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Wolf Lake Ch. 02

By: Gojenngo



To those of you that wrote me to tell me how much you enjoyed the first chapter of this story, I hope you enjoy this latest addition. There is more to come so please let me know what you think and if there is anything you would like to see added. Please remember that the author reserves all rights in this work including the right to copy, reproduce or publish this work in any medium.

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Sam stretched, her body feeling relaxed and languid. Content didn't begin to describe how she felt. She'd been with the pack for almost a month. Her days were spent with the different pack members learning about each one and better understanding her role as Nafarius' mate. Her nights were spent with Nafarius, often times the two of them wandering out into the woods to make love surrounded by nature.

There was little privacy within the mountain. With the small alcoves giving way to one another it was easy to see and hear what everyone else was doing. It had taken her a few days but eventually Sam adjusted to the lack of privacy. The pack was a family but unlike most humans they believed in close physical contact. Whenever she walked through the alcoves individual members reached out and touched her. Often times when she was standing still one or more of the pack members would move closer until they circled her legs, leaning into her for comfort. She found herself smiling and running her hands through their hair in a gesture of fondness and comfort. Having been alone most of her life it was a new experience but one she had quickly come to treasure.

Thinking back over the existence she had come to love, Sam couldn't help but worry about tonight's events. Tonight was another milestone for her. It was the first full moon since she mated with Nafarius and was infected. The final step to becoming his mate for life was to undergo her first change in front of the entire pack. 

"You're frowning." Nafarius reached over and smoothed his finger over the lines that had appeared on her forehead. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Sam rolled over and faced her mate. True to tradition, Nafarius had not taken animal form since the night of their first mating. He would not be allowed to change until she did later tonight, if she did. "What if I can't…"?

Nafarius, knowing what she was going to say, pulled her close. "Hush, there is no reason for you to worry. I come from a long and prestigious line of werewolves and now so do you. There hasn't been one among us that wasn't able to make the change. You'll be fine." Kissing her forehead he rolled over and got to his feet. Looking down at Sam still nestled in among their blankets he pushed all his fears aside. He refused to think about the possibility that she might not be able to make the change and what that would mean for the pack, and for him.

"I must go, Roland is waiting for me."

"Where are you going?" Sam sat up and quickly pulled one of the loose fitting summer dresses she'd been given over her head. She had noticed that the female members preferred them to jeans or pants of any kind. After asking Maddie Sam had learned that it was a cost cutting measure as it was easier to slip out of a dress when one starts to change.

"The food supply is getting low; Roland and I are going out to see what we can find." None of the pack had been allowed to hunt for the past month. Again, tradition dictate that they wait until the hunt could be lead by their leader and his mate. 

It was one of the first things Sam was expected to do tonight after changing. She had to prove herself to be able to provide for the pack, which meant making her first kill in animal form. She had spent the past month learning what her new role would be as well as preparing to meet several challenges. Some she looked forward to but there was a part of her that would be relieved once she had firmly established herself.

"When will I see you again?" She asked.

"I'll be back before the sun completely sets. That is when you and I are expected to appear before the pack." Nafarius leaned down and kissed her gently. "Rest, you have a long night ahead of you."

Sam nodded but as soon as he was gone got up and went about cleaning their small alcove. She couldn't rest, she couldn't sit still and she wanted to be out among the pack members. Unfortunately, she knew that they would keep their distance. It was a way of reserving their complete acceptance of her until she had proven herself in the most basic ways. If she could not change she could not lead.

The day went by unbelievably slow. Eventually, the solitude got to be too much for her and Sam was forced out into the common area. As she had suspected most of the pack kept their distance, only a few coming up and offering her a comforting touch. Maddie, who seemed to have given Sam her unfailing loyalty that first night, was the only one that stayed with her. She was quiet, offering Sam her silent support.

As the day progressed Sam could sense the rise in tension. She felt the sun begin to set behind the mountain and she knew that her time had come. 

Slowly, the pack members filled out from the mountain and into the clearing leaving Sam to prepare alone. Taking a deep breath she looked around the place she had come to call home before closing her eyes and searching inside of herself. 

Her animal was there; she knew it. She'd known almost instantly that Nafarius had been successful in infecting her. It wasn't long after their first mating that she'd begun to notice changes in herself. Every one of her senses seemed to sharpen and she understood the world around her in a different way. She'd always believed that animals were more in tune with Mother Nature and now she had proof. She could smell the changing season on the wind, she knew the age of a tree simply by touching the bark-covered trunk, and she knew the hierarchy of animals that dwelt in the forest around her. 

After a time she grew accustom to the changes and Sam had turned her energies to learning other things about herself. She had spent several hours alone in the woods looking into herself until she found her animal. The wolf was deep inside of her, not yet aware of its own existence. It was as if the beast was asleep waiting for some signal to waken it. Now, as she stood there alone, Sam tried to decipher that signal.

Sam could feel the pull and the power of the full moon and it was her most reverent hope she would be able to use that power to summon her animal. Still possessing human pride she ran her hand down the front of her skirt, smoothing out any wrinkles and checked to make sure her hair was in place. Once she was fairly confident that all was well with her appearance Sam squared her shoulders and stepped out from the mountain.

An immediate hush fell over those assembled. There wasn't one pack member unaccounted for. Those few that had ventured into town for necessities had made sure to return so as not to miss this momentous event. Their leader would take a mate but once and there wasn't one among them that didn't want to be there as witness to her first change.

Flashes of her first night in the clearing ran through her head as the crowd parted allowing her passage to the center of the circle. Nafarius stood waiting, still in human form, off to one side. Even from several feet away Sam could see the tension that started in his eyes and ran through his entire body. She tried to give him her most reassuring smile but feared she'd failed. He wouldn't be allowed to interfere and she knew it was going to cost him.

Sam stepped into the circle and slowly turned around. Everywhere she looked stood the men and women she had come to know and to think of as family. The moon, having reached its zenith pulled at her and the members of her pack and she watched as each one slowly started to change.

Men and women shifted, their bodies quivering in the moonlight as muscles rearranged themselves. Bodies seemed to grow long and the distinct sound of claws clicking on the rocky ground could be heard throughout the forest. Some had slipped from their clothes while others simply shifted, rendering the fabric. Sam watched, spellbound, as a wave of unseen power washed over the clearing until Sam and Nafarius were the only ones left in human form.

It was time. There would be no more delaying the inevitable. It was either here and now or never. Taking a deep breath Sam pulled her dress over her head and let it fall to the ground. There was a collective sigh at the sight of her alabaster skin glowing in the moonlight. Her pale complexion was made that much more startling by her black hair, which fell down her back and floated around her waist. Nafarius wasn't surprised by the pack's reaction but he knew that their appreciation wouldn't be enough to save her if Sam wasn't able to change. 

Closing her emerald green eyes Sam tried to focus. She could feel the tension coming from Nafarius and the rest of the pack members. It was thick, making it hard to breath and drawing on her concentration. As each minute passed and nothing happened the pack members grew more agitated.

Several minutes later Sam collapsed onto her hands and knees still in human form; her body covered with a fine sheen of sweat. Opening her eyes, Sam lifted her head and found herself staring into the yellow-gold eyes of over a hundred werewolves. Slowly, she got to her feet.

"Samantha." Nafarius took a step forward.

"No!" Sam held up her hand to stop him. "You can't interfere. If you do you'll undermine any power I have."

"What power can you have if you can't change?" Nafarius took a step forward only to stop short when Jared, a young male in the pack, came forward and growled. Grabbing the young man by the fur Nafarius sent him flying. "You would dare to come between me and my mate?!"

Nafarius' below of rage echoed throughout the forest sending those animals that still remained scurrying in fear. His attention turned to the insolent wolf for only a moment was all it took. In the next moment several of the pack attacked, all of them lunging at Sam at the same time. "NO!"

Sam went down in a pile of fur, her body unable to withstand the strength of a dozen wolves. Nafarius stood frozen watching as the woman he had come to love was ravaged by his pack. The clearing was filled with the sound of snarling wolves as canine teeth ripped into tender flesh. The smell of blood filled the air sending the watching pack into hair-raising howls.

He knew that he was forbidden to interfere and that tradition dictate that any werewolf unable to change be considered inferior and destroyed. If he stepped in and saved her then the pack would turn against him as well. In that moment it didn't matter, Nafarius was willing to turn his back on his pack if it meant saving Sam. They had mated for life and he meant to honor that even if it meant leaving the pack.

Pushing his way forward, Nafarius started pulling wolves apart searching for whatever might be left of the woman he loved. He didn't expect to find her whole but at the same time he couldn't stand by and watch the pack devour her. Pushing the last wolf aside Nafarius stared at the place he was sure Sam had gone down. 

In her place was beautiful black wolf crouched low on all fours her hackles raised and teeth barred. Nafarius started to reach out to her only to snatch his hand back when she tried to take his fingers off. Backing off he understood that she was in the grip of her animal. Changing for the first time, especially during a fight was guaranteed to leave her feeling aggressive. Seeing her so beautiful, more wolf than any other member of his pack brought his beast to the surface. Animal instinct took over, his desire to meet her on the same level causing him to shift. In a burst of power Nafarius changed, moving from human to animal in a split second.

Still, even in animal form Nafarius waited to approach her. Sam had turned her attention from him to her new pack members. One by one they were slowly crawling forward, their heads and bellies low to the ground. Roland was the first one to reach her and rolling onto his back offered her his neck. Slowly, Sam lowered her head and gripped his neck with her new, powerful jaws. It was a symbol of her dominance, a show that she could crush his neck. At the same time it was a show of trust that Roland would offer himself up knowing that she could destroy him.

Sam growled low once in her throat. The fight had brought her animal bursting through with a vengeance. She was hungry, the desire to hunt and hurt so intense it burned painfully in her belly. She could smell Roland's blood flowing just below the surface and she longed to lock her jaws, breaking the skin and feeling the warm liquid flowing into her mouth. It took a supreme act of willpower to release him and even then she did so slowly. 

Maddie was the last member to approach her. Sam leaned down, locking eyes with the young woman and gently gripped her neck with her jaws. Maddie whimpered once, not in pain but in absolute surrender. Letting go, Sam licked her jaw before letting her up. Maddie went to make her way back into the crowed only to stop when Sam moved in front of her, forcing her to stay behind her mistress. 

Sam had noticed early on that Maddie was the most subservient of the females and often times bared the brunt of the other women's anger. She wanted to get the point across that from now on Maddie was under her protection and that anyone acting against Maddie risked offending her. Maddie had been kind to her that first day and every day since and Sam wanted to make sure she was taken care of.

Nafarius watched with approval before deciding that it was time for Sam to show her loyalty. She may be dominant over the pack but he was their leader and she had yet to pay him homage. Sam watched him approach through narrowed eyes. He was surprised to see that while she had changed her eyes were still the same deep emerald green, unlike the yellow-gold eyes of the rest of the group. Those eyes were watching him now with suspicion. As he drew closer she started growling, the sound vibrating low in her chest and working its way up her throat until she had pulled her lips back and bared her teeth. This time Nafarius didn't back down but instead kept advancing, his own growl turning into a snarl.

Sam recognized him as her mate and as leader he was dominant. Still she waited until he was standing over her, his body almost twice the size of hers before rolling over onto her back. Their eyes locked as he lowered his head and took her neck into his teeth. 

Sam shivered; her body going tense even though she knew she had nothing to fear from Nafarius. She was hungry, she wanted to hunt and at that moment her power filled her practically to overflowing.

Nafarius sensed her struggle and releasing his grip on her neck leaned down and licked her jaw. "Let ussss huntttt."

Sam rolled over and bound to her feet. Standing on all fours, Nafarius beside her and the rest of the pack quickly following in line, she was ready. The blood rushing through her veins, the scent of the forest filling her senses stirred something primitive in her. As if on cue, together she and Nafarius headed out of the clearing and into the woods.

Nafarius was quicker, surer of foot from years of experience yet this was her hunt and he let Sam take the lead. She broke through the trees in a blur of black power, becoming a shadow in the night and it was only through superior senses that he was able to keep up with her. He was surprised to see her making her way through the underbrush with ease; it was as if the forest simply parted, allowing her passage.

Sam immediately picked up on the scent of a doe having recently passed this way. Given the late hour the deer was sure to be bedded down for the night. All Sam needed to do was track her down and then flush her out. Lack of rain helped to keep the tracks fresh and it wasn't long before she found an inhabited den. She slowed to a trot, Nafarius falling instep beside her. Together they had run through the forest, always in sync with one another as the rest of the pack spread out around them. 

Nafarius sat back on his haunches and waited, watching as Sam explored the surrounding area. He knew the woods well but she did not and he assumed that she wanted to see what, if any, means of escape the doe might have. 

One some instinctive signal from Sam the pack circled around the area and began closing in. It wasn't long before the sleeping doe caught the scent of danger and in a burst of movement erupted through the underbrush, Sam immediately on her heels.

Nafarius and the others followed, every one of them wanting to be there when Sam brought down her first kill. The doe was in a panic at the scent of danger coming from every direction. She constantly changed direction, at one point heading straight for Nafarius. Each time Sam seemed to anticipate her movements and countered them all. It was obvious that Sam wasn't running at her highest speed but instead was moving just enough to keep the doe constantly on the run, wearing her down.

Sam wasn't sure how much time had passed before the doe started to falter. She stumbled but her superior agility kept her legs beneath her. Still it was enough for Sam who immediately took advantage and leapt. Her front paws landed just behind the doe's shoulders, the long claws immediately sinking while at the same time she got a grip on the doe's throat with her teeth.

The force with which she landed sent both Sam and the doe crashing to the ground, the frightened animal struggling to get away. Sam, unlike anything originally contemplated in nature, possessed both superior animal and human skills that helped her to bring the doe down. Within minutes the animal lay motionless on her side, blood seeping from her neck and shoulders.

Sam still had her teeth deeply embedded in the doe when Nafarius arrived. He had seen her bring the animal down and had experienced a moment of fear. Deer, even a small doe, had vicious hooves that could do fatal damage during a fight. Although Sam now possessed the animal instincts of a wolf she was still young and inexperienced and he had worried about her fight to make the kill alone. Most pack members hunted in groups of two or more, usually four so as to minimize any danger. 

Nafarius approached slowly, Sam rolled her eyes up at him and growled obviously wanting to protect her kill. It wasn't until Maddie and the other pack members arrived that she relinquished the dead animal. Immediately, everyone moved in to share in the kill all of them confident in the knowledge that their leader's mate could provide for them.

Sam was exhausted. She lay down on her belly her head on her front paws and watched as her pack consumed her kill. There was something unexpectedly rewarding in watching them feast on what she had provided. 

Nafarius joined her, after having eaten his fill, and watched with pride. She was truly his mate; Sam had proven to the pack and him that she was worthy of that position. He knew she was tired but he was anxious to move on to the rest of the night's events. Nudging her with his head Nafarius encouraged her to get to her feet and follow him.

This time he led the way as the two of them ran through the forest. Instinctively, Sam realized that they weren't headed home and that there was more to be done on this night. The moon had passed its zenith several hours ago and she could see the sky starting to lighten.

Some time later they passed through a thick family of trees and entered a world like nothing Sam had ever seen. Before her, bathed in the last moonlight of the night was a small lake continuously fed by a waterfall. To her right the banks of the lake were covered in soft grass that invited one to lie down and gaze out over the water, which was exactly what Nafarius had done.


Wolf Lake Ch. 02



Walking over to him Sam felt a sense of peace and happiness wash over her. She also sensed that this place held some power for her and her pack but she wasn't interested in figuring it out now. What she wanted more than anything at the moment was to join herself with her mate. It would be the first time they came together with both of them in animal form. 

Feeling the cool, damp grass beneath her paws, Sam slowly circled her mate. Still high on the excitement of the chase and the kill she wasn't interested in a night of slow lovemaking. No, she wanted to let go, to free the animal that no longer lurked solely inside of her and mate with wild abandon. 

Nafarius watched her circling him, his head turning so as to keep her within sight. He sensed the heat radiating from her and knew that what she wanted was pure animal. Slowly, he rose but kept his body low to the ground and mimicked her movements until they were slowly circling each other. 

Sam picked up on his scent, the smell of his desire and growled low in her throat. The sound was one of pure feminine appreciation but it also let him know that she wouldn't be taken down easily. No, Sam wanted him to fight for what was his, to prove his dominance over her once again. 

Nafarius lifted his head to the sky, sniffed the air and howled. In the next moment he lunged, claws extended and teeth snapping as he grabbed for her. 

Sam held her ground but crouched low in anticipation of the force with which Nafarius would attack. He came at her in a blur of dark reddish-brown fur, teeth and claws – exactly the way she wanted him. He barreled into her knocking them both over and rolled so that she ended up beneath him. In animal form Sam was better able to maneuver and easily broke free from his grasp. Unfortunately, Nafarius was quicker and grabbing her ankles flipped her over onto her stomach. Sam immediately garnered his intent but instead of trying to crawl away she turned in his arms and lunged for his throat.

Nafarius quickly let go, surprised by the attack and backed away. Sam was on him in an instant only this time she sought to straddle him, to be the one to take him into her body. He almost lost it then and there, allowing her to control their mating but animal instincts told him that this was no way for the leader of their pack and her mate to be taken. Motivated, he waited until she had positioned herself over his hard, throbbing cock, a look of triumph on her face. Feeling her shift, preparing to plunge down on him Nafarius thrust up with his legs, throwing her over his head.

Surprised, Sam lay motionless on her back panting; no sooner had she regained her breath that Nafarius appeared, covering her with his body. He didn't wait for her to struggle but instead grabbed her neck with his teeth, none to gently, and plunged his cock in between her parted thighs. Paralyzed, to move would likely mean tearing her own throat, Sam gave up the fight and wrapped her arms around his neck holding him close.

Nafarius recognized her capitulation and relaxed his grip on her throat without releasing his hold. The night was suddenly filled with animal sounds of pleasure unlike anything he'd ever heard from her before. She was just as beautiful in animal form as human, her fur thick and black and those same green eyes staring out at him. It wasn't long before they had started to close in passion, her pleasure rising with each thrust of his cock. Grunts of pleasure came from his own throat, giving way to low growls as he pumped his hips forward. He could feel her release build as she thrust her hips upwards to meet each of his downward strokes. Her desire pushing him to pound her harder and harder each time until she started to tighten around him.

Just before her climax exploded Sam reached up and gently gripped Nafarius' neck between her teeth, letting him know in no uncertain terms that he was hers just as she belonged to him.

The simple show of commitment was all it took to drive him over the edge. With one last powerful thrust Nafarius released his seed deep inside of her, the walls of her pussy milking him for every drop as her own orgasm continued to course through her powerful body. 

Nafarius gave one final shudder before collapsing on the ground beside her. They both lay panting, their sweat soaked bodies drying in the night breeze. The forest, disturbed by their powerful mating slowly started to return to normal. Sometime later, the two of them fell into a peaceful sleep undisturbed by the rising sun.

To be continued…



Wolf Lake Ch. 03



To those of you that wrote me to tell me how much you enjoyed the first chapter of this story, I hope you enjoy this latest addition. There is more to come so please let me know what you think and if there is anything you would like to see added. Please remember that the author reserves all rights in this work including the right to copy, reproduce or publish this work in any medium.

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Life slowly returned to normal. The days with the pack were spent hunting as well as tending to the gardens planted throughout the forest, washing clothes and seeing to a myriad of other chores that required attention. All the women worked together to see that the system of alcoves and tunnels that made up the pack's home were kept clean. In some respects their lives were very primitive, their meals limited to what they could hunt and gather. There was no television or radio for entertainment however books, magazines and other literature was brought in from the outside along with clothes and medical supplies.

A few of the older male and female pack members were appointed to watch over the younger children during the day. Their education included traditional, human lessons as well as the more important lessons of survival. It was Sam's responsibility to oversee most of these activities while Nafarius spent his days making sure they were safe from humans as well as the other packs in the area.

As leader it was Nafarius' responsibility to train the members of the pack and not just the men. The women were also trained to fight and protect. There was a constant threat of humans as well as danger from neighboring packs. There were rotating patrols throughout the day and night and no one was allowed to stray from the clearing alone.

Sam quickly realized that there was a well-organized way of doing things within the pack. There was a sharing of duty among the men and women that crossed over from one group to another. There was also a hierarchy between both groups. She quickly came to understand the pecking order among the women and men individually as well as between the two. There were those women that were dominant over the other women but submissive to certain male pack members. There were also male pack members that were submissive both to the men and some women. In the end, a person could be both dominant and submissive within the same pack.

Once she had the order of things down Sam realized that there were some things she didn't care for within the pack. Nafarius had already told her that as his mate and the most dominant female in the group she was free to make any changes she wanted; as long as it didn't run counter to his way of doing things. That was fine with her, Sam realized that there were certain areas that were not within her domain and she respected that. But there were things she could change, starting now.

It was hot within the mountain. Summer was full upon them and while the forest remained blissfully cool the mountain had grown stuffy. The heat made for a rise in tempers as well and Sam had her hands full. There were several women within the pack that resented her. They were single women that had hoped to be chosen as Nafarius' mate and having been passed over for an outsider were understandably upset.

Early on Sam had decided to give these women time and space to come to grips with the situation but her patience had long since run out. Most of the women had come to accept her as dominant and as their mistress and were quick to offer her their respect and loyalty even when Nafarius wasn't around. However, there was still three or four that continued to give her a hard time, refusing to take orders and ignoring Sam when she spoke. Unless Nafarius was around, then they were all smiles and nods of acceptance.

Sam was in the process of trying to come up with a new way to win them over when the decision was made for her. Despite her good intentions, Maddie still suffered at the hands of the more dominant females. Having openly given the young woman her protection seemed to have made matters worse. Maddie was now considered the mistress' pet and Sam watched as the other women openly excluded her. Sam was quick to realize that these were the same women that still resented her as Nafarius' mate. She knew she couldn't force them into accepting Maddie. It was the way of the pack that those weaker were treated with less respect. However, Sam drew the line at physical cruelty and abuse.

Gertrude, the leader of Sam's nemeses, was preparing the evening meal when she ordered Maddie to go and fetch some mushrooms for the stew. Maddie, who had been helping Sam put away the laundry, looked to her for her approval.

Sam nodded. "Be sure to take one of the men with you."

Gertrude smiled when she saw Maddie make a wide path around her in order to get to the entrance of the mountain. "Only a weakling needs a guardian."

Despite orders Sam knew that there were a few of the women that in order to save time went out into the forest without an escort. However, none of them were as beautiful as Maddie. The petite blonde would tempt any male from one of the other packs and Sam wasn't willing to risk the young woman's safety. Stepping to the entrance she made sure that Maddie didn't leave the clearing alone.

Sam had just finished putting the rest of Nafarius' clothes away when a loud commotion caught her attention. Stepping out into the common area she quickly assessed the situation. Maddie laid sprawled out on her back, one eye already red and swollen and blood seeping from her split lip. Gertrude towered over the young woman, her hands fisted at her side panting, not from exertion but excitement. 

Sam was on her in an instant already in animal form. She stood, her front and hind legs pinning the woman to the ground gripping her throat in her teeth. She had already broken through the skin and was wrestling with the desire to ripe her larynx out when she felt Gertrude starting to change. Unconscious of how she did it, Sam reached out with her power and found Gertrude's animal struggling. Mentally Sam grabbed Gertrude's wolf and held on preventing the woman from changing.

No one moved. 

Gertrude, unable to change struggled in human form to dislodge the large black wolf. She was terrified but even her enhanced human strength was not enough. She was dying; her body still in human form could not sustain the amount of damage done to her. In a regular human the wound would already have been fatal. Had she been allowed to change Gertrude would have been able to heal herself. If Sam didn't let go soon she was going to bleed to death.

Maddie, realizing that her mistress may not understand the situation and inadvertently kill the woman, crawled towards her mistress.

Sam, seeing the injured young woman growled, barring her bloodied teeth.

"Sam? It's okay; I'm okay, you need to let Gertrude go."

Sam was having none of that; she knew exactly what she was doing and she was prepared to deal with the consequences of letting the woman die. In fact, it would be a good lesson to anyone else that would disrespect her. Growling, she started backing up towards the entrance of the mountain, dragging the near unconscious woman with her.

Maddie followed her mistress, the only one willing to get near her. "Sam, she's been punished enough. Please, Sam don't kill her because of me. I couldn't live with it if you did."

It was her plea that finally got through. Maddie was such a kind-hearted soul. It was one of the reason she was considered weak by the rest of the pack. Every member was expected to help hunt for food but otherwise Maddie stepped back from anything involving violence. She didn't engage in the usual power struggles within the pack and whenever there was a conflict between packs she stayed home and watched over the children.

Sam released her hold on Gertrude but continued to stand over her body effectively preventing anyone from coming to her aid. "Arrrre youuuu alllrighttt?"

Maddie gave her a small smile. "I'm fine." Maddie looked up and saw Nafarius standing just inside the entrance.

Nafarius stood unmoving watching as his mate nearly ripped the throat out of one of his pack members. He'd come running when he heard the screams and shouts. His first thought had been for Sam afraid something had happened to her. Immediately, he recognized Gertrude as one of the females that Sam had been having problems with. He'd told her to take matters into her own hands and while it would seem she had he was surprised by the violence. Not yet knowing what had caused the confrontation he reserved judgment until after he had a chance to talk to those involved.

"Samantha." Nafarius spoke softly not wanting to startle her while giving her time to calm down.

Sam looked up and watched Nafarius walking towards her. With a violent shudder she changed instantly moving from animal to human.

Surprised, Nafarius stopped. Never before had he seen someone change with such speed. Unlike anyone else, Sam seemed able to move from human to animal form without going through the long process of readjusting her body. It was a tremendous power and not one that many werewolves possessed. He wondered what other surprises she had in store for him.

"Get her out of here!" Sam didn't spare Gertrude another glance as several men stepped forward and picked the injured woman up. "Let her heal herself in human form, if she can."

Sam stood completely naked, her clothes in tatters, in the center of the common area surrounded by the pack. Most members stood silent, unmoving while others crawled forward. She was breathing hard, the taste of blood still fresh in her mouth. Reaching up she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and came away with her knuckles covered in blood. Rage still coursed through her body. The desire to kill was so strong that she struggled not to lash out at those that sought to appease her. It didn't escape her notice that those women previously led by Gertrude were among the first to come forward. Both women knelt at her feet, clinging to her legs with their lips pressed against her shins.

She had been right; the retribution bestowed upon Gertrude would go far in ensuring she received the respect she deserved as Nafarius' mate. Instinctively, she knew that while there would no longer be any serious problems there would be times when she would be required to reassert her dominance.

Right now she needed to work off some of her anger. Turning, she ran out of the mountain and into the forest. She changed back into animal form and raced through the trees sending animals scurrying. Sam tried to think, to understand what had happened back there but couldn't make heads or tails of it. One minute she'd been patiently putting up with Gertrude and her followers' insolence and the next she had the woman's neck between her teeth. Understanding that she had finally reached the breaking point didn't help her to understand the viciousness of her reaction. After a while Sam decided that there was nothing she could do to understand her reaction and chalked it up to animal instincts.

Back at the clearing, Roland watched as Nafarius paced back and forth. Looking much like a caged animal Nafarius seemed a thousand miles away. Actually, his thoughts were much closer to home. He had spent the past several hours talking with various members of the pack. There were many that had witnessed Gertrude's uncalled for attack on Maddie and Sam's quick response and not one of them faulted their mistress. In fact many voiced their unfailing loyalty and approval stating that it was about time Gertrude was put in her place.

That left Gertrude herself. Despite remaining in human form she was healing quickly. Sam had damn near torn the woman's vocal cords out but that didn't stop her from trying to explain what had happened. At first she seemed to think that Nafarius was sympathetic to her complaints but a simple snarl of warning was enough to remind her that she was speaking of her leader's mate. 

Nafarius had listened to her hoarse explanation regarding her inability to change. Gertrude had gone on in length describing the sensation of Sam reaching into her body and preventing her animal from surfacing. Having been ordered to remain in human form Gertrude was afraid that she wouldn't be able to change once she healed.

Nafarius listened and wondered what it all meant. There were stories, past down through the centuries, of other types of lycanthrope that had powers beyond those of their animals. But there had never been stories of werewolves possessing these abilities. Perhaps there was something about Sam, something in her past that would account for the abilities. 

He couldn't help but think what a powerful weapon she would be. With her by his side, a man could prevent his enemies from changing giving him a dangerous advantage. It was one that his rivals would do anything to possess. Nafarius would have to make sure that none of them found out about Sam's abilities. There was a risk that they would kidnap her and attempt to learn her secrets. If that failed there was the possibility of mating with her in hopes that any offspring would possess their mother's abilities. Either way, he wouldn't be able to live with himself if something happened to her.

Sam returned several hours after dark. Nafarius was in a high state of agitation, pacing just outside of the mountain entrance. Sensing her near, he turned and watched her walk across the clearing. She was in human form, her alabaster skin glowing in the moonlight. There was something dangerous about her. Nafarius recognized it as her animal, which always lurked just below the surface. She walked with a predatory grace and he tried to think back, to remember if she had always held herself that way.

"Where have you been?" Nafarius held out his hand and pulled her close, grateful to have her home.

"I needed to work off some energy. I was just so angry; I was afraid that if I remained here I would hurt someone." Sam let him hold her. Burying her face in his chest she inhaled his familiar scent and felt herself relax. "I don't know what came over me."

"I do. You saw one of your loyal pack members being abused by someone that refused to recognize you as dominant. It was only a matter of time before Gertrude did something to provoke you to action."

"It's not that. God! I wanted to tear her throat out, I nearly did. I have never felt that…blood thirsty before."

"I don't think I did a very good job of explaining to you some of the things that go along with being a werewolf." Grabbing her upper arms, Nafarius held her away from him so that she could see his face. "The infection, for lack of a better word, is pure animal. Humans evolved from animals and for the most part have forgotten their earlier roots. But that doesn't mean that some of those instincts aren't still there. When a person becomes infected the disease not only awakens those old instincts but introduces new ones as well. It changes us and makes us more animal than human. We still possess the ability to form higher thoughts but our reactions are pure animal." Nafarius took a deep breath and rubbed his hands up and down her arms. "And I'm afraid that you've been changed more than anyone else."

Sam looked up and frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Gertrude told me what happened, that you prevented her from changing. But that isn't all. I've never seen anyone able to change from human to animal and back again the way you do." Nafarius sighed. "There were stories but…"

"But what?"

"But never among the werewolves." Nafarius turned and steered Sam towards the mountain. "I don't want you to worry but we need to keep this quiet. I've already spoken with the rest of the pack and ordered them to keep quiet. If any of the other packs found out that you had the power to prevent change they might get it in their heads to use you for their own ends."

"I hadn't thought about that but I suppose it makes sense. It sure came in handy when dealing with Gertrude." Sam frowned. "Speaking of which, how is she?"

"She's fine. She seems to be healing albeit slowly." Nafarius couldn't suppress a smile. He realized that he was proud of how she had handled the situation and herself. "One other thing. I have a friend that's part of another pack, not local, that I'll get in touch with. Maybe we'll be able to find out more about these abilities of yours."

Sam smiled as she walked into the common area, not at all surprised when the room fell silent. Looking around most members of the pack dropped their eyes in deference when her gaze fell on them though there were those that smiled affectionately at her, no disrespect intended. 

Maddie brought her a bowl of stew and a chunk of bread. Ravished, Sam sat down and started eating. Conversation immediately picked up as plans for the next day were made. There was to be a hunt and there were many that wanted to go. She couldn't help but notice that Maddie stayed close by her side. Whenever Sam got up either to refill her bowl or move about the room talking with other members Maddie's eyes never left her. If she lingered too long Maddie would get up and move to be closer to her mistress. On more than one occasion Nafarius had to fight for the honor of sitting by her side.

Sam shook her head as he raised his eyebrow in question. She was well aware of the fact that Maddie was nervous among some of the other members. That was only made worse by the fact that Maddie felt responsible for Gertrude's injuries and feared retaliation by some of the other members. Sam wasn't worried though, Maddie would realize soon enough that the rest of the pack agreed with her and none would risk being on the receiving end of her wrath.

Still, when the night grew late Sam debated about what to do with the young woman. She couldn't just leave her to sleep among the pack without a protector. At least not before she had regained some of her pervious confidence. Giving Nafarius an apologetic smile and a shrug of her shoulders, Sam grabbed Maddie's hand and dragged her into their alcove.

"You'll sleep with us tonight."

"I can't. You and Nafarius need your privacy." Maddie looked at her with wide eyes. It was clear that she didn't want to sleep out with the others but the idea of intruding on her mistress and her mate was almost as unsettling.

"You will." Sam pushed the young girl down onto a small pile of blankets set off to one side before pulling her dress over her head and crawling in among her own. Nafarius joined them a few minutes later. Spying Maddie he kept his features carefully blank and crawled in beside Sam.

She was warm, her soft skin saturated with her scent. Growling appreciatively he nuzzled her neck, running his tongue up the length of that slender column so as to taste her. Sam responded by tilting her head to the side giving him better access. Nafarius continued to nuzzle her skin only now he moved down the length of her body covering her with light kisses as he went. Enjoying the attention, Sam stretched her arms up over her head and thrust her breasts in his face. Nafarius chuckled understanding her silent demand and ran his tongue over one rose-colored nipple already hard with excitement. Flicking his tongue back and forth his hand sought out her other nipple and rolled it between his fingers. Sam growled and grabbing his head in her hands pulled him closer, nearly suffocating him in her ample breasts. Giving in, Nafarius took her nipple firmly between his lips and suckled, pulling it deep into his mouth.

Sam sighed at the pleasure radiating through her body. Letting her head roll to one side she opened her eyes and found Maddie watching them. The young woman smiled sheepishly, embarrassed at having been caught. Sam released her hold on Nafarius' head and pushed him off of her. 




Wolf Lake Ch. 03



Surprised, Nafarius rolled onto his side. Propping his head up on his hand he watched as Sam crawled over to Maddie. Each movement was slow and sensual and for his benefit. She continued to entice him even as her attention turned to another. He had already discovered that Sam was extremely sensual and sexual often times waking him during the night to make love. He also knew that her tastes ran to both male and female and he watched in appreciation as she pulled back the covers exposing Maddie's small figure.

Maddie watched wide-eyed as Sam pulled back the blankets. Aroused at the sight of Sam and Nafarius she didn't object and in fact slid over to make more room. Sighing deeply, Maddie closed her eyes as Sam's hand covered one small breast.

Sam watched with a small smile on her face as she stroked and caressed the young woman. She felt protective towards the her but she'd also felt desire. Maddie was in stark contrast to Sam. Where Sam had hair as black as midnight Maddie's was as bright as the sun; her skin, turned bronze by the sun glowed against Sam's alabaster flesh. But the differences didn't end there. Sam was tall with long legs, a narrow waist and ample breasts. Maddie on the other hand was petite, barely coming to the other woman's shoulders with breasts the size of nice small apples. 

Those small, pert breasts where rising and falling with each breath the young woman took. Her excitement was evident in the glazed look of her eyes and her scent, which was riding thick in the air. Having driven her to this point Sam sought to give her some relief. Rising up, Sam moved to kneel between the young women's thighs spreading them gently with her hands. Lowering her head, Sam inhaled deeply saturating her senses with the smell of sweet desire. Turning her head she saw Nafarius watching and smiled. It was obvious that he was enjoying the show but she wanted him to be a more active participant.

Nafarius saw the invitation in her eyes and moved to join the two women. Stretching out beside them he was able to kiss and caress Maddie, her firm breasts fitting nicely in his hands. The young woman had little experience with the male members of the pack but she was excited and eager to please. She kissed him back and reaching down grasped his cock firmly in her hand. Nafarius shudder as her inexperienced fingers sought to please him. He had to admit that the fact that she was so fresh and new added to his excitement. He liked knowing that he was one of the few men to ever be with her. 

Sam watched her mate struggle with his desire before lowering her head. Using her fingers, she spread the sensitive folds of Maddie's sex exposing the hard, throbbing nub of her desire. She was already wet and Sam reached out to gather the sweet juices with the tip of her tongue.

Maddie cried out against Nafarius' mouth as the first bolts of pleasure passed through her. Encouraged, Sam set about her work licking up the length of her folds before circling her clit with her tongue. Maddie bucked, her hips lifting Sam up off the ground and moaning in pleasure. While Sam continued to lick and suck at the young woman Nafarius had moved to take one nipple in his mouth and the other between his fingers. Together they drove her on until, with her back arched up off the ground, she came. Nafarius eased up on her nipples but continued to suckle until the last of Maddie's orgasm washed over her. Sam, who had slid her fingers inside of Maddie's tight pussy, felt her contracting around her moments before her face was covered with juices. Licking at them, Sam lightened her touch until Maddie collapsed upon the pile of blankets.

Several minutes later Maddie opened her eyes and smiled at them. "Thank you."

Nafarius laughed. "We're not done yet." Quickly he changed positions so that his head was now positioned next to the junctions of Sam's thighs. Rolling over onto his back his smiled at her startled gasp as he pulled her up and over to straddle his face. "I think you've earned a little reward of your own."

Sam gasped again as Nafarius pulled her pussy down onto his face and buried is tongue deep inside of her. She was wet and aching and it wasn't long before she was grinding herself against his face moving closer to her own release. Her hands braced on his abdomen she started to lean forward, planning on taking his cock into her mouth.

Maddie stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. "May I?" She asked quietly.

Sam nodded and watched as Maddie bent to take Nafarius into her mouth. His hips came up off the ground thrusting his cock deeper into her mouth but Maddie didn't seem to have any trouble accommodating him. Soon she was bobbing up and down on his cock, making slurping noises as she sucked and licked at him. 

Nafarius knew it wasn't Sam sucking on his cock, this was a new experience and one he was truly enjoying. He could feel his control slipping and he wasn't sure if he should say something or not. Deciding to error on the side of caution, Nafarius released Sam's clit long enough to warn Maddie. "I'm not going to be able to hold back much longer."

"Don't." Maddie wanted to taste him and she didn't know if she would ever get the change again.

Sam shuddered, feeling her body begin to tighten as Nafarius thrust his hips up into Maddie's waiting mouth. His movements on her clit grew more furious until he was nursing on the tender nub, his hands roughly gripping her hips. A low growl started in his chest and raced up into his throat vibrating against Sam's pussy. The combined pleasure sent her flying over the edge, wave after wave of pleasure crashing over her and causing Sam to cry out. At the same time Nafarius felt the heat of his seed as it worked its way from his balls and up his cock before exploding into Maddie's mouth. The young woman, happy to receive something so precious, gulped furiously careful to take it all.

In a pile of sweaty, satisfied flesh the three of them collapsed onto the pile of blankets. Not bothering to cover up the three of them fell asleep, their arms and legs entwined. Like their ancestors they slept together in a pile, taking comfort in their closeness. As he fell asleep Nafarius couldn't help but wonder what had just happened to his life.

To be continued...



Wolf Lake Ch. 04



This has quickly become one of my favorite series. I have plans for the members of our pack and I hope that you will all return to see what happens next. Please remember that as the author I retain all rights in this work including the right to copy, publish or reproduce in any medium. And thank you for all your supportive comments.

* * * * *

He found her on the northern trail leading towards the pack's clearing and mountain shelter. As always, it was Roland's duty to lead the hunt. He had headed out early that morning before anyone else had woken to search the surrounding area. Roland was looking for two things; prey and danger. There had been movement from neighboring packs and Nafarius wanted to make sure that none of them were ambushed while hunting for their food. 

Roland lifted his head and sniffed the wind. His nostrils flared and instantly he was able to identify several surrounding scents including those of a rabbit, squirrel, and skunk. Noting which way the skunk had drifted he was careful to give the small animal a wide berth. No one would appreciate it if he came home smelling of the animal's foul musk and Sam would likely make him sleep outside. Thinking of his mistress cause Roland to smile. Things had worked out well, far better then either he or Nafarius had ever imagined. Gertrude was the only one that still didn't accept their leader's mate but that was more a matter of wounded pride than anything else and she was smart enough not to tempt Sam's anger again. 

Turning his head Roland caught the scent of something unexpected. Death. While a natural part of life, especially theirs, it wasn't normal for such a strong smell to linger. These woods were control by Nafarius and no other pack was allowed to hunt here without first acquiring the leader's permission. None had been granted the right to pass onto their land in several months and their pack hadn't hunted in this area for at least that long. Nafarius and Roland were careful to rotate their hunting grounds to give nature a time to replenish itself. The woods to the north had been left alone for sometime yet whatever was out there had been killed recently.

Roland stilled and listened to the sounds surrounding him. It was early and the forest was still quite but not unnaturally so. Moving slowly, careful to pay attention to where he placed each paw, Roland moved towards the scent. He was able to move without making a sound and the branches remained still, undisturbed by his passing. It took him several minutes but he was able to locate the source of the smell. He circled until it was in his line of sight but by then he knew exactly what he had found.

The woman lay naked on a pile of broken branches and crushed leaves. She appeared to be unconscious and what Roland had mistaken for death was at the very least serious injuries. He could see the slight rise and fall in her body that indicated breath, and life. But there was no telling how long she had been there or how long she would last.

Mindful that this could be a trap Roland sat back on his haunches and waited. No one could have known that he would be coming here today but that didn't stop him from being cautious. There were many that would use such tactics as a way to snare an unsuspecting passerby but as he sat there listening to the woods around him Roland was unable to pick up the scent or sounds of anyone else.

Deciding that he'd waited long enough, he moved out from his hiding place and walked over to the where the woman lay still unconscious. As he drew closer another scent reached him for the first time. It was distinctly animal and it was coming from the woman. Not strong enough to carry on the wind she had the unmistakable smell of a lycanthrope but it was only after he had moved closer was he able to detect it. He couldn't say for sure that she was a werewolf but there were no lycanthrope of other animals in this area.

Assuming she was from a neighboring pack, Roland gently rolled her over. Sitting back he grimaced at the sight before him. Her face was black and blue beaten beyond recognition. There was dried blood on her face, chin and neck and what was left of her clothes were torn into shreds. Through the ripped material he was able to see that most of her body had suffered a similar fate as her face. There didn't appear to be an inch on her left untouched, undamaged. 

Roland found himself growing red with rage. There was no reason in the world that could justify beating a woman to such an extent and then leaving her to die. Leaning forward, careful not to touch her, he sniffed and caught the unmistakable scent of blood just beneath the surface. Only this wasn't a good sign, the blood was too close to the surface and indicated internal bleeding. 

With a growl, Roland shifted back into human form and gently picked the woman up. No matter who she was or where she came from he couldn't just leave her here to die. He would take her home and have Sam and the other women look her over. He was sure there was something that could be done.

Roland gave a low whistle of warning as he approached the clearing. He wasn't sure how the woman had come to be beaten and unconscious in the woods and he wanted the pack on alert. At his signal several men disbursed; they would search the surrounding area looking for any signs of danger. It didn't matter why Roland had called the warning, the fact that he had was enough to get everyone up and moving.

Nafarius stood waiting for him, Sam by his side. If Nafarius' scowl was any indication Roland would have to say that the leader wasn't happy to have his mate out in the open. Sam, with her arms crossed over her ample breasts, gave no indication of moving. She openly glared at her mate letting him know what she had thought of his order to remain inside with the others. 

"What happened?" Nafarius looked at his second-in-command and waited.

Sam saw the unconscious woman and immediately moved forward to help. Before Nafarius could stop her she had called for Maddie and the two of them gathered the young woman and carried her inside.

Roland, for whatever reason, was reluctant to let the woman out of her sight and followed his mistress inside without answering his leader's question.

Nafarius sighed; it seemed today was the day that everyone choose to ignore him. First Sam and now Roland. If he didn't know any better he would have started questioning just who was in charge. Sam seemed determined to sweep in and take control however he knew that wasn't her intention. He knew that she was a caring individual and her thoughts had only been getting the injured woman some help.

Sam and Maddie placed the woman on a pile of blankets next to the fire. Despite it being summer the early mornings were often chilly and today was no exception. Kneeling beside her Sam set about helping the new stranger. "Maddie, bring me a bowl of warm water, some towels and Glenis."

"Yes, ma'am." Maddie went to do as her mistress had ordered only there was no need to fetch Glenis. The older woman had once been a nurse and was often the one to care for sick or injured pack members while they healed. Despite their natural ability to heal no one knew when a werewolf would reach his or her limit and require the aid of modern medical technology. Word had already reached Glenis and she sat waiting on the other side of the still unconscious woman.

Together, Sam and Glenis removed the rest of her clothing and started bathing her body. Most of the blood came away and Glenis was able to see that most of the injuries had been superficial cuts and were already healing. Although, in her mind the young woman should have been completely healed by now. In her unconscious state she was unable to shift into animal form, which allowed for the fastest healing time, however the injuries were minor and should have long since healed.

Sam ran a warm, wet cloth over the young woman's face and marveled that she had been able to survive something so brutal. Her face was black and blue and swollen; there was blood clotted in her thick black hair and it was while she was washing it away that she discovered a large lump on the back of her head. "Glenis, take a look at this."

Sam moved over and allowed the woman some room. Glenis slipped her fingers into the woman's hair and felt along her head. "She was either hit with something or fell and hit her head. I can't be sure which but either way we need to get the swelling down."

Sam could see by the look in the older woman's eyes that she didn't think that would be enough. " Is there anyway to wake her up enough so that she can change?" Sam knew that with a head injury the best thing was for the animal to heal itself. 

While Sam and the other women tried to figure out what to do, Nafarius stood questioning Roland. His second-in-command had yet to take his eyes of the injured woman. "Do you know her?"

Roland shook his head. "No, I found her in the northern hunting grounds. She was unconscious. I looked around before bringing her back but I didn't see sighs of anyone else. Do you think she'll be alright?"

Nafarius was puzzled by Roland's reaction to the young woman. "Sam and Glenis will do all they can. With the two of them by her side she has the best chance. Both of those women are too stubborn to let someone die on them." Nafarius was trying to lighten his friend's mood but it was easily apparent that it hadn't worked.

Roland gave Nafarius a small smile. "I know Sam will do her best. She doesn't like harm to come to her people, unless she's the one inflicting it." It was true. Sam had shown herself to be fiercely protective of everyone in her pack. While at the same time she was quick to administer punishment whenever the need arose. She was swift but she was fair.

Nafarius was thoughtful for a moment. "Well, I think the best thing to do then is let Sam and Glenis do their work. Once the woman is awake we can question her as to who she is, where she's from and what happened."

Roland nodded and turned his attention back to where Sam and Glenis stood whispering. After a moment Sam turned and approached. "Nafarius, the young woman has a large bump on her head. We're afraid that's what is causing her unconsciousness. Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do. There also appears to be some internal bleeding, which if she was in animal form would heal itself quickly. However, she can't change and the healing is taking too long."

"What are you saying?" Roland stood with his arms crossed looking down at his mistress. While she stood several inches over most of the women she was shorter than he. He never tried to use that height to intimidate her, knowing it would be useless. Today, however, he wanted straight answers. Something had happened to him when he found the woman beaten and unconscious in the woods. She'd seemed so lost and vulnerable and he found himself to be protective towards her. Roland wanted to insist that no more harm come to her and that Sam save her. Unfortunately, he knew that wasn't possible.

"I'm saying we need her conscious so that she can change. Unfortunately, we've done all we can think of but she remains unconscious. Glenis is afraid that she may be comatose in which case we'll never get her to change." Sam took a deep breath. "There is one thing we thought of but there is no guarantee that it will work."

"Do it."

Sam glared at Roland. "Wouldn't you like to know what it is first?"

"If you thought it would do more harm then good you wouldn't have suggest it." Roland had absolute faith in her.

"What did you have in mind?" Nafarius was the one to ask the question. He could see that Sam was uncomfortable and somewhat reluctant to broach the subject.

"Glenis pointed out that I had been able to prevent Gertrude from changing. She suggested that I might try doing just the opposite and instead try and assist the woman to change into animal form." Sam wasn't sure she wanted to do it, for several reasons. What if she failed? What if the young woman suffered from the invasion? What if she succeeded? There was no telling what would happen then.

Nafarius didn't like the sound of that. "I don't think that is a good idea. We don't know who this woman is, where she comes from or why she was beaten."

"Are you suggesting it was her fault?" Roland's voice held a distinct note of rage and his hands had become fists at his side.

"No; all I'm suggesting is that we think this through. I will not subject my mate or my pack to danger for some stranger." Nafarius' voice rang strong with warning. He was willing to take a lot from his second-in-command but there were limits to how much. 

"Look," Sam put a restraining hand on Nafarius' chest, "I don't think there is much danger here. If I am able to help this woman change, and that's a big if, she most likely will remain unconscious even in animal form until she's healed."

"How can you be sure of that?" Nafarius asked. "What if you help her change and she emerges a conscious, injured animal. She'll feel threatened and will likely attack even those trying to help her." 

"I can't be sure but I also can't sit by and watch her die. Changing is her only chance and her only chance to change is with me." Sam heaved a huge sigh. "Like I said, I don't even know if I'll be able to help but if it will make you feel better we can clear the rest of the pack out and post guards until it's done."

Nafarius considered the possibilities. He had no doubt that Sam and Roland would abide by his decision even if it meant doing nothing and letting the woman die. However, he was of a like mind to Sam; if there was a chance she could help he needed to let her take it. He could reasonably ensure her safety and besides, he was curious to see who she was and find out what had happened. "Alright. Clear the mountain. Roland, have everyone wait outside. I want four guards posted inside and I want Glenis to assist incase there are any problems along the way."

"Thank you." Sam turned and walked back to what she considered her patient. She wasn't a nurse and her healing skills were limited to what she'd learned in first aid class and from classes taught to hikers. Still, she felt like there might be a chance she could help and she intended to see it through.

Glenis knelt beside the young woman, a cold compress on the swelling still present on the back of her head. She couldn't tell anything from her mistress' expression and she feared the worse.

"Maddie, wait outside with the others. If something goes wrong I don't want you in here."

Maddie looked from Glenis to Sam; she wanted to stay but she would never refuse a direct order. "Is there anything I can bring you before I go?"

"No, thank you." Sam smiled and watched as the rest of the pack filed out. There was no discussion as to what was to take place and only Maddie and those involved would know. If it failed or succeeded they need never discuss what happened.

Roland ordered four guards inside the mountain and another two to stand outside of the entrance. Should the young woman wake while changing she would have to get through Nafarius and himself before reaching the guards. All together there were eight men standing between her and the rest of the pack. Unfortunately, Sam and Glenis would be the first ones attacked. Despite his need to save this woman, Roland knew that he could never exchange his mistress' life for that of a stranger.

"Sam?"

"Yes Roland?" Sam didn't bother looking up. She was studying the young woman and trying to get a sense of who and what she was.

"I was wrong. I don't want to see you in any danger. Please, don't do this."

Sam looked up a smiled. "It's alright, I'm not doing this for you. Even if you hadn't insisted I would have."

"Why?" But he already knew.

"I can't just stand by and do nothing. If there is a chance I can save her then I have to take it."

"Even if it means giving up your life for hers?" Nafarius stood behind Sam staring down at the top of her head. He was angry and it came out in his voice.

"Some how I don't think it will come to that." Sam looked up and realized for the first time that Nafarius was truly scared for her. "Hey, I'll be fine."

Nafarius didn't take comfort in her words. "You insist on putting yourself in danger. When the warning came you followed me outside without thought to what could be out there..."

"Just the same as you," Sam interjected. 

"We're not talking about me, beside as leader it is my duty to meet whatever danger comes this way and to protect the pack. And now you insist on tampering with an unknown animal."

"It is also my duty as your mate to see to the well-being and protection of the pack. They are just as much my family as they are yours."

"She," Nafarius pointed to the woman on the ground, "is not a pack member."

"No, but what if she were? What if one of ours was injured and someone could have helped but didn't." Sam understood his concerns and shared in them but that wasn't enough to stop her from trying to help. 

Nafarius knew what she said was true but how was he to explain that when it came to her the only thing that mattered was her safety. Shaking his head he took a step back. "Do what you can for her, we'll talk after."

Every one grew quiet, waiting to see what would happen. The silence stretched, grew until Sam wanted to scream. Staring down at the young woman she tried to remember how it had felt, what she had done when she had managed to reach inside of Gertrude and prevent the woman from changing. Things were so different now; then she had been angry, in a blind rage and in animal form. Now she sat scared and still human. What if she failed? What if she had the power within her but failed to understand how it worked?

Closing her eyes, Sam pushed all her thoughts, worries and doubts aside. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly she opened her eyes. The woman was still there but everyone else seemed to have been reduced to nothing more the dark, quiet background noise. They were simply shadows in the room watching and waiting but not really apparent of what was about to take place.

She was young, Sam guessed her to be around twenty-three. Looking at her Sam couldn't help but be reminded of a gypsy with her dark brown hair that lay thick and wavy around her head. Her skin was also dark, originally an olive hue that had deepened in the sun and her eyes where almost almond shaped, the corners tipped up slightly. Some how Sam knew that when she opened them they would be a deep, dark brown -- almost black. Despite all the bruises she was beautiful, the sum of her parts greater than the individuals. She was striking with her dark features and lethal body. Like most lycanthropes she was lean and muscular without an ounce of fat on her. Sam, with her attraction for both men and women could appreciate the beauty spread out before her.

She focused on that, concentrated on the person, the being before her and tried to move deeper. Sam imagined herself moving closer, feeling the heat from the woman's body and saturating her senses with her smell. Like any animal she familiarized herself with those details known only to the most primitive senses. Having committed the woman's scent to memory it was one Sam would always recognize and realizing that seemed to deepen the intimacy between them. She could feel the woman breathing, hear her heart beat and catch the flow of blood through her veins and Sam sought to emulate it. Within minutes the two of them were in sync. Feeling as if she was made of air Sam sought to settle herself more deeply inside of the woman. Reaching out with her senses she pushed past whatever physical barriers there might have been. Despite the purely metaphysical aspects of it all there was a sound resistance, a ripping and tearing as she pushed past it and obvious pain.




Wolf Lake Ch. 04



In the common area the woman and Sam both screamed. Nafarius rushed forward only to find himself stopped by some invisible power. It wasn't physical but he could no more move past it then he could have walked through the walls of this mountain.

Oblivious to what was happening around her Sam continued to move forward. It was dark and cold but she realized that she had reached a place inside the woman no one else had gone. This was a place each person had within him or her, where one came for peace and quiet and where lycanthropes found his or her animals.

Sam had found her animal but unlike the woman it wasn't asleep. Her animal paced, caged and clearly looking to break free. Sensing Sam it turned and regarded her through black eyes. There was fear, panic and rage in those eyes.

Recognizing her as almost equal in stature Sam neither submitted nor tried to dominate. Instead she sought to reassure the animal through her thoughts and actions. There was no verbal language here, only animal instinct and Sam knew she didn't belong. She tried coaxing, tried to urge the animal to follower communicating that the way out was with her. All without success.

Sam felt herself slipping, her energy draining away and she knew that there would be no repeat of this. Not only would she be too tired but by then the woman's instincts would have compensated and breaking through those earlier barriers would be impossible. Finally, without warning she lunged, felt her hands wrapped fur and pulled dragging the animal with her.

Nafarius stood and stared as the woman's animal literally burst through her skin. Sam lay panting beside the woman now in wolf form covered in blood and other things. The wolf lay stunned, panting just as hard her fur slick and wet. At the low growl of warning Nafarius stepped forward and attempted to draw Sam away.

"No, I'm alright. I'm the only one she'll recognize." Sam sat up slowly pushing her soaking wet hair back from her face. "You're alright. We won't hurt you, I promise. One of our members found you injured and unconscious. You suffered a blow to the head and internal injuries, the only way to heal was in animal form unfortunately you were unable to change." Sam continued to explain, her voice low and almost monotone. The young woman listened her eyes never leaving Sam's face until she had finished her story. The only indication that she heard or understood was the slow blink of her eyes.

All throughout Sam's explanation Roland had been slowly moving forward. He didn't want to startle her yet he needed to know for himself that both the woman and his mistress were alright. Sam looked the worse of the two, her clothes and hair soaking wet and her face streaked with grime. She needed a bath but what's more her eyes held something that went beyond exhaustion.

Catching his scent the wounded wolf turned her head and whimpered. It was a sign of recognition. Somewhere in her memory she had marked his scent. She knew that he was safe, that he brought warmth and comfort and an end to the pain.

Roland eased down beside her and gathered her into his arms. Murmuring softly he held her close as her eyes moved back to Sam. "Thhhhank youuuu." With that her eyes closed and she was asleep.

Sam turned to Nafarius and tried to say something, unfortunately she passed out before she could get it out. Nafarius was by her side, picking her up and sending for Maddie before she ever hit the ground. He issued orders to have the common area cleaned and the rest of the pack allowed back inside. The guards were to be on the lookout, whoever this woman was she belonged to someone and they might come looking for her. Together, Nafarius and Maddie saw Sam cleaned up and changed. The two of them climbed in to bed with her, one on either side giving her their warmth, comfort and their energy.

Both women slept late into the day. When Sam woke she found herself alone. Rising she pulled a sundress over her head and went to join the rest of the pack. She could hear several of them whispering wondering whom the strange woman was and what had happened last night to cause her to change. Sam ignored their questioning stares and sought out Maddie. The young woman glanced down the corridor leading to Roland's private alcove and Sam turned in that direction.

There was no need to announce her presence. Both Roland and the woman picked up on her scent before she reached the door. A white bear hide covered the entrance. Roland had once shared the story of how he had come by the animal skin. He had been young, foolishly so and wandered away from the pack in unfamiliar territory when he was attacked. Luck and strength had been on his side and he'd managed to kill the bear, barely. He had sustained severe injuries during the fight and it was several days later before he regained consciousness. When he finally woke he found the bear skin covering him and his father by his side. It was one of the last things his father gave him before his death, having been killed by a neighboring pack.

Pushing the fur aside, Sam stepped into the alcove and let it fall back into place. Roland and the woman sat on a pile of blankets. They were both silent, neither one objecting when Sam knelt down beside them. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thank you." Her voice was deep, husky and sent shivers up and down Sam's spine.

"I'm Sam, Nafarius' mate."

"I know who you are." At Sam's raised brow she went on to explain. "Roland was kind enough to fill me in. When I woke this morning I was only able to remember bits and pieces of last night. He said you saved me, that somehow you were able to help me change so that I could heal."

Sam nodded. "I'm sorry for the invasion but you were unconscious from a head wound with internal injuries. We were worried that in human form you wouldn't be able to change in time."

"There is no need to apologize. I must admit it was an...uncomfortable experience but one I am grateful for." She set aside the cup of coffee she had been drinking. "My name is Natasha, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Sam smiled both at Natasha and Roland who had been sitting quietly throughout the brief exchange. "Natasha, would you mind coming with me? Nafarius has a few questions for you and as I'm sure you can understand his is anxious for some answers."

Roland frowned at her. "Sam, Natasha is still weak and tired from her ordeal. I'm sure you can understand that she needs some time to recover.

As far as things went it was the first time Roland had ever contradicted his mistress, the fact that he did so in front of an outsider didn't go unnoticed. Sam looked at him a growled; there was a distinct warning in her voice said, "She has had plenty of time to rest and a few questions will not overexert her."

Sam stood and Natasha, obviously wiser than Roland, followed. Roland having remembered his place looked contrite. "May I join you?"

"No." Sam didn't spare him another look as she led Natasha past the bearskin and down the corridor. Under normal circumstances she would have allowed Roland to accompany them. However, exclusion was the price he would pay for the insult.

Several pack members watched quietly as the two women passed through the common area. The similarities between the two of them didn't go unnoticed to anyone but the two women themselves. Nafarius was waiting for them outside; he was holding court upon his throne settling disputes that had risen between the pack members over the past month. Most were settled as the occurred without any issue but occasionally there were those things that required a more formal arrangement. Therefore, once a month Nafarius sat and listened to both parties to a complaint. His word was law and often times he metered out harsh sentences when the complaints were minor or groundless. Such a system encouraged compromise and insured that only the worse cases were brought before him.

He had decided to question Natasha in a formal setting for several reasons. One, he knew that his pack would want to be present and he saw no reason to keep things from them, especially when it could mean danger. Two, a formal setting was likely to appease her own pack if and when they came looking for her. He didn't want any accusations that he had harmed or encouraged Natasha in anyway. After finishing with the last case of the day he turned to Sam. "Where is Roland?"

"He will not be joining us."

Nafarius raised and eyebrow at the note of anger he heard in her voice but refrained from asking. If Sam saw a reason to forbid Roland's presence then he would support her in that. "Very well, but someone should be present to speak on the woman's behalf." 

"I believe she is capable of speaking for herself, however, I will speak for her should the need arise." Sam stepped forward, placing herself on Natasha's left and directly across from her husband.

Nafarius wasn't surprised. Sam's stance was not a show of disloyalty to him but instead a way of telling the pack that at that moment Natasha had her support and anyone in the pack that stood against Natasha also stood against Sam. It was a powerful move, one the almost ensured Natasha's acceptance into the pack, if that's what it came to.

Natasha also saw the powerful ally she had just acquired and she vowed not to disappoint Sam. She had already spoken with Roland and explained her situation in hopes that he would speak on her behalf with his leader. She couldn't believe her luck upon learning that he was second-in-command; the only one more influential over the pack's leader was his mate and she now stood beside her.

"I am honored by your mate's show of loyalty as well as grateful for all she has done for me. I know that without her I would not be here today. It was with great risk to herself that she saved me from certain death. I owe her my life and my loyalty." Natasha wasn't surprised to note that the clearing had filled with over a hundred pack members. Originally draw out of simple curiosity the full meaning of her words held them. "I would also give my loyalty to you as leader of this pack and ask that I might seek shelter -- and sanctuary -- among you."

"From what do seek sanctuary?" Nafarius asked.

"Not from what but from whom." Natasha took a deep breath and steeled herself. "I wish sanctuary from my mate, Nicholas."

There was a collective gasp among the members; Nafarius was up and off us his throne and striding towards the woman before the last of her words had died. "Get out! Take your lies and whatever else you came here with and go!"

"Nafarius!" Sam watched in horror as Nafarius grabbed Natasha by the upper arms and shoved her backwards. She didn't know what but something the woman had said obviously upset him. She had never seen him so angry and there had been plenty of times when his temper had flared. But it had been nothing like the white-hot rage that threatened to boil out from him. 

Natasha landed hard on her backside. The pack members had moved back and there was nothing there to stop her from falling. "Please! I understand why you wouldn't want me here but please listen to me!"

"No! There is nothing you can say or do to convince me that you're here for any reason other than to cause harm." Suddenly, Nafarius realized just how dangerous her presence could be. "Get her up!" Two men stepped forward and pulled Natasha to her feet. "I want her secured in the back room. No one is to enter and I want two guards outside at all times."

"Nafarius, what is this about?" Sam stood watching as the young woman was dragged away. Turning to her mate she asked, "Who is Nicholas?"

Still red with rage Nafarius forced himself to take several deep breaths before turning to his mate. Sam stood there silently, watching and waiting for him to calm down. Consciously, he uncurled his hands and shook himself hoping to loosen his muscles. "Nicholas is the leader of one of our neighboring packs."

Sam waited but it quickly became clear that he wasn't going to offer any more information. "There is more to it than that. Why does the mention if his name anger you so?"

"Nicholas was also my brother." Nafarius didn't wait for her to respond but turned and walked away. Sam turned and went to find Roland. She had no intention of asking him to explain her Nafarius' reaction but she did want to know when Roland had learned of Natasha's identity.

There was a small alcove built into the very back of the mountain. Because of its remoteness to the other areas as well as the lack of light it was left unoccupied. However, those same properties made it an ideal place to isolate undisciplined pack members. It was here that Nafarius had ordered Natasha be taken and it was here that Sam found Roland. He was arguing with the guards who per Nafarius' orders were refusing anyone entrance.

"Roland, I'd like to speak with you."

"Unless you can get me in to see Natasha I have nothing to say to you." Roland shrugged off the restraining hand Sam had placed on his shoulder and glared at the guards. Both men, despite serving under Roland in Nafarius' absence were not at all impressed.

Sam sighed. "Roland, you're not helping matters. Please, come with me so that we may talk."

Roland turned and looked at her. "Why didn't you speak up for her? You refused to allow me to accompany you then sat back and did nothing."

"I was fully prepared to speak for her but neither of you thought to warn me what I was up against. I'm still not sure what this is all about." Sam crossed her arms over her chest. "If you had warned me we could have approached this a different way but instead you let me walk into this blind."

"I'm sorry; I tried to stall. I knew Nafarius would be upset when he learned who she was but I truly believe that she is here for no other reason than to seek shelter. I only hoped to secure enough time to come up with a better way to approach him." Roland still stood outside the alcove but his stance had relaxed. "Truthfully, I don't know if it would have made any difference. Nafarius was bound to react exactly like he did no matter how the news was delivered."

"I would suggest that you avoid him for the next few hours. I'm not sure he realizes that you were aware of her connection to his brother but if he finds out he may very well do something that we'll all regret later."

"So, you know that Nicholas is Nafarius' brother?"

"Yes, he told me that much but no more. I'm hoping he'll have calmed down enough for me to find out exactly what happened." Sam turned and started back down the corridor. "It's obvious something happened between the two of them."

"That's an understatement."

"Oh, and Roland."

"Yes?"

"You might as well return to your quarters. You will not be allowed to see her until I speak with Nafarius." Sam rounded the corner and was out of sight.

Roland sighed and returned to his alcove. Sam was exceptional at finding ways to punish a person without ever raising a finger. Often times the mental or emotional anguish she put them through far outweighed anything physical she could have done.

Sam picked up Nafarius' scent and trailed him for several minutes until she came to the small, secluded spot next to the waterfall. Sitting down beside him she waiting, giving him the chance to raise the subject they both knew she had come to discuss.

Nafarius sighed; he should have known that she would seek him out. In some ways he didn't mind. It let him know how much she cared but in this particular situation he would rather not have to explain things. "I know you've realized by now that there are two types of lycanthropes. There are those that are born and those that are made. Nicholas and I are twins, both of us born into the pack. Our father was leader and back then we still practiced a sort of inheritance. By default the position as leader was handed down from father to son unless the son was challenged and proven unfit to lead."

Nafarius stared out across the water his eyes distant, seeing a past that had reached out to touch the here and now. "Nicholas is older then me by three minutes and by right he should be leader."

Sam sensed he was reluctant to say more. "Then why isn't he?"

"Succession takes place when the leader dies, Nicholas couldn't wait to let nature or our enemies take its course so he killed our father." Sam felt her gut wrench at the pain and sadness she heard in his voice. "At first there was no proof though most of the pack, including me and my mother suspected. I never wanted to be leader and any challenge I made if successful would result in me taking his place. I didn't want that so I tried to find evidence of what he had done. In the mean time Nicholas was proving himself to be an ineffective leader. Worse, he was a danger to us all. He destroyed alliances our father had spent a lifetime building and turned allies into enemies. Our people were at risk, men and women dying needlessly in senseless battles all while I searched in vain. Finally, I had enough. I stopped trying to discredit him and instead challenged him."

Sam knew that the challenge for position as leader was to the death. "You obviously won so why is he still alive?"

"I couldn't bear to kill my own brother no matter how much I despised him. I banished him. Eventually he started his own pack, they live several miles to the north and most of the time we exist in peace, but every once in a while something happens. It's never a direct assault but someone might go missing or our hunting grounds are raided and everything that's killed is left to rot. When that happens I know it's Nicholas just as I know it is he that sent that woman."

"You don't think she is his mate?"

"Whether she is or not he'd have no qualms at using her, against her will if need be." Nafarius turned to look at her for the first time since starting his story. "He cannot see me in peace. I have no doubt that the news of our mating has reached him and he seeks to disturb whatever life we would create. I will not stand by this time." 

"What do you plan to do?" Sam was a little shaken by the rage she heard in his voice.

"I don't know but I'll start by questioning the woman." Nafarius rose and offered Sam his hand. After helping her to her feet, the two of them walked back home holding hands. They were both quiet; Sam kept thinking about the story Nafarius had told her. She could only imagine the pain and anguish he must have felt. The loss of his father followed by the betrayal of his brother helped to explain his reaction to learning Natasha's identity.

Sam was also concerned. She worried that Nafarius might do something to make matters worse either by lashing out at Natasha or going on the offensive with his brother. However, she was still new here and she decided that the best thing to do would be to sit back and let her mate handle things. She was free to voice her opinions and objections and would do just that if she saw things getting out of hand.

The pack was busy back at the mountain. There were several men running through training drills while the women went about tending to the gardens. Sam couldn't help but notice that everyone stayed close to home and that the children were being kept inside. She understood that Nafarius was concerned but at the same time she feared making everyone into prisoners. 

Inside, the quiet murmur continued as different families tended to their alcoves and those that slept in the common area cleaned away the clutter. Maddie, who still slept with Sam and Nafarius, was busy helping with the evening meal. She watched as the two of them crossed over the common area and headed towards the back of the mountain. Two different guards stood watch and Roland was nowhere to be found.

Nafarius stepped into the alcove and held the curtain back for Sam. Once inside she leaned back against the wall and tried to become an unobtrusive observer.




Wolf Lake Ch. 04



"Why are you here?" No preliminaries, Nafarius went right to the point.

Natasha was sitting on the floor, her back against the wall. Slowly, she rolled her head to the side so that she was looking up at her brother. "I told you. I came seeking sanctuary from Nicholas."

"If you are truly his mate then you understand why I don't believe you."

Natasha knew all too well the things that Nicholas had done over the years. Her mate was a cold and cruel man that used fear and violence to get what he wanted. Their pack reflected their leader's cruelty and was made up of abusive men and scared women. Natasha had escaped but her hope was to eventually go back and release the hold Nicholas had over the other members. "We were afraid that's how you would feel." Natasha reached into her skirt pocket, pulled out a piece of white cloth and offered it to Nafarius. "I was told to give you this."

Nafarius stood and starred at the piece of cloth as if it would bite him. Sam stepped forward and took it from the woman, turning to her mate she asked, "What is it?"

"A handkerchief; it belonged to my father." Nafarius felt as if he were chocking.

Running it through her hands, Sam turned it over and rubbed the pad of her thumb over the stitching. 

"Those were his initials." Turning on Natasha, his voice a low, menacing growl he demanded, "How did you get this?"

Natasha cringed. She couldn't help it. Nafarius and Nicholas were identical twins and while she sensed a peace in Nafarius not found in her mate the sight of him standing over her brought back flashes of violence. "Your mother gave it to me; she thought that you'd be willing to at least hear me out once you'd seen it."

"Why should I believe that she gave this to you? Nicholas could have just as easily taken it from her. And why didn't you show it to me this morning?" Nafarius felt the earth shifting beneath his feet. He was nearing a state of panic, rage at the thought of his mother so filled him he thought he might faint and he wanted to lash out, to destroy something as he had been all those years ago.

"I can't make you believe anything. I don't expect you to trust me but please listen to what I have to say. Then, if you still want me to I'll go." Natasha waited, holding her breath. If Nafarius wouldn't help her then all was pretty much lost. Her and Elizabeth had spent several hours trying to come up with some way to save their pack, to help the women and children escape without further endangering the other packs around them. Nicholas was known far and wide and while not exactly respected he was feared. Many of the other pack leaders avoided entering their territory for fear of what might happen. Any proposed alliance was treated with suspicion and while Nicholas had betrayed many there wasn't one leader strong enough or willing to lead the others against him. Nafarius was the only one that could help. He was known as a strong, well-respected leader. He was fair and many trusted him. He was everything his brother wasn't and that's why Nicholas hated him.

"Nafarius, at least listen to her." Sam touched him gently on the shoulder. "You said yourself that if Nicholas did send her it could easily have been against her will. You know what kind of man your brother is but don't judge Natasha for something thing beyond her control."

Nafarius looked from one woman to the other. He saw such similarities between the two of them. Their coloring was remarkably alike with dark black hair, olive skin and almond shaped eyes. The only difference was in the color of their eyes. Sam's were an emerald green while Natasha's were a deep, rich brown. And both of them were watching him with the identical expression of hope. There was something else about them that struck him as odd; they smelled alike. Not exactly but similar enough that one had to concentrate to tell the difference. Wondering, Nafarius made a mental note to question it later.

"All right. I'll listen but I can't promise anything."

Natasha gave a weak smile of relief. "Thank you." Her eyes moved to where Sam had settled back against the wall, "To both of you." Taking a deep breath she prepared to tell her story.

"I met your brother for the first time a year ago. It seemed that my father, a member of another pack, had unwittingly crossed into Nicholas' territory. He was caught, questioned, accused of spying and then beaten. To this day I don't know how he survived. I am the youngest of five children and my father wasn't exactly young when he met and mated with my mother. Anyway, when Nicholas finally released him it was conditioned on payment, to be named at a later date. 

My father returned home, healed although slowly due to his age and went on about his life. That was four years ago. A year ago Nicholas showed up demanding one of my father's daughters as payment for letting him live. Our pack was small and our leader old. He didn't have any sons and there wasn't anyone willing or able to take over. In effect we were dying out. Nicholas saw it as an opportunity to move it, take over the few remaining pack members and our territory." Natasha took a sip of water before continuing.

"There was some discussion but everyone pretty much knew that there was no choice. One of us would be chosen and the pack merged in with Nicholas'. After much debate I volunteered. My parents couldn't stand to choose and no one else in the pack wanted to be the one so I made the decision. Nicholas couldn't have cared less which daughter he received. He wanted a mate, someone to give him a son and he wanted our land. While small it was rich in hunting grounds and other resources.

We went through the traditional mating ritual." Natasha shivered at the memory. "And our packs were intertwined. That's when I met your mother. She's the reason I'm here today. I've always been headstrong and I wasn't prepared to be ruled by the likes of Nicholas. I spent the first few days flat on my back unconscious because I was slow to learn just how dominant he was. Unlike what you have here, no one is dominant in the pack except Nicholas. Anyway," Natasha tried to brush away the significance of her words with a wave of her hand. Sam made a mental note to come back to that when the two of them were alone together. "Elizabeth helped me to adjust, to learn how to survive under Nicholas without giving up an important part of myself. Together we tried to keep the other women and children safe from Nicholas as well as the elderly people. He doesn't have much need for anyone except warriors, he sees us all as means to an end. I'm a mean to a son, the elders help with alliances, which are tenuous at best, and the women maintain the home. But if it wasn't for the constant reminder he would banish them and leave them for dead."

"That's all well and good but I already knew what kind of man my brother is. Why are you here?"

"I, that is we were hoping you would help us."

"Help you to do what?" Nafarius knew he wasn't going to like the answer.

"Help us to get free of your brother." Natasha continued to be evasive.

"And how am I suppose to do that?"

"Welcome us into your pack." 

"Anyone is welcome to join us my mother knows that."

"I know, but we need your help getting people out. We also need to know that you will defend us when he comes for us." Natasha sighed. "Nicholas won't be able to stand such an insult. The fact that his pack members leave will be bad enough but the fact that they come to you, is enemy will be the ultimate insult."

"Why are you coming to me? If you know that this will cause basically an all out war why not go to some one else?"

"Because you are the only one strong enough to protect us from him."

Nafarius stood with his arms crossed over his chest looking basically pissed, which was exactly how he felt. "I protect what is mine! If you and others of your pack decide to join with me then I, along with my men, will see that you are kept safe."

"What about me?" Natasha was afraid that because of her connection with his brother that Nafarius would turn her away.

"You are also welcome. Sam will see that you are settled in better quarters than these."

"Thank you but first I must go back and talk to the others."

"You will do no such thing!" That order came from the doorway. Turning Sam saw Roland standing just inside, his hands fisted at his side. "It was that bastard that beat you and left you for dead, wasn't it?"

Embarrassed, Natasha looked away. "He didn't know I had gone."

"How did you come to be in the northern woods?" The question came from Sam but everyone was curious.

"Nicholas and I had an argument, I waited until after he had left to go hunting and then Elizabeth helped me to escape. We both knew that something needed to be done. Nicholas is getting worse. He strikes out at everyone in his way, even his own men have started to fear him and a few have already deserted."

"You still haven't told us who beat you." Roland wanted to hear her say it. He still remembered the sight of her broken and battered in the woods. He could still smell her blood in his nostrils and remembered watching has his mistress fought to save her.

"Nicholas." Natasha stood and brushed the dirt of her skirt. "He's a beast and a bully which is why I won't just sit here while the members of my pack are systematically destroyed."

"Natasha, I want you to stay here with Sam, Roland and I will handle this. I promise you that we'll get the rest of your pack out safely, at least those that choose to come with us."

Natasha struggled against saying something. She wanted to go but Nafarius had agreed to help and she knew it was best to let him handle it. "There are only a few that will remain with him, however, if any of them should find out what you are doing they will warn Nicholas. I suggest finding your mother, she'll know who to pass the word to so that all is in place."

Nafarius nodded in dismissal and watched as Sam and Natasha slipped out past the curtain. "How long have you known?"

"She told me right before you called for her. Sam forbid me to accompany her to the meeting or else I would have been there to speak for her." Roland gave a slight bow. "I am sorry that I did not come and find you as soon as I found out. I was...worried that you would overreact and banish Natasha without first hearing her out."

Nafarius ran his hands across his face and sighed. "Which is exactly what I started to do."

"Why didn't you?" Roland had heard about the events that morning.

"I suddenly remembered how Sam had saved her. I was afraid that if I let Natasha go and Nicholas had sent her she would report back and he would eventually come looking for her. You and I both know how powerful of a weapon controlling another's animal could be. With my brother's pence for violence he is the last person we want exploiting such a thing."

"What are you going to do now?" Together the two men walked back to the common area. The evening meal was being served and after gathering their bowls the two men found a place to sit. Roland couldn't help but watch as Natasha helped Sam serving the stew and making sure that everyone had enough bread and something to drink. He gave Nafarius his full attention despite the fact that his eyes never left her.

"We'll take several men north, contact my mother and arrange a place to meet with all those that want to return with us. I figure it won't take long for Nicholas to figure out where they've gone. He'll move to attack but we'll be ready for them."

Nafarius watched Roland watching Natasha. "You really care for the woman?"

"Yes. I'm not sure how it happened but I guess finding her the way I did I now feel a sense of responsibility towards her."

"We mate for life." There was more than just a warning in that simple sentence.

"I know." Roland set aside his bowl and went to speak with Natasha. A few minutes later the two of them disappeared.

That night Sam stretched out beside her mate, her head resting on his shoulder while her hand swept across his chest. She touched him gently, softly bringing him to a low state of arousal and making him aware of her. He had been staring off into space most of the night and she decided it was time to give his brain a rest.

Rolling over on top of him she pressed her breasts against his chest and settled her knees on either side of his thighs. In this position she could feel his manhood pressed firmly against her flat stomach and by shifting slightly she was able to stroke up and down the length of him.

Nafarius growled, his eyes dropping slightly and moved to cup her face with his hands. Gently, he pulled her down for a long kiss. Their tongues mated, sweeping in and out of each other's mouth until they were panting to catch their breath. His hands moved from gently cupping her face to fiercely twisting her hair. Breaking free from their kiss he moved to lick and nip along her jaw, passing over the pulse in her throat before gripping her neck in his teeth. He held her still; his hands leaving her hair to slide down her back. Grabbing her hips he lifted her slightly, positioned himself under her opening and lowered her onto his shaft. 

He was painfully hard and she was blissfully wet. Her heat enveloped him, her muscles gripping him tightly as he slowly slid in and out of her. He still held her neck between his teeth and in that moment he couldn't let go. While he slowly, gently plundered her body he couldn't keep from exerting some measure of dominance.

Sam moaned low in her throat. Never a passive lover she arched her back and started moving her hips, encouraging him to move deeper, to take more and to give back in return. Bracing her arms on either side of his head she gripped his hair and pulled him closer. "More."

Nafarius understood. Sam enjoyed their lovemaking but she enjoyed it more when he strove to take her, to conquer her and to make her his own. She was asking for that now, for him to plunder, ravage and rage. She wanted to feel his strength, to let their animals mate even if they remained in human form. Nafarius rolled pinning her beneath him and letting go of her neck. Rising above her he thrust forward violently, impaling her on his cock. She moaned and raised her hips wrapping her legs around him. He continued to pound her willing flesh, to drive her onward and upward to where she no longer thought of anything but him. Easily, he followed his senses filled with the scent of their lovemaking. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh echoed in the small room drowned out only by their moans and low growls of pleasure.

It wasn't long before they came together in a violent shudder. Nafarius continued to plunge, to press himself deeper into her until her contractions had milked him of his seed. It was only then that he collapsed on the ground beside her, cushioned by their pile of blankets.

The next morning Nafarius, Roland and several other men left for the north. Maddie waited with Sam and Natasha who had obviously come to care a great deal for Roland. Sam saw the way she looked at the young man and thought about all the complications. There was only one way that Roland and Natasha would be allowed to mate thought she suspected that hadn't kept them from sharing the same blankets.

Three long weeks later Nafarius returned with Roland and several others in tow. While it had only taken them three days to reach Nicholas' holding the return trip had been slowed by the presence of children and elderly folks. Surprisingly, all but three of Nicholas' pack had arrived at the designated time and place let my Elizabeth. As agreed they had waited until Nicholas and his most trusted men had ventured west to meet with a neighboring pack. He was expected to be gone for four or five nights, which would give them enough of a head start.

There had been no trouble along the way but Nafarius was tired and longed for his bed. Sam was so relieved to see him safe she almost cried. Maddie in fact did while Natasha immediately went about making sure that everyone was okay. The children were quickly settled in with the others and everyone seemed willing to donate whatever was needed to help the newest members comfortable. It turned out that more than a few had distant family ties all willing to take them in. By the end of the evening there were only four young adults added to the common area everyone else having family to bunk with.

Sam was impressed but not surprised by Natasha's obviously caring nature towards her pack. She had been helping Sam in her duties and Sam had sensed a sort of sorrow at the loss of her status as the leader's mate. It wasn't that Natasha worshiped the position of power but she obviously enjoyed caring for those around her.

The next few days were busy helping to get everyone settled, learning new ways to work together with a much larger pack and integrating a new hierarchy. Most of the new comers had been submissive in Nicholas' pack and were surprised to find themselves among equals. The most surprising development seemed to be the fact that not one member, new or old, rebelled against the changes.

Their first night together was one Sam would never forget. Apparently, there was something about welcoming new pack members that someone neglected to mention. She was sitting quietly, chatting with Maddie when the first new member silently approached. She recognized the traditional submissive posture but she wasn't sure how to proceed. She reached out and offered the young woman a gentle pat of affection before turning back to her conversation with Maddie. 

Julie, the young woman, was deterred. She moved closer, leading her body up against Sam's thigh and pressed her nose under Sam's arm. Sniffing and smelling she moved slowly but effectively until she'd touched her entire body to Sam covering herself with her new mistress' scent. Others came forward all moving slowly until they surrounded her.

Looking up Sam saw Nafarius watching with bright eyes gone gold. Pack members were extremely affectionate with each other and open sexually. She understood that the newest members needed to be made a part of their pack and as mistress it was primarily up to her. With a mental shrug she let herself be moved by the pull of the pack until they lay together in a pile in the center of the room. There were hands roaming over her body, searching under her skirt and blouse and coming into contact with her skin.

The temperature of the room seemed to go up in degrees until she was covered with a fine sheen of sweat. Her senses were overwhelmed by the scent of the new pack members and she found herself reaching out, searching for individual members until she could identify each one.

It was intoxicating and it wasn't until later she realized that her clothes had been removed that she was lying in the middle of a pile of naked flesh. There were bodies surrounding her, pressing their flesh to hers. Several pairs of hands sought out her most private parts. Fingers stroked her breasts, pinching and pulling at her nipples while still others gently pulled her legs apart. At the same time she filled her hands with the soft flesh of a woman only to be replaced a moment later by the silk covered steel of a male member. No one sought to penetrate her for that was forbidden but each on took turns pleasuring her. There was a mouth on either breast, suckling and pulling the swollen flesh into the heat of their mouths. Another mouth covered her own, lips parting and tongues dueling as if to drink up each other's essence.

Opening passion filled eyes Sam saw that she wasn't the only one. Several members had moved towards each other, everywhere she looked flesh met flesh. Nafarius reclined back as another man bent over his cock and took it into his mouth. His hands were filled with ripe, apple-sized breasts as another woman lowered herself onto his face her head thrown back in pleasure.




Wolf Lake Ch. 04



The mountain echoed with the sounds of sweet pleasure. Moans of pleasure gave way to growls of pleasure as some change from human to animal form. Turning her attention back to the business at hand Sam felt herself lifted and turned over onto her stomach. Rising up on all fours she crawled towards the nearest woman, older by a few years with fiery red hair she lowered herself until Sam was hovering over her and spread her legs. 

Lowering her head, Sam started lapping at her, her taste buds exploding as they were coated with juices. She was perhaps the sweetest woman Sam had ever tasted (and there had been a few). Fully engrossed it what she was doing, Sam was only remotely aware of the young man as he slid beneath her and grabbing her hips pulled her down to his mouth. His hands moved up to cup her breasts while he started suckling her clit and stroking her labia lips with his tongue. Sam wasn't sure how long they stayed that way but it was long enough for her to wring several orgasms out of the young woman while being urged through a few of her own. After a while, her arms and legs shaking, she collapsed on her side.

Panting she stared bright eyed at the young man that had given her such pleasure. With her gone his arms had fallen out to his sides, his face shiny with her juices was slack with pleasure as another man stroked his cock. First, using his fist he squeezed as his hand moved towards the swollen head before sliding back down. He watched; he watched Sam as she watched the two of them and he watched the young man enjoying his attention. Slowly, his eyes never leaving her, he lowered his head and circled the purple head with his tongue. His touch light he lapped at the small amount of pre-cum already seeping form the small opening before completely enclosing the engorged member in his mouth.

The young man's hips rocked up off the ground and a low groan vibrated up from his chest. Slowly, the pressure and rhythm built, the two of the moving one against the other so that each downward movement of the one's mouth was met by the upward thrust of the other's hips. It was slow, a languid pace that increased in microscopic proportions until Sam was sure she would have exploded from the pain of denied release had it been her. But the two young men continued until their pace had become a furious rhythm one that no human could have maintained. Finally, with a hoarse shout the young man came, his body tightened and convulsed as his seed exploded into the other's mouth. For several minutes he twitched and throbbed, his body straining for every second of pleasure before finally collapsing. 

The two young men curled up together, whispering quietly all the while touching, stroking and caressing. Sam could see the caring they had for each other and knew that it meant nothing. In a pack often times members of the same sex joined for the pure pleasure of release. It was one of the things she enjoyed.

Still not completely satisfied and having been aroused feverishly by that last display she turned and went to find her mate. The night was still young and there were things only Nafarius could give her.

To be continued...



Wolf Lake Ch. 05



Here is the long awaited fifth chapter of the Wolf Lake series. I hope you enjoy this as much as the others. It was probably the hardest one yet to write and has a slightly different feel. As always, comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.

* * * * *

Peace had just settled in when all hell broke loose. 

Nicholas, true to form, didn't bother with a direct attack but instead settled for subterfuge. Roland was working with Nafarius and several new pack members helping them to learn the drills as well as the territory that had to be patrolled and guarded when Joseph, a child of four, came running.

"Nafarius! Nafarius, come quick!"

"What is it?" Nafarius turned and caught the child as he launched himself into his arms. His face was streaked with tear-stained dirt. "Slow down and tell me what has you so upset."

Joseph, despite being in Nafarius' arms, was pulling on the leader's shirt trying to get him to move towards the forest. "You have to save her! They took her! I would have stopped them but she told me to hide, said she'd have you spank me if I didn't."

Nafarius felt his heart drop into his stomach. Instinctively, he looked around the clearing tying to get a glimpse of Sam's dark hair. When he didn't see her he lifted his head and tried to catch her scent, at the same time he continued asking the boy questions. "Who told you to hide?"

"Tasha, we were picking berries 'cause she said I could help her bake a blackberry pie." Peaking around his leader's shoulder, Joseph caught Roland staring at him. "She said it was your favorite and she wanted to make it specially for you." Joseph missed the stricken look that passed over Roland's face as he turned back to Nafarius. "She had me hide in the bushes, see." Holding out his arm Joseph proudly showed off the scratches that covered his arms and had torn his clothes. "I hid good 'cause the men, they didn't see me. But they took her and you got to get her back."

Nafarius, relieved that it hadn't been Sam that was taken passed the boy off to one of his men. "Find his mother, tell her what happened and then I want everyone moved inside." Turning to Roland he saw that his second-in-command was already on the same page. "Nicholas."

"That son of a bitch!" Roland slammed his staff into the ground. They had been practicing with them earlier, their ends blunted so as to avoid injuring the untrained men, Roland still managed to drive the dull point into the ground. "If we leave now we'll be able to pick up their trail easily."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"What do you mean?" Roland was angry, practically vibrating with rage and ready to move. Natasha and the others had been with them now for over three months and she'd been sharing his quarters the entire time. No one mentioned the fact that she already had a mate or that their offspring (should there be any) would lack his name. The two packs had blended together rather well and other than a lack of space and privacy everything was going well. 

"It's exactly what Nicholas would expect us to do. Think about it. He left her here for over three months, just enough time for us to get comfortable, form attachments and let our guard down. He's expecting us to come running all the while thinking he only has three or four men with him. But what if he's put together a new pack in the mean time. There have been rumors that some of the renegades are banding together to form their own pack. It would be just like Nicholas to label himself leader of such a group." Nafarius started pacing. He needed to think things through. He wanted to see Nicholas destroyed once and for all this time but he wasn't willing to risk his entire pack to accomplish it. 

In the past three months he had been busy meeting with delegates from other packs trying to get a consensus on where everyone stood. So far it was unanimous that something had to be done and each leader he spoke with was willing to offer up men and resources to get it accomplished. It was time to call in on those promises.

"We wait. I'll send for…"

"We can't wait! He has her and he'll kill her for betraying him. You know that better than anyone." Roland pleaded with his leader.

Nafarius put a comforting arm around Roland's shoulders. "I know that you and Natasha have grown very close these past few months and I promise you we will get her back. But it won't do us any good if we act in haste and loose the opportunity. Nicholas will expect us to come running and I won't walk us right into a trap."

"You still can't stand her, can you? You hate the fact that she was your brother's mate and you'd rather see her destroyed along with him rather than accept her into our pack." Roland shrugged off Nafarius' arm and started across the clearing.

Nafarius, stunned by the accusation, trotted to catch up with him. Grabbing Roland's arm he spun the other man around to face him. 

Roland turned, growling low in his throat. "Release me."

"Roland, you have been more of a brother to me then Nicholas ever was. You know I would never sacrifice a woman no matter my personal feelings. But even if I were so inclined I have come to care a great deal for Natasha, she's a member of my pack and a close friend to my mate. Do you think I want to leave her there any longer than I have to? It makes me sick to think about what he might be doing to her but he expects me to react based on emotion and for once I won't do it. I have planned, plotted and calculated for the past three months and I won't rush it because you would have me save Natasha." Nafarius took a deep breath and tried to get through to his friend. He understood all to well what Roland must be going through. If it was Sam out there no force on this earth would prevent him from going to her but he hoped that someone like Roland would have the will to stand up and stop him from making such a big mistake. Of course, he would likely take their head for trying and Roland was a better man than he for not having done so. "Please, let me do this so that we are free from him forever. I don't just want to save Natasha, I want to set her free, along with the rest of us."

Roland considered his leader. With his dark auburn hair and permanently gold eyes Nafarius was a supreme leader. He was tall with broad shoulders, a narrow waist and long legs. He stood several inches shorter than Roland but Nafarius was not one to be intimidated. After a moment Roland gave a barely perceptible nod then turned and made his way into the mountain.

Nafarius watched after his friend and once he was sure that the Roland was secure within the mountain he moved to round up the rest of the pack. Messengers needed to be sent to neighboring packs, the guards changed and updated and the women made aware of what was going on. With plenty to do, Nafarius set off to find Sam. Talking to her always seemed to help him organize his thoughts and often times she saw things he did not. She was also likely to know the right things to say to Roland.

Roland waited just inside the mountain, his tall form hidden in the shadows until Nafarius left the clearing. Slipping out of the mountain and into the forest was easy and it didn't take long for him to pick up on Natasha's scent. He knew where they had been picking berries and once there it was a simple matter to follow. There were only four of them, Natasha, Nicholas and two others and they were moving fast. Dropping on to all fours Roland changed into animal form and burst through the trees. If he kept to a brisk pace he was sure to catch up to them before dark.

"Let me go!" Natasha struggled and pulled at the rope binding her hands in front of her. Digging in her heels she tried to slow them down. She knew it was no use trying to stop them. Nicholas had set a brisk pace but instead of heading north they were going south. She wasn't sure what he had in mind but it couldn't be good. Her hope was to slow them down enough to allow Roland and the others to catch up. If Nicholas was able to reach his destination there was no telling what he would do. 

Norman, the werewolf holding her leash gave a sharp tug that nearly pulled her off her feet. Catching herself she glared at his back wishing she were stronger. Norman was by far and away the largest man she had ever seen. He stood well over seven feet tall and was built like a brick wall. Most people cleared a space when he came through. It wasn't just his size that intimidated but the way he looked at you with those cold dead eyes. He was vicious and a brut but that didn't stop her from trying.

Nicolas walked on ahead paying her no mind. He was deep in thought about the events to come and couldn't be bothered with her complaints. He had been watching Natasha and his brother for the past two weeks. Not only had his mate deserted him but his brother had managed to lure away his entire pack. It was an insult he couldn't stand for and he had quickly made plans for their destruction. 

It was time to end this. Nicholas had known all of his life that he would never succeed as long as his brother was alive. It was as if the gods had deemed only one brother good enough and it was time to show them just who that really was. Nicholas had spent much of his time trying to please those they worshipped but he soon realized that as long as his brother lived he was doomed to failure. 

Once he had taken care of Nafarius he would take over the surrounding packs and rule supreme! It was only a matter of time, and a little planning. He had already figured out how to lure his brother out into the open. He knew Nafarius well and he knew that if any member of his pack was attacked he saw it as a personal assault. Nafarius also saw it as his sacred duty to protect all under his rule. Nicholas knew that Nafarius would be headed this way just as soon as he learned of Tasha's abduction. Never mind that she was his mate. Nafarius obviously saw her as under his protection. His younger brother had a soft heart and in the end that would be his downfall.

Natasha was scared. She'd never seen Nicholas like this before. He was usually explosive, lashing out at anyone and everyone that crossed his path but he had yet to really look at her. She had picked up his scent immediately and after stashing Joseph in the bushes set out to lead him away from the child and her pack. With his larger size and superior speed it hadn't taken him long to catch her. He caught her in a flying tackle but unlike before he refrained from striking out at her. He just sat there and waited until Norman and Rufus had caught up bearing the rope. Even the way he looked at her had sent chills down her spine. It was as if he didn't really see her.

It was getting dark when they finally made camp. Nicholas ordered a halt and they quickly went about building a fire. He seemed unconcerned about the fact that they were trespassing upon another pack's lands and insisted that they build a fire and eat some freshly cooked meat.

Natasha eyed him cautiously as he approached. "You must be hungry. Here, eat this." He handed her half of the roasted rabbit Norman had caught earlier. Reaching out he brushed her hair back from her face. "I know it wasn't your fault. These things are beyond your control. But once I kill Nafarius you will no longer be under his influence and you can again come to me."

"What are you talking about?" He was crazy. The realization hit her with such clarity that she was surprised she hadn't seen it before. He'd always been violent and abusive but nothing like this. He was delusional and she wasn't sure which was worse. At least before she knew what to expect but now Nicholas was unpredictable and that made him even more dangerous.

"It doesn't matter, I know you don't understand but I do and I forgive you." Nicholas smiled and pulled her into his arms. "And now that you're back I can once again make you my mate."

Natasha paled and struggled to get off his lap. "I will NOT mate with you again. You're crazy! You think that all you have to do is kill Nafarius and everything will be fine?" She stood shaking with fear and rage but there was no way she would willingly lie with him again. "First of all, you don't stand a change against your brother. He's ten times the man you are!" Natasha didn't stop at the warning anger she saw gathering in his eyes. She was done backing down. "And another thing, I don't love you! I never have and I sure as hell don't want to be your mate! I've found someone else, someone that knows how to treat a woman, how to care for her without hurting her."

Nicholas saw red. The mention of his brother, the idea that he would never measure up against Nafarius brought him to a fury fast. He stopped listening after that. 

Nicholas was on her in a second. His hands gripped her throat as he took her down to the ground. Rolling he pounded her head into the ground his only thought to shut her up. She was struggling, her hands clawing at his face and her knees pressing into his chest trying to push him off of her. It all just added to his excitement. He could smell her fear, her fear of him and not his brother. Fear was power; he'd used it to rule once and he would use it again.

Natasha's lungs were starting to burn and her vision was growing dark around the edges. Her entire field of vision was filled with her mate's face, red with rage as he hovered over her. She clutched and clawed at his arms trying to pry them from her throat but her strength was beginning to fade. Just when she thought she would never see Roland or the others again Nicholas released her.

With great gasps of air she tried to roll out from under Nicholas only to find him shifting above her. "NO!" she shouted and put more effort into trying to get away. 

Nicholas growled and snapped at her neck. He wanted her to change and the fastest way was to attack.

Natasha knew what he was after but she couldn't stop herself. In the face of such a threat her animal rose to the surface and struggled to break free. Not even trying to hold back she shifted and after a full-body shudder got to her feet. Standing on all fours she looked like a pup next to Nicholas. Natasha knew that she was no match for her mate but still she circled, her hackles raised ready to defend against his attack. 

It wasn't long in coming. Nicholas came at her, his chest low to the ground and his teeth barred. Natasha held her position, waited until he was in mid-air and then moved to the left. Nicholas tried to follow her, his body twisting in the air but by the time he landed she had already moved around to the other side of the fire. Norman and Rufus had moved back and changed into animal form in order to watch the show but neither one would interfere, unless their leader was in serious danger.

Nicholas stopped directly across the fire from his mate. Her black coat shown blue in the firelight and her yellow eyes positively glowed. He knew she was waiting, watching to see if he would come from the right or from the left.

He surprised her. Crouching low and leaning to his right, Nicholas made as if to rush her. But instead of switching direction and moving to the left he leapt over the fire catching her in the chest with his front paws. Together, the two of them rolled as claws and teeth sought purchase in flesh protected only with fur. 

Nicholas cried out as he felt her claws digging into his side but Natasha didn't close her grip, instead she ripped through flesh exposing the muscle. Her teeth sunk into his shoulder, her mouth filling with blood and the sound of bones cracking echoed in the air.

Enraged with pain, Nicholas moved in closer forcing her to retreat. The close proximity of his body made it difficult for her to swipe with her claws and he pressed his wounded shoulder into her throat. He was crouched over her and with one quick move flipped her over onto her stomach.

Once again on all fours, Natasha tried to crawl away from him. Nicholas leaned forward and grabbed her by the back of the neck, his jaws locking onto flesh and muscles. 

Despite the pain, Natasha continued to struggle. She could feel the blood seeping out of her neck and down her back. Heat and pain radiated through her as her movements caused her own flesh to tear. Nicholas weighed heavy against her back, his front claws digging into her hips holding her immobile. His legs were braced on the inside of her thighs, spreading her open. She could feel him hard and throbbing against her opening as her entire body strained forward out of his reach. She made the decision then and there that she would rather tear out her own throat then let him mate with her again.

Her struggles only increased Nicholas' excitement. He could smell her fear, a scent that had always intoxicated him. Digging in deeper with his teeth he drank greedily as her blood poured into his mouth. At the same time he tightened his grip on her hips and slid his cock between her spread thighs. 

Natasha, her body unprepared for his attack, cried out as Nicholas forced his way inside of her. She felt herself tearing and she tried to tighten her body to keep him from entering her once again.

Nicholas shuddered with pleasure. Natasha lay shivering and struggling beneath him, low whimpers of pain emanating from her throat. The passage into her body was tight and gripped his cock as he continued to pound away at her. It didn't take long before he reached his peak and he was just about to empty himself inside of her when a movement from the forest caught him off guard.

A blur of brown fur was all Natasha saw before the weight was lift off of her back and Nicholas was sent sprawling. He landed on the other side of the fire completely still for several stunned seconds.

With the weight gone, Natasha had collapsed onto her stomach but now she scrambled to get her legs beneath her. Looking up she saw Roland in animal form. He pivoted slowly as Norman and Rufus circled him their lips curled back to expose their canine teeth.

Roland wasn't impressed. He'd met their kind before, big and stupid. They used their size to intimidate but had no real ability to back it up. Both were circling slowly and as if by some unheard command rushed him. The fact that they attacked together gave him an edge. He was able to use their combined momentum to hurl one into the other. They landed in a tangle of arms and legs and once again tried for him. This time he let both get close. Rufus reached him first. Roland grabbed onto his throat with his teeth but did nothing to stop the movement of his opponent's body. In the end it was Rufus' size that killed him as he continued to sail over Roland, leaving his throat in the other man's mouth.

Roland didn't have time to rid himself of the taste. Norman was on him in the next instant and Roland found himself flat on his back. Norman when for his neck, Roland wasn't quite fast enough and felt the distinct sensation of teeth tearing into flesh. A snarl of rage was Norman's only warning before a large set of extended claws slashed down and opened him up.

Natasha followed Norman as he collapsed and using her body pinned him to the ground while he bleed to death. Werewolves could heal themselves but not from a wound of that magnitude and not after loosing that much blood. Preoccupied with Norman she was unaware of Nicholas until it was too late.

Roland saw him coming and tried to get to his feet. Unfortunately, his legs didn't seem to be working. He had lost a lot of blood and the battle with Norman and Rufus had been a severe drain on his strength. He was on his side, trying to get his legs beneath him when Nicholas barreled into him.

Nicholas went for the most vital parts of the body. Using his teeth he bit into the already broken flesh while at the same time he tried to tear into Roland's chest with his claws. Roland shifted and struggled beneath him driving Nicholas into a frenzy.




Wolf Lake Ch. 05



They were tearing at each other but Natasha new better then to put herself between the two of them. She watched as the man she had come to love was ripped apart. Looking around she searched for something, anything that she could use as a weapon. Her breath caught and she would have burst into tears if she'd had the strength because standing on the other side of the small camp, his mate and several of their pack members behind him was Nafarius.

Nafarius struggled to get his fear and anger under control. Watching his brother tear into his best friend while another of his pack members lay raped and battered caused something inside of him to snap. He'd come here prepared to offer his brother a dignified death in battle but all thoughts of honor were pushed aside. Tossing his staff to the ground, Nafarius dropped to the ground and launched himself at Nicholas.

He collided with enough force to throw them free of Roland who was lay still and unmoving. Giving no thought to what they use to be, to the fact that they once played together as children Nafarius tore into Nicholas reopening wounds, tearing tissue and breaking bones with his claws and teeth. It wasn't until Sam and two others pulled him up and off that Nafarius realized his brother was dead. 

After one violent shudder Nafarius bent down and gathered Roland in his arms. Without another look back he stalked out of the clearing and back towards home. Sam helped Natasha to her feet and encouraged the younger woman to lean on her as they slowly made their way home. No one bothered to bury the dead but instead decided to let them rot where they had fallen, food for the scavengers.

It was several days later before Roland was well enough to talk and it was another few days before Nafarius had calmed down enough. He was furious with his second-in-command for taking off against his orders and for putting himself in danger. It had been touch and go there for a while, Sam hadn't been sure if Roland had enough strength left in him to heal himself. She spent several days sleeping beside the injured man until she was sure he would survive.

Natasha was another matter. She was quiet and withdrawn but she stayed with Roland. She had spent several hours talking with Nafarius and with Sam until both of them were sure she would be okay. The rest of the pack offered her their silent support making sure that she had enough to eat and often times sitting with her while Roland healed.

Roland finally managed to drag himself out of his alcove and went to find Nafarius. He knew that he was in for the lecture of a lifetime as well as a severe punishment. But it was what he deserved. Roland had disobeyed a direct order from his leader and if Nafarius was going to ensure obedience he couldn't afford to let something like that go unpunished.

"Nafarius." Roland found him standing outside in the clearing, the late summer sun highlighting the red in his hair. 

Nafarius turned and glared at him. "I'm not sure I'm ready to talk to you yet."

"Fine, then I'll talk. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have disobeyed you. I'll understand if you would rather have someone else take my place as your second. I don't deserve to serve beside you. I should have been a better example to the rest of the pack but instead I let you down." Roland hung his head in shame. He wasn't particularly happy about giving up his position but it was be a just and fitting punishment.

"Are you finished?" Nafarius didn't wait for an answer. "You were completely out of line, you put yourself, Natasha and the rest of the pack in danger by rushing into a situation on your own. I expect more from my second-in-command." Nafarius took a deep breath, knowing that Roland was waiting for Nafarius to relieve him he intentionally drew the moment out. "Don't let it happen again!" Nafarius smiled at Roland's surprised expression. "For what it's worth I would have done the same thing if it had been Sam." Slapping his best friend on the back, Nafarius led Roland back towards the mountain.

Stay tuned for Maddie's story... 



Wolf Lake Ch. 06



Sam stepped out of the forest into the clearing and stopped. She’d spent the early morning in the various gardens weeding and making sure that the local rodents stayed out of the pack’s vegetables. Coming home she’d heard the distinct sounds of a group gathered at the clearing. The tone was one of violence brewing just beneath the surface. 

Pushing her way forward, Sam caught bits and pieces of conversations taking place between various members. 

“…doesn’t belong here.”

“…only one way to deal with him.”

“…Nafarius will see to it.”

Finally reaching the center of the clearing, Sam’s attention went immediately to her mate. Conversation died around her as all eyes turned to see what her appearance would mean. Sam ignored the people around her; her focus was for one man and one man only.

Nafarius stood with his arms crossed in front of his chest; his lips were pressed firmly together in disapproval; and his stance was that of a man ready to do battle. His eyes stared dark and cold at the ground in front of him and not once did he spare his mate a glance. 

Following his line of sight, Sam was surprised to see a man, his clothes torn and ragged, and down on all fours with his head hung between his forearms. Stepping closer, she caught his scent. Fear and rage rolled off the man in waves but beneath that was the distinct scent of the city. Human.

That one word rang through her head. In the year that Sam had been with the pack there had been rumors of humans in the forest but none where ever found. It was a good thing because the pack had only one policy when it came to humans in the forest…death. 

Sam, unlike the rest of the members of the pack, had been born human. Her change into a werewolf had come only because Nafarius was in need of a mate and didn’t want to start a war between packs by choosing from only one of them. Therefore, he’d sought a mate elsewhere and Sam happened to be in the right place at the right time…that was, of course depending on how you looked at it.

She didn’t regret her decision to stay or to become Nafarius’ mate. Sam had quickly come to love her mate and her pack and she was loyal to both. While she wouldn’t risk her pack’s existence on a human she would do whatever she could to ensure that no harm came to the man. At least not until they were able to ascertain his intentions.

Not many people traveled this far into the mountains. Locals were superstitious and more than a few of them (rightly) believed that werewolves inhabited Wolf Lake. While Sam’s pack kept well enough alone there was still the occasional sighting. There was also little danger from city dwellers; the few that came out to the mountains to do some hiking stuck to the established paths, none of which led to Wolf Lake. Wolf Lake wasn’t even on the map; you had to know where it was in order to find it.

Sam had come up the year before specifically following the stories of werewolves. She’d never really believed in such things but she found a certain fascination in studying urban legends. She’d obviously been mistaken. Werewolves were really and she was willing to bet that the things that went bump in the night from her childhood were real as well.

That said, it was curious to find a human and one smelling of the city this far into the mountain woods. If he was here for a reason they needed to know what it was. Only then could they figure out what to do. Unfortunately, the pack’s motto was to eat first and forget the questions. Humans didn’t come here often and there was a reason.

Sam did a quick evaluation of the crowd surrounding her. She could already sense the blood thirst building on the air. This group wanted blood and they were eager to hunt for it. Nafarius, despite his care for his mate, was inclined to let the human go…and send his pack after him. A good chase through the forest would do them all some good. They may look like humans but they were more animal than not and that animal was hungry.

She knew she had to hurry; already two pack members had changed. Excited at the idea of hunting a human (something not often done) had made the younger pack members unable to control their animal. Two almost fully grown male wolves were circling the downed man. Every once in awhile one of them would pull back his lips, bare his teeth and growl.

Much to her own surprise, Sam felt her animal stir and she knew that despite her desire to help this human her animal would rather run him to ground and rip into his throat. Mentally pushing down the thought, Sam stepped forward. “Nafarius.”

Nafarius didn’t bother to look up at his mate. Instead he answered, his eyes never leaving the man on the ground before him. “I know what you’re going to say and the answer is no.”

Sam wasn’t surprised. Nafarius might care for her but he’d been born a werewolf; he had no love for humans. His anscestors had been hunted down until they were nearly extinct; she couldn’t very well expect him to give a rat’s ass about one less human when there were a billion more where this one had come from. She was surprised by the unleashed fury she saw vibrating through his massive body. Slowly, she stepped closer, intentionally putting herself between Nafarius and the human.

Unable to see the man, Nafarius finally lifted his head and watched as his mate approached. At first he wanted to throw her aside and strike out at her for coming between him and his prey but he knew that was his animal talking. That part of him others would consider human whispered that his mate was different and didn’t understand. “There is nothing here for you. I don’t expect you to approve or even understand. Maybe it is best if you and Maddie take yourselves inside and wait until this is over.”

“No, I’m not leaving and I do understand. You want to protect the pack, so do I. But I don’t think the best way to go about doing that is to kill any human that comes here. If you do you run the risk that others will come looking for him. There has to be a different way.”

“No one came looking for you.” Nafarius was reluctant to point that out. He often wondered what it had been like for his mate. Sam seemed so eager to join the pack, how had she ever lived alone in the city?

“I did.”

Sam whirled around at the sound of the man speaking from behind her. “Alex?”

Alex slowly rose to his feet; brushing long blonde hair back from his face he wearily kept an eye on the two wolves circling him. If he hadn’t seen it for himself he would never have believed that ten minutes ago those were two fully-grown, young men. He’d guess their age at somewhere between 19 and 21 but he couldn’t be sure. Even in human form they’d seem bigger then other young men he’d come across. The rest of the males surrounding him seemed the same; no matter where he looked Alex was confronted by large men of unhuman size. The women were smaller but by no means petite.

Nafarius stepped forward this time putting himself between the man and his mate. “You know this human?” 

The word human was said with such disgust that Sam flinched. “Yes, I knew him when I lived in the city. Alex, what are you doing up here?” 

Reassured that (for the moment) he was relatively safe, Alex stood to his full height. Unfortunately, despite being almost six foot tall he stood several inches shorter then the shortest man around. He decided to ignore the others and focus his attention on Sam. “I came looking for you. Well, actually, I came looking for any information regarding your disappearance.”

Sam was stunned. Her and Alex had been close once but by the time she’d embarked on her hiking trip they had been separated for several months. “How did you find this place?”

“When you didn’t return to defend your thesis I started to worry. Eventually I contacted the police and filed a missing person report. Since you didn’t have any family the cops were willing to let me have your things after they were through with them. They didn’t find anything useful and after a while your case was shuffled away in a drawer some where.” Alex took a deep breath; it was hard to explain how he’d come to be there. He had cared for Sam but when she disappeared it was as if he was being punished. He’d never been able to give her what she needed in their relationship and her disappearance seemed like the ultimate failure. “When they finally released your belongings I started going through all your old paper work. I knew that most of it related to your thesis but I also knew that you liked to visit the places where the stories originated. At first, Wolf Lake seemed like all the rest, until I read your thesis. I noticed it wasn’t mentioned at all so I started thinking that perhaps the information was there for a different reason. After a while I decided to come up and have a look.”

“You shouldn’t have come Alex.” Sam whispered softly; she was a little bit shaken at finding her old lover here in her new home. It wasn’t just the fact that he was human and she no longer was. It struck her that someone had cared enough to come and look for her. She was an only child and her parents had since passed away. Alone in the world, Sam tended to keep to herself. The fact that Alex would come all this way meant more to her then he would ever know.

“What I would like to know is how did you find our home?” Nafarius could see the emotions warring on Sam’s face but he couldn’t let that stop him from his duty to the pack.

Alex shrugged. “I got lost.” He ignored the snickers of the other members that had overheard his comment. “I found the lake but after a year there was no sigh that Sam had ever been here. I decided to search the surrounding area and lost my direction in the forest. I’ve never seen trees grow so close together. I wondered around the woods for three days before he finally found me.”

Alex had gestured to Roland with his chin. It was obvious that he was embarrassed about the fact that he’d gotten lost but at the same time his sense of honor required him to acknowledge Roland’s help.

Roland acknowledged Alex’s appreciation with a simple nod. “No need to thank me, you’re not out of the woods yet.”

Nafarius glared at his second-in-command. He hadn’t relaxed his stance in the slightest; if anything the tension in the clearing had risen several notches in the last five minutes. Finally, he looked at his mate. “What am I to do?” Shaking his head in mock exasperation, “Nothing is ever easy with you, is it?”

Sam smiled, she knew when she had won. Nafarius wouldn’t order Alex’s death, for now. He would grant her a reprieve, time enough to come up with some other solution. But one thing was for sure, Alex wouldn’t be leaving.

Sam’s smiled faded; she’d forgotten about Rei and Craig, the two young men that had changed into animal form.

Rei’s voice was slurred as he spoke through an elongated snout but his intention was clear. “He’ssss human; he musssst dieeeee.”

Sam stepped forward before Nafarius had a chance to say anything. “He’s mine Rei; if you want him then you have to go through me.”

“Sam, no.” Nafarius stepped forward and grabbed her arm. Sam shook it off. 

Rei was looking at her with a new-found sense of respect. He’d thought her weak for wanting to save the human, despite the fact that he was someone from her past. In his mind all humans were a threat but if Sam was willing to fight for the human then Rei’s thirst for violence (which had been raised by the human’s presence) would be satisfied.

Sam saw Rei consider and she knew when he’d made his decision. “First blood?”

“Deal.”

Sam shifted, shedding her clothes, and leapt across the clearing before Rei had time to prepare. Her black coat rippled in the sunlight filling the clearing as her muscles bunched and sprung. She was on Rei, her front paws braced on his chest and her teeth sunk into his next before he had time to move. 

Quickly, sensing her easy victory, Rei rolled and used the momentum to force Sam off of him. This time it was he who pinned her down and with a fierce growl sent snapping jaws towards her neck.

Rei outweighed her by at least seventy-five pounds, all of it muscle but her smaller size allowed for greater agility. Sam let her body go loose catching Rei off guard and throwing him off balance. She had a small window of opportunity and she took it. Not bothering to try and pin him down again, Sam turned, reached out and struck.

Rei yelped and swung his massive head around. It was clear for every one to see. A set of four claw marks slashed through his fir and had opened the skin on his right flank. As far as wounds go it was minor to a werewolf and would be healed by morning. However, it did mean that Sam had drawn first blood. The human was her’s to protect. “You mayyyy have ssssaved him from meeeee but you will havvvve to protectttt himmmm from the resssst of the pack assss well.”

Sam shook him off; turning to Craig she asked, “Who’sss nexttt?”

Craig shook his head and stalked off into the forest. He had no desire to fight his mistress for the right to hunt some human. He’d just as soon forage in the forest. A quick run and he’d feel better.

Sam sighed and sat back on her haunches. A few words from Nafarius and some help from Roland had the rest of the pack moving off until it was just the three of them. Nafarius was watching Alex, Alex was watching Sam and Sam was watching both of them. Silence stretched thin between them until finally she decided she’d had enough. Confident that Nafarius would see Alex settled, Sam (still in animal form) stalked off toward the mountain. Slipping inside she went to find Maddie, the young woman undoubtedly would be able to help sooth Sam until she’d calm down enough to change back into human form.

Nafarius turned to Alex who stood stark still staring at the place where Sam was just sitting. He couldn’t keep the venom from his voice when he asked, “What? Didn’t you stop to think that she had become one of us and that’s why she stayed?”

Alex avoided the question and asked one of his own. “Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you?”

Nafarius shook his head. “It isn’t what you’ve done but what you could do. You have the power to destroy us all, including Sam.” Deciding against saying anymore, Nafarius turned and head toward the mountain. “Come, I will see you settled. You’ll be safe as long as you’re under Sam’s protection; as my mate no one would dare to cross her.”

“You’re mate?” Alex wasn’t sure how he’d missed that part.

“Yes, and wolves mate for life.” 

Nafarius’ voice held enough of a threat that Alex got the message loud and clear. “If I’m under Sam’s protection why can’t I leave?”

“Because her protection doesn’t extend that far, nor does it extend to the other packs. You’ll be safe as long as you remain here and as long as you do as you are told.” Nafarius turned to Alex who had been following a few steps behind. “A word of warning, we may look like humans but we were born animals and those instincts run deep.”

Alex nodded but didn’t say any more. He followed Nafarius silently into the side of the mountain where a large cave opened up. Inside he could see several different alcoves that were blocked off for privacy. Careful to keep his gaze from touching on any one face for too long, Alex was still able to ascertain the sense of home, hearth and family that resided within the mountain. Despite the warning from Nafarius it was warm and inviting, if not to him specifically.

Nafarius led Alex to the back of the cave where a small alcove sat separate from the others. This area was usually used to punish pack members or house unfriendly “guests” from rival packs. Due to the nature of those staying there the alcove was sparsely furnished. There was a pile of sleeping furs and a place for personal waste but nothing personal.

Alex dropped his backpack on the floor and looked around. Noticing the two guards posted outside the alcove, he asked, “Am I to be a prisoner?”

Nafarius gave a negligible shrug. “No, the guards are for your protection, not ours. You are to remain here until either I or Sam come and get you. If you leave without one of us attending you neither she nor I can guarantee your safety.”

Alex nodded, it galled him to do it but he stopped Nafarius before he could leave. “Thank you for allowing me to stay.”

Nafarius was surprised by the gratitude. “Thank Sam, she’s the one that put herself on the line for you.” With that Nafarius left and went to find his mate, he had an idea of where she might be hiding.

Slipping into their alcove, Nafarius found Sam, still in animal form, stretched out on their sleeping furs. She wasn’t alone. Maddie, still in human form, was stretched out beside her. The two women were a contrast in everything. Maddie was small, petite and blonde with pert apple sized breasts and a beautiful cherub face. Sam, on the other hand, was everything dark with black fur, green eyes, large breasts and legs that went on for miles. In human form her hair was the same color and her face was made up of sharp angles. Together, lying next to each other they accented each other’s beauty and Nafarius took a moment to appreciate the sight.

Maddie smiled up at him but continued stroking her mistress. Sam had taken her in and protected Maddie from the more dominant members of the pack. In exchange, Maddie took care of Sam and Nafarius’ home. She slept with them and over the past year had become a part of their family often times sharing their sleeping furs.

At the moment Maddie was helping to alieviate Sam of some of her unspent energy. Usually, Sam could change from human to animal form without any effort but today’s events had left her feeling torn and uncertain. She loved her life with the pack and had thought to leave everything from her form life in the past. But Alex’s arrival had stirred up conflicting emotions. He had been a big part of her life for a long time and was still a friend. It meant a lot to her that he had come here seeking to see her but his presence was going to cause quite a disruption. In fact, it already had.

Frustrated, Sam rolled over and onto her feet. Slowly she stretched and moved to position herself between Maddie’s spread thighs. As Nafarius looked on Sam pressed her muzzle into the young woman’s pussy and began to lap and her lips. Maddie, already intoned to her mistress’ mood sighed and let her legs fall farther apart. Encouraged, Sam reached out with her tongue and starting at the base of her pussy licked the length of her lips ending at her clit. Careful so as not to injure Maddie with her teeth Sam licked and suckled her clit into her mouth quickly bringing the young woman to an orgasm.

The scent of sex and satisfaction lingered heavy in the air and Sam found herself even more restless then before. Nafarius having witnessed his mate’s most recent actions sought to appease her. Without changing into animal form, Nafarius positioned himself behind her and with one quick thrust buried himself deep inside of her. Sam whimpered in pleasure and pushed back against him. Easily they found their rhythm and together reached their release. Sam collapsed onto the furs and slowly slid back into human form. Smiling up at both of them she said, “Thank you.”

Nafarius offered both of them a hand up and watched as the quickly dressed. “Maddie, will you see that our guest receives some supper?”

“Of course.” Maddie turned and went out to join the others in the common area where most meals were prepared. 

Sam turned to her mate. “Is everything okay?”

“You tell me; you know him and felt confident enough to speak up for him.” Nafarius couldn’t keep the bitter tone from his voice.

Sam was surprised, her head tilted as she tried to understand what had him so upset. “You aren’t jealous, are you?”

“No.” Nafarius’ denial was quick, too quick and even he knew that.




Wolf Lake Ch. 06



Sam smiled but quickly tried to wipe the look from her face. “I’m sorry, I just never thought you’d be jealous.”

“You are my mate…”

“Yes, and wolves mate for life.” Sam stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Nafarius’ waist. “I love you and no matter who shows up from my past that isn’t going to change.”

Nafarius looked down at her. “Are you expecting any more company that I should be aware of?”

Sam laughed. “No, I’m surprised that Alex was able to find me. It’s only a hoax that he figured out that the research on Wolf Lake was personal and not part of my thesis.”

“I want you to get whatever information he has back from him.”

“I will; I’ll talk to him later tonight or tomorrow and find out everything he knows.” Sam turned and urged Nafarius out towards the common area. “I’ll make sure that there isn’t any threat from outside.”

“I won’t let anything threaten my pack.” Nafarius growled and fought the urge to simply kill the human. He understood Sam’s feelings towards the man but she was no longer human. Her first loyalty was to the pack and if that meant killing the human then that was what he would do, despite how she felt about it.

Sam seemed to echo his thoughts. “They’re my pack too and I won’t let anything happen to them. Even if it means destroying Alex.” The last was added in a whisper.

Just then Maddie walked up and offered Sam and Nafarius a bowl of rich stew. It was thick with meat, vegetables and broth. Steam rose from the bowl and reminded Sam just how hungry she was. Taking the bowl, Sam motioned to Maddie. “Take a bowl of stew and some bread to Alex.” Feeling Nafarius stiffen beside her, she added, “Make sure one of the guards accompanies you inside.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Maddie turned and went to fill another bowl. After break off a chunk of bread and filling a bottle with water she left. Sam and Nafarius weren’t the only ones that noticed her departure and noted her destination. 

Riley watched through narrow eyes as the young woman made her way to the back of the cave. Obviously upset, he turned and made his way over to where Sam and Nafarius were taking their meal. “I can’t believe you would send her to deal with the human.” The emphasis he put on the last word made it clear how he felt about that particular breed of animal.

Nafarius and looked up and glared. “It is not for you to question either myself or my mate.”

Riley saw the warning in his leader’s eyes but he cared too much to back down. Turning to Sam he said, “You of all people should know how innocent and nieve Maddie is, how could you send her in there?”

Sam wasn’t offended. Riley was new to the pack having come with Natasha and the others. He was young and handsome and he had no trouble blending in with the rest of the pack. He was smart and a good hunter and Sam predicted that he would go far within the pack. But she also noted that Riley had been watching Maddie ever since his arrival. It was a match she was more then willing to support and encourage therefore she was willing to overlook his disrespectful tone…to a point. “Riley, I sent one of the guards along with Maddie but if it would make you feel better you can accompany her in the future.”

Riley, somewhat chargin by the understanding tone of Sam’s voice, bowed slightly at the waist. “I would appreciate that.”

Nafarius watched him walk away. “I’m surprised. I didn’t think he would want anything to do with the human.”

Sam smiled. “He doesn’t, it’s Maddie he’s interested in.”

Nafarius couldn’t hide his surprise. “Our Maddie?”

“Yes, you didn’t think she’d stay with us forever?” Seeing Nafarius’ face go dark she added, “It is a good match. Riley is dominant enough to protect her and its obvious that he cares about her. I would see Maddie well and truly settled.”

“I’ve grown rather fond of her.” Nafarius had come to enjoy the young woman’s company. At first he had been uncomfortable around some one so submissive and eager to please. He was use to dealing with men and women constantly vying for a new position within the pack. Maddie had none of those desires. She was happy to serves her leader and her mistress. After a while he’d become accustom to seeing her in their alcove, in their sleeping furs and at their hearth. Despite her shy nature, Maddie was extremely intelligent and they had spent many nights conversing on a variety of topics. And he had to admit that he enjoyed the added pleasure she brought to him and Sam. It would be hard to let her go but like Sam he’d come to care for her enough that he would see her well matched. That brought him to Riley.

Nafarius was only mildly acquainted with the young man. Natasha had brought with her several new pack members and he had yet to get to know them all. Riley was well established with the other pack members and Nafarius hadn’t encountered any trouble from him. He was a good hunter and always took his turn patrolling the surrounding area. He was of a similar age to Maddie and obviously cared about her safety. However, he wasn’t yet ready to give his blessing. He would take the next few days and watch Riley to see what else he could discern.

Meanwhile Maddie slipped into the small alcove situated at the back of the cave. Despite Sam’s words of warning she entered alone. With a shy smile at the human she held out her hand.

Alex looked at the young woman but he didn’t move to take the bowl from her hand. Even from his position on the floor he could tell she was small. Petite with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes, her small cherub face nearly stole his breath away. So caught up in her beauty, Alex missed what she was saying. “I’m sorry?”

“Sam asked that I bring you something to eat. It’s rabbit stew with garden vegetables. I made it myself along with the fresh bread.” Maddie shifted slightly under his intense gaze. Her own curiosity with humans was what drove her to enter unaccompanied. She’d been just as curious about Sam but this was the first male human she’d ever seen and there was something about him that reached out to her.

Alex took the offered food and without his usual manners dug in hungrily. He ate in silence, the woman watching him the entire time. Finally, when he was finished he handed her back the bowl and cup. “Thank you, that was delicious.”

“I can bring you some more if you’re still hungry?”

Embarrassed, Alex blushed but shook his head. “No, thank you. I normally don’t eat like such pig but I’ve been lost in the woods for two days without anything to eat.”

Maddie gave him a small smile. “There is lot to eat in the forest, if you know where to look.” At Alex’s frown she realized the implications of what she’d said. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean anything by that.”

“It’s okay and in fact you’re right I shouldn’t have come out here without knowing what I was doing. I didn’t think…well, I guess I just didn’t think at all.” Alex shrugged at his own foolishness.

Maddie approached slowly and when Alex didn’t voice any objection sat down across from him. “Can I ask you something?”

Alex looked at her for a moment. “Sure.”

“Why did you come?”

He thought about it for a moment. “Well, I never thought I’d find…”

“A pack of werewolves?”

Alex gave a small laugh. “That and I never really thought I’d find Sam. I’m not a detective, I didn’t even know where to begin to look for her or what to look for. I guess I came more as a way of saying goodbye.”

“You two were close?” Maddie didn’t understand what it was about him that made her want to know him better. 

“Yes, we dated for a while but that had ended long before she disappeared. We were still friends and when the police couldn’t tell me what happened to her I sort of snapped. I spent most of my time trying to find the answers. When I came across her notes on Wolf Lake it seemed like the logical place to look. I didn’t expect to find her but maybe I could find some peace about what happened to her.”

Maddie was quiet for a moment. “What will you do now?”

Alex shrugged. “I guess that depends on Sam and Nafarius. To them I’m a threat and I can understand why they would be reluctant to let me leave.”

“Sam will speak up for you and she’ll make sure that no harm comes to you.”

“You have a lot of faith in her.” 

Maddie looked away but Alex didn’t miss the note of sadness on her face. “I don’t do well with the other pack members. At least I didn’t until Sam came. One of the first things she did as Nafarius’ mate was to claim me as her own.”

Alex looked appalled. “How can she do that, you are your own person!”

Maddie shook her head. “It’s not like that. Sam made it clear to the others that I was under her protection and that anyone who harmed me would have to answer to her. She and Nafarius took me in and made me part of their family. They do that; they watch out for everyone of us and make sure that we’re all safe.”

“But I’m not a pack member.”

“No,” Maddie said almost wistfully. “But that won’t stop either of them from watching over you and seeing you safe.”

Alex shook his head but didn’t bother to argue. Sam might be willing to stand up for him but Nafarius obviously didn’t want him here but was unwilling to let him leave. That left only one alternative.

“What in the hell is going on here?!”

Maddie jumped at the sound of an angry voice behind her. Turning she found Riley standing at the entrance to the alcove. “Riley, we were just talking.”

“I thought Sam order you to bring a guard with you?” Riley’s voice came out as a growl.

The animal sound coming from someone looking so human reminded Alex that he was not in Kansas anymore. He was in the middle of a pack of werewolves, wolves that saw him as a threat and would see him dead. “Maddie was kind enough to keep me company while I had my meal.”

Riley turned on the human and snapped. “I wasn’t talking to you.” Turning back to Maddie he reached out and grabbed her by the arm. “Come.”

Maddie didn’t struggle but Alex could see that Riley’s grip was hurting her. But when he opened his mouth Maddie shook her head. It was clear that she didn’t want him interfering. Instead he sat back and watched as the young woman was escorted out of the alcove.

Riley dragged Maddie back to the common area and with an angry shove forced her to sit down. “I want you to stay away from him.”

Maddie looked up at Riley and glared. This wasn’t the first time he’d acted in such a high handed manner. On more then one occasion he’d insisted on accompanying her out to the gardens or into the forest when she wanted to take a walk. She wasn’t use to so much attention from one man and she didn’t particularly care for it. While Sam and Nafarius watched out for her they allowed her a certain amount of freedom and treated her with the same respect as any other pack member. Riley treated her like a child and she didn’t appreciate it one bit. Standing with her fists clenched at her side, she glared up at him and said, “It is none of your business who I chose to spend my time with.”

Fro a moment Riley was speechless. Maddie never spoke like that to anyone yet here she was yelling at him. Fortunately, his surprise didn’t last long and quickly gave way to outrage. “He’s an outsider and he’s human! Why would you want to spend any time with him at all?” 

“That,” Maddie poked her finger into Riley’s chest, “is none of your business. Despite what you and the others may think I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself!” With that she turned and walked away unaware that the brief exchange had been witnessed by most of the pack members.

Nafarius had also witnessed the exchange and turned to find Sam smiling beside him. “I don’t see the humor in this.”

“She’s finally standing up for herself. Not only that, if she does decide to take Riley as her mate it is best that he not like he can dictate to her. You have to admit, he was acting pretty high handed with her; if you had tried that with me you would have seen sparks. I don’t want Riley thinking that he can railroad over her.” Sam knew that things were different in the pack; a person’s place was determined by how dominant or submissive he or she was. Maddie had always been the most submissive member of the pack but it would seem that she had had enough. Maybe having Sam and Nafarius to back her up had given her the courage she needed to stand up for herself.

“Be that as it may;” Nafarius interrupted his mate’s wanderings, “she shouldn’t have been with Alex alone.”

“He would never hurt her; Alex is too kind for that sort of thing.”

“No, but I doubts he’s above using an innocent woman to help him escape.” Nafarius had thought of all the possibilities and none of them frighten him as much as the idea that Alex could escape and alert other humans to the wolves’ presence here at the lake.

Sam shook her head. “I know you don’t trust him but I do and I know that if for no other reason he would keep his silence to protect me.”

“I’m not willing to bet the lives of my pack on that.”

“I know but where does that leave us? And Alex?” Sam watched as Nafarius walked away without answering. It was clear that he was having as hard of a time as she was.

The next morning Alex was surprised when the curtain to his alcove was pulled back and Maddie entered, once again alone.

“I thought you might like to clean up.” She offered him a large kettle of warm water, a rag, some soap and some clean clothes. 

Alex took the offering and immediately stripped his shirt over his head. Maddie gasped quietly at the sight of his sun kissed skin. Alex was tall and broad across the shoulders. His chest and stomach showed the signs of a man willing to work. As he moved his muscles rippled beneath the surface of his skin and sent waves of heat pooling into the pit of her stomach.

Too busy cleaning himself up to notice, Alex missed the sight of wonder that past over Maddie’s face. Quickly, he sponged himself off before dunking his head in the water. His hair was fifthly and he wouldn’t be surprised to find lice. There wasn’t any shampoo so he made due with the soap. It was enough to wash the first few layers of grime from his body and he was relieved to pull on a fresh change of clothes. “Now I feel human again.”

Maddie gave a small laugh and then blushed in embarrassment. She didn’t want Alex thinking she was making fun of him.

Alex caught the joke and chuckled. Those few second were enough to break the tension and he found himself asking her to sit with him.

Maddie looked indecisive. She wanted to sit with Alex and learn more about him and where he was from but she was worried what would happen if she did. 

Alex picked up on h hesitation. “Is Riley your mate?”

Surprised, Maddie sat down. “No, but I think he is hoping that Nafarius will give him permission.”

“Permission to what?”

“To mate with me.”

Alex was surprised. “Don’t you have any say in the matter?”

Maddie considered. “If my father was still alive it would be for him to say and I would have obeyed his wishes. My father died a few years ago and my mother several years before that therefore the responsibility falls to Nafarius. Because he is my leader I would do whatever he deemed right however I think that both he and Sam would permit me the chance to voice my opinion.”

“Which is?” Alex was curious and for some reason found himself holding his breath. For whatever reason he didn’t want to see her with Riley.

“Riley is a good man, he would provide well for me and his position within the pack would assure my safety.”

“But?”

Maddie chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t love him.”

“Does your kind mate for love?” Alex quickly apologized. “That was a rude question and I apologize for my comment.”

Maddie smiled and brushed it off with a wave of her hand. “My kind is very different from yours; I took no offense. Yes, some of us mate for love but others mate to secure a higher position within the pack.”

“Why did Sam mate with Nafarius?”

Maddie hesitated wondering how much she should say. The circumstances surrounding their mating was common knowledge among the pack but that didn’t extend to an outsider.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” But Alex was curious what had made Sam decide to stay.

“I think it was both. Nafarius was looking for a mate but needed to find a way to do so without offending the other packs. We are the largest and most powerful pack in the area. If he had chosen a mate from one of the other packs then the rest would have taken offense.”

“Why didn’t he pick someone from within your own pack?” Alex was finding that there was a lot more to wolf dynamics then he originally thought. To him wolves were just animals living on instinct but the same obviously wasn’t true for werewolves.

“There wasn’t anyone within the pack strong enough to take the place of his mate. In addition, there was more than one woman that wanted the position and they would have had to battle for it. A battle for the leader’s mate is to the death and Nafarius didn’t want to see his pack destroyed. It would have weakened us as a whole and he cares too much about the individuals involved to see any of them killed.”

Alex considered all she had said before asking his next question. “How did he find Sam?”

Maddie smiled remembering the day Sam had entered their lives. “She was brought to us kicking and screaming. Roland had found her down by the lake, like you she was human and not welcome but Roland thought it best to bring her before Nafarius. Nafarius was impressed by her spirit. Despite the situation she refused to back down and held her own with both men. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but Nafarius can be pretty intimidating.”

“I’ve noticed.” 

Maddie smiled at Alex’s sarcasm. She had been watching him as he listed to her and was pleased to see true interest in what she had to say. “Nafarius gave her a choice she could stay as his mate or she could return to the city.”

“He was going to let her leave?”

“That’s what he said but looking back I don’t know if he would have let her go. From the first moment she walked into the clearing he was intrigued by her. She didn’t fear him and that was a first for him. So, they mated and wolves mate for life.”

“How did she become one of you?”

“Most of us are born werewolves but Sam became infected during the mating process.”

Alex frowned. “Like a sexually transmitted disease?”

“No, a person can become infected either through a bite or a scratch but only when a werewolf is in animal form.”

“So, Sam mated while Nafarius was in animal form and he either bit her or scratched her?” It was too easy for Alex to conjure up a mental image. He expected to be repulsed or at the very least offended by the idea but he found the image strangely erotic. “So, what will you do?”

Maddie didn’t have to ask to know that Alex was asking her about Riley. “I don’t know. I can’t stay with Sam and Nafarius forever. I’ve already intruded on their hospitality enough but I can’t see mating with someone just so that I can get out from under foot.”

“If you’re that worried about staying with Sam and Nafarius why don’t you stay with someone else or move out on your own?”

Maddie shook her head. “I can’t.”

“Because of the other pack members?”

“Yes, and Riley. If I was alone there would be nothing stopping him from taking me even without Nafarius’ permission.”

Alex was appalled. “Is that allowed?”

“It is an old custom and one usually reserved for talking a mate from an enemy pack. Pack law states that if one member is strong enough to take another then he, or she, is within his right to do so.”

“Any you’re not strong enough to defend yourself against Riley.” It wasn’t a question, Alex had seen the change in Maddie the minute Riley had stepped into the alcove the night before. “Isn’t there anyone else you can stay with? Someone who will protect you?”




Wolf Lake Ch. 06



“Only as my mate and even then I don’t know that any of them would want me. I don’t offer much in the way of pack politics.”

“What about your connection with Sam and Nafarius? That has to be worth something? The fact that you’ve lived with them for almost a year and they both obviously care for you should strength your position.” Alex’s heart went out to the young woman.

“I don’t know.” Maddie stood and gathered her things. 

It was obvious that she was upset by what she saw as a hopeless situation and Alex felt bad for having brought it up. “I know it is a pretty worthless offer but if there is anything I can do to help please let me know. It’s the least I can do for the kindness you’ve shown me.”

Maddie smiled but said nothing as she left. Alex spent the rest of the day thinking about their visit and waiting for her to return. To his disappointment another young women brought him his supper that night. Dark hair that reminded him of Sam she introduced herself as Natasha. She was heavy with pregnancy, but her movements were still sure and graceful despite her bulging belly. Natasha set down his food and left.

The next day Nafarius and Sam stood outside in the clearing. Nafarius had stripped down to the waist while Sam wore a pair of tight shorts and a tank top. Both of them were covered with a fine sheen of sweat. For all her natural ability Sam had not been born a fighter and Nafarius was working with her to see that her training went well. Despite her smaller size she insisted that Nafarius treat her as he would any other member and all she had to show for it was a back covered in bruises. Time and time again Nafarius attacked. Quick and lethal he knew her strengths and weakness and exploited them both. Finally, after an hour Sam learned how to compensate for the weakness on her left side. She was naturally inclinded to attack and defend from the right, which was her stronger side. Therefore, Nafarius came at her left side, which was often open and vulnerable. He was pleased when she finally caught him coming at her from the left and defended accordingly. 

Proud of herself, Sam watched as Nafarius was caught off balance and landed on his side. Taking advantage of the situation she came back and moved in for the attack. Nafarius saw her coming but instead of defending let her momentum carry them both over. Laughing, they ended up in a pile of sweat covered limbs. Those pack members that had been watching shook their head and moved off knowing that the serious training had ended for the day.

Riley waited until the two had once again regained their feet before approaching. “Nafarius, may I have a moment of your time?”

Nafarius gave Sam a silent look. They had discusses Riley’s interest in Maddie and the events of a few nights before and both had come to an agreement. “Of course.”

Riley looked from Nafarius to Sam and realized that he would have to make his request before his mistress as well as his leader. “I would like to formally ask your permission to take Madeline as my mate.”

Nafarius thought for a moment choosing his words carefully. “While it is true that Maddie has been under the protection of my mate for nearly a year she is a grown woman on her own. She no longer lives at her father’s hearth but has chosen to share ours therefore it is up to her to decide who she will take as a mate.”

Riley was speechless. Usually, a woman could choose her mate and in fact he had to be strong enough to take her. If he could not conquer her during the mating processes then she was free to choose a stronger mate. However, Maddie was the weakest member of their pack, she couldn’t defend herself against Riley or anyone else. If she was left to decide for herself then it was likely that she would end up with someone other then himself. Unbeknownst to either of them, Alex had been correct. Maddie’s position with Nafarius and Sam made her an ideal mate beside which she was beautiful and there were many males within the pack that would be more than happy to have her in their furs.

Sam could see that Riley understood the implications and was struggling to come to grips with them. “You’ll need to speak with Maddie yourself. Neither Nafarius nor I will interfere on any members’ behalf when it comes to who she chooses.”

“I see.” Riley turned and went to find Maddie. He didn’t like the idea of approaching her and requesting that she chose him as her mate. It felt too much like begging which was something he didn’t do. However, if he didn’t approach her soon there was every chance that someone else would.

He found her in the gardens. She was bent over weeding wearing a simple sundress. A large straw hat covered her head from the afternoon sun. “Maddie.”

She looked up at her name, a slight frown forming between her blonde brows before she pasted a small smile on her face. “Hello, Riley, what are you doing here?”

“I came to speak with you. I just spoke with Nafarius and Sam. They informed me that you will be allowed to choose your mate despite residing at their hearth.” The last was added to show his disapproval of the situation.

“Yes, I know. We talked about it last night.” Maddie knew what was coming and sought to cut him off. “I haven’t yet decided who I want as a mate.”

“I would like you to consider me.” Riley stood still and waited.

Maddie sighed and sat back on her heels. It would have been so much easier if Riley had just left well enough alone. Although she didn’t know who she wanted as a mate one thing she was sure of was that she didn’t want Riley. While he was a good match in many regards he wasn’t someone she could see spending the rest of her life with. He wasn’t blonde, broad across the chest with blue eyes like…oh Lord. She couldn’t be seriously considering…if anyone knew what she was thinking…

“Maddie? Did you hear what I said?”

“As I said, I’m not ready to make a decision.” She was trying to be diplomatic but he wasn’t taking the hint.

“I’m not asking you to make a decision, all I’m asking is that you at least consider me.” Riley bit his tongue and swore he wouldn’t say another word. Otherwise he would start to beg.

Maddie knew it would be easier to let him believe she was seriously considering him but it wouldn’t be fair. “I’m sorry Riley. I don’t see myself spending the rest of my life with you.”

“Why not?” Now he was angry; how dare she dismiss him out of hand!

“Because I don’t love you.”

“Love! What the hell does love have to do with anything?” Riley took a threating step forward. 

Maddie stood and dropped the gardening tool she had been using. Fear started to break out along her skin and she could feel the animal within her responding. “I refuse to marry for politics. If you had hoped to get closer to Sam and Nafarius through me then you were mistaken. I will not allow someone to use me that way nor would I do that to Sam and Nafarius.”

“Why you stupid…”

“I think you had better leave.” 

Maddie turned in surprise to find Alex walking out from between two trees. She had no idea how long he had been standing there but it was obvious that he had heard at least part of her conversation with Riley. 

“What the hell are you doing here?” Riley growled and baring his teeth he slowly lowered himself to the ground.

Maddie saw the signs of an impending attack and moved so as to put herself between Alex and Riley. “Alex, you shouldn’t be out here.”

“Sam suggested I get out and get some sun. Considering that I have no idea where I am Nafarius figured it would be safe enough and that I was unlikely to try and escape.” Alex didn’t like the looks of things. He had no doubt that Riley was willing to take by force what he couldn’t have.

“I suggest you keep walking. This is none of your business; you don’t belong here.” Riley didn’t even bother to try and fight it. His animal surged through to the surface forcing him to change.

Alex watched with absolute fascination as Riley shifted before him. Where once there stood a man now stood a large, dark brown wolf. Even on all fours, Riley’s head came to chest level on Alex. Alex wasn’t a short man. 

He saw it coming but was powerless to do anything about it. One moment Riley was standing across the clearing and the next he was air born. His lips were curled back, his teeth bared and a low threatening growl coming from his throat. Just when Alex though enough to move a large, light colored blur shot out from his right.

Maddie caught Riley in mid air. Sinking her teeth into his shoulder she knocked him out of the air and onto his side. Riley recovered quickly and was on his feet shaking the small woman off. Maddie was barely half Riley’s size and she wasn’t use to fighting but her fear for Alex drove her on.

With both of them in animal form Riley saw his opportunity and moved in. But instead of attacking he moved to cover Maddie’s body with his own. If he could join his body with hers then she would be powerless to do anything about it.

Maddie sensed Riley’s intent and turned so that they were face to face. They circled each other and still she waited. Finally, Riley made his move only before Maddie could do anything about it another large shape moved out from the forest and went after Riley.

Growls and the distinct sounds of a fight had drawn her attention. Before reaching the clearing Sam had been able to discern the situation and knew that both Alex and Maddie were in danger. With decisive action she knocked Riley out of the clearing and followed him to the ground where she wrapped her jaws around his neck. When he tried to move she issued a loud growl in warning that had him holding still.

Nafarius, still in human form, arrived a second later. He left Sam to take care of Riley and went to see that Maddie was all right. Already back in human form she was breathing heavy but other than a few scrapes and bruises she looked to be in good shape. “What happened?”

Nafarius wrapped her naked form in his arms and held her. Maddie couldn’t stop shaking. She’d never been involved in a fight before and certainly never with a male member of the pack. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer. When Alex tried to intervene Riley went crazy and attacked him. I couldn’t let him hurt Alex.”

Nafarius looked up to where Alex still stood at the edge of the clearing. “It seems I owe you a thank you.”

Alex seemed to sense that Nafarius wouldn’t be put off. “You’re welcome. Is she okay?”

“She will be just as soon as we get her back home.” Nafarius stood and helped Maddie to her feet. “Can you walk?”

“I’m fine.”

Nafarius looked from Maddie to where Sam still stood with Riley firmly planted beneath her paws. Torn, he wasn’t sure whether he should escort Maddie home or take care of Riley. He was afraid of what Sam would do if left alone with the young man.

Alex stepped in. “I’d be happy to help her home if you’d like.”

“Thank you.” Nafarius transferred Maddie to Alex’s open arms and went to deal with Riley. Neither Alex nor Maddie spoke on the way back to the cave. Once there he helped get her settled before returning to his own alcove. Only one guard remained and Sam assured him it was more for his safety then to prevent his escape.

The next morning Sam wasn’t surprised to see Alex approaching. “Sam? Can I talk with you?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Well, first I was wondering what happened with Riley?” When Sam just stared at him, saying nothing, Alex realized that he wasn’t going to get that information so he moved on to his next question. Taking a deep breath he jumped in with both feet. “What would I have to do in order to approaching Maddie?”

“To what end?” Sam crossed her arms over her breasts and waited. She already suspected but wanted Alex to voice his intent.

“As her mate.” The words came out on a rush of air. Having said them he felt ten times better. He’d spent the night thinking things through and had come up with what seemed like a perfect solution.

“Why?”

Alex knew better then to try to bullshit Sam. She’d never appreciated it before and he doubted that as a werewolf her opinions of it had improved. “It would solve everyone’s problems. Nafarius wouldn’t have to worry about me leaving and Maddie would have a mate.”

“There are other ways we could take care of both those issues without you joining the pack.”

Alex gulped audiably. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

“I didn’t think so. In order to mate with Maddie you would have to become a werewolf. No human is allowed in the pack and even if you were allowed to remain human you wouldn’t be able to protect her and she isn’t strong enough to protect you.”

“You think another female might be?”

“Yes, but that isn’t an issue here. None of them would have you.” Sam sighed. “Alex, why do you want to mate with Maddie? Some new curiosity?”

“No!” Alex was offended. “I care about her and she needs someone…”

“Maddie doesn’t need anyone to protect her. Nafarius and I are here for that. She needs someone who will love her for her and not for what she can give them.” Sam wasn’t sure how she felt about this but in the end it wouldn’t really matter. What mattered was how Alex and Maddie felt about it. “Have you spoke with Maddie about this?”

“No, I figured it would be best to talk to you first and maybe then speak with Nafarius.” Alex shrugged. “Who knows, she might not even want me as a mate even if I am willing to join the pack.”

“On, I think she’ll want you.” Sam smiled. “Talk to her and ask her what you’ll have to do to prove yourself to her and the pack. Then come and see me. I’ll speak with Nafarius in the mean time.”

The pack was divided. Several members agreed that the best thing was for Alex to join them. Maddie would be taken care of and the rest of them would be safe. If Alex joined the pack then he would have a vested interested in keeping their secret. He assured them that no one knew where he had gone. He also spoke with Nafarius at length and together they decided that he would have to return to the city for a time to take care of loose ends. They didn’t want another missing person reported. If the authorities believed that he’d disappeared in search of Sam then it was sure to draw more attention.

Maddie had made her feelings known. While she was attracted to Alex and therefore unopposed to taking him as her mate she worried about his reasons. She spoke with Sam and voiced her concerns that Alex was coming to her out of a sense of guilt. Sam assured her that while Alex was kind and gentle he wasn’t the type to sacrifice his life for something less then love.

The rest of the pack were opposed to taking on another human. Sam had been special and they were grateful for her guidance as Nafarius’ mate but Alex had little to offer. While he was young and strong there was little need for more male members. Furthermore, there were several single male members that understood the implications of his mating with Maddie. As Sam and Nafarius’ charge she would bring considerable power to her mate. 

The two groups clashed in a debate that ended with a formal challenge. Riley stood glaring at Alex. “I hereby challenge you for the right to take Madeline as mate.”

Standing next to Alex, Sam groaned quietly. Alex, still learning the complications of pack politics raised his brow in question. 

Sam answered. “Remember survival of the fittest? If there is more the one male after the same female then a fight is waged to see who is the strongest.”

“I can’t possibly fight him. As a werewolf his has superior strength even in human form.”

Nafarius nodded. “There are other ways to answer a challenge.” Stepping forward he addressed the crowd. “A member of this pack is only as good as his ability to hunt, whatever the prey. We will see who is better suited to the task. As equals they will hunt only in human form; whoever is able to bring her back will be awarded the right to mate with Madeline.”

All eyes turned to the small woman. Her eyes grew round in surprise. She understood the old ways. She would be expected to do her best to avoid both the hunters no matter her true feelings. If she was do anything to aid either man the victory would be worthless. She could take any form and use whatever means necessary but once the outcome was decide there would be no going back no matter who the winner. Although it wasn’t expected she lifted her head and gave a brief nod in agreement.

Sam squeezed Maddie’s hand and gave her a gentle nudge. “Go.”

Without looking at either man, Maddie shed her clothes, drop onto all fours and shifted. Once again Alex appreciated the sight of her golden fur as she streaked from the clearing and disappeared into the forest.

“She will have an hour lead time. You will enter the forest together; neither of you are to do anything to inhibit the other. Once one of you successfully mates with Maddie it will be done. There are no rules as to what form the mating must take place however if Alex does succeed he must be infected during the mating process. Is that understood?”

Both men nodded. Sam led Alex away from the clearing. While she wouldn’t be allowed to interfere once the hunt began she could offer his a few words of advice. Riley, a natural hunter and tracker would have little trouble even in animal form. Alex needed to be told what to look for and how to follow the signs. He was attentive, listening carefully to everything Sam said. When the time came to depart he gave her a small smile and slipped into the trees.

Riley entered the forest only a few feet from Alex. With a sneer, he turned and jogged off to the north. It was quickly apparent that he had picked up Maddie’s scent but Alex resisted the urge to follow. Instead he searched the area surrounding the clearing until he came upon Maddie’s tracks. Sam had pointed out her prints in the clearing and he’d committed them to memory. He knew what her tracks looked like in both human and animal form. Nafarius had ordered Maddie to do what ever was necessary to avoid both of them. 

Alex suspected that the scent Riley was following was a ploy to lure him away. Maddie couldn’t help Alex but she could make it harder for Riley. Between the two men, it was more important for her to avoid Riley which left Alex to find her.

Fifteen minutes later Alex came upon the place where Maddie had switched from animal to human form. Her feet were bare and left clear prints in the soft dirt. He also found several broke branched to indicate where she had left the main trail. 

In the end it wasn’t his newly learned tracking skills that helped Alex to find her. It was luck. Still shifting through the under bush, Alex heard the distinct sounds of a fight. It was the same unmistakable sound of two wolves fighting that he had heard once before. Breaking out into a run, Alex entered a clearing just in time to see Riley make a leap for Maddie. 

Maddie twisted her body and moved out of the way just in time. Turning she struck out with her claws and sliced Riley’s side open. Riley howled in pain; shaking it off he started circling his prey. For the first time in her life Maddie didn’t wait to be the victim. Seeing Riley move in closer she hurled herself at him. Riley, caught off guard, landed on his back striking a rock with his head. Letting out a low whimper, he fell unconscious. 

Maddie spotted Alex on the other side of the clearing and shook herself. He hadn’t said anything during her fight with Riley and she wasn’t sure what he was thinking. She was relieved to note that he didn’t look as if he feared her or was repulsed by the sight of her in animal form. For several seconds she just stood there staring at him waiting to see what he would do.

Alex had no idea what was expected of him. Sam had explained that this was a test to see if he could dominate his intended mate but he found it hard to believe that any man could dominate a female werewolf. Maddie, for all her quiet nature was still an animal and while he knew she would never intentionally hurt him there was no telling what she would do if he approached her.




Wolf Lake Ch. 06



Maddie finally got tired of waiting. She wanted Alex and the fact that he had agreed to the hunt and was still standing there led her to believe that he wanted her. As his mate it was her responsibility to go to him. Slowly, she lowered herself until her belly brushed the ground. With her head and eyes lowered she crawled across the clearing until she was laying at his feet. There she waited until he was ready to acknowledge her.

Alex wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do but it was obvious that Maddie expected something from him. Slowly, he knelt beside her and reaching out twisted his fingers in her thick fur. He smiled when a she let out a low growl of pleasure. It was obvious that she enjoyed his hands on her and he set about giving her more of what she desired. With both hands he stroked up and down her body. The blonde fur was thick, rich and textured.

Maddie, enjoying every minute of the attention, slowly moved her body around until Alex was positioned behind her. She used her body, rubbing up against him and letting him know in as many ways possible that she wanted him.

Alex understood what she was asking for and without hesitation released himself from his jeans. He was surprised to find himself hard and ready. In the back of his mind had been the doubt that when the time came he wouldn’t be able to do what was necessary. But now that the moment was here he found that he was looking forward to joining with her. Maddie was a beautiful woman both in animal and human form. He’d wanted her from the first moment he saw her and knowing that when this was over she would be his gave him the edge he need. He positioned himself at her opening and gasping her hips slowly slid himself home. 

Together, they groaned in pleasure at the sensation of him filling her body with his own. It wasn’t long before they found a rhythm that suited them both and together moved towards release. 

Maddie, understanding that now what the time, turned and grasped Alex’s wrist with her teeth. He was nearing his completion, she could feel him swelling within her and so she waited. Their eyes locked and Alex could see the apology there; with a small nod he closed his eyes and reached for release. Maddie waited until he gave a shout in triumph and then clamped down with her teeth. 

Alex’s shout turned from one of pleasure to one of pain. Through the bright blaze of passion and pain he watched as blood dripped down his arm and splattered on the ground. For several seconds they remained joined as he released his seed and she released the disease. Finally, the pain, pleasure and loss of blood got to be too much and Alex collapsed onto the ground.

Maddie, back in human form, curled up beside him. She’d used a piece of cloth torn from his shirt to wrap his wrist, it would do to find a mate and then let him bleed to death. “Thank you.”

Alex, his arm wrapped around her shoulder, smiled and kissed the top of her head. “Well, you’re stuck with me now. I hope you don’t regret it.”

“I won’t; you’re the one I want.” Maddie snuggled closer. “I’m sorry I had to hurt you.”

Alex flexed his wrist and winced slightly. It hurt but already he could tell it was healing. The realization shocked and surprised him. It didn’t seem possible that the disease was already having an effect on his physiology. Shrugging it off, he brought his attention back to the woman beside him. “Don’t worry about it. Where do we go from here?”

“We’ll return to the pack and go through the mating ceremony. I won’t take animal form again until the next full moon. That’s when you’ll change for the first time and together we’ll hunt. It is a way of proving to the pack that you can provide for me.”

Alex listened to Maddie as she explained what life would be like for him. Sam and Nafarius both had already counseled him on several things but it was good to hear it from his mate. They spent another hour or so together before returning to the pack.

Sam was relieved to see Alex return accompanied by Maddie. There were some grumbling among the other pack members, mostly those that had opposed another human joining the pack but for the most part he was accepted. Many seemed genuinely happy for Maddie and the evening was spent in celebration. 

“You seem happy?” Sam turned and walked into Nafarius’ arms.

“I am.”

“I’m surprised. I thought you’d be sad to see her go.”

“I am but I know that not only will Alex take care of her but he’ll see that she’s happy.” Sam smiled at where the two sat off by themselves.

“I must admit that I’m happy with the way things worked out.” Nafarius snuggled Sam closer. “Now, there’s just one more thing we need to discuss.”

“What’s that?”

Nafarius smiled. “The baby.”

Stay tuned to meet the newest addition to the Wolf Lake series.



Wolf Lake Ch. 07



It's been a long time since I posted the last chapter of Wolf Lake. I want to thank all of you that have made this a favorite series and that continue to send me requests for the next chapter ~ here it is! As always, comments are appreciated. I hope you like it! 

*****

"Sam, you can't go." Nafarius stood, hands on hips, watching as his mate threw her clothes into a beat up old backpack.

"Watch me." Sam held up a pair of worn jeans and sighed, there was no way she'd be wearing those again any time soon. Tossing them aside, she reached for another sundress and added it to the others already in her bag. "I told you, I am not having this baby here."

"We've been over this before; birth is a perfectly natural thing to do. All of our women give birth here. You won't be alone and I'll be here to help." Nafarius cursed himself when he saw the look of horror that thought brought to Sam's face.

Sam shook her head. "Giving birth in the middle of nowhere might be a perfectly normal thing for a woman born a werewolf to do, but I was once human and this former human has a firm belief in hospitals and all things modern when it comes to medicine. So, unless you can tell me that one of those women out there is a doctor..."

"Sam," Nafarius ran a hand through his hair. "Look, it's not just the fact that the pack expects to witness the birth of their next leader. No matter what you used to be, you're no longer human and you can't just walk into a hospital and give birth to a werewolf."

Sam turned to look at her mate through narrowed eyes. "I'm not going to give birth to a litter of pups, am I?"

Nafarius laughed but stopped short when his mate's glared turned into a snarl. "No, I promise, no pups. I told you, we're born in human form. It isn't until we reach puberty that we change for the first time."

Sam nodded at the reminder. She'd been beyond surprised when Nafarius first told her that he suspected she was pregnant. It wasn't that she didn't think it was possible. She'd just never actually thought about it. Lord knows, with all of the coupling they did it was just a matter of time. Still, the possibility and the reality were two very different things. 

Once the shock had worn off, Sam had done a quick mental check of her cycle and sure enough - she was late. It had never happened before. A somewhat lacking social life combined with an almost obsessive belief in birth control had ensured there had never been an 'oops' moment. Within a few weeks, morning sickness had set in and Sam was able to officially announce that she was pregnant.

Nafarius was thrilled. He'd never really thought about fatherhood before. Oh, he'd always known that at some point he would want children and the pack would want an heir. Still, he was young, especially for a werewolf, and there was no rush. But none of that factored into his happiness at learning that Sam was pregnant. The thought of her carrying their child, of eventually suckling a babe to her breast, filled him with a sense of awe and wonder unlike anything he'd ever experienced.

Sam was terrified. Understandably so, she thought. She had no experience what-so-ever with babies. Until coming to join the pack, she'd never even spent time around small children. She was an only child raised primarily in the foster system. The foster system didn't house many babies; any child under the age of 6 or 7 tended to be adopted pretty quickly. Add to that the fact that Nafarius thought she was going to give birth here, in the middle of the woods...well, the phrase 'not a chance in hell' instantly came to mind.

"Sam," Nafarius said quietly.

Sam stopped packing and sat down. "Nafarius, you have to understand, I wasn't born a werewolf. I wasn't raised a werewolf and have only lived as one for a relatively short time. I don't have the natural instincts that the other women have when it comes to giving birth and raising children. I just don't know what to do!"

Nafarius knelt down beside his mate. For the first time, he could hear her fear. "It's not just werewolves that have instincts when it comes to giving birth and raising children. All animals know how to care for their young. Humans are, at the basic level, animals. Human women have been birthing babies for thousands of years, most of those before the advent of modern medicine or hospitals. Somewhere inside of you is all that knowledge. Combine that with the instincts that come from being a werewolf and the support you'll have from everyone here and there is nothing to be afraid of."

Sam listened and felt mildly comforted but it wasn't enough to stop her from going. "Okay, let's say, just for the moment, that there is a remote possibility that I would consider giving birth here, I'm still going. I'm well into my second trimester and haven't seen a doctor. I don't know about you but I want some reassurance that everything is okay." 

Nafarius had to admit, if only to himself, that she made a good point.

"Then there is all the stuff we need." Sam looked around at their cramped quarters. The space was littered with their clothes, blankets, cooking utensils and a pile of practice weapons. "Honestly, does this place look ready for a baby?"

Nafarius looked around, "what's wrong with it?"

Sam didn't miss the slightly defensive edge to his question. "Nothing, but babies need a fair amount of stuff and I can't make it all myself."

"I'll send someone," he immediately offered. "Write out a list of what you want and I'll have some of the men go into town and get it." Thinking back, Nafarius realized that he'd sent someone into town for one of the expectant mothers last time a baby was due. Part of the problem was that werewolves didn't produce many offspring. Each mated couple might have one child in a lifetime. When that lifetime spanned centuries it was easy to understand why Nafarius might be forgiven for having forgotten what it was like when a baby was born. Add to that the fact that he'd never really cared before. He was always happy when one of his pack members gave birth and the rarity of such events meant that each one was celebrated. He'd just never paid much attention to the details that went along with it.

Sam sighed, "Nafarius, I'd never given much thought to having a baby but now that it's here I want to experience everything. I know that there is a lot I won't be able to do because of who and what we are. But at the very least, I want to walk through the baby stores and check out booties and blankets and whatever else a baby needs. I would like for us to do some of that together," she added quietly.

Nafarius sighed in defeat. "Alright," he said. "We'll go together."

Three days later and they were ready to go. Nafarius had organized a ten-day trip to the city. Accompanying them would be Maddie and Alex as well as two other pack members. Seth and Jake were both young and this would be their first trip to the city.

Despite their remote location, the pack usually sent a small group into town once a month for supplies. Less often, Nafarius would send some of the older members into the city or take them himself. He hadn't taken a trip since Sam arrived and he was long over due.

It was early morning as they stood on the edge of the clearing, the whole pack turning out to see them off. Sam stood with Maddie and Alex, her backpack securely in place and anxious to get started. It would take them two days to hike into town. They could have made the trip faster in animal form, but Sam's pregnancy prevented her from changing. Not only that, but there was no way to carry any personal belongings with them without traveling by foot.

Sam turned to where Nafarius stood giving last minute instructions to Roland. "You have the number of the house? If anything happens, use the satellite phone and call. I can be back in two days if there is an emergency."

Roland nodded. This wasn't the first time Nafarius had left him in charge. It also wasn't the first time they'd gone over these same instructions. Nafarius was obviously uneasy with taking his mate into the city. Going over the details seemed to help settle his mind.

Turning back to his pack, Nafarius gave them all a long, last look before heading off into the woods. He didn't understand his reluctance at leaving. He made regular trips to city to conduct business. On rare occasions a pack member decided to leave the pack and live in the city. When that happened, Nafarius was often the one to escort them and help them get settled. Despite his preference for home, he was actually fairly comfortable in the city. This was the first time he'd ever felt so nervous.

The answer as to why was striding beside him. Despite her obvious pregnancy, Sam was easily able to keep up with him. While Alex and Maddie elected to stay in human form and walk with them, Nafarius had ordered Seth and Jake into animal form and sent them up ahead. They would scout out the path ahead and warn at any hint of danger.

"Nafarius?" Sam had been enjoying the brisk walk through the forest when she sensed the tension in her mate.

"Hmm?"

"Why didn't you want me to go back to the city?" Sam asked.

Nafarius sighed, leave it to Sam to pick up on his thoughts. Werewolves couldn't read minds, even when mated. No, it was just that his mate was sensitive to his moods and had likely guessed at his train of thoughts. "I don't like putting you in harms way," he said.

Sam frowned. "There is little danger for me in the city. Except for a few unpaid bills that I left behind, there really isn't much that my leaving would have affected. Besides, I would say that I'm better able to take care of myself now then when I left."

Nafarius' frown grew fiercer at his own thoughts, the real reason for his fear having revealed itself. "What if you don't want to come back?"

Sam was so surprised by his question that she stopped and stared. Nafarius, realizing that she no longer walked beside him, turned to wait for her.

Sam waited until Alex and Maddie stepped past them before addressing Nafarius' question with one of her own. "How can you even ask that?" Nafarius started to answer only to be cut off. "Do you have such little faith in me, in my feelings for you? Do you honestly think that I could just walk away from the life we've built together?"

"No, it's just..." Nafarius tried to put into words what he'd only just come to understand. "This is the first time you've been back to the city since you joined the pack. What if, once we're there, you realize that you made a mistake? I know that life with the pack isn't easy, even for those of us that are born to it. You gave up everything to be with me, what if you change your mind?"

Sam stepped forward and, sliding her arms around his waist, rested her head on his chest. She could hear his heart beating. It was a familiar sound, one she often fell asleep to, and she could hear how it beat harder, faster, with his fear. "I will never change my mind, never regret my decision. I love my life with you and the pack. What I had before doesn't even come close in comparison. Do I miss some things? Of course, I do enjoy some of the more material comforts but not a single one of them or all of them combined could make me change my mind."

Nafarius heard what she was saying and knew it to be true. He had been foolish to think, even for a moment, that she would ever leave him. Still, the urgency he'd been feeling had yet to leave him. Roughly, gripping her hair in his hands, he pulled her head back and claimed her mouth in a fierce kiss.

Sam sighed as she felt him stake his claim. She understood his need to reassure himself and gave herself over to it. For several moments he held her to him, his mouth covering her own as his tongue explored. By the time he was done she was completely saturated with his taste.

Nafarius reluctantly released his hold on her hair. Staring down, he was satisfied by the slightly dazed look in her eyes. With an arrogant nod that at any other time would have earned him a smack, Nafarius turned them back into the right direction and started walking.

Two days later they reached the edge of town. Nafarius had timed their arrival for Sunday morning. While the small down wasn't particularly religious, most of its inhabitants would still be in bed or at the Sunday service.

The pack owned a building in the town's small industrial section. There they stored several cars, including Sam's old VW Bug, and extra supplies. It was small, out of the way and had easy ingress and egress. Not wasting time, Nafarius ordered everyone to load up the SUV and then quickly drove out of town. He was known in town, as was Roland. They had developed a relationship with the townspeople that kept any of them from asking too many questions. Still, it was always better if they could get in and out without being seen.

Sam sat and stared as the small town rolled by, quickly turning from narrow streets to open freeway. It was a three-hour drive to the city; Seth and Jake spent most of the time talking about all the things they wanted to explore. Alex offered a few suggestions while Maddie listened attentively. Nafarius was quiet, waiting until Sam fell asleep in the seat beside him before reaching over to take her hand, relieved, that even in sleep, her fingers gripped his tightly.

Nafarius drove them straight to the house the pack kept in the city. Despite their simple living style, the pack was financially well off. Werewolves were a long-lived race and centuries of saving and wise investments had ensured that they never wanted for anything. The choice to live outside of the city and off the grid was more about freedom and survival then anything else.

Sam sensed the car slowing down and woke to find herself back in the city. Not much had changed. It was actually about this same time last year, the beginning of summer, when she'd first ventured up to Wolf Lake. Coming back now, it felt like only a few days had passed instead of months.

Sam sighed in appreciation when the house came into view. It was an older, brick home built in the mid 1800s. Set back from the street and surrounded by wrought iron fencing, it offered an island of peace and solitude within an otherwise busy city. "It's beautiful," she said.

Nafarius smiled at her obvious appreciation. "It's been in the pack for years. The original owner was a pack member that had it built. Back in those days we could live in the city and still run free in the surrounding wilderness. It was only as the city grew and spread out that we were forced to move further away." Nafarius noted Sam scanning the surrounding area. "A few years ago we were able to buy the property on both sides and turn it back into a wooded area." Grabbing their bags from the car, he said, "come one, I'll show you the rest."

It was the first time any of them except Nafarius had been there. The inside of the house was as beautiful as the outside promised. The architect obviously cared about space and one room's relationship to the next. Each room was spacious and seemed to flow into the next giving the impression of endless space and room to run - something a werewolf would appreciate.

They had gathered in the living room; a large room with thick carpet and deep leather seats it invited one to sit and spend some time. Nafarius indicated that they should all take a seat but remained standing. Addressing Seth and Jake, he said, "I know we went over this before but I have to reiterate. You must remain in human form at all times. While the grounds are heavily forested there is not the assurance of privacy here that we have at home. Over the years, I've installed various security measures and upgraded as necessary but they are not fool proof and there is no guarantee against trespassers. If someone should come across you in animal form it is likely that they would either shoot or call animal control. Either way, there would be little we could do to save you. Are we clear?"

Everyone nodded in agreement. Nafarius seemed satisfied that his warning had been taken seriously. Indicating that they should all follow him, Nafarius gave them a quick tour of the house. There were several smaller rooms, a library, a garage with two cars besides the SUV they'd arrived it and even a hot tub off the back deck. Upstairs were the sleeping quarters and three full bathrooms.

There was room enough for everyone with plenty of space left over. Nafarius and Sam took the master suite with Alex and Maddie next door. Seth and Jake decided to share a room. As single males, they spent most of their nights at home sleeping in the common area, neither one of them wanted to sleep alone.

"I need to run a few errands, will you be alright?" Nafarius watched Sam as she explored their new quarters. 

Sam flashed him a smile over her shoulder. "You forget, this is my city, I'll be fine."

Nafarius glared at the reminder and crossed the room. Sam gave a squeak in surprise when she found herself picked up and crushed against her mate's chest. "Just remember," he growled, "you're coming home with me after we're through here." Not giving her a chance to reply, Nafarius pressed a quick kiss on her lips before dropping her on her feet and striding out the door.

"Humph!" was all Sam could think to say before going back to her unpacking. That done, she went in search of Alex and Maddie. 

Nafarius dropped Jake and Seth off downtown. The boys had enough cash on them to keep them busy for the better part of the afternoon. Tomorrow, the group would set about the business of resupplying the pack; some of it they would take back with them, and the rest would be shipped to the building in town. For now, he was content to let the two young men experience and explore the city.

Nafarius spent the next couple of hours with his attorney. Once he'd agreed to join Sam in the city he decided to use the time to take care of some business, including updating his will and setting up a life insurance policy. He needed to know that if anything happened to him Sam would be taken care of.

His last stop was a quick meeting with Thomas, one of the historians in charge of recording and maintaining the history of the lycanthropes. Thomas wasn't a werewolf, his animal was a leopard, but as the historian for the Pacific Northwest region he remained neutral and Nafarius knew he could trust him. Quickly, Nafarius explained the situation with Sam and asked Thomas to do some research. Thomas agreed to take a look; more importantly, he agreed to keep his findings confidential until speaking with Nafarius. Nafarius left feeling hopeful that within a day or two they might have some answers.

Back at the house, Nafarius found Alex sitting at the dining room table, an assortment of books and papers spread out in front of him. "Where's Sam?"

"Out," Alex didn't bother to look up.

Nafarius felt a sliver of alarm. "What do you mean out?" 

Alex had spent the past two hours trying to wrap up his entire life, both personal and professional. Unlike Sam, he had a number of family ties that he couldn't just sever. He was tired from talking to his mother, making excuses to his sisters and avoiding his brothers. That, combined with trying to come up with a plausible story to explain his future absences, caused him to miss the quiet warning in his leader's question. "She took Maddie, said she wanted to go out and do some shopping."

"And you let her go?" 

Apparently, Nafarius' growl was sufficient to get through to Alex. Looking up, he found his leader standing in the doorway to the kitchen, gripping the frame hard enough to crack it. "I didn't try to stop her, if that's what you mean."

"That's exactly what I mean. It's your job as a member of this pack to protect your mistress." Nafarius took a slow, stalking step towards Alex.

Alex, recognizing that things were about to go very, very wrong, stood. "With all due respect, Sam can take care of herself. I trust her."




Wolf Lake Ch. 07



"Enough to let her take your mate with her?" Nafarius asked. The question itself was disrespectful, insinuating that Alex didn't care for his mate's safety.

Alex ignored the slight. "There you go again with that phrase 'let her'. Sam is as much my leader as you are; you can imagine how well it would go over if I tried to tell you what to do. Here," Alex reached into his pocket. "She said to give you this."

The note, written in Sam's bold handwriting, was short.

4th & James ~ 4PM Don't blame Alex. Love, Sam

Nafarius felt some of his anger slipping away. Sam, predicting his response at finding her gone, had let him know where to find her as well as giving him a not-so-gentle reminder that no one could tell her what to do. Alex breathed a sigh of relief as the corner of Nafarius' lips twitched ever so slightly. Nafarius folded the note, put it in his pocket and grabbed the keys to the SUV. "Let's go." 

Nafarius recognized the address; it was right in the middle of the shopping district, which meant parking would be a bitch. It took them longer to find a parking space then it did getting downtown. In the end, Nafarius got lucky and pulled up in front of the location Sam had given him. 

He immediately saw her. She was sitting outside at a small bistro table; her hair was loose and her face turned up to the sun, one hand resting on the gentle swell of her belly. As he watched, she laughed at something Maddie said, the sound carrying to where he still sat in the car. It was at that moment that Nafarius realized that he'd never seen Sam laughing and looking so carefree. 

From the very beginning, her time with the pack had been a test of her strength both as a leader and as his mate. It was only here, away from the rest of the pack members, that she had been able to forget her responsibilities - if only for a moment. Suddenly, Nafarius realized that he couldn't stay mad at her for taking the day to enjoy herself. Besides, Alex was right, there was no telling Sam what to do and she could definitely take care of herself.

Next to him, Alex snorted, drawing him out of his musing. "I should have known."

Nafarius turned to look at him. "What?"

Alex indicated the Starbucks sign behind Sam. "Before she met you, I would have said that there was nothing Sam loved more then coffee, including men and sex."

Nafarius started out of the car and saw the exact moment that Sam became aware of him. Her head turned towards him and her nostrils flared slightly, catching his scent. She wore a pair of new sunglasses but despite the dark lenses, he knew that her eyes had locked with his. Sliding into the seat next to her, he leaned over and nuzzled the soft spot just behind her ear. "Hello, darling."

Sam shivered. There was no mistaking the hint of his earlier frustration at finding her gone. She had known when she made the decision to go shopping that Nafarius would be worried and that his worry would turn into anger. However, she couldn't stand the thought of spending the day locked in the house after having been out of the city for so long. Trying to sound innocent, Sam asked, "did you know that this is Maddie's first time in the city?"

Nafarius didn't bother to look at the other young woman. "I did know that, which is why I thought she would be a good one to accompany us on this trip."

"Hmmm..." Sam said and took a long sip of her drink. "Well, I just had to show her my favorite shops and then we had lunch at this great little place I know. After that we did a bit more shopping and then I realized that my feet were killing me and I hadn't had coffee in almost a year and well...here we are!"

Nafarius looked around the table, "didn't you buy anything?"

"Of course we did," Sam pointed to where the car she'd found in the garage was parked. "It's in the car."

Nafarius' eyes about popped out of his head. Even from where he sat he could see that the entire back seat and storage area of the car was packed full of packages. "Is that all for the baby?"

"God no, we didn't even get to the baby store yet. I want to do that with you after my appointment tomorrow."

"Appointment?" Nafarius asked, feeling his grip on his sanity slipping. Surely his mate wouldn't be the death of him.

"Yep. I called and made an appointment with an OB/GYN for tomorrow at 10AM. I explained that I had been traveling for the past few months and had just now gotten back into States." Sam could see that he was worried. "I gave them a false name and told them that we'd be self paying so there is no insurance paperwork to fill out. It'll be fine, I promise. I just need to know that everything is okay."

Nafarius nodded. "Okay, let's head back. Seth and Jake should be back at the house by now. I thought maybe we could all go out to dinner. I hear there's a pretty good steak house near by."

Sam and Maddie both groaned. "No! No steak! I want Mexican," Sam said. "Or Sushi."

"Or Thai," Alex suggested.

"Italian?" Maddie offered quietly.

"Alright, alright," Nafarius held up his hands in mock surrender. "No steak."

As it turned out, Seth and Jake were home but only long enough to change and go back out. It seemed they'd attracted the attention of a couple of college girls and had been invited to a club in Pioneer Square. Nafarius gave them several strict warnings about how to behave before setting them free. 

In the end, they settled on Mexican, Sam calling it the 'Pregnant Lady's Prerogative'. They found a family owned restaurant close to the house and were about half way through the meal when a young woman stepped up to their table.

"Alex? Is that you?"

Maddie felt herself stiffen at the sight of the tall redhead addressing her mate.

Alex was seated on the outside edge of the curved booth; Nafarius sat across from him, together they effectively prevented anyone from getting to Sam or Maddie without having to go through one of them first. Easily, Alex slipped from the booth and stood to greet the newcomer. "Caro, wow, you look great!"

Alex missed the low growl of warning that came from his mate as he gave his old friend a hug. Sam didn't. "How long has it been?"

"Too long," she said. "You seemed to have disappeared." Her green eyes shifted to the small party seated behind Alex. She'd been watching them throughout dinner. It wasn't hard to see that they were a close, almost intimate, group. The little blond in particular seemed to have a hold on Alex's interest. Alex had always been one of Caro's favorite lovers and she'd been disappointed when he'd stopped calling. It was rare that a man passed on the opportunity to be with her and she found she didn't care for it. To see Alex snuggled up with some...mouse...had driven Caro to interrupt their dinner.

Alex missed the calculating glint in Caro's eyes as he turned to introduce her. "These are my friends - Nafarius, Sam and Maddie, this is Caro. We used to work together."

Caro slipped her arm through Alex's and laughed lightly, "Oh, come now Alex, we used to do more then just work together."

Maddie felt her hackles rise at the insult both from Caro and her mate. Alex may not have realized it, but his introduction of her as a 'friend' was tantamount to disavowing her as his mate. To add insult, he hadn't bothered to remove the offending woman's hand from his arm.

Sam was torn between wanting to restrain Maddie, who was about three seconds from ripping the woman's throat out, and doing it herself. Maddie had a right to be upset but they were in public and if things got out of hand someone could get hurt. 

Nafarius was also aware of the situation and was trying to give Alex a clue. He'd come to understand the young man as Sam's friend and Maddie's mate. He also knew that Alex didn't have a vicious bone in his body, which was why the young man was completely oblivious to the true nature of the shrew hanging on his arm. Realizing, that in the end the man had to learn for himself, Nafarius decided to sit back and watch events unfold. He was confident that, between him and Sam, they could keep things from getting out of hand.

Caro turned, careful to brush her breast against Alex's arm, and started to address the group at the table.

"That's it," Maddie said and slipped from the booth. Before anyone could so much as blink, Maddie had Caro by the throat and was slamming her into the wall. "Stay away from him, you bitch!"

"Maddie!" Alex shouted and went to grab his mate. Already he could see that she risked strangling Caro with her grip. "Let her go."

"Stay out of this!" Maddie snarled, without bothering to look at him. "Get this through your head; he's mine and if you ever come near him again I will kill you." Maddie punctuated her statement by banging Caro's head against the wall - hard. 

Caro, her air supply not completely cut off, nevertheless struggled to breathe. The little bitch holding her was a hell of a lot stronger then she looked and there was something about her eyes that sent chills down Caro's spine. In that moment, she had no doubts that this young woman would make good on her threat. Quickly, Caro nodded. An instant later she felt her feet hit the floor and collapse under her. 

As Nafarius watched, Maddie turned and stormed out of the restaurant. Alex stood for a split second in indecision before going after his mate and abandoning Caro to fend for herself. "Smart man," he muttered and heard Sam chuckle quietly beside him.

Quickly, they surveyed the room. Luckily, they had been seated off to one side and surrounded by other tall-backed booths so there weren't many witness to the attack. It would seem that not even the friends that Caro had been dining with wanted to stick around and help the young lady. Reluctantly, Sam slid out of the booth and helped the woman to her feet. Quietly, under her breath so that not even Nafarius could hear, she said, "next time, if Maddie doesn't kill you, I will." Caro fled.

"Maddie! Maddie, wait!" Alex rushed to catch up to his mate. 

"How could you do that to me?"

"Do what? Caro is just a friend..."

"Right, that's why you introduced me as your 'friend'?"

The hurt and anger in her voice caught him off guard. "I'm sorry, I didn't know how to explain 'mate'."

"How about wife?" Maddie asked. "Is that one she would have understood? Or partner? Soul mate? Girlfriend? Anything but 'friend'." Furious, Maddie turned towards home, Alex following beside her. She wanted to shift and run, to feel the earth beneath her paws. "Are you ashamed of me, Alex? Of what you've become?"

"What? No! Why would you even think that?" Alex reached out and grabbed Maddie; ignoring her snarl he forced her to look at him. "I love you. I've loved you from the moment we first met. You are everything that is wonderful in this world. I am proud to be your mate."

"Then why didn't you say that tonight?" Maddie didn't know what she would do if she couldn't make Alex understand the ramifications of his actions tonight. It hurt her to think that he could be so thoughtless about her feelings and their relationship.

Alex knew he was missing something. "Look, I'm sorry. I never thought about how I would handle it if we ran into someone from my past. The moment caught me off guard and I was worried about doing or saying something that could hurt Sam or Nafarius or the pack. Then there was Caro who was a friend and yes, for a short time a lover, and I didn't want to make her feel bad by rubbing our relationship in her face."

Maddie gave a small whimper of pain. "You thought of everyone else but me." Shaking her head, she stepped back when he reached for her. "I never want you to be rude or thoughtless or uncaring with anyone, either from your past or within the pack. But Alex, you let her touch you and mark you with her scent all while standing right in front of me and our pack leaders. It was hurtful, not to mention humiliating. You could have easily removed her hand and then made a point of introducing me. Anyone conscientious enough would have understood the implication and backed off. Your friend," Maddie hissed, "acted like a total bitch and you did nothing to stop her."

Alex stood and stared as his normally quiet mate walked away. How was he supposed to know? He'd never been in this situation before and it wasn't like there was a manual. How to Behave After Becoming a Werewolf had yet to be published. He hadn't been with the pack long and their isolation meant that he hadn't had to deal with anyone outside the pack since his change. Taking a deep breath, Alex followed Maddie as she walked the two miles back to the house. He knew she could take care of herself but it was his job as her mate to protect her and see that she was never forced to defend herself.

Alex stumbled and tripped over his feet as he realized exactly what had happened and how badly he'd failed Maddie. It was his job, his duty to protect her and not just from physical dangers. Caro had acted the bitch and instead of putting a stop to it Alex had forced Maddie to stand up for herself. Considering how sweet and gentle Maddie was Alex could only imagine how hard it had been for her. He had completely failed as a mate and Maddie had every right to be pissed. Still following her, Alex tried to come up with some way to prove to Maddie the he was worthy of her and that he would do better in the future.

Sam and Nafarius drove home in comfortable silence, enjoying the rare moment of uninterrupted time together. While there were moments at home, it was never long before someone came to them with a question or concern. Sam loved the pack and she missed them but she planned to soak up as much time alone with her mate as she could.

The house was quiet when they returned. A quick check revealed Alex and Maddie's scent heavy on the air; the lighter scents of Seth and Jake confirmed that both young men were still out for the evening. Sam hoped they were having a good time while staying out of trouble. This pregnancy was starting to wear on her, as was the busy day in the city. The last thing she wanted to deal with tonight was rescuing two young pups from whatever trouble they had found themselves in. Lord knew the possibilities were endless.

Following Nafarius upstairs, Sam fell onto the bed without bothering to undress or pull back the covers. Nafarius left her there for the time being. He had a surprise for her and had been waiting all day to get her home. By the time he returned to the bedroom she was snoring. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of his mate sprawled across the bed, one arm flung up over her head while the other rested protectively on her belly.

"Come on, sleeping beauty, come get naked with me."

Sam opened one eye and stared at her mate. "I'm perfectly capable of getting naked in bed."

"Yes, but you wouldn't want to get the sheets wet."

"Get the sheets...? What the...oh..." Sam was rendered speechless at the sight that greeted her. Fixated on the idea of shopping, she hadn't bothered to explore beyond the bedroom. If she had, she might not have wanted to leave.

The bathroom, like the rest of house, was large and spacious. On her left, a vanity table built into the existing counter separated a double sink. Directly across from where they'd entered, floor to ceiling windows looked out into the forest surrounding the house and filled the room with moonlight. But by far, the piece de resistance was the bathtub. Sam couldn't be sure, but she would guess it was part of the original design. Where others might have installed a large, claw-footed bathtub or updated it with something with jets what spread out before her was a hundred times better. 

A Roman style bath was set deep into the floor, almost more of a shallow pool then bathtub, and could easily accommodate five or six people. Sam and Nafarius had it all to themselves.

"Do you like it?" Nafarius asked, setting Sam back onto her feet.

"It's marvelous." Sam said. Her breath caught in her throat when Nafarius stepped back and pulled his shirt over his head, the motion causing the muscles across his chest and shoulders to flex and stretch. The sight of him never ceased to affect her; just as it had the first day they met. He was beautiful with tawny skin, wide shoulders and reddish-blond hair that was so thick her fingers positively itched to touch it. 

Nafarius' nostrils flared as he caught the first hint of her desire on the air. As he watched, Sam's breasts quivered slightly as they rose and fell, her breathing having picked up a slightly erratic rhythm. Slowly, he let his eyes wander over both breasts before sliding up to her face.

Sam's eyes locked with Nafarius'. The room, already filled with steam from the water, grew warmer. While her eyes never left his face, she was completely aware of his hands as they moved to the buttons of his jeans. Time seemed to stand still and she thought she might scream in frustration as he slowly slipped the buttons free and started to push the denim off his hips. 

"Oh god," Sam couldn't stop the low exclamation as his cock sprung free and stood out from his body. He was already hard and swollen and she could see his shaft pulse once, twice, until her body responded in kind.

Nafarius reached up and grabbed her hands were she had started to work at the buttons of her shirt. He wanted to unwrap her himself, baring each piece of her to his gaze in his own time. Slowly, not letting her rush him, he slipped the first few buttons free, revealing the swells of her breasts. She'd always had generous proportions but pregnancy had caused them to swell and fill out in a way that only nature could do. Lightly, he ran his fingertips across the tops of the swells, ignoring her as she thrust her breasts forward trying to push them more firmly into his hands.

He let his hand move from her chest to the hair at the nape of her neck; reaching up, he tangled his fingers in her hair and pulled her head back. Sam stared up at him, her eyes glowing slightly in the moonlight. He could feel her breath brushing against his face as he lowered his head.

Sam instinctively let her lips part expecting to be taken in a deep kiss. Instead, she shivered as Nafarius ran his tongue up the long line of her neck.

Nafarius growled as the taste of his mate burst over his tongue, she was better then any wine and more intoxicating. Again, he bent his head and licked, this time pressing his tongue and then his teeth into the pulse point below the edge of her jaw. 

It was a dominant move that bordered on aggressive; Sam recognized that she was in the submissive position with her jugular literally exposed and beneath his teeth. At the same time, she also showed tremendous trust. Tipping her head back, Sam sought to give Nafarius better access while at the same time reaching between their bodies.

Nafarius' growl of appreciation turned into one of pleasure as he felt her fingers wrap around his shaft and squeeze. A moment later, his hips rocked forward as she started stroking him. No longer able to take it slow, Nafarius released Sam long enough to strip off the last of her clothes pick her up and step down into the bath. Identical sighs of appreciation echoed in the night as their already heated skin met warm water. Sam thought she might expire in a burst of pure pleasure on the spot and that was before Nafarius took one of her nipples into his mouth.

Nafarius felt Sam arch in his hands; in the same moment both of her hands tangled in his hair and grasped his head to her breast. Restlessly, she moved and moaned, trying to get closer until finally he took pity on her and set her straddling his lap. 

"Nafarius, please," she whimpered. Sam's breasts felt heavy and full. Pregnancy had not only caused them to swell but any touch was almost more then she could bear. The feel of Nafarius' mouth hot and pulling hard at her nipples caused her clit to throb in response and she longed to feel him filling her.




Wolf Lake Ch. 07



"Not yet," he said and lifted her out of the bath. Gently, he set her on the edge of the tub and pulled both of her legs over his shoulder. Pushing her thighs apart, he lowered his head and took a deep breath. The scent of her sex was similar to the taste of her that still lingered on his tongue only stronger, more concentrated. He let the smell of her settle into his brain; the animal in him recognized the scent of its mate and came roaring to life. Nafarius refused to shift, wanting to take her in human form, and buried his face between her thighs.

Sam cried out as Nafarius sucked her clit deep into his mouth. She was wet and throbbing, every part of her body flooded with desire and hormones from her pregnancy. Roughly, she pulled at his hair urging him on while her thighs locked together, holding him to her.

Nafarius grabbed her by the hips and held her beneath him. He could feel his desire rage and a part of him wanted to tear into her, render her flesh and feast on her. He sensed an answering need in her and sought to give her what she wanted without hurting her.

Sam came at the feel of Nafarius' teeth scraping against the tender flesh of her clit. He didn't bite; just let her feel his teeth and the promise of pain. It was enough.

Nafarius lapped softly at the swollen folds of her skin, watching and waiting until the last tremors had passed. Gently, he slid her off the edge of the tub and into the water.

Sam opened her eyes to find Nafarius watching her. His eyes glowed yellow, a sure sign that his wolf was near, stirred by Nafarius' desire. Wanting to reach out and sooth, Sam slid herself down the front of Nafarius until she was once again straddling his lap. She could feel the head of his cock pressing between her legs. Maintaining her slow slide, Sam shifted her hips forward giving him direct access to her body.

Nafarius growled as he slid into her passage; made tight by her orgasm, her skin stretched to accommodate him before wrapping him in her velvet heat. Something that hot should burn, he thought, but the feeling of her wrapped around him, her arms about his shoulders, her legs around his waist and her pussy around his cock, soothed him as nothing else could.

Sam settled herself deeper and felt him shudder beneath her. Slowly, she pulled back, giving him just enough room to slide from her body but not leave her completely. Back and forth she moved, never rushing, always careful to let him feel every inch of her passing over his skin. The contrast to her own climax was intoxicating; Nafarius had forced pleasure on her while she rung it from him, until finally, with one hard thrust up, Nafarius released his seed deep inside of her.

It was several minutes before they were able to part. Carefully, Nafarius set Sam onto the bench that ran around the edge of the tub. It was narrow but allowed a person to sit in the water while bathing. They talked quietly, all the while bathing each other. They often bathed together at home and had gotten into a routine of sharing the soap and shampooing each other's hair. 

Nafarius lifted Sam from the tub and carefully set her on her feet. Kneeling in front of her, he used one of the over-sized bath towels to dry her off. When he was done he dropped a quick kiss on her belly and rose to his feet. 

Sam laughed as Nafarius scooped her up and carried her to bed. She hadn't slept on a real mattress in over a year and was looking forward to the luxury. They made love again slowly before finally falling asleep.

Early the next morning, Sam and Nafarius rose to find Alex, Seth and Jake sitting around the kitchen table. Sam and Maddie and made sure to stock the fridge for their stay and all three young men were busy making their way through breakfast. Looking at the empty egg shells, bacon wrapper and empty orange juice container, Sam realized they were going to need more food.

Noticeably absent was Maddie. When asked, Alex just shook his head and went back to eating. Seth and Jake filled the following silence with a detailed description of their night out. Apparently, the college girls they originally met up with did nothing but giggle. Quickly growing bored, the two set out to find some more...mature...entertainment. Sam took that to mean that they eventually ended up at a strip club but refrained from commenting. Nafarius simply raised an eyebrow, thanked them for not getting arrested or requiring bail and let the matter drop.

An hour later, Sam waited patiently in a sterile exam room, Nafarius a wall of impatience standing next to her. "I don't like the smell of this place," he said and not for the first time.

"It's normal," she assured him. Truth be told, with her heightened sense of smell, Sam had to admit that the doctor's office had a rather...pungent smell to it. 

A moment later the doctor walked in. Sam hadn't known what to expect; unable to go to her former OB/GYN for fear of being recognized, Sam had called and asked for a referral. Dr. Winters came highly recommended but was a bit startling at first sight. With shocking white hair, a full beard and a rather rotund belly, he reminded her of Santa Clause.

"Good morning, Mrs. Wolf." Dr. Winters greeted Sam without looking up from her chart.

Sam shrugged at Nafarius raised eyebrow. The pack didn't use last names; as far as Sam knew Nafarius didn't have one and she couldn't use her own. When she'd called and made the appointment they'd asked for first and last name as well as an address. She'd given them false information for both and Wolf was the first thing that had come to mind.

"I see from your chart that you're approximately 17 weeks into your pregnancy." Dr. Winters glanced up, gave Sam a quick once over and went back to her chart. "However, this is your first prenatal appointment. Didn't know you were pregnant," he asked, not unkindly.

"No, that is, yes, I knew I was pregnant. I've been traveling and just recently returned to the States. Given the remoteness of my location, I wasn't able to see a doctor until now." Sam and Nafarius had worked on a story together, complete with remote locations should anyone ask. Dr. Winters didn't. 

"Very well, let's take a listen."  Shouldering Nafarius out of his way, Dr. Winters proceeded to listen to Sam heart and lungs as well as check her blood pressure and reflexes. Quickly, he jotted down a few notes before motioning for her to lay back. "Now, let's take a listen to the little one."

Sam glared at Nafarius when he went to step forward. It was clear that he didn't like the unknown male, no matter how jolly in appearance, touching his mate. Sam had questioned the nurse when she scheduled the appointment on what to expect and then went over everything again with Nafarius. Still, it didn't stop him from reaching out in objection when the doctor went to lift her shirt.

Completely oblivious to the danger at his back, Dr. Winters pressed his stethoscope to Sam's belly and waited. "Ah-ha," he muttered before moving to a different region. "Ah-ha." Again, he moved his stethoscope. "Hmmm..."

Sam stared down the length of her torso and watched as he moved across her belly. "Is everything okay?"

Dr. Winters stood up, patted her hand and stuck his head out the door. "Nurse, can you bring me the portable ultrasound machine?"

Sam reached over and gripped Nafarius' hand. The nurse on the phone hadn't said anything about an ultrasound. "Doctor?"

"Not to worry, not to worry," he said reassuringly as the nurse wheeled in the machine. It took a bit of repositioning to get the machine in the right place, what with Nafarius refusing to move or let go of his mate's hand. Eventually, everything was ready. "This will be a little cold," Dr. Winters warned as he covered her belly with gel.

A moment later a sound similar to static filled the room followed by a fast beating heart. "There we go." Dr. Winters turned the screen and Sam and Nafarius got their first glimpse of the baby. "There's Baby A, and there," Dr. Winters shifted the angle of the instrument on Sam's belly, "is Baby B."

"What?" Sam asked.

"B?" Nafarius asked.

"Yep," Dr. Winters said. Adjusting the dials, he captured both babies at the same time. "Twins." 

Sam stared stupidly at the monitor for several seconds before glaring at her mate. "What was that you said about not giving birth to a litter of pups?"  

Ignoring her comment, Nafarius met her glare with one of his own. 

"Would you like to know what you're having?" Dr. Winters broke in.

"Yes." Nafarius said.

"No." Sam said.

"Hmmm..." Dr. Winters continued checking the babies. "There is plenty of time to decide. I'll want to see you once a month until you reach 30 weeks, after that it will be weekly appointments until you deliver. Twins have a nasty habit of coming early. I'm convinced it's because they get crowded in there and eventually one shoves the other and out they come."

"Once a month?" Sam asked. "Dr. Winters, we live three hours from here. Our town has a doctor, is it possible for me to see her instead?"

Sam hadn't planned on coming back for regular visits. She just wanted to know that the baby, make that babies, were okay. After that she'd planned to return home and deliver among the pack, trusting in Nafarius that everything would be okay.

Dr. Winters was still watching the monitor. A couple of clicks later and he was handing Sam pictures of her ultrasound. "Is your town doctor a OB/GYN?"

"Family practitioner," Nafarius answered. "But she's delivered most of the town's children."

"Any experience delivering twin? Often times it requires a c-section." Dr. Winters warned.

Sam blanched at that thought. Nafarius, seeing her fear, gave her hand a squeeze. "We haven't had twins in a while but she's done a several c-sections over the years. At the very least she could monitor Sam's care until she gets closer to delivery. After that we can come stay in the city until the babies are born."

Sam wasn't sure if Nafarius was serious or just saying what Dr. Winters needed to hear in order to let them leave. In the end, she knew it didn't matter. Sam had given the office a false name and address and they made sure to pay in cash. They had no way of tracking her; whatever they decided could be dealt with later. Still in shock, Sam let Nafarius lead her from the doctor's office and into the shopping district.

Meanwhile, Maddie sat quietly beside Alex as he drove them out of the city. From the signs, she was able to discern that they were heading south. Other then that, she had no idea their destination and she wasn't willing to ask.

They'd spent the night lying next to each other, neither one of them slept but neither did they speak. Maddie, still hurt and angry waited for Alex to apologize. Alex, not knowing what to say, kept silent. It was only in the early hours of the morning that the idea for this trip occurred to him.

Alex hadn't said anything, he'd only asked that Maddie trust him and give him a chance to make it right. Reluctantly, she'd agreed and slipped into the passenger side of the car. Clearly knowing where he was headed, Alex drove with quiet certainty. His eyes stayed on the road but he was aware of every shift and sigh Maddie made next to him. He longed to reach out and touch her but feared being rejected.

Forty-five minutes later they pulled up in front of a small house. "Where are we," Maddie asked, eyeing the house suspiciously. It was a cute little cottage, painted white with blue trim and surrounded on all sides with a white picket fence. There was a small yard filled with bright, blooming flowers.

Alex turned the engine off but didn't immediately open his door. Turning to look at her, he explained. "This is my parent's house, I grew up here." Running his hand through his hair, he said. "Maddie, I know I screwed up - big time. But I can't go back and undo what I did. The only thing I can do is prove to you just how important you are to me." 

Alex turned to look at his childhood home. "I hadn't planned to come back here, at least not yet. I have no idea if my mother or brothers and sister will be able to tell that something is different. It's not that I care or am ashamed, it's more that I just don't know how to explain in a way that doesn't get me locked up in an insane asylum. 

"I talked to my mom yesterday, told her that I had a new job that required a lot of travel and that's why I hadn't been around. I'm not sure she bought it. I think she was more upset at the fact that I wasn't coming home then anything else." Carefully, Alex reached over and took Maddie's hand, sighing in relief when she didn't snatch it back. "I've never brought anyone home to meet my parents before, not even Sam."

Maddie nodded, unable to speak. She understood what it took for Alex to bring her here, to risk introducing her to his family. There was so much he couldn't say and she knew from talking with him over the past few months just how much his family meant to him. He was close with his mother, closer still to his brothers and sisters - of which there were many. "We don't have to go in," she said. "I know you didn't..."

"No," Alex cut her off. "I want you to meet them, I want them to meet you. Will you come with me?"

Maddie nodded and then waited while Alex came around to open her door. As soon as she stepped out of the car, Maddie felt vulnerable and exposed. "What if they don't like me?" She asked.

"Not a chance," Alex said tucking her hand into the crook of his arm.

Alex didn't bother to knock; letting himself in, he led Maddie over the threshold of his parents' house and into chaos.

Maddie was immediately struck by the feeling of home. The small cottage was filled to the rafters with men and women; all trying to talk over one another while scores of children ran under foot. In one corner a woman sat nursing a babe, both mother and child had bright red hair that refused to be tamed. Across from her sat two other women, both obviously pregnant. As she watched, one pregnant woman reached down and lifted a toddler on to her lap. So different were they in coloring that Maddie guessed that they were related by marriage rather then blood. Love and laughter filled the room to almost bursting.

So entranced was she that it took Maddie a moment to realize that the room had gone silent and all eyes had turned to stare at her and Alex.

"Alex?" Maddie turned towards the voice and saw a small, plump woman getting to her feet.

"Hi mom," Alex said and gave his mom a fierce hug. In that moment, he realized for the first time how much he'd missed his family. Being a member of the pack was so close but this, this was his family. "How are you?"

Rachel looked up at her youngest son; she'd just started to form a response when the rest of the family came rushing forward. The youngest of seven, Alex was the baby of the family and spoiled by brothers and sisters alike. His recent disappearance had left them all utterly lost as to what was going on. 

Alex struggled under the love and attention from his family. He loved them, without question, but being the youngest had left him with not two but eight parents and he'd struggled to get out from under it all. That realization helped to push back some of the homesickness seeing his family had brought up and reminded him of why he was here. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet someone." Alex reached behind him and brought Maddie forward. "This is Maddie, my wife."

Maddie's gaze flew to Alex's face as the rest of his family went silent in surprise. She had expected him to introduce her as his girlfriend and would have been happy with that. She never expected him to introduce her as his wife!

"Wife? Did he say they were married?"

"I don't understand..."

"Certainly, you don't mean...that is..."

Alex ignored his brothers and sisters and focused on his mother. His father had died a few years ago; as the youngest, Alex had been the only one of his siblings without a spouse. It had seemed natural that he would stay with his mother and keep her company. If there was anyone that would take his announcement hard, it would be his mother.

Rachel turned to the young woman waiting quietly next to her son. Small and petite, with blond hair and bright blue eyes, it was easy to see why Alex had been attracted to her. Looking closer, Rachel sensed the strength under the quiet exterior. Looking from Alex to the young woman and back it was obvious that she had two choices, accept her son's choice in a bride or lose him forever. Extending her hand, Rachel said, "Welcome Maddie, I'm Rachel."

Alex breathed a sigh of relief and watched as Maddie allowed his mother to pull her further into the room. It didn't take long for his brothers to surround him, asking for details and offering up their congratulations. Not a single one of them had missed the beauty their younger brother had managed to catch. The fact that she appeared to be as sweet as she was beautiful was a bonus.

Alex and Maddie ended up spending the day with his family. The first few moments had been tense but it didn't take long for everyone to realize that there was nothing to worry about. Maddie seemed undisturbed by the large family, the questions that came from all directions or the myriad of children that constantly ran in and out of the room. 

At one point, Rachel pulled Alex aside and asked, "Are you happy?"

Alex stared down at his mother and felt a fist tighten around his heart. How could he have ever thought that she would be anything less then happy for him? "I am." Looking over, Alex smiled at seeing Maddie sitting on the floor, one of his nieces curled up asleep in her lap. "I love her very much. I'm sorry we didn't wait. It's just..."

Rachel cut him off. "Love; it doesn't wait for anyone. I just hope that you two will consider allowing us to throw you a reception at some point. There are a lot of people that would like to celebrate your marriage."

Alex nodded. Realizing that, legally, they weren't actually married, he offered, "Maddie and I could renew our vows - you know, have a ceremony and everything with the family."

Rachel nodded, pleased. "I'd like that."

Here's hoping Maddie doesn't mind, he thought and went to gather his mate. It took them another hour to leave. Between his sisters wanting to offer Maddie words of advice and his mother weighing them down with food, it was all he could do to get them into the car and down the road.

They'd been driving in silence for twenty minutes, only this time the quiet was comfortable. "Thank you," Maddie said.

It was late; the roads were slick with rain and Alex didn't dare take his eyes off the roads. Still, he reached over and took Maddie's hand in his own. "I love you, Maddie. No matter what I do, and I'm bound to make mistakes, that will never change."

"I know," she whispered.

Nafarius left Sam sleeping. After her appointment, still reeling from the news, they'd set out to do some shopping for the babies. Nafarius had stared at all the stuff they supposedly needed and swore that it was a conspiracy by the manufactures. Sam just laughed and started loading up the cart. 

He was actually impressed; despite her inexperience with babies, Sam seemed to have common sense approach to the things they would need. Given their living space and lack of car she quickly dismissed the crib and something called a 'travel system'. However, she stocked up on diapers, wipes, blankets and clothes. They only time she totally seemed to lose it was when she spotted a pair of shoes. Impossibility small, Nafarius reminded her that most pack children went barefoot. Sam simply ignored him and threw two pairs, one pink, and one blue, in with the rest of the stuff.

While they shopped for baby clothes, Seth and Jake ran down the list of supplies Nafarius had put together. Given the amount of stuff Sam was hauling back, Nafarius told them to have everything shipped. Roland already had orders to have a group of pack members waiting for them to start the job of hauling supplies back to the pack.




Wolf Lake Ch. 07



It was late when Nafarius let himself into Thomas' office. He had hoped to arrive earlier but the late hour guaranteed privacy.

Thomas rose as Nafarius entered; after shaking hands he offered the pack leader a seat in the chair across from his desk. Weighed down with books and paper, the desk itself was buried and looked as if it might collapse at any moment. Nafarius wasn't surprised however when Thomas was able to lay his hands on the very book he wanted. "What did you find?"

Thomas looked over his glasses at Nafarius. "I'm afraid the new isn't good."

Nafarius felt a cold fist of dread settle in the pit of his stomach. "Tell me."

"When you first told me of your mates...ability...I was surprised." Thomas gave a brief wave of his hand, "not of the ability itself but by the fact that I remember reading of it once before. When I first started my position here as a historian I sought to read the lycanthropes' entire history. Not a small undertaking, mind you. I quickly realized that wasn't possible, nor was it my primary function. As you know, the historians are here to observe and record all lycan history - not just the werewolves. Still, in those early days I came across some very old, very obscure text that referred to an extinct breed of lycanthrope. My curiosity was peaked but other responsibilities quickly took me away from any further research. Unfortunately, I never got back to it but it was something I never forgot."

"I don't see what this has to do with Sam."

Thomas smiled, his excitement at what he found, overshadowing his earlier warning. "Ah, but it does. You see, it's why they were rendered extinct that is so interesting. Apparently, several thousand years ago there was a race of lycans that wasn't actually lycans - they were shape-shifters." 

Nafarius frowned, "what's the difference?"

Thomas turned the book around and pointed to several sections. "As you know, lycanthrope originally referred to a werewolf. Eventually the term came to refer to a man or woman that could change into any animal form - not just that of a wolf. Werewolves are by far the most common of the lycans but they aren't the only ones." At Nafarius' nod, he continued. "Shapeshifter, or just Shifters as they came to be known, could change into any animal."

Nafarius stared down at the book. It was an ancient text and depicted several men and women changing into various exotic animals, a few of them had changed into some sort of hybrid with the head of one animal and the body of another. Looking up at Thomas, he said, "I still don't see what this has to do with Sam."

"I'm getting to that. Shifters considered themselves to be the elite of the species but not because of their ability to take on many forms but because of what they referred to as their "God like power" to control and prevent others from change."

"Sam," Nafarius whispered.

Thomas nodded. "It didn't take long before the Shifters set themselves up as Gods. They used their powers to enslave lycans, mainly by preventing them from changing or forcing them to remain in animal form."

Nafarius rested his elbows on his knees and stared down at the floor between his feet. It didn't take much to figure out what happened. He couldn't imagine anything worse then being cut off from either part of himself. To be forced to stay in human form, never able to touch the wolf would surely drive him mad. The same could be said for remaining in animal form. To never be able to take human form would slowly eat away at what self-awareness a lycan had while in animal form. Eventually, there would be very little of the human left. "What happened?"

Thomas shrugged, "what always happens when one race seeks to enslave another - the lycans revolted. A Shifter's ability was not limitless; an individual Shifter could only control a few lycans at a time. Once the lycans realized this, they worked to gather their numbers and over powered the Shifters. Most of the Shifters fled but they were systematically hunted down and destroyed." 

Thomas closed the book and went to set it back on the shelf. "It wasn't hard to do; Shifters feared that breeding with anyone other then another pure bred Shifter would dilute their race. In the end, there were very few of them and most of those were either very young or very old."

"If they were hunted to extinction, how do you explain Sam's ability? She can't be a Shifter; she's only ever changed into a wolf." Nafarius couldn't stop the shiver of fear that slid up his spin.

"You want my theory? Because that is all it is," Thomas said. "I suspect that more then one Shifter escaped the slaughter and went into hiding. It would have been possible for them to pick one form as their animal and stick to it, blending into whatever pack they could find. I also suspect that, despite their fears, many of the Shifters took lycan lovers with pregnancy a likely result. Who's to say that those offspring didn't acquire the ability to control other lycans? As for your mate, I think that if you look back far enough you'll find either a lycan or a descendant of a Shifter in her family tree."

"So, when I infected her?" Nafarius asked.

"More then likely you didn't infect her so much as wake up a dormant gene." Thomas watched as the pack leader absorbed that bit of information. The chances of such a thing were astronomical yet here they sat. The history books had been clear, though it was hard to separate truth from fiction when something was so old. "Nafarius," Thomas called softly. "I assume from your request that I keep your inquiry and my research private that you comprehend the seriousness of the situation."

"I am well aware of what this could mean." Nafarius said.

Thomas shook his head, "with all due respect, I don't think you do. From everything I read, Shifters were not just feared, they were despised. They thought of themselves as the next step on the evolutionary chain while the rest of the lycans saw them as abominations."

"Sam is not an abomination!" Nafarius snarled.

Thomas held up his hands, a gesture of peace. "Of course not," he said. "Nafarius, we've known each other for a very long time. I consider myself lucky to call you a friend despite our differences." Nafarius smiled at the reference to their animals. "But my position here is neutral, my job is to gather information and report it, without censor."

"I know," Nafarius said. "How long do I have?"

"My next report to the Archives isn't for another six weeks. I can avoid adding this information to the public records here until right before I make my report. However, once the Archives have my report, the Council will see it. Even without the background history, your mate's ability is something the Council will want investigated."

The Council was made up of members from all of the lycan groups while the Archives was their central repository where all knowledge was gathered and stored. The Council was charged with protecting the existence of all lycans and the information in the Archives was an integral part of that.

"Six weeks?" Nafarius asked.

"Seven, at the most." Thomas confirmed. "I wish I could do more..."

"No," Nafarius cut him off and stood. "You've done enough. I wouldn't want to see any of this fall back on you. I appreciate you keeping this confidential as long as possible. If something changes, if others come asking after Sam, or anything out of the ordinary happens, I would appreciate it if you would send word."

"Of course," Thomas stood and took the hand Nafarius offered. "Good luck."

Nafarius nodded and left. There was little he could do tonight except return to his mate and get ready to return home. He had to admit that he would feel better once they were home. The Council had a long reach and it wouldn't take them long to find him and Sam. Still, he would feel better facing that situation on his turf as opposed to in the city.

The next morning Nafarius decided not to tell Sam what he'd discovered. She had enough to worry about with her pregnancy and having twins. He had six weeks before the Council was likely to arrive, plenty of time to talk to her.

Sam was surprised when the day came for them to start for home to find that she was more then ready to go. She loved the city and would definitely be coming back, but she loved home more and right now that was where she wanted to be.

The drive back to town seemed to speed by, Seth and Jake were full of stories, several of which made Maddie blush and Sam roll her eyes. Alex filled them in on his family and their reaction to the news of his 'marriage'. Sam had to admit that he'd done well by Maddie and was glad to hear that his family had accepted the young woman. Nafarius was again quiet which surprised Sam. She thought for sure his happiness at returning home, mate in tow, would have lightened his mood.

Nafarius concentrated on getting them home, knowing that one of the first things he would need to do would be to sit down with Roland and start making plans. Things were going to heat up once the Council arrived and they needed to be prepared.

It was mid morning when Nafarius pulled the SUV into storage. Relieved to see several pack members already waiting for them, he quickly issued orders that sent everyone scurrying.

Sam watched in fascination as her packages were unloaded, distributed and disappeared into the woods. A second group would be coming down in a week to meet the delivery of the rest of their supplies. For now, there was nothing left for them to do but head home.

Two days later, Sam stepped into the clearing surrounding the entrance to their home and breathed a sigh of relief. The walk hadn't taxed her overmuch but it had been a long ten days and she was glad to be home. 

Home. The entire pack was there to greet them, everyone milling around, eager to reassure themselves that their leaders were back safe. Roland was particularly enthusiastic at their return. He had been reminded, once again, why he never wanted to be pack leader. The past ten days had worn his patience thin with everything from petty squabbling to a sparring accident that left one young pup unconscious for two days. He was more then ready to hand back the mantel of leadership and go back to his (relatively) quiet days with his mate.

That night the pack celebrated their return with food, drinking and even some dancing. There were shouts of joy at the news that Sam was expecting twins followed by some good-natured ribbing at the amount of stuff had been hauled in. It wasn't until later that Nafarius realized that Sam had been quietly moving from group to group handing out packages that he understood. Most of what she'd brought back were for the pack members. There were new books, lightly scented soap and even chocolates. Each piece had been hand picked with a particular member in mind. Nafarius didn't think Sam realized just how much the gesture meant to each member. She didn't forget a single one and there wasn't one person that didn't cherish what she had given them. 

Nafarius looked up at Roland's hand on his shoulder. Lowering himself to the floor beside his leader, Roland took a swing of beer. Werewolves didn't become intoxicated the way humans did but he still enjoyed the taste of a good beer and Sam had brought him back a six-pack of his favorite. "Did you learn anything," he asked.

Nafarius quickly and quietly filled his second-in-command in, ignoring it when Roland paled at the mention of the Council. 

"How long?" He asked.

"Six, maybe seven, weeks." Nafarius answered.

Roland followed Nafarius' gaze and watched as Sam chatted with several other women. He noted that all of them were mothers and could guess at the topic of conversation. "Have you told her yet?"

Nafarius shook her head. "Did you know that I'd never seen Sam carefree until this past week? She lights up, from inside, and you can't help but be drawn to it."

Roland was surprised to hear Nafarius sharing so openly about his mate.

"I almost hated to bring her back, knowing that the weight of her responsibilities would cause that light to dim." Nafarius shrugged, almost embarrassed. "I guess I wanted to give her tonight before burdening her with the rest."

Roland nodded, "If it counts for anything, I know she's happy here. She may not be 'carefree' but she takes a lot of pride, a lot of pleasure, in taking care of the pack."

Later, Nafarius stared up into the dark, Sam tucked in next to him. "Sam."

"Hmmm..." Sam was nearly half asleep.

"We need to talk," Nafarius said.

To be continued...



Wolf Lake Ch. 08



Natasha woke and stared up into the dark waiting. She could hear Roland breathing quietly beside her and the pack, while not completely silent, had settled for the night. It was late, well past two o'clock in the morning if she had to guess, when the contractions started. At least, she thought they were contractions. She wasn't sure what to expect never having given birth before.

A moment later and she was convinced; she was in labor. The contractions started low, almost in the small of her back, before crossing over the front of her abdomen and settling low in her pelvis. It didn't hurt, not exactly, but the promise of pain was there.

The women of the pack had warned her that a first baby always took its time. Labor could last for days as her body struggled to bring forth the life she and Roland had created. Knowing that there was time, Natasha curled up next to her mate and waited.

An hour later and things had started to tighten painfully. The contractions, no longer a low ache in her back, caused her to catch her breath before trying to breathe through them. "Roland," Natasha gave her mate a gentle nudge. "Roland, it's time."

"Hm? What?" Roland rolled over and tried to snuggle up to his mate, instinctively cradling himself around her pregnant belly.

"It's time," Natasha said and took a deep breath as another contraction started to build.

"Time for what?" Roland really wasn't at his best first thing in the morning and his internal clock was telling him to go back to sleep.

Natasha couldn't answer; she was too busy trying to breathe.

The fog finally cleared from his brain enough for Roland to sense something was wrong. "Tasha?" Sitting up, he pulled back the blanket to find her curled up on her side, one hand on her belly the other gripping the sheets, panting her way through a contraction. "Son of a..." Roland bolted to the entrance to their alcove, "Nafarius! Sam! It's time!"

"Don't go," Natasha called out, afraid he would leave to get help.

Roland knelt down beside his mate; carefully, he helped her to sit up, bracing her back against his chest. "I'm not going anywhere. When did they start?" he asked.

Natasha took a deep breath as the last of the contraction passed. "About an hour ago."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"They weren't that bad," she said. "The other women warned me that this could take a while, I wanted to let you sleep as long as possible."

Roland hugged her to his chest. "You should have told me right away."

"Roland, can we come in?" Sam asked quietly.

"Of course," Roland said, grateful to see Sam peeking her head into the alcove. 

Sam stepped into the small alcove followed closely by her mate Nafarius. With her heightened sense of sight she was able to see where Tasha lay in Roland's arms. She was wearing one of his large button down shirts but even that wasn't big enough to cover her belly. "How are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm good," Natasha said, rubbing one hand over her belly. "I'm definitely ready to meet this little one."

Sam smiled. "Good." Looking around she took in the close quarters of the alcove. Second in size only to her own, it was still small and crowded with Roland and Natasha's personal belongings. "Why don't we move you out into the common area where there is more room?"

Natasha nodded and started to stand but Roland gripped her tighter. "She stays here," he growled. This was their home, their den within the home of the pack, and was where he wanted his mate to stay. She was safest here and he didn't want her out in the open during the vulnerable process of giving birth.

Sam seemed to understand. "She can stay wherever she wants; I just thought that it might be easier in the common area. There are a lot of women standing by to help, all of them with experience." She didn't add that the presence of the other pack members would likely go a long way in comforting both Natasha and Roland. 

As werewolves, they were pack animals and the process of giving birth was something to be shared. Sam knew from her own pregnancy that she craved the constant presence of her pack much more often then she used to. She was never far from a pack member, whether it was Nafarius, Maddie or someone else. 

"It's okay," Natasha said. In between contractions, she was able to stand and stretch out the muscles in her back. She hadn't realized how tight her body had gotten; it felt good to move, to ease her hips forward and feel her body loosen. "Besides, I think it'll be good for me to be up for a while. It feels better standing."

Reluctantly, Roland nodded. Following Natasha, Sam and Nafarius out into the common area, he was surprised to find the rest of the pack up and gathered. Even those that had small alcoves had come out despite the early hour. The show of support, of solidarity, touched him in a way he hadn't expected. 

Born a werewolf, Roland had never known anything but his pack. He knew each individual member and considered them family. He knew that there was never a moment when he didn't have his entire pack, every man, woman and child, standing behind him. He'd just never seen the love, the loyalty, gathered in one room before.

Natasha touched Roland lightly on the arm; drawing him forward, they walked to the central fire to find a bed of blankets had already been laid out for them. She had seen the effect the gathered pack had on her mate and wasn't surprised. Roland was used to taking care of his pack; every day he stood beside Nafarius and Sam, his only concern that of the pack's safety. Never before had Roland allowed the pack to take care of him. 

For the next several hours the mood was light, almost festive as the pack waited for the birth of their newest member. Throughout the night and early morning, Natasha labored, the contractions steadily growing stronger and closer together. Sam stayed by her side, as did Roland, while other pack members came and went. At some point, every member came by to check on Natasha. Some brought words of comfort while others brought food and drink for those helping to care for her.

It was late in the afternoon; Natasha had been in labor for just over fourteen hours and was no longer able to talk through the contractions. She had changed positions throughout the day, trying to get comfortable, until finally settling on her side. Glenis, one of the older pack members and a mother, assured them that Natasha was close to the end.

Three hours later Natasha gave birth to a beautiful baby girl; she had her father's dark coloring and a shocking head of black hair. All in all, it had been a relatively easy labor and delivery with both mother and baby doing great.

Roland, already totally in love with his daughter, stared down into the tiny face nestle at her mother's breast. "She's so small," he said.

Natasha laughed. "She didn't feel small coming out." They were back in their alcove, Natasha and the baby having been cleaned and then wrapped in fresh blankets. On her trip to the city, Sam had picked up several baby blankets, clothes and diapers as well as a Noah basket for the baby. "What are we going to name her?"

"I don't know," he said. "She doesn't look like any of the names we picked out."

"That's because you picked out all boy names!" Natasha looked up at Roland, "Are you disappointed?"

Roland looked surprised. "That she isn't a boy? Lord, no! I can't say I'm looking forward to the idea of raising a girl among a pack of wolves but I can kill any of them that get too close," he growled.

Natasha, knowing that Roland was being serious, nevertheless laughed. "Still, I agree, she doesn't look like an Amy or a Sarah. I think she has too much personality for either of those." Tasha stared down at her daughter, "What about Payton?"

Roland considered it for a moment. "I like it," he said. Drawing a fingertip down the bridge of his daughter's nose, he whispered, "Happy birthday, Payton."

Nearby, Sam slipped into bed beside Nafarius; it was early yet but everyone was tired. Most of the pack had settled in for an early night and Sam was looking forward to crawling into bed with her mate. 

Nafarius turned and pulled Sam into his arms so that he was curled up behind her, the top of his thighs pressed to the back of hers. Sam sighed contentedly and wiggled closer. "Stop that," he growled.

Sam smiled in the dark; she could feel Nafarius' cock stir slightly as she pressed closer. Enjoying the feeling, she shifted her hips and arched her back languidly. The movement pressed her ass more firmly up against his cock while thrusting her breasts against his arm lying across her chest.

Nafarius grabbed her hips to keep her from moving. "Woman, I suggest you stop before you bite off more then you can chew."

Sam sighed, slightly amused. Nafarius had grown reluctant to make love to her; the more advanced her pregnancy, the less often he came to her. Denial, combined with pregnancy hormones, had left her feeling itchy and restless. If he didn't fuck her soon she'd be forced to take matters into her own hands. 

Grabbing the hand holding her hip, Sam slid it between her thighs. "Nafarius, please."

Nafarius growled at finding her wet and swollen, the lips of her pussy already slightly parted. He couldn't stop himself from moving deeper, working his fingers until he found her clit. Hard and throbbing, he circled it slowly before squeezing it firmly between his fingers. 

Sam shuddered against the feel of his fingers and pressed herself more firmly into his hand. She ached to feel Nafarius inside of her; she wanted, needed to be filled by him.

Nafarius felt her need and his cock responded in kind. Hard and throbbing, he rubbed the length of his shaft against the cleft of her ass. Sam let go of the hand she'd been holding between her thighs and reached back to stroke him. She loved the feel of him hard and throbbing in her hand. Squeezing gently, she was rewarded when Nafarius groaned and felt the tip of his cock go wet with his desire. In that moment there was nothing more that she wanted then to taste him.

Rolling over, Sam pushed Nafarius onto his back and quickly slid between his thighs. Grasping his cock in one hand, she flung her hair over her shoulder and lowered her mouth. She could see precum glistening in the night and lapped at it with her tongue. Beneath her, Nafarius growled and thrust up with his hips, aiming for her mouth with his cock. Sam laughed and backed off just enough to let him know that she wouldn't be rushed.

Resigned, Nafarius pressed his hips to the ground but couldn't keep from shifting restlessly. He could feel Sam's breath as it blew across the sensitive head of his cock. Opening his eyes, he stared down the length of his body and watched as she slowly lowered her head. Watching her, he could see her mouth descend, knew when he was about to enter that moist heat and still he jumped at the first touch. Thinking she meant to torment him slowly, Nafarius was surprised when she slid her mouth down the entire length of his cock, stopping only when he touched the back of her throat.

Sam worked her throat to keep from gagging. She wanted to take all of him, bury him in her mouth the way she would bury him in her pussy, but he was large and she had to work to accommodate him. Knowing that he liked it hard and fast, Sam worked her mouth up and down the length of his cock. Each time she felt him hitting the back of her throat while at the same time pressing her nose into the hair of his groin. He smelled almost as good as he tasted, his precum mixing with her saliva to coat the inside of her mouth before sliding down the back of her throat.

Nafarius growled low in his throat at the sensation of his mate working over his cock. He was close, knew that within second he would unload into her mouth. Rearing up, Nafarius pulled Sam off his cock and flipped her over onto her hands and knees. Mindful of her condition, he was careful as he pulled her ass more firmly against his cock. He growled again as he used his knees to shove her legs apart and was immediately met with the musky scent of her desire. His animal was close, knew that he could shift before entering her, but he wanted to take her like this, in the position their animals mated but while he was still in human form.

Sam looked back at Nafarius over her shoulder. His eyes had gone to gold, a clear sign that the wolf was near, the sight wrenching her desire up another notch. His taste was still in her mouth and she couldn't stop from licking her lips.

Nafarius caught a glimpse of pink tongue as she licked her lips just as he thrust forward, impaling her on his cock. Beneath him, Sam bucked once before pushing back against him and the first sounds of flesh meeting flesh filled the air.

Nafarius held her by the hips, holding her up off the ground as he pounded into her flesh. Bracing one hand on the floor, Sam reached between her legs and started fingering her clit. She swelled at the feel of Nafarius pounding behind her, a low growl rising in his throat as he neared the end.

Wanting more time, Nafarius shifted their position; bringing his knees forward and together, he pulled Sam back until she was almost sitting on his thighs. Completely impaled on his cock, it took only the slightest stroke of his cock to touch her womb. In this position, he could reach around and grab her breast with one hand while replacing her fingers with his own. He wanted to feel her get off, wanted to know that he was the one to bring her to orgasm.

Sam sighed and settled back against Nafarius' chest. Letting her knees fall open, she gave him total access to her body. She could feel his cock grow, thickening within her pussy as the wolf struggled to break free. At the same time, she felt the hand holding her breast as it gripped her tighter, a hint of claws threatening to break the skin. 

She could feel the power rippling beneath his skin and was tempted to reach out with her power and call his animal forth. She'd never tried to force Nafarius' change and wouldn't do it now but she longed to feel his wolf within her. Knowing what it would do to him, Sam tilted her head and offered Nafarius her neck.

Nafarius felt his teeth lengthen as she bared her neck but fought against a complete change. He knew what she wanted and worked to limit the change to those areas that would give her the most pleasure. Changing specific areas was something only very old, very powerful lycans could do - Nafarius was both. Growling with pure animal pleasure, Nafarius thrust up hard with his hips; at the same time he gripped her breast tighter and plunged his teeth into the tender skin where her shoulder met her neck. 

Sam shattered and called out his name.

Nafarius bit down harder, his mouth filling with her blood as she saturated his cock with her juices. Another thrust and his cock was locked in the tight grip of her contracting pussy. Unable to stop, Nafarius came, his cock pumping hard inside his mate. 

Nafarius continued to slide his cock in and out of Sam's pussy, wringing every ounce of pleasure he could. It had been too long since he'd last fucked his mate, causing him to almost lose control of his wolf. Slowly, conscious of Sam sprawled against him, Nafarius retracted his teeth, willing his muscles to change.

Sam came to her senses as Nafarius withdrew his teeth from her shoulder and his claws from her breast. She would be sore for a while, her ability to heal quickly ensuring no permanent damage. Feeling the muscles in her thighs give a slight protest as she shifted to lie on her side, she was almost disappointed that the soreness wouldn't last longer.

Nafarius collapsed back onto their blankets and stared over at his mate. "Did I hurt you?"

Sam smiled, "Only in a good way."

Nafarius glowered. "We shouldn't do that, not until after the twins are born."

Sam snorted. "You seriously want to wait another six to eight weeks before doing that again?"

Nafarius ran a hand down her side and came to rest it on her belly. Despite carrying twins, she still seemed small to him. "I don't want to hurt any of you," he said.

Sam covered his hand with her own. "You won't; I'm not even sure you can. Already I can feel things healing and it's happening faster then it did before I got pregnant."

Nafarius frowned. They had talked about what he'd learned during their trip to the city. Sam knew that there was a possibility that she wasn't just a werewolf but a Shapeshifter. Shifters were only remembered in the history books and even then they'd had to go back centuries before finding the first mention. Shifters could take any animal form as well as control another lycan's ability to shift. They were also said to have superior healing abilities. It was a powerful combination, one that led to their eventual downfall.

Shifters had used their abilities to enslave other lycans until finally the lycans revolted and hunted the Shifters to extinction. Thomas, the historian that had done the research for them, theorized that Sam was a descendent from a Shifter that had escaped and hid in the human world, eventually mating with a human. It was rare that a lycan could reproduce with a human. Again Thomas theorized that the Shifter's greater abilities granted them greater fertility.

By now Thomas would have sent his report to the Archives. Once in the Archives, it was just a matter of time before one of the Council members learned about Sam and someone came asking questions. Nafarius figured they had a few weeks, at best.

There was no way to know for sure if Sam was a Shifter. Seven months pregnant with twins, she was prevented from changing until she gave birth. Until then, they had no way of knowing if she would be able to take a form other then the wolf.

Nafarius didn't just fear for his mate. A lycan's abilities were genetic, passed down from parent to child. There was a good chance that Sam would pass on whatever abilities she possessed to their children. If the Council saw Sam or their children as a threat there was no doubt they would try to destroy them all.

Sam scooted closer until she was able to rest her head on Nafarius' shoulder. "Everything will be fine, I promise."

"You can't know that, nor can you make those kinds of promises." Nafarius held her close; the fear of losing her was like a living thing within his chest. "You should know Roland and I have been making plans, preparations."

Sam looked up at Nafarius. "What kind of plans?"

"Plans to get you and the twins out of here, out of the country, if need be." Nafarius said. 

"Leave the pack? We can't, I won't." Sam shook her head. "I won't run."

Nafarius didn't tell her that, if it came to that, he wouldn't be going with them. He would stay behind, cover her tracks and make sure that no one went after them. "Hopefully it won't come to that, but if it does you need to be ready. If for some reason, I'm not around to help you're to go to Roland. He knows what to do." Sam was silent; Nafarius gave her a gentle shake. "Promise me, I need to know that you'll be safe, that you'll keep our children safe."

It was the mention of the twins that got to her; he knew she wasn't happy about it but she gave a single nod. It was a long time before either one of them slept.

The next few weeks were spent watching Payton grow and change. Roland was fascinated by his new daughter. He couldn't seem to stay away for long and was often distracted while away. "Ow! Son of a bitch!" Roland cursed and looked down to see blood seeping through a tear in his shirt. Looking up, he caught Nafarius' frown and cursed again.

"You're distracted and it's going to get you killed, or worse, get my mate killed." Nafarius had intentionally sliced open his second-in-command; not that it had been hard. Roland's mind was a million miles away with thoughts of Natasha and their daughter. While he understood, now was not the time for them to be distracted, it left them weak and vulnerable and Nafarius refused to allow that to continue. "Either get your shit together or step down." Pushed past the point of being pissed, Nafarius turned to leave the training ground where they had been sparing. "Next time you let me get past your guard I'll gut you."




Wolf Lake Ch. 08



Roland felt himself flush with shame. Nafarius was right; it was a dangerous time to be distracted. Quickly stripping out of his clothes, Roland shifted before headed into the woods for a run. Hoping to clear his head, he headed east.

He'd been running for maybe half an hour when he picked up their scent. Skidding to a stop, Roland lifted his head to the wind; they hadn't yet entered the pack's territory but they were close. Their scent carried traces of their camp, helping Roland to pinpoint their location. Turning back towards home, Roland went to warn Nafarius.

Nafarius was surprised to see Roland entering the clearing at a full gallop. A moment later, Roland, back in human form knelt panting at his feet. Gasping from changing so quickly, he was able to utter one word in between breaths. "Council."

Turning, Nafarius barked orders that sent men scattering into the woods. Patrols were increased while the women and children were brought back inside the den. The Council, while not usually considered a danger, wasn't something to be taken lightly. Nafarius didn't know what to expect so he prepared for everything.

Roland fought the urge to check on Natasha and Payton; instead he focused on keeping the pack safe knowing that by doing so he also protected his mate and child.

Sam stepped out into the clearing, blinking in surprise when Nafarius growled at her. "Get back inside!"

Having caught the panic as pack members came running inside, Sam had gone to find Nafarius. "What is it?"

"Get inside!"

Sam took a step forward and growled; her wolf was close to the surface and restless. She hadn't been able to shift in almost eight months and the tension in her mate wasn't helping. She sensed a danger to her pack but didn't know where it came from; she wasn't going anywhere until she knew what was going on.

Nafarius took a deep breath. Sam's eyes had gone bright; unlike other werewolves, her eyes never changed from emerald green, even in animal form. But they went bright, like now, almost glowing when she was prepared to change. Recognizing that she was answering an unknown danger to her pack, he tried to explain. "Roland sensed the Council, they're here."

Sam shifted questioning eyes to her mate's second. "How far?"

Roland, still naked from his earlier run, stood and said, "Not far; they made camp at the edge of our territory but if I sensed them it was only because they wanted me to. They'll know that we're waiting for them."

Sam turned back to Nafarius, "How long until they get here?"

Nafarius considered a moment before answering. "I would expect them within the hour." 

Sam nodded before turning and heading back inside. There wasn't much time and she wanted to make sure that everyone was settled before the Council arrived.

An hour later Nafarius, Sam and Roland watched as three Council members stepped out of the forest and stopped at the edge of the clearing. Nafarius stepped forward to welcome them when his gaze landed on Dresden. Instantly, Nafarius grabbed Sam and shoved her behind him. Roland, responding to the sense of danger from his leader, stepped forward to protect the man's mate. "You brought a Hunter!?" Nafarius growled.

Sam, not understanding, allowed Nafarius to push her out of the way but didn't retreat into their den. From behind her mate, she took in the sight of the odd looking trio. The first to step forward was an elderly gentleman. Amazingly large, age had nevertheless bent his back until he stood hunched over a walking stick. Beside him stood a woman of middle years, her hair so white it was almost silver. Her long neck and limbs made Sam think of a swan; instantly Sam knew that the woman's animal was a bird. 

The last member to step from the forest was a young man; as dark as the woman was light, he moved with grace and agility. Watching as he slipped from the forest, Sam couldn't help but think cat.

In truth, the group was made up of a Council Elder, a Healer and a Hunter. Each member was equal among the Council but offered up different skills that were considered necessary for the preservation and protection of all lycan. 

Nafarius had addressed his accusation at the Elder but never took his eyes off the Hunter. He'd met Dresden several years ago and was familiar with the man's skills. As a Hunter, he was a full member of the Council but spent most of his time patrolling. It wasn't unheard of for the Council to send Dresden out into hot spots, areas where there was a conflict between lycans or where lycans threatened humans. Hunters were sent only after all diplomatic attempts at peace had failed; they were also known as assassins.

Lillian, the Healer, stepped forward. "Dresden is here for our protection. Yours isn't the only pack in the area; not everyone would recognize us as Council members or afford us the protection that position is supposed to ensure."

At Nafarius' single nod, Sam deemed the danger passed; stepping around her mate, she gestured the group forward. "Welcome, won't you join us?"

Nafarius growled low in his throat as Sam stepped around him. He hadn't wanted her out here in the first place. It was only after she argued that the Council was here for information, not to attack, that he agreed. He'd allowed her to convince him that the Council would not have let their presence be known if they meant any harm but that was before he'd seen Dresden. 

Sam stepped forward to meet each Council member. The Elder introduced himself as Jonas. Up close, Sam realized that he was as grizzly as his animal with dark eyes, a wide nose and a five o'clock shadow that she doubted any amount of shaving could cure.  

Lillian radiated warmth and light; Sam had a hard time resisting the urge to reach out and touch her. There was something immensely comforting about the woman and she could only hope that there might be time to talk later about the upcoming birth of the twins.

Turning towards Dresden, Sam ignored Nafarius' growl of warning. His animal was strong and pulled at her. Sam fought the desire to get close to him; unlike the comfort that drew her to Lillian, Dresden called to a different part of her. She sensed the hunter in him, the panther that prowled beneath the surface. Something shifted inside of Sam; her animal, always before a wolf, stretched and purred.

Dresden lifted his head and sniffed, his eyes snapping to Sam's face. "You don't smell like a wolf."

Sam shook herself and stepped back; she had just turned to Nafarius when her sensitive hearing caught a distinct 'pop, pop' from near by. Nothing in nature made that kind of sound. Sam, already facing the right direction, took off into the woods.

"Sam!" Nafarius swore and went after his mate; a moment later a blur shot past him. Roland, back in animal form, would catch up to her faster. Nafarius wouldn't risk changing, not while the Council was present and Sam was unable to defend herself.

Sam skidded to a stop; reaching out, she grabbed Roland as he tried to shoot past her, his momentum carrying them both forward for another few feet. Sam shook Roland sharply when he nipped at her to let him go. "Do you smell that?" she asked.

Nafarius joined them and answered, "Gun powder."

"And lycan," Sam said and started forward slowly.

Nafarius reached forward and grabbed her, none too gently. "You are not going out there to investigate."

Sam would have protested but one look at Nafarius' face warned her it would be useless. She'd pushed him today, defying his attempts to keep her safe and he was pissed. This latest threat was one that he wouldn't risk exposing her to. At her nod, Nafarius sent Roland around to the south while he headed north. Eventually, they would both circled around until they found the spot where the shots had come from. 

Nafarius hadn't come across any indications that the lycan had headed north but he was careful. Whoever fired those shots could still be nearby. Roland found a trail leading away from where the shots came but didn't bother to follow it. Whoever it was had headed south, away from where they were now and away from the pack. There would be time to investigate later; turning north, he went to find Nafarius.

Nafarius stood in a small clearing staring down at the crumpled body of a young pack member. Michael was one of the young men he'd sent out when word of the Council's approach had come. He'd been shot once in the heart and once in the head; the wounds were fatal, no matter what type of bullets. Carefully lifting the young man into his arms, Nafarius turned and carried him towards home.

Sam saw him coming; even from where she stood she could see the pain and anger in Nafarius' eyes. Together they walked back to the pack. Confused, wondering what was happening, a number of pack members milled around the clearing waiting for Sam and Nafarius to return. Standing off to one side, the Council members clearly stood apart from the rest of those gathered. Nafarius didn't spare them a glance; instead he headed inside to deliver Michael's body to his parents. Within moments, the sound of grieving could be heard outside in the clearing. 

Sam remained outside; she knew Nafarius would be back to question the Council. Quietly, Nafarius ordered the patrols to pair up; no one was to walk in the woods alone. Roland was sent with four others to investigate the area around where Michael's body had been found. Turning to the Council, he asked, "Who else did you bring with you?"

Jonas stood up as tall as his back would allow. "No one; this was not our doing. We would never sanction the unjustified killing of an innocent."

"Maybe not," Nafarius said, "but this followed you here. Who else knew you were coming?"

"Only the Council members," Jonas said, "we told no one else." Looking from Nafarius to Sam, he added, "When we first learned of your mates...abilities...we collected and sealed all of the records. The Council met in closed chambers to discuss the matter and we decided it was best to send a small group instead of requesting your presence before the full Council."

"How many members are on the Counsel?" Sam asked.

"Seven," Lillian answered. Turning to Jonas, she reminded him, "Not all of the Council members were in residence when we learned about Samantha. It is possible that information got out when we sent for the others."

Jonas nodded. "It's possible."

A moment later Dresden slipped back into the clearing. Sam hadn't realized he'd been gone. Dresden caught her watching him and gave a slight nod. Turning to Nafarius, he said, "Whoever it was is gone. They headed south before following a logging road back into town. Based on how their trail ends, they didn't leave on foot."

Nafarius nodded; a moment later Roland returned and reported the same findings. Nafarius paced the clearing, the sounds of grieving from within the cave an accusation in his ears. Death was a part of pack life, he knew that better then anyone having lost both his father and brother to the violence of power. This was different.

"Nafarius?" Roland and the others were waiting. "Do we retaliate?"

"Against who?" Nafarius asked, not expecting an answer. "This wasn't an attack by one of the other packs in the area; they wouldn't have headed into town and certainly not by car."

Roland nodded. "They also wouldn't have used bullets."

"Not wolf," Sam said. "I smelled cat." Suddenly, she had everyone's attention.

"You smelled cat?" Jonas asked, his voice carefully neutral, "Any idea what kind?"

Sam shrugged. "More like sensed it, one of the big breeds," she said looking at Dresden, "not panther."

Jonas nodded but didn't say anything else. No one had mentioned Dresden's animal was a panther. It was possible that Nafarius had shared that information with his mate but Jonas doubted it.

"Warrick's animal is a lion," Nafarius said, naming one of the Council members. As pack leader, he knew the names and animals of all seven Council members. He had met with all of them at one time or another; he wouldn't have thought any of them capable of this kind of attack.

Lillian echoed Nafarius' thought aloud. "Warrick would never do something like this."

"The Council wouldn't do something like this," Jonas stressed.

"Not the Council," Dresden said. "Storm."

"Who or what is Storm?" Sam asked.

"Storm heads a paranormal, paramilitary force that was organized to prove the existence of supernatural creatures," Dresden answered.

"Well, he obviously knows of the existence of lycans; why kill Michael?" Sam asked.

Dresden looked from the Council to Nafarius before answering. "Once Storm proved that supernatural creatures existed he convinced his backers to...expand...their mandate. He's helped them to build a quasi-private, semi-governmental group that seeks to study supernatural creatures in hopes of using that knowledge to enhance the military." 

His face dark, Dresden continued. "Their methods are...unpleasant, at best. As for your pack member, I doubt he was the target. I suspect Storm sent someone in to observe you and the two inadvertently crossed paths."

"How do you know so much about them?" Roland asked.

Dresden met Roland's gaze unflinchingly, "I spent some time with Storm."

Roland didn't press; Sam got the distinct impression that Dresden hadn't been a willing guest.

"They're coming for Sam," Nafarius said.

"It looks like it," Jonas agreed.

Nafarius turned to Sam. "You can't stay here."

Sam sighed; she'd known this was coming but that didn't make it any easier. "We'll talk later, right now we need to get the Council members settled and tend to the pack."

She was right; as much as he wanted to pack her up and send her out of harms way, he knew there were things to be done and she was needed here. "Fine, but we're talking about this tonight."

The next several hours were spent getting the Council members settled. Understandably, they were disinclined to stay within the pack's den, nor were they welcome. However, Nafarius did order their camp moved closer to the clearing.

"Are you sure you want them that close?" Roland asked. 

"I want them where I can watch them," Nafarius answered before turning to go.

A short time later, Jonas sought Nafarius out for a private word. "What can I do for you?" Nafarius asked.

"I understand that you have your pack to care for and tomorrow will be a hard day for everyone." Michael's funeral was to be held the next morning. "However, I would like to speak with a couple of your pack members."

"Anyone in particular?" Nafarius asked.

"Roland's mate Natasha and the woman Gertrude," Jonas said.

Nafarius resisted the urge to curse; those were the two women that had been on the receiving end of Sam's ability to control another's animal. He wasn't surprised but had hoped that the Council remained unaware of the details regarding Sam's use of her ability. He didn't worry about Natasha, she was loyal to Sam, but Gertrude could be a problem. Unfortunately, any effort on his part to interfere would only hurt Sam's case before the Council. "What does the Council intend?"

Jonas tried to reassure the pack leader. "We mean you and your mate no harm; but you can understand why the Council would be...curious...about her abilities. At this point, we simply want to talk to those involved and get all of the information. After that, we'll see."

"And Dresden?" Nafarius hadn't forgotten the Hunter.

"It is as Lillian said; he's here for our protection. There are not many lycans that would venture into the territory of a pack of werewolves."

Nafarius nodded in understanding. "Alright, I'll make sure that both women are available tomorrow."

"Thank you," Jonas said.

Nafarius watched as the Elder slipped into the woods; for such a large man he managed to pass through the dense forest quietly. After checking with Roland and ensuring that the patrols were in place, Nafarius went to find his mate. He had a few choice words for her.

The next morning Dresden slipped out of camp and into the surrounding forest while Jonas and Lillian went to see Nafarius. Turning away from the pack's den, he went in search of an area free from the scent of wolves.

At about the same time, Judaea, 'Jude' to those that wanted to live, slipped away from the den. She told herself that she wasn't looking for anyone in particular; her only reason for being out here was to get away from the tension hovering over the pack. 

Carefully, she circled around until she picked up the trail leading to the Council's camp. Even from a distance she could see that it was empty. Another quick loop around and she was able to pick up Dresden's scent. Seeing that it led away from the pack's den, Jude hesitated briefly before following the trail.

A few minutes later and Jude stopped. Scenting the wind, she noted that she wasn't the only wolf in the area; nor was she the only one following Dresden's trail. 

Dresden stared down at the two wolves circling like sharks. One had already changed and paced the small clearing with his nose pressed to the ground. The other remained in human form occasionally calling, "Here kitty, kitty."

Dresden snorted but remained hidden. Obviously, these wolves weren't too bright, it never occurring to them to look up. If they had, they may have seen Dresden perched in one of the large tree branches high up in the air. Not a native to this area, his black coat nevertheless blended nicely with the dark green of the evergreen trees. It would take someone with a keen eye to spot him, and an idea of where to look.

"I'm telling you, he didn't go this way." The young man was talking to his friend. "Either that or he's too scared to come out."

Dresden decided it was time to show these dogs that this cat had claws. With a loud roar, Dresden dropped from the tree and landed in between the two werewolves.

Jude heard Dresden's roar and took off running towards where the sound had come from. By no means an expert, she knew enough about panthers to know that a roar like that didn't bode well for anyone near by.

Dresden met the wolf nearly nose to nose. He wasn't worried about the young man behind him. Still in human form, it would take him time to change and until then he posed no threat. The werewolf, on the other hand, was nearly his equal in size and had a powerful set of jaws. The two circled each other, the wolf with his tail low but not tucked while Dresden's own tail twitched in the air. Truthfully, he wasn't worried and only thought to teach these two young pups a lesson.

Jude nearly ran right into Brian as she broke through the trees. Shoving him out of the way, she turned her attention to where Will and Dresden stood circling each other. "Will, you idiot! Don't you know that he could crack your skull with his paw?" 

Careful not to get between them, Jude circled around until she was close enough to grab Will by the scruff of the neck. Pulling him back, she tossed him like a frustrated mother with a pup. "I suggest both of you get back to the den before he gives you a set of stripes to remember him by."

Satisfied that both boys would keep their mouths shut for fear of getting into trouble, Jude watched as they slipped back into the forest. This time, Will's tail was tucked firmly between his legs.

Turning, Jude nearly jumped out of her skin at finding herself face to face with a very large, very agitated black panther. Hoping he couldn't hear her heart pounding, she said, "I'm sorry about them; they're both young and full of courage. Unfortunately, their brains haven't yet caught up with their brawn."

Dresden considered the young woman standing in front of him. Long, brown hair and light hazel eyes seemed unimpressive until you put them together with the sensual curve of her lips and high cheekbones. Unlike most of the other pack women he'd seen, she didn't wear a sundress. Instead, she seemed to favor low riding jeans and a t-shirt. Ironically, the thing that gave him pause was the sight of her bare feet with bright, red nail polish.




Wolf Lake Ch. 08



Jude was conscious of his open appraisal and wondered what he thought. She was curvier then most of her pack. Her hips and thighs tended towards plump instead of the long, lean lines of women like Sam and Natasha. Still, she'd been told that her curves gave her a more feminine feel in a man's hand.

Dresden, in animal form, was magnificent. His coat was almost blue it was so black and appeared sleek. Unlike the thick fur of her wolf, his coat was made up of short hair. Would it feel like silk, she wondered? Jude, wanting to run her hands down the long length of him, shifted slightly closer. 

Dresden sensed her interest and paced slowly back and forth. Panthers were solitary creatures, coming together for a few days to mate before heading back out on their own. Dresden, far from home, had gone longer then most since last mating and found himself responding to the woman's attention. He found the fact that she was a werewolf intriguing. He'd fucked plenty of human females in his time but never a lycan that wasn't a panther. 

Jude watched the play of muscles as Dresden moved back and forth in front of her. She'd been waiting for someone to come along that interested her, someone that would challenge her. None of the males in the pack offered up much in the way of excitement. She'd coupled with a few of them over the years and none of them sent her heart beating or her blood racing the way the sight of Dresden and all his power did. Already, she could feel herself growing wet at the thought of him.

Dresden paused mid-step as the first hint of her desire hit the air. Lifting his head, he sniffed, surprised at the slightly sweet scent. Back to pacing, Dresden continued to watch her. Never having been part of a pack, he wasn't used to women seeing and appreciating him in animal form. When panthers came together to mate it was in animal form, remaining that way until the female conceived. He found that he wanted her to touch him, to learn how her hands would feel against his animal. Deciding, Dresden prowled closer, brushing up against her leg and inviting her to touch. 

Surprised, Jude slowly lowered herself until she was kneeling beside him. Taking advantage of the invitation, she reached up and cradled his jaw in the palm of her hands before running them down his neck, across his chest and finally down the length of his back. His coat was sleek and short, silky but not exactly soft. Unlike a wolf, Dresden stood closer to the ground and was wider across the chest. His paws were enormous and contained retractable claws that he could use to climb trees as well as strangle his prey. Shivering a bit at the thought, Jude stood and stepped back. "Thank you." 

Dresden backed away slowly, keeping his eyes on her face. He could feel himself growing hard and had caught the spike in her arousal from touching him. He wasn't sure what she wanted or expected; it was rare for lycans of different species to associate with one another - let alone couple. You didn't cross-breed and lycans of different species could never produced offspring. 

Jude watched Dresden back away from her; noting the time, she realized that she'd been gone longer then she meant. "I'd better get back; Nafarius and Roland will kill me if they find out I was out here alone."

Dresden didn't move, didn't give any indication that he heard or cared, he just kept watching her. Not sure what she'd expected, Jude slowly backed up until she reached the edge of the clearing. It wasn't until she was sure that she was out of sight that she turned her back on him and ran home. 

She slowed as she neared the clearing; keeping an ear out for Nafarius or Roland, Jude was relieved to find a number of pack members moving about. Everyone appeared to be busy and were unlikely to take note of her return.

Jude had just stepped out from the tree line when she felt a hard grip on her arm. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and turned, prepared to take the worst of it from Nafarius or Roland. Opening her eyes, she was surprised and relieved to find herself staring into Sam's bright green eyes. Her relief at not having been caught by either Nafarius or Roland was short-lived.

"Next time you pull a stunt like that I'll skin you myself," Sam said. She'd been worried at finding the young woman gone, relieved at seeing her slipping into the clearing and furious at Jude's stupidity. Just then the wind shifted and Sam caught the distinct scent of panther. Her eyes narrowed slightly but all she said was, "I suggest you make sure Nafarius and Roland catch a glimpse of you soon before either one of the notices you were gone."

Jude nodded, "Thank you for not saying anything."

"Don't make me regret my decision," Sam warned. She watched Jude until she was sure that the young woman would remain with the pack. Jude was one of her favorite pack members; young and full of life she was easy to be around.

"Samantha?"

Sam turned at the sound of her name to find Jonas and Lillian watching her. "It's Sam."

Lillian smiled, "Of course. Do you have a minute to talk?"

Sam felt the knot in her stomach tighten. She'd spent the day keeping busy, aware that Jonas and Lillian had been meeting with various pack members. Nafarius had warned her that Jonas had requested an audience with Gertrude and Natasha; she hadn't learned until later that they were also talking with several others. Realizing that the moment had come, Sam looked around for Nafarius. She didn't want to meet with the Council members alone.

Jonas seemed to understand. "I already sent someone with my request that Nafarius join us. He should be here in a moment."

Sam nodded and indicated a small sitting area off to one side. "Why don't we sit?" The clearing wasn't empty; like the inside of their den, there were several small sitting areas with fire pits open to anyone. There was also an area for the children to play or take lessons as well as a small space set aside for training. 

"I was hoping," Sam said, addressing herself to Lillian, "that I might talk to you at some point about the twins?"

"Of course," Lillian said, a hint of surprise in her voice. "Was there something specific you were worried about?"

"No," Sam said. "We saw an OB while we were in the city and he assured me that everything was fine. Obviously, he doesn't know about my...unusual...circumstances so I wasn't able to ask if there was anything I should be worried about."

"Well, I'm sure he told you that twins are often born early and on the small size. That's true for humans and lycans alike. Twins are not any more common among our kind and our bodies tend to handle them the same way." Lillian considered Sam as she sat across from her. Despite her advanced pregnancy, she carried herself with ease, her grace uninhibited by the extra weight. "Your extra strength and healing abilities as a lycan make pregnancy easier. I'm guessing that despite carrying twins, you haven't felt tired or overtaxed?"

Sam shook her head. "No, in fact I feel great."

Lillian nodded, "It is very rare for a lycan to have complications relating to pregnancy."

Sam would have asked more but just then Nafarius arrived, Roland right behind him. Sitting down next to his mate, Nafarius took her hand in his and addressed the two Council members. "So?" he snapped.

Jonas smiled despite Nafarius' commanding tone. "I'll get right to the point, as Council members, we have absolutely no concerns with respect to Samantha regardless of her abilities - whatever they may be." Sam felt some of her tension ease. "We spoke with Gertrude and Natasha as well as several other members of your pack." Seeing Nafarius start to say something, Jonas held up his hand for silence. "I know that I only asked to speak with the two women but after talking with them we thought it best to talk with others as well. We were careful not to speak about anything that wasn't already common knowledge so have no fear on that front." 

Jonas addressed Sam directly, "It is obvious that you are well loved, respected and appropriately feared by your pack. Everyone we spoke to talked about your love and care for your pack, even when that love sometimes requires you to punish." Turning to Nafarius, he said, "You are lucky to have found such a strong mate."

Nafarius nodded but didn't say anything knowing that there was more to come.

"We heard two very different accounts of the use of your ability; Gertrude has some very strong feelings regarding what happened to her but it was clear that she was being punished. She feels that she was right to strike out against a weaker pack member and that your interference was inappropriate..."

"Not when that member was under my specific protection," Sam interjected.

Jonas and Lillian both nodded. "Of course; I am familiar with pack dynamics and you're correct. Gertrude chose to strike out at weaker member but failed to note that she wasn't without protection. The choice was hers to make and she suffered the consequences.

"As for Natasha; she is obviously very grateful to you and your ability. She is convinced that had it not been for you she would have died from her injuries, unable to heal as she was in human form." Jonas looked to Lillian who nodded for him to continue. "It's obvious that your ability can be used in many ways. You've used it both to punish and to protect..."

"Actually," Sam said, unable to keep a slight edge from her tone, "in both cases I was protecting someone. I was protecting Maddie; the fact that Gertrude was punished in the process was simply a...bonus."

Dresden, having just joined them, grunted in approval.

"I understand," Jonas agreed. "But my point remains the same - your ability has many uses. It is a tool and like any tool it takes its character from those that wield it." Turning to Nafarius, he said, "I know that you recognize the danger in the possibilities. It's why you were careful in speaking with Thomas and why you asked him to hold his report as long as possible."

"I won't apologize for what I did," Nafarius said.

"I wouldn't expect you to," Lillian said. "You were protecting your mate and your pack; it's what any good leader would do."

Nafarius nodded but still wasn't happy. "Earlier you said that the Council decided on a less formal approach to this matter; what will happen when you return to the Archives?"

Jonas and Lillian shared a look; it was Lillian that said, "Actually, we won't be returning. We would like to stay until after the birth of the twins; I would like to offer my skills as a Healer to help..."

"And be here when Sam is once again free to change," Nafarius interrupted. "The answer is no; you have what you came for. You know that Sam is not a threat and there is no reason for you to remain."

Sam watched as Jonas' entire demeanor changed. Up until that moment he'd appeared kind, almost benevolent. All of that disappeared; in the blink of an eye Sam saw the bear that had been slumbering beneath the surface stir. "I would remind you that you are speaking to a Council Elder; you do not issue orders to the Council. Do not mistake our informing you of our intent to remain as asking permission." Jonas felt Lillian's hand on his arm, allowing the gentle touch of his old friend to calm him. "I would also caution you that once we return, the records regarding Sam and her abilities will be unsealed and once again part of the public Archives."

"Why?" Nafarius growled.

"As we said, there is no threat from Sam and therefore no reason to seal the records," Jonas answered. 

"That may be true but the same cannot be said for Sam if you make this a matter of public record," Nafarius said. "Once that information is out there is no telling how others will seek to use it."

"You're effectively painting a target on Sam," Roland added, having been listening quietly.

"We understand that there is risk involved," Jonas said.

"Risk?!" Nafarius snarled and started pacing. "You know damn well..."

"She's already a target," Dresden interjected quietly. "If I'm right and the death of your pack member was the result of one of Storm's men then word is already out."

There was a moment of silence as everyone recognized the truth in the Hunter's words.

"Not only that," Dresden continued. "But if there is anyone you should worry about it's Storm. There isn't anyone more ruthless."

"Dresden," Jonas said. "That's enough."

Dresden caught Jonas' warning glance. "Jonas, they have a right to know what they're dealing with."

"What are we dealing with?" Sam asked quietly.

Dresden caught himself in those green eyes and knew that he had to tell her the truth. "He'll hunt you down, using humans and lycan alike and killing anyone that gets in his way. Once he has you, he'll turn you over to his people who will study you. They won't be passive or gentle; they'll use everything from pleasure to pain to see how you react, recording everything you do and say in detail. They'll take you to as close to death as possible if need be in order to learn the secrets to your abilities and determine whether or not it is something they can recreate. If they can't recreate it in a lab there is a good chance they'll try and breed you with humans or other lycans. When they're done, when they've learned all there is to know, they will kill you." Dresden wasn't done, "If they can't get to you, they'll go after your children."

Sam covered her belly protectively with both hands.

"That's enough," Nafarius growled.

"She has to know; you have to know. Storm's already sent one man and you lost a pack member because of it. Don't underestimate him," Dresden warned.

"Nafarius," Sam said quietly. "It's alright. Now we know and can plan."

Nafarius stared down into the beautiful face of his mate. He could see fear in her eyes but there was also determination as well. Nodding, he turned back to Dresden. It struck him at that moment that while he didn't trust the man he was grateful for any help he might be able to offer. "What do you think Storm will do next?"

"He'll wait. I only found traces of the one shooter. My guess is that he sent one man with orders to watch and report back. It was simple misfortune that your pack member stumbled across him." Dresden considered what he knew about the man. "He'll know that we're here, that I'm here and assume that I've filled you in on him and his unit. He'll wait, probably until the twins are born, and then send in a team to go after Sam."

Nafarius nodded as if Dresden confirmed his own suspicions. "It's what I would do; let some time pass for us to get comfortable and maybe send additional men to watch in the meantime."

"Either that or attack now, before we have a chance to prepare," Roland suggested.

Nafarius and Dresden both considered the possibility. Dresden finally shook his head, "No, he's not prepared to take her. Everything is happening too quickly, he'll want to make sure that any attack will succeed."

There was another moment of silence before Sam finally said, "So we prepare. We wait and prepare for both the birth of the twins and for Storm."

"And when he gets here?" Dresden asked her.

"We kill him." Sam said, effectively ending the discussion. "Now, if you'll excuse me I need to help with the evening meal. Perhaps you would like to join us tonight?" she asked the Council members hoping to lighten the mood.

"We'd be delighted," Lillian said, accepting for all of them. They all turned and watched as Sam walked back into the pack's den. No one missed the new tension that seemed to weigh on her shoulders. 

The evening meal went unexpectedly well. While some of the pack members remained uncomfortable, most seemed to have accepted the Council's presence and enjoyed sharing the meal.

Despite summer starting to wind down, it was still light out well into the evening allowing those gathered to eat outside and enjoy the warm weather. Nafarius stood with Roland watching as Jonas and Lillian mixed with a number of pack members. Apparently, their earlier conversations had gone a long way towards making the pack comfortable with the other lycans. 

"Do you think Dresden is right?" Roland asked.

Nafarius considered the Hunter. "I don't know but his is the only information we have."

"You trust him?" Roland asked, surprise evident in his voice.

"No," Nafarius said. "We'll plan as if Storm could be here tomorrow. I won't have anything happen to Sam."

"Of course," Roland said.

Eyes narrowing dangerously, Nafarius watched as his mate approached Dresden. "What the hell is she doing?"

Sam slid into the seat next to Dresden. It hadn't escaped her notice that the man preferred to be alone nor that his eyes continued to stray to where Jude sat with a number of other young ladies. She waited until he turned to look at her before saying, "If you want to fuck one of my bitch pack members, more power to you. But if you ever disregard the safety of any of my pack again I won't bother hunting you, I'll strangle you in your sleep. Do I make myself clear?"

Dresden's eyes narrowed dangerously and the small snarl that escaped at the confrontation threatened to turn into a roar as Sam bared her teeth in response. The two of them sat there for several seconds; him waiting to see if she'd back down, Sam waiting for some sign of acquiescence. Unafraid, Dresden nevertheless realized that he was in her territory and that she only sought the protection of someone in her care. Taking a deep breath, Dresden let it out, some of his tension going with it. "My apologies, I did not mean to endanger anyone."

Satisfied, Sam nodded. "Jude's a good choice," she said, noting that his eyes had already returned to the young woman. 

Dresden's eyes snapped back to Sam. "Do I need your consent or that of your mate?" he asked, realizing that he had no idea of the proper protocol for pursuing a werewolf.

Sam laughed, "No, but you damn well better get Jude's." Standing, Sam stretched. "She'll give you a good run." Looking down, Sam was once again drawn to the power she felt radiating from him. "I suspect it's been a long time since anyone has challenged you."

With that, she turned and left, Dresden watching as she returned to where Nafarius sat with Roland and his mate.

The next day, Jude was finishing up the last of her cleaning when she felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle. Turning, she scanned the area, her eyes landing on Dresden. He'd been watching her all morning. Sometimes she simply felt his presence, his never wavering gaze, while at other times she spotted him standing just within the trees. She knew that he was waiting for her, watching to see if she would remain with her pack or join him. 

Dresden wasn't the only one that had been watching her; Jude looked from Dresden to where Sam sat with a book. Sam looked from Jude to Dresden, gave a small nod and went back to her reading.

Jude looked back at Dresden and felt a slight catch in her chest. He was beautiful; dark and lethal, he reclined against a tree, his hands resting lightly on his thighs, completely at ease. Realizing that she was staring, Jude took a deep breath, slipped her hands into the pockets of her jeans and started across the clearing. The closer she got to Dresden, the tighter the catch in her chest grew causing her nipples to harden almost painfully. Stepping past him, Jude had to fight to breathe past the desire that was building beneath her skin. 

Dresden watched Jude as she stepped past him; catching her scent, he closed his eyes and reminded himself that she wasn't prey. Intellectually, he knew that, but every instinct was telling him to run her down until she fell beneath him.

Jude glanced back to make sure that Dresden was following her. He walked silently, not a sound marking his passage as he slipped through the trees leaving the brush undisturbed. They walked in silence, Jude unsure what to say, Dresden content to watch her as she led the way. She wore another pair of low slung jeans, the waist sitting snug on her hips. She walked with an almost rolling gait, drawing his attention to her round ass and that place where it met her thighs. Unable to wait, Dresden reached out and grabbed her wrist, spinning her around to face him.




Wolf Lake Ch. 08



Jude gasped as she was spun around, her momentum causing her to bump up against his chest. Instantly, she was caught by the look in his eyes. For a moment, they stood unmoving, their bodies pressed together from hip to chest. Jude could feel his cock, hard against the flat of her stomach, his breath brushing her cheek to tickle the hair over her ear.

Dresden sucked in a breath as her breasts slammed into his chest. He could feel the hard peaks of her nipples through the thin material of her t-shirt. Determined to take his time, Dresden ignored the invitation and instead, brought her wrist up to his nose. Breathing deeply, he saturated his senses in the scent of her before lapping at the pulse point with his tongue.

Jude watched as he breathed in the smell of her, feeling the desire slam between her legs at the feel of his rough tongue bathing her wrist. Already, she could imagine the feel of him licking her more tender bits with his tongue. Whimpering slightly, Jude shifted, pressing her hips more fully against him.

Dresden wrapped his fingers around her other wrist; grasping her tightly, he walked her backwards until she was pressed up against a large tree. Dipping his head slowly, he brushed his nose across the underside of her jaw, following it to the tender skin of her ear. From there, he followed the length of her neck until he reached the jugular vein pulsing rapidly. Reaching out, he lapped the flat of his tongue across the pulse point, feeling it jump.

Jude sucked in a breath, her hips bucking sharply and her back arching as Dresden replaced his tongue with his teeth and bit - hard. Dresden growled, her skin still between his teeth, and used his hips to pin her lower body to the tree. Using his knee, he shoved her thighs apart and stepped between them. Another growl, this one of satisfaction, rumbled up from his chest as she cradled his cock at the apex of her thighs.

Jude twisted her wrists sharply, breaking his grip and sinking her hands into his hair. Pulling his head back sharply, she forced him to release his hold on her neck or risk tearing her throat out. 

Dresden's growl of displeasure was cut short by Jude's mouth crashing down on his. Immediately, she sunk into his mouth, searing his lips in a kiss. Their tongues met, mated and dueled; Dresden straining to take control of their mounting passion, Jude unwilling to let go. 

Gasping, Jude broke free from the kiss, her lips moving from Dresden's mouth to nip at his jaw and neck. Her body was practically vibrating and she longed to get closer. Realizing that he had her hips well pinned, Jude lifted her legs and wrapped them around his hips. Using her heels, she dug into his flank, pulling him into her body.

Dresden responded by reaching beneath her, cupping her ass in his hands and pulling her close. Even through their clothes, he could feel the heat of her searing the front of him. "Not enough," he growled and let go of her ass. Reaching around, he broke her hold on his hips and dropped her feet back to the ground. 

Jude whimpered at the sudden emptiness of space that was created by his absence. She tried to reach for him only to have him grab her wrists and pin them at her sides. Reaching up, Dresden grabbed the collar of her t-shirt and using both hands rendered the thin fabric down the front exposing her breasts. Mesmerized, he watched as her breasts quivered, rising and falling quickly as she panted before him. "Exquisite," he said, admiring the full mounds of flesh. 

Not bothering to wait, Jude shrugged out of her ruined t-shirt before reaching around and releasing the clasp of her bra, dropping it to the ground between them. Watching Dresden, she was unable to decipher the look on his face. His eyes flashed yellow before he dropped his lids, hiding them from her, and his face appeared almost blank.

Dresden struggled to keep his emotions from his face. Staring down at her, watching as she stripped herself and bared her breasts to him, Dresden knew that he'd never experienced anything like this before. Jude met his passion with the boldness of her own, giving as much as she took. It was a stark contrast to the passivity of his human lovers from whom he'd had to hide his true nature and the battle to mate that went on between panthers. 

Surprised to see that his hands were shaking slightly, Dresden reached up and cupped both breasts, palming them gently. Jude, her hands back at her sides, let her head fall back and moaned. It had been a long time since someone had touched her and the feel of his hands on her stroked something deep inside of her, calming and stirring it at the same time until she was moving restlessly before him.

Dresden sensed her rising need; shifting closer, he squeezed her breasts, letting his fingers dig into the tender skin while at the same time brushing his thumbs across the hard points of her nipples.

"Oh, god," she muttered. A moment later she cried out as Dresden squeezed both nipples between his fingers, the sensation causing her clit to throb in need.

Dresden dropped to his knees and wrapped her left nipple in the warm, wet heat of his mouth. His tongue, much like that of his animal, was slightly rough and abraded the tender skin of her nipple as he lapped at it.

Shuddering, Jude grabbed the back of his head and pulled him closer, almost smothering him with her breast. "More," she demanded.

Growling at the need in her voice, Dresden sucked hard drawing one nipple into his mouth while at the same time he continued to pinch and pull at the other with his fingers. Above him, Jude whimpered, sighed and gasped as he worked first one and then the other nipple with his mouth and fingers. Each sound pushed his desire up another notch until he thought he might spend himself while still in his jeans. 

He was close to losing it but there was still more that he wanted to do before finally sinking himself into her heat. Releasing her breasts, Dresden grasped the front of her jeans and pulled.

Jude twisted, her mind barely registering the fact that she wasn't going to have anything to wear, and shivered as cool air met heated skin. She expected Dresden to stand, was waiting for him to release himself and impale her on his cock; instead her knees nearly buckled at the feel of his abrasive tongue pressing hard against her clit. "Fuck," she said, the feel of that rough tongue unlike anything she'd ever felt before. 

Dresden couldn't help but chuckle; he'd had more then one woman wonder at the unusual feel of his tongue on their tender bits and knew that it added to their enjoyment. Pressing his palms to her thighs, he spread her legs wide, exposing her pussy.

She was beautiful; neatly trimmed hair accented the narrow slit that was already glistening with her juices. Both labia lips were pink and swollen and he could already see the tip of her clit. Starting at the base of her slit, Dresden dragged his tongue up one plump lip and down the other, gathering her juices on his tongue for his first taste of her. 

Her taste reminded him of the forest; earthy and clean with a feminine muskiness. Again and again, he gathered her juices on his tongue, letting the flavor gather in his mouth before sliding down his throat. 

Jude felt her legs starting to shake as Dresden ran his tongue along her pussy lips; her entire body straining to get closer as he moved towards her core and finally pierced her with his tongue. Her hips rocked in response as he thrust in and out, setting a hard and fast pace that promised completion. "Oh god, yes."

Dresden could feel her starting to tighten, knew that her first climax was close. Quickly, he moved from her body's entrance to the throbbing tip of her clit. Licking upwards, he bathed her with the flat of his tongue before drawing her clit into his mouth and sucking.

Jude threw her head back and cried out, her body contracting almost painfully as she came. 

Dresden felt a rush of warm wetness coating his chin as he continued to gently suckle her clit. Her body no longer bucked furiously but continued to vibrate lightly where his hands held her hips. Carefully, he started to lower her to the forest floor.

"Uh-uh," Jude said. Getting her legs back under her took more effort then she would have thought but she managed. She also managed to push a surprised Dresden onto his back. "My turn," she said.

Dresden watched as she crawled up his body. She didn't have the fluid grace of a feline but there was a predator in her that showed in her eyes. She looked up at him hungrily and Dresden felt his mouth go dry.

Jude passed over Dresden's lower half ignoring the obvious bulge in his pants; reaching his waist, she gathered his shirt in her hands and pulled it up over his head, baring his chest. He was smooth, nearly hairless with muscles that rippled when he breathed. 

Staring down at him, Jude felt a rush of desire, an urge to take and taste unlike anything she'd felt before. He drew her to him, pulled at a part of her that was purely animal. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply, taking in his scent, the light scent of his desire and the smell of her still on his lips. When she opened her eyes, she knew they'd gone gold and that her wolf was close.

Dresden held himself still, watching and waiting to see what she would do. It wasn't long before he found out.

Lowering her head, Jude ran her tongue over one small nipple before drawing it into her mouth. At the same time, she caressed the muscles of his chest with her hands, feeling the heat of his skin against her palms. Testing and tasting, she let his sighs tell her where to go - knew by his sudden inhale when she'd found a particularly sensitive spot along his ribs. She nipped playfully, satisfied when he gave a low growl of warning.

She worked her way down the center of his chest, kissing and licking his skin, tasting the slightly salty tang of sweat until she reached his naval. Experimentally, she poked it with her tongue before circling the small hole. Finding a light dusting of dark hair, Jude followed it to where it disappeared beneath the waistband of his jeans.

Taking her time, Jude used her teeth to release first one and then another of the buttons holding him in. She could feel his cock pressing against the front of his jeans, eager for release.

Dresden was wound tight, knew that he would lose control if she didn't take him into her mouth soon. His entire body had followed the progress of her hot, wet mouth as it moved across his chest and down the flat of his stomach. Every part of him knew her destination and struggled against forcing her to move faster.

Jude grabbed Dresden's jeans and slowly slid them off his narrow hips. As she did so, she caught a glimpse of black hair that started just below the waistband of his jeans. Leaning forward, she followed the line of hair with her tongue until it led her to the junction of his hip. Noting the tender skin, Jude nevertheless sucked hard, pulling it into her mouth and biting down.

Dresden hissed, his hips thrusting up against her mouth. He couldn't believe she'd bit him; it didn't hurt, not exactly but the sensation warred between pleasure and pain.

Jude released Dresden long enough to pull his jeans off the rest of the way. "Oh my," she said at her first sight of him. Standing almost straight up from his body was his cock; long and thick, it seemed to pulse with desire. He was fully engorged, the head swollen and glistening with precum. Unconsciously, Jude licked her lips.

Dresden groaned at the sight of her staring at him and licking her lips. It has been a long time since someone had made him ache in such a way. "For the love of...don't look at me like that, not if you want me to last." 

Jude ignored him; settling herself between his thighs, she wrapped her fingers around the base of his cock and squeezed gently. Timing it right, she was able to meet his natural response of thrusting up with his hips with her mouth.

Dresden groaned at the feel of her mouth on his cock, his hands digging into the ground beneath him. 

Jude sucked and circled the head of his cock with her tongue; gathering as much of his precum as she could, she drew it into her mouth and swallowed. Slightly salty, he had a clean taste that made her hungry for more. Shifting slightly, Jude positioned her body so that she could bend over his hips and work her way down on his cock. He was large and thick and she struggled to accommodate him without gagging. After several tries, she realized that she wouldn't be able to take all of him into her mouth.  

Dresden shook with the effort of keeping his hands to himself. Part of him wanted to grab her by the back of the head and force his way into her mouth. Instead, he reached down and pulled her off his cock.

"Hey! What?" Jude said in surprise.

"Next time, I'll let you play all you want," Dresden said. Flipping her over onto her back, Dresden grabbed her hips and pulled her to him. Once again she was spread out before him; looking down, he could see that she was again wet and her clit visibly throbbed. Grabbing his cock, Dresden rubbed himself up and down the length of her slit, coating himself with her juices.

Jude's back arched and her eyes closed at the sensation of him teasing her between her legs.

"Look at me," he ordered. "I want to watch you as I fuck you."

Jude whimpered but obeyed. Opening her eyes, she stared up into his face watching as his eyes grew dark. At the same time, she felt him pressing against her entrance. Instinctively, she spread her thighs wider, working to accommodate him, and drew her knees up slightly.

Dresden positioned himself at her entrance and slid in slowly. Growling low in his throat, he struggled against swiftly impaling her on his cock, instead wanting to feel every wet inch of her sliding over his cock.

Jude felt herself stretching to take him in; thick and hard; she could feel every inch of his cock as he buried it in her pussy. 

Fully embedded, Dresden paused. "God, you feel good." She was tight, fitting him like a second skin. 

Jude stared up into his eyes, her hands gripping his upper arms. "Please," she said.

Dresden felt what little control he had snap; with a loud roar of triumph, he started pumping in and out of her body. She was beyond wet, her juices quickly soaking both of them, yet he could still feel her skin pulling at him as he thrust in and out. For a moment, he lost himself in the sensation, only barely becoming aware of the change in her body as she got close to climax.

"Oh god," Jude whimpered. "Fuck, fuck, fuck yes. Don't stop." She was beyond caring about what she was saying, wondered dimly if she was begging. Her body continued to wind tighter, each thrust of his cock spearing through her before coming to rest up against her cervix. She knew she'd be sore later, knew that it was going to hurt but didn't care. She couldn't stop her hips from lifting up to meet each of his downward thrust or her thighs from opening wider.

Dresden growled as he felt her open beneath him. Her hands on his arms dug in deep, her fingernails breaking the skin. At the same time, she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper. Reaching between them, he used his fingers to stroke her clit, grasping it and squeezing it hard. A second later he felt her pussy clamp down around his cock, contracting and massaging him as she came. Throwing his head back, Dresden gave into the sensation and with one last thrust released himself deep inside of her. 

For a moment, everything stood still and silent. Nothing stirred, not even the wind as the last waves of pleasure rippled between them. With a shuddering breath, Dresden collapsed beside Jude. They lay side by side, both of them panting and covered in sweat. 

Eventually, Jude became aware of the sounds of the forest returning to normal; Dresden lay unmoving beside her. She told herself to look at him but couldn't muster the strength to lift her head. Instead, she settled for asking, "Are you okay?"

"Hmmm?" Dresden was wondering when the feeling would return to his limbs. Still beyond speech, he settled for a grunt.

Jude smiled, smugly satisfied with herself. Suddenly feeling more energized, she rolled over and rested her chin on his chest. "When can we do that again?"

Dresden cracked one eye open and considered her. She looked sexy as hell. Her hair was mussed, her face flushed and her lips swollen and red. The rest of her hadn't faired much better; there were bruises along the tops of her breasts that made him think he'd had a much harder hold on her then he recalled. "Soon, very soon...well, maybe not too soon...but soon."

Dresden, realizing that he was babbling, snapped his mouth shut. God, what had she done to him? The sex had been good - great even - but it was just sex. Staring down at Jude, Dresden admitted to himself it was more then that. He'd never had sex with another lycan except when mating for offspring. This was entirely different, it was...fun.

Jude watched the play of emotions across Dresden's face and could only guess at what they meant. She remembered the way he'd looked at her earlier and how he'd shut those feelings down. Deciding that a light hearted approach might better serve them both, she said, "Good. Soon it is! Until then, I'd better head back." Jude stood and started rooting around for her clothes. "Sam will expect me to check in and I hate to think of her coming to find me - or worse, sending Nafarius or Roland."

Dresden folded his hands behind his head and watched her as she gathered her jeans and t-shirt. Realizing that both were unsalvageable, she tossed them in a pile and stood naked, her hands on her hips.

"Now I see why the other women wear dresses," she said, humor evident in her eyes.

"I thought they wore them for quicker changing," Dresden said.

Jude nodded, "That too." Sighing, she looked down at herself. "Well, I certainly can't go back looking like this."

"You can wear my shirt," he offered.

Jude tilted her head and considered him. It was a genuine offer, one she was inclined to take just so she could get her hands on one of his shirts. Still, it would raise too many questions. Sam might know what she was up to and it was likely that the rest of the pack would too - eventually. Until then, she didn't want to have to explain or defend her choice of bed partners. Shaking her head, she said, "Thanks, but I've got it covered."

Dresden quickly sat up as Jude dropped to her hands and knees. Fascinated, he watched as she shifted from woman to wolf. It was the first time Dresden had seen her in animal form. She was smaller then most werewolves he'd known with a thick coat the color of amber. He noted that the tip of her tail and both ears ended in black, as if they'd been dipped in ink. 

Jude shook herself once, enjoying the feel of new muscles. Tempted as she was to go for a run, she knew that it was time to get back to the den. Quickly, she pressed her nose into the spot just behind Dresden's ear and gave a quick lick before darting off into the woods.

It took Dresden a moment to realize that she'd left. "Jude! Wait!" Remembering Sam's warning, Dresden took off after her - changing on the run. A moment later, and he was running close behind her, a black panther after an amber wolf. 

Despite the difference in species, his scent on her marked her as belonging to him and he thrilled to the chase, knowing that it was for fun. Together they darted through the forest, Jude leading the way as Dresden followed, occasionally taking a swipe at her hindquarters playfully.

Jude slowed as they neared the pack's den, Dresden keeping pace until she stepped into the clearing. Turning, she saw him settle into the shadows and knew that he'd wait until she was safely inside before leaving. With one last look, she darted inside.




Wolf Lake Ch. 08



"What the hell?" Nafarius said as Jude, in wolf form, darted past him. "Where did she come from?" 

Sam looked up from where she was sitting. They'd been visiting in the common area, enjoying the coolness of the pack's den when Jude returned. Looking out through the den's entrance, she spotted Dresden and smiled. Noting that he was also in animal form she couldn't help but wonder...

Nafarius looked to where his mate stared, spotting Dresden, he asked, "You don't think...?"

Sam just shrugged, "There's no reason why not."

"You knew?" Nafarius frowned. She was right, there was no reason Dresden and Jude shouldn't enjoy each other. Still, he found it a little unsettling that a member of his pack would chose to share a bed with another species of lycan. It wasn't unheard of, just rare and would take some getting used to.

"Does it bother you?" Sam asked

"No, I'm just surprised." He said. "But, it's really none of my business."

"True, besides," Sam said. "You've got bigger things to worry about."

"Yeah? Like what?" Nafarius asked, a slight smile on his lips. He loved it when his mate got all bossy about his business. She really did enjoy telling him what to do and how to do it. 

Sam leaned back and rested one hand on her belly, the last of the contraction passing. "Like the birth of your children."

"The birth of...?" Following her hand, Nafarius felt the blood drain from his face, "Now?"

Sam nodded, "Yes, now," she said and watched in absolute fascination as her normally unflappable mate went pale. "Could you go get Lillian?"

"What? Lillian? Oh, right..." Nafarius started to run off only to return. "Don't go anywhere," he said and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

Sam laughed and then gasped as another contraction started. Soon, she thought...

To be continued...



Wolf Lake Ch. 09



It was late, well after one o'clock in the morning if she had to guess, and the alcove dark. Sam lay on her back, one arm across the pillow above her head, the other idly playing with the blanket while she watched her mate pace back and forth. His long legs took him four steps across the room before he turned with a little jiggle and retraced his steps. There was something incredibly sexy about such a powerful male doing something as domestic as walking the room with his young. Of course, after weeks of no sex just about anything Nafarius did caused her body to tighen and warm with desire.

Bare chested, a pair of low slung jeans hanging off his hips, Nafarius cooed quietly to his infant daughter. The small young wiggled in his arms, staring up into his face and knawing on a fist. If he didn't know any better Nafarius would have sworn that there was a look of accusation in those too knowing eyes. 

"I'm well aware that I don't have what you want," he whispered, a touch of humor edging his voice. "But I think we both agree it's best to let mommy sleep, unlike you she's not much of a morning person." A sqwack followed by more furious sucking was the only indication he got that his daughter disagreed.

Sam chuckled and pushed herself up. "I'm awake." A quick peak into the bassinet beside their bed confirmed that Zane slept peacefully, dead to the world while his sister shifted restlessly in their father's arms. 

"She's hungry," Nafarius said, coming to stand beside the bed. 

"What's new?" Sam asked with a smile and reached for her daughter. 

"I thought to let you sleep," Nafarius said, "but it's not me she wants."

Sam laughed softly as Nafarius handed the young to her. Sensing her mother, Kaysen grew eager, rooting around until she found what she was looking for.

Sam's labor had been fast and furious with Kaysen arriving several minutes before her brother. The running joke was that Kaysen had grown impatient, pushed her brother aside and forced her way into the world with Zane following only to stave off loneliness. 

The two couldn't be more different. Kaysen was constantly in motion, rarely slept and ate like a piglet while Zane seemed content to watch the world go by. Opposite even in coloring, Zane had his mother's black hair while Kaysen was all red fire like her father. The only thing they shared was their mother's green eyes.

In the weeks since the twins were born life had taken on a dream like quality, the days and nights moving with the flow and needs of the new babies. Sam had easily adjusted to the twins' schedule, sleeping when they slept and catching meals between their feedings. Nafarius was shouldering most of the responsibilities as leader, allowing Sam to spend her days with the twins and the other mothers within the pack. Eventually she would start to hand off some of the duties for the twins' care to one or two carefully chosen pack members and return to Nafarius' side as leader. But until then she was content to spend her days driven by the needs of her young.

"Nervous?" Nafarius asked. He stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest and his bare feet crossed at the ankles. 

"No," Sam said. Looking up from where Kaysen nursed, she couldn't help but admire her mate. He was all tall, long and lethal grace. Just looking at him made her pulse race and her mouth water.

Nafarius caught his mate watching him, saw the want and the invitation in her eyes and felt his body harden in response. Flush from sleep, her skin pink and hair mussed, Sam looked warm and inviting. She had always been beautiful but her recent pregnancy seemed to have added a lushness to her curves that made her down right edible. 

"Sam," Nafarius growled warningly.

"What?" she purred, not even bothering to try for innocent.

"Stop looking at me like that before I toss you on your back and part your pretty thighs," he said, his voice low with the onset of desire. His body was hard and tense, every instinct in him urging him to lunge, to take down his mate and remind her who she belonged to.

"Promises, promises," she asked, feeling her body warm and start to go soft.

Nafarius bit back a reply. She was baiting him and they both knew it. Sam had tried to entice him back into their bed and into her body for the past few weeks. Only his committment to see her fully healed had prevented him from taking what she so readily offered. Pushing images of his mate spread out naked and open before him aside, he said, "You'll have to wait. I want to talk about tomorrow."

Sam frowned. "I don't."

"Too bad," Nafarius said and sighed. "Tomorrow is a big day and we need to talk about it."

"You're right," Sam said. "It is a big day but I don't want to talk about it - not tonight. I want to enjoy one last carefree night with my mate and our young before tomorrow changes everything."

He frowned and watched as Sam slipped Kaysen back into the bassinet beside her brother. Zane instantly shifted until he was snuggled up close to his sister. Nafarius had never thought about it like that, never once thought that Sam might have doubts or fears. She was always so strong, so certain of herself and everyone around her that it was hard to believe she might be worried. "It doesn't have to change anything," he said.

"No," Sam agreed, "but we both know that it will."

"Nothing important," he said. "Besides, you might not be able to shift."

Sam gave him a look, it was the same look she gave him when there were others around and she wanted him to stop being an ass. 

Sam had decided to wait after the twins' birth before attempting to shift for the first time. Most werewolves changed within hours of giving birth. After months in human form it was necessary, it also helped in the healing process. But Sam had healed well on her own and decided that she didn't want to try changing until she was ready to try shifting into a new form for the first time.

Over the past several weeks they had talked, often times late into the night, with the sound of the twins sleeping softly beside them. Sam was certain she could shift. It was a certainty she hadn't shared yet with Nafarius. Not because she didn't trust him but because she knew that once she shifted, once it was a certainty, things would change. 

"Will it matter to you?" she asked quietly. "Will it matter to you if I'm not a werewolf? If I'm something...else?" 

Nafarius heard the worry in Sam's voice and felt his heart clench. "If there is one thing you never have to worry about it's how I feel about you. Nothing can change my love for you."

Pushing away from the wall Nafarius pealed off his jeans and slipped back into bed. She came willingly into his arms, the heat of her pressed up against his side as they lay quietly in the dark. After a while he said, "The only thing that matters to me is that you're safe and happy. I don't care about the rest."

"But what if...?" she started.

Nafarius cut her off. "It doesn't matter, no matter what happens we'll deal with it." 

Sam sighed; she knew it wasn't that simple but let the matter drop. She had meant it when she said that she didn't want to spend this last night talking about tomorrow.

Turning towards Nafarius, Sam slid her thigh up his leg until she was able to press herself against his hip. At the same time she brushed her fingertips across the hard planes of his abdomen. "I spoke with Lillian yesterday."

Nafarius growled low in his throat as the heat of her seared his skin. "And?"

Sam nuzzled her nose under the curve of Nafarius' jaw, nudging him slightly. "She said I've had plenty of time to heal."

Nafarius tipped his head to the side giving his mate access to his neck. It was a position he offered no others. "Is that the official 'all clear' from a Healer?" Nafarius hadn't made love to his mate in so long that the need to do so was quickly becoming a living, breathing being beneath his skin.

Sam licked at the pulse point in Nafarius' neck before sinking her teeth into his skin. It was all the confirmation Nafarius needed. Rolling quickly, he pinned her beneath him. Using his knees he spread her thighs wide and positioned himself at her entrance.

"This time is for me," he said. Panting, he struggled to hold himself still. "Next time will be for you," he promised and thrust home.

Nafarius threw his head back and howled as tight, wet heat surrounded him. Somewhere in the back of his mind he recognized that she was wet and ready for him and silently thanked the gods. He didn't think he could stop himself from thrusting again and again had her body not been ready.

Sam arched her back; pressing her heels into the blankets she lifted her hips and welcomed Nafarius home. She felt herself stretch, working to accommodate his cock and thrilled at the feeling of being full for the first time in weeks.

It was hard and fast, the slap of flesh against flesh echoing wet and loud throughout their alcove. With their faces close their breath mingled as they panted their way towards climax.

Nafarius stared down into the face of his mate, watching her as pleasure softened her features and brought a flush to her skin. "Kiss me," he said and bent his head.

Sam met him halfway. Slanting her mouth across his lips, she sealed their lips together and plunged into his mouth. Like their love making, the kiss was hard and desperate, as if they would devour each other rather than part.

Breaking the kiss, Nafarius pushed his upper body away from Sam and stared down to where they were joined. He watched as his cock slammed into her again and again, the sight bringing him close to completion. Wanting her to join him, Nafarius reached between their bodies and rubbed at her clit.

Sam withered beneath her mate. Pressing her pussy more firmly into his hand she met each of his thrust and encouraged him to work her clit harder. "Oh, god, don't stop."

"Never," Nafarius assured her before shifting the angle of his hips. Wrapping his hand around her leg, he pulled her knee up passed his hip and held it to his chest. The new position granted him greater access to her pussy, driving the head of his cock up against her cervix. Nafarius groaned and slowed the thrust of his strokes letting them both feel every inch of his cock as he pressed between the swollen walls of her pussy. Beneath him Sam shifted, rolling her pelvis up to meet each of his downward strokes.

The walls of her pussy continued to swell, gripping him tighter as she drew closer to completion. Gritting his teeth, Nafarius struggled to hold on to his climax, to give them a few more delicious strokes of his cock before emptying himself deep within her body.

"Nafarius," Sam whimpered, release no more then a single stroke away. "Please."

"You're mine," Nafarius growled. "No matter what happens."

"Yes!"

"Let me hear you say it," he demanded. "Tell me you're mine."

"I'm yours!" Sam cried.

Nafarius roared in triumph. Gone were the long, controlled strokes replaced by a furious pounding designed to send them both over the edge. 

Sam lasted mere moments under the onslaught of pleasure, her body tightening almost painfully before shattering. Wave after wave of pleasure rippled from her womb, contracting the walls of her pussy and clamping down as Nafarius continued to drive himself into her body.

Nafarius watched Sam shatter beneath him. Head thrown back, she cried out her release. "So beautiful," he whispered as her lips parted on a moan. Dipping his head he licked at her lips and let himself go. 

Sam groaned at the sensation of Nafarius' hot seed spurting up against her cervix. That combined with his final, desperate thrust was enough to send her head first into a second orgasm. Locked together, their bodies suspended, they rode out the last waves of pleasure.

Moments later Nafarius' arms gave way and he collapsed onto his mate. He knew that she could take his weight but still made the effort to roll off and onto his side, tucking her up beside him. "I may have overestimated my abilities," he said, his breath still coming in uneven pants. 

"Oh, I don't know," Sam said, "I think you performed quite well."

Nafarius snorted. "I had intended that 'next time' would still be sometime tonight. However...I don't think I can feel my legs."

Sam laughed. Leaning up she gave him a quick kiss on the chin. "I would say that this time was for us," she said reassuringly.

"We didn't wake the babies, did we?" Nafarius asked.

Sam looked over to where the twins slept tucked in together. "They're both dead to the world -- for now."

"Kaysen will be up again in a few hours for another feeding," Nafarius said. Unfortunately, the fact that Sam was nursing meant that she bore the brunt of getting up with the twins. Thankfully, Zane rarely woke more then once a night, which made up for Kaysen's need to nurse every few hours. "Besides, tomorrow will be a long day -- for all of us. I suggest we get some sleep."

Sam yawned and snuggled down next to Nafarius, her head on his chest. "I love you," she mutter as sleep claimed her.

Nafarius lay quietly, despite being tired he found himself unable to sleep. Tomorrow would reveal Sam's true nature -- whatever it was -- and while the Council continued to reassure him he still worried that tomorrow's events would set into motion some unstoppable force. He could only hope that Sam was that force and not what was coming for her.

Sam rolled over and woke alone. The light in the alcove told her that it was late morning. She vaguely remembered Nafarius getting up with the twins after Kaysen's early morning feeding and telling her to sleep. She hadn't argued.

Slipping into a summer dress, Sam brushed her hair and teeth and went in search of her mate.

Nafarius was sprawled out in the common area, his body acting as a barrier between the twins and the entrance to the cave. Other pack members moved around them, some stopping to touch a child gently on the head before going on with their chores. 

Sam let the familiarity of pack life wash over her paving the way to calmness. Kneeling behind him, Sam leaned over Nafarius and watched her young. Kaysen lay on her stomach already trying to push herself up onto all fours while Zane lay on his back sucking quietly on a fist. "Where are the others?" she asked.

Nafarius looked up over his shoulder. Sam looked rested and ready -- something he almost hated to admit. Had she looked worn or tired he would have been able to make excuses and put this whole thing off. "They've gathered outside waiting for you. I asked Glenis to stay with the twins."

Sam nodded and smiled as Glenis came to sit with the twins. Nafarius stood and taking her hand walked with her out into the clearing. 

Jonas, Lillian, Dresden and Maddie waited with several others, talking quietly and milling about the clearing. Those closest to Sam had come to watch, to offer support and to hope. Whether they hoped she would be able to shift or not was unique to each individual.

For his part, Nafarius wasn't sure which he wanted more. 

Sam walked towards the center of the clearing, slowly letting her hand slip from her mate's and leaving him to stand beside Roland, Tasha and Maddie. No one said anything, they just waited and watched as only Sam knew what she needed to do.

Taking a deep breath, Sam reached out with her senses, looking both inward and out. Inside she found her wolf while at the same time sensing the energy that gave each individual around her their animal. She let that energy flow over and around her, let it touch her wolf, enveloping her in a ball of light and energy until that was all she was. Until the soft murmer of conversation faded into the background and all that was left was the warmth of the sun on her face and the cool breeze in her hair.

Sam realized that she'd been moving in a circle letting her fingers trail over each of the men and women around her. Without thought, she'd been able to identify each one by the energy that was their animal - each force as unique as scent or a finger print. Coming to back to herself, Sam found herself standing in front of Dresden. Giving him a small smile, she shrugged and stepped into the center of the circle. 

Pulling her dress over her head, Sam dropped to her hands and knees. Looking from Nafarius to Dresden she said, "I hope you don't mind," and shifted.

Most lycan took time to change, the process ungraceful and almost brutal. Sam shifted like flowing water, the process beginning at her shoulders and rolling over her in a wave.

"Holy mother..." Roland breathed on a sigh of awe. "I've never seen anything like that."

Sam stretched when always before she shook herself. Shaking was an instinctual motion that seemed to settle her into her wolf. Only today she wasn't a wolf.

Dresden stared, understanding the smile and the shrug. Sam had changed into a panther.

Sam wasn't finished. Nafarius felt something stir a second before she shifted again -- this time taking on the shape of a bear.

Jonas gave a startled gasp and barely resisted the urge to step forward. Bears were solidary creatures but they still felt the urge to mate. Given the high mortality rate of cubs and the rarity of female lycan with the bear as their animal it had been years since Jonas had seen another of his kind.

Sam seemed to sense his turmoil and shifted again, this time taking the form of Lillian's bird. After fluttering ungracefully, Sam shifted back into human form and stood panting. "Wow."

"Yeah, wow." Nafarius echoed, a touch of humor evident in his voice. 

"Well," Jonas said. "I think that answers that question."

Everyone was silent letting the news settled. Sam slipped back into her dress and went to stand beside Nafarius. "So what happens now?" she asked. Already she could hear conversation starting around her, at first quiet whispers that turned into excited exclamations. It was only as one or two pack members broke off to "spread the good news" that Sam felt herself starting to relax. She hated to admit it but she'd feared their reaction, feared being labled different, dangerous and made an outcast. Their easy acceptence meant more to her then any one of them likely knew.

Jonas and Lillian looked at each other, a silent exchange taking place between two people that have known each other for a long time. "I think it's time we go home," Jonas said.

Nafarius nodded. "And once you get there?"

"We will add our findings to the file on Sam and leave them sealed in the Archives," Lillian said.

"Sealed?" Sam couldn't keep the surprise from her voice. "I thought you were going to release the files."

Jonas nodded. "We had planned to but we discussed the issue and came to an agreement."

"Thank you," Sam said though Nafarius remained quiet.

"Don't thank us yet," Jonas said. "We will leave the files sealed -- for now. However, should someone come looking and make a formal request we will release them. The Council serves all lycan -- not just werewolves. We agree that Sam is no danger to lycans but she is creating history and could signal a change."

"What kind of change?" Roland asked.

"It could be simple Darwanism," Lillian said with a shrug of uncertainty. "We have shapeshifters in our past, they are in our genes and Sam could be the first of others to come."

"The twins," Sam said quietly, grateful when Nafarius entwined his fingers with hers.

Lillian nodded. "They may carry the gene, they may not. There is no way to know if the gene is maternal or paternal and we would definitely like to know if one or both of them turns out to be able to shift."

Nafarius said nothing, made no commitment, just waited for the Council members to continue.

"Well," Lillian said. "We will be leaving first thing tomorrow. It is time we got back to our own business."




Wolf Lake Ch. 09



"I'm staying," Dresden said, not surprised when all eyes turned to him. "Regardless of what the Council does you still have Storm to deal with."

Roland cursed quietly under his breath. Nafarius silently agreed. 

There had been discussions aplenty about what to do about Storm. Roland and Nafarius considered him an unknown threat, one that they were taking seriously. The pack was on high alert, had been since Michael's death over two months ago. Women and children were kept close to home and the men hunted in pairs -- no exceptions. 

There were patrols running 24/7 with regular check ins and word had gone out to other packs in the area to be on the look out for strangers. Packs were territorial but most of them in this area of the country were related through mating. Information would come if a stranger tried to make his or her way to Wolf Lake.

Nafarius, Sam and Roland had talked with Dresden at length working to gather as much information about Storm and his team as possible. They had discussed the advantages to taking the offensive verses the defensive and even considered moving the pack. Only Dresden's certainty that Storm wouldn't stop until he had Sam or knew she was dead convinced them to stay. They would see this through -- one way or the other.

Jude felt a shiver of pleasure at Dresden's declaration. She knew it was selfish of her but she'd hated thinking that he would be leaving soon. They'd been enjoying each other, most of the pack having grown use to the idea of them as a couple - however temporary.

"Much appreciated," Nafarius said with a nod of thanks. "We'll take all the help we can get."

"It's the waiting that I hate," Sam said. "I hate not knowing when or how Storm will attack, it leaves me feeling at a distinct disadvantage."

"I've actually been thinking about that," Dresden said. "If you have a minute I'd like to run something past you," he said, directing his comment at Nafarius but including Sam and Roland.

Sensing the change in topics, most of the pack members moved onto other things leaving the clearing free for Nafarius, Roland, Sam and Dresden.

"Jude, Tasha, I'd like you to stay as well," Sam said. "Maddie, will you please help Glenis with the twins and make sure Payton is tended to?"

"Of course," Maddie slipped back inside. She wasn't insulted at having been directed elsewhere. Each pack member had his or her place, Jude and Tasha were both dominant females and would naturally defend the pack against all danger. Maddie was more submissive and supported her pack by taking care of the young and seeing that the leaders had everything they needed. It was this division of labor and responsibilities that allowed the pack to operate at peak effeciency.

Nafarius, Sam, Roland, Dresden, Jude and Tasha waited until the clearing was empty of all other pack members before speaking. Eventually the pack would know everything but until then they wanted things kept quiet. "So," Nafarius said, "what have you got for us?"

Dresden considered the man he'd come to respect and call friend. "There is no doubt in my mind that Storm is organizing an attack. I also know that he won't make a move until he's guaranteed of success. It may cost him in men and resources but he'll consider just about anything an 'acceptable loss' if he walks away with Sam and/or the twins."

Nafarius growled low in his chest, the sound an automatic response to hearing a threat towards his mate and their young. "You're not telling us anything we didn't already know."

Dresden nodded feeling no offense at the curt statement. "I propose we force his hand, give him a reason to come after Sam when and were we choose. We draw him out, make it appear like we're unprepared when in fact we'll be making the first move."

"Nothing short of Sam will draw him out," Roland said.

Dresden nodded. "She'd be the bait."

"No," Nafarius said, his tone daring anyone to argue.

"Yes," Sam said and braced herself.

Nafarius stepped into Sam's space. Towering over her, he stared down into her face. "I said no. I will not put you in harms way."

Refusing to be intimidated or back down, Sam stepped forward until she was pressed nearly nose to nose with her mate. "First of all, you can't stop me," she growled and felt power ripple down her spine. "Not to mention it's already too late. I'm in his crosshairs and nothing you do or say is going to turn his attention. I say we use that to our advantage and get rid of the bastard."

They locked eyes, Nafarius' bright with anger and fear for his mate. He could feel Sam's power radiating from her in waves of heat. "What you ask of me goes against every instinct I have to see my mate protected."

"I'm not just your mate," Sam said quietly. "I'm alpha female of this pack and every instinct I have is telling me to protect. You chose me - not just as your mate but to help lead and protect - don't ask me to back down from that."

Nafarius growled in frustration before turning away to pace across the clearing.

Sam waited knowing that he needed time to come to accept the truth of her words. Everyone else waited silently, unwilling to draw the leader's attention while in such a agitated state.

Nafarius paced back and forth, head down and fists clenched at his sides. Every time he thought of Storm, of the danger to Sam, a small growl rumbled through his chest. He wanted to lash out, wanted to attack and destroy this threat but at the moment found himself without a target. 

He'd spent the past few months considering every angle, analyzing their situation, considering and disguarding possible attack and defense scenarios. Never once had he thought to put Sam on the front lines or using her as bait to bring the bastard here. He had to admit that it was the best scenario yet. 

Turning back to the small group, he said, "Alright, what do you suggest?"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief while Sam closed the distance to wrap her arms around her mate. Nafarius wrapped her in his embrace, pulling her close and dropping a kiss on the top of her head before walking them back towards the others.

Dresden nodded at Sam, his respect for her growing ever more. She was a good leader, a strong woman and would do them all proud.

"I think the best way to force Storm's hand is to make him think he's about to lose his chance." Dresden had been thinking about this for a while and had worked out a plan that was simple but should be effective. "We know that Storm's been sending scouts..."

"And we've been sending them back in pieces," Roland said with a growl.

There were growls of approval from all present.

"I suggest we let one or two get in and out to report back to Storm," Dresden said.

"I don't get it," Tasha said. "If Storm knows where Sam is why hasn't he attacked and tried to take her?"

"I suspect he's waiting for something, for the right opportunity to present itself." Dresden said. "There's no question that Sam is well protected and hard to get to. Not only that but if he suspects her of being a shapeshifter then he'll have some idea of how dangerous she can be."

Sam stiffened. She didn't like hearing herself described as dangerous.

"Storm is content to wait. He knows where Sam is and every indication is that she's staying put. I suggest we make him think that she's leaving, getting ready to go into hiding," Dresden explained. 

"Won't he grow suspicious?" Sam asked. "You said it earlier, I've been well protected. None of the pack have been allowed out alone and none of the women or children at all. If I suddenly walk out into the woods Storm will know something is up. He'll smell a trap."

Roland and Nafarius both nodded.

"The Council members," Jude whispered in sudden understanding.

Dresden gave her a small smile, pleased that she'd caught on so quickly. He hadn't shared his thoughts with her, it not being his place despite their relationship as lovers. But she was quick and smart and seemed to understand strategy. "Exactly. We make it look like Sam is getting ready to leave with the Council members, to return to the city and the security of the Archives."

The Archives were where all of the lycan's knowledge and history was stored. It was also the official seat of the Council. While most Council members chose to reside in their own residence or with pack and pride the official house remained and was used for Council meetings and functions. The location was known only to alpha pack members, pride leaders or individual lycans strong enough to live on their own. It was also considered the lycan's most secure building. 

Sam nodded, "Storm would easily believe that I would move to a secure location and timing it with the Council's return to the Archives would eliminate any suspicion of a trap."

"Have you spoken with Jonas or Lillian?" Nafarius asked Dresden.

"No," Dresden shook his head. "I wanted to talk to you first, see if it was something you would even consider doing."

Nafarius nodded. "It's a risk," he said, addressing his comment to Roland and Sam. "It means letting Storm's scouts leave with information on the pack. It also means brining this battle here, to our territory not to mention the territories of the surrounding pack."

"We get most of the pack out," Sam said. "We move the youngest and the oldest out, one and two at a time, and hide them. That would leave enough of the pack left to maintain appearances. Besides, with the exception of a few of us I doubt Storm or his men have learned to identify individual pack members. As long as we remain no one would think twice at not seeing the same individuals."

"We can hide them within the surrounding packs," Tasha suggested. "Enough of us have friends and family that have married into the other packs. We can call on those connections to help spread our people out. I doubt Storm is watching the other packs but just in case one or two new people in each pack won't be noticed and if it is can be explained away by simple relations."

Roland, Nafarius and Dresden were all nodding. "We'll speak with the pack tonight, decide who goes and where," Roland said.

"What about the Council?" Dresden asked. "Do you want to speak to them or shall I?"

Nafarius considered. "We'll talk to them together."

"Is there a chance they won't agree?" Sam asked.

Nafarius looked to Dresden to answer. "Maybe," Dresden shrugged. "I had hoped to have them safely away before Storm arrived. This plan means asking them to stay, to act as escort to your supposed departure and risks them in the coming conflict."

Sam understood that the Council members were considered too important to be put in danger. It was Dresden's job as a Hunter to see to their protection. Asking them to remain went against everything in his nature and training. "We get them out as well," she said. "They can be in the last group to go and hide among one of the other packs."

"Doesn't that defeat the purpose?" Tasha asked.

Sam shook her head. "We need them to remain long enough to create the appearance that I'll be leaving with them. Once word gets back to Storm he'll have to move without waiting for confirmation. In the time it will take for his scout to get out and report back we can move the Council members. We can't risk getting them out to the Archives but we can get them out of our territory and far enough away to ensure their safety."

"The twins go with them," Nafarius said.

Sam wanted to argue. She didn't like the idea of Zane and Kaysen out of her sight, not when she knew Storm would be moving into the area. One look at Nafarius' face and she knew there would be no arguing with him. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Maddie goes with them," she said.

"Payton too," Tasha said and took Sam's hand in her own. 

There was a moment of profound silence as everyone absorbed the reality of what they were planning, what they were agreeing too.

"It's done then," Nafarius said. "Dresden, let's go talk to the Council members. Once we have their agreement we can let the pack know and start plans for moving individual members to safety."

Dresden nodded and the two men headed off to find Jonas and Lillian. Sam, Tasha and Jude went back inside, Roland a step behind them.

Lillian and Jonas looked at each other with another of those silent communications. Nafarius would have sworn entire conversations took place in those quiet moments.

"You've obviously thought this through," Jonas said.

Dresden nodded, "We wouldn't ask if we didn't think we had every chance of coming out of this the winner."

"Of course," Lillian said softly. "You've proven yourself capable time and time again."

"You have concerns with remaining?" Nafarius asked. They'd been speaking with the Council members for well over an hour, going over the plan and outlining all the possibilities. Jonas and Lillian had asked intelligent questions but neither seemed inclined to agree. They hadn't said no either and Nafarius decided to take that as a good sign. "What more can I say?"

Another look passed between Lillian and Jonas, this one longer. "There is nothing more to say," Jonas finally said. "We will stay and help you with your rouse."

Nafarius breathed a sigh of relief.

"On one condition," Jonas said.

Nafarius stiffened.

"At some point in the future you will grant Lillian and myself unlimited access to Samantha." Jonas held up a hand, effectively stopping Nafarius' protest. "You've been generous in allowing us to remain until she proved able to shift. However, you made it quite clear that was all we were permitted. We require a opportunity to explore Sam's abilities in greater detail as well as record them for historical purposes."

Nafarius gritted his teeth. He didn't like being forced into such a position. However, their current plan was the best one yet and depended on the Council member's cooperation. "What will you do with the information?"

"Record it, save it for future reference," Jonas said. "Sam is the first shifter to come along in a very long time. However, she may not be the last. I don't mean the twins," Jonas said. "She could mark things to come and we need to be prepared."

"Prepared for what?" Nafarius asked. With their bloody history it wouldn't surprise him if the lycan Council members were looking for a way to neutralize a shifter's abilities.

"To find a way to co-exist," Lillian said. "We have no desire to repeat history - any of it." Shifters and had enslaved lycans until they eventually revolted and hunted shifters into exstinction. "We need to be able to protect everyone but that requires understanding and education. If there are others like Sam we want to know about them and help them to understand their abilities. There is much that could be learned from each other."

Nafarius nodded, understanding. With great abilities came great responsibility. Sam felt it and it drove her to use those abilities to protect her pack. "I'll agree to time with Sam once she and the twins are safe. We can work out the details later."

"Agreed," Jonas said. "So, what do you need us to do?"

The next few days passed quickly with most of the pack members sticking to their usual routine. Runners were sent to neighboring packs with requests to shelter the oldest and youngest pack members for the coming conflict. Nafarius was touched when not a single request was denied. 

Dresden, Roland, Alex and Nafarius made regular sweeps of the surrounding area looking for signs of a scout. The last one had been sent back over three weeks ago. It wouldn't take long for Storm to send a replacement. 

Already plans were in place to allow the latest scout to get further into the pack's territory. To the scout (and Storm) it would appear that the pack had gotten lax in their patrols with the preparations to move Sam and the Council members. 

Sam and the Council members were doing their part. Each one was slowly packing up personal belongings, making it appear that the Council members were returning home and taking Sam with them. 

Younger pack members were sent into the city as if to prepare for the move. Each one had been instructed to make a noticeable passing through the area, stopping in town for supplies before continuing on. Storm and his men may not be in town yet but they were sure to get word of the pack's movements upon their arrival.

Three days after the last runner was sent the first scout was sighted. 

Roland came trotting back into the clearing, "Where's Nafarius?" he asked Alex.

Alex pointed to indicate a small group of pack members running through a series of training exercises. Dresden had cautioned that not all of Storm's troops were lycan and that the pack members needed to be prepared to fight in all forms. Nafarius and Roland had set up a training schedule that alternated through weapons as well as hand to hand combat and combat in wolf form.

"Nafarius!" Roland called.

Nafarius turned at the sound of his name, with a word to one of the young men he handed off the training and went to join his second in command. "What is it?"

"I came across a scout," Roland said. "Storm should be ashamed of himself. The man has no idea how inept his troops are."

"Tell me," Nafarius said. Spotting Dresden he motioned for the man to join them.

Roland explained that the scout was still at the edge of the pack's territory, moving closer slowly and leaving an embarrassingly obvious trail. His disgust at the man's lack of abilities was obvious. "If that's the best Storm has then I don't know why we're worried."

"Don't get cocky," Dresden warned. "Storm knows better then to send his best into enemy territory alone, especially on a scouting mission."

"Storm is sending cannon fodder," Nafarius said.

"More like snacks," Roland said with a smile.

Dresden nodded, "He wouldn't risk sending anyone of value, not after the way the first few were sent back." The smile he gave them was chilling.

"How long do we have?" Nafarius asked.

"A day and a half, two at most and he'll be within site of the clearing," Roland said. Shifting from foot to foot, he strained against the need to hunt down the intruder. "I don't like letting him get that close."

"Understood," Nafarius said. "None of us are thrilled with the idea but we agreed that this was the best course of action."

"There's no turning back," Dresden said. "Everything is in place, all we need to do now is wait."

"And the pack?" Roland asked.

"We'll start moving those that are leaving out tonight, one and two at a time," Nafarius said. Sam had put together a schedule and knew where everyone would be going and when. She had made a point of putting families together while still managing to spread everyone out across the neighboring packs. Thankfully, there weren't too many that needed to be moved.

The three males stood silent, each one thinking of the battle that was yet to come. Spying the scout was only the first step. Everyone knew that the success of their plan depended on each part going right - one misstep could unravel everything and leave them dangerously exposed.

"Well," Dresden said, "if you don't mind I think I'll go find Jude."

Nafarius and Roland both nodded, each one heading off to find his mate. It was understandable that they would seek to spend the last of a peaceful evening drawing comfort from and reassuring themselves of the safety of their mates.

Jude sensed Dresden the moment he stepped inside. In the three months they'd been together she'd come to recognize he presence. It went beyond the sound of his tread or the scent of his skin - both of which she recognized and could pick out even among a crowd. It was something more, a base element that was unique to him and seemed to proceed him as he moved through time and space. 

Having felt him drawing near she wasn't surprised to feel his hands slipping around her waist and pulling her back to his chest. 




Wolf Lake Ch. 09



Dresden rubbed his cheek back and forth across the top of Jude's head, breathing deep and filling his lungs with her scent. He'd come to expect her scent on just about everything from his clothes to his sleeping blankets. It felt strangely disturbing to think that when this was all over he would leave and her scent would eventually fade. "Run with me," he said.

Jude shook her head. "I can't. Sam's forbidden any of us from beyond the clearing. She'd skin me herself if I left."

"I forgot," he said. Nuzzling her hair aside, he bent his head and pressed his nose against the pulse point that beat steadily at the base of her throat. "Come away with me."

"Where?" Jude asked, shivering as his breath feathered across her skin.

"Anywhere," Dresden said, "somewhere we can be alone."

Jude tipped her head back and look over her shoulder at Dresden. Something was different about him. Three months as lovers had taught her a lot about the solitary panther. She knew that he prefered to be alone, that he was rarely if ever actually lonely and enjoyed the travel. She also knew that he was a passionate lover, attentive and inventive. But what she was seeing was a softer side, something not previously present in their coupling. "Alright," she said. "There's a couple of smaller alcoves further inside the mountain. They're used mostly for guests and only in winter as they tend to get too hot during the summer."

"Show me," he said, his voice going rough with desire.

Jude caught the bright green of his eyes and felt her body warm and soften. It was a look she was familiar with, a look that never ceased to thrill and excite her. Nodding, she took his hand and led them deeper into the mountain.

They passed smaller groups of pack members, most of them talking or working quietly while others prepared to travel to see family. There was a sense of quiet anticipation, a sense of waiting but no fear. They trusted in their pack leaders and would do whatever was necessary to see them all safe.

Jude was happy to see many of them smile at both her and Dresden as they passed by. It had taken a bit of time for the trust to grow and for people to get used to the idea of her coupling with someone other then another wolf. But Dresden had proven himself to be a friend of the pack, someone they could trust. The fact that their coupling was temporary didn't matter to many.

Dresden followed Jude back into the mountain passing several smaller family alcoves busy with activity. Eventually, the activity grew quiet before disappearing altogether leaving them alone in front of a small alcove.

Jude pulled back the curtain and motioned Dresden to enter. Inside the small alcove was warm, a slight musk of disuse lingering in the summer afternoon heat. He was pleased to see a thick pallet on the floor and a folded blanket. The lack of such things wouldn't have stopped him but he perfer they both be comfortable. Turning, he watched Jude slip inside allowing the curtain to fall closed behind her.

He didn't wait, didn't hesitate in reaching for her and wrapping his hands around her waist. She came to him willingly, her body softening into him as he took her mouth in a kiss. 

Jude sighed and surrendered her mouth. Immediately Dresden slipped inside, his tongue gliding between her lips to touch and taste. It wasn't hard and fast, not yet, but slow and languid with a hint of desperation. 

For several minutes he contented himself with exploring every nook and cranny, licking along the length of her tongue before nibbling along the lines of her lips. He savored the sensation, her bottom lip slightly fuller then its mate and reveled in the taste of her. He found himself not so much imprinting her onto his memory but confirming what he already knew.

Jude wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Using their differences in height, Jude pulled herself up the front of him, dragging her breasts across his chest. She wanted to get closer, wanted to feel the press of his skin as their bodies moved as one.

Dresden growled in response to the feeling of Jude pressed firmly against his chest. His hands on her hips, he pushed her from him, smiling in satisfaction at her growl of displeasure. Ignoring her attempts to draw him back, he released her hips long enough to pull her t-shirt up and over her head. "Jesus..." he purred. She wasn't wearing a bra. A fact he'd not realized until her breasts sprung free from her tight fitted shirt.

Jude smiled at the look of greedy desire on Dresden's face. Stepping back as he reached for her, she tossed him a look of pure female satisfaction and reached for the front of her jeans. Slowly, making sure he was watching, she slid the button free.

Dresden would have sworn he could hear the button release in the heavy silence that permiated the alcove.

Jude went for the second button, careful to draw out the moment as long as possible.

Dresden inhaled sharply at the small expanse of tan skin that was suddenly revealed as the second button gave way.

"Uh-uh," Jude said when Dresden took a step forward.

Dresden's growl of impatience turned to one of anticipation as Jude skipped the next button and instead slipped her own hand down the front of her jeans.

Jude slipped her hand inside her panties and between her legs closing her eyes as her fingers brushed the top of her clit. "Hmmm..." she hummed in pleasure. Already she was close, knew that it wouldn't take but a few quick flicks of her clit to send her over the edge. Opening her eyes she saw Dresden staring at her from across the alcove. His green eyes had gone bright and he was panting with barely contained desire. Slowly she withdrew her hand and brought it to her mouth. Their eyes locked as she slipped her fingers into her mouth and tasted her own desire. "Yum," she said.

Dresden snapped and launched himself across the room. Taking them both to the ground, he twisted in midair, taking the brunt of the impact before rolling and pinning her beneath him. "It is unwise to poke at an aroused cat," he said a second before ripping the jeans from her body.

Jude jerked at the sudden movement followed by a groan of pure pleasure as Dresden thrust two fingers into her ready body.

"Oh god," he groaned at finding her wet and ready for him. He had meant to take things slow, to relish in being with her on one of their last peaceful nights together. He should have known that it wouldn't end that way. His coupling with Jude was never peaceful, never slow. From the first they had always come together in an explosion of desire.

Jude bucked against Dresden's hand, her hips thrusting up and forcing his fingers deeper inside. "Don't stop," she said.

Dresden growled in response and thrust a third finger deep inside. Sliding down her body, he shouldered her thighs apart and buried his face in her pussy. "I want to taste you," he said. "I want to feel you riding my tongue as you cum."

Jude spread her thighs wider, her head tossing from side to side at his words. She could feel his breath blowing across the swollen heat of her flesh moments before he licked at her with that wickedly rough tongue. Like all felines, Dresden's tongue - even in human form - was slightly rougher then normal. That rough contrast against the delicate skin of her clit was all it took to send her over the edge of her first orgasm.

Dresden licked his way up the length of her slit, his fingers still thrusting in and out of her body, before taking her clit and sucking it deep into his mouth. Immediately, she cried out as her body shattered, the walls of her pussy contracting around his fingers holding them deep within her body as she came. "That's it," he cooed against her quivering flesh.

Jude rode wave after wave of pleasure, her body contracting and releasing until finally collapsing back against the pallet.

Dresden eased his fingers from her body and gave one last, long lick of her flesh before crawling back up the length of her body. He got distracted at the sight of her nipples and realized that he had yet to pay them proper homage. Bending his head, he circled her left nipple with the rough pad of his tongue before drawing it deep into his mouth and sucking hard. Beneath him, Jude bucked and brought her arms up and around his neck. He took it as a good sign that she didn't try and push him away despite her overly sensatized flesh.

Slowly he pulled his head back, stretching her nipple until it popped from his mouth with a wet pop. "Now this one," he said and bent his head to her right nipple.

Jude groaned as her nipple was encased in the wet, warm heat of his mouth, the gentle suction causing her clit to throb in time to her heart. "Dresden..."

"Hmmm?" he mumbled, not yet ready to release her nipple.

"Now, I need you inside of me now," she said and tried to pull him the rest of the way up her body. She succeeded in getting his shirt off and groaned as flesh met flesh but it still wasn't enough. "Please," she whimpered.

Dresden reached down between their body and ripped open his jeans. Instantly, his cock sprung free, the head brushing against the wet heat of her pussy causing his hips to jerk and pulling a moan from deep within his chest.

"Yes, god yes!" Jude struggled to meet him, wrapping her legs around his hips and digging her heels into his flank.

Dresden reared up, the last of his control gone, and positioned himself at the entrance to her body. "Look at me," he ordered.

Jude opened her eyes and stared up into the face of her lover as he thrust balls deep into her body.

They both cried out as the wet heat of her pussy met the hard steel of his shaft. Even after three months he still stretched her, filled her to the edge of pleasure and pain, yet her body quivered to feel him sliding in again and again.

Eyes locked, Dresden braced his hands on either side of Jude's head and pushed himself away from her body. At the same time, Jude lifted her knees to his hips, angling her hips and thrusting her pelvis up to meet each downward thrust.

She could feel herself growing wetter, her flesh swelling as they crashed together again and again. Her hands gripped at the pallet beneath her trying to hold herself still, her body yielding and open.

Dresden dropped to his elbow and fisted his hand in Jude's hair holding her immobile. With his free hand he grabbed her behind the knee and raised her leg higher towards his chest. The new position opened her even more and gained him deeper access.

Jude groaned as Dresden changed the angle of their position, his next thrust pushing the head of his cock up against her cervix. 

Dresden rolled his hips, shifted slightly once more and the next thrust slammed his pelvis up against her clit.

"Yes!" Jude cried, her hands gripping at his forearms and her nails digging deep. Maintaining the angle, Dresden pounded into her flesh. Again and again he drove himself home watching as she thrashed beneath him. The scent of their desire hung heavy in the air, the sound of flesh on flesh competing with the sounds of their breathing.

"Give it to me," Dresden panted, his release racing up on him. "Let me see you cum."

Jude arched beneath him at his words, riding the edge of her release. She knew that he could hold her here for hours or force her over with a single touch.

Dresden released Jude's leg and reached down to where their bodies were joined. Keeping his eyes locked on her face, he grasped the tip of her clit between two fingers and squeezed.

Jude screamed as her orgasm ripped through her, pleasure shattering her and leaving her gasping.

Dresden watched Jude come apart in his arms, felt the walls of her pussy contracting around his cock gripping him like a fist and followed her over.

Jude felt Dresden's hot seed shooting up against her cervix, triggering another orgasm and groaned. Her body felt both strung tight and satiated. For several minutes it was all she could do to hold on as ripples of pleasure spread out from her womb and washed across her body.

Dresden collapsed, his cock still buried deep inside Jude and enjoyed the sensation of aftershocks that rippled the walls of her pussy. Each one seemed to milk a little bit more out of him until he was certain she'd wrung him dry. His own body seemed incapable of anything beyond simply lying there. 

Sometime later Dresden managed to move most of his lower half off of Jude although his head remained plastered to a spot just beneath her breast. "Am I still alive?" he asked.

Jude snorted. "Barely."

Dresden purred at the sensation of Jude sinking her fingers into his hair. He'd come to appreciate these moments after their coupling when the first rush of lust had been burned off and they could take their time with each other.

"What are you thinking?" she asked.

Instead of answering Dresden asked a question of his own. "You'll fight with them?"

Jude stilled. "Of course," she said. "You weren't expecting anything less, were you?"

"No." Dresden traced the tip of his finger across the flat plane of her stomach. "I find myself worried and I'm not certain that I like the sensation."

Jude laughed.

Dresden lifted his head and frowned. "This is no laughing matter."

"No, it's not." Jude stopped laughing but humor still lit her eyes. "I forget that you're not pack. Inconvienent and unwanted feelings are a part of life when you're pack."

"What the hell am I supposed to do about this?" he asked.

"You'll do what the rest of us do. You'll trust that I can take care of myself and those pack members that depend on me." Jude had been dealing with her own insecurities over the coming conflict but refused to give voice to them. It was one thing to care for and defend submissive pack members from the more dominant ones. Fighting against an unknown and armed enemy was entirely new.

"I'll do more then that," Dresden growled, rolling onto his back and drawing Jude into his arms. "I may not be pack but I take care of what's mine and that includes you. I will see that you are safe."

Jude smiled at the absolute certainty in his voice and decided not to argue. She knew that when the time came Dresden along with the other men would be fighting on the front lines working together to keep Storm and his Unit away from Sam and the rest of the pack. He would have enough on his mind without worrying about her. Still, it warmed her that he cared enough to worry.

Two days later a search of the area indicated that Storm's scout was gone. They could only assume that he had returned to report his observations to Storm. So far the plan was working.

"Sam, sit down," Nafarius ordered gently. "Everything will be fine."

Sam shook her head but didn't stop pacing. She couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out. She'd woken that morning with a deep sense of unease and urgency that had grown steadily worse throughout the day. Nafarius was certain it was because today was the day that they were set to move the Council members and the twins. Sam wasn't convinced.

"You still don't feel it?" she asked. 

Nafarius shook his head. He didn't have the same sense as his mate but her constant state of agitation was starting to wear on him. It wasn't like Sam to overreact and she was insistent that something was wrong. It had gotten to the point that he'd finally ordered several patrols out into the surrounding area as a precaution. 

"We'll get Jonas, Lillian and the twins out tonight and you can relax." Nafarius stood and caught Sam by the wrist as she walked passed.

Sam looked up at her mate. "The problem with that is that I don't want them to go. I'd feel safer with them here with me."

"We talked about this..."

"No," Sam said. "You decided and I went along with you. I understand why you want them away from here and it's the logical, right thing to do. But every instinct in my body is screaming for me to keep them with me."

"You won't be able to fight like that," Nafarius offered.

"Or maybe I'll fight harder knowing what's at stake," Sam said.

Nafarius stared down into the face of his mate and realized for the first time that she was fully prepared to fight to the death if it meant protecting their young. While the certainty of it scared him he said nothing to change her mind.

"Nafarius! Nafarius!" Brian came running into the cave.

Sam instantly went on alert.

"What is it?" Nafarius asked.

"They're here!" Brian said in between gasping for air. "Storm and his men, they're coming up the final part of the pass to the lake as we speak." Nafarius swore. "Call all of the patrols back, I want all of the men gathered in the clearing within the hour."

Sam grabbed Glenis who was rushing past. "Get all of the women and children inside. Now!" she growled when Glenis started to ask why.

Glenis turned and bolted for the clearing.

Sam turned to look at Nafarius. "They'll be here before nightfall."

Nafarius nodded. "No time to get them out."

Sam turned and took off running. She found Maddie with the twins in the alcove she'd shared with Nafarius since her first night here.

"I'm almost done," Maddie started and then stopped. "What is it?"

"They're coming. There's no time to get you out now." Sam stuck her head out and shouted for Jonas and Lillian. The two Council members came quickly indictating they already knew what was happening. Sam ushered them into the alcove. Taking a quick look around she spotted Kaysen and Zane sleeping peacefully. The alcove was far enough into the mountain that she knew she'd be dead before Storm or any of his men got this far.

Kissing both of the babies, she turned to Maddie. "You guard them with your life."

Maddie nodded, her eyes wide.

Turning to Lillian, she said, "Promise me, if I don't come back that you'll take them both with you."

"Samantha..." Lillian started.

"Promise me!" Sam couldn't leave until she knew that her children would be safe.

"I promise," Lillian said.

Jonas stepped forward. "I can help."

Sam shook her head. "No, you're both too important. Stay here where it's safe."

"If it's my age, I assure you I can still fight," Jonas said.

Sam gave him a small smile. "I have no doubt, in fact, I'm counting on it. If anyone gets through I need you here to protect the women and children."

Jonas looked at Lillian and Maddie, both women holding a child close to her chest, and nodded. "I will make sure that they are safe."

"Thank you." Sam pressed a quick kiss to his weathered face before turning to leave. "With your life, Maddie."

Maddie watched as her pack leader slipped out of the alcove. Sam was the first one to look out for her, to have given her a sense of self and teach her that she had worth. She would not fail her.

Sam walked out to join the men of the pack. Most of the women would remain inside, a last line of defense between Storm, the pack and the twins. Only Sam would move out with the men.

Nafarius turned to stare down at his mate. "They're about a mile out. We underestimated the speed at which Storm would move. Apparently, the thought of losing you motivated him to move quickly."

"How many?" Sam asked.

"Twelve, maybe fifteen." It was Dresden that answered. "Storm is getting sloppy."

"What makes you say that?" Sam asked.

"That's not even half of his unit," Dresden said. "I think we caught him more unawares then we had thought. He moved in without all of his resources."

"That will work in our favor," Sam said.

Dresden nodded. "For now. I have no doubt that he's ordered the rest of his team to join him as soon as they can. It means that we may have to deal with them in waves."

Nafarius shook his head. "We get to Storm and the rest of the team falls."

"Cut off the head of the snake," Roland muttered leaving the rest unsaid.

Sam stood and stared out into the forest that surrounded the only true home she'd ever known. She'd found happiness here and a family that took care of their own. "We take Storm now, deal with the rest if and when they come."




Wolf Lake Ch. 09



The men muttered their agreement.

Sam stiffened, "They're on the move."

Nafarius shot her a quick look. "How can you tell?"

She looked up at him, a distant look in her eyes. "I can feel their animals and something...else. Not lycan but not human either." She tilted her head as if listening for something.

"Witches," Dresden said. "Storm utilizes all manner of supernaturals in his unit.

"Sam, can you keep the lycans from changing and give the pack time to take them down?" Nafarius asked. It would give them a distinct advantage if the enemy was forced to fight in human form.

Sam smiled, it wasn't a nice smile. "I can do better then that," she said.

Nafarius didn't ask what she meant. It was time.

Giving the signal, the men dropped to the ground and started to change. Nafarius was half way through his change when he realized that Sam remained in human form. He knew that she didn't require the same amount of time as the rest of the pack to complete her shift. Still, he didn't like her remaining in a human form with the enemy so close at hand.

Sam smiled down at Nafarius as he nuzzled at her hand. She knew what he wanted. "Not yet," she said and started into the forest.

Nafarius followed her growling low in his throat. His growls turned to gentle nips at her heels as she kept walking and a foreign scent filled the air. Lifting his head, Nafarius turned into the wind, his heart pounding at the scent of gun oil drifting on the breeze.

Sam took another several steps before the first of the lycan stepped out of the trees. A large lion, obviously male with muscles that rippled in the sunlight. Sam stopped. He seemed surprised to have found her so easily and still in human form. For a moment he hesitated and it cost him his life.

Sam didn't think, didn't need time to gather herself. She simply reached out with her power, grabbed hold of the human that lurked beneath the animal's surface and pulled.

Nafarius crouched, ready to lung when suddenly the man exploded - from the inside out.

Turning to look he watched as his mate stepped around the man's remains and moved further into the trees. He watched her go, not believing what his eyes had seen, until the sound of movement off to his left reached him. Turning he went after whatever was out there.

Sam walked through the woods, a strange sense of calm coming over her. She steer clear of the humans. She had no idea if her abilities would work on something like a witch. She would leave those men to the rest of the pack. She sensed three other lycan moving through the forest. All of them headed towards her pack, towards her young.

The sounds of fighting filtered through the forest. Animal growls mixed with human screams and gun fire. Despite their greater numbers she had no doubt that there would be casualties on both sides. Lycan couldn't survive a bullet wound to a vital organ.

"Stop!"

Sam turned at the order and found herself face to face with the barrel of a gun. An automatic, if she had to guess though she knew very little about guns. A quick check told her that the man was human. She hadn't sensed him, he approached from down wind and the noise of nearby fighting covering the sounds of his movements.

Realizing that she had only one option, Sam shifted, hissing as pain sliced through her right flank. Not bothering to stop and check, Sam, now in panther form, launch herself at the soldier taking him down between her paws and tearing out his throat before they hit the forest floor.

Sam left the soldier lying on the ground and slipped in between the trees. Shifting from panther to wolf, she sensed the pack moving up ahead and hurried to join them. By the time she'd caught up with them Nafarius, Roland, Dresden and the men of the pack had located Storm and had him surrounded.

Sam stepped into a small clearing that had obviously been used as a makeshift base. A tent had been set up along with a folding table and several open crates that once held weapons. From her view point Sam could see a map of the surrounding area. Several sections were marked off, each one corresponding to a known pack territory. Realizing that Storm knew more then they had thought, Sam growled and stepped forward.

Storm stood surrounded, he counted seven wolves and one panther. Turning, he addressed the panther. "Hello Dresden, I wondered where you had gotten yourself off to. It appears you've made some new friends." Storm smirked with a confidence that seemed strangely out of place given his current situation. "Do they have any idea who you really are? Where you come from?"

Dresden's hiss turned into a growl of warning as he took a step forward.

Nafarius growled, effectively ordering Dresden back into his place. He was tempted to draw this out, to take his time tearing into the man that had threatened his mate and young and effectively held his pack immobile for so long. But that wasn't why he held the pack back. They were waiting for something, for someone.

Sam slipped in between Roland and Nafarius and stared at Storm. The old soldier stood, his uniform tattered and blood dripping from his hand. Sam suspected the wound was inflicted in a struggle for the man's weapon.

Storm caught sight of the newest wolf and smiled. "Samantha," he said in satisfaction. The man still believed that he would walk out of here. "So nice of you to join us."

Nafarius nuzzled his mate in greeting. Earlier she'd asked if at all possible for these few moments.

Storm stared in wonder as Sam shifted from wolf to woman. He had several lycan in his unit and had studied them for years but never had he seen anything like it. "You're even more powerful then I had imagined," he whispered in awe.

Sam stepped forward stopping only when Nafarius growled in warning. He would allow her these few minutes but wouldn't see her closer to their enemy the necessary. Sam rested her hand on the top of Nafarius' head and considered the man before him. "I find myself curious, just what did you think would happen when you came here?" she asked.

Storm stood proud and tall. Across from him Sam stood naked, surrounded by wolves and forest. "Look at yourselves, living like animals. I come offering you a place where you can be yourselves and enjoy a better way of life."

"At what price?" Sam asked. She had no doubt that whatever Storm came selling came with a price.

Storm gave a casual shrug. "All I ask in return is that you use your unique abilities to serve your country."

"You mean serve you," Sam said. She wasn't fooled. She had no doubt exactly what type of man Storm was. 

"You would be serving your country," he insisted. "But you would report to me."

"And the testing?" Sam asked. She wanted to hear it all, wanted him to answer to all he would have done had he been successful.

Again that same shrug. "I admit that we want to study you. With all supernaturals we look to learn, to understand what makes you different."

"Why?" she asked.

"It benefits us all," Storm said.

Sam's eyes narrowed. "You want to weaponize us, use us in your wars."

"They're your wars too," Storm insisted.

"Perhaps," Sam said, "but it should be our choice how and when we serve, not yours. You came here today with plans to take me from my family, killing anyone that got in your way. That's not the kind of man I would serve."

"How does that make me any different from you?" Storm asked. "Your pack," he sneered, "cut through my men with total disregard for life. That makes you no different from me."

Sam shook her head. "We defended what is ours, there's a big difference. Agree to leave now and never come back and you can walk out of here."

"Come with me and I promise you're pack will remain safe," Storm countered.

"I'll never go with you," Sam said.

"And I'll never stop coming for you," Storm promised.

That seemed to be the signal that Nafarius was waiting for. All at once Nafarius, Dresden and the rest of the pack launched themselves taking Storm down to the forest floor.

Sam stood back and watched. She had no desire to get in on the kill. The only thing that mattered to her was that Storm no longer threatened her or her family.

It didn't take long, seven wolves and a panther made short work of a single man. When it was done and each man had stepped back Sam stepped forward. All that was left of the man that had caused her such trouble was his uniform. "It's done," she said and turned towards home.

"Excuse me, sir."

"What is it?"

"Major Storm and his unit are overdue to report in."

"By how much?"

"They never reported in yesterday and they were due back this morning."

"Why am I just now hearing of this?" General Miller asked, his tone deceptively mild.

"Major Storm's orders, sir. He ordered 24 hours pass before being considered overdue."

"Get a group together, I want a team dispatched to his last known location." General Miller ordered.

"Yes, sir."

General Jack Miller led a team of men into the wilderness around Wolf Lake. Storm had been out on what should have been a simple locate and retrieve and it was unlike the man to fail to report in. Storm was a royal pain in the ass, overzealous to the point of near fanatsism, he was nevertheless an excellent solider and could be counted on to succeed. Whatever the cost.

They arrived at the last known coordinates, a small clearing halfway between the lake and the pack's home. The clearing was clean, no sign of Storm or any of his men.

"Spread out," he ordered. "I want a sweep of the entire area."

Miller waited, his aid at his side, while the men swept through the area. Two hours later everyone had reported back - all with the same report.

"The area is clean, sir."

"The pack?" he asked.

"Gone," the man reported. "We found their living quarters, there's no sign of them. The entire area is clean, nothing and no one was left behind." He didn't bother adding that the place made the men nervous. There was a other worldliness about the area that skittered across their skin like fire ants.

"Thank you, Sgt. Have the men move out, we're returning to the base," Miller ordered. He had no doubt that Storm and his unit were gone, never to be heard from again. Storm, in his enthusiasm, had run up against the pack and lost.

Somewhere in Montana

Sam stepped out onto the porch and looked out over the valley surrounding the pack's new home. Located along the western part of Montana, the pack was surrounded by deep valleys and high mountains. 

Nafarius joined his mate from inside handing her a steaming mug of coffee. "Happy?"

Sam turned to stare up at her mate. "It's beautiful here."

Nafarius nodded. "The land has belonged to the pack for generations. A few years back I had the main house built. I guess I knew that we wouldn't be able to stay at Wolf Lake forever. Sooner or later the surrounding civilization was bound to intrude." 

Sam nodded. She'd been surprised when Nafarius made the decision to relocate the pack even though it made sense. Storm wasn't the only one that knew who and what they were or where to find them. Eventually, someone else was going to come looking.

"When did you start adding the smaller buildings?" Sam asked. The valley was dotted with smaller, single family homes as well as a barn, a dorm for the single young men and several storage sheds. 

"Two years ago," Nafarius admitted. "Right after we were mated."

Sam raised her brow in question.

Nafarius shrugged looking slightly embarrassed. "I wasn't sure how long you would want to stay at the lake, if you could really be happy there. I knew that I could never leave the pack and that many of them would refuse to move into the city."

"So you started adding the smaller houses so that the pack could move with us?" she asked touched that he would go to such lengths.

"Not all of the pack will move inside," Nafarius said. "Some of them will wander the surrounding area and find places to settle. But everyone will be welcome here and we're close enough to take care of each other."

Sam nodded and turned back to the valley. They'd arrived a few days ago and everyone was working to get settled in. Sam, Nafarius and the twins had moved into what was already coming to be called the Big House. Roland, Tasha and Payton had taken up residence in the house closest to the Big House while the rest of the pack families were spread out throughout the valley. It would take some time to adjust, especially for those families that knew nothing beyond Wolf Lake, but in the end it was the right thing to do.

"Will you miss them?" Sam asked. 

Nafarius turned so that his back rested against the porch railing, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'm not sure I'll have a chance to," he said as two more pack members climbed up the porch steps and let themselves into the house.

Sam laughed and knew that he wouldn't have it any other way. "Come on," she said. "I hear there's going to be lasagna for dinner tonight."

"Seriously?" Nafarius asked. "I can't remember the last time we had lasagna."

"It what happens when you give a girl a kitchen," Sam said. Linking their arms she walked with her mate back into the Big House where pack members mixed with the smells coming from the kitchen.

The End

Author's note: First, I want to thank all of you that made Wolf Lake such a pleasure to write. It's incredibly satisfying as a writer to have people enjoy your work and come to care for your characters as much as you do. Second, I'm sure some of you have noticed one or two story lines that were left unfinished. Unfortunately, that is a risk when writing one chapter at a time. Sometimes, a story goes where you plan and sometimes it takes it's own direction. I hope you'll forgive the few inconsistencies this created. Finally, please excuse any remaining typos, spelling errors and/or grammar/punctuation problems. Editing is *not* my thing, I've done the best I can and can only hope that any issues don't take away from your reading pleasure.