6 comments/ 31518 views/ 60 favorites The Lone Wolf Ch. 01 By: DeleriousDesires Nola Frustration. Anger. Longing. Desolation. The most prominent emotions one could expect from patrons of a hole-in-the-wall bar at noon on a Tuesday. Nola let these emotions wash over her as she downed the amber liquid in her glass, relishing its burn and the warmth that blossoms in her stomach. She is a lone figure sitting at the end of the bar, her countenance having encouraged the other day-drinkers to abandon their usual stools and sequester themselves at the few corner tables. Although every one of them had their eyes focused on her. Its as if they couldn't control themselves. A few would try to shake out of it and look away, but their eyes would eventually be drawn back to her. Nola is undoubtedly a very pretty young woman. Looking to be in her late teens or early twenties, she is close to six feet tall with long legs and a lean musculature that spoke of easy strength and grace. Her naturally straight blond hair hangs halfway down her back and frames her heart-shaped face. Her lips are full and rosy-red, a couple of shades darker than the color that brushes her cheeks. They stand out on her ivory skin. Though her most intriguing and drawing attribute are her eyes. Wide and ringed with thick golden lashes, her eyes are an incredible dark green with lighter greens and blues swirled in. It also seemed that her entire being is just surrounded by an aura of energy and intense sensuality, pulling them in and telling them to stay away at the same time. The bartender quickly sidled over to refill her glass, eyeing her greedily as he poured an overly generous portion of the bar's finest whiskey. She could sense his ardor rising and his intense desire to bed her, as well as a slight twinge of fear. The unwelcome attention annoyed her, she just wanted a couple of hours to quiet her thoughts and mentally prepare herself for that evening. Yet Nola understood why the poor man could not help his attentions while she was in such a state as well as his fear at having to approach her. These poor humans are quite unaware that the draw and attraction they feel towards me is a result of the full moon and me going into heat. She didn't let the thought show on her face and kept her eyes downturned in order to lessen the effect of her unintentional energies. Nola was a werewolf. Werewolves can shift whenever they like, though they cannot help but shift during a full moon. It is also when their wolf side is the strongest and base instinct starts to take control the closer the full moon gets. This energy is extremely obvious to other werewolves, as a much as a visible ring of light surrounding the person. It is so palpable that even dull-sensed humans can sense it, though not quite see it. The energy makes them feel in awe of the power this person possess as well as alerting them to keep their distance. Her going into heat complicated the issue because it also gave her an aura of sexual energy encouraging everyone around her to bed her. Once again, this comes off as a visible light to other wolves but only as a very intoxicating attraction for humans. Feeling bad for inflicting this energy on these unawares patrons, Nola reaches out to each conscious in the bar and eases their apprehension and desire. She doesn't alter all of their feelings, just deescalates those couple to a dull thrum. This leaves them to their normal broodings over their glasses, the enchanting beauty at the bar moving to the back of their minds. There. That should give them some peace as well as I. Nola is also left with her thoughts, focusing to slow the flow of emotions from those around her. Much like putting a dam up in her mind. Though she never cut the flow off completely. That would be like cutting off an arm. She sips at her drink as she thinks back on the past hundred or so years she has been moving around. Unlike most wolves that enjoy the company of others, Nola enjoys her solitude. This makes her strange enough to her kind, but then you also have to consider her other oddity. She could sense the emotions of those around her as easily as she could see, hear, smell, feel, or taste. While her kind has increased senses that they can use to see signs of emotions in the way someone is acting, none had her innate ability to read emotions as easily as her own thoughts. This was unnerving for her pack when she was younger. It was even worse when they discovered she could influence the emotions of those around her at will. She called it helping. They called it manipulation. She was an outcast while she was there and left as soon as she was strong enough to survive on her own. And survive alone she did. Nola sticks to sparsely populated wilderness areas that offer plenty of room to run as her wolf and enough game to make her hunting go as unnoticed as possible. She lives in abandoned buildings or unused vacation homes for days or months depending on how well she likes the area. Never more than a few months in one area and she was careful to leave a long period of time between visits if she ever returned to an area, better to avoid detection. There was always the worry that a human would happen upon her temporary living quarters or, even worse, her in her wolf form. There was also a worry, one that filled her with dread, that another werewolf would sense what she was and alert his pack. This is why Nola kept very close track of the pack territories around her and did her best to avoid them. Especially at times like this. Her heat had surprised her when she felt it starting to rise with the moon. She was in fact more susceptible to its effects than the humans around her, though she could not ease her own restlessness as she had theirs. Lucky bastards. Her heat made her ache to her very being with the desire to couple, though she was also driven to allow only her intended mate to couple with her. This leaves her feeling unfulfilled and disappointed every time her heat comes and goes. Other werewolves would be affected even more strongly, controlling the urge to shift on the spot in order to attempt coupling with her. But she would be able to sense that and abate their desires, hopefully keeping them from pursuing her. She rarely made trips into the populated areas where she was staying. But tonight was different. Tonight she really needed a drink. She finished off her glass again, though it didn't stay empty for long, and let herself enjoy the alcohol easing her agitation. Too bad this dullness can't last the night. Soon I will be burning it off faster than I can drink it. Another afternoon drinker entered the bar and was simultaneously drawn to Nola and frightened out of his wits. She automatically reached out to him and eased his suffering enough to order and find a seat in the far corner with the other couple of humans, all without breaking her train of thought on her plans for that evening. Nola reviewed what she knew about the area, now more anxious about shifting in an unfamiliar area during her heat. She was in northern Canada staying deep in the woods where she couldn't sense any other people, miles from this little town. There shouldn't be any packs in the area. I haven't sensed any other weres and none have shown themselves to me, which would be almost impossible not to do at this particular time. Her thoughts continued along these lines and started to review every possible scenario and how she would fight her way out of them. The glass was empty again, soon to be generously refilled. Swirling the amber, she thought of the little cabin she had found far up in the woods and how many things it had to offer her. The cabin was abandoned but still in good shape, even some sparse furnishings were left behind. The area surrounding it offered a fresh water stream and plentiful wildlife that she could hunt freely with little concern of detection. It is actually quite cozy. I could spend some time here. This realization made her even more anxious about encountering a pack and having to leave the area. I really hope there aren't any in the area. I do not want to have to fight off a pack of lust driven wolves tonight. She knew she could do it, but it would be an annoyance and not the way she wanted to spend her full moon. There was no doubt in her mind that she would avoid any of the wolves' intentions. She was instinctually driven to only sexually submit to her mate and would fight against any unworthy wolves that would try and mount her, no matter how much she may desire coupling herself. However, if she were to encounter her mate they would both immediately sense it and begin the mating process. The female wolf would run from her mate and try to avoid getting caught. The male would give chase and do his best to catch her. When they catch up they will wrestle until the male has his mate by the throat and is prepared to mount her, waiting for her to submit. She will show her submission by moving her tail to her side and offering herself to her mate. Wolf mating is instinct-driven and rough. The wolves will rut until the male is reaching completion. The knot at the end of his tapered penis will begin to enlarge and force into the female. This is joined by the male marking his mate with a bite at the joining of the neck and shoulder. The wolves will stay tied until the male's knot recedes. The wolves mating process will bind the two wolves for life. They will always want to protect each other and will not be content unless they are together. Nola did not consider the fact that she would encounter her mate. She didn't even believe she had one. She considered herself damaged, something must be wrong with her if she has such weird abilities. Who would want to mate with me? No. I am born to be alone. A lone wolf. A sad chuckle escaped her lips at the poor joke. I will be spending this heat as I have all my past ones, horny with no chance of release. She finished the rest of her glass but motioned the eager bartender down. The familiar bloom of warmth was there but was quickly burned out by her wolf. Alcohol could no longer ease her anxiety. Time to face reality. She paid her tab, tipped generously, and made her exit. Cedric Cedric made his way through the forest. He was somewhere in northern Canada miles from any form of civilization. It was early spring so the weather was cold and brisk, but the snow held off. But Cedric didn't feel the cold as he made his way through the wilderness, his wolf side made him resilient in cold environments. His thoughts were focused on shelter. I really need to find a place to stay for the full moon tonight. And maybe the next week or so. It would be nice to take a break from traveling. This is the twelfth moon since Cedric left his pack; he has been on his own ever since. He is not accustomed to being on his own and often desires the company of other wolves. Not humans, they are often frightened of him even when he is not shifted. Talking to such jumpy people can get irritating. But he cannot seek the company of his kind. He has been banished. He is a lone wolf. The isolation pains Cedric but he is slowly becoming accustomed to it. His depression has somewhat dulled his wolf instincts these past few months, though it is still stronger than most. That is why he is a little put off that his wolf is rising so strongly with this moon. He is plagued by the unshakable sense that something is coming, and is filled with excited expectation. This confuses him even more because he has no idea what it could be. Cedric looks to be in his mid twenties, though his age is actually somewhere close to two hundred. He is tall with a swarthy complexion and his frame ripples with lean muscles developed from thorough use. His almost black hair is kept somewhat short but doesn't see much grooming. He has a strong jaw and chiseled cheekbones that accentuate his ruggedness and raw power. His eyes were rich amber with flecks of green and blue. He exudes an air of strength, confidence, and masculinity. The forest buzzes with frightened energy around him as he picks is way through the trees, the full moon evoking his wolf instincts and calling to him to shift. He looks up at the sun to see it progress and finds it falling past midday. Soon. He begins to move faster. He scans the area with all of his senses, keeping him alert to any danger as well as seeking out a decent shelter for a few days. Nothing is standing out to him and he continues to move forward. Then he finally crests the hill he is climbing and is able to get a good view of the surrounding area. He noted the presence of three buildings in the wide area spread beneath him. They were all spread over miles, but his position and werewolf eyesight allowed him to see them easily. He took a minute to decide his path. All of the buildings are far from any population; they are even spaced quite far from each other. There is very little chance I will inadvertently frighten some humans during my change. None of the buildings even look occupied so there is a chance I am completely alone out here. He starts heading to the cabin closest to him. It has obviously been abandoned for quite a while and is farthest from the closest village. He is aimed directly at the cabin during his trek, even when he can no longer keep it in his sight. He follows his unerring sense of direction as he moves quickly through the trees. His thoughts keep him company, just like the last months. It would be nice if I could stay at this cabin for a while. Maybe more than a few days. This area has enough area for me to run and very little chance of running into someone during a shift. I am not encroaching on the territory of any packs, so I should be able to stay here unchallenged. I could even make a few trips into the village. Even if jumpy, humans are company. His brooding thoughts continue to carry him through the trees. He pushes himself to his limit with his interest in reaching the cabin. Cedric knows he can move faster if he shifts to his wolf form, but he resists the urge and continues on two legs. He wants to save his change for the rising of the full moon. The uncontrollable energies it evokes give the wolf an incredible shift high when the power of their shift is completely given over to the moon. It is one thing that makes the full moon so enticing. Cedric knows not shifting the day leading up to the full moon will increase that effect and get him even closer to his base wolf instincts. Though he can still move quite quickly, even in his human form. There are several miles between him and the cabin but he will be able to cross that in a couple of hours. The Lone Wolf Ch. 02 A lot of things have changed for my brothers and I since we were little cubs. I for one found out that I was human, and not a werewolf. However, my family loved me no matter what. Unfortunately, I had to stay away from other wolves. Father would never explain why to me, but I had a feeling I knew the reason. When the boys found out I was human, nothing changed they were still my brothers. I started working with my father and his men. I did my best to help out when we would hear that human were in our woods. One thing did change though; it was getting closer for the boys to start looking for the other half of them, their mate. The biggest change of all was that father and mother believed it was time for a new Alpha. "Pups your mother and I feel that our time as the Alphas of our pack has passed. It time for this pack to have a new alpha male or alpha bitch" said Father. "Now pups, your 20th birthday is in a couple of days, at that time we will name the next Alpha." said Mother. "Yes mother. Yes father." My brothers and I said. "Can we go now? I have a very hot female wolf to get to," said Alford attempting to hold back a grin. "When are you going to act your age Alford?," asked Ardwolf with a touch of sarcasm in his voice. "Now, now Brother if we were human we would be doing just that. Human men our age go out and find a hot girl to take home and fuck them then send them on their way. Why can't I do the..." Alford started his second sentence, but was silenced by our mother. "Alford, I know you were raised better than that boy! Maybe you need to be reminded how males in this pack treat women be they weres or humans. Women are to be respected, loved and protected." said Mother "That is what I want to do, love her on my big middle leg." Alford said with another grin, bigger than the first. "Boys go do something, Alford you may go on your date, but, you may not fuck her. If I find out you fucked her then you my son will no longer have a that middle leg of yours. The day coming that you all will find your mates you all need to start acting so." Said Father, then turning his attention to me. " My little wolf cub I need to have a few words with you." I turned to face him and tried to recover my mind from the thought of Alford impaling a woman on his middle leg. "Father would you stop calling me that, I'll be 20 in a couple of days. Would you please start calling me Annabelle or Anna or Belle, or anything other than Little Cub? You wanted to talk to me, yes Father." I said with a bit of a whine in my voice, hoping that he would start to treat me like he did the boys. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fawn was 19 years old; in a couple of days she would be 20. She was so hungry, she never knew when or where her next meal going to come from. She attempted to get a job at different places in the city. Unfortunately, no one wanted to hire a girl without a permanent address or who looked like she came off of the streets. She looked around the alleyway she was sitting in, with her back against a brick wall of a building. The street pavement was old and grey; it reminded Fawn of an old man's face. There were deep cracks in it; the color was faded to grey from black with specks of white. Potholes went unfilled and trash gathered on the sides of the brick building which surrounded her. When Fawn looked right, she saw life, the city, people walking and talking on their cellphones in clean clothes, hustling to and from work or to get some lunch before heading back to their busy, productive lives. To the left she saw another brick wall, a dead end, like her life felt. The street was scattered with puddles, a lingering reminder of the rainstorm from a few days ago. From a distance, the water in them reflected the tops of the buildings and the blue sky, perhaps a cloud or two. When Fawn looked into them, the reflection she saw was of a dirty teenager with no hope and no home. Upon looking closer, past her matted hair and dirt, past the thin face and glazed eyes, she saw something completely different; she saw her wolf staring back at her. Each time she saw it she would stomp her foot in the puddle, splashing the water destroying the image. She would then turn away, her mind filled with rage. All she had to wear were raggedy clothes, which were dirty and nasty from living on the streets. She could not take a bath on a regular basis. Her hair was long, it was down to her knees, but it was all matted and in tangles. She was so skinny it looked like she was a twig that would break from one touch, she looked and smelled unhealthy. She remembered her life before that morning her mom called her a demon. She was happy, loved, and healthy. She could have had a bright future, but now every day was a struggle just to survive. "I'll be lucky if I see 20." She would say to herself. "If you would let me out I could hunt and we could eat the kill until our heart's content." Her wolf said in her mind. "No shut up! I don't want anything to do with you. I just want to be normal. It all your fault my life is so bad", Fawn said. "I'm a part of you, I'm sorry if you think I'm here to hurt you, "her wolf said in her mind again. "Just shut up and let me think," Fawn said "I just need to find somewhere to get food, somewhere to get some sleep. I could always find a big box to lie down in." As she was contemplating her sleeping and eating choices, she had a weird feeling. She looked around and sniffed the air. She caught a smell, one that she never smelled before. Her eyes got big and wide. "It can't be. It can't be another wolf." she said herself. "I don't know. I only know what you know. What I do know..." her wolf started to say in her mind but was interrupted by her conscious self. "How many times do I have to tell you to shut up? Let me say it one more time, shut..." her mind's voice lingered unable to finish the sentence. Behind her, she heard a growl. She turned around slowly and she saw a wolf with glowing yellow eyes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I watched my mother and brothers walk out of the room leaving Father and me alone.. What did he want to talk about, what was there to talk about? "Father you wanted to talk to me about something," I said. "Yes my little wol, umm Belle, there are two things that I need to talk to you about.", Father said. "Ok Father, I'm listening," I replied. "Well one is a bit more difficult to talk about," said Father. "Oh Father what is it? You know you can tell me anything, good or bad, we can fix it somehow. we always do." I said. Father looked a little sad, like he didn't know how to say what was on his mind. "Belle, your mother and I are giving up the alpha position, as you will know. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to say." he said with his head bowed down. I never liked my father looking sad, it was like there was no hope at all. I walked over to where he was sitting. He looked up at me with a forced smile on his face. I couldn't help myself I had to give him a hug, as I did I nuzzled his neck. In the past it always seemed to help Father feel more comfortable talking to his only daughter about difficult matters. "Ah my sweet little Belle, it's just that it's going to be harder for me to protect you from the pack now that I won't be the alpha anymore," said Father. "But Father, one of my brothers will be alpha, they will not let any of the pack hurt me. They would do anything for me," I said. "Maybe, if I found a mate in the pack as well, that would help. It's not unknown for werewolves to find human mates these days," I explained. " You would let him bite you and turn you into a werewolf?" Father asked me with a questioning look upon his face. "Yes father I would, then I would be like the rest of you and the pack. Deep down that's all I've ever wanted. Since I found out that I wasn't a werewolf, I've hated not having a wolf within me, like I was an outsider to my own family," I said to him. " Belle you should not hate yourself, and we love you just the same as we did when we thought there was a wolf within you. You know I would do anything for you, and I know you are right about your brothers. We will cross that bridge when we come to it." "Ok Father, what was the other thing you wanted to talk to me about?" I asked. "Ah well, this is easier to talk to you about. My men have told me that there are some humans in the woods. They been hunting and shooting at animal wolves." Father said. "Oh my God! Do you want me to stop them?" I asked. "In a way, yes they were shooting at an animal wolf, but there was one of our beta's running very close by. The hunter nearly hit the beta, I will not stand for anyone in this pack losing their life because of a human hunter. I am still an alpha wolf even after a new alpha is selected. One of your brothers will need to learn how to be alpha before he can take over." Father said to me. "I understand father I will go at once before they get too close to our den. No one in this pack will lose their life father. ", I said "Belle, I don't want you to go until after your birthday, I don't want you to miss it. The men are watching the humans to keep an eye on them and making sure they not come any closer to the den." Father continued taking my hands in his. "They don't mind doing my job, Father?", I asked "No, they don't, they know how important your birthday is, but I do want you to go pack something warm for your mission," Father said. "Yes father," I said. With that I left the room to go pack for what could be my last mission as a human. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The wolf growled at Fawn, right before he launched himself at her throat. She threw her hands up to keep the wolf at bay, but the wolf was too strong for her. Fawn could feel the wolf's teeth on her skin about to break the skin to rip her throat out. "This is how it ends for me, killed by a wolf," she said to herself as the wolf continued to bite down. "We can't just accept this, to just roll over and die," her wolf was fighting her human mind to take over and defend herself. "No, i'm too weak to fight. I believe this will be my end. I guess I will not see 20. Nice knowing you, my wolf, or then again maybe not." Fawn said to her wolf. "Stop this Shane! She's not even trying to transform into her wolf, she is cowering and afraid!" She heard a deep male voice came from where the wolf had emerged from. Shane stopped at once when he saw the man who had spoken the words appear from the shadows. The man had a look on his face, Shane recognized that look, it was the same look as males would give when they found their mates. She noticed that the wolf, apparently named Shane, backed off in a hurry. Fawn spent a good amount of time huddled in the fetal position on the ground. Finally, she opened her eyes and saw the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen. He was very tall about 6'10" tall, with long dark thick hair which was put up in a ponytail, his eyes were the color of sky blue. He could pass for an angel sent from heaven to protect her. "You need not to be afraid of us little one, I am Antonio, and this wolf, who has temporarily lost his manners, is Shane." Antonio spoke to her in a calm, soothing voice. Fawn could barely speak, her body was trembling with terror, when she was able to muster a sound she felt it sounded almost like a whisper and was barely audible. "Your wolf, he attacked me. Perhaps you should keep him on a leash and a muzzle on him". Fawn said gathering herself together and standing up. Fawn heard Shane growl at her, apparently not liking what she said. Fawn knew that he wanted to attack her again, and this time really rip her throat out. She saw Shane's body lower into a pouncing position, just before he sprang at her; she heard Antonio laugh deeply. "Well I always told Mom and Dad they needed to keep a muzzle on him. No sweetheart, he is not my pet he's my brother." he said and turned his attention to his brother, "Shane, leave her alone, I would hate to have to hurt or kill you. I have decided this lost pup is mine!", Antonio said with a snarl in his voice. Shane transformed into his human form. Fawn look at the two brothers, instantly she could tell they were identical twins. "That all very good Antonio, but in case you haven't noticed this one has trespassed on pack territory. The alpha will kill her before you could claim her as your mate," said Shane . "No, the alpha will listen, I''ll have a talk with him. The alpha will accept her in his pack." explained Antonio. He turned to face Fawn. "Sweetheart, what pack are you from?" "Pack? You mean like a pack of wolves, there are more of you? I don't understand." Fawn said. Antonio and Shane looked at each other then back to her. They had never heard of a were not know of others like themselves. "Yes sweetheart there many like us; and a lot more than just wolves out there as well. What is your name little one?" Antonio asked her. "Fawn." She replied. "Now that is a funny werewolf name, Fawn, like a baby deer. A weredeer would never name her baby after a wolf." Shane said laughing. "Shane, stop laughing at her this instant." Antonio said sternly. Antonio approached Fawn, she could feel his eyes looking over every inch of her and she could hear him sniffing at her. Antonio gave Shane a look as he approached his prize. He was surprised at how unhealthy, dirty and nasty this female was. However, he could see past the wretched smell, the dirt, the filth, the malnourishment. He saw her beauty beneath the mask that homelessness had covered her with. He knew he wanted her as his mate as soon as he smelled the purity of her wolf. He could not hold himself back from her anymore, he picked her up and nuzzled her neck try to convey comfort to the scared girl and her wolf which lie within. "Fawn, I'm sorry that I have not found you until now. Your life will be better now that you are with me." Antonio said to her; locking his eyes on hers. "Ah man she looks bad, she's in need of a lot of work, and just look at her clothes." said Shane. "Antonio?" Fawn asked the large man holding her. "Yes sweetheart," Antonio answered, looking happy for that was the first time she had said his name. "I'm so hungry, I have not eaten for almost a week.", Fawn said. Antonio smiled at the small girl in his arms, "Don't worry, I'll take care of you, you can eat as much as you want." He then looked back at his brother. "Shane, lets go." "Go? Go where?" Shane asked his brother. "To the den, I'm going to take her home.", said Antonio "OK, but the alpha's not going to like it" Shane said with a bit of a whine in his voice. "I'll deal with that later, for now, let's get this one some food." Antonio chuckled, "and a bath!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As I got ready to meet my hot date I was thinking about what my father had said. "Alford you may go on your date, but, you may not fuck her. " How the hell was father going to know if I fuck her or not? He would not dare to attempt to cut off my dick. He wanted grand pups from each of his sons to make sure the family name lived on. I remembered the first time I ever saw the girl I would see tonight. I just knew I had to have her, I never saw anyone like her before, it was like something pulling me to her. She was about 5'11 with long black hair. Her eyes were so green, like a grassy meadow. She had a body a guy would kill over, looking at her breasts they had to be about 50 triple D. She had been sitting with some of her girlfriends at the time, without thinking I walked up to them. All her girlfriends try their best to flirt with me, there were benefits to being the Alpha's son. They wanted to be chosen by me to mate with. This one girl acted like she did not want anything to do with me. Her face would turn red when I try to talk to her, I was so happy when I got her alone, her friends got up to get something to drink. I asked her what her name was. She only said one word "Zoey". We talked for the longest time until her girlfriends came back. I told them I would have to be on my way. They all whined that they didn't want me to go. I looked at Zoey and again without thinking I asked her to go out with me. She shocked the hell out of me when she said "Yes". I drove to her house to pick to her up, I got out of the car walked to her door and knocked. I don't know why, but she made me want to try to be a gentleman. I was elated when she opened the door for me. "Hello, I did not know you were still coming", Zoey said. "Hello beautiful, you sure you are a wolf?" I said to her. "Umm yes. Why, is something wrong?" Zoey asked me. "Well, I'm thinking you could be a werefox." I said and watched her face blush with a rose tinge and I laughed softly. "Come on, we don't want to be late." I took her petite hand in mine. "Alford, where are we going," asked Zoey shutting the door behind her and calling out to her parents "Have a good night." "Ah, if I told you it wouldn't be a secret ". I said to her. I escorted her into my car, I watched her body move as she sat down in my passenger's seat. I walked around the car and got behind the wheel. As soon as I closed the driver's side door I could smell her. her scent was intoxicating, I felt drunk on her as I started the car and pulled away from the curb. She looked at me as I drove, I could feel her gaze upon me. I couldn't help but smile as I drove, I wanted so badly to reach out and put my hand on her leg, I was eager, but I didn't want to seem too fast. I pulled up outside of Umberto's Restaurant, it was one of the nicest restaurants in town. The place was desolate, not a sole around. Zoey looked with awe as we pulled up to the entrance, but her look turned to disappointment when she didn't see any lights on. "Alford what are we doing here? It doesn't look like they are open tonight. We had better go before we get into trouble," Zoey said. I turned to her and said "Zoey, did you forget who you were with? I'm one of the alpha's sons, on top of that I might be the next alpha and if not me then one or my brothers or my sister." I said opening the driver's side door. "But, how will we get in?" Zoey asked me as I opened the car door for her and took her hand helping her up. I laughed walking up to the restaurant door. I had paid a lot of money to have it be just the two of us, alone. As we walked up to the door of Umberto's, a man in a dark suit opened the door as Zoey approached, I slid a ten dollar bill into his hand as I shook it and said "Thank you Robert, nice to see you again." "It's nice to be seen." Robert said as the door gently closed behind us. The maitre d escorted us to a lone table in the middle of the restaurant, all of the other tables had been pushed to the outer edge of the dining room allowing us plenty of room to be comfortable. He helped Zoey into her seat and placed napkins into both of our laps once we were seated. He handed Zoey a long sheet of paper with the menu choices. "Everything sounds so expensive" she said gazing up and down the list. "I didn't know what you would like, so I had the chef create a special menu just for you. If you don't see something you would like, let me know and I can have him cook anything, on or off of the menu." I explained to her. "But, the food, what will become of the food that was made for this menu if I order something different?" Zoey asked with a concerned face. "Not to worry ma petite, I will ensure any leftover food is brought to a needy family." I smiled at her. Zoey relaxed and smiled at me, her eyes returned to the custom menu and she said, "You know, you're not like what the girls say you're like. Everyone thinks you're a pompous jerk, but you're not, why don't you let this caring side you have show though?" The Lone Wolf Ch. 02 Sorry for the rough ending on the first one, and sad to say this one is no better in fact, my editor yelled at me for leaving it off here. But more is still to come. Thanks Lorelei, you know who you are. "Come on Erik, we don't have to be long baby." the voice was female, and she could hear the sound of lips locking together. The red wolf huffed and was about to move on when she smelled him. His scent was coming from the direction of the female voice. Her wolf saw red and stepped around the brush to see him. She could see a leggy blonde wrapped around her mates form, but before she could growl he pried himself away. "Danni, I can't. You should go find some other wolf to play with." He was about to turn around when the blonde grabbed him again. "I don't want any other wolf Erik, I want you." She pouted and pressed herself against him. "Too bad Danni, you can't have me." He pulled away and started walking in Val's direction. Her wolf backed up slowly. "I can, and I will Erik." The blonde jumped on to him pushing him into the grass, her lips all over him. Val couldn't hold back the growl that escaped her and she turned, racing off into the woods. She came back to the willow, and huddled behind it. She shifted back into her human form and pulled her knees into her chest. Her heart breaking. She had waited all these years, she went through so much pain, just to have her mate be with someone else. In her mind her wolf whined and pleaded to be let free to kill the woman that dared to kiss their mate. Instead Val curled into a ball and cried. ==== Erik couldn't believe Danni's audacity. She actually knocked him to the ground and was all over him. That's when he heard it, a very low, very angry, very female growl. His wolf stood up and yipped inside his head. He threw Danni off of him and growled at her. "I am not yours." and looked around for his mate. He knew she was there. He shifted, not caring about his clothes and put his nose to the ground. He found where she was hiding, watching him, and felt ashamed that she had to see that. He could smell the pain that was radiating off of her and followed her scent back to his spot. He stopped and looked around but he couldn't see her. He put his nose to the air and sniffed, then heard something. Cautiously he scooted back into the brush and walked around the willow tree just out of sight. Once he rounded the tree he could see his mate, curled into a ball and crying. He was mentally screaming at himself for even thinking that sleeping with Danni was a good idea when he did it. He heard Danni howling in anger back where he left her and saw his mate stiffen. He growled knowing that she thought that was a howl of ecstasy and not one of anger. Her head whipped in his direction and he cursed himself. Slowly he stepped from the brush and into her view and looked at her. He whined and inched forward. He could see her pressing herself further into the tree and he crouched low to the ground and inched forward whimpering. He kept inching forward making small reassuring sounds. Her eyes never left him for a moment, watching his slow approach. He was almost at her feet when he heard something in the woods. He sat up swiveling his head and cocking his ears trying to find the sound. Val had heard it too. She was watching the wolf come closer, watching him try to reassure her with his soft growls and whimpers. She knew who he was, he was her mate, the one the female had been all over moments ago. Her wolf could still smell that female on him and was snarling to be let loose. She wanted to rub her body all over him and scent him as hers. Val shook the thoughts aside and watched him turn to face the bushes he had come out of. There was some twigs snapping, and then a blonde wolf leapt into the clearing. The blonde wolf snarled and Valerie knew who it was, it was Danni, the female who had been all over her mate. She couldn't keep a reign on her wolf, and it burst forth, shifting her to stand in between her mate and the blonde wolf. Danni stared at the beautiful red wolf as it stood between her and Erik, its lips peeled back and snarling. She knew that she should stand down, but Erik was hers. She had been with him off and on for years, and she knew she was about to go into heat soon and wanted him with her, she would fight for him if need be, and she always got what she wanted. She snarled back and barked at the red wolf telling her to stand down, but the red wolf stood there growling, hackles raised. Erik watched the scene in amazement. He knew he had hurt his mate, and she was upset seeing him with Danni. He was floored when he saw the red wolf jump in front of him, it was her, his mate. She stood there tall and proud, growling at Danni. Even with the seriousness of the situation, Erik couldn't help but feel a small spurt of male pride. He sat back on his haunches and smiled, well a wolfish smile anyway, and his tongue lolled out of his mouth. The blonde wolf lunged at the red wolf, hoping she'd retreat, instead the red wolf snapped viciously at the blonde one, barking out her frustration. Danni retreated a few steps and circled over to the left, watching the red wolf with hate filled eyes. Val stood her ground and watched Danni pace, waiting for the next attack. She didn't have long to wait, and this time she swatted at Danni and caught her jaw with a powerful strike, sending the smaller wolf flying to the ground. The blonde wolf was furious, as she stood and shook out her fur. She wasn't going to let this Bitch come between her and Erik. Valerie had just about enough from this blonde bimbo. She crouched low and waited for the lunge she knew was coming. This time she propelled forward and caught the blonde in the shoulder, rolled her onto her back and stood over her growling. Her jaws clamped tight around the other wolf's throat waiting for submission. The blonde bucked and tried to throw off her opponent, snarling as much as she could. "Submit Danni, submit to my mate. She beat you." Val's heart soared at his words, he called her his mate! She knew not to let go until the other woman relented and waited until she went limp, her eyes downcast. Val released the wolf and backed up a few paces to sit beside her mate. The blonde wolf shifted. "This isn't over Erik." She snapped at him, and he smiled. "You are mine!" She whined, staring at him. "I was never yours Danni. I am not your mate." He shrugged, running his large hand down his mates back, luxuriating in the feel of her soft red fur. "You know that. You will find your mate Danni, and when you do you will see how foolish you are being." Erik chuckled at the look of outrage on Danni's face. "You should go. I have to apologize to my mate." He said before he shifted back into his wolf form and ran his head across the top of his mate's. Val watched Danni huff and shift back, and race toward the compound. She could feel Erik's gentle licks and feel his heavy head as he checked for wounds to heal. She knew she had none, but liked his attentions. He shouldered her, and she turned her wolfish eyes on him. His wolf was large, and broad, much like the man. His fur was long and shaggy, but still soft. She could still smell Danni all over him and growled. She lunged at him, catching him by surprise, and knocking him onto his back. Before he could move, she was rubbing her body against him. Replacing that vile woman's scent with her own. She looked down at her mate and scented his neck, happy that she was the only other scent she could smell mixed with his own. When the red wolf had knocked him over, he thought she wanted to play, but as she rolled over him, he realized he must still smell like Danni. He let her do what her wolf needed to do, and growled low with arousal as she stood over him and stared down with her beautiful light green eyes. She backed up off of him after she had scented his neck and allowed him to stand. He sat for a moment curious as what to do. He knew he had to make amends for the position she found him in earlier, and his wolf wanted nothing more than to prove his dominance over her and mate with her now. The red wolf looked over at him and leaned down to clean her paws, but still watching him. He stood and walked over to her, circling. Val watched him closely as he circled her. She was curious as to what he was up to and felt her heartbeat pick up as his breath came down on the back of her neck. His tongue licked her there and she growled out her warning. She was, after all, still angry at him for the position she found him in. She felt the shimmer of power behind her and knew that he has just shifted back to human. "I'm sorry little one." His voice rumbled in her ear as his hands rubbed at the fur on her back. "You should not have seen me as you did, especially for our first time meeting. Outside of dreams." She cocked her head to the side to see him, "Yes little one, we shared a dream earlier. It is common among mates to see each other, well it used to be. Not so much anymore times have changed a bit and it seems to be taking longer for us to find our mates." He laughed deep in his chest at the look Val gave him. "I am not yet old little one, you need not worry. I'm a young pup compared to some." Val's wolf chuffed and stepped away from her mate to drink from the pond. "You are not going to make this easy on me are you little one?" Val stopped drinking to look up at him for a moment and then resumed drinking. " I Guess I deserve that." He laughed quietly again and stood up looking out over the pond. "You were one of the human women turned weren't you?" Val choked on her water and huffed indignantly, turning her muzzle to glare at him. "No? You were rescued from that house weren't you?" Val tilted her head and sat back on her haunches. "Yes, but you were never human? How did they manage to capture a she wolf?" Erik mused as he stared at his beautiful mate. "Erik!" He heard his brother and knew she did too, but he didn't want to take his eyes off of her in fear that she would run and he wouldn't be able to go after her right away. "There you are." Ayden breathed as he got closer. Erick took a moment to look up at his brother's approach. "I've been looking everywhere for you, what the hell are you doing back here all by yourself?" Erik wildly looked around for his beauty but she was nowhere to be seen. His shoulders slumped and he glared at his brother. "Leon says that they have battle strategies lined up for tonight if you want to do your job." The Lone Wolf Ch. 02 Nola Nola leaves the village behind her as she moves farther into the forest. There are a few miles between her and the cabin she is staying in. Keeping her pace leisurely until she is beyond human eyes, she then starts an easy run that carries her swiftly through the trees. The urge to shift is strong but she decides against changing. Putting off the change will allow her a few more hours before succumbing fully to the effects of her heat. It also makes the rise of the full moon even more intoxicating. She loves how powerful and fully wolf she feels when she allows the moon to control her shift. Nola continuously scans the area around her as she runs. She is aware of every creature in the surrounding woods and their reactions to her passing, sensing a wave of fear follow her passage. She did not encounter another person and was soon back at her cabin. She did a lap around her cabin, trying to sense if anyone had disturbed her quarters while she was away. Finding everything as she had left it, Nola feels satisfied with her security measures and retreats inside. The cabin has one room that holds a surprisingly clean bed, a couch with threadbare cushions, and a small rocky table. There is a fireplace in the corner and a basin that can hold water. Nola spends the rest of the afternoon cleaning up the inside of the cabin. Beating the dust off the bed and couch cushions, steadying the table with a bit of folded paper, and generally removing the grime that had accumulated after years of neglect. She leaves the outside of the cabin in its dilapidated state and is careful to keep her tracks around the cabin covered, though she is aware that her scent is lingering quite heavily in the area. My damn heat is just trying to get me noticed. Well there is nothing I can do about that, let's just hope no one comes sniffing by. The last thing she wants is some human on a hike to discover her squatting in what should be an abandoned building. And even more she doesn't want another werewolf to happen along her temporary lodge. Nola tells herself that she is cleaning in case she decides to stay for a while. I might as well have everything ready. No need to waste an afternoon chasing my tail. Though she really knows that she is attempting to distract herself from her growing arousal and the irrepressible urge to shift. Just a few more hours. She is simultaneously flooded with excitement and dread as she thinks about the night to come. While shifting will relieve one urge she is feeling, she knows she will not be able to find relief for her other desire. Being in heat and not coupling is painfully uncomfortable for her. It will definitely be a long, cold night. But nothing I'm not used to. Nola finds herself thinking about her past. Her pack thought she was an odd pup for trying to hide away by herself; pups usually love attention and seek can't stand being away from other wolves. Even then she preferred to be alone, seeking moments of solitude in order to escape the emotions of the other wolves from shouting in her head. Her favor for the lone wolf lifestyle only grew when the pack's emotions turned to fear and hatred once they discovered her abilities. The ensuing neglect allowed her freedom to escape on her own even more often, though she was still too young and weak to survive completely on her own. But once she was strong enough she decided to leave for good. She had informed only her mother and father of her planned departure. They had always followed the way of the other wolves and treated her with contempt and distrust, but she was still hurt when she felt their overwhelming relief at the announcement. She left without a second thought and has never returned. She steels herself to those thoughts and steers herself to another area of consideration. As she cleans Nola reviews her knowledge of the area again, going over possible scenarios and plans for escape. There are a few cabins around that I haven't had a chance to take a close look at. But I am almost sure that no one lives in them because I would be able to sense their emotions from here. The cabins that she is most apprehensive about are a couple that are even farther from the village than hers. She had almost decided to stay in the one farthest out because it would put more distance between her and the village. But she stopped at this one when she saw the furnishings it had to offer. No, this cabin was a good choice. I am free to run that way tonight, nothing is keeping me from that. And it has been awhile since I have had a bed. Nola continues to fiddle around in her cabin until she can see the sun begin to dip behind the trees. It's time. She begins to remove her clothing, forcing herself to slow down her movements and nerves. Taking care to carefully fold and place each item of her clothing on the table, Nola is soon naked and left with nothing else to fill her time. She makes her way outside to watch the last of the sunset and the rising of the moon. She can feel her skin tingling, muscles stretching and flexing, and her senses beginning to morph closer to that of her wolf. The ring of energy around her, visible only to werewolves but felt by all, is growing brighter and pushing outwards a bit more. Her physical change has yet to take place, but her body is anticipating the shift and yearning to be taken over by her wolf. This is what makes the full moon different and so intoxicating for wolves. Intentional shifts always happen quickly. There is no chance for them to experience the slow build that surrendering control can give them, and the more powerful release that follows. Ahhh, yes. This will be a good night. Maybe my heat won't even be that unbearable. The sky is now dark. Nola's wolf eyesight can see a soft glow begin to grow on one side of the forest. A low thrum begins to sound in her chest, a growing buzz of energy. She feels warmth spread to her already heated appendages, and a place deep inside her that she couldn't grasp if she tried. The colors in her eyes are swirling, slowly at first, and she feels her skin begin to prickle as her coat grows in. The thrum in her chest increases. Her muscles begin to scream for a release that she cannot provide. The glowing orb is steadily climbing into view. Nola's head rolls back as she feels her ears grow, teeth change, and muzzle begin to form. Her hands flex and feet curl into the ground as her nails lengthen and morph to paws. Her eyes are swirling faster. The thrum continues to grow and shake her very core. Her body grows warmer, the place deep inside of her hotter than anything. The moon rises above the trees and Nola is fully bathed in its light. She falls forwards on her front paws as her head changes to that of her wolf. Her spine lengthens to grow a tail. The thrum grows. The warmth grows. That spot inside of her grows. Then it bursts. Nola's body, now fully wolf, shakes at the release. She can't help herself from letting out a full body howl that conveys all of who she is. Her power. Her freedom. Her heat. Challenging any who hear it. Cedric He arrives at the cabin with a couple of hours before moonrise. Cedric's wolf is yearning to be released but he suppresses the urge. I feel much more restless than usual. Maybe I am finally starting to grow accustomed to the lone wolf lifestyle. But I should at least be productive until the shift. Cedric starts checking the perimeter of the cabin, careful not to leave any tracks of his own. He is also seeing if he can sense anyone in the area, straining to detect any movement around the other cabins. Alas they are a few miles from him and he can't discern much, but he is confident enough that they are uninhabited. Everything here seems secure. I should have enough room to run, especially if I go away from the cabins. Hopefully the inside isn't in too bad of shape. He enters the cabin, being careful with the old door on its unsteady hinges. The inside of the cabin looks as if it has been untouched for years. Dust is clinging to every surface and the room has a slightly musty smell. But Cedric becomes pleasantly surprised has he explores the small structure. It consists of two rooms. The main room has a fireplace, a large tub to hold water, and a rocking chair that looks as if it could still support weight. The second room is much smaller, more of a nook in the house, and has a bunking area. There isn't a mattress but that doesn't bother Cedric. Quite pleased with the cabin he has found, Cedric settles in before the moonrise. He dusts the bed platform off and examines the rocking chair, checking for faults in its structure that could send him crashing to the ground. Not being able to think of any more tasks and having his wolf rise more by the second encourages Cedric to abandon his busywork in favor of watching the sunrise. He strips his clothes and steps outside into the fading rays of the sun. It's time. He can feel the thrum invoked by the moon beginning to rumble in his chest and the color in his eyes begin to swirl. Every ounce of him is pressing to shift, but he suppresses the desire and concentrates on enjoying the energy running through his limbs. Cedric starts to methodically concentrate on each muscle in his body in turn; stretching each and willing the energy to focus there for a second before releasing the hold and moving to his next target. He is playing with the power of the moon, testing it against his own powers to resist and control it. He is still letting the moon guide his change but is increasing the effect it has on his power. The moon is almost above the trees now. Cedric continues to test the moons energies even as he is thrown forward onto his front paws. His eyes are a blur of color, the thrumming in his chest is at an all time high, and the moon's energy is rushing through his limbs. He is at the top of a precipice, holding on with all of his strength. Then he falls. Cedric's wolf has broken free in all of its glory. Raw, supernatural power runs through all of his muscles. His strength is above challenge. He lets loose an earth-rendering howl that rips through the night air, announcing his presence and dominance to all of the lesser beings around him. The Lone Wolf Ch. 02 "It is what is expected of me as a son of the alpha. I have to have a tough exterior and show no weakness." I explained to her with a sigh. "Oh Alford, when you find your mate she will always be by your side, and I for one think your mate is in for a treat if you act anything like you are now." Zoey said. Zoey and I ordered our meals. I could hardly eat, I was too distracted staring into her green eyes, lost in their beauty. We talked and laughed and got to know one another as we ate. When we finished the chef brought over two puff pastry swans swimming in a pool of chocolate along with coffee. When we had finished I got up from the table and pulled out Zoey's chair. We turned to walk out of the restaurant and head back to the car. "Don't we have to pay?" Zoey asked me. "It's all taken care of my dear." I said as I put my arm around her waist and walked her of of the door and helped her into the car. I drove to the beach, I got out and once again helped Zoey out. We walked along the sandy shore and listened to the water crashing against the loose sand. I watched as Zoey's hair was blowing in the wind, I wanted nothing more than to touch her. Zoey stopped walking and put her back into my chest and leaned against me. I dropped my arm down along side of hers, we watched the motion of the waves and the moonlight reflecting off of the water's surface like a spotlight hitting a mirror. In an instant she spun around to face me, she stood up on her toes and pressed her mouth into mine passionately. Once my initial shock retreated I returned the passionate kiss, I started to take my hand and move it slowly across the back of her dress. I felt her shiver a bit at my touch and heard her moan lightly into my mouth. Then, she broke away from me and looked down at the sand. "That was enlightening," I said. "I'm sorry, I've never felt anything like that before. " said Zoey with her face turning red. I took her hands and looked deep into her eyes, "Don't apologize, I've wanted to do that all night, now, let's get you home." I said We returned to the car and I drove her home. I turned off the car and walked over to her side and opened her door. I gave her my hand and escorted her to the front door of her house. I wondered what my mother would have thought of my manners tonight with Zoey, she would have been shocked. I wanted to do good by Zoey and I didn't want to hurt her or do anything that might jeopardize our budding relationship. We got to the door before she opened it to go in I leaned in and kissed her gently on the mouth, this time I knew there was no letting her go. Zoey opened the door with our mouths still locked together. She broke our kiss only to motion to be quiet and to go upstairs to her room. She shut and locked the door and resumed our kiss. As soon as we entered her bedroom I couldn't help myself, I tore at her dress with my hand ripping the zipper off of the back. I moved back and the dress fell to the floor leaving Zoey standing there in her lace bra and panties. "Sorry for the dress, I'll get you a new one." I explained to her as I stood there drinking her body in with my eyes. I walked back over to her and slid my arm across her back and bent down to slide my other arm behind her knees, I bent down and picked her up with ease. Zoey smiled as I whisked her through the air, I walked to the door of her room and Zoey reached out to shut it. Then, I walk over to the bed to put her down on it. I stood up and she removed her remaining clothing, her body looked amazing in the moonlight that came in from the windows of her room. I laid down on top of her, as I did she spread her legs apart to allow my body to lie between them. I felt the heat of her body against mine, I could smell her intoxicating scent, I wanted her now. I kissed her neck and she moved her head aside, I used my tongue to lick at her earlobe. Zoey moaned softly, aware that her parents were only a few doors away. I continued kissing her neck and made my way down to her collar bone, Zoey reached up and buried her hands in my hair as I kissed and licked her soft skin. I kissed down her chest my lips kissing her cleavage, I felt her breasts graze the sides of my face as I passed them. I kissed her abdomen and her stomach. I continued down her body as she arched her back and moaned more and more as each tender kiss was planted on her body. I kissed the mound of soft smooth flesh of her pubic area and made my way down between her legs, I kissed her soft lips between her thighs, I had just started to part the soft lips with my tongue when her scent hit my nose. I shot up from her and right then I know I could not fuck her and I could never see her again. I started to get up when the wolf deep inside me protested. "MINE!" it screamed out into my head as it recognized my mate for life. "Alford? why you stop doing that it felt good to me." Zoey asked lifting herself off of the bed with her elbows, the look of disappointment was apparent on her face . "Beautiful, I have to stop, I don't what to hurt you. My original intention was to fuck you and never see you again." said Alford. The look on her face was hurt and disgust. She moved her arm to cover her breasts. "Oh, so you just wanted to use me for sex," Zoey said with a furled brow. "Please, I know it sounds bad, but that isn't it at all now. " I said to her. "So, what changed?" Zoey asked me, her look not improving at all. "Zoey, I got your scent and I knew," my voice trailed off unable to complete the sentence, not believing it myself. "Knew what Alford?" Zoey asked me. "I knew you are my one true mate, and I had to stop because I cannot mate with you until after my 20th birthday." I explained. Zoey looked shocked, almost as shocked as I was. Her face brightened a little and she gave a hint of a smile. "I'm your mate?" she said with a grin and continued "when is your birthday?" "Did you forget Alpha's son here? My birthday in a couple of days." I told her and then made up my mind and said to her, "and you are my date as my future mate if you will still have me. Also, I want you to meet my family if you'll come, I hope you'll come." "Who could say no to her mate?" Zoey said launching her body at mine, throwing her arms around my neck. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I couldn't believe it was the day before their birthday.. Everyone was running around to den like their chickens with their heads cut off. Her brothers were doing their own thing. Alford had been acting crazy all day. When I ask what was going on, he told me that I would have to wait til tomorrow at the party. Ardwolf was acting like a clone of father, no surprise there. Ardolph was nowhere to be seen, I guess he was out running in the woods. Father and Mother were in their office not to be disturbed. What could take all day for them not to show for dinner. That night I lay in bed thinking about was father said to me. I thought to myself "Could I go back to the human world? Would I miss my family? Would I be alone and never see the wolves I knew as my family?" I guess I couldn't worry about it anymore, whatever happened, happened. I lay in bed that night and after tossing and turning found a dreamless sleep. I woke the next morning to much of the same as the day before. The day flew by, and party started. everyone from the pack was there to wish my brothers and me a happy birthday. Everyone was buzzing about who would be named the next alpha. I watched Alford walk up to a pretty girl in the room, she was surrounded by unmated males. Alford gave a menacing look to the boys gathered around her, and they quickly scampered off to find another girl to prey on. I turned to my brother Ardolph who came to stand next to me. "Ardolph what was that all about?" I asked him. " I don't know Belle. But i'm sure we will find out eventually." he replied. I watched as Alford whispered something into the girl's ear he had been standing next to, he took her hand and walked around the room gathering up my brothers and bringing them by me. Mother and Father soon appeared, and the whole family was together in a tight circle. Alford said he had own announcement as he brought the pretty girl out from behind him and presented her to the rest of us. As soon as I saw their faces I knew what he was going to say. "Family, this is Zoey. Zoey this is Ardwolf, Ardolph, Annabelle and my mother and father." said Alford. "My alphas," said Zoey as she bowed her head, and continued "Ardwolf, Ardolph, Annabelle it nice to meet all of you." "And to you my dear." mother said with a smile which indicated that she didn't quite get it yet, but I knew. "To what do we own the honor of your presence?" asked Father. "I think Alford would like to answer that." Zoey said with a smile. "Alford, do you mind telling us what is going on here?" Mother inquired. Father sighed and crossed his arms saying "Did you fuck her son?" Zoey looked up in surprise. "No Father! I would never dream of hurting her. Zoey is my mate." said Alford I watched a tear escape from Mother's eye as she said "Welcome to our family dear." "Thank you lady alpha." Zoey said "Zoey?" Father said with a stern voice "Yes sir?" Zoey said looking slightly afraid of what would come next. After all, as Alpha, Father could reject her introduction into our family and cast her out. "Zoey, I will not have you calling my mate and I alpha now that you will be in our family. You may call us Mother and Father."said Father his face turning to a smile. "Yes father." Zoey grinned and blushed, the relief was readable on her face. "Now come pups it time for our announcement." Mother said. Our family walked across the great hall and up the stairs to the balcony. Father's voice boomed across the hall quieting everyone's voice. "May I have your attention please? As you all know this is my pups' 20th birthday. That is only one reason why we are here. the other reason is to find out who will be the next alpha. Ardwolf, Ardolph, Alford and Annabelle come stand before your Mother and me." Father said, everyone's eyes were locked on him. My brothers and I did as father asked of us. "Happy birthday my pups!" Mother and Father said in unison. There was silence in the hall, I'm not sure anyone was even breathing until we heard Father say "Without further ado the next Alpha is..." To Be Continued The Lone Wolf Ch. 03 There was silence in the hall, I'm not sure anyone was even breathing until we heard Father say, "Without further ado the next Alpha of the pack is Ardwolf. I know you will be a fair and keep everyone in this pack save as Alpha." Everyone said their congratulations to Ardwolf, I think we all knew that Ardwolf was going to be the next alpha. Ardwolf was already like the alpha when father was a way. I think Mother and Father made the right choice with their decision. I was happy for my brothers. Ardwolf was named the next alpha, Ardolph was still himself nothing changed yet, Alford was going to be mated to Zoey, but I couldn't help but thinking about what was going to happen to me. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard my brothers voice. "Hey Belle! No congrats for your big brother? After everything I've done for you," Ardwolf said to me. "I'm sorry Ardwolf, congratulations," I said to him, my head still spinning with thoughts of what may lie in store for me. "Annabelle what with the long face? You're not supposed to be sad on our birthday," Ardwolf said to me, he smiled and continued, "Now tell me, what's going on?" "It nothing I just got a lot on my mind right now. I'm truly happy for you and Alford," I said with a smile that I was sure Ardwolf would see directly thorugh. "Baby sister, share with your big brother, what's on your mind? It might help if you talk about it," said Ardwolf. "Father told me that it might be harder for him to protect me from the pack now that he will no longer be alpha. He said the pack might force me out to the human world I would never be allowed to come back to my family, my only home. What if..." I tried to catch my breath, I tried to hold back the tears, I couldn't help it, my eyes welled up. "Belle, let me put your mind at peace, this is your home. Father might not be alpha much longer, but I will be, and no one will tell you to leave this den without answering to me," said Ardwolf taking my hand in his, "Now let's go party before someone shuts it down." "Yes, my alpha sir," I said with a laugh, wiping the tears away with my fingers. We as our new Alpha instructed, we partied until the sun rose the following morning, many people curled up where they were in the great hall and slept on each other, just the way a real pack should. Ardwolf stayed with me the entire night.. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was the morning of Fawn's 20th birthday. Fawn's life had turned around completely within just a couple of days of meeting Antonio and his family. Meeting his parents, Connor and Karissa, went so much better than Fawn could have ever hoped for. They took her in as their own, gave her a place to sleep, food to eat and clean clothes to wear. Fawn had already become quite fond of Antonio's mother, who was very happy her son had finally found his mate. They had shared a fun afternoon when Karissa had given Fawn a makeover, showing her different types of makeup and how to use them. Fawn had missed having a mother's influence in her life and knew that she wanted and needed a woman to look up to. She felt she had found one in Antonio's mother. Antonio had told Fawn that he had a party to go to. He told her it would be better for her to stay at the house this time. Fawn was not a member of the pack yet, and trespassing on pack territory could get her killed. Antonio said that soon he would have to take her and go talk to the alpha about joining her to the pack. Fawn didn't tell him it was her birthday too, she didn't want Antonio or his family to make a big deal out of it. They already had done so much for her, so that night, her 20th birthday, she was alone at the house. She ate a little then tried to sleep in her own bed, but she could not sleep. She got up and went to Antonio's bedroom, being in his room she felt safe. She went to his bed and got in where she quickly fell asleep and dreamt of him. A warm hand on her head roused her from her dreams. With sleep in her eyes she looked up into a pair of sky blue eyes. "Hey sweetheart did you sleep well?," Antonio asked softly. Fawn sat up quickly. "Oh god, I'm so sorry that I'm in your bed. I tried to sleep in my own but couldn't. I guess I don't like being here by myself," she said while trying to scramble out of the bed. "It's OK sweetheart, I didn't like leaving you here by yourself, but I had to go to that party. Later today we will meet with the alphas about you becoming a member of the pack." Antonio told her coaxing her back under the covers. "Who was the party for last night?" Fawn asked him and continued, "and how to would I become a member of the pack?" "It was the alpha's pups birthday and they also announced who was going to be our next alpha," Antonio said and explained to her, "the alphas just need to catch your scent, then they can claim you as their pack after that we can be mated." "It was their birthday too, how crazy it that?" said Fawn not realizing she was speaking out loud. "Too? Fawn, is there something you want to tell me?" Antonio asked her with a puzzled look on his face. "Well, my birthday was last night too, I just didn't want you or your family to make a big deal out of it. You've all done so much already and I could never repay any of you," Fawn said. Just when Antonio was about to speak he heard his mother coming down the hall asking, "Antonio, did you find Fawn? Is she ok?" followed more quietly with, "God, if something happened to her I would never forgive myself." Antonio told Fawn, "Mother, Father, Shane and I have been looking all over the house for you. When we didn't find you in your room we thought the worst." He called out, "Mom, she's fine, I found her. She was in my room. I think we can call off the search party please." "I should go and talk to your family, I didn't mean to make you all worry," Fawn said. "Fawn you can stay in my bed anytime you want, however, if you do, you won't tend to get much sleep," Antonio said with a grin "Why not? I slept very well last night. What would keep me awake in your bed?" Fawn asked with a puzzled look on her face. Antonio sighed, he knew he was going to have to get his mother to tell Fawn about life as a woman and how to be a werewolf. He would do it himself but he didnt want to make Fawn uncomfortable, to Antonio, Fawn was like a little club that needed to be schooled on how she was supposed to act. A short time later Fawn and Antonio walked down the hall into the living room, where his mom, dad and Shane were seated on a comfy couch and fluffy chairs. Their eyes all turned to Fawn but she couldn't bring herself to look at their faces knowing they had been worried sick about her safety. Fawn finally broke the silence in the room, "I'm sorry I made you all worry about me, I honestly didn't mean to. I tried to sleep in my bed but I couldn't sleep no matter what I did," she said. "Fawn, it's fine that you were in Antonio's room. When we werewolves find our mates we feel safe around them. I should have guessed you might find comfort there with no one around to keep you company," Connor assured her. The air now cleared of everyone's concern, Shane spoke up, "Well, we've got lots to be doing today," thinking of the chores ahead before he could call the day his own. Everyone rose to get busy with their share of keeping the household running smoothly whether cleaning the house, doing the laundry, or equally ordinary outdoor tasks. That day's most important task though, was the visit to the Alphas. "Before you all go about your day, there something big we missed last night, " said Antonio. "Oh, and what would that be?" Shane asked cocking his head. "Fawn's 20th birthday," Antonio announced. "Antonio!" Fawn protested. "Well, I'm sorry we missed your birthday, I guess we will have to make it up to you tonight," Karissa said smiling at Fawn. "Hey Mom, I need to ask you something." Antonio said taking his mother's arm and leading her down the hall toward his bedroom. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Leaving the den to go stop the humans from shooting at anything to comes in sight was going to be harder than anything I had ever done before. "What if they shoot at me? Well, I guess I could die not being a were, I heal slowly," I thought to myself. I'll bet father will make sure that his men watch over me to ensure I don't get hurt, he always has. I knew I had to try, my pack needed me. Father had Ardolph to run me up North to where his men were. "Ardolph thanks for the ride. But you better go back to the den now." I said Once Ardolph transformed to his human form, he look down at me. "I asked father if I could stay by your side. This could be dangerous for you and no way am I going to leave you here." he told me. "But..." I started but Ardolph stopped my sentence before I could get it out. "No buts, Ardwolf and Alford would do the same if they did not have other things on their minds. now let's go and find father's men," Ardolph said. It didn't take us long to find them. They had their own little den out in the woods to shelter them during the mission. There were six of father's men there, resting outside in their wolf form. They all got up to meet us. One just ahead of the group met us half way from their den. I couldn't help myself. I leaned down and scratched behind his ear then he transformed to his human form. It was Clark, a wolf who worked for my father's security. I had worked with him before on other missions. In his early twenties, with hazel eyes and blonde hair, he was pretty good looking for a wolf. His six-pack abs were visible as the change into his human form didn't come with clothes. I tried to not look at his manhood but couldn't help myself. He was big, like 12' long, and I just couldn't help but think of how much I wanted his manhood inside me. "Belle, nice of you to come, but what's with muscles, don't I take good care of you, don't I get you back to the den safe and sound?" Clark asked. Before I could say anything Ardolph pulled me behind him and looked at Clark. I knew Ardolph was protective over me, all of my family is. "Be careful how you talk to her, she is the daughter of your current alpha and the sister of the next alpha. As for me I'm her brother, and I'm here to keep her from any harm. You, my friend, are an unmated male, to me, you are harm." Ardolph said. "Ardolph, please don't start there's too much to do and I need Clark to tell me what's going on with the humans." I turned my attention to Clark and said, "Clark, father made Ardolph my personal bodyguard." "Ardolph, Belle..." Clark started to say but was cut off by Ardolph. "Hey, that's Annabelle to you!" Ardolph said with a grunt of anger in his voice. Clark lowered his eyes at the scolding, "I'm sorry sir, Ardolph, Annabelle, the human are this way," Clark pointed his finger to the north. "They look like they are about to head out, we believe their current heading should take them straight to a pack of animal wolves," said Clark. "We need to stay on top of them and watch and see what happens. We do not want to engage them unless absolutely necessary." I said Clark kept on looking at me, he had a look to him, I wanted to go up to him, to be enrobed by his arms and to nuzzle his neck. I knew if I try to walk past Ardolph he would stop me. I wondered what it was about Clark that got Ardolph so riled up. I wondered if it was just because I saw his manhood. No, that couldn't be it. I had grown up with werewolf family, in a den where the pack slept in heaps. I had seen a lot of sex in both weres and in human form. As I was lost in my thoughts I saw one of the wolves walk up to Clark, and he listened to the wolf. "Yeah, thanks Jack," Clark said. "What did he say?" I asked Clark. "He said the humans are on the move." Clark said "Ok, I guess it's time to go to work boys," I said. "When I transform to my wolf you can get on my back." Clark and Ardolph said to me at the same time. Ardolph was not happy with Clark, he looked like was about to take him down. I knew what I had to do to keep that from happening. I walked past my brother to Clark. I knew I couldn't look down so I locked my eyes with his. "Clark, thank you for the offer but, I have to go with my brother (my bodyguard I said in my mind)" I said to him. "Right Annabelle. Keep up with her on your back Ardolph sir." Clark said Ardolph didn't say anything back to Clark, he just transformed into his wolf. I walked up to my brother about to get on his back when I felt some one lift me up. "Annabelle, hold on tightly to his fur." Clark said, nuzzling my arm. He leaned in closely and whispered in my ear, "when we done with this I think someone needs a little kiss." He smiled and with that Clark walked off and transformed into his wolf form. We let two of the humans get ahead of us so that they wouldn't see a group of werewolves, especially one with a girl on its back. When we stopped, the humans were right in front of us, in front of them were animal wolves. Included with the animal wolf packs were some young and their mothers. I knew I wasn't going to like what was about to transpire, unfortunately, I was right. The Humans had their guns pointed at the wolves in front of them, they just started shooting, killing everything they could see, I couldn't take it any longer, I spoke to my brother. "Ardolph I have to do something and I don't think you're going to like it. " I told him. Ardolph, my brother and for tonight anyway, my bodyguard, made a whining sound. I watched the humans a little longer, and when I heard their guns stop to reload, I got down off my brother's back and ran as fast as I could to get what was left of the animal wolf pack and their young. The humans were just about to take up their weapons and resume their blood bath when they noticed me. I could see the whites of their eyes as I shouted at them. "Stop! Put your guns down. Now!" I said to them in a growl and a shout. "And why should we?" said one of the humans looking me dead in the eye. "Tell us why we shouldn't kill you along with these beasts," said another human gaining confidence upon hearing the first. Before I could say anything Ardolph and Clark were behind the group, naked in human forms. "Do you mean other than the fact that you and all your friends be dead before you can even pull the trigger?" Said Clark, with his eyes glowing. "If I was you, I would do as my sister said and pull your guns down unless you all wish to die today. Then, I would back the fuck away from her slowly, and perhaps my mood will change, and I'll allow you to see sunrise," said Ardolph. I was in shock. I didn't know my sweet, shy brother had that in him, but then again he was a son of the alpha. "Now men, these woods are private property and you are trespassing on my family's land. My brothers are here to escort you off our lands. Oh, I nearly forgot, then is a fine for every animal you have killed here tonight, in addition to jail time. You all have a nice day now" I said walking away from the men as my brothers moved in. Ardolph, Clark, and the other weres escorted the humans out of the woods where the police were. When the men return to me they were happy to be returning to the den. Clark was the first to arrive, and without any words wrapped his arms around me and passionately kissed my mouth. I was stunned at first, but I kissed him back once I was aware of what was happening. All of the sudden I heard my brother's voice behind me. "Get your fucking lips off my sister, if you wish not to die today," Ardolph said. "Ardolph sir...." Clark said. I interrupted him. "Ardolph I love you for all you've done for me but I'm a big girl now... " Ardolph went to his wolf form to take Clark down. The others just watched them, not moving. Ardolph wasn't going to stop on his own so I ran for them. I hit Ardolph up side his head then helped Clark up. I took my brother away from everyone else so I could talk to him. "What's gotten into you? You never act this way. You are being like Ardwolf and Alford." "Sorry Belle. I just don't want to lose you or for you to get hurt. Also, it's my job as your brother to keep guys away from you." Clark walked up to us. "Ardolph sir, we need to talk," he said then looked at me. "Annabelle you ok?" "I'm good Clark. Thanks for having my back, again." "What is it we need to talk about?" Ardolph almost growled out. "Out of all the wolves here I know Annabelle is a human. That's why she's never in wolf form. But I for one don't care about that. She could be a wolf, or any of kind of were, and she would still be my mate. I want to take her as mine. I will not bite her and turn her if she doesn't want it. As it is, she could give me cubs," Clark said to him. "I could give you cubs before you turn me into a werewolf," I added. Ardolph stared at Clark, looking for any trace of deceit or doubt. Seeming to be reassured he said, "Belle, Clark seems like a nice guy and I guess he really likes you. I mean he was all over those humans for you. Maybe you didn't really need me here." "I like that you were here to help me anyway," I said. "Well I guess we'd better go back to the den so you two can talk to Father. Belle, do you mind riding on Clark's back for a little bit?" Ardolph said. "No, I don't mind if he doesn't," I replied.. Clark only said two words to me before transforming "Get on," and a shiver of anticipation slid up my spine. With that we were all going back to the den. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You want me to do what?" Antonio's mom asked him. "Talk to fawn tell her how mating wolves act, what they do. " Antonio said "She doesn't know about making love, is that what you mean son?" His mom asked him. "Yeah Mom,I would but I don't want to embarrass her or start something if she not ready for it. " Said Antonio "I understand son. I'll go talk to Fawn now. You and your wolf will have to remember to take it slow with her," his mother said. She got up and went looking for Fawn. Fawn was in her room trying to pick out something to wear to meet the Alphas. But she had no clue what to put on. She had never met anyone important before. She heard a knock on her door and turned around to see Karissa there. "Hello dear. May I come in?" "Yes, come in. I'm just trying to pick out something to wear to meet the Alphas," Fawn said. "Fawn, I wanted to say sorry again about missing your birthday. I also want to talk to you about the mating ceremony," "What, a mating ceremony? I'm never going to get this being werewolf down right. You know it's because of that wolf demon my mom turned me out. I hate that wolf. It took my life away and now I don't know how to act around others. What if Antonio realizes he could do better than me?" Karissa just sat and listened to Fawn go on. She knew Fawn had a hard life and she hoped with a little time and help Fawn would come over. "Fawn dear, Antonio is a good man. I know this because I raised him to be this man. He would never turn his back on you, not when you need him the most, not ever. As for the mating ceremony, it is for you and Antonio to become true mates. He will take you, in front of the whole pack, and make you his," Karissa said. "And here, wear this - it will look good on you." "Take me? In front of the whole pack? How?" Fawn asked with some concern and confusion. Antonio's mother thought, "So this is how it is to talk to a teenage girl about making love. Thank the Gods I have boys and their dad had to give them the talk." The thought her wolf sent was much more straight to the point, "Just tell her how a man put his manhood into the woman's ho...." "Ok Fawn, you are a grown woman so I'm just going to tell you how to make love to your mate. Every woman makes love to her mate with her heart. There are many different types of lovemaking and positions. Women expect that when they lose their virginity, it will be a very special moment for them. It is, but only for those that do not lose it when they are in their early teens, as most Americans do. No wonder then that for most of them it is painful, an anti-climax, and not as much fun as they thought it would be. It takes a lot of skill to do it right and most teenagers do not have those skills. Something similar also happens when you make love to a new partner for the very first time, even if you are a grownup. The two people need to get totally comfortable with each other and that takes time. So the first time is rarely a time to remember forever." Antonio's mom finished with a smile and a pat on Fawn's arm. The Lone Wolf Ch. 03 Val watched the mirror image of Erik walk up to him and saw Erik look around wildly for her. She knew that this man was related to Erik, and she should come out of her shell and meet him, not run from her mate, but her experiences with pack life stopped her. It's true that not every pack falls into despair and not every pack shuns families based solely upon the word of stuck up snobbish children. Andromeda's face swam to the front of her mind and the look on her father's face when she accused him of raping her. Tears began to form in her eyes as she thought back to that day. Her father was beaten and broken when he was dumped off at their home, and she was told that they had until nightfall to vacate the pack lands. This pack was obviously different, and no one here threatened her in any way. All the wolves worked together as a group, there was no real animosity. Sure there was some, and Val created her own with Danni, but that was normal in a wolf pack. When it escalates, however, that is when problems begin. That's where it began for her father. " Urian, the Alpha wants to see you and your children in his office." "Do you know what it's about Rory? I was just there not but two hours ago." Her father looked up from his crafting table to glance at his friend. "I'm not sure entirely but I know Andromeda was in there not long before he asked me to come fetch you. I wouldn't be surprised if it had something to do with her." Rory rolled his eyes and leaned his frame against the doorway. "What has she got against your family Urian?" "She doesn't like it when Valerie stands up to her or I deny her advances." Urian wiped the sweat off of his brow and looked over to his daughter. "Rory, She doesn't like me. End of story. I bested her when we spared months ago and she hasn't been able to let it go. Since I turned 18, and have been put through Beta training she has been pissed. Mostly because I took her down. The other Beta's are afraid to take her down because she is the Alpha's daughter. I didn't care. I knew I had the strength on her so I used it. After that she has been trying to get back at me anyway she can. One of them just happens to be trying to get into my father's bed." Valerie looked up from the table she was working at to see the big smile on Rory's face. "I'll be sure to pass the memo to the Alpha that this is just childishness. He wants you there within the hour, so I would finish up here and head over." Rory looked back at her father and smiled. "See you soon then." He disappeared from view and her father couldn't help but laugh. "Is that really what started all this mess?" "Yes dad. I had the power to make her submit and I used it." She shrugged and set the hilt she had been working on aside. "I will go find William and Xavier." She escaped her father's laughter and headed out to the old oak where she knew her brothers would be playing around. "No Xavier, You need to focus." She could hear William's voice echo. The clunk of wooden swords came to her attention and she rolled her eyes. "Boys, the Alpha wants to see us, all of us. I suggest you get out of your... ahem, training outfits and come back to the shop so we can go up together." The boys nodded and headed off for home while Val walked slowly back to her father's shop. Something in her gut was nagging at her. This whole situation didn't sit right with her. "Valerie!" She heard someone call from behind her and she stopped and turned. "Everett? Is that you?" Val was excited to see her old friend walking towards her until she saw the worried look on his face. "What is it? What's wrong?" "The Alpha... he's very upset with your father. " he hung his head. "You're going to be kicked out of the pack." "What?" "Listen to me Val. I just came back from a Beta meeting, and you're father is going to be paying for something everyone knows he didn't do. The Alpha is blinded by the witch, and siding with her. You need to go home and get your things packed." He put his hand on her shoulder. "What are we gonna do?" "We are going to be fine. Don't worry my family has a place for you to go and while your father is recovering I will be there to help." "I don't like this Ev." "I know, but this is the way it's going to happen. The Alpha takes his family seriously and no matter what anyone says he is going to believe that bitch." Everett put his hand on her cheek. "Careful Ev, she might come after you next." Val looked up at him and smiled at his laughter. "I'd like to see her try Val." His lips came down softly to caress her own softly. "Go get things ready so that when you have to go see the Alpha it's set. My mother will meet you there. She will get the rest done while we are at the meeting." He kissed her once more and nudged her in the direction of the house. The meeting with the Alpha had gone exactly as Everett had feared. Father was set to trial and he lost. He was greatly wounded and had to be carried off the field. He was taken to the Med ward for a quick clean up and wrap then shoved from it's doors. The Alpha turned to her after her father, seeing as she was the eldest "Your father has shamed his name and that of my pack by raping my daughter. He did not pass the first round of trials. You will be next to trial. Your family has two more rounds. Will you commit?" "Aye Alpha. It is my name, it is my burden." Val look sternly at her Alpha. She needed to do this. She could hear the whispers behind her. "Very well." He nodded and turned to speak to his betas. She turned to the circle and took a deep breath. "Val!" She could hear Ev on the outside of the circle. He knew her father wouldn't win but no one knew how weak he had gotten since her mother's passing. He barely managed to pass one trial. She turned to look at him and a tear ran down her cheek at his solemn expression. "Save them" she mouthed to him and turned back to see her opponent. "My daughter is willing to rescind the two remaining trials if you can beat her in battle." The Alpha spoke with pride in his daughter's abilities and a sneer in her direction. Val inwardly smiled at her good fortune but took it upon herself to look terrified at the proposal. "If that is what you choose my Alpha" She even modulated a fake stutter. She could see the bitch in question smiling and building up her confidence. She stepped into the circle and the crowd hushed. Andromeda rushed her and Val easily sidestepped her and raked her nails across her back. The wolves at the edge of the circle howled with the draw of first blood. Val could see that the Alpha had not expected her to injure his daughter. Apparently she hadn't confided in Daddy dearest when she had beat her the first time and forced her to submit. Andromeda never paid any attention in classes because she felt entitled, so she never learned to properly fight. Her lunges were sloppy and her blocks inadequate. She was bleeding profusely and hadn't even managed a scratch on Val. As Andromeda stopped to breathe Val took her chance and went on the offensive. She shifted and pinned Andromeda in one swift move, but Andromeda would not submit. "SUBMIT ANDROMEDA " The Alpha's voice resounded through the air. Andromeda stopped and obeyed the Alpha's command. Val backed up as the Alpha approached. "Stand before me daughter." The Alpha "You have told me that you completed your training and that you fought and won your test. Yet, you have been bested in this battle. You did not even inflict damage to your opponent and you expect me to believe that what you have told me is true?" Andromeda flinched under her father's harsh scrutiny. His gaze then turned to Val. "You were in my daughter's classes were you not?" "Yes My Alpha." Val looked at the ground and waited for the Alpha's next command. "You were the one that she faced in her test. You beat her then didn't you?" Val nodded and mumbled "Yes Alpha" and waited. "Tell me, did you beat her as easily as before?" "No my Alpha. She did not pay attention in classes and her friends attacked me first and tried to get me down so she could pin me. This time it was just her, it was quite a bit easier my Alpha." Val didn't hide the truth and projected that day to her Alpha just for good measure. "Is this true?" Now the Alpha looked out into the crowd looking for answers. "She tells the truth Alpha." a few of our littermates stepped forward in agreement. " Andromeda, you have lied to me about your classes, what else have you lied to me about?" "Everything Alpha. Urian never touched her. She wants to put Valerie in her place after classes and tried to force herself onto him he refused and walked away. She lied to you about the incident Alpha." William, Everett's father stepped forward. "I was there my Alpha. I was headed to see Urian about a dagger I had commissioned. I hadn't walked in yet and I heard Andromeda in there. I moved to the door and I could see her and I could see Urian's answer to her was plainly no." The Alpha's face lost all color as he saw what William had seen. The validity that he was wrong and others in his pack had known it..... "YOU!" he turned to his bleeding daughter. "YOU HAVE DONE THIS! yOU HAVE LIED TO ME ABOUT THIS! THAT MAN COULD HAVE DIED! HOW LONG WERE YOU PLANNING ON LETTING THIS CHARADE GO?" "Fath...." "Don't. You. Dare." The Alpha narrowed his eyes and glared at his own flesh. "How dare you. You were not raised to lie to me. I am your Alpha. I lead this pack so that all shall prosper. You have forced me to lay down a sentence on an innocent man so that you can continue with some childish game?" He looked out at the crowd, "No one is to help her. She is to suffer her own wounds in silence. Anyone breaking this will be delt with harshly." He turned back to his daughter. " You are no longer my daughter Andromeda. You have shown that you could never be a good Alpha. You have proven to me that lies and trickery are what you hold dear, not the pack nor your family. You are demoted to the rank of Omega until you can prove otherwaise. Remove yourself from my sight." The Alpha turned and looked at Valerie. "You child, have my sincerest apologies. Both you and your father. The sentence of banishment cannot be taken away, but I will supply you with anything you need. This pack will be open to trading with your father and yourself for as long as you have need of us. Instead of leaving immediately, you have until your father heals if you so wish." He stood there staring at Val awaiting her answer. "Thank you Alpha. I will speak with my father and brothers to decide and come to you with our decision within the hour." She bowed her head and headed off to the medical ward. She could feel Everett's eyes on her back and she could hear the Alpha speaking but couldn't turn to look at him. She saw her brothers standing next to her father. "Is he awake?" They shook their heads and turned to her. "Let's get him up, he can be taken back into the ward for real treatment." They nodded. They got him upright and they walked him back into the ward and onto a bed. "The Alpha has found out the truth and has offered to let us stay until father is better." She spoke to Will and saw his flinch. "He honestly thinks we would stay here after this? Everyone in the pack knew that father wasn't guilty. He was the only one dumb enough to believe that wretch." Will's eyes flashed gold he was close to shifting. He had recently turned 16 and his wolf was a strong one. "We have to discuss this with father as soon as he wakes. Until you are old enough Will, Dad is still the head of the family. This is his say." Will nodded and shifted back to look at his father. "See if you can fetch someone to help father. I am going to find Everett and his family and see what they think." William nodded and slipped off in search of a doctor. Val leaned down to kiss her father's forehead and ruffled Xavier's hair. "I'll be right back." He nodded and she turned and left looking for Everett. She didn't have to go very far, he was walking to the medical wing as she exited. "Val!" He ran to her and lifted her off the ground twirling her in a circle. "You did marvelously!" He set her down and dropped a kiss upon her lips. "You're not hurt are you?" he shook her head but he did a cursory inspection to be certain. "Come on my mother wants to see you." Val shook the memories out of her mind, she didn't need to relive the past now. What she needed was to talk to her mate. She slowly set off in the direction that Erik had disappeared and watched him walk over to the Alpha. It was easy to see that both Erik and his brother were Betas, they had the muscle mass to prove it. A woman came over and spoke with them and Erik's brother playfully shoved her causing laughter. Val didn't like it, but she recognised the woman as one of the Betas that was at the meeting when they had first arrived. "Sam said she was going to round up some of the women to try and help you tonight so that the only ones inside the women's barracks are females." The Alpha's voice was deep and low. "Sam? Getting frisky with our new guests are we Leon?" The female asked bringing a smile to everyone's face. "Thats a negative Dayna. My father was very unhappy that you and Maggie didn't do your jobs in seeing to the women so I figured i would take a look into the situation. As I got there my father was talking to one of the women about her predicament. She indicated that she would like to do what she could to help. My father was most adamant that I make her a part of our initiative tonight. He seems to think that Sam is an Alpha's mate." Leon spoke and looked out into the field where the men were practicing. "He's trying to play matchmaker." "And you are taking the bait?" Erik's brother asked. "I never said I wasn't interested. The woman is worth the interest. She'd make a valuable asset to any pack, so yes I was looking. My wolf liked what he saw too." Leon spoke and ran a hand through his hair. "I hear a but in there Leon." Dayna looked at him with a smile. "My wolf was unable to scent her, so we don't know for sure..." Leon looked up at the sky and over to the temporary houses were for the women. "She could be our mate, but she might not be. Even if she isn't she is an Alpha and should start training when this ordeal is over." He smiled at Dayna. "Now, we have the plans for tonight ready. The cars are gassed and rooms prepared. Devlin is supposed to meet with Sam and the other women to help organise, why don't you take Maggie and go meet up with them instead?" Dayna left the men and Val backed away. She wanted to make it back to the house before Dayna showed up. She made it back to the house and scratched at the door. Sam's face appeared in the window and she opened the screen. Once inside Val licked Sam's hand in thanks and trotted upstairs and back into the bathroom for a quick rinse. The Lone Wolf Ch. 03 Nola She lets her howl die out as she expands all of her senses into the night. But she stops dead, the golden hair on her hackles rising and her lips pulling back to emit a low growl. Her howl had not stopped with her. Shit! There is another werewolf here. A very masculine werewolf... Nola's fear spikes almost as much as her arousal at this realization. That howl, which conveyed the great strength of this mystery wolf, is calling to her. Her wolf instinct is straining to pursue him. Her heat is practically demanding it. But she doesn't give in. There is no way this will turn out well. I will have to fight him off and flee after tonight. How did I not sense him?? Even now I cannot sense his emotions! He is definitely close enough for that, if not my other senses yet. She didn't know what to make of the situation and was frozen with fear and indecision to the same spot she had changed in. Why did I have to howl like that?? I thought the area was safe but I wasn't sure. I am sure he could tell from my howl that I am in heat. And now he knows exactly where I am. Shit! This thought finally gets her moving. She breaks into a run, much faster than her other form, away from the male wolf. Her wolf senses continue to stretch as far as possible in order to detect any sign of him approaching. Making sure to steer away from the village, Nola tries to put as much distance between them as possible, even as every instinct she has screams for her to go back. Another powerful howl sounds from her pursuer. Oh he sounds so powerful...and just so... Nola's step slows, her body making to turn back to him. NO. I will not let this happen! He already sounds closer than from the cabin. And I still can't sense him! She snaps back around and picks up her pace. She tastes the air as she runs, strains her experienced nose to catch any stray scent, turns her ears to catch any sound of approach, expands her mind to feel for the wolf's feelings and intent. The sound of a large creature following her sets off her alarms and presses her to run even faster. He is still a bit back. I can find a way to out maneuver him... Nola continues her flight through the trees. The sound of his heavy steps is slowly drawing closer. She tries to think of a way to escape this situation, but her mind is shrouded. The ache in the center of her being continues to grow hotter and fill her with unquenchable desire. She wants to flee. She wants to go back. Ahh! No. I won't get the relief I need anyway. It isn't like he will be my mate! But her heat has considerable control over her body. The smell of her arousal, made even more powerful to broadcast her fertile state, has been growing stronger since she heard his howl. She is even more frustrated with herself at this. I can run all night but my scent will lead him right to me. Nola knows she will have to face this strange wolf and fight him off, which she has had to do before. But she is caught off guard by her inability to sense his mind. It has never happened before and she doesn't know what to expect from the one who is blocking her. And I don't know if I will be able to fight him off with out being able to sense his intentions. He sounds so powerful. As if echoing her thoughts, he looses another howl. This one is much closer to her. Too close. Oh boy he is close...he must run so fast...mmm... A low rumble, not quite growl, sounds in her chest as Nola once again slows and begins to start toward this masculine howl that seems to call to that inner spot she can't grasp. If I must fight, it might as well be now. Her flight had kept her from smelling or tasting much of anything behind her, but her pause gives the wind a chance to carry her pursuer's scent to her. She goes crazy over the smell, her wolf fully taking over for the first time since the shift. The spice-honey-leather essence she is treated to is fully wolf, powerfully masculine, and wholly intoxicating. Mine. Her understanding comes so quickly she doubts her certainty. There is no way. Then another breeze carries more of his scent. She can't help but reach toward its source, her mouth opens wider as her tongue rolls out to better taste the air, her ears perk up hear his approach, her tail relaxes and begins to swish back and forth. Nola lets out a second howl. This one calling to him, challenging him to take her. To claim her. She then launches herself back into her flight, though this one is not driven by her instinct to evade but her instinct to mate. She hears his answering howl behind her, much closer than before she paused. Her wolf senses are fully in control, driving her to not give into his chase easily. He has to prove himself. Though she is well prepared for when he does catch her, and she does not doubt that he will. Her arousal has increased even more, more than during any of her past heats, in anticipation of joining with her mate. She can feel how moist and open she is, inviting her mate to take her. Her juices are beginning to run into the fur on her inner legs. Her inability to read his emotions has slipped to the back of her mind; she is still wary of what it will mean but is no longer fearful of him. It will actually be quite nice not to have that power over someone. But will he be frightened of me when he finds out what I can normally do? Her wolf pushes the unwelcome thoughts back down and brings her focus back to the pursuit. She can hear him even closer now, though he doesn't seem to be treading as heavily as before. He is going to try sneaking up on me. This thrills her wolf and renews her vigor. Her speed increases and she sharpens her senses in an attempt to detect him before he moves in. Her nose isn't offering much insight into his position and she can only scan so much area with her keen eyesight, and not behind her. She is attempting to keep track of his movements by the sound of his passage through the forest, but is soon having trouble hearing any evidence of him behind her. Has he given up? Does he not feel the mating call as I do? Nola is dismayed and slows her pace slightly. She stretches her senses into the trees. Nothing. A huge force hits her from the side and tackles her to the ground. Nola slips from his grasp, her momentum rolling her a few feet away. She finds her footing and prepares to flee once again, though she takes a moment to admire the one who has been chasing her. He is a powerfully built black wolf. Almost twice her size, and she is not considered a small werewolf, he is bigger than any wolf she has met. His scent fills the area and she feels herself salivating. They lock eyes, both of them frozen. She feels spellbound by his gaze. His eyes are a swirling of blues and greens that remind her of her own. His masculine scent mixes with her feminine arousal and the combination is heady. Every fiber of her being is begging to be taken by him. She can't help but let out a whimper at her need. His answering growl shakes her to her very core and conveys his need to claim her. She no longer has any doubts. He is her mate. Her instincts press her to continue the chase, follow the mating ritual, so she turns to run. His hulking form crashes into her before she can take a second step, this time keeping a hold of her as they wrestle to the floor of the forest. Cedric Cedric's wolf has full control as he responds to the howl that joined his at the shift. He does not waste a second of consideration before running towards the female werewolf. His instinct to breed is strong and this female is ready for his seed. The howl had caught him off guard, he was almost sure no one was in the area. I should have checked out the other cabins. It was an even bigger shock that there was another werewolf in the area. He had avoided his kind since he left his pack. But these thoughts were in the back of his mind as he kept a fast pace towards the origin of the howl. Three thoughts were driving him. The howl had been female. The female is in heat. The female has challenged him. He can't help another howl from ripping through the night, announcing his pursuit and intent to couple. He is aware that the chance of actually managing to couple with this other wolf is slim, she would do her best to fight him off if they did not sense the mating call. He didn't care. Cedric is quickly approaching a cabin closer to the village. His wolf scents something that invokes the thrumming in his chest he usually only experiences during a full moon shift. The vanilla-flowery-honey essence grows stronger the closer he gets to the cabin. Something clicks within him. Mine. He releases another howl, this one expressing the discovery of his mate and his need to claim her. His instincts throw his full body and mind into the pursuit. A thrill runs through him when he hears an answering howl from her. She is calling to him as her mate, conveying her need for him. She senses the bond. He returns the howl and his pace picks up even more as he hears her running continue. The challenge is clear. He must prove himself to her as a strong and worthy mate if he wishes for her to submit. He rises to the challenge. Her intoxicating scent is easy to follow through the forest. It seems to grow stronger the longer the chase goes on. His mouth is agape so his tongue can taste her scent on the wind. He can hear the sound of her flight before him and is driven even harder though he cannot yet see her through the trees. I must catch her. Mate her. Breed her. Cedric lightens his steps and begins to work away from her scent trail, quietly circling around to her flank. His pace does not slow down as he catches sight of her through the trees, but he takes the opportunity to observe his mate. Her golden coat looks soft and flows a bit as she runs, effortlessly graceful, gliding through the forest. She is smaller than him, as most are, but still formidable. His arousal grows as he watches her lithe form move through the forest, especially her hind legs and tail that will occasionally swish to the side and offer him a view of her enticing opening. Her arousal is plain. He can see the juices glistening in her fur and her scent only becomes stronger the longer they run. His tongue rolls out of his mouth with his desire to taste her. Cedric increases his sped a fraction more to begin to move ahead of her. He notices her slowing a bit and looking around, trying to locate him. This is his chance. He runs out of the brush he is concealing himself behind and jumps at her side. They roll to the ground and she wriggles away from him. He is on his feet first but gives her a moment to right herself as well. Her eyes meet his as she regains her footing, shocking him with a swirl of colors that are almost identical to his. Cedric can tell she is appraising him so he stands tall and ripples his muscles to show his strength. Her scent is going to his head but he does his best to look intimidating. The combined scents of their mutual arousal mingle and demand his wolf make claim to his mate. He hears her whimper, a sound so filled with need he can't help the matching growl that rumbles in his chest. He sees her begin to turn with the intent of running again. No. This chase is done. It is time to claim my mate. He is on her before she can move farther and fights for dominance. Nola and Cedric They make a frightening sight as their snarls and growls fill the night. A blur of silken blond and black hair intermingle and twist as dangerous fangs snap at throats and claws attempt to rend hides. It is soon clear that the large black wolf has the upper hand in the match, though the blond wolf continues to put up quite the fight. Their vicious fight has driven Nola's heated body and mind into frenzy. She is relishing his touch -- every place their bodies are locked together, every scratch from his sharp claws, every bite from his vicious fangs. Her wolf is experiencing a high she has never before reached. Her body wants to submit, but her mind won't let her. The mating ritual drives her to fight with everything she has for as long as she can. He is so strong and fast! I am a good fighter but his skills are far beyond mine. Oohh his fur is so soft...his grip so tight...mmm...and he smells soooo...edible... She decides to check and her fangs sink into a foreleg as her jaws take a strong hold. Mmmm... Cedric snarls as he feels her teeth lock onto one of his front legs, though the warmth he feels is not pain but pleasure. The feel of her against him is driving him crazy. He needs to claim her now, but she continues to put up a good fight. This just adds to his ecstasy. She is much stronger than she looks and quite adept in fight techniques. The scent of her arousal surrounds him and he can feel her juices spreading to his coat. Oh she is so ready...I am so ready. His considerable member has been aroused since the chase ensued, but it now begins to grow in earnest. He feels her slow her attacks as she is distracted by its growth. Now. He goes for her throat. Nola is distracted from her hold on his leg as she feels something hot and wet begin to grow between them. That is what I need. The spot deep inside of her is humming and calling for that to relieve her need. Her pause gives him the second he needs to gain the upper hand. His fierce jaws lung for her throat as he maneuvers himself on top of her. Cedric has Nola pinned beneath him, her chest pressed into the ground, with a tight hold on her neck. His teeth bite hard enough to hold her in place but not mortally wound her. A warning growl rumbles around her neck and echoes through her body. The message is clear. Submit. Cedric clarifies his intent through the bond all werewolves have and use to communicate while in their wolf forms. He has her. She knows there is no way she can get out of his grip without loosing her throat. The helplessness of the situation satisfies her mating instinct so she whimpers her submission, making sure to also communicate her need for him. She works to raise her rear in the air and cock her tail to the side, opening herself to him, though it is hard to gain much room with his weight pressing down on her. Another growl sounds around her as he sinks his teeth deeper into her delicate neck, this time deep enough to mark her as his. She whimpers even more as she feels his teeth and tries to wriggle under him, but his weight still presses her into the ground. Cedric feels her squirming underneath him against his heavily erect cock. He groans inwardly at his need for her as he lifts his rear haunches into the air to allow her room to rise. His front is still pinning hers to the ground and the hold on her neck has not relented. She takes the chance to raise her rear higher in the hair and fully move her tail to the side. He releases the bite on her neck and the pressure on her back lightens as he shifts his body to take her. He raises enough to move his back legs forward and position the head of his large penis against her dripping entry. Cedric's front legs are still holding Nola firmly in place with her chest on the ground. She hardly has time to take a breath before he plunges into her tight, very tight, warmth. He notices a slight shudder from her as he feels himself rip through a fragile barrier within her. A virgin! She is truly all mine. Nola feels unbelievably full has he pushes his engorged, quite large, member into her. Her body explodes with pain and pleasure as he stretches her wide. The slight resistance from her hymen is mostly lost in the other sensations flooding her body. This. This is exactly what I need. She pushes back into him, arching her back more to allow him easier access. Cedric takes advantage of the new position and pushes himself deeper. He pulls back, stopping just short of withdrawing from her completely, then immediately drives himself back into her depths. He is able to push even deeper on this thrust; her muscles are relaxing and stretching to accommodate his size. I am usually difficult for most women to take, let alone a virgin. I hope she can take all of me. Take my knot. His pace increases and he begins to hammer into her, maintaining a rhythm of almost pulling out of her and then driving back in with supernatural strength, managing to push more of himself into her with each thrust. Everything about her is driving him into a thoughtless, instinct driven, frenzy. Her warmth. Her tightness. Her scent. Her movements underneath him. She is perfect. She is his mate. Nola is as lost in the moment as Cedric. The feel of him filling her is incredible and getting her closer to reaching that spot within her that she has never been able to grasp. She is working against his weight to thrust back into him as he drives in to her. The movement is difficult but results in the rubbing of her excited nub against his member as he thrusts. Jolts of excitement are running through her, getting stronger the farther he manages to penetrate her. His size. His strength. His taste. His scent. His movements within her. He is perfect. He is her mate. Like their fight, their mating is a beautifully vicious sight. The two wolves are locked in a frenzied, instinct driven, passion. Their furs, though near opposites in shade, meld together and make them seem like one being connected on a level deeper than their physical contact. It is an ethereal feeling that grows stronger as the mating continues. It is the feel of their mating bond growing stronger. Nola's heat is only increasing the power of the mating ritual and will lead to their bond being stronger. The power of the full moon is also adding to its strength. Wolves that discover their mates during a full moon always share a closer bond due to this influence. Both influences lead to the mated wolves sharing a deeper bond than other wolf pairs. They are able to share thoughts and feelings more easily and at a greater distance. Cedric finally feels himself fit his full member into her depths, his heavy balls resting against her clit. This drives him to pound into her with even greater speed and force. Her inner walls are clenching and quivering against him as he moves within her. Her juices are flowing copiously and both of their coats are soaked with the heady nectar. His pre-cum, seeping steadily from the tip of his member, adds to the mix and eases his passage into her depths even more. Nola feels as if she is climbing higher and higher with every thrust he gives her. The feel of his heavy balls slapping against her is driving her into a more heated state with every thrust. They feel so big and full...I need what they have to offer. She tries even harder to grind herself into him as he enters her. She is so close. She just needs a little more. The base of his penis begins to grow and swell, his knot forming to fully penetrate and mate her. Cedric changes his thrusts to be slower but more forceful. He is working to get his knot inside of her before it swells completely. Nola feels the thickening at her opening and goes crazy with arousal. That is what she needs. Inside of her. Now. That is what will help her reach that spot she has never been able to reach. Together, they manage to work the rapidly growing knot inside of her. Cedric's head bumps against her cervix. They have taken everything the other has to offer. A perfect fit. The feeling of her opening stretching around and fully enveloping his large, and still growing, knot sends Nola over the edge. She feels as if she shatters into a million pieces as she is falling over an endless precipice. Cedric feels her walls spasm around him and clenching down on him in a vice-like grip. He hardly pauses as she continues to orgasm and continues his thrusting, though he keeps these thrusts shorter and harder because of his knot now locked within her. The Lone Wolf Ch. 03 He is quickly approaching his release and he increases his pace even more. Nola has finally come down from her powerful release but he can feel her approaching another one with him. Then Cedric reaches his limit. He thrusts hard and deep into her once more, his thick head butting against her cervix and fertile, wanting womb. His thick knot grows to its maximum within her as he begins to pump long, hot strands of his seed into her depths. His howl is powerful and triumphant before he once again grasps her delicate neck in his fangs. Nola finds her release again when she feels his seed filling her and hears his howl loud above her. The sharp pain she feels when he renews his bite, and deepens his mark, blends into the pleasure that is rolling though her body. Cedric gently releases his hold on her neck and begins to lovingly lap at the blood he drew, soothing the wound and completing the mating ritual. The Lone Wolf Ch. 04 Mother and father told us that they were going to go on a little trip, and would be back before the mating ceremony for Alford and Zoey, Antonio and Fawn, and Clark and me. Ardwolf was told to act as alpha so he could gain more experience before he had to actually take over from father. Ardolph was told to have fun and go find his mate, as was Ardwolf. As for us mated couples to be, we were told to stay together with our other half to get to know each other better. Clark and I went for a walk to be alone. The den seemed to be overrun nowadays with so many getting ready for what's to come when mother and father came home. After a few minutes, Clark slowly stopped walking. "Clark?" I asked, turning to look at him. "Belle love, I need to know what you want to do after the mating ceremony." Clark said as he took both my hands in his. "I've been waiting for you a long time. I knew you were my mate. I just held off until you were nearer your 20th birthday, and for a time when I could get you a way from your family, seeing how they have always sheltered you from most other wolves." "What do you mean? We are going to be together as husband and wife." I replied with some confusion. "I was a little slow understanding the depth of my attraction to you, but I've never had feelings like this for anyone." "Yes Belle, we will be together as husband and wife, but that's not what I mean. Belle, you are human. I could turn you into a werewolf right after the ceremony so you could be like the rest of your family, or I could get you pregnant with OUR cubs, and wait until after you have them to turn you. I told Ardolph it would be up to you what you want to do." Clark said, looking into my eyes. "Pregnant with our cubs, or turn into a werewolf." I said, "Both, I want to do both." "Belle, love I don't want to tell you what to do, but may I tell you what I would like us to do?" "Go on Clark; I want to know what you think my mate." "I want you to have my... our cubs. I don't want to go looking for a human woman to have my cubs, just to take them away from her, and she never gets to see the cubs grow up. I understand that's what needs to be done for werewolves to keep being born, but I don't want to make you feel like I love someone else." Clark told me, his eyes looking intently into mine. "But Clark, what happens after I'm turned? Don't you think you would want more cubs? And if you do, I will not be able to give them to you." I said, concern lacing my voice. "No, I would be happy with the cubs you can give me. Not everyone can say their mate gave them cubs. If you choose to have my cubs, that will be the most wonderful gift of life ever that you or anyone can give me my love." Clark said with a warm smile. I couldn't believe my soon to be mate was asking me to have his cubs. I knew I could have four or more cubs like the woman who had my brothers and me, but if I was lucky I could have just one cub. I knew what I wanted even more than to be a werewolf. I didn't say anything to Clark but I kissed him so hard so he knew my answer. "I love you my Belle. I have since the first time I saw you." Clark said, his warm arms wrapped around me. I never knew Clark was in love with me. I had always thought of him as a good friend, but deep down I knew I had stronger feelings for him. Could it be love, or just the mating pull to each other? No, I had feelings for him before he said I was his mate. "I love you too Clark. I never knew how much until now, and not just because of the mating pull. I always had feelings for you." I said hugging him tightly. "Belle, by the time the mating ceremony is here you will be in your fertile time. I could get you pregnant then my love." Clark said. "Yes." was all I could reply. This time it was Clark who kissed me hard. We walked hand-in-hand back to the den. I couldn't wait to be mated to him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Sweetheart, are you going to be all right for the mating ceremony?" Antonio asked. "I don't know Antonio. Your mom has been telling me what is going to happen. But to do something like what your mom said in front of the whole pack? I just don't know." Fawn said worriedly. "Fawn, I want you to know I would never do anything you are not ready for. Maybe it would be best if we pull out of the mating ceremony for now." Antonio said gently. "I knew it! You don't want to mate with me. Well you don't have to worry about me anymore. I'll leave you and your family's house tonight. I have taken care of myself since I was six years old, and I can keep doing it." Fawn stated. Fawn got up to leave. She got to the front door, and she had it open when an arm from behind her closed it before she could get out. "Sweetheart, where are you going?" Antonio asked. "What do you care?" Fawn snapped. "Fawn, what's gotten into you? You've never acted like this before." "Let me go! I will not stay here any longer. I'M SORRY I WAS SO MUCH TROUBLE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR PACK. I'LL FIND A WAY TO PAY YOU ALL BACK. NOW LET ME GO! " Fawn shouted. "Fawn, I won't let you go out of this house, or onto the pack's land." Antonio said, worried for her safety. Her wolf was getting mad. Fawn could feel her trying to come out. Suddenly she couldn't hold her back any longer. The next thing Antonio knew he was holding her front paws. Antonio couldn't believe Fawn's wolf came out because she wanted out of the house and away from him. He wondered what he did to make her go to her wolf form. That was something she hated. Fawn pulled her front paws away from the man who was holding her. Fawn knew the only way out was where the man was standing. Fawn's wolf was a warm red color with black highlights, but Antonio barely had time to notice before she was trying to lunge at him, her jaws at his throat. "Fawn, stop this now!" Antonio ordered loudly, hoping to get through the wolf to the woman inside. Just then Antonio's parents and his brother came out of their rooms. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. They had never known a wolf to attack their mate before; but with Fawn anything could happen. Shane saw the wolf on his brother and acted as fast as he could to help his twin; but she swiped her sharp claws at him, slicing a cut on his chest, forcing him to jump back. Fortunately the cut was not too deep; he would heal with minimal scarring. "No Shane, stay back. It's Fawn. She's just upset about something." Antonio said. "Man, I would hate to be you right now." Shane smirked. "Not helping right now bro. Fawn, sweetheart, turn back to your human form so we can talk about what is upsetting you." Antonio pleaded. "Antonio, what were you talking about before she got upset?" Karissa asked. Antonio's mom hoped for some clue to how she could help Fawn calm down. "We were talking about the mating ceremony. I told her that if she was not ready for it, we could wait. I DON'T WANT TO FORCE HER INTO SOMETHING WHERE SHE'S GOING TO HATE ME FOREVER MOM." Antonio said, his voice rising with distress. "Fawn dear, do you think that Antonio doesn't want to mate with you because he said that?" Karissa asked softly, taking a step closer. Fawn stopped trying to attack. She turned to look at Karissa, then left Antonio and went over to her. When she reached Karissa, Fawn's wolf sat down and laid her head on Karissa's shoulder and just whined from the emotional hurt. "It's ok dear, let it all out. You will feel better. Antonio, I told you to take your time with her. Now look at what happened." Antonio's mom scolded. "I just wanted to give her more time to get herself ready for what's to come. She's my mate! I do want to mate with her, just when she's ready." Antonio said passionately. Fawn stopped crying and looked over her shoulder. She saw that Antonio had moved away from the door. She got up, looked at the people who were going to be her family, and then she ran full speed to the door, breaking right through it. She ran so fast Antonio couldn't see where she went. "Fawn, come back here sweetheart. You can't just leave me like this. We will do the mating ceremony if that's want you want. Just please come back home. " Antonio called out, standing at the door. "What do I do now? She's out there in her wolf form without any clothes to put on when she turns back to her human form." "We'll call Ardwolf. He's acting as Alpha while his parents are away. He will know what to do." Antonio's dad Connor replied. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RING RING RING RING RING RING Dammit, fucking phone kept going off. A wolf trying to learn how to be an alpha should be able to get some sleep around here. Whoever it was better have a good reason to wake me up. "What the fuck do you want? Do you have any idea what time it is? This better be good." I growled. Antonio's voice sounded urgent as I heard, "Ardwolf, I'm sorry about how late it is, but I need your help." "Antonio what is it? What happened? Is your family ok?" "It's Fawn; she ran away from me." Antonio explained "I need your help to find my mate. She's a new unmated wolf, and not yet a pack member. Someone could try to force her to mate with him. Her wolf was so fast that I need you or one of your brothers to come help find her." "I'll be there in a few minutes." I assured him. "I'll come in my wolf form; it will be faster. If you could have a pair of pants waiting for me that would be nice." "Thank you, and yes, we will have a pair of pants for you. Again, I'm sorry for the time." Antonio said. I got off my phone and let my wolf take over. My wolf ran as fast as he could to Antonio's house, getting there in minutes. It looked like Antonio's door was open, but when I got closer to the door I realized it was simply gone. Fawn must have been really mad to go right through the door. What happened here? Doesn't Fawn want to be mated to Antonio? Antonio is one of the best wolves I know. I walked up to the door and shifted back to my human form. There was Shane with some dried blood on his skin. I walked into the house, and Antonio gave me the pants. It's lucky that we were the same size. "Antonio, what happened man?" I asked as I pulled on the pants. "Fawn got upset with me and transformed to her wolf. That was the first time I ever saw her wolf." Antonio said with admiration. "She's beautiful." "What did she get upset about? It might help us track her down." "We were talking about the mating ceremony. I told her we could wait if she was not ready yet, so now she thinks I don't want to mate with her. I tried to talk to her, but all she wanted was to get out of the house and away from me. When I didn't let her go, she shifted and attacked me, and I guess Shane too. "Aww man, what a mess just over a misunderstanding. Don't worry we'll find her." I told him. "Do you know which way she went?" Antonio showed me the direction I should start looking for her. Antonio and his family transformed into their wolves. I knew they would want to come help find her. I took off the pants and transformed into my wolf again. We started sniffing the ground for her scent. When I got it I howled to the others, then we took off following her trail. We ran down street after street. We followed turn after turn until her scent went into a back alleyway. We could feel there was something wrong with this. We slowed down to a quiet walk as we entered the alley. There Fawn was, cornered and back in her human form, with ten male werewolves trying to mount her, but she was smaller and quicker, and dodged away before they could do anything to her. When Antonio saw Fawn being attacked, he let out a loud snarl and charged the males. Connor, Karissa, Shane and I were right behind him. Antonio took down one wolf immediately, and tore into a second as Shane ripped into another. Connor and Karissa had fought side-by-side for many years and worked together to knock out two more of the males. I had taken out one wolf as I raced to get in closer to Fawn. Antonio's anger had him focused on punishing the attackers. As the fight continued, I saw one male trying to take advantage of the confusion to go after Fawn. I was not going to let this wolf mate with my best friend's mate. I ran over to Fawn, and stood so she was huddled under me. I let out a very long howl and everyone one stopped fighting. I howled once more for all ten of the wolves to leave immediately. They took off once they knew who I was. I felt Fawn being pulled out from under me, so I looked back to see who it was. It was Antonio, pulling Fawn into his arms. "Oh Sweetheart, thank the gods we got to you in time."Antonio said, holding Fawn closely. Fawn didn't say anything to Antonio. She just looked around like she didn't know what had happened or who had her in his arms. "No, put me down or I'll rip your throat out." Fawn threatened. "Fawn, you are safe now. No one is going to hurt you ever again." Antonio tried to reassure her. "Put me down now." Fawn ordered. "We are going home Fawn." Antonio countered. "I don't have a home. I haven't had a home since I was six." Fawn stated firmly. I decided it was time to step in. As Alpha, one of my duties is the welfare of my pack. I went over to the distressed couple. "Fawn, you do have a home with Antonio and his family. Just take a good look around you. They came because they were worried about you. I know Antonio hurt you even if he didn't mean to, but he was only trying to think about you. Antonio's a great guy, and he would be a good mate for you. My best friend was willing to give his life up for you just now. NOW AS YOUR ALPHA-TO-BE, I'M TELLING YOU TO GO HOME AND WORK THIS OUT. " "Ok Ardwolf." Fawn said, her wolf overriding her reluctance and giving in to its Alpha. "And Fawn, I hear when you get into it with your mate the makeup is so much better." I teased, hoping to lighten the mood. I walked back with them to their house, Fawn held in Antonio's arms like he was never going to let her go again. I can't wait to find my mate. Where could she be? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shadoe and I told the pups that we were going on a trip, but not where. We were going to see the human that had Shadoe's pups 20 years ago. I just wish that female werewolves could have young so we didn't have to let our mates be with someone else who could give them young. I don't know if it's true or not, but I had been told once before that the first female werewolf was cursed so she would not ever have any cubs, and after she was gone it passed on to all female werewolves. I don't know how or why that would work on all of us, but it seems to. "Mia?" Shadoe interrupted my musing. "Yes love?" "Mate, we are about there. Not too much farther now. You're sure about this love?" Shadow asked me, concern on his face. "Yes Shadoe. I....We need to know why Annabelle and Fawn look so much alike, though I'm not so happy to meet the human girl you had the cubs with." "Mia, you know if I could avoid mating with that human woman I would have. but as an Alpha my name must go on for the good of the pack. I must have cubs; there is no way around it. I hate that I had to mate with her. It feels like I hurt you, and I never want to hurt you in any way." Shadoe told me. "Shadoe I really do understand, and for the record you and your human gave me the four most wonderful pups. And by the way, you never hurt me." "That's good to know, love. Hey Mia, you should know that when in the human world I go by a different name. I'm known as Austin." Shadoe told me. We soon were in the human part of town. It was too loud for me. I like it at the den in the woods where it isn't so loud, even with all the animals and the pack members howling at the moon. Their howl was more like a song; sometimes it was sad, happy, or angry, and some were calls trying to find mates. That's how I met Shadoe. He was howling his song for his mate to come to be beside him. He told of how he was lonely, and needed his other half to come out into the open. "Mia, we're almost there, " Shadoe said, bringing me back to the present. "Well, let's go talk to this human so we can go back to the den" I responded. "Mia, you've got to stop calling her human. Humans call other humans by their names." Shadoe explained. "Sorry, you know I have not been around a lot of humans before. So what is her name?" "Wendy." Shadoe said, "and remember, she calls me Austin." "Well Austin, let's go talk to Wendy then." We walked downtown, until Shadoe stopped us in front of a well put together house. . It was not too big or little for a couple of humans with maybe one or two young. Austin (Shadoe) walked up the walkway, up the steps, and then rang the doorbell. We waited for someone to come to the door. After what seemed to be forever, the door opened. The human woman looked like someone Austin (Shadoe) would mate with. She was 5'6", short, but not freakishly so. She had a decent amount of meat on her bones, blonde hair and green eyes with a small nose. Maybe a C cup or D. "Austin? What in the world are you doing here? I haven't seen you in 'bout 20 or so years." the human named Wendy exclaimed. "Wendy, it has been 20 years, and a couple of days. This is my wife Mia." "Why don't you both come in? Hi, Mia. You look like you would be a good mother. I'm happy to meet you, and glad I could help give you kids. How are the children? They must be big now? Did anything ever happen to them? I mean like you could never say because no one in their right mind would believe you." Wendy said, seemingly all in one breath. "Um no Wendy, I can't say it has. I glad you bring the kids up, because we need to ask you something. I know you had three boys and a girl. But a friend of the boys had his girlfriend over the other night, and she looks just like my little girl; all but her eyes. My little girl has blue eyes, and she had green eyes. And this girl is the same age and same birthday as my kids. Same everything. " Austin (Shadoe) said. "We need to know why she looks my... our little girl." I added. "Well Mia, Austin, you both know I had four babies that day, but what you don't know is I actually had five babies; three boys and two girls. I didn't know if I could give all five up. Hell, I didn't know if I would ever have kids again. I needed to keep one child, I didn't think it would hurt anyone." Wendy said. "So where is the pu...kid now?" I asked her. "I don't know. She was taken away from me when she was six years old. Put in her place was a demon; a wolf demon at that. I have never seen her since then." Wendy told us. "A wolf demon? She went through her rite of passage all alone. We should have been there for her. I bet she was so frightened and lonely, and didn't know what was happening to her." I cried. "Mia, calm down!" Austin (Shadoe) said sharply, reminding me of the circumstances, and I pulled myself together. "I do have a picture of her, but it's of her when she was six. Let me go get it for you. I keep it put away so my other three kids don't ask who she is, or why they never see the little girl. I don't know what I would tell them." Wendy said. Wendy got up and went down the hall into another room. She came back with the picture of the little girl that should have been raised with her brothers and sister. So my little Belle is one of my pups. But why can't she turn into a wolf like her brothers? Just one more thing we have to find out. "Here she was just the happiest little girl." Wendy said passing the picture to us. "Her name was...." "Fawn!" we all said at the same time. "You know her Austin? Is she ok?" Wendy asked eagerly. "Yea, Wendy. Fawn is okay now. She had been homeless for the longest time, until Antonio found her and took her home to his family. Now they are going to be married when we get back home." Austin (Shadoe) said. The Lone Wolf Ch. 04 Sorry for my hiatus, I had a.... lovely stint in the hospital and lost my muse. Thanks to my wonderful editor for kicking my butt and getting me back to my stories I needed it. If there are any mistakes at this point they are mine. I am hoping to have more of of my other stories up either tonight or tomorrow. Much love for those of you that have stuck with me. ~HA~ ***** Valerie was exhausted and her body ached. She sagged onto the couch and let her head fall back. The raid had gone smoothly, in her opinion. She heard the door open and then slam back on its frame. Halea was home. She could feel the emotion pouring off of her new friend and went to speak with her. "Halea?" She asked softly and the look on Halea's face clearly indicated that she was unaware someone else was in the house. She looked lost and frightened. "Halea? Are you okay?" Halea took a deep breath and looked like she was trying to settle her nerves. "I'm just overwhelmed is all, being in that place... just...I need to decompress you know?" Val smiled and nodded. "Come on, I'm making hot cocoa. Sam is on her way back with some pups, she might need a hand." Val tugged her down the steps and into the kitchen. Halea sat on the bar stool in the breakfast nook and Val kept her eye on her as she went about preparing the cocoa. Moments later Sam entered the house with the pups in toe. "Can someone grab a big bowl of water?" Sam's voice broke through the silence. Halea stood and collected a pie dish from the cupboard and filled it with water. Val saw Halea come back in and retrieve some scraps from the fridge and add them to another pie dish and disappear back into the living room. When the knock came, Val was in the middle of finishing the cocoa. She heard Halea answer and heard her mumble something about a shower soon after. A louder knock sounded and Val went for the door. When she opened it she recognized Leon and Erik's twin but the other man she did not. She stepped back and let them enter. She moved into the kitchen and grabbed her mug then proceeded to hug the wall as far away from Erik's twin as possible. Leon introduced him as Ayden Dawson, and the other man as Charles Comeaux. The men were more interested in Sam and the pups so she slipped from the room and went upstairs to her bedroom. Having the men inside the house felt awkward, especially seeing Ayden. She knew he wasn't Erik, but looks wise he was very close. She sat on the edge of the bed and thought of her mate. He was a Beta, a strong wolf, it also helped that he was a handsome devil, but she would never tell him that. She went to sleep hoping that Erik would not reach through their connection tonight to plague her sleep. ~~~ Erik was on his rounds, checking here and there for just a scent of his mate. His wolf prowled about inside his head, tormenting him with images of he and his red wolf together. It was almost enough to make him want a cold shower. Knock it off will ya? I have enough on my plate as it is. We don't even know her name or which house she is staying in. There is no way that tonight will go any faster with you doing that.He heard his wolf snicker, and he rolled his eyes. It figures you want to be a smart ass with me. I guess I deserve it. As he came across the front of the main house, he noticed Charles leaned up against a tree. Curiosity got the best of him, as it often did, so he walked over to his friend and looked up at the stars. "Alpha have you on some special duty?" Erik didn't need to look at his friend, but kept his eyes open and looking towards the main house. "Aye, he wants me to keep an eye on this house so that the pups don't get out. At least until the morphing collars get finished. Your brother hasn't told you?" "Nope, I haven't seen him yet. I wanted to get in my rounds first. " He looked up at you then looked over to the house. "The Alpha is letting the pups stay here with the women?" "The one she wolf is very protective of them. He thinks it's a good idea to let them stay with someone who will watch over them. She seems very vigilant." Charles moved from the tree and started to do a loop around the house. "I think that's the one that Leon thought would make a good Alpha." "Ah, the one his father was trying to play matchmaker with?" Erik walked with him scanning just as alertly. They were coming around the house when he smelled her. "Yes, I believe so. Although from the rumor mill, she may be the mate of the Halley Alpha." Charles noticed Erik stop mid stride and scanned the tree line. "What is it?" Erik could hear Charles, but he was more concerned with finding the scent. The trail led to the back door of the house, it was sweet and heady. His wolf wanted to roll in the scent trail. This is where his mate lived. She came through this way after their brief meeting this morning. His wolf pushed at his skin, and it was all Erik could do not to run into the house to see her. He scanned the windows and took a step closer to the house. "Erik? You do know that is a very bad Idea right?" Charles mused out loud. Erik knew full well that his friend would stop him from going into the house. The lights were all off, but he just knew which room was hers. He stared at the window, he knew his mate was asleep. His wolf knew it too... "Yes. I'm going..." Erik mumbled and headed off back to his own quarters. He didn't see his brother along the way which was just fine with him. He didn't need to see Ayden. He needed to see his mate. As soon as he hit his front door and closed it behind him, he was stripping off clothes. His wolf took over, rich brown fur sprouted across his body, patches of deep ebony under mahogany. He trotted up the steps to his room and nudged the door closed behind him. He was going to see her tonight, he was sure of it. He just had to get to sleep and find her. ~~~ "Everett, we must go. Will has made his decision, we cannot dally. Alpha has promised to ease our transition into another pack, we leave..." Valerie did not get the chance to finish her statement. Everett's mouth moved over hers. "I cannot lose you Valerie." He murmured against her lips. "We are mates, can you not feel it." "Everett, we must stop." Valerie pulled back and looked at her friend. His eyes were glazed over in lust. "We are not mates Ev, we cannot do this." "Males and Females mate all the time." his focus sharpened on her. "You are my mate Valerie." "No, Ev. I am not. Yes other wolves experiment and have sex, that is not what you are asking for. I am not going to mate with you. You are not mine and I am not yours. I am leaving in the morning. I am taking my brothers to another pack. You will move on and find someone else." Valerie moved to leave but Everett grabbed her arm. "No, you are not leaving. You are mine!" A deep growl cut through the room. Valerie looked this way and that , trying to locate the sound. "You get your hand off my Mate" the voice was deep, an inhuman growl that sent shivers down her spine. Ev turned to the door, looking for the voice. He never saw the large shape rush him. Ev crashed into a chair, a very large mid transition wolf loomed over him. "She is MINE" Valerie gasped as the wolf turned to look at her, the room faded away. She was outside, in a moonlit meadow, surrounded by fresh air. The wolf started to shift, slowly, he transformed into a man. Erik stood before her now, his eyes ablaze, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath. He stalked forward until he was scant inches from her. Her gaze was drawn to his, as his large hand came up to cup her cheek. She nuzzled it, eyes never leaving his. His eyes flashed gold, and he crushed her mouth to his. She moaned at the contact, at his claim. That's what this kiss was, he dominated her mouth. When he backed off for air he whispered "mine" as he pressed small kisses all across her face. Her hand slid behind his back and the other clutched at his shoulder. He dragged her close and wrapped his other arm around her. His mouth returned to hers. He slid his tongue into her mouth, claiming her further. Valerie clung to him. She pressed and rubbed her body across his as much as possible in his embrace. He released her mouth and his teeth found her neck. She gasped and moaned as he sucked her skin in and bit down hard. He was marking her as his, leaving his bite in plain view.Her body burned, her clothes seemed to melt away and his mouth trailed across her neck and chest. His tongue dipped out to lick at one tight nipple and she gasped. He captured the bud on a moan and lowered her to the soft grass. Her hands tangled into his hair holding him still as he paid homage to her breasts. "mine, mine, mine" he softly chanted as he he continued to sample her flesh. She writhed and moaned against him. "Please!" she moaned as his hands crept lower to where she needed him to be. He growled and rose above her. She stared up at her mate, in all his naked glory. His eyes glowed gold, his body trembled and pulsed with power, his wolf pushed at his skin. "You are MINE, Mate." The words came out on a growl as his fingers found her core. She moaned and arched against his hand, rising up off the grass. His teeth found her shoulder , pushing her back down to the ground as he used his fingers to bring her to climax. Her finger nails scored his back, as she moaned under him. He stopped his ministrations and released her shoulder. Her Mate sat up above her and brought his hand to his mouth. He savored her taste, and she bucked against him. "Be still Mate. I want this to last." His words were still gravely, but much softer. "Erik, please," She moaned. He smiled and slowly sucked his fingers clean. "My name on your lips pleases me. I wonder if you would feel the same pleasure if I said your name..." he whispered in her ear. He kissed just under her ear, "Valerie" She couldn't suppress the shiver that wracked her body. "I will take that as a yes." he chuckled and licked her lobe. "I want you, just like this. You are so wet and ready for me." His erection pulsed on her hip. "Please Erik!" she moaned and rolled her hips against him. He chuckled, and she wrapped her leg around his, and rolled them over so she was on top. "There she is, my fiery red wolf." he spoke softly and pulled her head down for a kiss. He jerked. "No." he whispered. "Come find me...we need to finish this" he spoke again and caressed her cheek before he disappeared. "Erik!" She sat upright in her bed, tangled in her sheets. Her skin was on fire, she was on fire. Her body burned for her mate. She needed him, now.