12 comments/ 16516 views/ 23 favorites For Silence's Sake By: KemMyst Hello, Dear Readers, Yes, I've found another storyline for Lyssa, Emmett, and the rest. I know some of you have been wondering what comes next. Enjoy, KemMyst ***** It was the hottest time of the year, August, when the female Alpha of Ross came into her third heat. Sharilyn, the Ross healer, made a notation in the records. Stephanie's heat cycle was erratic. While some of the mated females did vary slightly in their cycles, the Alpha female's was apparently highly variable. It was believed to be the result of the multiple mating bites she had received in a couple of days during her captivity as a sex slave to five rogue werewolves. While she could become more regular with time, it might be that they would never be able to predict her next heat. Many of the female wolves tended to the outside when they came into season and Stephanie was no exception. Now that she felt secure in her position as Alpha, and as Calvin's mate, she had moved out of doors. There was a small copse of trees on a slope to the north of the den that she gravitated toward. She was on her hands and knees, pushing backward as Calvin plunged forward. He had her by the hips, gripping tightly as he drove into her. The sweat from his forehead dripped onto her back and mingled with her own. Stephanie turned slightly to look over her shoulder at him and growled lightly. He dropped forward, magnifying the heat of their bodies, and balanced on one hand. His other hand snaked around her waist to find her clitoris. His knot was already lodged inside her and she was demanding her release with that growl. It was the second day of her heat and she was sensitive enough that it only took a little rubbing to bring her over. The Madam Alpha threw up her head and howled. The contractions of the muscles surrounding his cock was enough. He pressed forward as far as he could and held there, spilling his seed into her again. The Alpha pair collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily and sweating. Calvin was happy to see her eyes close; he could use a rest himself. There should be food and drink when they woke. Sampson was regarding the invitation that had just arrived and possible attendees. A son of the Gates Alphas was reaching majority in a couple of months and, as usual, a gathering of unmated werewolves would be held. There would be the typical contributions to the gathering each pack would be expected to make as well as the matter of whom from the Ross pack would attend. So, he was assembling a list of their unmated pack members. That complete, he made some decisions with respect to priority. If Gates asked them to reduce their numbers, they would have to choose who would not attend. He would discuss the prioritized list with the Alphas when the Madam Alpha completed her current cycle. They had been mated a little more than a year now and she was already having her third cycle. It was unusual for females to have more than one in that time. In fact, they had really not expected her to come into season at all. Calvin was quite a bit older than his mate but he knew her body well. He also had some experience with his previous mate. Thankfully, he was able to coax Stephanie into eating a bit more frequently, which gave him a chance to recover between bouts of almost animalistic fucking. He had the chance to suck down some additional liquid before she stroked his cock and moved to straddle him. "Ready for another round, are you, little one? Come here then." ------- It was October and Emmanuel was 8 months old. Lyssa was a bit dismayed at his growing independence. She had thought to have her little boy, a baby, close to her for a year or more. However, as a werewolf cub, he was rapidly advancing physically. As a pup, he got around quite well. As a toddler, he was slower and less sure. And he was showing a marked preference for spending time with his father and Erich, Wyeth's other Beta. Emmanuel was the son of the first Beta pair of the Wyeth pack and currently its youngest member. Lyssa, his mother, had not been away from him at all for the first few weeks of his life. While it was originally thought it was simply the overzealous protectiveness of a first time mother, it had been the female Alpha and her daughter who had noticed another reason. Emmanuel projected his wants and needs to others. It was unknowingly obtrusive. He could impress upon others a feeling of tiredness or hunger, a desire to cuddle, or an urge to urinate. It had been a nice day and a number of the young males were sparring and Emmanuel was watching. His father, Emmett, was coaching and watching technique. Erich was sparring with one of the other males, Alex. As his mate, Madeline, came out to watch she was surprised to see all the males stop, walk to the treeline, and urinate against an object. Seven males, all peeing in unison. It was funny. It was unsettling. There had been discussions with the healers once they recognized Emmanuel's unique ability. At his age, Emmanuel was too young to understand that he was doing anything unusual or improper. "With young predators, young mammals, life is all about manipulation. And they are generally quite adept. They must be, to survive." "A young pup whimpers and begs for food and the adults feed him, protect him. Our young Beta heir is the same, only with an additional skill." Their Alphas looked at their healer, Wade. "How do we... break him of this?" Randall, the Alpha male asked. Natalie, Wade's mate and also a healer, answered. "It's not a habit we can break him of, nor should we. It's a natural behavior. We will need to explain to him, when he is old enough, that he must temper his broadcasts to reduce his influence on others." "What.. what should we do?" Lyssa asked. Emmett had an arm around her shoulder; their boy was curled up in her lap. "I think my mate would like to know if there are any steps that can be taken now." Wade continued, looking confused. "Care for him, as you normally would." Natalie put a hand on her mate's shoulder and squeezed lightly. "Keep track, as best you can, of the urges he projects and how many he influences. We should determine scope and range." Ariel nodded. "Some of his actions may be innocuous enough, others may need to be moderated earlier." Lyssa stroked her baby's fur. Her voice was on the quiet side. "Is this because of me?" All of the adults looked at her, considering. Then to the healers. Wade started, "I don't see what you mean." "Her sending, mate," Natalie responded. "Ah, yes. That." Natalie responded. "There's no way to know and no reason to believe it has anything to do with your son's ability. Emmaline has shown an ability with nothing unusual about her parents other than Samuel's fighting skills." Emmett felt his mate relax a bit. She had started life as a human and he had changed her when they mated. And afterwards they had found out that she was a very strong sender. At one point, when she had called for help, the send had reached over 40 miles. Lyssa had also reacted in self-defense, killing another werewolf with a strong send. She had learned to temper her sending, to control range and spread. She just couldn't figure out how she could get Emmanuel to stop what he was doing without messing him up. ------- The second son of the Gates' Alphas was coming of age and, so, there was the celebration and concomitant gathering of unmated wolves. Unfortunately, the wolves of the Wyeth pack were not attending the second day of the gathering as they were attending to a solemn event. Randall had given his unmated wolves leave to go to but none had accepted. They were all here. Cassie was inconsolable. Her little girl, Emmaline, had gone from trying to console her to wailing hysterically. Emmaline's grandmother, May, lay on a pyre before the assembled wolves. While she had been old her death had been sudden. The Alphas and Betas stood stoically by as Cassie's mate, Samuel, grabbed the torch and thrust it into the wooden underpinnings. Cassie fell to her knees, sobbing and holding her little one as the flames licked and grew. Samuel knelt beside his family and gathered them to him. A mournful howl went up as flames obscured May's body. Emmanuel twined around his parents' feet, then went over and licked Emmaline's foot. She jerked, sniffed, and giggled at the ticklish feeling. She squirmed out of her mother's arms and followed her younger friend into the side yard. Lyssa took her mate's hand and Emmett squeezed it in return. ------- Calvin Ross had insisted that his Beta, Sampson, attend the unmated gathering. As a result of his status, he'd had several females fawning around him. But they did not interest him in the least. So, Sampson migrated to the periphery. Moving away from the main press of wolves. As he lifted the bottle for another drink, he felt eyes on him. Turning slowly, he found he was being watched by a partially obscured figure. He inhaled, but the wind was blowing in the wrong direction. Why was that wolf looking at him that way? The figure was taller than most of the females. Was it a male, watching him? And why? Sampson pulled himself up to his full height and started to walk over, debating if a confrontation was in the offing. He rounded the corner and was completely astounded as two hands took his face and the other wolf planted a kiss on him. Large hands. Male hands. Sampson decked him. The other male laid on his back on the ground, holding the side of his face. He made no move, submissive, as his blue eyes looked up, then away. "I'm," he started, "Beta, I'm sorry. I.. You..." [You haven't taken any of the females to bed and I thought... I, I thought you might be like me.] In a flash of clarity, Sampson looked over the younger male. Curled blond hair. Blue eyes, the color of a summer sky. Broad shoulders. Narrow hips. The young male looked at the hand he extended, unsure. So, Sampson got down on the ground beside him. "Sorry, you surprised me. I've never known," an inhale, exhale, "another male who was not interested in the females." "Since I was a pup." "Your name is... um, Phillip, isn't it?" "Yes, Phil. Foster pack. Alpha made me come." Sampson smiled. "Mine, too." ------- Madeline had gone back to visit her mother and sister. Mathilda was gushing about the young male she was seeing. Her mother, while normally sociable, wasn't saying much. "Matty? Would you get me a glass of milk?" "Oh, uh, sure, Mom." Madeline watched her sister leave and looked back to her mother. She looked a little unsure and uncomfortable. "Mom? What is it?" "I'm not sure how to say this, sweetie..." "Mom!" Madeline's voice was getting higher. "What?!" She took a deep breath. "I'm having another pup." Madeline's mouth fell open. Pregnant. Her mother was pregnant. She and Matty were the children of their mother's mate but he had died several years ago. Unfortunately for widowed females, they still went into heat. And, without a mate to take care of her needs, she would seek out a male in the pack. There was generally an unmated male or two who would oblige. They hadn't yet found a way to suppress females' heats. The only other options, at present, were locking them away or sedating them. The pack would take care of her, of them, of course. Madeline took her mother's hands. "Is this OK? Are you OK?" "It's unsettling, sweetie. I never thought to have another pup after your father died." "Mom," Madeline swallowed, "you know you could get the healer to try and stop it for you." Her mother closed her eyes and sighed, "I know, sweetie, I know. But you know I love the little ones." It was true. Given a chance, she would watch any of the younger pups, and taught the youngest. "Is it the male? Was it Kent?" The conversation was surreal, counseling her mother, when it should be the other way around. But, when her mother was indisposed it was usually with him. "No, actually," her mother looked embarrassed, "it was Damien. Kent was mated a couple of months ago." Damien. Young, very young. Recently come of age. It was... weird. Matty returned with a glass of milk and looked at her sister. "Oh, sorry, Maddie, did you want something?" "No, sis, I'm good." [Doesn't she know?] [Not yet.] The rest of the evening was spent talking about Madeline's mate, Erich, and what she was up to at the Wyeth pack. ------- Sampson and Phil were tentative, neither really sure how to approach the other. They were close enough to touch but didn't. After Sampson had hit him Phil was reluctant to try again. And Sampson, who had resigned himself to living alone and masturbating for the rest of his life, had no clue how to bridge the gap. So they talked and had another couple of beers. The sun set and the ride back to Ross was called. Sampson rose. "My ride." Phil, panicking slightly, grabbed his hand. "Will I see you again?" Sampson looked down at an earnestly young face. "I'll be here tomorrow." Phil stood and exhaled. "Can I ... kiss you goodbye?" An exhale. "Sure." Carefully, Phil took Sampson's face in his hands, tilted his head, and pressed forward for the kiss. Their lips met and Phil opened slightly. He touched Sampson's lips with his tongue then groaned when Sampson opened and slid a hand into his hair. It didn't last long and Phil sighed and blinked. Sampson murmured, "I gotta go." "Yeah. See ya." Sampson touched his lips a couple of times on the way home. Phil was attractive. And smelled and tasted good. What would it be like to wake up with him? To hold him and be held? To taste his cock? Was it possible? Could he actually have someone of his own? Two of their packmates were staying with members of the opposite sex tonight and a female from another pack was returning with them. She and Harris were all over each other in the middle row of seats. The scent of arousal was... irritating. ------- The wolves of the Wyeth pack spent the evening quietly. There was no loud movie-watching, no rough and tumble for the younger males, even the pups were strangely quiet, mostly looking for comfort from their parents. Lyssa was sitting in the Beta suite holding her young son. Emmanuel was quietly snuggled up against his mother and she was stroking his back. Her mate, his father, Emmett, stood behind them. He had his hands on her shoulders and was kneading them gently. As Emmanuel's eyes tipped up to his father, Emmett made a goofy face. The toddler got a surprised look, then giggled. He held up his little arms, pushing upwards to stand in Lyssa's lap. Emmett grabbed the boy and tossed him in the air. He laughed. "Gen!" Another toss. As Emmett hugged his firstborn, Emmanuel squirmed, then demanded, "Ouh!" Emmett walked over and opened a window. Lyssa shook her head and looked mildly annoyed and amused. "You're spoiling him." "Life goes on, mate. Say goodbye to Mommy." Her naked little man looked over her mate's shoulder. "Bye!" A chubby hand flexed, opening and closing. "Have fun." The two males disappeared out the window and she waited, listening for the giggle that would indicate they had landed. They lived on the third floor of the den. And, with a bit of a lump in her throat, she thought of the time he'd jumped from that very window with her in his arms. When they had run away from the pack. Lyssa blinked, and sighed, and went over to her computer. She had just gotten an email from their lawyer. She led a small firm and they were paying a rather large retainer for research. Following the signing of an NDA, part of which she had helped craft, the packs had hired her to research precedents preemptively. Insuring against the day they were discovered or chose to reveal themselves to the human world. The seven area packs were now contributing to a legal fund. And, to minimize the potential impact of discovery, Lyssa was her point of contact. The packs sent representatives to a monthly council meeting. But the meeting which was to have occurred the next evening had been cancelled in deference to the unmated gathering. Lyssa opened the email and began to read. Even though they wouldn't be meeting, she, as chairwoman, would at least present an update on anything promising. A squeal drew her to the window and she turned off the light beside it. Wolf eyes tracked motion in the field on the other side of the small lake. A large grey wolf was trotting along with a small boy on its back. Emmanuel couldn't keep up with his father at such a tender age but enjoyed riding on his back. Instead of horsey, their young played wolfey with the adults. Lyssa smiled as Emmett jounced him and he squealed again. A russet wolf wandered over, sniffed the boy, and licked his ear. He giggled. Ariel, the Wyeth Alpha female, was checking on their youngest member. Emmanuel patted her head then grabbed his father's ruff again as another large wolf approached, nudged the female, and the two took off, nipping, running. Emmett headed for the back door. Her boys were coming back inside. ------- Stephanie looked down at her mate and licked her lips. Calvin was tied to the bed, arms and legs spread; his cock risen to bob lightly with his heartbeat. She trailed her fingertips up his thigh and he writhed. "I don't know why I put up with this." She smiled at him. [It's my incentive for helping with petitions.] She leaned down and he felt her warm breath on his turgid member. He flexed his hips but she avoided contact. [And you enjoy it.] [As do you, little one.] His send turned to a groan as her tongue slid over the head of his cock, pushing at the foreskin, exposing the sensitive skin beneath. Her wet tongue probed the eye, sweeping out the pearly precum. His fists were clenched as he fought not to thrust his hips up, to thrust into her mouth. Having been forced, having males control her head and fuck her mouth with no consideration for her welfare, this was the only way she felt truly comfortable giving head. While she had progressed greatly since he had met her, had gotten to the point where she would initiate sex, there were still times where she felt better if she maintained control. And, the teasing and submissive nature of the light bondage play was pleasing to both. Stephanie was learning to find pleasure in being restrained, as opposed to the pain that she experienced under such conditions in her youth. She caressed his heavy balls and licked him from base to tip. He twitched. "What would you like, my mate?" There was tension in his send. [This is your reward, my Alpha.] She turned jade green eyes to him, and smiled. She had a beautiful, if somewhat lopsided, smile. [You smell good, mate, and I would like to taste you.] She gave a satisfied smile, held the base of his cock and sucked him in as deeply as she could take him. Calvin emitted a loud moan and pushed his hips upwards. She sucked hard then released him with a pop and turned to look at him. His eyes were tightly closed and he was panting. Stephanie unlocked the restraints and turned, straddling his waist, facing away. He raised his hands to her hips and dragged her bottom backwards. A trail of her juices were left up his chest and over his chin until the juicy treat was poised over his mouth. Calvin inhaled deeply, sucking in the scent of her arousal, then extended his tongue to take his first taste this night. His tongue swept over the soft, wet petals. He felt the differences between the softness on her lower lips and the couple of scars the rogues had left. Then he probed into the hole between her lips and flicked at her clit. She threw her head back and moaned, then fell forward on her hands. Her treat was now before her as she had found she liked the taste of his cock. For Silence's Sake Ch. 02 Dear Readers, Second installment of the series. For those who don't want to read it, there is male on male activity in this storyline. Otherwise, enjoy. KemMyst ******* Couldn't look. Couldn't look. Sampson didn't know what he'd do if he watched Phil take his pants down. They had to be careful, circumspect. [Um. OK.] Sampson inhaled and opened his eyes. Standard wolf coloring pattern, darker saddle, edges of the ears, front of the legs. Light colored. Phil moved and Sampson caught a goldish glint to his fur, especially around the muzzle and legs. Blue eyes looked at him. He wasn't asking anything, saying anything. Sampson was just looking at him. Now what? He smelled.. oh, yum. Phil stuck his nose in Sampson's crotch. Sampson grabbed his ruff and dragged him away. So, Phil stepped back and shifted back to human. His cock was at half-mast. Phil was surprised when Sampson dropped to his knees. Large hands grasped his hips and a wet tongue ran over his manhood. He shuddered and felt his cock fill completely. Sampson was... well, in a place he'd never been before. His nose was filled with the most enticing scent. His tongue ran over the soft, smooth firmness of manflesh. The taste was... wonderful. Phil's hands were on his head and he let out a soft moan. Now what? He'd never done this before. But he'd seen females pleasure their mates in this way and could think of what he'd like. Fully engorged now, Sampson sucked Phil's head into his mouth. Phil moaned louder. Sampson worked his tongue around the fleshy column in his mouth, tasted, licked, teased the head. He explored every nuance of Phil's cock by feel, by the touch of his tongue. Phil tightened his hold on Sampson's hair and pushed his hips forward. Sampson engulfed as much as he could, until his gag reflex stopped him. He could feel curled hairs against his nose. He closed his eyes and sucked. Phil roared, his eyes rolled back in his head, and his knees buckled. Sampson caught him but didn't really know what to do with what was filling his mouth. He tried swallowing but couldn't keep up. Creamy fluid dribbled from the corner of his mouth and spattered the leaves that covered the ground. Between Phil's collapse and his orgasm, his cock fell from Sampson's mouth. It gave one last twitch and a final gobbet emerged to paint Phil's hip. Sampson lowered him to the ground while swallowing the last of what was in his mouth. He looked down at the peaceful face on the naked male in his arms. An oval face that held the hint of a smile. He was deliciously boneless, basking in the aftermath of intense pleasure. He was being held by strong arms, surrounded by a wonderful scent. Bliss. Heaviness in his limbs. He felt so tired. Phil opened his eyes and looked up into a face he loved seeing. A face that held curiosity and some satisfaction. Phil reached up and touched his cheek. [I feel like sleeping. Rest with me?] Sampson nodded and they moved a little off to one side. As they lay down, Sampson at his back, Phil turned slightly to kiss him. He tasted the combination of Sampson and himself. Smiling, he quickly dropped into sleep. He felt an arm around his waist as he drifted off. The last day of the unmated gathering generally ended early, to stave off the worst of the drunken brawls. Wolves who hadn't found a mate, or a potential mate, in the first two days were unlikely to do so on the third. So, on the last day, they were most likely to spend the day drinking, fighting, and having unrestrained sex with whomever was willing. Drunken fighting generally led to injuries and the wounded were typically male. So, the calls went out midafternoon for rides back to their respective dens. Sampson and Phil missed their calls. Phil woke, feeling wonderful, and twisted, looking back at the male behind him. Sampson's shirt had come open, baring part of his chest. Phil blinked, debating upon what he should do. Touch it? Lick it? Kiss it? Or should he just yank it out of his pants and reach in for his cock? His fingers shook slightly as he reached out. His fingertips had just barely contacted Sampson's chest when he found himself flat on his back, pinned by a growling male. He had tensed at the initial assault, but relaxed and turned his head to the side, exposing his throat. Sampson inhaled and backed off Phil. [I apologize.] Phil, still naked, got up on his elbows and smiled. "Your turn." "What?" "I want you naked, Beta." Sampson was startled and a little panicked. He looked around. "It's late. We've overstayed. We need to apologize to the Alphas and go home." Phil's face fell. "Get dressed. We need to go." Phil inhaled, exhaled, and rose. "Yes, Beta." The tone was disappointed and a bit sarcastic. Sampson turned and glared at him. Phil froze and dropped his eyes. "I will go beg the indulgence of the Alphas a bit longer." Sampson's phone rang as he walked away, "Yes, Alpha Ross. I apologize, I'm still at Gates and am going now to speak to the Alphas. ... " Phil lost track of the conversation as Sampson strode away. What the hell? Sampson had seen him naked and jumped his bones. Uh, bone. Then, they had slept together and he had been wrapped in Sampson's arms. He'd woken wanting to return the favor. Now, it was as if he didn't want to know him. Phil, confused, whined as he pulled on his clothes. Hanging his head, he walked to the Gates den so that he could return home. Sigh. What he really wanted was to go home with Sampson, or have Sampson come home with him. Sampson was standing in the foyer of the Gates den, speaking to the Alphas and apologizing for overstaying their welcome. "I will pay whatever reparations you deem appropriate and my Alpha is sending a car to take us home." The female Alpha looked at her mate and a short conversation ensued. The Gates Alpha inhaled and narrowed his eyes. "We will consider the extent of your reparations. However, until your ride arrives, you will help with the cleanup of the kitchen." Phil's eyes went wide. Sampson answered. "As you wish, Alpha." A young, dark-haired Omega came to take them to the kitchen, where Phil was put to work scrubbing pots and Sampson was tasked with cleaning ovens. [They smell of each other, mate.] [And the young one smells of sex. I don't like it. It's unnatural. And he's a Beta!] [Let them return to their packs and be done with it.] [I'm considering speaking to their Alphas. Perhaps they can prevent them.] [I agree, their Alphas should know.] The wolf in charge of the kitchen, Tracy, had to keep nudging Phil. Phil was distracted. Sampson was kneeling on the floor, shirtsleeves rolled up, head inside the large, industrial oven. And his pants were tight on his ass. And that ass... that ass! It was bobbing around as Sampson scrubbed. Biteable! Phil just wanted to go over there and bite it. Another jab, this one harder. The young ones were tittering, talking amongst themselves. Tracy followed Phil's eyes and scowled. "Beta!" Sampson banged his head at the call and backed out of the oven, black smudges on his arms. "Yes?" "Would you go out and help with the grills?" "Of course." Sampson made a small bow and headed for the door. Phil exhaled and returned to the pots. It was two hours before a car arrived from Ross. Well, the car had arrived half an hour before the Gates Alphas released them. Sampson had Trevor move over and got into the driver's side. Phil pouted a bit and got in the back. Sampson was taking him back to his den. The ride to Foster was quiet. Phil waited for Sampson to say something, send something, but he was silent. And kinda tense. What was wrong? What had happened? He didn't understand. And he started thinking that maybe they weren't going to happen. Although it was early, the sky was darkening with the lateness of the year. And he wanted to curl up in a ball like a pup. Wanted to have his mother soothe him. Wanted to lay his head in Sampson's lap, have him stroke his hair, and tell him it was alright. Sampson gritted his teeth as a soft whine was heard from the back seat. They arrived at the Foster den and stopped at the gate. Permission was granted to enter and Sampson drove up to the front door. And Phil realized, there would be no goodbye. No good night kiss. It hurt. But he got out, pulled himself up to his full height and looked into Sampson's eyes. "Thank you, Beta." Taking a deep breath, he turned and entered the den. Sampson watched him go and felt a pang of regret. But he couldn't openly show his attraction. There would be repercussions. It wasn't until Trevor cleared his throat that Sampson realized how tightly he was gripping the steering wheel and that he hadn't moved. He put the car in drive and pulled away. It was a long drive back to Ross and they arrived at the tail end of dinner. Sampson went to clean up while Trevor headed for the food. Calvin retreated to his office and Stephanie went to consult with their healer, Sharilyn. As a young female, she had been studying to be a healer, but that path had been abandoned with her kidnapping. She had felt indebted to the Wyeth Alpha who had saved her and had become a warrior, had been one for decades. But now, she had the opportunity to take up healing again. Sampson grabbed a quick bite and went to the Alpha's office. He knocked, then entered, eyes down. "My Alpha, I apologize for my tardiness." [So, my friend, will you be going there to visit or will he be coming here?] Speechless, Sampson stood in the doorway, staring at his Alpha. Calvin knew he did not intend a challenge but the behavior was almost automatic. He stood, slowly, and growled, low in his throat. Sampson blinked and turned away. "My Alpha." Calvin motioned his Beta forward and then circled him. He sniffed deeply, a couple of times, but, having washed up, there was no other scent. He had missed his call to return and had driven a Foster male home. As Beta he was very aware of his duty. There was only one good reason Calvin could think of for Sampson to have stayed late. An attraction. Sampson was relieved as Calvin turned away, his inspection apparently done. And he was ready to go back to his duties when his Alpha blindsided him with another question. "How did you pass the time at Gates until Trevor got there?" Sampson's eyes flicked up to Calvin's and away again. "Um. Uh, we were set to work in the kitchen." "Doing what?" "I was made to scrub the ovens." Calvin raised an eyebrow. While he understood putting their guests to work for overstaying the party, they shouldn't have been given such ugly, dirty work. What was Gates thinking? Cal looked him over again then released him to his duties. ------- Joanna had started her program at school and Lyria was approaching her first birthday. Her cousins, all male, had learned to play more gently with her. Mark, the eldest, was particularly watchful of the other three. Juliet was so used to dealing with sons and grandsons that it took her a little while to figure out what to do with a girl. But then, things got rather pink and frilly. Lyria spent time pulling bows out of her hair and ribbons out of little dresses. She was definitely Daddy's girl. In fact, if they couldn't find her and she didn't answer, they knew she would be curled up in one of his shirts. They just had to find which one. Ariel had been looking forward to a visit from her daughter and granddaughter when she was told Joanna had come into heat again. The visit would have to wait. ------- Calvin received a call from Graham Gates the next morning. "Yes, Alpha Gates, what can I do for you?" There was a throat clearing heard on the other end of the line. "This is uncomfortable." A pause. "I feel obliged to speak to you with regards to your Beta, Alpha Ross." Stephanie watched her mate's face grow hard. His voice mirrored the look. "I understand you set him to scrubbing ovens, Graham. Are there any other reparations you require of us?" "No, Cal, no. I," sigh, "this is difficult." "Speak plainly, Graham. What is your problem with my Beta? Did he complain? Did he damage property? Did he injure someone?" "No, no, no. Ross, please." An exhalation. "They came to us, after everyone else had left. They smelled of each other and there was the smell of sex." "It was an unmated gathering, Graham." "THEY'RE BOTH MALE!" Calvin waited, receiver held away from his ear. After a few seconds, he asked, "And?" "You KNEW about this!?" "I've been aware of his proclivity for some time now, yes." "And you sent him to an unmated gathering?" "My Beta is not mated." "He seduced a young male!" "How do you know that? Did you see them? Was the young male upset? Was there evidence of a fight?" There was a long pause and Calvin could swear he heard Graham run his hands through his hair. "Fine. I suggest you keep them apart. Good day." Calvin was left with a broken connection. He looked at Stephanie. "Well, mate, I'd say we have a topic to be discussed at the next council meeting." He took in the look on her face as he replaced the receiver. He crossed his arms and said, "So, little one, I assume from that look that you don't think that Sampson should get mated." She huffed. "Two males? What would be the point? There wouldn't be pups." Calvin put out a hand to her and she took it. He pulled her into his lap and put a hand to her cheek. "And you, my mate, you came into this mating expecting pups?" Jade green eyes looked into blue. Stephanie dropped her eyes, her head. "No. You know I don't." Calvin paused. Her response was unexpected. What was she thinking? They may never have thought there was a possibility of pups when they had mated as they had never expected her to come into season. But she had come into heat. Three times already. She could have his pups. What was it he saw in those eyes now? His favorite green eyes. The eyes of his mate. Eyes he loved as much as another set of green eyes. Was it fear? "Stephanie, mate, I had no allusions when I asked you. So, why did I ask you?" She exhaled. "Sex." He smiled sadly at her pat answer. He pushed her hair behind her ear. "Unmated wolves can have sex without commitment, Stephanie. I could have taken Michael's mate. You're being recalcitrant." He brought his face close to hers and spoke softly. "I fell in love with you, Stephanie. I want you with me; I want to be with you, talk to you, touch you. I wanted to make the commitment to you, Stephanie." He kissed her, lightly, "To be yours." She caught her breath and blinked and he saw her eyes grow wet. "Who are we to stand in the way of any two who feel attraction to each other?" He turned up her palm and kissed that. "If they feel that way, were born that way, how is that wrong? Why should we deny them?" She cocked her head slightly and inhaled, exhaled. "Born that way?" "They certainly weren't taught that. All our processes are set up for male/female interactions and matings. How could they have come to be that way otherwise?" She chewed on her lip, something he had not seen her do before. He ran his thumb over her lip, releasing it. Calvin then took her chin between thumb and forefinger. As he kissed her a little more forcefully, he sent [Who are we to keep two adults who care for one another apart?] She sighed and settled against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her mate was older, much older, than she. And wise. She had spent decades hardening herself, denying she needed a mate. But Calvin had wooed her, negated all her objections, and she had agreed to become his mate. An Alpha. It was nice, being his mate. Pleasant. Often pleasurable. Although some of her duties as Alpha sucked. And... Stephanie lost her train of thought as he bit at her nipple through her t-shirt and rubbed against the crotch of her pants. She wriggled in his lap and he groaned. [Careful, mate.] She clutched his shoulders as he nuzzled her neck, nipping along her jaw. She threw her head back as his hands went to her hips. Curled them under her buttocks. Lifted her, to sit on the edge of his desk. Stephanie perched there, looking mildly embarrassed. He ran his hands up her thighs and her body, to cup her breasts through the shirt. He rubbed his thumbs over her nipples then scratched at them lightly. She sighed. "Mmm." Calvin's hands went to her sides and stroked down to her waistband. Sliding his fingers around he popped the snap and pulled at the zipper. His warm hand rubbed over the exposed skin and she shivered. He leaned forward and kissed her there as his hands slid down her legs. He pulled her shoes off then tugged at the bottom of her pants' legs. Stephanie planted her hands on either side of her and lifted her behind. Calvin slithered off the pants. She wore no undergarments. Her breasts were small, barely a handful, and she saw no reason for panties. His hands gently pushed her knees apart as he began to kiss his way up her thighs. Feather light. Butterfly kisses. Just the barest contact of his lips on her flesh. For no reason she could fathom, her breath hitched and she felt a sudden rush of juices from her nether regions. He inhaled and smelled the sudden surge in her arousal. He was still showing her things, still learning things about her body. And, this morning, he would taste her and show her pleasure. Pleasure she had only been privy to for such a short time in her life. His kisses became licks, light, then firmer. He drew her closer to the edge of the desk and his thumbs held her thighs open. Felt the warmth of her soft, engorged lips. Felt the soft, curled hairs. Calvin inhaled, taking in the intensity of her scent. And watched the sweet treasure before him move as she squirmed. She had her fingers wrapped in his hair. He felt the tension in them, the indecision. She didn't know whether to pull him closer or let him set his own pace. She moaned. "Calvinnn..." He couldn't help but smile at that. So, he kissed the mound above her swollen bud and began. Tasting her, licking her. Sweeping up the juices that flowed from the font of her womanhood. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the sensations. The soft roughness of her hair. The slick firmness of her scars. The warm softness of her lips. The sticky slickness of her juices. He caressed her pussy with his tongue, covering her sensitive flesh with his saliva. She squirmed and moaned. And her juices flowed faster. And her fingers grew painful in his hair. Calvin slid two fingers into her and began stroking as her legs began to shake. Close. She was ready. He sucked her clit strongly and she broke. A high pitched noise left her throat as she went rigid, squirted, and then fell back, panting. He licked her clean as she shivered and came down. He loved it when she squirted. Calvin stood while her chest heaved, leaned over, and kissed her, one hand to the side of her head. [The adolescent females await you, Madam Alpha.] Stephanie was helping teach the younger females to fight. The activities of the Interpack Council had led them to the decision to teach all the females as well as the males. Stephanie had spoken to the Wyeth Alphas and was allowed to teach the maneuver that Wyeth had perfected. An almost foolproof takedown. ------- Sampson had thrown himself into his duties, checking on the business, consulting with Esmerelda, who headed the kitchens, enquiring about the progress on the replumbing of the north side bathrooms. Calvin had some others keep an eye on him. But, he never approached him for permission to bring someone to visit. Didn't make the call he expected. For Silence's Sake Ch. 02 Sampson was tense, brooding. Phil was distracted, waiting, skittish. He ran into the garden twice with the lawnmower. Cut down a patch of chives. Thankfully, the season was essentially over. No call came. For him to come to the phone or to speak to his Alpha. He had trouble falling asleep and wondered what he had done wrong. Nor did a call come the next day. Or the day after that. ------- Madeline had been to the healers a few times. Most females came into heat every 9 to 12 months. Lyssa and Anna were on the short end of average, presumably because they started as human. However, it had been more than 18 months since her first heat. Almost two years since they had been mated. And she had only had her first heat. The healers could find nothing wrong with her. She was worried about it, moreso now when the gardens were winding down with the end of the season. She had much less to occupy her now. The tomatoes and salsa had been canned. The corn and peppers had been frozen. Zucchini breads had been made. They'd be digging potatoes, if they had planted any. So, the only things left in the garden were some brussel sprouts, some cabbage, and some root vegetables. She was making a record of what had worked well and what had not. She was trying to match the garden's output to the tastes of the pack. Madeline bowed her head and sniffled. Something had to be wrong with her. It had to be. While she loved Little Em, he wasn't hers, wasn't theirs. She wanted a pup with her mate, with Erich. She wanted a pup of her own. Even her mother was having another pup. What was wrong with her? Lyssa walked in to see if Madeline wanted to spar and was almost bowled over by Emmaline. "Emmy. What?" Emmaline jumped into Maddie's lap and started licking her face. Madeline's breath hitched. "Mad? What's wrong?" She squeezed Emmaline to her as Lyssa crouched beside her. "Maddie. Madeline, are you OK?" Emmaline squeaked and wriggled as Madeline clutched her tightly. "No. No, I don't think so." Emmy and Emmanuel had taken off to play in the light snowfall. Lyssa was sitting with Madeline, who was slumped against her, sniffling. A year ago she had been in the same place, thinking that she'd never have a child with her mate. But at least she had been having heats, Madeline had only had one. There wasn't much she could say. So she just held on to Maddie and was just there for her. [Lyssa? Madeline?] [Ariel, we're...] "Don't tell her." The sparring session involved two-on-one scenarios. Madeline's heart wasn't in it and Ariel dismissed her relatively quickly. The circle was well trod and the snow made it slick. She had fallen four times. [What is troubling Madeline?] Lyssa, one hand on Ariel's shoulder and the other on her arm, stopped. [She's worried because she hasn't had another heat.] After completing her sparring session with Lyssa, and thanking her, the Alpha female of the Wyeth pack went to see the second Beta female. Madeline was in their suite. [Madam Beta, I wish to speak to you.] There was no immediate answer. [Madeline.] Madeline opened the door, a sorrowful look on her face. She stepped aside to allow the Madam Alpha in then stood there, wringing her hands and staring at the floor. Ariel took in her stance, her mood, and stepped forward. Madeline took a step back. "She told you." "It's our duty to look after each other. As Alphas, the pack's wellbeing is our priority. If one of our packmembers is having difficulty, we want to alleviate it." "You can't help me." Ariel stepped forward again, put her hands on Madeline's shoulders and stroked down to take her hands. "I assume you've spoken to the healers." Madeline nodded. "And they have no explanation?" She shook her head. "Even my mother's having a pup!" That revelation had apparently occurred during Madeline's last visit to her old pack. And, Ariel now recalled that the Madam Beta had only had one heat since her mating. Tears were running down Madeline's face. Ariel wrapped her in her arms and held her. She believed Erich likely had no idea of her current upset and debated if it was a good idea to speak to him. As Madeline cried, she abandoned that idea. That was something that should be discussed between mates. Personal enough that she had no right to interfere. Madeline was right. There was nothing she could do. ------- It was a cold night. The wind was blowing and a heavy snow was falling. The command went out in the early hours of the morning. [Someone come get Emmanuel. Now!] Lyssa had come into her first estrus following the birth of her son. Emmett heard footsteps and a tentative knock as his mate was nuzzling his neck and caressing his balls. [Just get in here and get him.] As the door opened, Lyssa's eyes snapped to the doorway and she bared her teeth, growling. Lavender eyes grew wide as Lyssa began to rise up from the bed. Emmett wrapped both his arms around her and pulled her back down. "Just grab him and get out. Hurry!" Lyssa snarled and squirmed. There was another female, one of high status, in the room with her and her mate. She shouldn't be there and Lyssa was going to show her the error of her ways. Forcefully. Emmanuel woke as Madeline picked him up. "Mama?" he asked, sleepily. Lyssa swiveled in Emmett's arms. Her baby. The other female had her baby! She clawed and bit, trying to get loose. Squirming, twisting, her knee contacted a very sensitive part of Emmett's anatomy. She howled. He sucked in a deep breath, but held on, trying to figure out how to change her focus back to estrus as the door clicked shut and Emmanuel started wailing. He was having trouble restraining her. Restraints! Emmett rolled, settling his weight on top of her as she howled. He reached for the drawer on the bedside table and pulled out the soft rope they sometimes used. She was struggling less and sniffing him. He got one wrist wrapped up and strung the rope through the headboard. As he rolled a bit to get to her other wrist he caught a whiff of Madeline. Lyssa must have smelled it too because she went wild again. Looping another rope around the bed leg, he reached up to where she was struggling, and grabbed a foot. He pulled down, against her struggles, and tied off an ankle. He reached for the other foot. She kicked him. Snarled. Maternal instincts warred with reproductive demand. As a female werewolf in heat, she'd hate to be restrained. As a mother whose child had just been taken away, she'd like it even less. She squirmed, she snarled, she writhed. Once he got the other ankle tied down she bucked and howled. As he backed away for a second he heard, [Beta, is your mate in season?] [Yes.] [I can bring a sedative.] [Give me a few minutes to try to settle her in.] The noise and her fury had attracted attention. The metal of the headboard groaned against her struggles. They hadn't expected it. Most females took a year to come into estrus after having a pup. Thank goodness Emmanuel was practically weaned. He opened a window, to try to clear the room of other scents, then went back to sit beside her. She was none too happy with him. He spoke calmly, quietly, and started stroking her body. "Lyssa, sh, sweetheart, it's OK. Someone just needs to watch Em for a little bit. Nobody's taking him away from you..." She looked him dead in the eye, a challenge, and sent [BASTARD!] Emmett rocked back at the strength of her send, but it didn't knock him down. Thank goodness she hadn't done it earlier. But the whole pack must have heard that. [Beta?] [Not yet, healer.] [Someone tell her Emmanuel's fine.] The whole pack was awake by now, anyhow. [Little Em's curled up with Emmaline, Lyssa.] Her chest heaved and she glared at him, her dark eyes challenging him. He suppressed a growl of his own. It wouldn't help. The room was cooling off quickly. The next send came from the Alpha female. [Emmett, what do you need?] He looked away, at the windows. Outside! Away from the den and its scents. [The bunker. I need a change of clothes for each of us and food for a day. .. And someone to lock us in.] [Done, Emmett. Give us ten minutes.] He again tried to calm her, touching her, soothing her. She remained agitated. He was going to have to let her go to move her. So, he took hold of her left ankle and unwrapped the rope from it. She calmed slightly, watching him. Then kicked him in the chest. He held still, swallowing against the pain. Alright, then. He tied her ankles together and wrapped the rope around her legs. Damn. She smelled so good and he was so hard he hurt. He settled his weight on her again and reached for a wrist; she growled. He steeled himself, thinking she might bite him. But she started sniffing. Lyssa's nose pressed against his chest as his erection settled against the crease where her leg met her body. She inhaled and gave him a lick on his pecs as he held that wrist. Making the decision, he released it. She grunted and her hand went to his shoulder. He smiled, relieved. She tugged at the other wrist and he could feel her try to spread her legs. Lyssa nipped at Emmett's collarbone and he couldn't let her go fast enough. She wrapped herself around him, pulling herself against him tightly. He couldn't get the right angle that way so he rolled them and stood up. Emmett put her against the wall, picked her up slightly, and slid inside. She murmured and he groaned. [Beta?] [Not. Now.] She growled lightly and tried to bounce since he had stopped moving to respond. He grasped her buttocks more firmly, captured her mouth, and began thrusting up into her. She set nails into his shoulders and her head against his chest as he pounded her against the wall. For Silence's Sake Ch. 03 Dear Readers, Sorry for the wait. As some of you know, some parts take a little longer to write than others. Part 3 for your enjoyment. KemMyst ***** Emmanuel spent a nice morning running around with Emmaline but started looking for his mother, his parents, around lunch time. Carolyn tried to talk to him but he didn't understand why he couldn't go back to the suite of rooms he shared with his parents. He began to get upset with everyone stopping him. Emmaline pranced around him. It wasn't until the leader female stood in front of the door, stared him down, and told him no that he stopped yipping at the door. She hung a belt on the doorknob and told him that, as long as it was there, he wasn't to go in. He looked at her and the door. She growled at him. He retreated with his tail between his legs. He wanted his mother. Madeline tried to help with Emmanuel, but he was twitchy, unhappy. Emmaline stayed close to him. Lyssa was already having another heat. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She felt edgy, upset. She was worried for little Em. She went to talk to her mate, who was currently talking to Hannah in the kitchen. As soon as she saw them together, she growled. They both looked up at her, surprised. Madeline took Hannah by the arm and threw her across the room. "Blossom, what are you doing?" She knocked him down, straddled him, and grew claws. She hooked them into his clothes and started ripping them off of him as Hannah picked herself up. [Um, Simon, uh, Alpha, it looks like the Beta female's gone into heat.] Randall looked at Ariel, confused. [Hannah, Lyssa's been in heat a full day now.] Simon walked into the kitchen. [Madeline, Alpha. The second Beta female is also in heat.] Erich had opened her blouse and was working desperately to get his pants off. Simon tried to figure out how he was going to prepare the evening meal around two rutting werewolves. And how everyone was going to react to the scent of a female in season this close to the dining hall. [Alpha, we will need to make other arrangements with regard to dinner.] Randall responded, [As you see fit, Simon. Do what you need to do.] Ariel stood behind her mate and ran her hand inside his shirt, sliding it down his chest. She nipped at his earlobe. "Both Betas indisposed at the same time, Ran. What are the chances?" He groaned as her red hair slid down over his shoulders and down his chest and her fingertips slipped into his waistband. "Shall we join them, briefly, mate?" "Mmm, Ariel, we have much to do." She nibbled down his neck and cupped the large bulge in his pants. [Doesn't have to take all day, Ran.] Randall tipped his head back, hands gripping the arms of the chair, as Ariel licked the hollow of his throat and began to unfasten his pants. He stuck his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply. The scent of his mate. Plus the more enticing scent of her arousal. He lifted his hips as she pulled at his pants and briefs. His cock rose proudly from the nest of brown hairs. It curved slightly away from his body, the foreskin retracted slightly to expose the sensitive skin beneath. She looked at him, licked her lips, bent down, and licked the pearly drop off the tip. She then flipped up her skirt and pulled off the green panties. He reached for her and, just as his fingertips touched her hips, she turned around and leaned forward slightly. A burst of her scent hit his nose. The noise he made was a combination of a groan and a growl. Randall grabbed her hips and began pulling her backward. She was holding her skirt around her waist and the fabric framed her luscious ass. He was ready to pull her to him, pull her onto him, but thought better of it. He reached forward and rubbed the knuckle of his thumb along her slit. The juices that made her lips glisten were transferred to his thumb. He brought it to his nose, inhaled, then licked it as he held her in place. Randall reached forward again, stroked her, then slid his thumb inside her. His finger ran over her swollen bud as he stroked in and out of her to her low moans. After several strokes they heard a doubled howl rise through the den. He pulled her backwards and aimed the darkened head of his cock at her dripping pussy. He cleaved her lips as she sank back on him. "MMmmm..." She rolled her head to one side and inhaled deeply as he reached up to cup her breasts. He began kneading them as she braced herself on the arms of the chair. [Yes, my mate.] And, so, it began. Ariel bouncing up and down in his lap. Randall kissing her back, kneading a breast, and reaching around to diddle her clit. Another doubled howl came from the third floor as she moved with more urgency. They were both panting, sweating lightly. Ariel squeezed him with her muscles and his grip tightened on her breast. She leaned forward slightly, taking him a little deeper, and drove harder against him. He pinched her clit and she broke, muscles rippling around him. She threw her head back and howled. He grabbed her hips and thrust in one last time, as deeply as he could go in his mate, and howled his own release. She rolled her head against his shoulder. "Ah, lovely." Erich had managed to maneuver his mate away from the cooking surfaces. But dinner was delayed and consisted of less hot items than normally served. It also had to be taken in shifts. The Alphas ate first, alongside the families with young pups. Emmanuel sat, rather unhappily, with Cassie, Samuel, and Emmaline. Next came the pubescent pups, then the rest of the adults. Hannah took a tray up to the first Beta suite. Ariel went to speak to the healers. "Healers, how long ago was Madeline's heat?" Wade looked thoughtful. "Over a year." Natalie pulled the appropriate file and flipped it open. It was short, only two pages. She counted back. "Nineteen months, Alpha." "Have you ever seen such a thing?" "No." came from both. Thomas was off to one side, checking on supplies. He stopped what he was doing, stood, and turned towards the others. "My Alpha, I have heard of something." They all turned to look at him. "Yes, Thomas, what is it you have heard?" "I sometimes speak with the Foster's healer..." Foster pack's healer was an M.D., "trying to learn things from him." Ariel looked at him, eyes slightly narrowed, and he ducked his head. "To help the pack. I don't tell him anything specific about anyone in the pack but I ask questions and we discuss things." "And what have you learned?" "It's difficult to say for certain since the Madam Beta has only had her second heat but..." the other healers were listening intently, "females, well, it may be that only one of her ovaries is working." "What does that mean? Will she be able to have pups?" Natalie took over the narrative. "She's in estrus, that means she can get pregnant." Thomas nodded and Ariel relaxed slightly. "If Thomas' thoughts are correct then our Madam Beta is likely to experience extraordinarily long periods between her cycles." "Will she...", Ariel paused, "could she regain function in that ovary? Would she lose it in the other?" "We have no way to know for certain, since we have no idea what's wrong." "Thomas." A sigh. "Healers. I would like the three of you to speak to the Foster's healer. Determine possible scenarios, if there is a treatment, or anything more troubling to worry about." "Yes, Madam Alpha." [Madam Alpha?] [Yes, Cassie, what is it? Is Emmanuel well?] [Emmy and I have been cuddling him. He's been nuzzling, looking for milk.] Another problem with Lyssa coming into season so quickly. While Emmanuel was essentially weaned and could survive just fine on solid food, he would still derive comfort from suckling. And, with his mother indisposed and no other female in the pack milk heavy... [Emmett, is your mate in any condition to suckle your son?] She didn't expect an answer, not quickly anyway, and tried to figure out an option to help their youngest pack member through this difficult time. It would upset Lyssa, she knew. [Too. Soon.] Emmett's reply. Strained. Couples were not interrupted in the early part of a female's heat. In fact, it was terribly difficult to distract a couple at all during a female's heat. Although Lyssa had been upset at the removal of her pup, she was now fully engulfed by the hormonal surge of estrus. Any intrusion would be messy. Looking outside the pack would be problematic. At a flash of insight, Ariel flipped open her phone and hit a number on speed dial. "Hey, sweetie, are you busy? ... Can you come over later? ... I'll explain then but a visit would be nice. ... Great, thank you. Can't wait to see you. Love you." Ariel tapped her closed phone against her lips. She wore a slight smile. [Madam Alpha, may I speak to you about the pack council meeting?] They had weeks before the next council meeting and, generally, Lyssa handled most of it. [The Madam Beta will be available in a couple more days.] [But, she doesn't have a vote.] [Of course, Jeremy. I'll be in my office.] -- Phil's mood had grown more and more depressed with the passing days. His mother and, consequently, his Alpha, grew concerned. His older brother took him for a run to try and figure out what the problem was. He had seemed happy the last couple of days of the gathering, almost giddy, and they all believed he had found his mate. But he had not called for someone to come into the den nor had a call come for him. Phil stood in the Alpha's office, head bowed, staring at the floor. "I don't know what to do, Alpha. I can't get him to do anything. Talk." The Alpha walked around him, examining him. "Phillip, is something wrong?" Blond curls bobbed as he shook his head. "Are you unwell?" Another shake. The Alpha turned his attention back to his mother. "What does your mate say?" Pauline dropped her head. "To leave him alone." Back to Phillip. "Steven needs help with the cistern." "Yes, Alpha." Phil turned and left the room. As the door closed, Pauline looked to her Alpha. "Something's really wrong. We need to do something. I want my boy back." "He doesn't seem to want help." "I don't care. Can we find out who he was with at the gathering?" "He's an adult, Pauline. There must be a reason. Unless he asks for help, I won't interfere." -- Sampson was quiet, inattentive. In a sparring session with Stephanie, his Madam Alpha, she put him down five times without even trying. She stood over him, hands on her hips. "You're not paying attention." He looked up at his Madam Alpha, then down again. He exhaled and made to rise. She leapt at him and they rolled once. She had claws at his throat and a knee in his stomach. [What is it you're afraid of?] He blinked at her. A couple of the other males were standing nearby, waiting for them to relinquish the space. [What are you waiting for?] Sampson did not, would not, look her in the eye. She watched him swallow. [Isn't the feeling mutual?] She brought her face closer to his, her breath washing over his cheek. She growled and her hand tightened at his neck. [What is wrong? Answer.] It took three breaths. [I'm too old.] Stephanie got off him and strode back to the den. -- A green Mini Cooper pulled up at the entrance to the Wyeth den. A small, light-colored pup leapt out as soon as the door opened. Lyria headed straight for her grandmother. Ariel scooped up the little one and began stroking and nuzzling her as she walked out to meet her daughter. The little girl was surrounded by the love and warmth of her female predecessors. "It's so lovely to see you, Jo. And my little grandbaby girl. Thank you for coming." Although Joanna smelled of another pack now, she was part of Severn, she also carried her own, familiar scent. Ariel inhaled deeply, reveling in the scent of family. "It's good to see you, Mom. But it sounds like more than just a visit." Ariel put her forehead to Joanna's, while Lyria squirmed between them. "I'm really pleased to see you both, sweetie, but you're right. I would also like to see if you'd be willing to help a friend." Ariel now had her daughter at arm's length. "Well, sure, Mom. 'Course I would." "Lyssa has gone into heat...," Joanna looked surprised, "and Emmanuel is having a difficult separation. He's been staying with Samuel, Cassie, and Emmaline. Cassie has indicated that he's been nuzzling her breasts, looking for milk. I think, if he could suckle, it would ease his distress." "Isn't there... But Lyri... I'm..." Ariel steered her daughter into a small room. Lyria, as a light-colored wolf cub, trotted off to the creche, where the younger pups slept and played. "Breathe, sweetie. I'm just putting forward a possibility. None of our females are currently in milk and it will bother her less if it were you. If you're willing." Joanna, dressed in a patterned skirt and a lavender button-down blouse, looked out the window. "It'll still bother her." "As it would any of us, Jo." After touching her hand, Ariel sat back in her chair. "So, how is she faring against the boys?" "Huh?" Joanna blinked. "Oh. Um. She's getting really frustrated. They think it's funny to pin her down and hold her there." "All of them?" Ariel frowned. Lyria's four cousins were all males. "Well, no. It's mostly just Norm and Nelson. Nathan says his brothers used to do the same thing to him. Why?" "As long as it's in fun. Young males shouldn't get used to picking on young females. There comes a point that's easy to pass where it becomes abuse. And I will not have my granddaughter, or any young female, abused." Joanna gave her mother a pointed look, wondering what she was getting at. "So, how's school? How's Nathan's job?" "He's been with the force long enough he thinks he has a chance to get into the motorcycle patrol." Jo smiled. Her mate, Nathan, rode as much as he could. In fact, he had gotten her away from her abductors on his bike. He had named it Nike, for a goddess of athletics or something. Joanna spoke to her mother about her college courses, professors, and some of her classmates. She was pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Two howls, male and female, reached them. "That doesn't sound like Lyssa." "Madeline and Erich." "Lyssa's..," she looked at her mother, "..in heat, too? Wow, what're the odds?" "It's happened before with other sets of females." "Yeah, but, both Beta females at once?" "Unusual, yes, but..." The red-haired Alpha female smiled. "Can Nathan join us for dinner?" "I'll check." Joanna called her mate but his phone went straight to voicemail. Next was a text message which was quickly answered. "He's in a training session so he should be able to be here by 6." They found the three pups curled up together just before dinner. One dark-haired male, feet twitching, whimpering in his sleep. Another, the larger of the three, also dark-haired, at his back, licking his ear. The third, light-colored, her head on the male's shoulder. Nathan looked at the almost peaceful trio. "Who's that with them?" Jo hooked an arm around her mate's waist and snuggled into the crook of his shoulder. "Emmaline. Cassie and Samuel's. Born just after my birthday, remember?" Nathan nodded, dimly remembering a pup being born at Wyeth during the unmated gathering that had occurred in conjunction with Joanna's 18th birthday. "She knows when people are upset and makes it her job to comfort them. Little Em's having a tough time with Lyssa in heat." "He's only what, eight months old?" Joanna nodded against his shoulder. "And she's already in heat?" Joanna nodded again. "Lyria's still nursing." He looked again at the young, whimpering male. "Poor little guy." [Nathan, Mom asked if I would be willing to let him nurse.] [And, love, how do you feel about that?] He rubbed his cheek against the side of her head. [It's weird. I want to help. He's just a pup. Just Lyssa's little boy. But it seems, I don't know, strange to think of suckling a baby that isn't mine. I'm not sure I can. Does it bother you?] [We do all kinds of things to help others in the packs. Helping females in heat 'til their mates can get to them. Watching pups. Helping the old ones. Treats. So, if you feel at all comfortable with this, I think you should do it. But it's totally up to you.] He squeezed her a little more tightly to him. Jo looked at the small pile of young pups, who were starting to stir as the smell of dinner reached them. Dinner was held in a small room for the family visit. Roland popped in, briefly, and gave his sister a quick kiss. Lyria squealed as he swung her around once, then dropped her in her father's lap. He grabbed a hunk of roast off a platter and left, saying, "Gotta take the pups on an evening sweep. See ya." And he was off to take the adolescent males on a run around the range to acclimate them to the demands of protecting the pack. Nathan regaled them with tales of his sensitivity training. After a while, he returned home to get some sleep before work the next day. Joanna went to Cassie and Samuel's room and knocked on the door. "Who is it?" [Joanna, is Emmanuel asleep?] Cassie opened the door. "No. It's not easy to get him to settle. Were you looking to visit with him?" Joanna inhaled. "Yes." Cassie ushered her in. Samuel looked up from where he was settling Emmaline at a pallet. And trying to get Emmanuel to lie down with her. "Could I see him?" Jo put her arms out. Samuel picked him up and set the small boy into her arms. Jo cradled him, cooed at him, and settled into a chair. "Hey, Em, I know Mama's busy and Daddy's with her and that it's making you unhappy. But they'll be back soon. They love you." Emmanuel whimpered in her arms and she felt a sense of longing. She was shocked at how much she missed Lyssa and Emmett. Samuel spoke up as he patted his daughter. "He's projecting again." Joanna stroked his back, her eyes wet. "That's him? Oh, Selene, how do you stand it?" Cassie replied. "We distract him as much as we can. You wouldn't believe how much fun it is when he has to pee and we all have to go." "I'd heard but I had no idea. Em, Em, stop. It's OK." She kept stroking him and began rocking a little. "Hey, baby boy, I know you miss Mama and Daddy. I know you're unhappy. But you're making everybody else sad, too. C'mon. Stop." A fat, wet teardrop hit Emmanuel's shoulder and he looked up at her. "You can see them again in a couple of days. It's OK." His little face screwed up into a frown. "Biggirl woof say no!" He started to cry. Emmaline came over and crawled up into the chair. She cuddled up to him. "You didn't say he couldn't go back?" Cassie shook her head. "The Madam Alpha." Emmanuel sniffled. "Em, sweetie." [Lyssa's been in heat a couple of days?] [Two. Yes.] "She didn't mean forever. Just a couple of days. There's this night, then tomorrow, then one more night, and the next day. OK? Just a little longer." Emmaline held up two fingers and tried to get Emmanuel's chubby fingers to make the two sign. "Two." Emmanuel sniffled and looked at Emmaline. "Do?" Jo smiled and nodded. Emmanuel rubbed his eye with a small fist and rubbed his cheek against her breast. Jo felt the familiar sensation of fullness. She was still lactating, although Lyria wasn't taking much anymore. She was drying up. Joanna used her free hand to unbutton her blouse and said quietly, "Baby boy, are you tired?" Emmanuel nodded. "Would you like a drink?" Cassie was a bit surprised when Joanna bared a breast. Emmanuel understood what that meant but it was "Nah mama." Joanna expressed a little milk and stuck her finger in his mouth. He sucked on it and she gently guided him closer. She smelled different; she was not his mother, but he normally nursed just before going to sleep at night. Suckling was warmth and comfort. The milk on her finger tasted different, but good. And, so, he latched on and began to suckle. For Silence's Sake Ch. 03 Joanna closed her eyes and rubbed small circles on his back as he drew on her breast. Samuel put his arms around his mate and smiled at the sight. They all relaxed as Emmanuel's upset dissipated. In fact, they all began to feel sleepy. [Jo.] Ariel noted a tiredness to the reply. [A few more minutes, Mom.] She checked to make sure there was a spare room ready if Jo was too tired to drive home as well as someone available to drive her home if she would not stay. -- Calvin lay on his side on their bed and slid his hand over his mate's stomach. Frost laid white lace on the window and her nipples were perked because of the cool air in the room. The one was twisted sideways, one of the injuries she'd sustained during her captivity. He knew the basics of what had happened to her. Brutalized by five rogue werewolves over a number of years, he had shown her the pleasures that a male could provide. "So, mate," he said quietly, "would you tell me what prompted this?" He put his hand gently over the breast with the damaged nipple. She didn't know why he would ask about some of her specific scars but apparently he thought he could learn more about her. She thought not to answer but there was no real reason not to. She answered in a flat, detached voice. The ordeal could still wrest emotional responses from her, usually when he inadvertently surprised her. She sighed, and spoke. "I screamed and struggled early on." He nodded and kissed her shoulder. "After fighting and clawing time after time, for weeks, months, I finally figured it wouldn't do me any good to keep fighting. So I stopped. I couldn't get away and they were going to do whatever they were going to do to me. So, I stopped, and just lay there. Mostly, they didn't care. But one of them would slap me, beat me, sometimes, to hear me scream or cry. And I thought that, if I could just stay quiet, he'd stop." Calvin closed his eyes and shook his head sadly. That type wouldn't stop until they got their scream. "So he hit me, a few times, and I clamped my mouth shut. He glared at me as he rammed inside then gave me an evil look. And, as you can guess, leaned down, took my nipple, and bit down." "And I screamed for him. He lifted his head and smiled at me, my blood on his lips. He did it three different times." The sick bastard, Calvin thought. And while he, as a male, could never understand all she had endured, it told him more about her than she realized. And she had endured so much. There were, he believed, a large percentage of females who would have succumbed. "Calvin?" "Yes, little one?" "We need to discuss our Beta's condition." "Sampson or Amanda?" Amanda, who had taken on some of the Alpha female's responsibilities when his first mate got sick, had been made Beta shortly after Stephanie had come into her first estrus. She huffed and turned to look at him. "Sampson, of course." He smiled indulgently at her and she growled, "What?" "You've observed something new?" "We were sparring. He wasn't paying attention. I put him down a few times. Then I pinned him down and asked him what the matter was. He didn't answer. When I told him to answer he said he was too old." "The other male was from Foster pack. I think we can assume that the male was much younger and that this may have been his first unmated gathering." "I agree." "I believe he had," a sigh, "a pleasant interlude with the other male." Calvin paused. "Alright, old man," she growled, "spit it out." She got up on her elbows and glared at him. He had a tendency to dole out wisdom in small pieces, leading to a conclusion. She believed it was a teaching technique, to allow whomever he was speaking with to follow his train of thought and catch up. It was damned annoying sometimes. "Sampson has lived his entire life hiding what he feels. Perhaps he showed some attraction to another male as a youth and was rebuffed. Possibly violently." "OK. I understand, but why too old? Why would he not call to bring him here? If he made a connection why wouldn't he pursue it?" "He gave you the answer, little one. He feels too old to pursue a relationship with a younger male." "But if he found another male, found someone attractive, why would he stop?" Calvin kissed his mate and said, quietly, "I would be surprised if Sampson initiated the contact." He yawned and lay back down on the bed, thinking the conversation wasn't over. Their male Beta was not himself and it was impacting his work. If it would not get better something would have to be done. -- Emmanuel slept well that night and Cassie and Samuel were relieved to get a good night's sleep. He had curled up with Emmaline on the pallet and did not wake until dawn. Samuel had crept out on early morning sweep. Joanna had elected to go home as she would not sleep well without her mate. Justin and Paul had made sure she and Lyria got home. -- Lorelei woke, warm, surrounded by skin. Male. Strong. Breathing heavily. Smelling of sweat and maybe a little wild. Thomas was part of that odd group. Some sort of commune or cult or something. She worked for an accounting firm who did their taxes. He had seen her, contacted her, and they had started a relationship. It had rapidly progressed to hours of rough sex. And, while he was most comfortable being the dominant half, she had finally gotten him to agree to the swing. It was harder than she thought to get him up in it. He was heavy. And very, very not sure he wanted to be in that position. She circled him, smiled, and licked her lips. "Easy, baby, you're going to enjoy this." She ran her hand down the outside of his thigh, briefly caressed his right buttock. Standing next to him, she ran her hand over his chest. He picked his head up and watched her and twisted slightly in the straps. He jerked when she pinched a nipple. Lorelei walked around to his head, grabbed his hair, and yanked it down. She bent down and kissed him forcefully, feeding on his mouth. Probing, bruising. He growled as he tasted blood. She wrenched his mouth away from hers and looked into his eyes. Two heartbeats and she walked to the dresser. He turned and watched her walk away. Her hair was piled on her head, tendrils sweeping down the side. She was wearing a black leather choker, a red corsetlet that nipped in her waist, a red thong, red thigh-high fishnets, and red shoes with 4 inch black heels. He admired the wobble in her walk as she moved away. Lorelei bent slightly and he focused on the globes of her ass. As she turned around his eyes snapped to her palm as she slapped a riding crop against it. She slapped it again as she stepped toward him. His eyes rose to the top of the corsetlet. The way the tops of her tits were pushed together, the cleavage. He had, a couple of times, fucked her tits. As his mind went back he heard the click of her heels, heard the rate of her breathing increase, her heart. And, while he expected it, he was distracted enough that the slap of the crop against his flesh came as a surprise. He jerked, the straps bit, and she glared. "Your mind is not here." He shifted his attention back to her. "It is." "Hm." She dug nails into his left pectoral then pinched his nipple again. The riding crop stroked down his arm, down his side. He reached for it, and her. She grabbed his arm, digging in, and snapped the crop against his chin. "No!" Thomas snarled. "You know the rules. No touching until I say so." He started to struggle. "I don't like this. Let me down." He twisted, yanking. Something gave and his left shoulder dropped. Lorelei stepped back and put down the crop. She turned back, a sad look on her face. "Fine. Then you can go." Hands around the straps, hanging sideways, he looked at her. "What do you mean?" She put her hands on her hips and he admired her out-thrust breasts. "I've explained to you. You need to experience what your partner does, to recognize the effects of what you do. You know the rules, agreed to them. If you won't go along with them, you leave." She exhaled. "It's been fun." She turned, brooking no argument, and went to the apparatus that allowed her to haul him up. "Wait, Lor..." She stopped but did not turn around. "What are you saying?" She turned, confident, looking him in the eye. Dangling sideways, he looked back at her. She said nothing. "All those months and, and, that's it? You're done? You've enjoyed it all." A pause. "Haven't you?" He was doubting himself. She had him by the balls. What was he doing? The sex was great, but... But. Other than the fact that she was saying it was over, why did he care? He could find another female. Lorelei turned back to the wall and lowered Thomas to the floor. He ripped the straps off and got up. She walked out of the room as he watched. He heard the refrigerator door open as he looked at his fading erection. What the hell had just happened? All he did was... He looked at the doorway, then looked for his clothes. He closed his eyes, shook his head, and started pulling on his clothes. He heard her sit on the couch and pop the tab on a can. A slight fizz. Beer. As he pulled on his shoes he heard other noises. He walked into the other room to the sounds of moaning and squishing. She was laying on the couch, her eyes glued to the television. Her breasts had slid out of the top of the corsetlet. She had propped a leg up on the couch, had pushed the thin strip of fabric to one side and was fingering herself. She was pumping three fingers in and out of her sopping pussy and was tugging on a nipple. He inhaled, taking in her scent, the smell of her juices. He took a step towards her. "Lorelei..." She didn't look at him, didn't stop what she was doing. "Go home, Thomas." His head dropped and he exhaled, then brought it back up. He would not leave her house hanging his head. And, so, he walked to the front door, listening to her, smelling her. He opened the door and, without another word, got into the car and drove home. -- Emmanuel was still upset the next day because he still wasn't allowed to see his parents. There was a snowstorm blowing and several of the pack, particularly the young ones, were out in it. Romping. Playing. Mercy, as well as the rest of the pack, was aware of Emmanuel's sadness at being unable to be with his parents. Anyone in range felt his longing for them. She figured that, if she got him tracking her, he would be thinking about that, not them. Emmaline, of course, was with him. She bowed down in front of them and yipped, her tail wagging slowly. She bounced to the right and the left and the light snow fluffed out around her in a white cloud. Emmaline jumped sideways with Mercy, managing to bowl over Emmanuel in the process. Emmanuel yipped, then growled. He lunged at Emmaline, who skipped away. Mercy ran around them, nipping, pouncing. Emmanuel got annoyed and started chasing Mercy, as much as he could. Mercy was was much older, much larger than the two pups. [Catch me.] She headed away from the den, into the woods. Emmanuel doggedly pursued her. Emmaline went with them. The little ones had some trouble with the depth of the snow. It was not heavy enough to impede travel but it was light enough to obscure sight. Mercy got some distance away and Emmanuel cast about, trying to find her. Emmanuel found a dip in the snow and shook out his coat. Snow glinted on his sliver-tipped, dark fur. Emmaline's was fur was also dark but, with the light dusting of snow, looked like a slightly larger version of the Beta's pup. Mercy ran back, racing around the pair, and took off again, leaving a white cloud of snow and masking her departure. Emmaline sneezed and Emmanuel growled and took off after her again. He was getting tired of being the smallest, of not being able to keep up with the others. He wanted to find Mercy, catch her. The snow was disturbed, so he took off that way. But he couldn't smell her, couldn't see her. He came across a little trickle of water that ran into their small lake and took a drink. Emmaline came up beside him, licked his ear, and got a drink, too. Mercy did another drive-by, springing at them from around a tree. Emmaline yipped in surprise. Emmanuel had had enough and started working his way back to the den. Emmaline felt kindof grumpy herself and followed him. The powder was deep for the two youngest pups in the pack and, while they had a sense of which direction was home, they didn't move in a straight line. They broke into the open beside the little lake, a light breeze blew the open area clear of snow. Mercy was almost opposite them. He growled at her and started onto the ice. It was early in the season and the ice was thin. Another step and Emmaline barked at him. His foreleg broke through and he yipped. Emmaline grabbed him by the tail and dragged him backwards as a spike of fear shot through everyone in the vicinity. The Alpha sent out a command. [Report. What's going on?] Mercy replied. [Emmanuel got scared. He's OK, Alpha.] [Thank you, Mercy.] "Strong emotions, just like his mother. Power related to the strength of that emotion." "Ah, mate, I told you life would be interesting with our Madam Beta." Emmanuel spent another night with Cassie, Samuel, and Emmaline. He still whimpered at bedtime and twitched and whined in his sleep. [I hope she's done tomorrow.] [Me, too, mate. Me, too.] For Silence's Sake Ch. 04 Dear Readers, Happy New Year to all. Was just reading an older email - thank you for your encouragements. Chapter 4 up. Not much sex here but the story must move along. Enjoy this next installment, KemMyst ***** Lyssa's head was nestled in the strong shoulder of her mate. She stretched and felt him move beside her. His hand stroked down her side as she shifted in the bed and groaned. Her muscles ached. Her hair felt tangled. [Lys?] The room stank of sex and her breasts were swollen, somewhat painful. [Sweetheart?] She wrinkled her nose at the slight tang of what smelled like sour milk. She slowly opened her eyes to the milk chocolate eyes of her mate, looking down at her. "How do you feel?" She stretched again. "Tired. Hungry." And then she tensed as she picked up the fainter scent of their son. "Em!" She sat bolt upright. "Sh, sweetheart. The pack has been keeping him occupied. He's been sleeping with Emmaline but he really misses his Mama. Ariel is bringing him up." "Ariel, why?" She was starting to tear up. "Madeline is in heat and Ariel is the one who told him he had to stay out of the room." Lyssa put her hands over her face. "Oh, my poor baby." They heard whining and a couple of excited yaps. [Ready, Betas?] [Yes, Ariel.] The door opened and a small furred form shot into the room. In his haste to get to his parents, Emmanuel lost purchase on the floor and slid until he hit carpet. Emmett suppressed a snicker; Lyssa punched him in the arm. Scrabbling up, he launched himself onto the bed and into his parents' arms. They kissed and hugged the now-pink little boy who kept whimpering and repeating, "Biggirl woof say no." Lyssa cradled her son, soothing him, as Emmett's arms encircled them both. It took a while for him to settle down. He clutched his mother and whimpered as a knock was heard at the door. Emmett ruffled his short, brindled hair. "That's just food, Emmanuel." He got up to get the tray that had been left at their door. Lyssa's stomach grumbled as the scents reached her and Emmanuel giggled at the sound. "Think that's funny?" She put him on the bed, tickled him, and blew a raspberry on his belly while Emmett set up the food. "Who's hungry?" "Mama!" Emmanuel shouted, giggling again. Lyssa picked him up and walked over. They sat and ate, Lyssa offering her son tidbits. Emmett ate like a starving man. Lyssa smiled and yawned. She groaned as she rose, setting Em beside his father. "What's up, mate?" "Sheets." Yawn. "I should take a shower." "You shower, I'll get the bed." "OK." "Mama seepy?" "Yes, Emmanuel, we're going to take a nap." "Me, too?" Emmett touched his nose. "Tonight, you can sleep with us. Tomorrow, you go back to your own bed. OK?" "K, Daddy." Lyssa came out to a game of peekabo with the bedsheets. Emmanuel was between the sheets, in the middle of the bed, laughing every time his father lifted the sheets to expose him. She kissed Emmett. "Thanks." She slid into the bed as Emmett went into the bathroom. When he returned, Lyssa was propped up on the pillows, gamely trying to keep her eyes open as Emmanuel suckled. ------- Emmaline still had someone to look after. Although Madeline was currently in heat and Emmanuel was happily settled again with his parents, there was another pack member out of sorts. Actually, Thomas was in a foul mood. No one quite knew what to do with him. He snarled when someone looked at him crossways. Wade sent him out for supplies and was astonished that the request was met with bared teeth. Emmaline followed him into the garage. "Will you speak to the Alphas?" "They have been busy of late, mate. I'm not sure it's warranted." Natalie looked at his mate, and sighed. She'd give it a couple of days. ------- The following day Randall called Calvin Ross. It had been some time since he'd seen his friend. It would also give him a chance to see an old packmate. They had several days before the full moon and Calvin was happy to hear from him. He invited Randall over for lunch with the following remark, "I do have something I'd like to discuss with you." As he placed the phone in the cradle, his mate looked at him. "Sampson?" Calvin nodded. "Discussing pack matters?" He reached over to her and she took his hand. He held it close and breathed on it once before kissing it. Calvin then looked up into jade green eyes. "Things have changed so much since I was young. And, now, my lovely mate, we have a pack council. We have a changed human leading it. We are cooperating more than ever, conspiring to save our kind." Stephanie blinked at him and he clasped her hands between his. "This is for the happiness of one of our pack, little one." Stephanie leaned over and he closed his eyes. She kissed him on the forehead and then pulled away. She had to check on the clothing inventory. They were very hard on clothes. ------- Pauline had finally had enough of her son's moping. She found him in the Great Room, grabbed him by the ear, and hauled him off to one of the small meeting rooms. "Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Stop." Pauline let go, turned, and put her hands on her hips, glaring at her son. "I've had enough. I hate seeing you like this. You found someone. Make the call." He felt like a pup, couldn't look his mother in the eye. He clamped his mouth shut and shook his head. She looked at her son, how miserable he was. She couldn't stand to see him in such pain. Tears came to her eyes as she stepped forward to pull him into a hug. Phil held on for dear life, feeling his mother's love for him in her arms. After a couple of minutes, she held him away and looked at him again. "Oh, baby, why can't you?" He didn't know how to explain but Sampson had been so worried about them being together. "It's complicated, Mom." Emotion colored his voice. "There.. there could be trouble." "So, it's not that he doesn't like you?" Phil started, shaking his head, "No, Mom, he..." It took him a second to realize what she'd said. He stood there with his mouth open. Pauline smiled and reached up, pushing on his chin, to close his mouth. "You're my baby, Phil. I've known for a while. Come over here and sit down." It was about 3 minutes later that a light knock was heard. One of the adolescents brought in a cup of Earl Grey tea and a mug of hot chocolate. She dropped them off and left quickly. Pauline looked at her son over the top of the cup. He looked bewildered. "Oh, Phil, can you tell me anything?" "He's..," a sip, a sigh, "..older. And he's really worried what would happen if the others saw us." A pause. "That there could be fights and attacks." She leaned forward and took his hand. "I want to see you happy. What if I talk to him, the Alphas?" Phil shook his head again. "No, Mom. Don't." He took a deep breath, exhaled. "If he doesn't want me, I can't make him." Pauline sat quietly for a few moments, sifting through what her son had said. That the other male was older and thought there might be trouble. She then realized that he had come home late on the last day of the gathering. Something had happened between the two of them. Why else would they have missed their rides? He had been brought home in another pack's car. Phil was upset as soon as he'd gotten back but seemed almost giddy the night before. Older, hm. She paused, cup halfway to her lips, "You approached him, didn't you?" Phil didn't answer, looking into his own cup. She reached for his hand again, squeezed it, and he looked. She looked into eyes as blue as her own. "Anything worth having, is worth pursuing." ------- Randall went, the next day, to go visit his friend. He arrived to see Stephanie, the Madam Alpha of Ross, leading half a dozen females out of the den. Seven wolves of different sizes and colors, put up their noses, sniffed, and looked at him. The green eyes of the lead wolf focused on him. [Good day to you, Madam Alpha. How are you?] [Good, Alpha Wyeth. How is the pack?] [We are all well, thank you. Good hunting.] Stephanie shook out her coat, looked to the other females, and took off at a run. The other furred forms took off after her, running through the light dusting of snow. Randall approached the main door and was greeted by Calvin Ross. "I see your mate is well, Calvin." Calvin smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "That she is, Randall. Have I ever thanked you?" "You drew her out, Cal. You deserve the reward. So, Stephanie informed me that she is well. How fares the pack?" "Well, but for one. Let's go to my office, shall we?" Two steaming cups of coffee awaited them. They sat in a couple of chairs to one side of the desk. Randall took an appreciative sip. He then looked to the other Alpha to begin the conversation. Calvin took his cup and walked over to the large window which looked out over the range. Without looking back at Randall, Calvin said, "I have an unusual situation and a matter to bring before the pack council." "Is there a problem?" Calvin sighed. "It's going to be very contentious. I wanted to determine... well, I want to know if you'll support it." "It would help if you told me what you were dancing around." Calvin then turned back. An inhale, exhale. "I have reason to believe one of my pack has found his mate at the gathering. However, he is not pursuing the relationship." "I don't understand. The feeling should be almost overwhelming. Why would he..." Calvin swallowed again before answering. "It's another male." Randall stopped, considering that simple statement, and the complexity it precluded. He felt Calvin's eyes on him as he thought of the fight that lay ahead. "How long have you known?" "He told me while I was courting Stephanie." "The purpose of mating is having pups, Cal." Randall's voice was calm. Measured. "Is it, Randall? That's the general result of a mating but I have seen matings where no pups were born. I, myself, did not expect a pup with Stephanie. Nor did she. What, then, was the reason for our mating?" Calvin could see his friend considering and thought to add one more point. "Do we need pups to come out of every mating?" Randall scratched his chin. "No, we do not. Although each birth is an occasion to be celebrated." "Isn't it the same for a mating?" Randall was quiet, thinking. "You make a very good argument, my friend. I can't come up with a valid reason to oppose such a measure." "But you don't like it." "It's unfamiliar, uncomfortable." Calvin took a deep draught of his coffee. "I only look for the happiness of one of my pack." Randall drained his cup as an Omega brought in a tray of food. The young wolf hovered. "Um, more coffee?" He looked into the young female's face, heart-shaped, with hazel eyes. She met his eyes, blushed, and looked away. He extended the cup, "Yes, please." She filled his cup, a little too full, topped off her Alpha's cup, and scurried away. As the door closed, Calvin said, "Jessica's beginning to notice males." A sip. "So, Roland has yet to find his mate." "Perhaps. He's developed an attraction to one of our young females." "How young?" "Mmm. Ten, if I recall correctly." Calvin clicked his tongue and shook his head slightly. "And how is the grandpup?" "Holding her own against her cousins. I thought Jo young to be mated, young to be a mother, but it suits her." Calvin's mood turns a bit more sober. "I do envy you that, my friend." "You still have time, Cal." He shook his head. "Even if Stephanie were to catch, I wouldn't live long enough to see a grandpup." "I know it's a delicate subject, but what's come of your succession plan?" His eyes closed as he exhaled. "I have an idea, a choice, in mind." They continued to talk of mundane things until Randall begged duty and returned to the Wyeth den. ------- The full moon came and went as it usually did and was followed by a warm spell. Snow melted and the sun shone down. The temperature rocketed into the 70s and stayed there for three days. While their coats kept them warm during the cold season, they still enjoyed running about in warmer weather. So, before winter set in with force and the snow made movement difficult, everyone got outside. The pups chased each other and tracked small animals. Stalking. Hunting. The adults, well, some took time to get away from the den and others. Mates found a different kind of privacy. Lyssa was watching Emmanuel play with Emmaline, Troy, and Tonya. She sat, sun warming her dark fur, watching. Her mouth was partly open, tongue lolling. Emmett was off checking the edge of the range with Randall and Erich. Something caught the pups' attention and Lyssa wondered what they had found. After checking it out, the twins backed away. But Emmanuel yapped at it, making small charges at whatever was there. Emmaline stood to one side, interested but wary. Lyssa couldn't see it since it was behind a rock. A mouse or a rabbit should have bolted by now. So she moved so that she could see what he was so interested in. A snake. Coiled. Prepared to strike. [Emmanuel, no!] Another small charge. Lyssa barked a warning as Emmaline nipped his rump. Distracted, his attention shifted and the snake struck. Emmanuel yipped and darted away. Lyssa ran for him. [Em, are you hurt?] Nothing from him. Emmaline was by his side, turning him. Lyssa caught up. [Em, did it get you?] He stopped, realizing his mother had come to him and, favoring a foreleg, whined a little. [EM. Emmanuel's hurt!] She shifted to intermediate form, grabbed him, and ran for the den. [Healers. Emmanuel's been bitten by a snake.] [Understood, Madam Beta. How far away are you?] [Other side of the circle.] She maneuvered around some sparring wolves and headed for the side door. Emmaline followed. Lyssa's shoulder began to ache. The healers were there when Lyssa ran in. Natalie put out her arms and she transferred her baby to the healer. [Emmanuel, change to human, please.] Little Em whined and tried to curl up in a ball. [Em, can you turn human?] Wade tried to examine Emmanuel but fur made it more difficult. "Emmanuel. Human, please." "My right shoulder aches." "Mine, too." Emmanuel turned pinker as his dark fur receded. He whimpered as Natalie turned him so that Wade could see his shoulder. "Huurrts." Lyssa hovered. "They're trying to help, baby boy." The shoulder was reddened. "I only see one puncture." "Good. It wasn't a full dose then." "Any idea what kind of snake?" Lyssa's hands were clasped tightly, in front of her mouth. "Maybe Emmaline knows." "Emmaline, what did the snake look like?" [WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH MY PUP?] Emmett's concern came through loud and clear. [Snakebite, Em.] Lyssa swallowed and sniffed. "Emmaline, the snake?" [Dark. Stripey.] "Not pretty colors?" [No.] Emmaline stretched up the healer's legs to sniff at Emmanuel. Lyssa looked pained, listening to her little boy whimper, struggling not to snatch him out of Natalie's arms. Wade returned as Lyssa ventured, "Tell me what's happening to my baby." [Emmanuel, how much does it hurt?] "Not every bite injects venom; these are called dry bites." Lyssa was so not in the mood for a lecture. "Dose depends on age and condition of the snake. One puncture means one fang and half the dose." "Will he be OK?" Wade opened Emmanuel's mouth and smeared a whitish greasy mass on the roof of his mouth. Bacon. It was bacon grease. [Emmanuel, how bad does it hurt?] [Lyssa, he's not answering me. Can you ask him about the pain?] Lyssa touched his dark hair. "Hey, Em, Mama wants..." She paused as Natalie's eyes got far away and her mouth opened slightly in disbelief. Behind Natalie, she caught sight of a sober Thomas. Emmett skidded to a stop in Medical, breathing heavily and taking in the odd tableau. "Healers. Mate. What's going on with my son?" Natalie turned and passed Emmanuel to his father, who quickly looked over the whimpering boy, zeroing in on the injury. "A single puncture, Beta," Wade said, "he'll likely be fine." Lyssa snuggled up to her mate, eyes glinting. "Why do I smell bacon?" "I've mixed the antihistamine with some bacon fat." Emmett looked at them, feeling the anxiety fairly vibrating off his mate. "What do we do for him?" "Keep him calm and continue to give him this. Let us know if the bite looks worse." Emmett inhaled, exhaled. "OK." He looks over. "Natalie, have you something else to say?" Natalie blinks. "Not that relates to this incident, Beta. However, I do have a question to ask." Emmett gave a brief nod as Emmanuel whined again. "Has Emmanuel ever sent to you?" Lyssa started, "Of course he has..." Emmett squeezed her shoulder. His voice was quiet, thoughtful. "Now that I think of it, I can't remember ever hearing him." "Lyssa?" She looked at her little boy, who seemed to be getting a bit sleepy, up to Emmett, who seemed a bit grim, and back to the healers. Her voice was quiet. "No." "When you've sent to him, has he answered, responded in any way?" Lyssa's voice was shaky. "I thought so." Her breath hitched. "What does it mean?" Emmett blew out a breath, his arms wrapped around his family. "It seems, sweetheart, as though our son may be deaf." Lyssa stiffened. "But. But he talks to us, answers us." "Wolf-deaf, Lyssa." "Madam Beta, it happens rarely. There have been werewolves who could not hear a send. And, perhaps because they do not hear one, they do not send." Lyssa sniffed, swallowed. "But Emmanuel has a way to compensate. He projects." "But, but," Lyssa started again, clutching her baby a little more tightly, "you're saying he can't hear us. That when we're wolves, we can't call him, or warn him, or..." She sucked in a breath or two, trying not to cry. Emmett stood, thinking, digesting the information about his son. Wolf-deaf. Unable to hear or send. Silence reigned for a short time. Emmett quietly said, "I'll inform the Alphas. The pack will need to be made aware." Lyssa kissed her son's head. Emmanuel looked to be asleep, oblivious to the ongoing discussion about him. And she realized, all three of them were naked, changed from wolves. They had three forms. "Healers. Em." They all looked to her, a mother learning her child had a disability. "Is it possible..?" a shuddering sigh, "..would he hear in one form but not all of them?" "Let him heal. Then we shall make some tests." Emmett started to guide his mate toward the door. Natalie said, "Bring him back after dinner so that we can check on him." He nodded. Lyssa stopped in the doorway. [Madam Beta, I know this is not a good time, but I would like to speak to you.] She turned her head slightly and gave a slight nod. Back in their suite, Lyssa finally let the tears fall. "Oh, Em, what do we do?" Emmett swept her up in his arms and nuzzled her hair. He sat on the bed with his family in his lap. "He'll learn body language, alarm barks, growls. We watch over him and, until he's old enough, strong enough to take care of himself, we don't leave him alone." They sat quietly, Lyssa sniffling a bit. Emmett tried to look at positive things. Emmanuel was otherwise healthy. There was no reason he couldn't learn, couldn't compensate. The pack would look out for him. And he wondered why it had taken them so long to notice. He reached around her and, carefully, turned Emmanuel so that he could look at his shoulder again. The area of the bite was red and felt warm. Emmanuel whimpered when he touched it. Emmett checked his forehead. Maybe it felt a little warmer. He kissed his mate and stroked his son's dark hair. "The pack will watch out for him." Lyssa took a deep breath and blew it out in a gust. "Could he grow out of it? Into it?" For Silence's Sake Ch. 04 Emmett pulled her head to his shoulder and kissed it. "Anything's possible, mate." They heard noises outside the door and looked toward it. "Emmett. Lyssa. May I come in?" Emmett looked into Lyssa's dark eyes and responded, "Of course, Ariel. Come in." The Madam Alpha of Wyeth entered the Beta suite, her red hair swinging lightly as she walked. "How is your pup?" Lyssa looked down at Emmanuel. "He seems OK, right now." "The healers think he'll be fine." "I'm pleased to hear it." Ariel sat in a chair nearby. "So, you can't recall ever hearing a send from him?" The Betas shook their heads sadly. "And you can't be sure he's ever heard one?" Lyssa pressed her lips together and swallowed. Emmett said. "No." She looked at the two of them. "As the healers suggested, we will check his responses. A few of us will try sending to him. We'll wait until he recovers first and talk to the pack about how to watch out for him if we find he is, indeed, wolf-deaf." "Madam Alpha, Lyssa has brought up an interesting question. Has a wolf ever grown out of the deafness?" "I'm not aware of it. However, we will inquire of the other packs later." "Thank you, Ariel." "I hope to see our youngest member running around soon." She got up, touched Emmanuel's head lightly, and left. "Alright, sweetheart, he's sleeping and doing OK. I should get back to work, unless you want me to stay." "OK, yeah, Em. We'll be good." Lyssa cuddled her little boy while he slept. She hummed, and stroked his back, and thought about what it all meant. And she worried about him. Bitten by a snake, he was only a little boy. The healers thought he would be OK so she had to believe it. She closed her eyes. Oh, Thomas. He wanted to talk to her. Well. Emmanuel was sleeping and dinner was some time off, so [Thomas, is this a good time to talk?] [Madam Beta? Yes, please.] There was enough of a pause that she prompted him. [Well?] [I am sorry, Madam Beta. How is your pup?] [Sleeping. That's not what you wanted to talk about.] Irritation began to pervade her sending. [It's Lorelei, she... I...] Lyssa waited. [I broke one of the rules and she threw me out.] Threw him out? Rules? She had no idea what his relationship with Lorelei was but he'd been seeing her for several months. It was really none of her business, except that she was Beta, and Lorelei was human. [Did she tell you not to come back?] [No.] [Have you called her? Apologized? Checked her Facebook page?] [No.] [How long ago was it?] Emmanuel began squirming, whimpering. [During your heat.] [Em's waking. I gotta go. If you want to see her again you have to call her.] There was a sense of weariness and acceptance in his reply. [Thank you, Madam Beta.] Lyssa cradled her little boy as he started to wake. She hummed and rocked him and blinked back tears. Her poor baby. Bitten. Deaf. Why him? Why them? [How bad does it hurt, Em?] Nothing. He didn't look at her, send to her, respond. They'd have to try the others, other forms. There had to be something. [Healers, how often should I dose Emmanuel?] [How does his shoulder look?] She looked at Emmanuel's shoulder. [Worse. More red.] Emmanuel was worse, fevered, as the night wore on. Emmett and the healers checked in regularly. The next morning, however, he began to improve. Everyone was relieved to hear it. And Lyssa and Emmett, who had been keeping watch over their sick pup, curled up with him on the bed to get some sleep. He began chafing at his confinement the next evening and began limping around. Lyssa was reluctant to let him go but Emmett told her that, if he wanted out, he had to be feeling better. Many of the wolves he passed rolled or rubbed their shoulder. Emmaline bounced around him, yipping happily. Although not eating much and still uncomfortable, their young Beta heir would heal. Lyssa was so relieved she broke down in tears. Ariel gave her an additional day of watching her son get better, then reminded the pack council chairwoman of the upcoming meeting. Lyssa swallowed, and nodded, and got back to work. ------- It took two days for Thomas to screw up his courage, swallow his pride, and call Lorelei. He felt an almost leg-buckling sense of relief when she answered to phone. After she breathed 'Thomas' into the phone, he rushed forward. "Lorelei, I want to see you." He heard her exhale. His heart thundered in his ears. "Friday. 7." The connection broke. Two days. She had agreed to see him again in two days. ------- Sampson's sleep was fractured and he looked tired. And, while his Alpha realized what the issue was, Sampson could not be ordered to resolve the situation. In matters of the heart, he could not be forced. Both of his Alphas were concerned, he knew, but what was he to do? How was he to call to have a male brought into the pack? Would Phil's Alpha even allow it? Sampson's wants and objections warred with each other in the evenings when his duties ended. Reading did not distract him. He went to the training room and looked around. A couple of the other males were here, lifting weights. He stalked over to the bag and began pummeling it. As he started to sweat his mind began to wander. A male's body, glistening with exertion. A patch of blond hairs separating pink nipples. His movements grew jerky, faltering. The others looked at him. Breaking off, he strode to his room, clenching his fists as he walked. As he slammed his door he realized the smell of blood was in the air. He opened his clenched fists and saw the bloody half-moon marks on his palms. He raised his palms before his face and laughed, sardonically. He threw himself on his bed and grimaced. With his hardened cock trapped under his body, it hurt. He rolled and it sprung up, away from his body. Mocking him. Sampson rubbed his face and contemplated his condition. Well, he'd masturbated essentially all his life, what was another night? He wrapped his hand around his straining erection and closed his eyes. A full mouth. Blond curls. Summer blue eyes. Oh, Luna. Sampson let go, lay his head back and exhaled, gustily. After a few moments, he laid hold of his throbbing manhood again. He used his thumb to move the foreskin away, gently rode over the sensitive head. Precum was just beginning to well up. He rubbed the pad of his thumb back and forth, tightened his grip. At least he had a more concrete fantasy now. So he visualized Phil and stroked himself, gripping tightly, speeding up. Thinking of a warm, wet mouth, a tongue. Considering the slipperiness of saliva, of being engulfed. He was breathing heavily and felt his balls tighten before he shot his load onto his chest with a yell. ------- Stephanie's duties kept her quite busy. She had numerous duties as Alpha female. She was training with their healer. She and Sharilyn were also looking for another in the pack who showed an affinity for healing among the adolescents. As a warrior, she was training the females in the pack to fight. She also had sparring sessions with the males, since she was better than almost all of them. On top of that, Stephanie was also the Ross representative to the InterPack Council and, while that didn't normally take up a lot of her time, her mate had asked her to bring up an item for discussion that was sure to stir violent emotions. Since one of the affected wolves was in their pack, she owed it to him to uncover more so that she could make arguments. [Trevor.] [Yes, Madam Alpha?] [I'd like to speak to you about the night you went to Gates to collect our Beta. I will be down shortly.] [Yes, Madam Alpha.] ------- Lyssa was arranging the information for the next council meeting, which would occur on the next dark moon. There would be a vote called at this meeting, which she expected to pass without a whole lot of trouble. This was one she had put before the council, as it was near to her heart. It had been Emmett who had brought her to the pack but the Alphas had been ready to give her to a male named Thomas in the mistaken thought that he had mated with her. Actually, he had meant to force her and she still carried the marks on her right breast from his teeth. They would vote that no female would be forcibly mated simply because she carried a mating mark. For Silence's Sake Ch. 05 Dear Readers, Had to thaw my muse out and get other things heating up. Happy reading, KemMyst ******* Thomas was nervous on Friday. She had agreed to see him, but he wasn't sure what to expect. He drove to her house and ran into the curb twice while parking the car. He turned it off and started to get out as she exited the house, locking the door behind her. She was wearing a long coat, closed against the cold, and he couldn't tell what she had on underneath. She got to the other side of the car, opened the door, and slid in. "Start the car." She didn't look at him, only commanded. He re-entered the car and started it. She gave directions, which he followed. They pulled into the parking lot of a club, dark paint on the outside and a garish neon sign. It read 'Wrigglers.' He turned to her. "Lore..." She held up a hand and he stopped. "You have one task tonight. You know you aren't allowed to touch the women inside but, tonight, you aren't allowed to touch me, either." Not touch the women inside. What was this place? Not touch her? Just tonight. Just tonight. OK. OK. He got out and moved to her side of the car as she opened the door. He hesitated, then offered his hand. She smiled, with a look of satisfaction, and took it. As she exited the car, he saw her long stockinged leg emerge. He swallowed, arousal surging in his veins. She walked before him into the club. As she turned left to check her coat he stood in the doorway, and gaped. Females. Two of them. Gyrating around pillars. One bare-breasted. The other wore two articles of clothing. Small. Revealing. His cock stirred again. Lorelei called his name twice before he looked at her. "You have been to a strip club before, haven't you?" She looked at him more closely. Impossible. At his age? She led him to a seat in front of one of the females and they sat. Another scantily clad female stood beside him. "Something to drink?" He blinked and looked at her. "Beer." Lorelei answered. "Vodka Collins." The female in front of him crawled towards him, pendulous breasts swaying. Thomas licked his lips, mesmerized. Lorelei took his chin and turned his face to her. "You can't touch them except to put bills in their g-strings. And they expect you to do that. I hope you have some smaller bills." His eyes slid down her body. She was wearing a soft, baby blue sweater that was tight on her body. She wasn't wearing a bra. A short, black, leather skirt. Nylons. He stared at her unbound tits. The waitress returned with their drinks. "$15." Thomas, distracted, pulled out two twenties. Lorelei watched the waitress' eyes light up. "Hey. Change. For the dancers." The waitress frowned, took the bills, and walked away. Some fives and singles were sitting on the table before them. He was on his second beer and she was on her second drink. He was finally acclimated to the environment and his hand started sliding toward her knee. "Ah, ah." It stopped. That's right. No touching. Another female shimmied to the edge of the stage and leaned over backwards. She shook her tits, lightly. He changed the bill in his hand and held it toward her. She smiled and parted her lips. He moved it lightly across her lips and she bit it out of his fingers and came back upright, tucking it beside her hip. Thomas got up to go to the restroom. Lorelei watched as he shifted himself in his pants. Lorelei was speaking with the female who had just been dancing on the stage. He stopped to watch the interaction. The dancer's eyes moved up to him as his ears picked up. "Yeah, sure. Got a room in back." Thomas watched Lorelei hand over money and the dancer turned. Lorelei crooked her finger to bring him forward. As he came abreast of her, Lorelei whispered. "Absolutely no touching. All you are allowed to do is watch. Got it?" "OK. What are we doing?" Thomas inhaled deeply. Lorelei was aroused. "Private dance. Sit in the chair." "OK." Walking down the corridor side by side, their knuckles brushed. They both inhaled and he got an additional burst of her scent. He swallowed and moved a bit farther away. He didn't apologize but moved to avoid touching her again. He had never been to a strip club before, which was so unbelievable to her, but, then again, it seemed like he'd never gotten out much. She didn't understand the group he lived with but she had enjoyed the sex. It had only been a minor infraction, so she gave him another chance. And, so, she wanted to see how he'd react to a lap dance. And it was turning her on. She was going commando tonight and figured, at this rate, she'd be leaking on the floor before the night was out. They walked into a small room. It couldn't have been 10 feet square. The dancer stood in front of a chair in the center of the room. "You gonna watch?" Lorelei quirked her mouth and nodded, leaning against the wall. Thomas paused, nostrils flaring. The room was scent-heavy. Males. Females. Sweat. Sex. Arousal. Alcohol. Perfume. Hair products. Leather. Fruit juices. He was overwhelmed by it all and was concentrated on teasing out the different scents. The other female cleared her throat. He swallowed and sat in the chair. He moved a bit to shift his cock into a more comfortable position. His eyes flicked to Lorelei and then quickly back, as the dancer began to move. She put her hands on the arms of the chair and shook her tits in his face. He smelled her sweat, the cleaning product used on her outfit. As he watched, something seemed off about them, they didn't move quite like real tits should. She gyrated, whipping her hair across his face and shoulders. Her body twisted, hips shifting back and forth. He barely caught her eyes as she turned around. And then he found Lorelei. Lorelei had tittie erections and was rubbing herself as she watched. The dancer was not interested but Lorelei was watching him. There was a butt basically in his lap but he wasn't interested in what was in front of him. Although, really, who was he kidding, he wouldn't mind fucking what was in front of him. It was just before midnight when they walked back out to the car. He sucked in the cold night air to clear his nose. He opened Lorelei's door and then got in, himself. "Where now?" "My house." His breath caught and it took a couple of tries for him to start the car. She had to correct him once as he drove her back. He stopped in front of the house and turned the car off. She opened the door and got out as he did. He looked at her over the top of the car. "Thank you, Thomas. Good night." "But.." He swallowed. No. He wanted her but he was not going to beg. "Good night, Lorelei." Thomas exhaled and got into the car. He sat and watched her unlock her door and slip inside. He sat and wondered what it meant. Lorelei locked the door and leaned against it. Oh, man, that had been so hot. She was just dripping. It would be nice to have him scratch her itch but, not yet. So, she headed for her toy box, stripping off the sweater and laying it over a chair. She slid the zipper down on the skirt, dropped it, and stepped out. Lorelei stood in front of her full length mirror. She twisted and looked at her behind. Still high and firm. She ran a finger down the crease, sliding to the slickness between her legs. Her hand slid around to the front of her body and stroked lightly, wiggled the ring in her hood with a light moan. She looked again at the image in the mirror. Smiled. She worked out and her body was pretty tight. Full C-sized tits. Pretty flat stomach. Hm, more crunches. Legs, not as long as she'd like but they looked good in heels. The small triangle of fur pointing to the ring at her clit. Hmmm. She rubbed her breasts, tugged her nipples. Maybe she should get them pierced. Lorelei continued, twisting her nipples. Mmm. Thomas getting a lap dance. Mmm. His dick, filling her. Oh, she wanted to be full. Opening the lid of her toy box, her eyes roamed over the selection. She picked out four items and pulled a chair to the front of the mirror. She lubed up and inserted her favorite butt plug. She put on her nipple clamps, tugging to make sure they were tight enough. Then, her rabbit. While not as powerful as Thomas' dick, it would do. Lorelei pulled on the chain between the clamps as she sat in the chair and looked at herself in the mirror. She smiled at herself as she dragged her fingers through the wetness between her thighs. She stroked a couple of times then plunged two fingers into her wet channel. She bit her lip as she stroked. Then, taking a deep breath, she reached for her rabbit. Looking into the mirror, she watched it disappear into her. "Aah." After a minute to take in the feeling, she started the beads twisting, the corkscrewing motion of the imitation phallus. "Mmm." Finally, the other control, which started the vibrations. Flexible rabbit ears of see-through red flittered against her clit. She increased the speed and her eyes closed a bit as her body arched. In. Out. A slight twist. In. Out. Deep breaths. A building pressure. More. Faster. Wetter. "Nnnh!" Wait. Wait. Building. Higher. Almost. "Ah. Ah. Ah. Ah." Fast, with her breathing. Everything tightening. Turn up the speed, one more time, press it up against her clit more firmly and yank off the clamps. "Aaaheee!" The orgasm slammed into her, stealing her breath, turning her insides to jelly. She turned everything off, closed her eyes, and tried to catch her breath. - The new moon came and the pack council met to vote on a resolution. There was an initial, short discussion, and the vote was taken. Passed. No female of the packs could be forcibly mated. There were some indications that a couple of older males had thought it was a bad idea. Tradition held that females that bore a mating mark were given to the male that had marked her. But, either the females had made convincing arguments or the males had thought of daughters, of sisters. The second of Lyssa's considerations was successful. They talked of ongoing security arrangements for a period of time and then moved on to the last item on the agenda. New Business. Stephanie spoke up, sounding a bit hesitant. "Madam Chairwoman, I have a proposal that my mate wishes to have voted on by the pack council." Lyssa looked at her; she seemed unsure. "Don't you agree with him, Madam Alpha?" "He's more convinced than me." Lyssa realized her question had been out of line. "Sorry, uh, go ahead." Stephanie exhaled. "We wish it to be allowed... The packs should..." She composed himself. "We want the packs to allow matings of wolves of the same sex." The meeting erupted. There was shouting, much of it angry. Lyssa also heard expressions of disgust. Five of the packs were videoconferenced in, how was she supposed to regain control of this mess? She couldn't send to all of them to get them to calm down. Well, not without hurting someone. "Hey!" Helen, the Gates representative, looked at her disapprovingly. She had been quite helpful before. "HEY!!" Nothing. They continued shouting, talking over each other. Ariel turned to Lyssa. "Cut the connection. Nothing else will stop this." Lyssa closed her eyes and yelled, "Meeting adjourned!", and turned off the monitors. Ariel's phone rang. Lyssa's phone rang. The pack phones rang. For the next two hours, the ranking members of the Wyeth pack got an earful. Stephanie didn't carry a cellphone but Calvin heard about it. As evening progressed things began to quiet down. Calls came in the next day, and the next. Lyssa turned off her phone, to get away from it for a while. Emmanuel was begging for attention. She took her little boy downstairs for a snack. She barely got to the main foyer before Gordon pigeonholed her to talk about same sex mating. The subject was so controversial, that the wolves spoke of little else for days. Sampson heard the grumbling. As his Madam Alpha had brought it up, the Ross pack looked within their ranks for a werewolf who might fit the bill. One of the older, unmated females was attacked. Her screams brought several running, including the Beta and the Madam Alpha. Calvin, the Ross Alpha, immediately called a gathering of his pack. There was the rumbling, murmuring noise of a crowd. While some of the pack paid attention and others glanced at him, the rest were discussing things amongst themselves. "Silence!" Automatically, the pack quieted and turned to him. "How dare you attack one of your own!" Several mouths opened, seemingly to respond. "Quiet!" [Mate, if you please, bring her to me.] Haltingly, a trembling female was brought forward. They smelled her blood, noted her torn clothing and wild hair. Calvin gently took her arm, turned her face to the crowd and put his arm protectively around her. "Look at what you've done. This female has done nothing to harm any of you." The grumbling began again. "I want Shirley's attackers to step forward." Stephanie stood on the other side of Shirley and Sampson had come to stand beside his Alpha. And more grumbling began. Calvin narrowed his eyes, challenging his pack. He could smell who had attacked their pack member, but wanted to prove a point. To again show who was leader of the Ross pack. Two of the younger females, Danielle and Janet, stepped forward, heads down. Calvin continued to look over his pack. There was at least one other. Shirley turned, frightened, and Calvin continued to hold her. Her position was unfortunate. She was a low level Omega, entirely submissive. Females gained status in two ways. The first was through the status of the male she mated. The second was through the production of pups. Without a mate, Shirley would remain in the lower rungs of their society. She had been to every unmated gathering but had never found him. And the years had passed, which only made it worse. "Who else? Come forward. Now!" As Calvin continued to glare at his assembled pack members, movement began, whispers. They began edging away from someone, a young male. It took him a second to recognize he was standing alone, without support. "So, Edward, do you have less pride, less integrity, than these two females?" Calvin pointed at Danielle and Janet. Edward held Calvin's gaze for the briefest moment before looking away. "Come forward." Edward walked closer woodenly and everyone smelled the sudden spike of fear. [Mate, who bloodied her?] Stephanie stepped forward and circled the three, looking them over, sniffing. [Edward and Janet.] She growled and continued to circle them. The continuing silence was making everyone edgy. Calvin finally growled out, "What did you plan to do?" Danielle whispered, "We just wanted to figure out if it was her." Her. Not Shirley. "If Shirley was what?" "Was. Was... Not normal." "Why?" "Cuz. Cuz. Cuz the Madam Alpha brought it up at council. There's gotta be someone in the pack." Calvin felt Sampson's movement. [No, my friend. Not yet.] Sampson settled back. "A bold assumption. It could have been someone I knew who is gone from us. Someone from our Madam Alpha's old pack. It could be just an idea, borne of the human's activities. Why Shirley?" Danielle continued to answer. "She hasn't got mated and she's been to all the gatherings." Calvin stroked Shirley's back as a tear ran down her face. "Our pack mate has searched for her mate, at every opportunity, and he has not presented himself as yet." There was no answer to that, so he asked another question. "And did she deny it?" "Yeah." "So what did you plan on doing to her if she had admitted it?" Danielle gulped, "Well, um.." Calvin glared at them. "Did you think you could beat it out of her?" Danielle looked to Edward. "Uh..." "Edward, do you have something to contribute?" Edward looked at the ground. "Come forward." Edward crept closer. "What were your plans for your packmate? Answer." "Figured she'd like it if she just did it with a male," he mumbled. Some of the females gasped. Stephanie growled. Calvin's voice went low and hard. "You intended to force her?" "We just wanted to scare her," Janet said, "Tobias said.." "Stop." Calvin, Stephanie, and Sampson looked for him. He was in the back, on the edge of the pack. Calvin turned Shirley to face the others. "Shirley, have you had sex with any of the males?" Looking scared, she nodded. "Healer." Sharilyn looked up at the summons. "Is it possible to scare someone out of an attraction to someone of the opposite sex?" Everyone looked confused. Sharilyn stammered. "N, n, no, my Alpha." "Can you beat someone out of an attraction to the same sex?" "I can't imagine.. well, no." "Mate." Stephanie's head whipped around. "Remind our pack. Did you grow to like the males that raped you? Did you feel more favorably towards the male sex?" The growl rumbled up from deep in Stephanie's chest. It was all the answer anyone needed. All the females understood, as did most of the males. However, many of them heard her quiet admission. "Sometimes, well, I sometimes wish they were still alive." Severely startled, Calvin whipped around to look at her. "Mate?" Stephanie gave a feral, toothy smile. "Because now I could kill them myself." Calvin expelled a held breath and looked out over his pack. "Danielle, you will learn to make Shirley's favorite dessert, and make it whenever she requests it, for the next two months." "Janet. Edward. You got this idea from Tobias?" Janet swallowed and nodded. Edward mumbled, "Yeah." "The two of you will perform Shirley's duties for the next three months." Shirley helped keep the den, vacuuming, dusting, washing windows and drapes. "Tobias.." "Who is it? It's someone here." Sampson took a deep breath. It was time to be counted. He stepped forward and said, "It's me." It was obvious they hadn't thought of him. There were a number of exclamations of surprise. Some of the males looked disgusted. Tobias sneered. "And you let him be Beta." Calvin chuckled, putting Shirley back between him and his mate. "It's not as if it impacts his work." "Tobias, for your continued transgressions against werewolves and this pack, you are hereafter forbidden from servicing any female in season or from taking a mate." The entire pack gasped in shock and murmurs were heard. It was about the worst punishment a werewolf could be given. The wolves parted again, leaving a clear aisle between the Alpha and Tobias. Tobias' face was red and he was practically vibrating in anger. He was breathing deeply just before he exploded. "I challenge you!" Calvin smiled, indulgently. The last time Tobias had challenged him he had been weakened by poison. This time he was at full strength. Tobias wilted slightly at the image of his strong, confident Alpha. But there was no taking it back. Calvin approached his mate. [Do not interfere, little one.] She had taken Tobias down on the previous challenge when it appeared he would win. Calvin took her face in both hands and kissed her before turning back to his challenger. Two wolves raced to the circle, harrying each other along the way. And the battle began. Claws. Teeth. Snarling. They shifted between wolf and wolfman as they closed and parted, grappled and feinted. Everyone was keeping watch with interest. Stephanie and Sampson moreso. Both had landed blows and drawn blood. Tobias got enough momentum to knock Calvin down. Stephanie inhaled and tensed. Sampson braced for action. But Calvin twisted, slipping out of Tobias' grasp. Calvin grabbed his arm and wrenched it behind him. Roaring, Tobias pulled away, dislocating his own shoulder but taking Calvin off balance. Tobias landed partway on him, muzzle open, teeth headed for Calvin's throat. Calvin, having both hands free and working, jammed one into Tobias' windpipe and the other into the side of his face. Calvin's hands ended with claws. For Silence's Sake Ch. 05 Tobias tried to suck in air through a crushed and lacerated larynx. His blood poured down on Calvin's neck and upper chest. Calvin held him away as he snapped, weakly, one last time, at Calvin's throat. Tobias fell to the side and twitched twice before falling still. Calvin, Alpha of Ross pack, stood, covered in the blood of his challenger, tipped his head to the sky, and roared. He looked at his mate, this Betas, his pack. "As werewolves, we prize strength, look for it in our leaders. But with strength comes responsibility. To protect the weak, care for the pups, and the old ones. Beyond that, an Alpha looks to his pack's happiness. All of his pack." It was quiet. No one spoke. "Do you understand?" A chorus of 'Yes, Alpha' was heard. "Return to your duties." As the others began to disperse, Stephanie and Sharilyn checked on Shirley. "Is she badly injured?" Four wolves began gathering wood for a pyre. "Scratches, Alpha. She'll be fine." Sharilyn escorted Shirley back to the den. "We should inform the other Alphas, the council." - Lyssa tried to hide her irritation every time someone wanted to talk to her about the same sex mating resolution. She hadn't brought it up. She had no vote. Did they think she held sway over the council? Did they think she could change their minds? The representatives were generally older and of relatively high status. And they would take their cues from their Alphas. But she continued to receive calls from members of other packs, was called into conversations with members of Wyeth pack. And she was trying to find out if anyone could send to Em, if he could hear anyone. She was trying to find things to help channel his projecting. She tried to figure out how to spend some quality time with her mate. Lyssa was getting overwhelmed. Emmett tried to figure out how to help. Emmanuel would only stand still for testing for a very short period of time. As a young pup, he had a short attention span and would start squirming after only a few minutes and they had to let him go. They had started with the males, thinking a werewolf of the same sex might be able to communicate with him. To date, they had had no luck. He was in his own bed, which was still in his parents' room. Lyssa was propped against Emmett on the couch and his fingers were in her hair. He massaged her scalp, dropped his hands to rub her neck for a bit, then back up to her scalp. She was groaning in pleasure at his attention and he was happy to feel the tension leave her body, pleased to hear her heart slow. It took him a couple of minutes to realize she'd actually fallen asleep. And, while he had wanted them to find comfort in each other this night, she hadn't been sleeping well. So, he put her to bed, slid in behind her, and held her close. He smiled as she sighed and snuggled up to him. - Phil had settled into a mood of resignation. The Foster Alpha had informed his pack of the current resolution and, like all the others, was getting a lot of feedback on the issue. Pauline struggled with speaking to their Alpha about her son since she knew the new resolution was integral to his happiness. But, there were many others taking up the Alphas' time by voicing their opinions. It was the report of an attack on some poor unmated female that sent her running. She clutched at the Alpha female when she found her. "You've got to help him. You can't let him get hurt." "Take a breath, Pauline, what is it?" Pauline swallowed and dropped her eyes. "Madam Alpha. Please. I couldn't bear to see something happen to him." Mary looked at the fear in her pack member's eyes. "Phillip." Hopeful eyes looked up at her before looking away. Pauline nodded. "You're afraid he might be hurt because he hasn't mated?" Pauline looked up again, eyes beseeching. "But, he's young, he's..." The Madam Alpha dropped her own eyes and exhaled. "Ah. The rumors are true, then. He shows no interest in the females." Pauline grabbed Mary's hand. "Please, Madam Alpha. I want him to be happy. I don't want him hurt. He's not a fighter. He won't tell me who it is. Won't call him." "Are you telling me he found his mate at the gathering?" "I think so. He was so happy the second night." The Madam Alpha of Foster took on a contemplative look. Pauline knew she was sending to someone. "Ross brought him home. Late." "And Ross brought the resolution. It has to be someone there." The Foster Alpha entered the room. "There's been no call for him, Pauline. If there is another male, it could be the feeling isn't mutual." "Why would they be late? Why would they bring the resolution? Can we find out who it is?" Claude put his arm around his mate, sniffed her hair. "What would you do if you found out who it is?" "Um, uh, Alpha. I..." Pauline sniffled. "I want my boy to be happy." "We can't force a relationship. If a connection has been made, it must develop on its own, or fade naturally." A tear fell to the floor. Pauline choked up. "There's been an attack." "We protect our own but I can't promise he won't feel the effects of this." Pauline ducked her head and sniffed. Quietly, she said, "I know. Thank you." She ducked out of the room. Mary rubbed her cheek against Claude's chest. "How do you feel about this, mate? He is our pack." "It's unsettling, Mare. I can't imagine it, myself. But, I have suspected. His interests toward our young females were half-hearted at best." "Do you think there are others?" "Perhaps in the past. Perhaps now. This is the test to see if the packs will accept it." "Will we vote for or against?" "It means the happiness for a pack member though it seems ... disgusting to me. We should take the temper of the pack." Mary slid her hand under his shirt and ran a finger along the trail of dark hair from his sternum to his waistband. He went very still and his breath hitched as she said, low "Will you be as considerate of me?" He growled as the blood rushed to the region just below her fingers. [What is it you would like, Madam Alpha?] She curled her fingers into his waistband and pulled him backwards. When her backside hit the couch she stopped and gave him a lascivious smile. She unbuttoned her scarlet blouse and slid it down her arms. She undid her pants and dropped them to the ground. As she laid back over the arm of the couch her voice got rough. "Lick me. Then fuck me." Claude looked at his mate, dark eyes flashing, dark hair arrayed behind her, sheer red bra and panties. And exhaled as his cock went solid. He went down to his knees and winced at the tightness in his pants. He put his hands on her thighs and pushed them apart. The strip of fabric that covered her slit was damp. His face approached her and he inhaled deeply. [Luna, mate. You smell good.] She cupped her breasts as she watched his tongue reach for her wet core. She felt his tongue take a long, slow, leisurely lick as he watched her eyes. They closed, and she moaned, and he savored the taste of her. "Mmm, wonderful." He slid two fingers into her as she rubbed her thumbs over her tight nipples. She got wetter still when she watched him lick her juices from them. [Not me you're licking, mate.] He looked at her and she offered him a smile. Claude dipped his head back down and did as she had commanded. He pushed the little strip of fabric aside and licked firmly. Tasting her puffy outer lips, sweeping up her juices, flicking over her clit. She moaned, and twisted, and pulled at her nipples. He felt her legs tighten up and pressed his tongue more firmly to the swollen bud. He shoved three fingers into her sodden depths. She shrieked at the sudden intrusion and thrashed as the orgasm took her. Before she could recover, he stood and thrust into her, groaning as he did so. She was tight, muscles rippling around him. He pushed through the waning contractions, watching the writhing of his mate's body beneath him. He was tense, sweat rising on his body as he tried to hold out while trying to prolong her orgasm. Mary clutched at his arms, chanting breathlessly, "Fuck me. Fuck me. Fuck me." She was gorgeous. As the clenching of her muscles ebbed he set up a punishing rhythm, balls slapping against her bottom as he drove deeply into her. She must have felt it because her hand dropped to where their bodies were joined. Her finger rode over his length as he pulled back and he felt the slight twist as she rubbed her clit. One more and he pressed deeply, roaring as he exploded in her depths. She followed shortly after, his name on her lips as she milked him dry. Claude watched her head fall back, her breasts heaving in their red covering as she tried to get air into her starved lungs. Her eyes were half-lidded as she gave him a satisfied smile. For Silence's Sake Ch. 06 Dear Readers, I submit, for your reading pleasure, the next installment of Lyssa and Emmett's story. KemMyst ******* Rumors were rampant. Pack members looked at each other suspiciously. They all assumed one of the wolves came from Ross but there had to be another. Gates wolves knew the other had come from Foster. Family members, who were now part of other packs, spoke to each other. Many were unsure of what to do. But all had opinions. Lyssa continued to get calls. How could she allow it? The resolution couldn't be allowed to pass. She had been human, she had brought this to them. It was an abomination. But she had also gotten a couple of hurried, whispered calls from wolves who thought it should pass. Several unmated wolves, particularly those who had been unmated for a long time, were harassed. Sampson, whose status was now known to his pack, was challenged regularly, particularly at first. But, after beating up all of them, the tide slowed. And, finally, someone left a dead rat at his door. He couldn't smell who it had been, the smell of plastic meant someone had used a bag to move it. And, since Sampson had outed himself, the word also spread that the Ross Beta was, well, a disgusting faggot. An ass-raper. And some began to wonder which young males might have been corrupted. After all, would the young ones be able to resist the status of a Beta? Would they feel compelled to perform whatever depraved act he commanded? Parents questioned their sons closely, but none came forward with any accusation. The packs were in turmoil over it. Calvin and Stephanie watched and worried. Sampson appeared regularly with new bruises and claw marks. Stephanie and Sharilyn asked as they sewed him up more than once, but he stoically refused to answer. Wolves that would have come to him for advice, assistance, prior to this, now went to the Alphas. His life had become hellish. Calvin considered another pack meeting. To command that it all stop. But, that would only send the activities underground. It wouldn't solve a thing. Only one thing had changed. His Beta had admitted his preference for his own sex. He was still the same werewolf he had been before but he had been transformed, at that statement, to something some deemed dangerous. And, the association between Sampson and Phillip began to spread. Phil then became a target. Females laughed and flirted. Males jostled him and apologized when they 'inadvertently' hit him. The equipment he used to clear snow was sabotaged. Nothing too difficult to fix, but enough to slow him down. -- Emmanuel's testing was essentially complete; they had found no one who could send to him. Emmaline was in a tizzy. So many people were upset. Emmanuel's mama was worried about him, his daddy was worried about his mama, and a bunch of adults were a bit mad at his mama. The Alphas were worried about everyone and so were the healers. A couple of pack members were happy, though. Thomas was in better spirits and the healer female, Natalie, was going to have a pup. Her mother, Cassie, saw how out of sorts her young daughter was and sent her off to find Emmanuel to play outside. [Manwell, where are you?] Lyssa looked over as Emmanuel yipped and turned, looking around frantically. The whites of his eyes showed. "Sweetie, what's wrong?" "Emleen." Lyssa crouched. "OK. What about her?" "Emleen talk." "OK, Em. Go find her." She stood to go open the door and little fingers grabbed for her. "No, mama. Emleen head talk me." Lyssa's eyes widened and she picked him up. "You heard her? Here?" Lyssa put two fingers to his forehead. Emmanuel nodded vigorously. She smiled and hugged him tightly, until he squirmed. She the tossed him into the air and laughed. And Emmanuel giggled in response. She hugged him again, twisting side to side. Relief flowed over her like cool water. [Can you head talk to Emmaline?] Emmanuel looked at her and patted her cheek. "Mama happy?" Her face fell. [Emmanuel, can you hear mama?] "Mama not happy?" Lyssa closed her eyes and swallowed. Opened them and offered him a smile. She sighed. "Sweetie, can you head talk to Emmaline?" He scrunched up his face, eyes closed, and grunted. Lyssa brushed his dark hair back from his face and he opened his dark eyes. "How 'bout you go find her, huh?" Emmanuel smiled at her and started to squirm out of her arms. "Give mama a kiss and go." He gave her a smooch and she let him down and opened the door. Lyssa sighed again. It was something. He couldn't hear her but he could hear someone. He wasn't completely deaf. The pack had been told, of course. They had to know to watch out for him. [Em, I'm going to the healers. Can you come?] [What's wrong?] [Nothing. Em heard Emmaline.] [Coming.] There was another talk with the healers, who felt positively but could give no assurances. A conversation with the Alphas, who were pleased to hear about it. Cassie and Samuel were called in. It would be impressed upon Emmaline that she would be responsible for relaying important messages to him; that he could hear her but couldn't answer. She was terribly young for such responsibility, but was the only one who could reach him that way. -- Emmett went to his Alphas on the morning following the full moon. They looked puzzled as he stood before them. He looked unsure. "What do you want of us, my friend?" Emmett closed his eyes and inhaled. "I come with a petition, my Alphas." "Petitions were yesterday, Emmett, as you well know." Ariel walked toward their first Beta. "Emmett, you seem distressed." "I wish to petition on behalf of my mate." "Why isn't she here with you? Why didn't you bring this up yesterday?" "I want to keep this quiet. I don't want Lyssa to know." -- On the day following the full moon, Joanna brought her mate and daughter to visit. Nathan looked to be proud of himself and Joanna was fairly bursting with news. Emmett realized they had arrived when Lyria ran under his feet looking for playmates. Emmanuel and Emmaline were in the kitchen looking for snacks. Hannah had given each of them a cookie and a glass of milk. Emmett leaned against the doorjamb as Joanna told Nathan to tell her parents their news. "They're your parents, Jo. I told mine." They were both smiling broadly, excited. Ariel's eyes flicked between the two. Joanna caught Nathan's hand. "You're having another pup." They stopped, startled. It took a couple of seconds before they recovered enough to answer, in unison. "No." Randall spoke up then. "Would one of you, then, be so kind as to tell us the good news?" "Nathan's been promoted to the motorcycle division!" Joanna bounced and kissed her mate, throwing her arms around his neck. "Congratulations!" came from three throats. Emmett walked in and clapped Nathan on the back. He shook his hand and said, "Good for you." Lyssa found out Jo had come for a visit when Lyria found Emmanuel and barked at him. She had been downstairs in the dining room, at one of the big tables, opposite the windows, working on a list of wolves that had called her and their arguments about the same sex mating resolution. She was trying to figure out who was in favor and who was against, and how she might counter those points. It seemed to her that she was probably going to have to mediate the discussions. Probably yelling and arguing. Sigh. Jo was here. She'd go see her friend and forget about this for a few minutes. Lyssa found them and walked in, smiling. Jo and Nathan looked happy and the Alphas, and Emmett, were talking with them. Jo looked over as Lyssa entered. Her friend looked tired, worried. She offered a smile. "Hey, Lys, how're you?" "OK, Jo. Nice to see you." They talked about Nathan's promotion and other things going on in the packs. After a while, Emmett got up, kissed his mate, and begged duties outside. Lyssa watched him go. A bit longer and Jo pulled Lyssa aside. "What's going on, Lys? You look tired." Lyssa looked at her young friend and swallowed. She closed her eyes and felt herself starting to tear up. "C'mon, Lys. Tell me." It then all came out in a rush. "Everyone's driving me nuts over the new resolution. Emmanuel's deaf and Emmett's started disappearing." Jo quickly filtered through the responses. "Deaf? Little Em's deaf?" Lyssa kindof waved her hand. "Wolf-deaf. He can't hear anybody." Lyssa sighed. "Except Emmaline." Jo took a drink, thinking. How would she feel if Lyria couldn't hear her? Youngsters tended to run around as cubs since it gave them much more autonomy than in their human forms. "No one else?" Lyssa shook her head. "Well, that's weird. That's really weird. But he can hear Emmaline?" Lyssa nodded. "Well, that's something, isn't it?" A pause. "Does he send?" Lyssa shook her head again. "Wow." Lyssa's voice was kindof quiet. "He got bit by a snake during the warm spell we had and when the healers were looking at him they figured out he couldn't hear." She sniffled. "My baby can't hear me." Jo put a hand on Lyssa's arm. "He's OK, isn't he?" Lyssa looked at her, confused. "The snake?" "Oh, uh, yeah. He was sick for a day or two but he's good now." "Why didn't you tell me?" "Um. I don't know. I'm getting sick of getting calls from everyone about the resolution." Jo sighed. "Yeah. OK, I get it. But he can hear Emmaline." "Yeah." "Well, that's good, isn't it?" Jo rubbed her arm. "Hey, Lys. He's healthy. He can project and Emmaline can send to him. So. It's pretty good. Right?" Lyssa inhaled, exhaled. "Yeah. I guess." "What's Em say?" "Pretty much the same things." "But you're not believing it." "How would you feel? Your baby gets hurt, has something wrong with him, and your mate starts being," a shuddering breath, "away." "You said that before. What do you mean by that?" "He's been gone a lot lately. The past four or five days." "I'm sure it's his duties, Lys. He must have told you what he's up to." "New security measures." "Is he the only one gone?" "No." "Alright, then. Hey, you're tired. Tired of everybody after you about the same sex thing. And you found something out about Little Em that wasn't so good. And Em's sometimes gone more, sometimes less. Sounds like everything just kinda came together at once." Lyssa took a breath. "I guess." "It's a rough patch. The resolution will be decided. Little Em will be fine." Joanna leaned forward, taking her hands. "Emmett loves you Lyssa. He does." Lyssa shook herself. "So, things goin' good with you guys, huh?" Joanna brightened. "Yeah. Nathan's really excited." -- The next morning, at breakfast, the pups were running around the tables, as usual. The adults were talking, eating, discussing the resolution, the weather. Emmett was looking at Lyssa, who wasn't eating much of anything. He took her hand. "Mate, are you alright?" "I'm not hungry." Emmett looked at her with concern. "Sweetheart, are you feeling alright?" "I'm fine." "Lyssa, dear heart..." She stood, crying, and yelled, "I said, I'm fine!" Everyone looked at her. Everyone in the vicinity smelled it then. Blood. "Healers!" Lyssa was in a bed, crying. Emmett was holding her hand. "I'm sorry, Em, I'm sorry." "Sh, sweetheart. You didn't do anything wrong." Ariel had consulted with the healers and now looked in at the Beta pair. She heard Lyssa's statement and Emmett's response. She took a deep breath. [Emmett, I know you're both mourning the loss of a pup. Don't pull away from your mate in your grief.] Emmett drew a shuddering breath, looked up at Ariel, then back down to Lyssa. Emmaline whined outside. Emmett remained with Lyssa for two days, curling up with her in the bed. He periodically coaxed her into eating something. Emmaline snuggled with Emmanuel again. It wasn't until Lyssa woke to him whimpering in her arms that she started to pull herself together. She had to take care of her little boy. -- The Ross Alphas requested the privilege of a visit to the Foster pack. It was a couple of days later that Calvin and Stephanie drove to the Foster den. Mary and Claude greeted the Ross Alphas in the foyer of the den and brought them to a small room just around the corner from the front door. A few curious wolves watched the arrival. The information rippled through the pack. After offering seats and refreshments, Claude sat. Mary stood behind his chair, a hand on his shoulder. He took a deep breath. "I assume this has to do with your resolution?" "Indeed, Alpha Foster. Since wolves from our packs are affected, I thought it best if we spoke." "And, what would you like to discuss?" "How fares your pack member? Ours is experiencing regular challenges since he identified himself." Claude looked up at his mate. "We have heard nothing of the sort." Mary looked thoughtful. "It has been taking him longer to perform his duties lately." [Phillip.] [Yes, Alpha Foster.] [Please come to the Yellow Room.] [Yes, my Alpha.] "Do you have any problem with his..inclination?" "He is my pack, Ross. He has harmed no one." Calvin closed his eyes and took a breath. Stephanie tensed. It was almost a challenge. Calvin put a hand on his mate's arm. "We meant no disrespect, Alpha Foster. The issue, as you well know, is stirring up a lot of emotion on both sides. I am only trying to gauge the welfare of my own pack member if he were to come here, if you would allow it, if you would vote for..." A knock at the door interrupted them. Claude looked at Calvin, who gave a slight nod, "Come." Phillip entered the room, eyes down. "You called for me, Alpha Foster?" The Ross Alphas looked him over. About average size, maybe a bit taller. Blonde hair with curls. They couldn't see his eyes. "These are the Ross Alphas." Phil's eyes flicked to them, then back down. "Alpha Ross." "Has anyone been challenging you, harming you in any way?" He shook his head. "No, my Alpha." His stance showed his discomfort. "What are you not saying?" Phil swallowed. "Speak." "There have been problems with the equipment lately." "What do you mean? Be explicit." Another knock. Two young wolves came in, carrying trays. Coffee and water was served and a tray of pastries placed on a small table. "Thank you, Brian. Angela." As the door clicked closed the Foster Alpha prompted, "Phillip?" "Yes, Alpha." A pause. "There have been instances of flattened tires, missing spark plugs and belts." "You didn't report this." "No, Alpha." Claude looked at his pack member, considering. "Thank you, Phillip." As Phil turned to leave, Calvin said, "Alpha Foster, may I ask a question?" Claude nodded. "Phillip, would you like my pack member to come here or would you care to visit my pack?" A small smile came to Phil's face. "Yes, Alpha Ross." He paused, and glanced at his Alpha. "May I ask a question?" "Yes, Phillip." He turned to the Ross Alphas. "Is he... is he OK? Is your female pack member OK?" Calvin and Stephanie looked at the young male. He looked a strange combination of sad, upset, and hopeful. Calvin looked at his mate, so she answered. "Our pack members are both in good health. Our Beta is, however, undergoing more challenges than usual." They could hear concern in his voice now. "He's been hurt?" Phil thought of Sampson's face, of him bleeding. "Sampson can take care of himself." Phillip inhaled and dipped his head. "Alphas." After the door clicked shut, Calvin asked, "How old is Phillip?" The Foster Alphas looked at each other. "Twenty two." [He is very young, mate.] "So, Claude, if they wanted to be together, would you allow them to be together here?" "Would you?" "I would be sorry to lose a good Beta and a good friend but, yes, I would let him come here. To be with his mate." "You believe they are mates?" "It's a distinct possibility. Sampson has been in a dismal mood since the gathering. Your Phillip has shown more than casual concern for him." "Why has your Beta not called for him?" "Sampson is currently experiencing multiple challenges simply as a result of revealing his nature. Can you imagine how it would be if he had called to have a male brought into the pack?" "A resolution will not change that." "No. But it will offer some protection." There was a pause as they looked at each other. "You would rather it were two females, wouldn't you?" "I admit, the thought of two males..." Calvin looked at the other Alpha. "So, will you vote for the resolution?" Claude inhaled. "Although I'm not entirely pleased at the thought, I see no real reason to vote against it. Phillip has done nothing to warrant a negative vote." "Gates is vehemently opposed. He called me, ranting about their overstaying and telling me to keep them apart." Claude grunted. "If we can make any arguments, and things will have to calm down so that we can vote, I ask permission to have two of your pack members make statements and be available to answer questions." "Phillip?" Calvin nodded. "My healer?" "No." Cal exhaled. "His mother." -- Emmett continued to be absent a lot. He'd be up and gone about first light and would come home after dark. Some of the other males would be gone about the same time, usually three or four of them. She couldn't point to anything in particular, but it just felt off to her. He didn't smell like anything strange, just like he had been working. But he also came home tired, and fell asleep early. Lyssa was feeling kind of miserable. Emmett wasn't around much. Emmanuel could hear Emmaline but no one else and didn't seem to be able to send. They were getting her to understand that she was the only one he could hear and that she had to tell him if she heard anything important. Lyssa was also trying to get him to stop letting everyone know he had to pee. The pack council, the resolution, was such a mess. Why had Stephanie brought it up now? OK, yeah, their Beta. And she had to heal after the miscarriage, so she couldn't have sex, but she missed Em. She had thought her life was everything she wanted but not so much now. [Madam Beta?] Sigh. [Yes, Thomas.] [I'd like to ask you about Christmas presents.] Oh. Lorelei. In dating a human woman, he was being introduced to human customs. -- Madeline ran out to where Erich, her mate, was helping Emmett work on a project. She skidded to a a stop and looked over at what they were working on. [Emmett?] [Hey, Madeline, Erich's right here.] [Thanks, Emmett, but I want to talk to you.] Emmett put down what he was doing and moved toward the small female. Madeline was much smaller than his own mate and he looked down at purply eyes framed by brown hair, tanned skin, breasts smaller than Lyssa's, and it looked like she had recently been shaved naked, an activity Lyssa had brought into the pack. "What's up, Madeline?" Madeline looked down and ran a toe back and forth in the snow. "Well, um, I think Lyssa needs to get out." "O. K?" "I wanna call Joanna and see about going out some night." Emmett took a moment and put a hand on Madeline's shoulder. "I think that's a good idea." A growl from behind him had him snatching his hand back and turning to face the wolf behind him. A brown wolf with two white socks. "Sorry, Erich." Male wolves were very protective of their mates, possessive. "Has your mate spoken to you about her idea?" Erich walked over, wrapped his arms around his mate, and spun her. Madeline giggled. He then nibbled under her ear. "What idea, Blossom?" Her voice got a bit lower in the presence of her mate. "Going out with Lyssa and Joanna." He sniffed along her shoulder, laid a light kiss there. "When?" For Silence's Sake Ch. 06 "Soon, I think Lyssa should get away for a bit." "Nice thought, Madeline. I think you should do it." She squirmed against him, trying to worm her way out of his arms. "OK. Good." She wiggled some more. "OK, Erich, lemme go." He growled, low. "Do that again." Emmett made himself scarce. Having run across the range to talk to Emmett, Madeline was naked. Having just changed from wolf himself, so was Erich. Madeline ran both hands in to his hair, pulled herself more tightly to him, and kissed him fiercely. Erich cupped her buttocks with his hands and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He mumbled against her neck, "Haveta help Em." Madeline reached between their bodies to caress the growing hardness beneath her buttocks. [Really? How 'bout a little break?] Erich tipped her backwards and latched onto one of her breasts. Madeline moaned at the feeling as she pulled his head more closely to her. [Feeling a little cold, Blossom. I need someplace warm to put this.] She could feel his turgid member against her bottom. "Mmmm. Yeah." Erich shifted her weight and positioned her entrance over him. It took a little maneuvering for him to penetrate her depths. They both gave satisfied sounds. Lavender eyes looked up into blue, both sets slightly lidded with desire. And she smiled, shifting upwards on his body and his cock. Erich inhaled and took hold of her ass more firmly. And he lifted her, up and down, as she clutched his shoulders. Her bare breasts rubbed against his chest. Tight nipples meant a delicious sensation ran from her boobs to her core. She started panting as he pressed his knot inside her. Madeline's toes curled as her breath began to hitch. Her breath left her lungs in an explosion. "OOooooaaa." Erich felt the ripples of her muscles around him and his movements became somewhat jerky. It was several more pumps of his mate's body before his spilled his seed inside her with a howl. -- Emmett had returned, late, again. Dinner was essentially over so he slid in and ate quickly with the few remaining wolves. Afterward, he went to clean up then went to their suite. Lyssa was sitting at the worktable, looking over some lists. Emmett walked over, wrapped his arms around her and kissed the side of her head. "Where's Em?" Lyssa kindof shrugged him off. "Decided to sleep with the other pups. We should think about a Christmas present for him." "We don't celebrate Christmas, Lys. It would be strange. You've never worried about it before." "A little boy should have Christmas. A tree. Presents." He was about to object when he thought better of it. "OK, Lys. What do you want to get him?" Lyssa stopped. He could see her mulling it over. Finally, she said. "I don't know. Something." Within the den, they had everything they needed, and much of what they wanted. He wrapped his arms back around her upper body and put his lips close to her ear. "And what would you like for Christmas, sweetheart?" He felt her body slump. Bad question. Bad timing. "Can I help you with something?" She inhaled, exhaled. "No. I don't think so." Her voice was even. There was no trace of sarcasm or annoyance. She just sounded tired. "OK. I'm gonna watch some TV, if it's OK." "Yeah. Sure." Emmett sat on the couch, wanting her to come sit with him. But, she had work to do and was being very responsible about it. It was for the good of all the packs. It had been her idea. He flipped through a number of channels, trying to find something to interest him. He finally settled on a show he'd seen before and decided a beer would taste good. Emmett crouched to get one out of the mini-fridge and turned to his mate, "Would you like anything, sweetheart?" She was crying, silently. He put the beer back, closed the door, and slowly approached her. She was kindof curled in on herself. He picked her up, even as she pushed against his chest in protest. He sat in a chair and held her tightly. He thought to ask what was wrong, then thought better of it. She struggled to speak. "Turn it off. Please, just ... turn it off." He leaned forward, snagged the remote, and turned the TV off. Was that what had set her off? It wasn't like they hadn't watched Underworld before. The last time was... oh. Yeah. The cabin. Where he had taken her away from the pack to see if he could bring her back. After she had been kidnapped and beaten and had gotten moody and irrational. The Alphas' daughter, and her friend, had called it PTSD. From what she had told them, something similar had gone on after her family had been killed in a car wreck. He debated if her recent emotional hits were spurring another episode. And, while he grieved the lost pup, the healers had assured him Lyssa was OK, physically. And Emmanuel, though wolfdeaf to all but one, was healthy and happy. Last time he had had to take her out of the den, since she had become a danger to others. This made his current project even more important. As she began to settle, he sent, quietly [I love you, mate.] The tears started again. He held her until she stopped, then whispered a question. "How 'bout a bath and bed?" She nodded against his chest. "Yeah." So, he picked her up and took her to the bathroom. He started the bath and, after checking the water temperature, proceeded to strip her. Lyssa moaned in appreciation as he lowered her into the warm water. He took some bath gel and a washcloth and bathed her. He felt the tension leave her body as he washed an arm then kissed it. Other arm, shoulders. Back, neck. And on. He used a big towel to dry her and laid her in their bed. Emmett shucked his clothes and crawled in with her and curled her into the curve of his body. - The new moon came; time for the next council meeting. Lyssa wasn't sure how things were going to go but she expected more yelling and screaming. She took a deep breath and opened the meeting. Thankfully, it started quietly enough, although she heard voices in offside discussions. On this night, many of the representatives had their Alphas beside them. "Welcome, everyone. At our last meeting we passed a resolution that no female would be forcibly mated. The vote was carried six to one." "We have a new resolution to debate," the noise of voices began to increase, and she raised her voice, "and I don't think we'll be ready to vote on it for a couple of months because I think everyone's gonna wanna have their say. This is only gonna work if we take turns. And I have asked the Foster's healer to attend to answer any questions you might have for him." "But, before we start, I wanna remind you of what we agreed to during our first meetings. That anything involved in revealing the packs to humans or presenting an immediate danger would require a unanimous decision. Those things that don't make it likely that we're all gonna die or be hunted down we agreed would only need a majority." Mumbling and objections began again. "STOP IT!" she yelled. "If we can't get through this you better all give it up as a bad idea and fight your own battles." There were gasps at her audacity. Randall smiled. [Well said, Madam Beta.] "Alright then. Alphabetical order's as good as anything else. So, you'll all get a chance to ask him questions, then each of the packs will make an argument. Does that sound good?" Everyone agreed. "OK, Dr. Worthy?" "Yes, Madam Beta." "Do you agree? Are you ready?" "Yes, Madam Beta." "Foster first. Then Gates, Macy, Ross, Severn, Tucker, and Wyeth. Um, go ahead Alpha Foster." The questions began and, by the time they got to Tucker, their Alphas had nothing that they thought had gone unasked. Wyeth was the same. "OK, I think that's enough for tonight. Does anyone have new business or anything which should be reported to the packs?" No one had anyone else so the meeting was adjourned for the month. For Silence's Sake Ch. 07 Dear Readers, Changes in life are giving me less time to write. However, I have the ending in sight for this storyline and there are, at least, a couple more chapters. I hope you enjoy this installment. KemMyst ********** Ariel looked at her Madam Beta. They had just finished reinforcing Emmaline for a duty to Emmanuel. Since he had more mobility and often ran around as a cub, she needed to relay messages of alarm to him. She was the only one he could hear. And, while he could project feelings and urges, he didn't seem to be able to send to anyone. It was odd; he should be more receptive to family. After the pups had taken off, Lyssa sat quietly and threw a couple of glances at Ariel. She asked, quietly, "What is it, Lyssa?" "What happens when two of us grow apart? There's no divorce, right?" "What are you talking about?" Lyssa ran a hand down the side of her face and cupped her chin in it. "I don't know. You hear stories of families coming apart when someone gets sick." "I'm still not following." "I hardly see him anymore. He's always gone. Little Em can't hear. I, I lost the baby. Maybe it's too much for him." "Lyssa, Emmett loves you, both of you." "But, how long can it take to get the external security stuff up?" "A while longer, there is a lot to do." - Lyssa tried to get Emmett to go out with her to pick up a present for Little Em. He looked mildly interested at first, then begged off to go work. So, she talked Madeline into going with her. Although she didn't understand the concept, Lyssa tried to explain the holiday on the way to the toy store. But the religious aspects of the season completely eluded her. Werewolves were pragmatic and didn't have a spiritual side. They didn't believe in a higher power or an afterlife and, while they did mourn their dead, the reason for the pyre was to keep the remains from being discovered or investigated by humans. And they had obtained permission from the human authorities to burn their dead. Since Lyssa hadn't gone to church since becoming a werewolf, Madeline didn't understand her wanting to take up the traditions again. A tree. Gifts. They didn't really celebrate birthdays, except for maturation days. And gifts, within families or between mates, were also uncommon. Madeline looked in awe at the lights and displays. Nativity scenes. A large menorah on a lawn. Lit trees in windows. And then, the stores. She goggled at the Santa Clauses. The toys were another surprise. So many, many things - cars, characters, puzzles, building sets, electronic games, stuffed toys, dolls. Madeline looked at the girly things. Lyssa was looking for something for her little boy. Nothing seemed right. He was only 10 months old but, because of his dual nature, he was more along the lines of an 18 month old human child. He wouldn't know what to do with a toy truck. He'd rip a stuffed toy to shreds and had other pups to cuddle with. He didn't know any cartoons. What in the world could she get him? Something? She should get him something. She should have a Christmas present for her son. But she couldn't find anything she could imagine he'd like. It was crazy. She had no idea what to do. Aggravated, she hunted down Madeline, who stood transfixed before a small display of fairy figurines. [Lyssa, what's a fairy?] Lyssa smiled. [They take care of the flowers, Mad.] Surprised, Madeline whipped her head around to look at Lyssa. "Whaddaya mean?" "Fairies each have a kind of flower. Daisies or snapdragons or roses. And they take care of that flower, helping it grow and look pretty. That's where they live." Madeline picked up a little purple figure, cradling it in her palm, like it was precious. "Really?" Lyssa smiled again. "What's her name?" "Huh?" "There should be a tag, with a name on it." The figure was seated, knees up, bare legs crossed at the ankles. She had short dark hair and little, pointed ears. She wore a short, purple shift, like something a greek goddess would wear, belted with a green vine. She was leaning back on her hands and her lavender butterfly wings swept behind her. A garland of purple flowers sat on her head and her eyes were almost Madeline's shade. "Violet." Quiet, almost reverent. Lyssa's smile was broad and she teared up slightly. "Take her home, Madeline. Buy her, and bring her home." "I, I can't." Lyssa put an arm around her and steered her toward the front of the store. "Sure you can, when's the last time you got anything for yourself?" In a daze, Madeline paid for the item, after seeing it placed in a little box for transport. As they walked back to the car, Madeline shook herself and looked at Lyssa, who had no bag in her hands. "You didn't get Little Em anything?" "Couldn't find anything." "Oh. Uh. OK." Lyssa went out for a run. The snow was about 8 inches deep and her chestnut coat stood out against the white expanse. She followed a well-traveled trail. Lots of prints, mostly male. One of them looked like Emmett's. She stopped but then, hell, she was Beta and chair of the council. She should probably see what those security measures looked like. [Beta, the Madam Beta's headed your way.] [Thank you, Mercy.] Emmett didn't quite know what to do. He didn't want Lyssa to be here, didn't want her to see. So he headed back toward the den, trying to figure out what she wanted and how to turn her around. She stopped again. Boring. It would probably be really boring. And, did she really need to see? Nah. She wasn't Alpha. They didn't need to know details so she really didn't. Sigh. She took off, across a field, headed for a treeline. There was a neat little ravine that way and there might be icicles near the pretty little waterfall. [False alarm. She's headed for the Falls Gully.] [Thank you, Mercy.] Lyssa got to the edge of the ravine and looked over the side. Snow had drifted in little piles in a couple of spots. The waterfall sparkled in the sunshine, frozen droplets looked like diamonds. The sun was warm on her dark fur. She wanted to go down and look at the ice formations at the bottom. Funny looking globs where the water trickled over the edge and fell and froze when it hit bottom. Like stalactites or stalagmites or whichever it was. There was a gentle slope off a ways but she was a wolf and could take a more direct route. So, she stepped over to a spot where a couple of leaps down would get her to the bottom. She settled her haunches for the first jump and the snow broke from under her. Lyssa slid a short distance and then tumbled, yelping as she hit a couple of rocks on the way down. She woke to someone licking her muzzle and whining. [Madam Beta, please wake up.] Lyssa groaned and shifted her legs and Mercy leapt back with a startled yip. [Mercy?] [Are you OK?] Lyssa groaned again and worked her way upright. [Mm. Mostly.] Emmett pounded down the gully at full speed. [Sweetheart?] He slid as he closed on them, bowling them both over. Yelps where followed by flailing, standing, and shaking of coats. Emmett nosed Lyssa, looking for injuries. She made a noise of pain as he checked her ribs. [OK to walk?] [Yeah.] [Thanks, Mercy.] Lyssa worked her way out of the gully with Emmett following. [Got her shadowing me?] He was glad he was behind her then as it took him a moment to recover from that question. [Probably just practicing her tracking.] [Real hard to follow a dark wolf in the snow.] [I'm glad to see you came out for a run.] [Needed out of the den for a bit.] [Wanna keep goin'?] [Nah. I'm good. Go back to what you were doing.] He bounded ahead and stopped to face her. [You sure?] [Yeah. Go on.] He licked her muzzle. [OK. See you later, mate.] And off he went. - "So, you went out shopping today?" "Yeah, Mad found a fairy to bring home." "Excuse me?" "A little figure, with wings." "Oh. OK." "Yeah. And I couldn't find a thing that I thought Em would like." Emmett put his arms around his mate. "This doesn't hurt, does it?" She shook her head. "Emmanuel has everything he needs here." Lyssa sniffed. "What kind of mother can't get a present for her baby?" "Sweetheart." He kissed the side of her head. "My beautiful, beautiful mate." He kissed her again. "Emmanuel is not a human boy and there are no stores for werewolf children because they are different. You said yourself when I got the crib, that he'd be as likely to chew on it as sleep in it." She smiled and chuckled. She'd been right, to an extent. There were some gnaw marks on the wood. He caressed her shoulder. "Lys, no one else celebrates Christmas. He has the other pups and parents who love him." She sighed. "Yeah, I guess. I just feel..." She trailed off. "How are your ribs?" "Sore. You'd think I'd have figured out about snow overhangs after last time." Lyssa had slid down a slope when she'd broken through an overhang at a cabin. When he had taken her away from the pack the second time. That time she had only been embarrassed. "Bath?" "Mm. Sounds good." "OK. Wait here." He got up and kissed her before heading for the bathroom. She heard the water running, heard him check the temperature, heard him screw the cap on a bottle before she smelled raspberry. As he walked back out, having shed his t-shirt and jeans, there was a knock at the door. As she stood, a little painfully, an enticing aroma drifted to her. She shed her clothes as he handed her a steaming cup. "Coffee?" "Healers said since Emmanuel's pretty much weaned there's no reason not to." She took an appreciative sip and groaned in pleasure. Emmanuel was in the creche with Emmaline and the twins. "C'mon." With a hand to her back, he guided her into the bathroom. Putting their cups to one side, he slid into the water and extended his arms. She lay back in his arms, against his body, with another groan. He kissed the side of her head as she grabbed her cup and took another sip. She leaned back and he put his arm around her waist. She leaned her head back and sighed. "Thank you." A breath. "How much longer?" "Mmm. For what, sweetheart?" He stroked her arm and she felt him twitch behind her. She jerked upright, grimacing, and he made a noise. "Lys, what?" "I'm not.." He gently pulled her back. "Lyssa. What?" She blew out a breath. "I can't yet. The healers said..." "Lyssa, Lyssa, I know. I'm not trying to seduce you." She settled back and he felt her relax. "I'm sorry, I just..." "Just...relax." They sat for a while, occasionally sipping at their coffees. "This'll keep me up all night but it tastes so good." "Sleep in, Lyssa. You're hurt. Take a nap with Emmanuel." "Mmm. Hey, how long 'til you're done? "A couple more weeks." She made a noise of displeasure. "Maybe sooner. Lys, it's gotta be done right." "I'm tired of you being away so much." "Just a little while longer, sweetheart. I'll be done soon." Lyssa blinked, trying to keep her eyes open. She was so tired and she kindof hurt and the coffee was good and the water was warm and Emmett was holding her. He knew she was drifting off when she started to twist sideways. It was a bit uncomfortable with where her hip was but he gritted his teeth so as not to disturb her. He was so relieved she hadn't gotten badly hurt. She was upset about several things right now. Getting Emmanuel's present for Christmas. His wolf-deafness. Loss of their pup. All the ruckus about the same sex mating resolution. And then, he'd, well, he'd been working on something for a while now and his absence was bothering her. Soon, soon. It would all be over soon. - Thomas had found a present for Lorelei. The Madam Beta had given him some ideas although he'd ended up revealing more to her than he'd wanted. She had looked at him, measuring him, then sighed and made some suggestions. She had pointed him to a couple of shops instead of taking him to them like she had Erich. While that had been kindof fun it seemed awful weird to think of taking Thomas. Eww. Thomas chafed at the wait. Lorelei had told him she couldn't see him again until after Christmas, which was three days away. He wanted to have sex with her again. He wanted to show her what he'd gotten. He hoped she would like it. He began to plan their next night out. - Sampson was surprised to receive a package. He hadn't ordered anything. There was no return address. There were the scents of several humans, the smell of young Tim, who had brought the package to him, as well as the faint smell of a strange wolf. Female. He sat on the chair at his desk and stared at it. What in the world would another wolf be sending him? There were several, well, probably more than several, werewolves who saw him as a threat to their way of life. Who wanted to hurt him and others like him. He closed his eyes, pressed his nose to the cardboard of the box, and inhaled deeply. Cardboard. Plastic. Nothing else. [Sampson!] [Yes, my Alpha.] [I understand you have received an unsolicited package from an unknown individual.] [It appears to have come from another wolf, Alpha.] [Then you haven't opened it?] [No, Alpha.] [Do not open it inside the den.] Calvin had felt a spike of fear upon hearing Sampson had received a package from someone unknown. Who knew what some of the other wolves were capable of? It was midafternoon when they took the package out to the side deck. Curious eyes watched from the windows as Sampson half-shifted and sliced the tape open with a claw. He carefully opened the flaps as his Alphas stood to one side. Looking inside, Sampson removed a plastic bag which contained cloth and a piece of paper. "Stop." Sampson froze. "Is there anything else in the bag?" Sampson looked in the box, which was now empty. He felt of the bag and shook his head. [Healer.] [Yes, Alpha.] [Please meet us in the foyer.] "Sampson. Mate." They walked in the front door of the den. It took Sharilyn less than a minute to arrive. "Yes, Alpha?" "Our Beta has received a package from an unknown party." Sharilyn cocked her head and looked at the bag, which appeared to hold a shirt. "I want you here in case there is something... untoward inside." Sampson was holding the plastic bag by a corner and was embarrassed by the commotion, although he had been wary himself. He realized all attention was on him. He sighed and grasped the edges of the bag. As it opened a burst of scent wafted up. Sampson took a deep breath and took an involuntary step back. Stephanie batted it out of his hands. Sampson leapt for the bag, rolled, and came up holding it tightly. "My Alphas, this is personal." Calvin looked at his Beta, at what he was clutching. Traces of the scent had reached them all. Werewolf. Male. A scent they had taken in at Foster. "Thank you, everyone. You are excused." Sampson swallowed and quickly returned to his room. His cock was hard and ready. It was Phil's scent. Someone had sent him one of Phil's t-shirts. The piece of paper in the bag had only three words on it, written in what looked like a female's hand. 'Please call him.' Someone who cared for Phil had sent him a message. Wanted him to talk to Phil. He couldn't. There was too much turmoil. But his response. His body's response. He couldn't deny it. He thought he could, could go back to things as they had been. Sampson inhaled, squeezed his eyes shut, and swallowed. No. He popped the seal on the bag again and took a deep whiff. Oh, Selene. He thought he would burst. No. He tossed the sealed bag under his bed and strode back out into the den. - Lyssa had decided that she would get a tree, just a little one, and maybe she'd figure out a present from there. Even though there wasn't much time left. She came out of the bathroom to find Emmanuel pissing on it. Well. That was just great. At least she hadn't put the lights on it. She sat on the bed and exhaled. How would she explain Santa Claus to him anyway? So much for Christmas. The last few weeks had just sucked. After she cleaned up the mess, Lyssa took her little boy down for some chocolate pudding while she enjoyed a cup of dark coffee. At least she could have her favorite beverage again. After that, Emmanuel asked her to read the book about the little duck looking for his mama. Three times. That night she was going out with Madeline and Joanna. So she started looking at what was in her closet. Some of the clothes she wore before she had Emmanuel were getting comfortable again. Hm, what to wear? Emmett got back before supper this evening. Smiling, he came back to the den and went immediately to his Alpha. Then, grinning broadly, he hunted down his mate. He found his son first, running through the first floor of the den with the other pups. Emmanuel slid to a stop in front of his father. Emmett picked him up and tossed him. "Gen." Another toss, to giggling. "Let's go find mama." "K, Daddy." They found her in the reading room. "Whatcha reading, mate?" "Story about a werewolf named Kitty." "Kitty? Really?" Lyssa nodded, closing the book. "You're back early." "Done, Lys. We're done." She looked at him, as if she didn't quite understand what he was saying. Emmanuel reached out to her and she automatically took her son into her arms. Emmett picked her up, as other wolves looked on, and sat back down with her in his lap. He nuzzled her neck. "We're done, mate." "Don't know why you had to be out there every day, anyway," she grumbled. He kissed the side of her head. "We could do something tonight. Whatever you want." She pushed away and looked at him. "Jo's coming over. We're going out, remember?" He wanted to celebrate with her but she was having a night out with Jo and Madeline. And she didn't see Jo all that often. "That's right. That's good." "I guess we could go another time." "No, mate. You should go out with your friends." Emmett was on the floor, wrestling with his son. He looked up when Lyssa came out of the closet. "That's what you're wearing?" Navy pants and a rather shapeless red turtleneck. She turned around and came back out with an ivory blouse. Madeline knocked on the door and they regarded each other. Madeline was wearing a long paisley skirt and a green sweater with her hair pulled back. Madeline then turned to look down the hall and headed back to her room. Lyssa peeked out. Jo was wearing a ruffled cranberry blouse and a black pencil skirt. Lyssa went back to the closet. Emmett gestured to Joanna to come in. [Lookin' good, Jo.] Joanna smiled. He twisted Emmanuel so that he could see her and said, "You remember mama's friend, Jo." Emmanuel nodded vigorously. "Jojo." "Hi, Emmanuel. How are you doing?" "K. Where Lyra?" Joanna crouched to answer the dark-eyed boy. "At home, with her daddy." He seemed a bit disappointed. "K." "She'll come another time." Joanna looked up to his father. "How's it going, Em?" "Pretty good. Just finished a big project." [You know she lost a pup, right?] Grimly, Joanna nodded. She turned. "Hey, Lys, ready to go?" "I think so." Lyssa emerged from the closet with a light blue camisole and a navy jacket. [Mad, we're ready to go.] Madeline reappeared in a long black skirt and a gold-colored short sleeved sweater, Her mate hovered behind her, a bit nervously. Madeline, while she had been outside the den before, had never been to a club. - All eyes went to the door as the three women walked in. Madeline almost stopped dead, wrinkling her nose in disgust at the odors her sensitive nose encountered. Humans in close quarters, sweat, urine, personal care products, alcohol, and myriad other things. Lyssa was a little behind and gave her a push. [You get used to it.] For Silence's Sake Ch. 07 [How?] It was early enough that Jo found a table without a whole lot of trouble and they sat. A waitress took their order after Lyssa suggested a fuzzy navel for Madeline. They sat, rather quietly, until the drinks came. Madeline was busy looking around the club, at the DJ, the people dancing, the bottles behind the bar. Joanna took Lyssa's hand. "How are you doing, Lys? Are you OK?" The waitress dropped off the drinks as Lyssa hitched in a breath. She looked up and said, "One more. And a shot of JD green, if you have it. Black's OK." Lyssa guzzled down the beer and Joanna squeezed her hand. "Give me the keys, Lyssa." She gave Jo an ugly look. [Keys, Lyssa. Now.] Lyssa took a deep breath, reached into her bag and, unhappily, handed the car keys over. Madeline chattered on happily about Erich and her mother. Joanna talked about her mate, Nathan, her daughter, and her classes. They discussed the same sex resolution. Lyssa didn't say much. She growled when a guy put his hand on her shoulder and asked her to dance. Madeline giggled when she was invited and stood up, walking with a smaller young man to the dance floor. [Just don't let him give you anything to drink, or take you outside.] [OK.] "C'mon, Lys. Let's go dance." Joanna grabbed her hand and pulled. Reluctantly, Lyssa came with her. They started dancing, Lyssa a bit stiffly. But alcohol lowered inhibitions and she began loosening up, gyrating, dancing more suggestively. She threw her jacket at her chair and took another drink before going back to dancing. Madeline was taking a break from dancing and trying to make small talk with the young man. She turned to watch men start gathering around her friends. But they continued to dance with each other. A couple of hours later, Joanna called an end to the evening. Lyssa was really drunk and getting unruly. Madeline's young man had found out she was married and had beaten a hasty retreat. They were gathering their things to leave when Lyssa declared she needed to use the restroom. [Madeline, please go with her.] Madeline looked confused but went along. Joanna watched their things, pulled out the car keys, and made a quick call. A commotion near the restrooms drew her attention. Lyssa was in some guy's face. Jo headed over and she noticed a male, probably associated with the club, also moving in that direction. Joanna looked at him as they closed, saying, "We're just leaving." He got the male's attention and Madeline and Jo pulled Lyssa away. - Erich and Emmett awaited their mates' return as Joanna pulled into the Wyeth garage. She saw her car was already running, warmed up for her trip home. Madeline hopped out, ran to her mate, and jumped at him. He caught her small form easily and laughed as she began bestowing kisses on his face. [You smell of a human male, mate.] he growled. [One of them asked me to dance.] [Hm, Blossom, before we sleep you will be covered in my scent.] Madeline giggled as he turned to take her upstairs. Ariel made sure her daughter was OK to drive home and sent her off to her own family. Lyssa stumbled getting out of the car and Emmett hurried over to lend support. She batted him away. "I can walk." Ariel glanced over at the sharpness of the remark and Emmett took a breath, remaining solicitous. "Would you like something before bed, sweetheart?" Joanna had called, before they left, and told him Lyssa was really drunk. Emmett was unsure how to navigate this mood of hers. "Yeah." She walked, not quite steadily, toward the kitchen. She got a glass and poured herself a couple of ounces of whiskey and sat in a chair, brooding. Emmett involuntarily sighed as he sat nearby. She gave him a dirty look. "What?" "Did you have a nice time tonight?" "Madeline's a lightweight. And Joanna decided to play Mom." He reached for her hand and took it, firmly. "So, not so much fun, huh?" She grunted and took another sip then blew out an exasperated breath. Erich and Madeline hadn't made it upstairs. She chased him through the room and around a table. Erich suddenly stopped, turned, gave a toothy grin and lunged for her. Madeline squealed and backed away. She didn't have enough of a head start. Erich grabbed her arm and swung her into him, holding her tightly. He spoke, quietly, "I missed you, mate." She could tell how pleased he was to have her home by what was pressing against her belly. "Is that for me?" she whispered in a husky voice. He rested his chin on the top of her head. [Always, Blossom.] Madeline pushed against his enveloping arms and he loosened his hold. She undid his pants, pushed them and his shorts to the floor, and pushed him back. Her short stature meant that they were both uncomfortable if she tried kneeling while he was standing. So, she got him on the floor and fairly dove on his cock. She licked and slurped and sucked, her small hand fisted around its base. Erich's head was tipped back and he was groaning in pleasure. She stopped, abruptly, and he opened his eyes and lifted his head, panting lightly. Her lavender eyes were fixed on his face. A string of saliva trailed from the pink tip of her tongue to the tip of his stiffened length. Oh, Luna. Could he get any harder? She went back down on him, sucking, before he blew his load into her throat. As the pleasure registered in his brain ebbed, he began to feel very tired. Erich gathered his mate to his side and fell asleep. Madeline traced figures on his chest with a finger and felt his breathing slow before succumbing to sleep herself. - Lyssa woke grumpy, with cottonmouth and a mild headache. And Emmanuel wanted to play. She closed her eyes and sighed. "OK, sweetie, give mama a couple minutes, OK?" Emmanuel sat and yapped once. Lyssa went into the bathroom and started a shower. Emmett returned to the suite, carrying a glass of orange juice, one of water, and a couple of white tablets. He smiled at the sight of his son in furred form, waiting for his mate to finish her shower. He entered the bathroom and set down the glasses. Turning, he began to pull the curtain back, asking, "Wash your back?" Lyssa grunted as she ran her fingers through her dark, wet hair. "Wash my back?" She turned and gave him the look. The tired 'Really?' look. "Little Em wants to play." Emmett sighed and she rolled her eyes as she turned off the water. He held out his closed fist. She looked at him before putting her hand beneath his. He dropped the white tablets into her open palm and said, "There's orange juice." Lyssa walked out of the bathroom after slugging down the water and OJ to find her boys on the floor, growling and wrestling. She smiled at the sight and then teared up slightly. What had happened to her life? Emmanuel caught sight of his mother and briefly changed to a pink little boy. "Iden seek!" he commanded. Emmett tickled the toddler. "Who hides first?" "Mama." Lyssa saw Emmanuel's skin start to darken so she stepped into the closet. A brown-eyed chestnut wolf stepped out, nosed open the suite's door, and slipped out. Emmett counted. "Two. Three..." He held onto the straining pup until he hit 15. Emmanuel shot out of his father's hands and out the door, nose up. He turned to the right, sniffing. Emmett followed. This was how the young ones learned to track, to stalk, And to evade. Since Emmanuel was trying to track down his mother, an adult, Emmett went along to give him some small hints, since she could think of things he wouldn't. Emmanuel stopped at the first stairwell; Lyssa's scent led both up and down. "Try one direction, Emmanuel. It doesn't matter which one." Emmanuel went down and stopped again when Lyssa's scent stopped. Emmett had realized she'd gone upstairs because he had caught the wisps of scent drifting down from above. "If she didn't go down, pup, she had to go up." Emmanuel yipped and headed up the stairs. Lyssa had trotted through the 4th floor corridor, winding back and forth. Emmanuel had learned, however, and didn't veer much. He did take a turn around one of the conversation areas then down the stairs. Through the foyer, nose down, down the back corridor, into the kitchen. Emmanuel stopped at the back door and looked up to his father. Emmett opened the door and followed him out. After a short wander through the kitchen garden, they re-entered the den through the front door. Emmanuel found his mother behind the Navigator in the garage. Paul watched with a smile as the small, dark pup snuck up on his mother, then pounced. The game went on for another couple of rounds before Little Em tired of it. - Lyssa was sitting in the rocking chair with Little Em curled up in her lap. He was napping and she was humming under her breath and stroking his arm. Emmett was grinning broadly at the sight of his family. The work he'd been doing the past few weeks was done and he hoped she would be happy. She had been making a big deal out of Christmas and, while he meant to wait 'til then, he didn't think he could. "You are so beautiful, mate." She smiled tiredly. "Sweetheart, I've got some things to do but I have something I'd like to show you after lunch." She nodded and her eyes began to slide shut. He ran a hand down the side of her face and kissed her forehead before leaving. - Somewhat reluctantly, Lyssa followed her mate. The path was well traveled; the same path he had been taking for days, weeks. A light snow was falling. Lyssa sensed his excitement and she had no idea why. Suddenly, he bounded ahead. She watched his tail bob and flip and grow somewhat smaller. He stopped, turned, and changed. She looked up; he was standing at the door of a building, grinning. A building that hadn't been there before. She stopped, sat, and looked at him. Emmett opened the door with a flourish. "Welcome to your place to get away from it all." She stepped inside, nervously looking around her. Emmett followed her in. "You've been kindof overwhelmed lately. I wanted to make a place where you, we, could have some peace and quiet. Away from the pack." She looked around, opening doors. There was a small eat-in kitchen, a room which held a king-sized bed and a chest of drawers. The small bathroom still managed to hold a tub. There was a small room with a small bed on the other side of the cozy living room. "This is...for me?" He smiled. "Yeah." "So, you lied to me about what you've been doing." "I, wait, what?" Emmett was flabbergasted. "You lied to me," she almost growled. "Well, uh, I wanted to surprise you." He gestured to the little house. "Surprise." "And, the others know. Randall. Ariel. Erich?" "Uh, yeah." "Everybody else?" Lyssa frowned. "Mercy?" This was in no way going the way he had planned. "Yeah." He took her by the arms. "Look, I wanted to surprise you with a quiet hideaway." Lyssa got in his face and punctuated every other word with a poke to his chest. "You lied to me, you son of a bitch." She backed away and wheeled. As she reached the door she murmured, "The hell with you." As she changed to wolf and headed back to the den she thought, 'And the hell with your pack.' Emmett sat heavily in one of the chairs, his mouth slack and open. What in Selene's name had just happened? For Silence's Sake Ch. 08 Dear Readers, Here is the penultimate chapter in the series. I should have the last bit posted soon. Enjoy, KemMyst ***** Lyssa ran, taking the most direct route she could, thinking as she ran. Back in their room, she threw some things in a bag and went to get Emmanuel. Her son was in the kitchen with the other pups, watching Hannah pull cookies from the oven. "C'mon, baby boy." "Ooky!" "Hannah, could we get a couple to go?" "Of course, Madam Beta." Emmaline edged closer to Emmanuel and his mama. Something was wrong. Emmanuel's mama was sad and mad. "Air go, mama?" "Would you like to see Lyria?" He clapped and nodded. She set him on a hip and walked to the garage. "Paul, I want to start getting Em used to riding in a car. What's available?" "The grey Prius." He looked a little puzzled as he held out the keys. He didn't understand why she had a bag in her hands; a first trip shouldn't be that long. "Thank you, Paul." She hurried to put the car seat in the back seat and strapped Emmanuel in. He squirmed. "You have to stay in the seat, Em." Emmanuel whined and pulled at the straps. Gabriela drove in as Lyssa slid into the driver's seat and started the car. Lyssa spent a couple anxious moments waiting for her to park, then pulled out. He could be back at any minute. She felt relief as she left the gates of the den and turned, heading for the Severn den. Emmanuel had squirmed out of the car seat and had worked his way to the front, and into his mother's lap. "Lyra?" "A little while longer, Em." As she closed on the entrance to the other pack's den, Lyssa called Joanna. Joanna's concern came through the speakers. "Lyssa? Lyssa, what did you do?" Emmanuel squealed. "Jojo!" "Can I stay with you for a little while?" "The Alpha would never allow it. Lyssa, you've run away from the pack and taken the Beta's pup." "My baby!" "There'll be a war if I let you stay here. I wish... We can't let you stay here." She heard another voice in the background. Male. Low. "No. Let her come." Lyssa hung up the phone. Think. Think. She couldn't go to Severn and she wasn't going home. Oh, damn, Severn would be looking for her. She took a left, to get off the main roads. A lot of Severn pack were in the police force. They'd have the license plate and type of car she was driving. And cop cars. And guns. Damn. Damn. Where could she go? None of the packs would take them. Her house was gone. Even the house she and Joanna had been held in was gone. Her old friends? No. That would bring up a whole other set of problems. The phone rang. Emmett. She ignored it. The next time it rang it was Ariel. Again, she let it ring. "Mama?" Lyssa whimpered and sniffled. Where? Where? And, then, something looked familiar. Wait, that was the gas station where she and Em had stopped. Hm. Lyssa turned and headed for less populated areas. The cabin where Emmett had taken her. She thought she knew where it was. She hadn't been driving but it had been snowy then, too. Lyssa took her time now, not wanting to get lost. She was happy to see the turn off into the National Forest. She thought she was far enough away now. Emmanuel was curled up in her lap. She hoped the cabin was empty. If not, there were others nearby. It was Christmas. They shouldn't all be occupied. -- Emmett was in a murderous rage. His mate had run from the pack. And had taken his pup! Erich and Randall were working out a plan to find them. Joanna had reported the phone call. But Lyssa hadn't gone to Severn. Severn wolves had been given instructions to make a discrete search for the car. No one had been able to contact Lyssa. And, now, her cellphone was going straight to voicemail. It was probably turned off. The First Beta was pacing around one of the meeting rooms. Ariel was trying to wrest information from him but it was difficult with all the snarling. The healers had been called up. Emmett turned and lashed out as someone entered the room. Wade quickly interposed himself between his mate and the Beta's claws, shoving Natalie to one side. He took the full force of the blow across his upper arm and chest. Natalie stumbled, going to one knee, trying to protect the pup in her belly. Wade snarled, shifting to intermediate form, ready to battle the other male in order to protect his pregnant mate. "EMMETT FORESTER. Stand down!" Emmett backed away, shaking his head. "Natalie, are you hurt?" Ariel helped her up as Wade, bleeding, stood guard. Natalie got up, panting. "I think I'm OK. Mate, how bad is the wound?" Growling, Wade ground out, "Not good." [Thomas, Wade needs your skill with a needle.] "I'm sorry, healers, he is more volatile than I anticipated. See to your wound." Emmett, breathing deeply and holding himself tensely, ground out, "I apologize." Wade, normally very reserved, snarled at the First Beta. Emmett trembled and his voice was thick with emotion. "Natalie, I'm sorry. I'm glad you're not hurt. I'm sorry I injured your mate without cause." Ariel took the syringe Natalie had dropped and turned to Emmett as the healers left the room. She looked at him. "Can you calm down enough to discuss your recent interactions with your mate or do I have to call your Alpha in and have you sedated?" Emmett shook, trying to attain a modicum of control. He ground his teeth and said, "I showed her the cottage and she got mad at me." "What did she say, Emmett?" "That I lied to her. That we all lied to her." "About the cottage? About what you were dong?" Emmett nodded sharply. "She asked me what happened when a pair of wolves grew apart. That there wasn't any divorce." "What? When?" Ariel thought briefly. "Just after the last council meeting." Emmett shuddered out his next breaths. "Joanna. Madeline. Natalie?" Ariel pulled out her cellphone as Emmett threaded his fingers into his grey hair. "Why is she doing this? Where would she go?" Ariel put a hand over the phone. "Emmett, do not start down that path again." Emmett clenched his fists and blew out a breath as he tried to maintain control. His mate had run. Had taken his pup. His nails began to lengthen. He snarled at the prick of a needle and whirled. Ariel stood, leveling a stare at the Beta. "We need you calm and clear-headed. Think. Reason. Where would she go?" Emmett howled his distress. "Joanna's. I don't know. There isn't anywhere." -- She hadn't had much cash on her, so dinner was not lavish. Emmanuel kept asking about Jo and Lyria. Then, after a while, started asking when they were going home. He'd never been outside the den before and was rather cowed when she told him they'd be alone tonight. She told him a story and, finally, finally, he went to sleep. She sat up. Tense. Nervous. Unable to sleep. Worried. She hadn't slept without Em in, well, forever, It was quiet here. There was a low level of noise in the den she'd gotten used to. Pulling the covers around Little Em, she slid out of the bed and padded to one of the windows. Hugging herself, she looked out. The landscape was a contrast of dark and light, dimly lit by a sliver of moon. It shone in a cloudless sky with a bright star beside it. Movement caught her eye. A doe walked quickly out of the trees, followed by a buck. Eight points, nose up, mouth open. What was she going to do? Where could they go? They couldn't stay here, not long, anyway. They'd need food and she hadn't had much in the way of cash in her purse. She didn't dare use her credit card. Well, once might be OK but, would they report her to the police? Cash. Severn pack was closest. Could she get Joanna to bring her some? She didn't think so, not after Jo's reaction to her call. Cameron? He had helped Emmett when they had run but Emmett was his Beta. Randall or Emmett had probably called and told him not to help. They overruled her. Was there anyone else? She flipped her phone open. -- "Stephanie?" "She doesn't drive. She'd have to send someone. But, we'll put in a call to Ross." "I don't know, Ariel. She's got no family," he caught himself when she arched an eyebrow at him, "no other family, her old house is gone, her human friends? From years ago? I can't imagine." "Emmett, you're her mate. You know her better than anyone else." "If that's true why is she gone? Why didn't I see this?" His skin took on a greyish tint as fur began to erupt. The voice was low, cool, calm. "Emmett." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. [Severn reports no sightings of the vehicle. She has not used her credit card and they can't pinpoint her cellphone.] [Thank you, Erich.] -- Right, there was no cellphone coverage here. She couldn't call, couldn't text, couldn't get to the internet. And she couldn't get to the messages that were probably piling up, to either read or delete them. Emmanuel whimpered and she moved back to check on her little boy. He was probably getting cold without his mother or the pups next to him. As she reached for the bedcovers, a movement outside the window drew her attention again. Four wolves whispered through the area beside the cabin, two larger, two smaller. Shadows on the hunt. Probably after the deer. The doe apparently hadn't caught during the rut and the buck would be distracted. She wondered if one was the lone male from last time. If so, it looked like he had found a mate and started a pack of his own. Could she survive, out there, as wolf? She had thought about it last time but, last time she would have been alone. This time she had Little Em. She'd have to hunt for both of them. She wouldn't be able to send to him, talk to him, probably wouldn't be able to keep him in wolf form. And, what if wolves or bears came after them? One she could probably hold off, maybe two, but a pack would probably kill them both. Plus, she hadn't stayed wolven for more than a few hours before. Nestled against her little boy she thought that she wasn't going to make it. It hadn't been planned, so she hadn't been prepared. It was months before spring and wild babies and more prey. There was the option of hunting cabins. Breaking in and hoping there would be food in them. That, also, had its dangers. Moving constantly. Hoping they didn't run into humans. And the reports would undoubtedly bring the police. And, as emotional exhaustion finally dragged her into sleep, she thought she was only delaying the inevitable. She was trapped. -- [Alpha?] [Yes, Paul. What is it?] [Ross has an idea on how we can find the Madam Beta.] Randall looked at Erich. "Say nothing to Emmett unless we find something." Erich, the Second Beta, dropped his gaze. "Of course, Alpha." Emmett had gone back to pacing. He glanced briefly at Ariel, who was obviously getting information from someone. "Emmett." He jerked and looked at her. "We have the location of the car." He gaped. "They found her." Red hair shifted as the Alpha female shook her head. "We don't know if they're nearby. They just know where the car is." Emmett inhaled. "GPS." "Ross reminded us of the capability. It's in the National Forest." His eyes went wide with recognition. The cabin. Ariel asked, "Who shall we take?" Emmett thought furiously. "You. Anna. Erich. Alex." A breath. "Thomas." "The time we went after you, she shot Joanna. Does she have the gun?" Emmett turned and headed for their suite. Paul had the two vehicles prepped, ready to carry seven werewolves on a retrieval mission. As Emmett joined the others, Ariel looked at him and he shook his head. Randall said, "We will bring our pack members back to us. Lyssa is not armed with a weapon, but you are all aware of her capability. Do not rush in at her and be careful of the pup. Our best bet, with the Beta female, is not to startle her, or try to take her by force, but to talk to her." Anna and Thomas looked a bit confused as to their roles but climbed in as Randall took the wheel of one vehicle and Erich, the other. -- Lyssa yawned and stretched and Little Em yawned and scratched an ear. Small dark eyes opened and he looked around. Mama looked tired and not happy. "Daddy?" She exhaled, feeling her son's yearning for father and home. "Not yet, sweetie." Emmanuel looked at her and mumbled, "K." in a dissatisfied way. As she moved to the kitchen area, Emmanuel went to the door. "Ouh!" She walked over, looking down at the dark pup. He wasn't a fuzzy little thing anymore and was approaching his first birthday. "Don't go far. Stay close to the cabin." Emmanuel yipped and skittered. She opened the door and out he went. Lyssa made some toast and cooked four eggs. She set them out with two glasses of milk then went to call her son in. She moved a chair so that it faced the door, then opened it and, not seeing her pup nearby, called out, "Emmanuel, come in now!" He came around the corner with a pine cone in his mouth. She noticed he had marked a corner of the cabin. He changed and put out his arms. As Lyssa picked him up, Emmanuel declared, "Woofs." "Yes, sweetie," she said, as she turned. "I saw them last night." "New woofs." "Yes, they are." His face tipped up to look at her as she sat in a chair with him in her lap. "Fends?" "No, they're not friends." He looked at the plate. "Doan wann geggs." "It's all we have, sweetie." At the den, there was an assortment of items to choose from at every meal. "Wann home. Wann Daddy." "I know, Em. Here. Eat. Please?" The sun was full up when Lyssa plunked herself down in the chair. She'd coaxed Emmanuel into eating something, though it wasn't much. She'd cleaned up and turned to see her baby playing with the pine cone. It wasn't much longer that she saw figures approaching the cabin. No one sent to her as they assembled in front of the door. There was a minute of silence, of anticipation. She knew they were trying to figure out what to do. [She knows we're here.] [She has to.] [Maybe we should send to her.] [But she already know we're here.] Anna had been grilled during the trip, since she had also originally been human, and she had given them some idea of the interactions of human couples and the concept of divorce. Ariel had conveyed Lyssa's mention of couples splitting in the case of illness or of the death of a child. These ideas were foreign to mated wolves. She finally got sick of the current discussion, grasped the knob, and turned it. Lyssa was startled to see Anna framed in the doorway. She'd expected to see the males come in first. The Wyeth wolves were surprised to see Lyssa sitting calmly in a chair, albeit looking rather small and frightened. Emmanuel looked up at the wash of familiar scents and headed for his father. The others moved aside to allow the reunion and Emmett swept up his son. Lyssa made no move, said nothing. But she watched as, without a word, the others turned and left. She wondered what the discussion had been, how he had convinced them to just turn around and leave instead of grabbing her and hauling her back. Emmett, holding his son, took two steps into the cabin and swung the door shut behind him. Emmanuel scampered off. Emmett crouched and regarded his mate. She sat, silently, worrying a seam on the chair's arm. It didn't take long for tears to begin sliding down her cheeks. Emmett lasted all of 30 seconds. He moved closer to her, as close as he could manage without touching her. It took all his restraint. Lips trembling, she finally looked at him. "Why didn't you just tell me?" "Sweetheart, you need to explain this to me. I don't know what you think I did that was so wrong. I was trying to surprise you with something I thought you'd like." "I wasn't feeling very good and you made it worse." "By building the cottage?" "No, idiot, by disappearing." "But, I had to..." Emmett ran a hand through his grey hair. "Start from the beginning cuz that isn't helping me." He gently put a hand on her knee and watched her face. Quietly, he asked, "Was it the pup?" She pursed her lips and the tears fell faster. "Emmanuel's deafness? The council?" Emmanuel came over and nosed his father and yapped at him, wanting to play. "In a bit, pup, I need to talk to your mama." Emmanuel whined and slunk off. "All of it, then? Tell me about the council." "They all blame me. Like it's my fault someone brought up same sex mating. Like I can do something about it." "We could get someone else to lead it." "No!" Emmett closed his eyes, would he ever understand her? He'd never heard of a female werewolf thinking in such a convoluted manner. "OK. OK. So, it's just the pressure right now?" She nodded. "It's likely to happen for some other subject." "I know." "OK, then. Um, Emmanuel. I know, Lys. It's a shock. Finding out he's, he's..." "Different?" Emmett inclined his head. It was as good a word as any. "I think it could be my fault." "You said something like that before. But you didn't do anything, I mean, you weren't sick or anything while you were pregnant. How do you figure it might be your fault?" "The yelling I did." Yelling? Oh, her sending. She was strong, loud, and was able to send for quite a distance. And they had tested her range at knocking people down. The test. Could it be true? Was it possible? Could it have hurt the pup in her belly? Luna, you could drive yourself crazy thinking of that. And there was no way to know. "The tests we wanted you to do." Lyssa inhaled, exhaled. "OK. Maybe it's your fault." "Sweetheart, we have no way of knowing if that had anything to do with it. But I was glad to find out you didn't kill Michael Ross." Her eyes narrowed and she looked at him. "What do you mean?" Uh oh. Emmett swallowed. "The night he died I felt the kind of pressure I associate with one of your strong sends. When I heard he was dead, I wondered if you might have killed him in your sleep." "Did you tell anyone what you thought?" "I had to tell Randall." She glared at him. "It could have affected the pack." "What else haven't you told me?" "Um." Emmett wracked his brain. "Nothing. I think." "You think?" "I can't think of anything. I won't remember without some kind of reminder." She looked at him for a couple of minutes. "I've been feeling shitty for weeks, I, I lose our baby, and you're never around." "I stayed with you for a couple of days after. And you know why I was gone. I was building your surprise. Something that I hoped would help you feel better." Emmanuel crawled into his mother's lap. "I'd have felt better, sooner, if you'd have told me." Emmett blinked. He took one of her hands in both of his. "Dear heart, I never thought of it that way." -- Alex was confused. They hadn't brought Lyssa and her pup back with them. In fact, they'd left the entire family there. [I thought we were bringing them home.] Erich answered. [Emmett needs to talk to her. It's better they do it away from pack ears. She won't feel trapped and they can have it all out. He'll bring them back.] Alex let out a big breath. [Are you sure?] Erich briefly took his eyes off the road, to look at Alex. [I'm glad we found them so quickly, Ran. The longer it would be allowed to fester, the worse it would have been.] [She tries my patience, mate. Anna has never been this much trouble. We, none of us, I think, had any idea of what we were in for.] Ariel ran her fingers down his arm, laid her hand on his thigh. She smiled at the twitch of his muscles. [She thinks differently. That will be extremely helpful when the humans learn of our existence.] The phone rang. "Joanna. We need to tell Severn we found them. ... Hello, Jo. We found them..." For Silence's Sake Ch. 08 -- "I was thinking you didn't want to be near me anymore. That you finally decided I was weak." "Why would I think that?" "The, the baby. Emmanuel. That I couldn't give you a healthy pup." "Lyssa, you wouldn't be part of the pack if you weren't strong. Got away from the Ross wolves. Stood against Michael Ross. Things happen. Life's not perfect. And, I come home to you every night. Slept beside you. Brought you coffee." That garnered a slight smile. "People can not like each other so much and still be civil. You could be nice to me and still never touch me again." Emmett smiled. "I talked to Natalie and I'd hoped that we could christen the cottage." Lyssa huffed. "So I was wrong." "Yes." She looked at him. He looked back. She rolled her eyes. "So you were wrong." He lifted his brows. "Yes." "Idiot." He took a deep breath, let it out. "Shall we go back or do you want to talk some more?" "No more big surprises?" "Little ones?" Lyssa nodded. "OK. Now, will you talk to me when you're upset, instead of brooding about it?" Lyssa swallowed. "I'll try." "I'll remind you. Because I think we've pretty much established we need to." She blinked, sniffed, and swallowed. Emmett put a hand behind her head and pulled it gently forward to plant a kiss on her forehead. "I love you, mate." Lyssa's throat got tight. "Me, too." Emmett stood and extended his hand. "Let's take our young pup home." Lyssa rose, holding Little Em, and looked around the cabin. She had straightened up while waiting for them so it looked OK. [Garbage.] Emmett grabbed the small plastic bag and deposited it in the covered trash can outside. As she grabbed the bag and closed the door, she watched him look around. "The wolves came by last night. Looks like four of them." "I saw them. Two big. Two smaller. I think our male may have found himself a mate." Emmett smiled. "And I have mine, and my own pup. Let's go home." She handed him the keys and he opened the passenger side doors before walking around the back to the driver's side. A gust of wind funneled up the drive carrying light snow. As it obscured his view of his mate and pup briefly a frisson of fear shot through him. He released a held breath when her head popped over the top of the car after she strapped Emmanuel in. She looked over at him. "What?" Emmett dropped his head and shook it. "Nothing." She gently closed the door and walked around the front of the car. Placing her hands on her hips, Lyssa looked at her mate. "What was that look for?" "I just realized I'm always going to be afraid you'll leave me now." Any sense of indignation she had deflated. "Yeah. I get it." "You don't react like any of the other females in the pack." "What should I have done?" He ignored that question. "Most of the others would have come at me with claws if they were mad at me." Lyssa blinked at him. "I can't beat you up. That would just hurt. Both of us. Probably me mostly." Emmett walked over and wrapped his arm around her. "How often do you see any of the females injured by their mates? Disagreements happen. Mates get mad at each other. We spill more blood in the circle." Emmanuel whined in the back seat. "We should go." Lyssa nodded against his chest. "OK." Emmett backed out and started back down the hill. "How pissed off are Randall and Ariel?" "They're not happy with what you did but they're glad we found you." "I wonder what my punishment will be this time." Last time she had done something that the Alphas hadn't appreciated she had had to help with the pack's taxes. "Mine will be as bad, maybe worse." She turned to look at him. He answered before she could ask. She would learn, soon enough, what he had done. "Ariel called up the healers because of the state I was in." Lyssa gasped. "I lashed out and injured Wade badly." Lyssa breathed, "Natalie?" "Knocked down. Apparently fine." "I should probably do something for her, too." On the way back, Emmett told her about his decision to build the cottage and things that had happened during the construction. They got quiet and Emmett reached over to take Lyssa's hand as they passed the spot where Michael Ross had run them off the road. He had wanted to kill her. And she thought of the other male who had been there with the then Ross Alpha. The Ross Beta, Sampson. There was nothing at the site as evidence of the accident, but she remembered looking up at Sampson. While he hadn't done anything to help them, he hadn't followed his Alpha's order to kill them. Well, that was pretty helpful, in a way. And he had been the one who had identified himself as homosexual. "You know, Sampson didn't try to kill us when Michael told him to." "Hm?" Emmett had been musing in another direction. She had run away from him at the cabin. Had run after Brandon had cornered and kissed her in the garage. Had taken him to a park in Ross territory when she thought he was an injured dog after throwing her boyfriend, Ronnie, out. This was how she dealt with major conflicts. He would have to talk to the Alphas and the other Betas. "Sampson? The Ross Beta? The one who likes males? Ignored his Alpha's command to kill us." "Yeah. OK. So?" "The resolution. Calvin introduced it for him." "Yeah. OK. I wouldn't be too surprised if it doesn't pass, though." "Don't you want it to?" Emmett was quiet for a bit. "Not my place to decide." Lyssa turned in her seat, which Emmanuel took as an invitation to climb into her lap. "Would you have a problem with it? If it does pass?" "I don't get the point. Why bother?" Lyssa sighed. She had thought Em would be a bit more openminded. "Do you love me?" "You know I do." "What would you do for me?" Emmett exhaled. "Anything. Everything." "If you couldn't be near me?" "I'd do everything I could to be with you." "And I wanna be with you. Emmett, they want that too." Emmett grunted. Lyssa pulled out her cellphone when it started ringing, looked at it, and put it back. Emmett shot her a questioning look. "Jo." "You're not gonna talk to her? Are you mad at her or something?" "Yeah. I am." "She couldn't have done anything different." Lyssa really didn't want to talk about it anymore. An odd question came to her. "Hey, Em, what did you do at my house while I was at the store?" Emmett looked at her, thoroughly confused. "How did we get there?" "Just realized I have no idea what you were doing when we were there." "When you went to the store. Hmmm. I was hurt. You'd locked me outside. I just, went back to the porch and laid down on the blanket and slept, healing." She laid her head back against the headrest. "What else? What don't I know?" "The beer was good, even if he did it to try and make me sick. You said Ronnie's name the first night, when I crawled on the bed with you, but you snuggled right up to me." "You changed, didn't you?" "Yes. It felt good, to hold you. You smelled good. Fit there so nice. Still do." There was a pause. "Oh, yeah, the couple in the park. They were Ross pack." "Seems like forever ago." Emmett paused at the gate for the den. "Ready?" Lyssa took a deep breath and nodded. Emmanuel went to find the other pups as soon as he was allowed out of the car. Paul gave Lyssa a bit of a dirty look as they returned the keys. The First Beta pair linked hands and walked upstairs. The Alphas looked up as the Betas walked in. There was little talking as the males and females had separate discussions. Lyssa blinked at Ariel, surprised at what she was told. Emmett's eyes, however, were downcast and his stance showed dejection. Lyssa went over and put her arms around him as the conversation continued. She felt the warmth of him, the strength of his body, and wondered what they were talking about. Finally, Emmett patted her hands and turned out of her arms. "See to your duties." "Yes, Alpha." Erich and the Alphas watched then leave the office area. Emmett looked at his mate. "So?" Lyssa swallowed. "I'm not allowed to tell you." "What?" He stopped and looked at her. "But..." She shook her head. "You?" "Do any heavy work Wade needs until his arm heals. Clean the medical area for the next three weeks. Help Natalie with any of the injured." "Mmm," Lyssa responded. After a few steps, "You can't tell me?" "No." This was annoying. He didn't understand why she couldn't tell him. "I'll be starting after lunch." "How long?" "Not long." He stopped and turned her to look at her. She looked at him, a little embarrassed, a little... was it smug? Lyssa disappeared after lunch while Emmett went to speak to the healers. Wade was touchy, growling whenever Emmett got too near his mate. Emmett gritted his teeth and polished counters, swept the floor. Lyssa returned at the tail end of supper and Emmanuel was happy to see his mother. Emmett came by and kissed her. She smelled of the outdoors. The next day she was gone again at first light. It bothered him; what did the Alphas have her doing? She didn't come back for dinner. He'd had enough and went to Ariel. "Where is my mate? What do you have her doing?" Ariel looked to him and smiled. "Frustrating, isn't it?" Emmett looked at the Alpha female and realization dawned. He closed his eyes and snorted, lightly. "So, she's there?" Ariel nodded. "Can I...? Am I allowed to go to her?" Randall stepped over. "We are not preventing you from being with your mate, my friend." He took off out one of the back doors. The days were at their shortest so it was quite dark. The air was cold and crisp; the sky was clear and starry. The trail was contrasted against the snow's expanse. His heavy coat kept him warm and his breath fogged out as he loped across the range to get to his mate. He stopped at the front door, a little nervously. The lights inside were small and dim. Ah, candles. [Lys?] Nothing. He opened the door and stepped inside. "Lys?" Emmett smelled the melted wax of the candles, their scents - vanilla, cinnamon, apple. He also smelled his mate, but she wasn't answering him. Wolf eyes could see clearly in the low light and he moved confidently the few steps across the small living room to the bedroom. As he stood in the doorway, the sight took his breath away. Her eyes were open and she was watching him, silently. She was lying on the bed, her dark hair spread out behind her. She was wearing a deep dark green gown. The sleeves came down to just above her elbows. The neckline came straight down from her shoulders, then two curves came together in a point between her breasts. The skirt flared out from her hips and didn't stop until it brushed the tops of her feet. He inhaled, "Lovely." She smiled but said nothing. He sat on the side of the bed and leaned over to kiss her. She put a hand in his way and he pulled back, confused. After a minute or so, "There's something I have to do, isn't there?" She nodded. He looked at her, brow furrowed in thought. Ariel had given her very specific instructions. She was to spend the bulk of her time here, until Emmett came to her. She was not to tell him what she was doing or where she was spending her time. Once he came she was to keep silent, wasn't to allow him to touch her in an intimate way until... She watched as his puzzled expression, waiting for him to figure it out. He closed his eyes and exhaled. "OK. I understand. It distracted me, wondering where you were, what Ariel had you doing. I get it. I'm sor..." Lyssa reached up to stop that last word. "Thank you for this. For some quiet. Some silence." Emmett grinned as he traced from her shoulder down her arm. "Maybe not so quiet, huh?" -- Ariel, nude, walked around the chair her mate was seated in, trailing fingers across his shoulders, his chest, his chin, were Randall nipped at her finger. He was fully clothed. She leaned back against his desk. And he took in the look of her, his mate of just over 50 years. Red hair that fell below her shoulder blades in waves. Blue eyes in an oval face of pale skin. A face that currently held a knowing, bemused look. Shoulders, strong enough to carry many of the pack's cares, to fend off the strikes of opponents in the circle. Her breasts were on the small side, compared to some of the other females, but fit well in his hands. They were topped with taut nipples the color of rose petals. Her hips swelled somewhat from her waist and her navel, an outie, sat above the curled red hairs of her mound. The slight swelling was covered with those short, curled hairs, which also ran between her legs, sprinkled over her lower lips, and led toward her asshole. Ariel licked two fingers and stroked across one nipple, while two fingers of the other hand traced between her legs. [See anything you like?] "Always, mate." [Take off the shirt. Slowly.] Randall's control was costing him; he was sweating. He forced himself to take his hands off the chair's arms and grabbed the hem of the polo shirt he had on. He began lifting the shirt, slowly, as she'd asked, when all he wanted to do was pounce on her and ravish her. After he'd gotten the shirt over his head he was a bit miffed to see she wasn't even watching. Her head was tipped back and she was flicking that nipple while stroking herself and breathing deeply. He took a deep breath and her scent had him gripping the arms of the chair again. She had won the bet; he had thought it would be a couple more days before Emmett broke and asked where Lyssa was going. So, he sat, watching as his flame-haired temptress touched herself. He smelled the rich scent of her arousal, saw the glistening juices on her fingertips, heard the depth of her breathing. She was a wonderful sight to behold. Randall didn't dare shift in his seat for fear he'd hurt worse. He watched, as her breasts heaved and she stroked herself to a shuddering orgasm. Ariel swallowed, eyes closed. Her head tipped forward; she slitted them open and smiled at him. The smallest gesture had him between her legs in a flash, hands in her hair, drawing her to him. He kissed her deeply, ferociously. Her hands went to his waist and she undid his pants, loosing the turgid member inside. He breathed in relief and his hands dropped to her waist. He lifted her to the desk and, without further preamble, plunged into her warm, wet depths. Her fingernails dug in to his arms as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her head slid back and forth on her hair, mouth open, making sounds of delight. Her breasts bounced in time with each thrust. His hands were planted on either side of her hips, bracing against the desk top to control his movements. She was wet, slippery silk and he filled all of her. He started panting lightly, increasing his pace, feeling the telltale signs of his impending explosion within his mate's waiting channel. His movements grew jerky, until he pressed deeply into her, dropping down to set his teeth at her neck. As he bit down and ground against her sweet spot, he howled his release as he unloaded inside her. -- Lyssa inhaled deeply and looked up at her own mate. The expression on his face was on the serious side, a smile on his lips, something else in his eyes. Emmett leaned down. His hand ran down from her forehead to the top of her head and he kissed her lightly. He pulled away as she began to reach for him. Lyssa swallowed and pressed her lips together, confused. But, he walked to the bottom of the bed and took hold of her feet. He rubbed them, pressed circles into the soles with his thumbs. Lyssa rolled her head to one side and groaned. He continued, for a while, then grabbed her ankles. Emmett slid his hands up her legs as she gasped. [What's under the dress?] Lyssa exhaled. [Me.] Emmett closed his eyes as he slid his hands upward, under the dress, and considered a couple possible undergarments he would like to see beneath it. However, his hands contacted nothing but her skin as he came to her hips. He would take care not to damage this dress. For later. He was up to his elbows in a somewhat shiny, somewhat stiff fabric as his hands skimmed upwards. As he grasped her hips, thumbs rubbing into the hollows beside her hip bones, she tensed. He looked up to her dark eyes and watched as she forced herself to relax. Quietly, he asked, "Sweetheart, are you afraid of me?" She turned her head, looking away. "Lyssa. Look at me." She swallowed. "Please." She turned her head back. "You are, aren't you?" She didn't answer. "Can you tell me why?" He barely caught her answer. "Punishment." Emmett blinked at her. She looked a little teary. "Alphas didn't do anything so I figured they left it to you." He stood still, though his thumbs continued their stroking, "Was it Ronnie?" "Huh?" "Did he grab you like this and hurt you?" Emmett growled. Lyssa sounded small. "No. Not Ronnie." Emmett inhaled and closed his eyes. They were off track. Punishment. She thought he would punish her. She expected it. "Lyssa, think back. We don't delay punishment. We aren't cruel that way." He inhaled, exhaled. "What I want to do is love my mate and show her how much I love her." She sniffed. "Really?" Emmett was a good deal older than his mate and realized that, while Ariel was trying to give him a taste of how Lyssa had felt, it had also managed to ratchet up her level of anxiety. Already leaning over, he continued downward and, through the dress, placed a kiss between his hands. [You are a complex creature, dear heart. We're still learning about you, how you'll react to things. You gave us quite a scare but no real harm was done.] He pulled back and stood upright. He went back to rubbing her feet. He watched as she examined his face intently, as if looking for any sign of deception. She blew out a breath and said, "OK." He smiled at her, went to his knees, and kissed her foot. "My plan, for tonight, is to reacquaint myself with my mate's body and to reacquaint her with my touch." That got him a smile. Good. "And, Lyssa, I've got an idea of things I'd like to find under that dress, other than you. So, how 'bout we take it off and save it for another time?" That got him a chuckle. Even better. In short order the dress was laid aside and her body was laid bare. His mate. His pup's mother. He would be careful and gentle with her, their first time since the loss of their second pup. He wanted her to be comfortable, happy. He wanted her to feel good. And, well, him, too. Emmett took her shoulders and kissed her. Her hands went to his arms and she kissed back. He then laid her back down on the bed. He massaged her left calf and pressed kisses to it. He repeated it with her right calf, then the thighs, hands, arms. Lyssa closed her eyes and focused on what he was doing. His hands were warm and strong, and gentle. The kisses were alternately light and firm. He rolled her over, rubbed her neck, then her back, ending on her butt. She relaxed completely, letting all her cares and worries fall away. Little Em was almost a year old and doing pretty good. She grew up without being able to send telepathic messages. She was really sad about the other baby but, well, she swallowed, they had time. Although she didn't think she'd ever really get over the loss. The resolution would go away. It would be decided. All she had to do was keep control at the meetings. She'd done it before. And Em. They'd been together more than 4 years now. They had their little boy and she was happy to be with him. He was kind, considerate, loving, unlike a lot of the guys she'd been with. She started thinking of all he'd done for her. As he rolled her to her back, she opened her eyes and really smiled at him. He stopped. "What?" For Silence's Sake Ch. 08 Lyssa reached up and put a hand to his face. "Just thinking about how very lucky I am." Emmett rolled upright, pulled her upper body to his and hugged her tightly to him. When he released her, he took her face in his hands and looked into it. Pleased at what he saw, Emmett said, "I love you, Lyssa. I love you so much." And he kissed her hungrily, like he had been in the desert for days and had found a bucket of cool water. He then laid her back on the bed and eased his weight onto her, holding himself up on his elbows. He looked at her, grinning like a fool. Skin to skin with her mate, Lyssa felt warm, safe, and loved. Had she been waiting for something to go wrong? Her relationships with men had never lasted too long, she thought her record was about 14 months. Something had always gone wrong. She exhaled as something let go, as she realized Em was not like any of the others. That he was confident enough that he didn't have to dominate her. Well, he was one of the most dominant males in the pack but, except for a couple of her faux pas with regard to werewolf politics and actions, he didn't act that way with her. Lyssa looked up into the face of the male she loved. "Shall we christen the cottage?" His face lit up and he sank down on her, pulling her head back, exposing her neck. And he nipped along her jaw then set his teeth on her mating mark, applying pressure. She gasped and he couldn't help but smirk. She felt his length twitch and pushed against his shoulders. She wanted to feel him in her. It had been weeks. He knew what she wanted now and he would give it to her, but not just yet. He reached out, as he used his mouth on her, and found that she didn't seem to have come across the modifications he'd made to the bed. He pulled out the strap and deftly fastened it around her wrist. She startled, and he quickly repeated the action with her other wrist, then smiled a toothy grin. "Emmm," she reproached. He kissed her. "Patience, dear heart. You will get what you want soon enough. But, first, I'm going to touch you, suck and lick you, taste you, bite..." Shocks went straight to her core. "Shut up and do it already." It took a few moments for him to stop grinning and start in on her. But he could smell her. And he could just imagine how wet she was. Her collarbone. Her throat. Nipping. Licking. She pulled against the straps. He dropped down to her breasts. Mounding them up. Licking. Sucking. Her milk was gone now and they were a bit softer. They were marvelous. Emmett lightly bit a nipple and listened to her groan of pleasure. A more intense burst of her scent hit his nose and he knew she was practically gushing now. As he moved lower on her body, he slid a finger inside her. She gasped and moaned. "More." A second finger and another moan as his mouth moved lower. His mouth was watering in anticipation of her taste. His tongue ran down her skin, across her belly. And she giggled a little as his tongue tickled near her hipbone. Lyssa felt his warm breath approach the place where his strong fingers were stroking. Her hands were gripping the straps that circled her wrists. She had a good idea of what would happen next. Not quite what she expected, she felt a change in the hand on her hip and looked up. Before she could protest the absence of his fingers, a long, strong tongue stuck out of a somewhat furred face to replace them. The feeling of it made her arch up off the bed. "Oooo." He licked up her juices, thrust his tongue inside her, and flicked across her swollen bud. The intensity of it took little time to push her over the edge. After allowing her a short period of recovery, Emmett replaced his tongue with his stiff length and brought her to a second orgasm as he found his own release. Panting, sweaty, bedclothes askew, Emmett pulled Lyssa against him and kissed the back of her head. "Happy Christmas, my mate." -- It was three days later that Joanna, Nathan, and Lyria came for a visit. Lyria stopped in for a short visit with her grandparents, then headed off to play with the other pups. Nathan made his hellos then struck off to have a beer or two and watch the game with the males. Joanna sought out her mother and Ariel saw her daughter's consternation. "What's wrong, sweetie?" Ariel put her arms around Joanna. "I've tried calling every day, Mom. She won't talk to me. She and Em made up. What do I do?" They sat and Ariel patted Joanna's hand. "Would you like me to talk to her? Or call her in so you can talk with me here?" Joanna looked down and took a couple of breaths. "She's supposed to be my friend and I'm supposed to be a grownup." She dropped her head. "Any idea where she is?" "Probably in their suite." They talked for a while until Joanna screwed up her courage, stood, and sucked in a big breath. "OK, here I go." Ariel watched her daughter, not yet 21, walk off to a presumably difficult conversation. Joanna knocked on the Beta's door. [Who is it?] Joanna didn't answer. She waited for a bit then knocked again. [Who's there, dammit?] Joanna heard footsteps and nervously waited for the door to open. Lyssa's face, annoyed but curious, looked out. And she huffed. "What did you want me to do?" Lyssa looked at Joanna, hand on the doorknob. "A real friend would have wanted to help me. Would have asked what she could do." "But, but, you ran away from the pack, from Em. You had to go back." "I just needed to get away for a while. To get some space to think. A girlfriend would have understood. A good friend would have tried, even if she thought it was wrong." "I couldn't let you stay. There'd have been trouble." "Who was with you?" "Huh?" "Somebody was with you when you were talking to me. Who was it?" Joanna swallowed. "Can I come in?" Lyssa turned away, "Fine." She sat in front of her computer while Joanna picked one of the chairs. "It was Nathan's dad, told us you'd run away, taken Little Em." "So, they would have grabbed me, stuck me in a room, and kept me there until Em and whoever showed up." "Uh, yeah. Probably." Lyssa looked at her. Joanna tried to think of something else to say. "I would have got in trouble." "Yeah, friends'll do that, sometimes." A breath. "So, still got a crush on Em?" "What? Lyssa..." "No. Never mind." "But, Lyssa." She closed her eyes and took a breath. Steeling herself, she opened her eyes and looked at her directly. "OK. I don't get why you're still mad at me. You were mad at Em and you guys made up. Mom and Dad let you come back without a big deal. I don't know what I did that was worse." She exhaled. "Anyway, I brought you something." Joanna pulled a small felt bag out of her pocket and set it on the edge of the desk. "Bye, Lys." Joanna walked out, closing the door behind her. Lyssa crossed her arms on the desk, rested her chin on them, and contemplated the bag. Finally, expelling a breath, she snaked out an arm and pulled it to her. Pressing on it, she felt for what was inside. Amazement colored her face and she dumped the item into her hand. A blue glass heart on a silver chain. Her mother's heart. Eyes locked on the pendant, she sent [Why?] Joanna, a slight smile on her face, motioned to her mother for a break in conversation. [I know why you gave it to me. But it's for your little girl, when you have her.] Emmett walked in just as a big, fat teardrop hit the desk. "Lyssa? What's going on?" Lyssa dangled the heart for him to see. "The necklace. She gave it back?" He walked over, crouched, and pulled her off the chair and into his lap. Emmett wrapped his arms around her, putting his chin on the top of her head. "For...for my little girl, she said." Lyssa swallowed. "When I gave it to her, I thought, well, I had figured we weren't going to have any babies." Quietly, he responded, "So you figured you'd pass it down through her?" She nodded. After a few seconds, she fidgeted, and he let her up. Lyssa stood and ran out of the room. The Severns were getting ready to take their leave when she rushed in, setting the adults on edge, and threw her arms around Joanna. Joanna reciprocated, rubbing Lyssa's back. Ariel smiled knowingly as the males looked at one another and shrugged. -- Thomas was at Lorelei's house, a wrapped gift by his side. She walked in to the living room wearing a pair of tight-fitting, black leather pants. And a sweater. Oh, Luna. It was red and sparkled silver and it clung to her body and there was something about her breasts. Little circles at the nipples. Kindof like the piercing at her clit. He sucked in a breath. His attention piqued in a couple of ways. She smiled. "They haven't completely healed yet so I have to be a little careful yet." She looked down his body. "You seem to be pretty happy about it." "I want to see." Lorelei threw her head back and laughed. Then she dropped her head, looking at him sideways, a smile on her face. "What about mine?" He inhaled. While they sometimes engaged in a quick, rough fuck, she had taught him that anticipation and delayed gratification often evoked more intense feeling. He'd had some damn good sessions with this human female. "Come here, then." She sat on his lap as he set the gift in hers. He nuzzled her neck and his hand slid under her sweater as as her fingers deftly removed the paper. She gasped as he kneaded her breast, gently checking the new piercing. Looking down she saw he'd gotten forearm cuffs. Sigh. They looked nice enough but she thought he might come up with something a bit more... fun. "Female at the shop said they'd really push your tits forward. Take a look at them." His voice rumbled against her neck. She'd seen them before, used them before, but she dutifully opened the box. Yup, that's what they were. She reached in and picked them up. Something else fell out. Hmm. She opened the smaller box as he fiddled with her nipple. "Easy." She froze as she looked down and he did, too. Uh oh. "You don't have anything like it and I thought you might like to try it. Are you mad?" She twisted her head and grabbed his, so she could look in his eyes. "No, T. I think it's great. Thank you." And she kissed him, hard. After a second of shock, he kissed her back. Things hit the floor and her sweater came off. He had a chance to appreciate her pierced nipples and lavished the appropriate attention on them. And, shortly thereafter, they ripped open the second package so that they could experiment with the starter set of electrodes he'd brought. -- The year changed and, while still undecided, the tumult about the same sex mating resolution died down. Mostly. At least until the next new moon meeting approached. So Lyssa and Emmett and Emmanuel retreated to the cottage the night before. Lyssa decided on some comfort food so she roasted a chicken and some potatoes. She also indulged Little Em in some mac and cheese. They had a pleasant, quiet evening and spent the night. The next day they returned to the main building. Little Em found the other pups outside playing. Emmett went off to his duties and Lyssa went to prepare for the evening. Two of the Alphas had asked to speak on the same sex mating issue and, she decided, that since Ross brought it up she would have him speak first. Calvin was a fairly eloquent speaker. Calm. Rational. "You see no reason to change, but, my friends, you already have. The world has changed around us and we must change as well. To survive. The human population has exploded. They outnumber us greatly. Our Madam chairwoman is correct. We cannot hide forever. And, even before that, we had changed. We bought property, started businesses. We intermingle with humans. We, of our own accord, stopped fighting to the death for Alpha under most circumstances, have stopped stealing the females of other packs. And, now, we cooperate. Have formed a pack council and agreed to a changed human to lead it. We've just voted against forced matings. And how is this different? You have all seen matings where no pups were born and we do not need pups out of each mating. Although every pup is cause for celebration. As is every mating. This is no threat to us. This is not something they were taught. It is what they are. And it has in no way affected my Beta's ability to be Beta. As Alphas, we have many responsibilities. Paramount amongst them is to look to the welfare of our pack members. That includes seeing to their health and their happiness. We have no reason, beyond your discomfort, to deny them this." After Calvin thanked the attendees for their attention, the Gates Alpha addressed the council. "You've heard Ross' pretty words. Heard him speak on behalf of his Beta. A wolf who is less than a male." Calvin ground his teeth and some of the others looked grim. But, it was the next statement that drew a growl from Stephanie's chest. "The Ross pack is deficient and this is just another symptom." Murmurs began as he continued. "You all know it. So, his Beta is unmoved by the scent of a female in heat. Would rather rut in another male's ass. Doesn't appreciate the sight, or the feel, of a good set of tits. These are things that define a male." "Ross, himself, has endured several challenges in the past few years, more than any other Alpha." Stephanie snarled. "And he won." The Alpha Gates gave her a pointed look. "Did he?" Stephanie wilted a bit. She had interfered in one of Calvin's challenges. He had been weakened by poison and a discontented male had taken advantage. "Ross is old, weak, unable to keep his Beta in check. He ceded control of his pack to his son. And which of you saw petitions from Ross pack members who wanted to leave?" Calvin closed his eyes and swallowed. His only child, his son, had assumed control of the pack and had made a mess of things. Michael had died as a result of his obsession with killing Lyssa. "And, about the same time, I've heard Ross lost a half dozen members." "Then there's his second mate. Who knows her pack? What she did before Wyeth took her in? How does she suddenly go from a loner Omega to Alpha?" Both the Ross and Wyeth Alphas were tense and aggravated. Lyssa watched and knew things could get out of hand. Thankfully, they weren't all in the same room. As Gates took a breath to continue, she interjected. "Alpha Gates, what do Ross' mate or son have to do with the same sex resolution?" He was annoyed with her interruption of his tirade and it took him a second to respond. "Ross pack spawned this ... degenerate." "The Ross Beta is not the only so-called degenerate in the packs. There is at least one more." "Not in my pack." "Are you certain? How do you know you don't have one in your midst? One who's hidden their true nature for fear of attack or expulsion?" The Gates Alpha hesitated, but reiterated. "Not in my pack." The was a short period of quiet. Lyssa sighed. "So..." "Excuse me, Madam Beta. I ask the council's leave to wait one more month before we make a decision. There are two wolves who are not present that we need to hear from." Randall jumped on this statement. "I move we table the vote until next session." Stephanie responded. "I second." Lyssa expelled a breath. "Those in favor?" Ross, Wyeth, and Foster voted yes. Lyssa swallowed. Not good for the resolution. "Opposed?" Gates and Macy voted in opposition. "Abstaining?" She could hardly believe it. Tucker and Severn. Lyssa closed her eyes. "OK. New business?" "So, we're to hear from the two of them then? Some impassioned plea?" He wouldn't like it, but she ignored him. "Does anyone have any new business?" "Does the lawyer have anything new?" "I haven't gotten anything, recently." There was a little grumbling about that, given the cost. "Anything else?" No one responded. "OK, then, we're back in another month. Thank you, everyone." Lyssa turned off the connections to the other packs. Randall looked to his guests. "Cal..." Calvin Ross held up a hand to stop him. "I'm not happy at the turn of the discussion. I'd really like to take a piece out of him right now. But, unpleasant as it was, it was the truth." "Ross pack is not deficient," Stephanie growled. "But we did have trouble." "But that doesn't have anything to do with Sampson's orientation." -- Emmanuel had crawled in with his parents that night and was protectively ensconced between them. Lyssa jostled him when she rolled in the early morning hours. When she changed, he followed suit and nestled in against her dark fur. It was whining next and Emmanuel whimpered. More whining and twitching. Emmanuel moved up in the bed and licked his mother's muzzle. He jumped sideways and back, yipping, as she snapped at him. He landed on Emmett's head. Emmett's hands came up to grab what had landed on him and the inhale of surprise identified his son. "Emmanuel, pup, that's not nice." Little Em yipped and twisted toward his mother. Then Emmett recognized what was going on. Lyssa had gone to wolf in her sleep again, which she tended to do when she had nightmares. Unfortunately, he'd never figured out a decent way to wake her when she did. Emmett looked into his son's darkly furred face. "Go off to the couch, pup. I've got to wake Mama and she could hurt you without meaning to. She's having a bad dream. Go." Emmanuel jumped off the bed as Emmett turned to his mate. "Lyssa. Sweetheart. It's OK. Smell me. You're home." He placed his arm by her nose, knowing she might bite him. He wished he knew what was going on in her head. He spoke, quietly. "Lyssa. I have you. You're safe." Emmanuel was restless and Emmett kept half an ear on him but he had to focus on her. He had to assume something had triggered a bad memory. Michael Ross? "He's dead, sweetheart. You're safe." She started sniffing and relaxed a bit. "Lyssa?" Lyssa opened her eyes and stretched, unsure of what had woken her. Her eyesight was different and her arms were ended with... paws? "Are you here?" [Yes.] "What was it? Do you know?" Lyssa shifted form. "You can come back up now, pup." She twisted to face Emmett as Emmanuel scrambled back up on the bed. "I was, I think..." Lyssa swallowed. "Alpha Gates was saying such awful things about the Ross pack." Emmett drew his mate closer. "Yeah. I heard." "Well, he brought up Michael and, I guess..." "Sh, sweetheart, it's OK." He kissed her and put an arm across his son to lay a hand on her hip. "Let's try to get some more sleep, OK?" She nodded. -- It was early in the morning and still dark when Sampson called for his Alpha. Calvin was of an age where he no longer slept well and fairly regularly walked the halls of the den at night. "Sampson, why are you up?" "I've been considering what Gates said at the meeting." "We've had some difficult times of late." Sampson looked away. "Sampson?" "I'm sorry I brought this on you." He sighed. "I think Mathias would do well as Beta." Calvin took the two steps to his Beta, grabbed an arm, and threw him against a wall. He then stood over him, one hand on either side of his head, and snarled. Sampson, cowed, refused to meet his Alpha's eyes. [I brought the resolution. Me. You have done nothing to dishonor my pack. Our pack. You are my Beta. You will not leave.] "But..." "No buts, my friend." [Will you run, like a pup, with your tail between your legs? Will you let him win?] "Alpha. Cal. With all due respect, this is a battle we look to lose." "It's. Not. Over." Calvin inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "Sampson. You are my right hand. I will not lose you. The decision is a month away. We need only one more vote." "Who do you expect to convince? Certainly Gates is impossible. And, I understand, Macy voted with them." For Silence's Sake Ch. 08 "We have Severn and Tucker on the fence." They were quiet for a bit. Thinking. "Why haven't you contacted your mate?" "Mate? Cal, I don't..." "What do you feel when you think of him? His scent?" Sampson gasped slightly. "Do you see him in your dreams?" Sampson swallowed and didn't answer. "Do you still have the shirt?" Sampson closed his eyes and nodded. "You can't deny you want him. Why are you keeping him away?" "For his own good," Sampson replied, quietly. Calvin sighed and shook his head. His friend, his Beta, was being extraordinarily stubborn. Resisting the pull should be almost painful. For Silence's Sake Ch. 09 Dear Readers, Here it is. The conclusion of For Silence's Sake. Am looking at a possible storyline for the next part but am also working on a couple of other things. We'll see what comes together. Enjoy, KemMyst ***** She was aware of his return and relaxed when she realized it was him. There were times that he slept like a rock and nights when he slipped out once or more. It was rare that he didn't come back to their bed. He sat on the edge of the bed and she could tell something was bothering him. "What's going on?" "Go back to sleep, my stubborn mate. We can talk about it later." "You're sure?" "Mmm." He yawned. He got up so he could pull the covers back, then slid in. Stephanie moved closer to him, feeling the cool of his skin. It was midwinter and frigid outside. The den was cool. His time outside the bed had chilled him. Calvin felt better in proximity to her body heat. His joints ached a bit. He was feeling his age again. A month. Next month they would decide the same sex mating and he would bring up the next item he wanted to be addressed. There were certain things he needed in place before he died. He wanted the future of his pack secured. In a cocoon of warmth, he fell back to sleep. - Sampson ran. He didn't know what else to do. He wanted to fight but any sparring partner might be the worse for wear. So he ran. After his third circuit of the range he finally felt tired enough to come indoors. - Emmanuel's birthday was celebrated by his parents, who had gotten a couple of his favorite dishes made. There was no cake. When asked, Emmanuel said he wanted cookies. Peanut butter. So, Lyssa put a candle on one of the cookies. Emmanuel looked at it curiously and picked it up. He took a bite, trying to eat around the candle. Emmett plucked it away from the cookie and blew it out. His present? A stuffed monkey that he started dragging around. - The snow was falling thickly when the Ross Alpha female came into heat. Again. They had taken over one of the small conference rooms. Sampson consulted with Sharilyn, the pack's healer. The Madam Alpha's cycle was highly variable and her requirements during her heat meant their Alpha Male would be unavailable to do any business. As Beta, he could manage the pack for three or four days but other things required Calvin's attention. Anything they could do to give them some notice of her next estrus would be helpful. One of their young males, Derek, was showing a predilection for healing. Sharilyn had sent him off to ask pack members about her recent moods and activities. "What else can we do?" "Other than intrusive examinations..." "She'll hate that." "She surely will." "We'll have to wait to ask the Alpha anything." "Although it will be early to start, as soon as the Madam Alpha completes this cycle, I'll have Derek start tracking her eating habits." Sampson exhaled, and turned to go. "Healer?" "Hmm?" She was looking at Stephanie's chart. She looked up when he didn't answer immediately. She saw resignation in his eyes. [Will his heart hold up? Will it kill him? And, what do we do when he can't satisfy her needs?] Sharilyn dropped her head, unable to look at the Beta. [I don't know.] Calvin was a very old male, even by werewolf standards, his mate still in her prime years. There was no clear line of succession, his only heir dead. His forays into suitable candidates outside the pack had been halted due to the problems of the time and his mating of Stephanie. For the good of the pack, Sampson needed to have a frank discussion with his Alpha. - Emmett was suddenly awake. It was dark and the other side of the bed was empty. He sat up quickly with the now-familiar spike of fear. "Lys?" She turned. "Here, Em." She heard the fear in his voice. "Sorry." "What's going on, sweetheart?" She was standing by the crib, holding Little Em's stuffed monkey. She clutched it a little tighter. "He spends most of his time with the pups now." Emmanuel was sleeping in the creche with the younger pups, again. He spoke, softly. "That's not unusual, Lys." "He's just barely a year old, Em." "I know." Emmett thought of what he'd say next. "I don't want you to take this wrong, but what did..." he inhaled, exhaled, "..how long did you think he'd stay here with us?" She sounded sad. "Years. Human babies are really dependent on their mothers for years." "They stay in their parent's room for years?" He sounded incredulous. "Well, no. Actually, I guess. A lot of parents put 'em in a nursery room a month or so after they're born." "OK, then. Come here, Lys." He patted the bed beside him. "He's not gone." She sat beside him and he pulled her against him. "He's here, in the den, with us. Emmanuel's asserting his independence as a wolf pup and as Beta heir." There was a pause. "Perhaps a talk with Anna would help?" "No. I guess I just have to get used to it." - The beginning of the month of February signaled the end of the Ross Madam Alpha's heat, ten days until the next council meeting, and two weeks until Joanna and Nathan's second anniversary. Pauline was growing used to her son's mood of resignation. Phillip performed the duties assigned to him and nothing more. Pauline was, however, hopeful, but nervous. The Ross Alpha had requested her presence at the council meeting. She would make sure her son was also there. - Sampson waited at the door to the Alpha suite, staring at the tray that had been left outside their door. It should not have surprised him, but Stephanie opened the door to retrieve it. Her short hair was damp and in need of a wash and she smelled strongly of sex, and her mate. She looked up at him, curious. He saw some of the scars on her body that he hadn't noticed before as she got up from her crouch. Not that he ever looked there. [My Alpha, when you have rested, we have something important we must discuss.] [Sure, Sampson. In a while.] Sampson went back to his room. It was small; he'd never needed anything more. He'd never felt that being Beta was reason to have something larger. The bed was single, simple, a small dresser to one side. There was no adjoining bathroom. The Beta suite had been occupied by the Alpha heir, while he lived, and now held the Beta female, Amanda, and her mate. He opened the top dresser drawer and pulled out an old photograph. He traced a fingertip over his parents' faces. What would they think of him? Sampson closed his eyes and dropped the photo back into the drawer then turned and knelt beside his bed. Reaching beneath, he pulled out a Ziploc bag. He wasn't sure why he was holding on to it; he should get rid of it. But, one more whiff, what would it hurt? As he contemplated it, his cock rose to attention. He closed his eyes and swallowed, feeling the pressure of his stiffened length against the front of his pants. And he thought of blond curls and gasped as he twitched. He threw the bag across the small room and dropped his face into his hands. He was only torturing himself. He would never have the freedom the others had. The scent wafted over to him and brought his head up. The bag must have burst a seam. Phillip. A lovely male. So young. Sampson dropped his pants and groaned as he took hold of his cock. He considered this act and realized there was no reason not to; it was what he had always done. So, he stroked, slowly. He rubbed at the slippery drop weeping from the eye. Felt the silkiness of the fluid, the softness of his foreskin, the velvet hardness in his grasp. Sampson gripped a bit more tightly and began to pump. He dropped to his knees and thought of the last time he had done so. He firmed up more, inhaled Phil's scent, and pumped his erection. His balls tightened and he howled as his cock spat forth into... nothing. He fell forward, holding himself up with one hand, and inhaled deeply. Oh, Luna, Phil's scent. He threw his pants over the bag to dampen it and rolled to his back. Sampson stared at the ceiling. What had happened to his life? - Lyssa had gone out, telling Em she was going shopping. He inhaled when she told him but took her upper arms and kissed her. "OK." She debated on telling him she wasn't going anywhere but decided they had to stop going over it. So, she smiled at him and went out. Erich noticed he was a bit distracted later and invited him out for a sparring session. It took a few seconds for him to get into the swing of things. Emmett won two of the three matches. The snow of the circle was disturbed by both human and wolf tracks, as well as a couple of spatters of blood when they had finished. Lyssa returned a couple of hours later with a couple of bags, one very large. Emmett came out of the bathroom as Lyssa was pulling the sheets off their bed. "What's up, mate?" She smiled at him as she kicked the second bag under the bed. "Got us some new sheets." She pulled out a pair of deep red sheets and threw a loose end across the bed. He grabbed a corner and pulled it over the edge of the mattress. He then ran his knuckles over them. "What is this?" "Fleece. Whaddya think?" "Soft." They pulled the bottom over the corners and he took hold of her hand. He pulled her close, nibbled on her ear lobe. [I'd like to see how much softer your skin is.] Lyssa giggled and then sighed when his hands slid under her sweater. Her hands went to his shoulders as he ran his fingers around her waistband and popped the button on her jeans, slid the zipper down, and pushed them off her hips. His hands moved around and he cupped her buttocks in his hands. She was wearing black lace boy shorts. "Mmm." And he pulled her pelvis to him. Emmett was naked, from the shower he'd just taken, so they were in contact, essentially skin to skin, from the waist down. His fingers curled under the bottom hems of her panties and slid toward her center. She gasped. [Do you want me?] He nibbled her neck. [Oh, yeah, Em. I do.] Emmett pulled her sweater over her head and dropped it. He slid one arm around her back and the other around her waist. Kissing down to her left breast, he gently laid her back on the bed. After leaving a wet spot on her lace bra, over the nipple, he laid wet kisses down her body as he pulled her shoes and pants off. He then climbed back over her and laid his body atop hers. On his elbows, he took her face in his hands and looked down, milk chocolate eyes looking into dark brown. She looked up at him, not sure of what he was looking for. His hands then moved, down her shoulder, onto the fleece and back. [Hmm. Soft. So soft.] She smiled up at him, a smile that reached her eyes. "Which?" He captured her mouth with a hungry kiss. [You, sweetheart. Always you.] She wriggled under him, anxious now to get her panties off. He grunted, feeling the slightly painful but delicious friction of the lace and her body against his. He inhaled, then licked her chin, tasting her, smelling her, feeling her. She twisted again and tried pushing at his shoulders. [C'mon, Em.] Emmett smiled and kissed her neck then rolled to one side. Lyssa quickly slid the boy shorts off and kicked them away. As she reached for her bra he growled, "No. Leave it." He settled back on top of her and she shifted her hips, trying to capture him between her soft folds. He reached back and pulled her thigh up and she wrapped her legs around him as he slid in. He groaned. She sighed. His pace was slow, gliding in and out. She clutched his shoulders, slid her hands down his back to his behind. Lyssa gripped his buttocks, drawing him closer, urging him to go faster. But he continued his slow, maddening pace. In. Out. He nipped at her jawline, nibbled at her earlobe. In. Out. Bearing down on her mating mark. Feeling the scratch of the lacy cups against his chest. In. Out. Her nails in his shoulders. A hungry kiss. In. Out. Panting. Moaning. He sped up, slightly. She moaned and ran her nails up and down his back. He growled. Emmett pulled one of her knees away from his hip and pushed it toward her shoulder. In. Out. Deeper. Sounds came from both, unintelligible, but obviously born of pleasure. She met his thrusts and twisted her head on the pillow. [Open your eyes, mate. Look at me.] Lyssa opened her dark eyes and turned her head back as he began to pound into her. He felt the tension in her body, the tightness of his balls. She was almost there; he only had to hold out a little longer. There. A small ripple. In again. A slight twist of his hips and she broke. The rippling of her muscles undid him as well and howls tore loose from two throats. - It was later that evening that Calvin woke and washed up. He limped slightly as he sought out his Beta. [Sampson, you wanted to speak to me?] The reply sounded weary. [Yes, my Alpha. Alone, please.] [The office, then.] Calvin dismissed Peter, who was looking at the pack's books in preparation for the annual tax filing. Sampson entered shortly after. "What's on your mind, my friend?" "Alpha, I..." Calvin's brow furrowed. "Sampson, why the formality?" Sampson took a deep breath and swallowed. "It's my duty to ask and your responsibility to tell me..." Calvin rose, slowly, "...what you mean to do about a successor." At that, Calvin sat again, heavily. Calvin looked at his Beta. "What prompted this question?" "The Madam Alpha's estrus." Sampson gave him a significant look. "You're limping, Cal." "I'm not the first to..." "Cal," Sampson reproached. It was true. There were occasions where one or both of a mating pair pulled a muscle or was otherwise injured during a mating session. "I need to know your plan. You haven't brought back the candidates. What do you intend to do?" Calvin clasped his hands together, between his knees, and leaned forward. Sampson pulled back a bit. "I am aware of my obligation to my pack," he growled. "You will not repeat what I am about to divulge, especially to the Madam Alpha." "But, Calvin.." "You will not speak of this!" "Of course." Sampson acquiesced to his Alpha's command. "I've thought about this a great deal..." - Some miles away was another difficult conversation. Thomas stood before his Alphas. "There has been no indication of our presence. We assume you have told her nothing but need assurance that you have not revealed your true nature to her." "No, Alpha, I haven't said anything." "You've been seeing her for months now. Do you intend to bring her into the pack? To mate her?" "Um, no, Alpha. I don't ... No, not now." "In the future, then?" "Maybe. I really haven't thought about it." "Then what is your relationship with the female?" "Food." He inhaled. "Sex." "There's no female here you wish to have sex with?" Thomas shook his head. "What hold does she have on you?" "She... it's private, my Alphas." "It impacts the security of this pack. We need to understand your relationship with her since you don't seem to want to mate her but want to continue to see her." "We have a good time. She's shown me things that..." he tapered off. "Go on." "She's very .. inventive when it comes to sex. It's great even with the damn rubber." The two Alphas exchanged a glance. [Rubber?] A shrug. "Do you speak regularly with the Madam Beta?" "At the beginning I did. Not really anymore. I've asked her a question or two." He tried to exude confidence in the face of their examination. "You will tell us if anything in your relationship changes, anything that may impact the security of this pack." Thomas gave a short, sharp nod. "You may go." [Inventive, mate. What do you suppose that means?] - Calvin took care of several items with regard to the pack's business and other affairs, including a delayed renewal of the markers for the range. As he had occasionally done before, he brought his mate along. Stephanie was curious as to why he had her lead him to the next marker at each point but didn't ask. Was his memory failing? Following that, he sequestered himself in his office and began to prepare for the council meeting. He started to arrange his thoughts, the questions he would ask. He checked to make sure that Phil's mother would be coming to the meeting. Stephanie watched her mate, watched as he prepared for a different kind of fight. He wanted their Beta to be happy, to potentially mate. Even if Sampson didn't seem to want it. She didn't understand why Sampson wasn't pushing for the resolution's passage. Why did he seem content to just let it happen? - Lyssa took some runs out in the snow, sometimes with Emmett, sometimes alone. She laughed as her little boy, in furred form, tried to catch small snowballs she tossed his way. Emmanuel requested, and was granted, one of his few rides on his mother's back. Lyssa wasn't used to his weight and couldn't carry him as long as his father could, especially now that he was bigger. She sparred with Madeline and Ariel. Went to visit Jo and Lyria. They stayed a couple nights at the cottage. And she anticipated the explosion that was likely to occur at the council meeting. From either side. Several members of different packs grew nervous as the date approached. Some spoke to their Alphas or Betas. Most whispered amongst themselves. Cars began piling up at the Wyeth den the evening of the new moon. The Ross Alphas arrived early, as they normally did. This time, however, they brought their Beta with them. Sampson sat by reservedly as the Alphas visited before the meeting. The connection was giving her trouble tonight and Ross was helping her get things running. Randall told her that their last guest, from Foster, had arrived. Well, their penultimate guest. "Sorry for the delay, is everyone here?" The representatives, on this day the Alphas, of four packs responded. Tucker, Severn, Gates, and Macy. "Wyeth, Ross, and Foster are here. Does anyone have something important to report before we start?" No one answered. "Alright then. The Alpha Ross wanted to talk to a couple of wolves." "Pauline of Foster pack, please." Calvin indicated a chair in front of the cameras. Pauline sat, nervously wringing her hands. "Be at ease, Pauline. My questions should be easily answered." The Alpha female of Foster sat beside her. "Pauline, can you tell me your age?" She swallowed. "Um, uh," she thinking, "63?" "How many pups have you borne?" "Three. One was stillborn." "I'm sorry for your loss. Have you taught both of your pups to be defective?" "Excuse me? Uh, Alpha Ross." "Have you had trouble with your mate? Is that why you taught your pups to hate the opposite sex?" Mary Foster was lightly growling at the treatment of her pack member. [Madam Alpha, I apologize, but I'm trying to provoke an emotional response so it doesn't appear we staged this.] "No! Um, no Neither. I didn't tell them anything like that. They grew up with the other pups in the creche. My Annabelle is mated, happily. To a male. I love my mate." "What happened to your son?" "Nothing," Pauline was getting ready to cry, "he grew up like everyone else." "Then why isn't he normal?" "Who says my baby's not normal!?" Pauline stood, growling. "What do you want for your son?" [Look at the camera, Pauline.] Pauline looked at the Alpha female of her pack, then to the screen. "I want the same thing for my pup that every mother wants, I want him to be happy." "My thanks, Pauline." The voice of the Gates Alpha came through. "How long have you known about your pup?" "Um, since he was about eight." "And you didn't try to correct him? Your mate didn't?" "There's nothing to correct. There's nothing wrong with him!" "Alpha Foster, how long have you known about your pack member?" For Silence's Sake Ch. 09 Claude responded. "There have been inklings for years but we've only known for certain these past couple of months." "You should have expelled him." Pauline turned to her Alphas, mouth open to respond. Her Alpha silenced her with a look. "Phillip has done nothing to warrant expulsion from the pack." Calvin Ross interjected. "Are you finished, Alpha Gates? May I continue?" Gates shot him an ugly look, but nodded. "Sampson!" The Ross Beta strode forward and stood stiffly. "Strip." Sampson proceeded to remove his clothing, dropping shirt and pants to the floor. "Sit." Sampson took his place in the chair. "What is this?" Severn asked. "A demonstration." Pauline looked over at the Ross Beta. This was the male her son was pining for. Older, battle-scarred. Dominant. A contrast to her baby. Sampson was blindfolded. He sat there, stoically, hands resting on his thighs. There were articles of clothing held in Ziploc bags. Calvin pulled out a bag and checked the writing on it. Holding it under Sampson's nose, he opened it. Sampson inhaled. "Female." The bag was passed to Mary Foster. "Yes." [Madam Beta, please focus on my Beta's penis.] Lyssa, startled, shifted the camera's aim to Sampson's lap and his flaccid cock. Another bag. "Male." ... "Yes." Another bag. "Female." ... "Yes." As Calvin pulled out the next bag, he handed it to Stephanie. Graham Gates asked, "Why are we staring at your Beta's member while he demonstrates the ability any pup is capable of?" "At this time, I would ask all other males to leave the room." There was some grumbling, but they complied. When the door shut, Stephanie brought the bag, in which the article of clothing was double-bagged, before Sampson. She opened the first bag, then the second. At that point, everyone present understood. Sampson inhaled. "A female, in heat." Mary Foster looked significantly at Sampson's lap. The scent that would garner an immediate reaction from every male in a den did nothing for Sampson. The bags were sealed up again and the smell dissipated. The males came back into the room. Pauline's eyes widened but she said nothing as Mary gripped her arm. Sampson's nostrils flared, his hands clamped on to the arms of the chair. And his cock rose. "What is it?" "What's happened?" "Who's there?" The questions came from numerous throats. Two trembling hands fell onto Sampson's shoulders and his cock jumped in response. Lyssa shifted the focus of the camera. Moved it up to Sampson's face. Eyes closed, nostrils flared. The look on his face was pained. The camera rose to Phil's face; one that held fear and anticipation. "Your Beta does not look happy." "His body recognizes his mate, Phillip, though he's trying to deny it." Phil wrapped his arms around Sampson's chest. Sampson broke the arm off the chair. "Phillip!" Phil's eyes snapped to the screen. "I am Alpha of Severn." "Alpha Severn." Phil's breath whispered, past Sampson's ear. Sampson shivered. "You met at the unmated gathering, is that correct?" "Yes, Alpha." "Did you submit to this male because he is Beta?" "No, Alpha." "Phillip," Stephanie started, "our Beta did not approach you at the gathering, did he?" "No, Madam Alpha. I watched. He took no female to bed so I went to him." "What did you do?" Phil's eyes took on a slightly frightened look. "I, I grabbed his face and kissed him." "Did he return the kiss?" "No. He hit me." Sampson cleared his throat. "I was startled, defensive." "Did you return his attentions, Beta?" Graham Gates interjected. "They smelled of sex." "So, yes, Beta?" Sampson inhaled. "Yes." The Foster Alpha posed the next question. "Why haven't you called for your mate?" Phil's arms tightened around Sampson's chest. Sampson's mouth opened, closed, opened again. "Beta?" "It's not safe." Pauline's breath caught. The three guests were escorted to one of the small rooms nearby as the council continued their deliberations. "Do we accept an Alpha who has mated with another male? There would be no pups, no Alpha heir." Calvin spoke quietly, sadly. "We have that now, have had it in the past. There are ways to address succession." "Would you have him as Alpha?" "He is a fine Beta. I would." Calvin swallowed, thinking of the next resolution he intended to bring before the council. Randall spoke next. "Denying them is tantamount to forced mating. It is keeping true mates from each other. Two wolves who care for each other, love each other, need each other." "Think of your own mate and how you would feel without her." Calvin closed his eyes for a moment, seeing his first mate, Sabine. As he opened his eyes, he left the emerald color of Sabine's eyes and looked into Stephanie's jade green eyes. He reached for her hand and offered her a smile. Lyssa looked around and asked, "Does anyone here have anything new to add?" The Foster Alpha said, "I move we vote." Graham Gates said, "Second." "Alright, then. Foster." "Yea." "Gates" "No." Lyssa was surprised that Severn voted against the resolution which put them at three against and one in favor. With Tucker, Ross, and Wyeth left it would be Tucker who decided it. The Tucker Alpha hesitated briefly, looking at the other Alphas. An inhale. "Tucker votes yea." Two more Yea votes and Lyssa breathed. "Resolution passed. Wolves of the same sex are allowed to mate." While mostly silent, some pack council members grumbled. Lyssa cleared her throat. "Um, OK. Any new business?" "Madam chairwoman, I have another resolution to bring before the council." "Sure, Alpha Ross. Go ahead." Calvin squeezed Stephanie's hand. "I propose that we allow a pack Alpha to be female." "What?!" The council members erupted again. Stephanie was shocked and stared at her mate. - Sampson kept himself removed from Phil as Pauline examined the male that might be her son's mate. [Are you happy to see me? At all?] Phil asked. [It only makes it harder.] Phil choked up and turned away. He would be denied. They all turned when yelling issued from the conference room. Pauline asked the question, "What does it mean?" It was a few minutes later that the Alphas of Foster entered the room. The three wolves inside inhaled in unison and held their breath. Steven Foster said, without preamble, "It's passed." Pauline turned to her son, threw her arms around him, and burst into tears. "Oh, baby, I'm so happy for you." She then reached out an arm and grasped Sampson's sleeve, drawing him to them. Phil turned to him with a brilliant smile. Sampson looked shocked and unsure of what to do. Pauline looked between the two of them as the Ross Alphas came in. "Well. Go on." Calvin wore a weary smile and Stephanie a worried frown. Sampson glanced over. "What happened?" Foster replied. "Your Alpha has brought a new resolution before the council. It was also not... well received." Phil and Pauline looked at him. "What resolution?" Sampson replied. "To allow a female to lead a pack." He looked knowingly at Stephanie. She glared at him. Calvin cleared his throat. "Sampson, would you bring your mate with you tonight or would you go with him?" Phillip was fairly vibrating with anticipation of the answer and was watching Sampson closely. Sampson looked at Phil, looked down, and licked his lips. "I don't know.." "Beta.." [Mom!] Phil closed on Sampson. Reaching out, his fingers extended toward Sampson's face. Sampson's chest heaved and he closed his eyes. He flinched as contact was made. [Beta, I want to spend the night with you.] Soft blue eyes were locked on to a face he didn't think he could live without. The rest of the wolves in the room watched, holding their collective breaths. Pauline had her hands clasped tightly together. A send came to Sampson then, from a female. [Beta, give in.] Sampson's eyes flicked to the green eyes of his female Alpha, who wore a slight smile. He then turned his head to look at her more directly and she gave a barely perceptible nod, then glanced at Calvin. Sampson swallowed and turned to Phil. "Alright." Phil fell to his knees, overwhelmed. He wrapped his arms around Sampson's waist and pressed the side of his face to Sampson's abdomen. "Thank you," he whispered, "thank you." Pauline's breath caught and she swept forward to hug them both. Sampson jerked, taken aback as Pauline kissed the side of his head. "Oh, I'm so happy. Oh, my baby. Oh, Selene, thank you." The others watched, some embarrassed by the display. Phil was following his nose, nuzzling a little lower on Sampson's body, working his way to the prize he knew awaited him. Sampson put Pauline away from him with a bit of a grimace and raised Phil to his feet, clearing his throat. "Um. Beta, this is my mother, Pauline." "Pauline. How do you do?" "Oh, Sampson." Sampson fended off another hug, "Thank you for making my baby happy." She sniffed. "Take care of him." Sampson opened his mouth, ready to say he hadn't claimed Phil as yet, when that same voice came to his brain. [Quiet.] His mouth closed with a snap. Calvin looked at the two and at his mate, who turned and frowned at him. There would be an uncomfortable conversation later. "Come, we have things to discuss and I would do it in our den." [Randall, thank you for your hospitality.] [I wish you luck, Cal. Good evening.] "Pauline, come. We need to get back." The Alpha Foster turned to the door. Pauline moved over and kissed Phillip quickly three times before pulling away, smiling, tears in her eyes. Sampson headed for the driver's seat when Calvin said, "Sampson, keys." "Alpha?" "You will sit in the back. I'll drive." Stephanie got into the passenger seat as Calvin took the keys and slid in. Sampson hesitated before pulling the door open and entering the back seat. Phil was already there. Sampson sat stiffly, trying to maintain a bit of distance between himself and Phil. "So, Phillip, what is it you do for the pack?" "Um, oh, Alpha Ross, I take care of the lawn, the snow. Other things." "I see. And you have a sister?" "Yes, sir. Alpha. She's older." He inched closer to Sampson. [You should have told me.] She crossed her arms, annoyed. [Can we wait until we get back to the den, mate?] Stephanie grumbled, but fell silent. Phil moved a little closer to Sampson. [Beta, is something wrong?] Sampson inhaled. [I have no idea what to do.] [What do you want to do?] Phil smiled at him and placed a hand on his thigh. - After closing the meeting and severing connections, Lyssa went down to the kitchen. She wanted ice cream. And coffee. She snagged Emmanuel as he chased Tonya and dropped a brief kiss on his head as he growled. He was 'it' and Tonya was getting away. Emmett came down after her. He generally gave her some space after a meeting but the new resolution looked to be as contentious as the last. So, he followed her scent down the stairs. She was standing over the Keurig while Simon was ladling a red sauce over three scoops of a chocolate ice cream studded with nuts and cradled in a split banana. She lifted the cup to her nose and inhaled deeply as Simon placed the banana split on the small table. He looked up. "Is it true, Beta? That packs could be led by a female Alpha?" "The Madam Beta would know better than I, Simon. But, that's what I heard." It annoyed Lyssa that Simon had to ask Emmett about the resolution. But she thanked him for the ice cream as she savored the first bite. [It's never gonna end.] - Calvin kept half an eye on the occupants of the back seat and the other on the road, while occasionally casting glances at his angry mate. This was his plan for the pack. Without an heir, he wanted Stephanie to lead after he was gone. He thought she might be denying his age, his mortality, and, perhaps, her own ability to lead. He saw Alpha in her. Had seen it long ago. She stalked to their suite and he followed. As he closed the door she rounded on him, eyes flashing, "Coward!" - Phil looked around him with interest as he entered the den. It was frightening, being surrounded by strange scents, strange wolves. But Sampson was nearby, which was comforting. A couple of wolves watched with interest as they passed, and inhaled. Sampson got a couple of beers and handed one to Phil. He took a swig as Sampson downed his and got another. He didn't look at Phil but watched the interest the others were taking in him. A low growl started in his chest that he bit back. Phil was confused. He was quiet on the drive over, quiet now. He should be happy. They could be together. But there hadn't been a touch, a kiss. What was wrong? As he finished the beer, he realized Sampson was nervous. So, as it had been at the gathering, he would have to make the move. Phil touched Sampson's hand, [Beta, could I see your room?] Sampson blinked and swallowed. [I don't think .. My room is small.] [Show me.] They climbed the stairs slowly and walked down the hall, Phil a bit behind. Sampson grasped the knob and opened the door. Then gasped. While he'd been gone, his bed had been replaced. The queen sized bed took up most of the room; you couldn't walk around it. Phil peeked around Sampson. He never expected a Beta's room to be so small. He pushed under Sampson's arm and crawled onto the bed. Sampson's breath caught at the sight. As he lay back on the bed, Phil stretched out a hand. "C'mon." Sampson looked at him, at the bright smile, the blue eyes. He inhaled, deeply, and, after a moment's hesitation, climbed on. The door snicked shut behind him. - Emmett and Lyssa were spooned together and Emmanuel was curled up with them. "Em," she said quietly, "can you tell me about your family?" "I wasn't much older than Emmanuel when they died. I really don't remember much." "But you remember something." He tightened his grip on her. "I remember Otto giving me a couple of rides and, once, he brought me a rabbit to chase. Jackson, well, he took me to the opposite end of the range once and left me there to get back on my own." "What about your mother? What was she like?" "I don't know. She was my mom." "What's the best thing you remember about her?" "She would sing around the house. And she couldn't sing." "What kind of songs?" "The only one I can remember is 'Mack the Knife'." "Huh?" In a singsong, Emmett chanted, "Oh, the shark has, Pretty teeth, dear, And he shows them, Pearly white." Lyssa started shaking, laughing quietly. "Really?" Emmett smiled. "Yeah." Composing herself, Lyssa sighed. "What about your father?" "Big. Strong. Came home to my mother every night. It's not real clear." "I'm sorry." Emmett's family had died in a fire; his mother had pushed her youngest out a window. He was the only one who had survived. "Ah, sweetheart. I wish I could have known them longer but my life would not have been the same. And I might never have met you." She pulled his hand to her lips and kissed it. "So, how many kids did you want?" "I never really thought about it. As many as you want, I guess. How many do you want?" "Three's a good number, I guess." "Three sounds good to me." - It was early morning when Calvin called across the room. "Mate. Please. I know you're not comfortable there and I'm having trouble sleeping without you here." Stephanie was laying on the loveseat, which was too small for her to sleep on. She twisted and huffed and turned and groaned. "Stephanie. Little one. I knew you wouldn't like it. But Sampson has no desire to lead and I don't want anyone else in charge of my pack. Our pack." She sat up and looked over at him. Her voice was low, but he could hear her clearly, "I can't lead the pack. How can I lead the pack?" "You are fair and reasonable and can be ruthless when you need to be." "I can't do it without you." "I'm sorry, little one, that my age is what it is. That..." he sighed, "An Alpha looks for the best for his pack. Little one, you are the best choice to succeed me." There was a slight pause. "Please, mate, come to bed." Groaning as she rose, she grumbled as she strode across the intervening space. He watched her lithe, muscular body as she approached. His body responded to the sight. As she slid under the covers, he pulled her against him. She relaxed against him with a loud exhalation and it was only a few minutes before sleep claimed both. It was an hour or so later that he woke and found her gone from the bed. Sleepily, he listened for her. Somewhere in the room? No. Bathroom? No. She normally didn't snack in the middle of the night. [Mate?] No answer. [Stephanie?] Still no response. [Has anyone seen the Alpha female?] [No, Alpha.] Bethany, in the kitchens. [No, Alpha.] Trevor, in the garage. [She was in the upper corridor, Alpha.] Gretchen, a pregnant female, near the end of her confinement. Probably awake from the discomfort. [Cal. Do you need help?] [Stay with your mate, Sampson.] Sampson saw the glistening of a pair of eyes looking at him. The eyes of the other male in his bed. Phil had woken when he stirred at his Alpha's call. After a few moments, the eyes closed again. - Calvin rose and climbed the stairs, picking up and following the scent of his mate. The next stairwell. She had gone to the roof. Why in the world was she..? Oh. He stood, one foot on the first riser, thinking. He couldn't possibly get her sister here. Who in the pack sounded like her? He strove to remember the sound of Izadora's voice. Shirley. Calvin trod the stairs, unsure of what he would find at the top. She was standing, arms wrapped around herself, barefoot in the snow. She was at the corner of the building, humming to herself. She glanced over her shoulder at him, then looked back over the range. At the dark of the moon, the stars were out. The size of the packs' land meant less light from man made sources but it was still impossible to see the fainter stars. The night was clear, cloudless, and cold. Her breath fogged out around her and a light breeze stirred her short hair. "Lavinia? Livvy?" She glanced over her shoulder again then looked up into the sky, eyes searching. "Come back inside, Livvy." Stephanie turned a bit and regarded him. "Why? I like it here." "It's cold out here. Come in where it's warm." "Not cold." He took a step forward and she lifted her foot, to retreat. He stepped back. [Shirley. I'm sorry to wake you, but I need you to come to the roof.] He had to get her off the roof. In her human form she could get frostbite and he didn't think he could coax her into her wolven form. What was below her at this corner of the den? Storage room, other side. There was a wall here. She stood sideways, looking out but keeping an eye on him. She turned toward the noise of the roof's door. [Shirley, please, don't show yourself.] The door, partway open, stopped. [Please call out, with these words, 'Livvy, come inside now.'"] "Livvy. Come inside now." The call was rather timid. Stephanie looked confused. [With confidence, Shirley, as if you were calling back an errant pup. Try Lavinia for the name. Scold.] "Lavinia! Come back inside." Stephanie's head whipped around and she took a step forward, then hesitated. [Again.] "Lavinia. Come in. Now!" Stephanie scampered for the door. Calvin followed. [Thank you, Shirley. Return to your bed.] [Yes, Alpha.] Once started back, Stephanie continued in, passing Shirley on the stairs. Calvin followed, amazed at the change in her mannerisms. It was as if she were a young female again, her walk almost buoyant, though hurried. On the second floor she hesitated again, casting looks forward and back. For Silence's Sake Ch. 09 Cal closed on her and she shrank away. He cornered her, took her shoulders though she began to shake. "Stephanie. Mate. It's me." She closed her eyes. He gathered her close and kissed her. [Little one, come back to me.] She was tense in his arms, then suddenly jerked. Her eyes flew open and she pushed at him, looking around, wild-eyed. "What are we doing here?" He put a hand to her face. "Little one. You are aware you sleepwalk?" "What? Never." "Yes, mate, you do." "A lot?" He shook his head. "How often?" "This is only the second time since I've known you." "No one at Wyeth ever said anything." "I don't think you ever did so there. Sh, now. Come to bed and I will tell you." "Why now?" "Bed, mate, and we'll talk." Her feet were cold against his calves as she lay nestled against him. "The first time I saw it happen was after you maimed Cody. You sister was able to call you off the roof." "Roof?" "Hush. Listen. You were sitting on the edge, swinging your legs. You spoke to me, answered my questions, but you really didn't acknowledge me. You seemed a young female. Saying it was quiet there and no one bothered you. You wondered if the young males liked you. I couldn't call you, couldn't reach you. Your sister was able to bring you in. You wouldn't come in with me so your sister held you until you slept." "So, then, tonight?" "I believe it happens when you're very distressed." "I am not .. distressed." "Then what were we arguing about earlier?" "How could you do that to me?" Calvin kissed the back of her head. "Stephanie. Lavinia. Mate. I'm sorry I can't give you a long, happy mated life." She started to twist in his arms. "But I know you will be a good Alpha to our pack." "No." she said in a small voice. "You will, doubtless, be much better than my son was. For all you've been through, you have the strength and courage and sense of fairness to lead a pack. Everything else can be learned." He heard her swallow, knew she was thinking. "There is no one else, save Sampson, I would trust the pack to when I am gone." He rubbed her arm. "Rest now." - Emmanuel had learned how to manage doorknobs. Lyssa had listened to the rattle of the knob and cracked an eye to watch her little boy slip out. Emmett was still sleeping soundly when she slid her hand across his chest and down his body. At her touch a part of him began to stir. Then she, herself, slid downward in the bed, under the covers, until her nose was even with his hardening member. Lyssa felt him wake and a sleepy, "Emmanuel, I told you not to creep around under the covers," came from his lips. Emmett suddenly stopped and went still. A wet tongue caressed his cock and he quickly stiffened. Without opening his eyes he reached below his waist and his fingers found his mate's tresses. He took a sudden breath as she engulfed him with her mouth. He felt the smile as the shape of her mouth changed around his length. [Should I stop creeping around under the covers?] She sucked in a breath, cooling the saliva that covered his cock. His breath hitched again as the warmth of her mouth once again surrounded him. And he began to pant. [You... are not ... named ... Emmanuel.] "Mmmm." [Definitely not.] The vibration from that sound drew a moan from him and his fingers clutched her hair. Lyssa moved up and down, caressing her mate's length with her warm, wet tongue, sucking and humming. It wasn't long before he could no longer bear it and, with a roar and a clenching of his fingers, he exploded into her throat. She swallowed, reflexively, taking all that he gave her. Once the spitting of his cock stopped, she gave it one last loving lick and moved back up in the bed. Emmett wrapped his arms around her and pulled her atop him. He kissed her. [Mm, good morning to you, mate.] Lyssa lay there, listening to his heartbeat, until he dropped back into sleep and she fell into a doze. - Meanwhile, Sampson woke, feeling warm and uncomfortable. There was an arm thrown across his chest, a leg over one of his, and a head resting on his shoulder. He hadn't slept with others since he was a pup. Maybe it would be more comfortable if he were furred. He sighed. Phil's eyelids fluttered and he picked his head up. "Mm. Morning, Beta." He kissed Sampson's cheek. "How did you sleep?" He hand began to move, caressing Sampson's chest. Sampson grabbed that hand, to stop him. "What's wrong?" "We can't .. shouldn't." Phil got up on his elbow and looked down into those eyes. Eyes that held a hint of fear. "We can. The vote last night said we can." "Some may not..." Phil blew out an exasperated breath and pulled Sampson's hand to his mouth and kissed it. "They'll learn. They know I came back with you." He sucked a finger into his mouth. [Do you want me?] Sampson was suddenly at attention. Two parts of him. [We don't need to hide. Don't need to deny ourselves anymore.] Phil switched to another finger, sucking gently on it. Sampson had never imagined that such a simple act would get him so hard. His chest started to heave. Phil released his finger. "I want to taste you, Beta." Sampson swallowed, looking into sky blue eyes. He made no noise of agreement or dissent. Phil smiled though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He wasn't getting the reaction he expected, that he wanted. He pressed his nose to Sampson's neck and inhaled. He twitched and knew Sampson felt the movement at his hip. He pressed on, putting his lips to Sampson's shoulder, followed across his collarbone, kissed down his midline. He strayed to the right to lave a nipple. An exhale hardened it and Phil nipped at it. Sampson gasped and Phil felt the tightening of the bedsheets as Sampson's hands clenched on them. The sensations were overwhelming him. Soft lips pressing against his flesh. A tongue on his nipple. The light bite that sent shockwaves through his body. His member hardened and jerked. His body tensed. The bedcovers were peeled down, baring his body to the cool air. That tongue traced a wet line down his body, punctuated by occasional kisses. He watched blond curls descend his body and, though he knew Phil's eyes were rolled up, watching him, the darkness of the season swamped the details of his face. The bed moved as Phil shifted down it and a hand ran down his side. He shivered. Was it minutes? Hours? How long since Phil began the descent of his body? Finally, finally, he felt warm breath on his engorged cock. Oh, Luna, he ached. Large hands gripped his hips and his next-realized sensation was a tongue sweeping up his length. A groan left his lips. Once more and he flexed his hips. And then, then, something he'd never felt before. His head arched backward as a warm, wet mouth engulfed him. [Mm, Beta, you taste yummy.] He had no response to that as he realized it wouldn't take much before he erupted. A hum of contentment and appreciation undid him as semen burst forth from his balls. Phil swallowed convulsively and Sampson couldn't help but groan at the feeling. He was sucking in air as if he'd been fighting a particularly difficult opponent. But his body felt light, though with a growing heaviness. He rolled his head to the side, looking at Phil, who smiled up at him. He smiled back, then yawned hugely. As Phil crept back up the bed, he gathered him in and Phil happily nestled against his shoulder. - It was April and the weather was warming. The foliage was greening. Wild babies were about. Natalie had had her pup and Madeline's mother had given her a baby brother. While debated heavily, the resolution on female Alphas had also passed. It was a cool afternoon when Thomas went to visit Lorelei. As she heard the car pull up, she decided to take some X. It had been a while since she'd done it and, since Thomas refused to use it, she'd take it before he came in. Lorelei opened the door as he approached and he strode in, grabbing her. He pulled her head back by her hair and kissed her. Deeply. Startled, he pulled away, grimacing as if he'd tasted something foul. "What did you eat, Lor?" "Uh, T, I had some X around and thought I'd have some tonight." He grabbed her by the upper arms. "What? Why do you think you need that?" "It's just, it's been a while. Hey, you couldn't have got much, you should be fine. I don't think you'll feel anything." Thomas was breathing deeply. Upset. Concerned. The Beta female had strongly cautioned him against taking it. He'd even consulted with the Foster's healer. He mentally examined his own body. Nothing felt particularly off. Lorelei took his silence and stillness as reason to touch him. She moved behind him, wrapped her arms around him, pressed herself against his back. He relaxed a fraction. Lorelei rubbed up against him and slid a hand under his t-shirt. Her other hand dropped and was cupping the bulge in his pants. "What do you want to do?" Thomas swallowed, taking another deep breath. With his higher metabolism, a small amount of the chemical had made it to his brain and the activity of some cells there increased. He stepped forward, away from Lorelei, twitchy, unsettled. He ripped off his t-shirt and put his hands to his head. "T? You alright?" He turned, horror on his face, looking for somewhere to go. "Thomas? Hey, it's OK." His face extended, fur erupted on his body, and he burst the seams on his pants. Lorelei fell on her ass, mouth open. - Meanwhile, Nathan watched the silver Buick make a touch-and-go right hand turn. He turned the lights on on his bike and went after them. It took longer than he expected for them to pull over. Parking the bike, he got off and removed his helmet. Dark tinting of the windows kept him from being sure of the number in the car. He radioed his location and the make, model, and plate of the car before he approached the driver's door. The window was already down and he examined the driver as he got closer. White, short, brown hair, tattoo of a flaming skull on the side of his neck. His body cam was recording his view. He was upwind and only picked up the acrid, smoky scent as he closed on the car. Meth. He heard the whine of an electric motor as the rear window scrolled down. His brain screamed an alert as a seemingly huge black gun was brought to bear. The first bullet caught him in the shoulder as he leapt back. Another entered his side and the third went through his arm. As the tires squealed, Nathan roared. His fingers grew in length and his uniform shirt split. He reached out, claws raking down the back quarter panel of the car. Screams were heard from another car, which took off as he turned. A small face looked both fascinated and terrified as the car pulled away. - Lyssa had taken Emmanuel to a small playground. He loved the big slide. Up and down, giggling, for an hour. It was getting time to head for home so she called a halt. Lyssa took his hand, crouched, and reminded him to stay in human form until the car started moving. They headed for the parking lot, Emmanuel holding her hand and wondering why they couldn't bring Emmaline. As they approached the car, which was parked alongside the road, brakes squealed. Lyssa grabbed up her son as the door opened and a man stepped out. "Lyssa!" She was facing him, holding Little Em, and fumbled the keys. "Lyssa, damn it. It is you!" As she came up with the keys he grabbed her arm. "Everyone thinks you're dead! Do you know what you did to me, you fucking cunt?" She spoke levelly, coolly. "Let me go, Ronnie." Ronnie. The boyfriend she had kicked out of her house. Who Emmett had met as wolf. Ronnie, who had come after her, to hurt her for breaking up with him. Ronnie, who had burned her house down. He'd been released from prison while she was carrying Little Em. "No way. We're going to the cops. They think I fuckin' offed you." Emmanuel growled at him and his attention shifted. "Who'd you hook up with, slut? Who knocked you up?" She tried to turn, to open the door. "Lemme go." He wrenched her back around, jostling Emmanuel, whose growl grew louder. The slap rocked her back on her heels. Emmanuel snarled. "Your kid's mental. Serves you right. C'mon." Another wrench, pulling her toward his car. Lyssa noticed the beginning of her son's change. [Emmanuel, no!] Emmanuel sank his fangs into the arm of the male who'd hurt his mother. The wolf was out of the bag. For Silence's Sake So, Stephanie dove down onto his cock as he continued his attention to her engorged lips and clit. ------- Sampson laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Every time he closed his eyes an image would form. An oval face, surrounded by blond curls, holding summer blue eyes with a somewhat delicate nose and chin. And Sampson would remember Phillip's scent. And his cock would rise. And it would take him a while to calm down again as he tried to think of pack matters, like the repair and reconstruction of a couple of the outbuildings. And then he would think of Phillip's lips, mouth a little large for his face, lips full and dark pink. And the feeling of his hands holding his face. And thought of what his body would look like. And his cock would rise again. Sampson sighed, and took hold, and groaned. Well, he would sleep then. So, he stroked his shaft, rubbing his thumb over the tip. Feeling the fullness, the firmness, the pressure from his own hands. It morphed to bobbing blond curls, and the warm wetness of a mouth. So caught up, was he, in the fantasy, that the orgasm caught him off guard. His entire body tightened, almost painfully, before his cock spewed gobs of creamy spunk onto his chest and belly. Spent, he cleaned up a little, rolled onto his side, and dropped into sleep. ------- The next day was the dark moon. And, while it was the last day of the unmated gathering, the gathering would end earlier in the day to allow some of the packs to take care of the business that was normally dealt with on the new moon. There was some grumbling at that but most wolves who would find a mate there would have already made a connection. The third day was almost just an excuse to avoid duties, eat and drink, and to fuck someone not pack. Sampson went to his Alpha that morning to tell him he would not be attending the last day. Calvin looked at his friend, his Beta. "What makes this third day different from the other two? I told you you were to attend." "Alpha, the new moon... my duties..." Calvin glanced at his mate, Stephanie, and back to Sampson. "A few more hours without your presence will not hobble us. Don't you think it may be possible to find your mate there?" The Alphas both heard it, the increase in his heart rate, and smelled the quick spike of fear. Stephanie sent, [Fear. There's someone there he's afraid of.] Calvin looked over and smiled. Stephanie had been held for years by a small pack of rogues, to satisfy their sexual and sadistic urges. Though free of them for decades, she had fought his overtures. [Like you were afraid, little one. I believe our Beta may have found his mate.] Sampson was unusual in pack society but his Alphas both knew what he was - a male who did not find females attractive. Calvin stood, holding out his hand to his mate. "It's time to renew the markers, little one." They would run the outside edge of the range this day, marking the edge of Ross territory. He looked down at Sampson. "I told you to attend this gathering. You have given me no reason to allow you to stay home today. You will go and only return when it ends." Sampson never lifted his eyes. "Yes, my Alpha." ------- Roland had gone to the first day of the unmated gathering. He had done so reluctantly as he thought he might have already found his mate within the pack. But Sally was underage and they could have no sort of relationship for years. And, so, the Alphas thought it might still be possible for their son to find his mate at the gathering. They had impressed upon him a duty to attend. He had managed to avoid Cyn and Diana for the first couple of hours but they ended up cornering him in a walled garden. Between the two of them, they got him on the ground. Diana bared her breasts and was grinding against his crotch. Cyn had captured his mouth, kissing him deeply, fiercely. It had taken time for him to extricate himself. His conscience was at war. He was a young, virile male, Alpha heir. He had no reason to restrain his sexual urges. The pleasure to be had with a willing female, ah. But, Sally. He felt a pull. Wanted to protect her, be near her. But she was only 11. If he wanted to be her mate, if she wanted to be his mate, he had to wait years. Seven years. Seven. Long. Years. Was he supposed to deny himself that long? So, on the last day of the gathering, after they had seen to May's passing, he went back. He fought a Ross male, for practice. He fought a Severn female and, afterwards, lost himself in her. Twice. ------- Sampson had also returned to the gathering, albeit reluctantly. He nibbled on a few things at lunch, grabbed a beer, and wandered off to the west. He found a conveniently fallen log and sat, musing. The scents of rutting wolves came on the breeze and he grimaced. This is what had kept him from gatherings before. Smelling the others, their joinings, when he wasn't going to have that. Sampson closed his eyes. Phillip. Was it real? Was it possible? Would the packs allow it? He'd never been kissed by a male before. It was, disconcerting. Sampson sighed. He was Beta. He was decisive. He wasn't supposed to have doubts like this. He felt a hand on the side of his head. He jumped. The beer went flying. And he landed on his back. Steeling himself, Sampson opened his eyes and looked up. Lips pursed, the corners of his mouth quirked, Phillip was trying his damnedest not to laugh. Sampson snorted and shook his head. And it started, deep, hearty, from the belly. He doubled over. Blond curls bobbed. It took a couple of minutes before he was able to speak and, even then, it was fragmented. "Sorry. It's just... You... That was... so funny." He put out a hand. Sampson didn't need help up but he took the proffered hand. Phillip pulled him up, hugged him, and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. Sampson froze, a panicked look on his face. Phillip pulled back, looking confused and concerned. "Phillip, how old are you?" Phillip kept a hand on his arm. "Phil, please, Beta. My father calls me Phillip. I'm 22. What's wrong?" So young. So, so, young. "Phil, then." Sampson inhaled, then sat. Phil sat next to him. "I've spent more than twice your lifespan avoiding this, afraid to let anyone know what I am. Afraid of what others would think, how they'd see me. That I might be cast out." Phil's face fell. "Cast... out?" His eyes flicked around. "Would they do that? Why would they do that?" He was starting to panic. [Phil, calm down.] Phil took a deep breath and blew it out. "There are no provisions that I'm aware of, in any pack, for something like this. My Alpha has accepted my... difference. But the others, I don't think, are aware. I'm not sure what would happen." "Do you think someone might attack you?" "There are those who would not like it, who would feel threatened. I would not be surprised." "So, are you saying we can't... shouldn't? That it's wrong?" "Have you ever been with a female, Phil?" "I never.. I mean.." Phil inhaled, exhaled. "I never, never really liked their scents. The look of their bodies. But, yes, everybody else did. They looked at me funny because I didn't chase them. So, I tried it. It wasn't..." He stopped. "As did I. Then never again." A pause. "Does your Alpha know?" "Not sure. I didn't tell him." "He may suspect." "Why? Why are you making this so hard? Can't we just...?" An exhale. "You smell good. I'm attracted to you. Don't you like me?" So young and unsure. But Sampson was older, a Beta, and had considered the ramifications of a relationship with another male. "Do you think it's wrong?" Sampson looked at the young, earnest face. Looked into those summer blue eyes. "Neither of us chose to be different, Phil. How can it be wrong? But we are, as you well know, unusual. Changes make people nervous. We should proceed cautiously." Phil put a hand on the other side of Sampson's neck, nuzzled it, and inhaled, closing his eyes. [Beta, you think too much...] Sampson's hand went to the back of Phil's head. Phil's other hand wandered across Sampson's chest. Sampson sucked in a breath. [Let me see your wolf.] Phil stood, faced Sampson, and, smiling, pulled his shirt over his head. Sampson looked over his chest. Muscles a little soft but defined. Not a fighter. Curled blond hairs in a palm-sized patch between his nipples. Phil's hands dropped to his waist and slid toward the button. Sampson's eyes lit there, noticing the line of hair rising from that area. He closed his eyes. Phil watched him look over his chest. Watched him follow his hands to his waistband. Then those brown eyes closed. Why had he closed his eyes? Didn't he like what he saw? Phil was really, really attracted to Sampson, almost salivating. What if Sampson didn't like him? His wolf. Phil dropped his pants and shifted. [Um. OK.]