I talked to Trace at the party and he told me what happened with Alpha Flint, and my blood boiled,” he breathes, barely in control now, and I can understand why. My situation, I’m sure brought back the memories of his old girlfriend. “I don’t know why it took me so long, but I realized that I wanted to be a protector, but not for just anyone. I want to be your protector. Reasons for that are unknown to me, but I don’t care. I’m just relieved to have clear, focused thoughts for the first time in a long time.”

  The situation is getting a little too intense so I try to lighten the mood.

  “Are you sure you are prepared to get your ass kicked by a girl every day?” I tease, earning a lighthearted chuckle.

  “Bring it on,” his sapphire blue eyes burn with determination.

  Footsteps sound on the porch and we both look towards the door as Darien steps in. The noises he makes are a little too intentional for him. He must have heard the whole thing between Jerek and I.

  Once he reaches my side, he sweeps me into an intimate hug and plants his lips on mine for a long second or three. When he pulls away, he stares deep into my eyes, smiles, then acknowledges our guest.

  “Jerek,” he smiles genuinely at him, “stay for dinner?”

  “Depends, who’s cooking. I’m not sure yet if this wild woman of yours knows how to cook a meal,” he smirks, and I roll my eyes at him as Darien just chuckles.

  “She makes a mean duck roast,” he defends me.

  “Well I guess I can stick around for a bit,” he smirks.

  “Good,” Darien looks back to me, “I have a gift for you.” And I am intrigued about what he could have for me when he pulls something small out of his back pocket and sets it in my hands.

  I’m elated when I see that it’s a deck of cards, and I practically leap for joy before kissing and thanking him. Then I remember that Jerek is still here, and I pry myself from my mate to look over at him.

  “Rummy?” I wiggle my eyebrows at him.

  “You’re on.”

  Sitting down at the kitchen table with two men I have come to adore makes me think of the time spent with my uncles. Of course, I am in the lead with Jerek not far behind. Darien is holding up well, still confident he can catch up. That’s the thing about rummy; you can be down for a long time but still make a comeback. It’s all about strategy and risk. His comeback isn’t happening here though. This game is all mine.

  During the game, Darien asks Jerek about work, piquing my interest.

  “Slow,” Jerek confesses. Darien’s lips pull to the side, but I speak before he can say anything more.

  “What do you do?” I ask with perhaps a little too much interest.

  “Wood carving,” he smiles weakly at me. “It’s a small town, and although we get lots of people traveling through in the summer, it’s a tough business.”

  “Remember the carved table from our date the other night?” Darien asks me, and my head jerks towards Jerek.

  “That was your work?” I ask incredulously. He nods with a brighter smile this time. “Are you looking for help at all?” The hopefulness and desperation in my voice is almost embarrassing. They both look at me with raised brows.

  “Do you have experience carving wood?” he asks skeptically.

  “No, but because there weren’t many jobs available where I lived in Alaska, we had many manufacturers; people just making items by hand, so I have knowledge on how to increase your business based on what I learned watching them. And this way I’ll be with a member of the pack, my personal guard, so neither of you has to worry about me.” Darien growls and grabs me by the chin, tilting it up so that my eyes meet his fierce emeralds.

  “I will always worry for you when I’m not around you, woman,” he breathes before roughly claiming my lips. Message received.

  Jerek’s chuckles end our moment, and I blush in embarrassment, but Darien isn’t fazed as he plays with my hair and continues to stare at me with those lustful green eyes.

  “Alright, so let's hear your ideas,” Jerek asks with complete interest. My smile beams at him, erasing the flush from my face.

  “I’m still learning the whole social media thing, but I know that my pack had made a website, posted pictures of the merchandise, and even added in delivery for an extra fee.” The two men in my life look at each other.

  “Well, she’s right,” Darien shrugs.

  “I know she’s right, dammit. It’s not like I haven’t wanted to do those things for years, but it’s hard to accomplish without help, and no one wants to be around me.”

  “Wanted you mean. Past tense. I want to be around you and help you succeed. Trust me, it will be worth it. And if things don’t work out, you can just fire me,” I wink at him. Apparently, Alex is rubbing off on me.

  “Oh fine, of course you’re hired. After all you are my Alpha’s mate. You start tomorrow,” he feigns annoyance, but I can tell he is secretly pleased with the idea of not being alone for eight hours of the day. Darien seems appeased with the plan as well. Everyone is happy.

  “Rummy,” I announce with a shit-eating grin as I place down three queens on the table and deposit my last card in the discard pile.

  Jerek stayed for dinner that night and nobody died from my cooking. We made plans for him to pick me up on his way to work since it isn’t far away. Of course, nothing is too far from anything in this town. Though everyone is spaced out, there’s almost no traffic so it doesn’t take long to get to wherever you’re going.

  I am actually excited for my first day of work. Darien was just happy that I was happy, and took full advantage of the situation by taking me upstairs to “celebrate” my first job. Of course, I didn’t mind one bit.

  In the morning I am waiting on the porch when Jerek pulls up in his red Ford F150.

  I can tell right away that he isn’t a morning person, but he still greets me with a warm smile nonetheless.

  “You need some coffee, old man?”

  “Nope. Your insults are just the refreshing cup of sunshine that I need,” he says without missing a beat, and I chuckle
. We’re going to get along just fine.

  His place of work is right off the main highway that goes in and out of town. The sign above the shop reads “Full Moon Furnishings”. Clever. Technically his shop is more or less a fancy wood pole barn. First thing on the list will be to make the place a little more inviting.

  Each and every one of his pieces is amazing though. There are lots of statues of various sizes, totem poles, tables, chairs, wall décor, and more. Every item is a masterpiece and high quality.

  The only thing that might be an issue is how similar everything is, which isn’t necessarily a problem, but every buyer has his or her own tastes.

  “Do you have more wood to make more pieces?”

  “Uh, not at the moment, no. There is no room for anything else,” he motions towards the already jam-packed room.

  “Don’t worry about this stuff. It will be sold very soon, but how do you feel about custom orders?”

  “What’s wrong with these?” he bristles.

  “Nothing is wrong with them! Geez, you’re so sensitive when you’re not the one picking on someone else. Not everyone wants the same pattern with the same finish. People want things to match the items they might already have in their homes.”

  “Fine,” he sulks, “I guess I’m on board with it.” I roll my eyes when he looks away.

  “Great. Now how do we get more wood?” I guess the answer should have been obvious when he informs me that he gets it from Darien. Alphas provide for their pack. When Jerek needs wood, Darien delivers some, or lets him work a shift to come cut his own.

  “Perfect. We will go cut some tomorrow.”

  “Hold on, we?” he sputters.

  “Of course. I’m fully capable of helping.”

  “Darien and the others aren’t going to allow the distraction of a female being there.”

  “Tough. Look, we can do this all day, but it’s going to be the same outcome,” I let him see that I am serious. I won’t be kept out of anything anymore just because I don’t have male parts.