This story was written by hand just for me to feel it out first. I hope that the first chapter sucks you into the story enough that you want more. Any critique is encouraged and your opinions matter. This is not your usual Vampire or Werewolf story. They are there, but they are not the main focus. Enjoy.

 

 

Chapter One


    There was nowhere for me to run. The dead end alleyway stank of urine and vomit. I had to swallow the bile that rose up. Adrenaline pounded through me as I saw him round the corner. His gaunt features slowly coming into view. He had stalked me all the way from my favorite bar. I had a feeling I was not making it to my car.

All that I could think in my head was that I wanted to go home. I wanted to hide under my bed for days. I was so naive. Everyone I knew had told me not to walk alone at night this close to the full moon, but I was the stubborn kind. I kicked myself for being so very stupid.

"I am so sorry." The man grunted out.

What? He was sorry? "Why?" I squeaked.

"I...I...can't...stop." And the very second his words stopped he lunged. His body shifting in midair to turn into some kind of were. I could only guess some kind of feline, Jaguar?

The searing pain flashed for an instant before I realized this was not his fault. If I lived I would forgive him.  His clawed hands sliced down my sides in one fluid motion. I knew what was happening and knew I was powerless to stop it.

I was screaming silent sounds as he bit and clawed my motionless body. His feline teeth crunching through something vital. The last thing I felt was numbness as I felt everything in me just...turn off.

****

The dreams were hazy, unfocused and confusing. Only lingering thoughts of what had happened at the back of my mind. The vague thoughts of voices and someone carrying me. And the feeling that something, no someone, was in my thoughts with me. 
A figure was hazing into view. The more I focused on the figure the more of her I could see. And then I noticed the fur, the muscular build, and the large green eyes.

"You must accept me Tara..." She said her voice deep and powerful.

"What happens if I don't?" I asked purely out of curiosity.

Her smile was full on her rodent face. She was gorgeous. "Then we both die."  Her long triangular head the nose being the point. Large pink ears with thin white fuzz. Fur a medium gray but I could see a blue hue. From her chest to between her legs was a lighter shade of that same color. From behind her I could see a pink tail rat tail swishing back and forth.

I blinked and I figured as much.

"They need us." Her short statements to the point. I liked that.

"Who?" My voice low.

"Our family." As she seemed to be closer to me now.

Oh. Kay. "What family? I have a family." My heart then beat a single beat. My hand coming to my chest. I hadn't noticed that it was silent till then. It kind of hurt. When it didn't beat again, I panicked. Looking frantically to the creature now inches from me. "Am I dead?"

"You and I can live." her arms out like she meant for me to embrace her. The moment I considered it my heart beat again. One strong beat. Then another. I could sense in my deepest thoughts dozens of them. Waiting for us. I felt their need. I could feel their sorrow and excitement, their fear and anxiety.

"Will it hurt?" I asked. My voice high and scared.

"We will face it together." Her voice so soft and reassuring. I believed her to my very core. I felt the truth more real than anything I had ever had before.

"Let’s do it then. Better than the alternative. That's for sure." I smiled an unsure smile. Choking out the words. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her frame. She was at least 6 feet tall from what I could tell. Her body warm, soft, and alive. It was an odd feeling. Then. It felt like lightening had struck me. Not painful but the most jarring thing I had ever felt. I could hear a distant screaming. It was me. I could feel my heart trying to beat right out of my chest. My entire being exploded into white hot pain and I felt her merging into me as if changing me somehow. Down to my very DNA. I could hear myself screaming in such a animalistic way, that I wasn't sure I was going to survive this.

I felt a tug on my soul and somehow I knew she was here. Our souls connected somehow. I felt something like magic, I think that's what it was, I could see it. The magic was like glowing white ropes surrounding us, binding us together. I felt her pride in me swell, filling me, and I just knew we would be ok. This was what had to happen. Her soul filling mine with that knowledge. It just felt right.

****

    Warmth. It was so warm that I didn't want to move. And then I could smell pancakes and ham. Other good food smells too. Huh?
I could also smell the faint scent of soap and bleach. I hated the smell of bleach. I wrinkled my nose in disgust.
"Are you awake?" A soft, quiet, man’s voice came from somewhere.
I tried to open my eyes but could only peek through my lashes. My eyes seemed to be swollen a little but I could see a blurred form in a large chair in a corner of the room. He was leaning forward as if he wanted to come to my side.
Somewhere inside me, something, flared, an urge to protect. What's with that? It was a new feeling.
"Who.." My throat seized up and all that came out was a gurgle. I began to cough and it hurt.
"Don't talk yet. My name is Randy. Here, have some water." And suddenly he was by the bed I was in with a glass of water. I tried to move to take it but every fiber of my being screamed to stop. I obeyed.
He saw that and smiled. Gingerly his hand lifted my head and pressed the cold glass against my swollen lip. The cold water felt like heaven and I tried to gulp it. But after a swallow he pulled it away.
"You have to take it slow. If you don't, you will just throw it all up. You have been through some serious trauma." His voice knowing and I nodded. Regretting that.
"Ow.." I whimpered.
"Yes, it will hurt for a bit. It will pass in a few minutes. Just take it very slow and you will be up and about before you know it." His eyes told me he was being truthful. How did I know that? No idea. I closed my eyes.
I sighed. Deciding to stay still.
As he busied himself I relaxed. Noticing in the quiet I could hear other voices. Hushed but clear. As if they were right beside me. I listened.
"I hope she is nice. And likes my cooking." The male’s voice full of hope.
"Everyone loves your cooking Josh. Calm down. I know we haven't had a new female Were-rat in nearly fifty years, but you should be more concerned about her other self, not her taste in food." This male sounded worried and reserved.
"Why are you being so skeptical, Donny? Randy says he can feel her aura is kind yet stubborn. I can't wait to meet her. You think she will be our Matriarch?" Joshes voice sounded young. Still full of hope.
"I hope so. One is badly needed." Donny's strong, husky voice, sounded tired.
Matriarch? Why would they want me to be a matriarch? So many questions buzzed through my half asleep brain.
I blinked and looked around. Not much pain this time. I felt I could sit up now and my body only protested a little. Inching my sore self up till I was mostly sitting up. I could finally see the room I was in. It was practically empty except for the bed I was in, a side table with a lamp and other things. And that chair Randy was standing near. Watching me.
I blushed and stared at the bed I was in. Bare except a thick blanket and a pillow. It was a plain bed covered in thick plastic. My brows rose in question to Randy.
"I am going to assume the reason I can hear those men in there was caused by...the change?" The change was the only title I could think of to give what had happened to me.
"Oh. I'm sorry. You are confused. Understandable. Yes, all your senses are extremely heightened now." He stood and walked to me and motioned to the bed. "The plastic was necessary for your recovery...it got kind of messy." His tone one of concern.
"Ok." I croaked. "Where am I?" Slowly my voice was starting to get back to normal.
"Our mansion. It belongs to our brood. That's what we call our "pack" but that term is for the wolves. Do you remember anything? Do you understand what has happened?"  Randy's voice cautious.
Thinking for a few minutes I nodded. "I was attacked by a were. I guess I am one now, huh?"
He nodded. "We couldn't be happier that you are one of us. So few ever are. Rats aren't often made when someone is bitten. Not many relate to rodents." He sighed. 
I nodded. "I grew up with many as pets. So you and the others are were rats too?" He nodded.
"Yes. There are only about a dozen in Louisiana. We are a rare breed. They are keeping their distance out of respect." He offered me the glass again. I took it gratefully.
"So they are all here?" I blinked after a small sip of cold bliss.
"Yes. They all felt your change. They came the second they were able. You should be able to feel them, sense them in your own way." He chuckled watching my face full of bliss at such a small pleasure such as cold water.
"How long have I been here?" I tilted my head at him in question.
"About a week." He said as a matter of fact.
My eyes wide at him.
"Don't worry. We already notified all of your friends, family and your boss. Told them you were suddenly offered a job and were flown out of town for orientation." He winked, a soft smile upon his thick lips.
"I am going to take a wild guess and say I'm still in Lake Charles." I made it a statement.
A nod. "Close, Moss Bluff. It was just a formality to keep them from sending out a hunting party. You are in our home. Which is yours now too." His voice hiding a hint of laughter at my wide eyed expression.
He walked to the closet door on the other side of the room and opened it. Inside were a ton of boxes. That closet looked huge. He was barely even able to walk down a path between the towers of boxes. Coming out with my bag.
His dark chocolate skin looked flawless as he set it down near me. The dark man seemed young but not to young. About thirty? Dark eyes watching me.
"All of your belongings were brought here. We left them packed...just in case you didn't want to stay." His tone tinged with a bit of sadness.
His posture spoke volumes to me. I would have never noticed that before the attack. He was begging me to stay with his body language, even if he didn't know he was doing it.
"Well that's....convenient." I laughed softly.
"This won't be your room if you choose to stay. We have cleared out the master suite for you. When you feel strong enough I can take you there. We cleared it so you can tell us what you want in there." He seemed more comfortable.
I looked around a bit before I dug in my bag to dig out my phone. Twenty three missed calls and tons of texts. Mother. Work. Fuck.
What was I going to tell them? Weres were no secret in the world. Not since about a hundred years ago or so. Along with many other used to be mythical and supernatural beings. 
The expected fall out when the supernatural came out of the "closet" was surprisingly minimal. Only the most closed minded made any kind fuss. Why? Well more than forty percent of the world’s population was something other than human. Those who weren't happy about it have long since died of old age, their children more open minded due to exposure. It was hard to hate when friends and family came out to you. Don't get me wrong. There were a few groups who still held onto the hatred. 
I remembered in class my teacher speaking about how some human spirits aren't human at all and when we are exposed to the shifter DNA, that spirit is given the power to show itself when we shift. Each human that had an animal spirit had their very own animal. I've even known of some people to have reptilian or amphibian spirits. Some are birds and very rarely mythical creatures. Not all survive the change, sometimes the person’s spirit doesn't have enough of a presence and the person dies from the incompatibility of the DNA. That DNA would have to be accepted original DNA. Shifters have long been accepted by society and it was not illegal to infect someone as long as they give consent. Though there are always accidents like mine. The law leaves it to whatever pack, in my case brood, to deal with such incidents. Rarely are there shifters who attack on purpose. Those who do are swiftly dealt with, in the most final way, death.
I jumped when there was a soft knock at the door. A chuckle from Randy.
"Come in." My voice sounding normal now.
The door opened and a man looking no older than twenty came in. His young face bright, framed in short dark soft brown curls. His skin like a creamy caramel. He was attractive yes, but not really my type. His light blue eyes sparkling with worry and uncertainty. That warred with his excitement.
For some reason I could tell this was the Josh who I heard talking earlier. My earlier instinct to protect flared again.
"I didn't want to bother you but lunch is ready." His voice a bit high for a man but not unpleasant.
And suddenly my stomach roared. at me. Clearly the two of them heard it as well. I could tell by the smiles on their faces. I frowned at them, embarrassed.
"Can you walk yet? Or should I bring the food in here?" He was timid in his approach into the room.
 "I think so. I don't hurt nearly as bad as earlier." Pushing the blanket aside to show my bare legs. Their pale skin flawless. Where were my tattoos?! "What!! I spent a lot of money on those tattoos!" I frowned as I inspected all the areas of my body that had tattoos before and they laughed.
"Yeah. That happens. Anything you weren't born with gets healed and removed by our healing ability. Sorry about that." Randy stated.
I suddenly reached up checked where all my piercings were. They were closed! Every last one. I growled deep in my chest. That scared me. "Whoa. Did that come out of me?" I squeaked.
Another laugh from them as they nodded.
Grunting and pouting about the loss of my body art and jewelry I stepped to the floor. All I had on was a over-sized white tee and a pair of plain white panties. I looked clean. Did someone bathe me? I guess they had to. Making a squeaking sound I swung my legs over the side. Hearing the plastic on the bed make all that noise I frowned again.
A soft understanding on Randy's face as he helped me to the door. Only a passing moment of lightheadedness and I was good.
"Well boys. I have a ton of questions. But first. Food. Then answers."

****
					Chapter Two

	There was much to be said about just how nice this house was. There were more than a few rooms. Two stories and a basement. A large living area and kitchen. Dining room as well. A pool out back and a massive 10 acers. I was impressed. The entire property was bordered by the forest. 
I saw all this because the den in the back had a long high window. I peered through it for some time while they waited and watched me. It was awkward but I was getting used to it. I took a deep breath and turned around looking at all of them. There were a dozen people in this large room. Eight males and four females. I gazed at all of them then my nose twitched smelling something delightful. I looked at the large coffee table in the middle of the common area and it was stacked with food.
"I don't want to seem like I'm an ass so someone start talking while I stuff my face, ok?"
Donny put a pillow on the floor for me near the table and sat next to me. God he smelled good. Almost as good as the food, but the food took priority, so it smelled better. 
"First, what would you like to know?" Donny asked.
"Ok...What were you two talking about me being a matriarch? Explain that." I grabbed the nearest sandwich and took a bite. Oh lord, so good, an egg salad sandwich.
"Well. We all sensed your change soon as it happened. We can all do that when a new one of us is born. But...You felt different. The oldest of us, Bastian, is the only one of us that knows what a Matriarch feels like. He says that you feel like one." He picked up a rolled up bit of ham and chewed on it. Waiting for me to take that in.
I looked around for this Bastian and expected to find an old man. But sitting on the couch was a man who seemed all of 40. And a healthy 40. I knew it was him because he smirked when I looked at him. 
He leaned forward with elbows on his knees. "That’s right Lady Zusak. I'm the oldest. The look on your face is normal. I'm between 400 and 300 years old....Lost track a long time ago." His smirk was friendly if not mirthful. 
I nearly choked on my food but I nodded. "So...When was the last time you guys had a...matriarch?" I asked looking around taking another bite of food. I was scarfing as much as I could down but I was still hungry.
"A little over a hundred years. She was killed during the big change." A female spoke up this time. She was clearly very serious and small but I could sense strength in her. 
I kept nodding to myself thinking about it. So they have been without a leader that long...Wow.
 "So. Let me get this straight. I might be your Matriarch. How am I supposed to know I am? What exactly is expected of me?" I said around a chip.
Bastian spoke up again. "Every Matriarch is different. Some have been ruthless, some have been very weak. It all depends on the woman who comes into the position. Also each one has had her own particular traits and abilities. Our last one was a ruthless leader. She had the ability to see a person’s worst fears and use them against the person. It was not a good time for us." He seemed to grimace as he explained that bit.
"Are you serious? That sounds horrid..." My brows furrowed, glad to not have ever met her. After having finished three sandwiches and a bowl of mac n cheese I finally felt sated. I sat back and stretched. Thinking of more questions. "Am I the only one here who feels an overwhelming urge to protect you guys? I feel a very strong urge to protect all of you. Is that part of the job?"
The small woman spoke up next. Chloe was her name. "We go by our instincts as much as we can. Unless they interfere with our human lives. So if that is how you are feeling, I say go with it." She smiled a bit.
Sebastian spoke up. "If it feels very strong then the chances are very good that you are our matriarch. I can think of ways to test it." He let out a mischievous chuckle. I blinked at him.
"Ah. Ok. This is going to take some getting used to. New smells, feelings, all of it." I muttered as I gazed upon the various faces. Many of them smiling, a couple of them seemed apprehensive to the point of fear. "I know that most of you don't know me from a dog on the road and this is all very new to me but I am not stupid. There's no way I could refuse all this. You will soon know that I will not squander this new life of mine. I was not a meek person before and I am not about to start now." I stood up and they all seemed to want to stand up too but they forced themselves to stay still. "I am going to make some phone calls. This is all a lot to take in but I will, I swear, do my best to adjust." I turned to walk away but stopped and looked at them. "Regardless if I am Matriarch or not. I'll make it work. I choose to stay."
I heard quite a few of them let out breaths of relief. Their faces brightening.
Josh stood and came to me, kneeling beside me, rubbing his face against my thigh. "If it would be ok. I'd like to go bring your things to your room for you?" I could already tell he would the affectionate sort and it should feel weird to have a stranger rub himself on me like that. Inside me, I could tell it was normal, something told me so. I was compelled to reach down and grasp his hair gently. He gasped and closed his eyes. I let go and he all but bounced out of the room. "What the hell? Why did I do that?" I blinked at my hand.
"That among other instincts told him that what he asked was approved of. You basically told him he could do whatever he wanted within reason." Bastian stated as he stood. "As I would like to ask you to make a list of all that you will need to make your life here comfortable. Such as furniture, favorite foods, clothes. Whatever you like."  He seemed to puff out his chest and come to me in very much the same manner that Josh had. Getting to a knee his head was to my chest. Not as small as josh. He was a big man. He leaned in and I held my breath as he rubbed his head along my upper arm. I reached up and grasped his hair as I had done before and I felt him let out his own breath at the same time as I had. He got up and smiled down from his 6 foot height and walked out of the room. A few of the men following him. 
As I watched them go I took all this new information in bit by bit. Swallowing it along with a sip of tea. My eyes falling upon Donny as he cleared his throat. 
“You have something to say?” My head tilting, curious.
“There is something they didn't want to tell you but I want to. There is a rival faction of weres that have been trying to run us out of town for the past few years. The wolves. Their alpha’s mate is a crazy bitch. She’s snapped. And her mate is to broken to stop her. The wolves wouldn't be bothering us if it weren't for her.” He turned his head to the side quickly, in order to make it crackle. 
“So you are saying things are not very peaceful with the brood as of right now?” Standing up and stretching.
He stood up with me. “That would be it.”
Great. I have the worst night of my life then I inherit a family with drama. Not my idea of a great weekend.
“Ok. What do we do about it?” I ask.
“Their next in line has contacted us secretly. He’s informed us that if we ally with them he will take the alphas down and take over. He has the support of most of the pack but, there are a few, troublesome ones. He want’s our help in culling them. I told him he'll have to wait.” His dark blue eyes gazing down at me. 
“Sounds like a plan. Would you keep me informed of any more news please?” I touched his arm, why? I don’t really know.
I saw him look at my hand and smile. “Of course my lady.” He took my hand and kissed the palm of it. Sending shivers up my spine.
“Okay. That was different. I think I shall go shower now.” I laughed nervously and bolted from the room, leaving his laughter behind. Man he was gorgeous.
After exploring a moment or two, finding the room that they told me was mine, I found my bathroom. I stood in the middle of it and just took it all in. It was massive. Walk in shower. Huge claw foot tub. A large area with two sinks and plenty of storage space. Big fluffy towels on a rack. I was seriously impressed. 
Stripping off the t-shirt and panties and throwing them in the hamper I set the shower to the right temperature. Stepping into the wonderfully steamy shower I bathed with the sweet smelling body soap and shampoo/conditioner. I could get used to this!
Later found me brushing out my short blonde hair and styling it. Standing there a giant fluffy green towel. A soft knock on the door.
“Come in.” I called.
Chloe entered slowly head down. “Are you decent my lady?”
“Yes, Chloe. Do you guys really have to call me that?” I asked as she looked up. A soft smile on her face.
“While you showered we brought all of your things up.” Her voice soft.
I had a compulsion to go up to her and stroke her hair. I resisted.
“Oh, thank you. That was nice.” I smiled warmly instead. That seemed enough.
She saw that I was walking to go see and stepped to the side. I looked in and all the boxes were neatly stacked against a far wall. 
“What kind of bed would you like?” She asked.
“I can get any kind I want?” I asked.
She laughed softly. “You aren’t used to having nice things I take it. Yes you can have any bed you want.” She pulled out a device and tapped the screen. “I have the company on standby to deliver it within the hour.” 
My mouth hung open for a moment as I was thinking. What was I going to do? Say no? “How about a platform frame, wood, with one of those awesome foam mattresses? Do they have one with drawers under it?” I asked with hope in my voice.
She laughed. The laugh sounded like tinkling bells. “Of course.” She tapped a few things and looked up. “Type of wood?”
“Nothing fancy. I don’t want any rare kinds of wood.” I furrowed my brow and smiled when she nodded.
“The bed is on its way.” She simply stated.
“Okay! Well I will unpack soon as it gets here. I don’t need much. A dresser or two some bedside tables.” I talked as I dug in boxes to find my clothes. Finding them I pulled out an outfit for the day. 
Chloe had been taking notes on things I would like to have in my room. From art to hang on the wall to a brand new computer system. This was all very new to me but I was soaking it up. What can I say. I’m a girl. Any self-respecting girl would take advantage of this. 
The bed delivered and set up with new bedding we got to work on unpacking as the other furniture arrived.

				Chapter Three

	That evening I walked down the stairs after having spent all day with Chloe making my room the way I wanted it. The smell of delicious food brought me down. 
“Something smells amazing.” I called out.
I stepped into the large kitchen to find Josh hard at work cooking up a large dinner.
“I am glad you think so! Dinner will be ready soon.” He was beaming. Clearly proud that I had complimented the food.
“The whole brood coming? That’s a lot of food.” My stomach roared to life at the sight and smell of the gourmet dinner.
“Nope. Just us.” He looked over to the door as he said that. Chloe, Donny, and Randy entered. All of them seemed so happy.
“Why just us?” I asked curious.
“We are your immediate family until you chose more enforcers and mates” He said stirring whatever he was cooking.
“Wait, Mates? As in plural!?” I squeaked. Swallowing a lump in my throat.
“Oh. Haha. Yes. As matriarch you will probably find more than one. That is the privilege of your position. None of us mate for life except you. Sure, we stick to a lover or get married but we are all polygamists. Soon as we become were rats, jealousy gets erased from our psyche. We attribute that to our spirit animals.” Josh nods at that last bit.
I suddenly felt hot across my face. I was sure I was blushing all the way to my ears. Clearing my throat I sat at the big table. “So. I could take…Any of you as my mates?” I looked at all of them. My ears on fire from the blood rushing to them.
They were all trying so very hard not to laugh. I huffed at them as Randy answered. The large black man chuckling. “Don’t worry. We won’t make it too obvious until your first shifting. That’s usually when we uh, choose our lovers.” He sat down at the table too.
Chloe spoke up next. “Our most basic instincts take over during our first shifts. Lust is among them. Our beasts choose for us, even if we don’t really like the other as a person. Though, generally that doesn’t happen, most of the time both parties are compatible.”
“Oh. That’s good then. So do we shift with the moon or what?” I took the plate that Josh handed me and nearly drooled at the exquisite food on it. 
“Yes, just as the wolves. All shifters are subject to the moon. Though as with all shifters, we too can shift even without the moon.” Josh stated as he served everyone their food.
“The next full moon is in about 2 days. We have all been feeling the effects already.” Donny stated.
“How come I haven’t?” I asked.
“You will soon as the moon rises tonight. You were very recently infected. So it’s taking some time for your body to adjust. Once it has, you will know.” Josh said.
“OH great. What’s that going to be like?” I mumbled around my forkful of food.
“Everyone takes their first moon differently. Most find it difficult. We are not sure about you though. Since you are a matriarch and all.” Chloe this time.
“Wonderful.” I grumbled.
I jumped when someone’s phone rang. Donny flipped out his phone and answered. Stepping out of the room. His face seemed to show worry, or anger, I wasn’t sure yet.
“I wonder what that’s about.” I blinked.
We ate in silence for a few minutes. The food was amazing but my mind was elsewhere. I was worried about the look on Donny’s face.
He came back in, face furrowed in concern. “It’s happened. Cane took out the alphas. He killed Miranda and Tony took his own life. He says he had no choice and couldn’t wait for our help. He is curious about you Tara. Wants to meet you when things calm down a bit.”
“Well that was fast.” I said with my mouth full of seafood. That seems to be a natural state for me now. 
“Yes. He says that Miranda forced him into a fight. She wanted to take him as a mate but she already had a mate. Wolves cannot take on more than one mate. It is not their nature. He said that when he refused she attacked him. She was really messed up.” Donny sighed. “We should go get ready to go support him.” He nodded.
“What does that entail exactly?” I gave him a questioning stare.
“Just be there as backup if things get hairy. He will have to declare a mate with in the next couple full moons if he is to keep his new position. So the women of his pack will be….testy.”
“Great. Just what I need. Hormonal wolves.” Standing up I look around. “So will we be needing more or just us?”
“Just us. We aren’t allowed to bring more. Pack law.” Chloe stated as she came into the room with a large duffel bag. I hadn’t known she had even left.
She unzipped the bag and there were various types of guns and weapons. I blinked. “You think we are going to need those??” I was concerned now. I had never been in a fight before nor had I ever fired a weapon outside of an occasional game of paintball.
Donny spoke up. “You never know with wolves. Especially during times of unrest.”
Chloe handed me a handgun. “Carnivores are always the most unpredictable.” I didn’t even know what kind it was. 
It was a large gun but it felt no heavier than an apple. “Dang this thing is light!” I was impressed.
Chloe laughed that angel like laugh. “No it’s not. You’re just stronger than you used to be. Just don’t point it at anyone unless you intend to kill. Wolves don’t like guns but they tolerate it for emergency use.”
“Here’s hoping we won’t need them.” I said as I tucked the large handgun into a holster as Donny helped me strap it on. I was very aware of his large warm hands as they handled the complicated straps. I watched and memorized how they worked. I made eye contact with his intense grey eyes, they had flecks of blue, so pretty. I backed away from him as he finished and flustered with my hair, as if it was out of place.
"Uh thanks, hehe." I laughed nervously.
He smirked at me and turned for the door. I sighed. 
Could you tell I'd been single for a while?
			Chapter Four
	The car was roomy enough for all five of us. We rode in silence to the address the wolves’ new alpha had given Donny.  My mind was on so many things all at once. My old life, my new one, and more. How was I going to deal with all of this? Would I just break all ties with my old life? Would I try and juggle both? Or combine the two? I would figure all that out later. I would take one problem at a time. For now I would see where tonight took me. I had at least left messages with my mother. Oh god. I need to deal with that bit ASAP
Pulling up to the address I gazed out of the window at the sea of vehicles and at the large home on its expansive property. The place was packed. We got out in the cool spring evening air. The sun was setting fast. 
Two men came out of the house and jogged towards us. They seemed tight with worry and stopped a few cars away. Their eyes landed on me then each other and back again. I rose a brow. “Why are you two looking at me like that?”
One spoke up. “We just didn’t expect…someone so small.” He crossed his arms.
I huffed and crossed mine too. “Bully for you. Where is your alpha?”
“He’s inside. We will take you to him.” The second man stated. They turned and we followed.
One held the door for us as we followed the other. The large common area was shoulder to shoulder with people. Then it was as if someone had grown two heads with how silent it got when I walked in. I felt all their eyes on me. A shiver went through me and I felt them. I could sense their beasts. Figuring it was normal I sighed. “If you people would stop staring at me, I’d like to get this over with before I get old.”
A woman pushed through the crowd.
“Who do you think you are coming in here barking orders! You are not one of us. You don’t have the right!” Her tall frame came right up to me. I felt compelled to stand my ground.
“No one was barking orders lady. I was asked to come here. I don’t appreciate being gawked at like I had a tree growing out of my neck. So I suggest you back off.” I growled that last part.  Which surprised me a little, but I tried not to show it.
She took another step forward, effectively invading my personal space, and I’d had it. I felt a rise of anger, like a tidal wave, crash over me. Then power. It flowed so fast, filling me up and up. So much so I knew I had to do something with it or I might pass out. So I shoved it out and into the woman. All I saw next was her eyes going wide. My hand came up and grabbed her by the throat. I froze. Staring at her. Inside I was screaming at myself to stop. I felt as if my eyes were on fire. My skin felt tight, almost as if it would split. No one moved. Not even the woman in my grasp. She was far taller than me yet she didn’t try to fight. “I said. Back. Off.” The next moment I looked up and found her in the wall. Staring at me wide eyed. I broke their wall. Great. And how the fuck did I do that?
“It’s official. I’m impressed.” A deep husky voice came from the top of the stairs. “Although, breaking my wall wasn’t very nice. No one has ever put her in her place before. I will see to it that the rest of my people don’t make the same mistake she did.” I stared at him. Just stared. The power in me froze and all I could do was stare. He was for the lack of a better word, a hunk. Five ten. His hair short, wavy, and blonde. Boy was he built but not to much. His lips were full and pink. His eyes a hazel with blue the dominate color. His nose on the larger side but it gave his face character. Muscles rippled through the tight tank top he wore. Loose fitting jeans, boot cut, and ending in a pair of black steel toe work boots. His physique was not of a body builder but of someone who worked for a living.
As my eyes traveled back up to him I could see something on his face now. He was as shocked as I was about something. Everyone was dead quiet watching us. No one had bothered to help the woman who had harassed me. She had gotten out of the wall on her own and was seething with anger but her ego was to bruised to do anything about it. 
He started to walk down the steps and never once took his eyes off mine. The energy in me that had frozen before was buzzing. I could feel it all under my skin like that feeling you get when your arm falls asleep but this was all over. I had goose bumps all over and a quick glance told me that he had them too. I could not take my eyes off him for more than a second. Something about him kept pulling me back to those perfect eyes. 
His brows pinched together and he stopped. The energy between us frozen again. “What the hell is going on? Someone explain to me why I can sense her beast?” He couldn’t take his eyes off me but no one answered. Just a collective gasp.
“That is unheard off. Impossible!” That woman from earlier. “Cane get away from her! She’s a witch!”
I think he had the same thought that I did when he made a signal with his left hand. All I could hear was her protests and screaming as someone threw her out of the house. 
“I'm going to call Bastian.” This from Donny as I heard his phone dial out.
“Bastian! Something’s not right over here. You might want to come see. Hurry.” Donny said hurriedly.
“Ok I’m on my way.” I could hear Bastian say. 
“No one makes a move till he gets here.” I say. “Every time you move my skin feels like it’s going to vibrate right off. I’d rather it not till we know what’s going on.” I say to Cane.
“I agree. The same is happening to me.” A man of few words. 
“That’s right. Cane has never had a mate before. That’s what happens when you find your mate. What I don’t understand is why her?” One of the men from before spoke up. 
“Marko, that is impossible. Our beasts are natural enemies. I don’t understand.” Cane said as our eye contact never broke and he took a step forward. We both shivered because it felt like we were walking through a million strands of spider silk laced with static electricity. It felt very good but I was freaking out and so was he.
I heard a car door and the stomping of Bastian’s booted feet up the walk. Within moments he was in the house and he yelped. “HOLY SHIT!” He skidded to a halt feet from us. “No freaking way. This is not happening but it is. Oh shit….”
“BASTIAN! Just spit it out dammit!” I screamed. I was getting really annoyed now.
“Well. I am as stumped as you guys are. Tell me what you are feeling my lady.” He goes to touch me.
“I wouldn’t do that Bastian.” Marko grabbed his wrist. “Who knows what might happen. I think they should let it happen. Whatever it is. Their spirits are connected already. If they fight it, who knows if they could survive it. No one fights a mating. They shouldn’t either.”
“But its unheard of Marko.” This was Cane said softly. He stood there, back strait, and his gaze locked on mine.
“Let it happen Cane. There is nothing any of us can do about it now.” Marko softly said back.
“Let what happen dammit! Someone tell..” That’s when Can made his move. His walk brisk down the stairs and strait for me. I gasped as he stopped inches in front of me. I held my breath and squeaked when he grabbed my shoulders. 
“Just tell me no. And I won’t do it.” His voice vibrated down my spine and I went weak in my knees. 
“Fuck.” Was all I could say.
He chuckled loudly then he pulled me into his arms. My limp legs dangling as the larger shifter kissed me. His thick hot lips against mine, kissing me so softly. His tongue probing and I was his. My power exploded. I could feel my beast charge his. Her large frame nearly as big as his beasts’. I could feel her stretch out of me and into him. Our spirits crashed together between us. Nothing existed but us now. They ran together. He chased she ran. She chased and he ran. I could see his beast too. A wolf man covered in snow white fur with a solid black stripe from nose tip to tail tip. They tumbled and played and romped. I felt her joy and his confusion. His beast was just as joyous but so very confused. My beast couldn’t care less. All she cared about was that we had found a mate. I wanted to protest but every time I tried, I'd be yanked back to reality and the luscious feel of his lips and arms.
“Cane you have to accept her!” I could hear a voice scream. It was Marko.
“I am trying! My beast is confused! Give me some time dammit!” He was screaming in my ear I winced and let him. 
“Let me.” I whispered.
I felt Cane tense. Damn men.
“Just let me try.” I pleaded.
I felt him relax a fraction and said. “Ok.”
I focused on our beasts still romping around together in metaphysical world they resided. I caught my beasts attention and urged her on. She tackled his beast and stopped the play. 
I heard her voice then. “Do not fight us wolf. We are linked now and forever. Why fight.”
His beast said in return. “We are trying. It's just so strange and new and wonderful. We are afraid.” 
“Do not fight us. Do not fear something so blissful. Silly wolf.” Was the last things she said before she took his throat in her mouth and bit down gently. The bond set at that very moment. Cane’s wolf accepted her and our power melded into one. That immense power filled the both of us in seconds and had nowhere else to go but out. Like a shock wave it burst from us, hitting everyone in the room.
We melted to the floor in a panting little pile. After a few minutes I found it in me to look up. Everyone was wide eyed and on the floor. Fifteen or so of my people and his sitting and staring at us. Some gripping their mates. 
Marko attempted to stand up but apparently his knees were jelly and he tumbled back and onto the couch behind him. "Unf!" He grunted as he crashed into a pack member.
I blinked at Cane and then at Sebastian and my rats. "Someone..." Pant. "I need water." I felt canes arms squeeze me and the memory of what had just happened finally caught up to me. I could feel my heart racing back into full freak out mode. I stood up and stumbled to my knees. Pushing Cane's arms off.
"I gotta...I gotta get the hell...Away from you. Even for a little while." This was all just to much to fast in one day.
I heard unsteady footsteps as Donny and Sebastian came to my side to help me stand. We all leaned against each other for support. 
"Wait...Stay. We can all talk about what..." Cane started to say. 
"NO! No...This is just to much right now. IT was amazing but If I don't get away from...I might explode from this day's overload of info. Not to mention...I just want to jump your bone right in front of these people and that's just not going to happen. Please...I just." I turned and we all slowly walked out of the house and down the drive. 
A few moments later, at the car, I was just about to get in when I hear boots thundering down the drive. "Just get me out of here." I squeaked.
I got in and we squealed away. I watched in the rear view mirror as Cane stood in the middle of the road and watched us go. 
I felt my heart pull tight as if Cane was holding a rope connected to it and the further we got away from each other the more strained it got.
"Hnnnng" I grunted and pressed a hand to my chest. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck."
"Whats wrong Taka?" Chloe asked as she reached from the back seat behind me and grasped my shoulder. Her touch comforting, even if I didn't truly understand why yet.
"Nothing. Just stress causing me heartburn." I sighed and settled back into the seat for the ride home.