The scent hit me like a wrecking ball the moment I stepped into the ever familiar packhouse. Completely throwing my senses out of whack. Sending my mind into a meltdown, and as for my body, it seemed to have lost the ability to function properly. I had frozen on the spot... and my wolf, Ama, was suddenly unsettled, pacing within my mind, an indistinguishable noise coming from him that I had not heard before. Somewhere between a purr and a whimper, I think…My eyes darted around the packhouse, so desperate to find the source of that scent. Because the reaction it was having upon me and my wolf could only mean one thing…“Grandpa. Who is in here?” I asked, seeming to take everyone by surprise. But I didn't care, I needed to know. I wanted to know where this scent was coming from. I needed to know…“I am sorry, son, what?” Grandpa stopped walking to look at me, looking more than a little confused. He had been doing his usual trick of marching on ahead and us trailing behind…“I asked who
I tentatively stood from the lower step, following my grandfather. Was I truly ready for this? That I wasn’t actually sure of. I have heard so many tales of meeting mates over the years, and yes, the majority of which sound truly amazing. But, I had seen first hand what not being wanted by your fated mate had done to Jorge, and it was hell. It had broken him.My cousin and I were incredibly close, and seeing him almost fall apart had made me feel useless, because nothing I did seemed to help him. We were all brought up to believe our fated mate is the one meant for us. The one we will meet and everything will slot into place. The one you hold all your hopes upon. And Jorge had done exactly that. I saw the excitement in his eyes as he realized who she was. And I witnessed that excitement turn to pain as she turned to him and said it was not to be. That she did not want him.I then had to see him slowly fall apart as he and his wolf battled with the pain and struggles of rejection. It w
I couldn’t understand why our art class was being disturbed. Especially by the former Alpha. It certainly put me on edge. I stood nervously by the window in the lounge area looking out to the beautiful garden where one of the gardeners was busy at work maintaining the flowerbeds. I decided to watch him as a distraction. I needed something to focus on as a way to occupy my mind.I could hear the mindless chatter of the other she-wolves that had come into the lounge with me, all discussing what they believed was the reason why we had been asked to assemble here, but none had come up with a plausible explanation. I just wanted to go home. Or at least back to the art class. I hated being put on the spot. Not knowing what was to come.I watched as the gardener neatened the borders of the flowerbed he worked upon, while Tala, my wolf, seemed to be napping right now despite my unsettledness. Though it was nothing she was not used to. I often felt unsettled and uncomfortable. Liking things do
Cleo had told her parents she planned to sit outside for a moment, saying she didn’t know if she was ready just yet to go in to say goodbye to see her grandfather. I didn’t know if that was the truth, or if that was an excuse, because she had just realized exactly what had just hit me like a fucking wrecking ball. But as Aunt Lilah agreed she should take some time, and join them when she was ready, and everyone wandered inside, I lingered outside. Uncertainty filled every part of my body. I did not know how to approach this...I had been unsure about returning home as things were, and knew that was going to be hard enough to adjust to, but now I had to face the revelation that Cleo was my fated mate. The sweetest and most adorable girl I think I knew. Somebody who deserved so much more than me as a mate. Why did fate have to be so cruel and play this card for us both? Especially for Cleo? I could not let this happen to her.I watched as she perched herself on the wall of the flower be
I needed some time to myself. Time to process everything in peace. So why Landon felt the need to come and join me I do not know. My heart already felt like it was shattered with having to cope with mourning the loss of my Grandpa, but to see the look of what was close to disgust upon his face when he realized I was his mate, felt like Landon had stomped upon the pieces of my heart and damaged them forever. Like he didn’t care in the slightest. It was an added pain I did not need right now. And it was not something my family needed either. My Dad and my brothers would hit the roof if they were to realize my fated mate did not want me...“Cleo.” Landon whispered from his space next to me, bringing my attention back to him. Surely he should have got the message I did not want to speak to him from the fact I had not acknowledged him? That I had looked away.I was still trying hard to compose myself from the shock of his touch. The effects of the matebond were so much more than I had ever
Shit. I kissed her. I kissed Cleo, and I hadn’t meant to. I truly had not meant to, but she was so close. So close, and her eyes were looking up at me. Looking so innocent... irresistible... and her scent was overpowering... She looked so beautiful. The scent of her took over my senses. I lost all sense of reality at that moment, and the only thing I could focus on was her. And that need to kiss her…As my lips touched hers, my whole body felt like it melted. I felt like I was on fire. My body surrendered to her, and I knew then I was in trouble, but I could not bring myself to stop. The tenderness of her lips on mine felt so wrong, yet so right, and when she kissed me back I felt like my heart would explode. I honestly expected her to slap me, or at the least shove me away. But she had kissed me back. Her kisses urgent. Maybe we were both in serious trouble…The pressure of her lips on mine built as my tongue teased along her lips, causing them to part to allow my tongue access to he
Seeing my Mum falling to pieces was the hardest thing I have ever had to witness. Walking into the room they had my Grandpa laid in the bed had been difficult. Seeing his body, I felt oddly numb. Like it wasn’t real. He simply looked like he was sleeping. Like I had seen so many times before when he was napping in his chair. But this time there was an almost ethereal calm over him, and I hadn’t dared to go over to him and touch him. Not wanting to feel that deathly cold that a dead body is meant to have. The room was cold enough in itself. And I didn't know that I wanted to remember my Grandpa feeling that way.But the moment Mum walked over to Grandpa and was close to the side of his bed she froze. Her eyes locked upon his face. I heard the most painful of sounds slip from her lips, before my Dad was by her side and had her within his arms. “It is okay sweet, he is at peace now. He isn’t suffering anymore.” He whispered, in that reassuring tone of his.But I can’t help but wonder if
I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a bus, having stayed up far too late studying. Plus messaging back and forth with Cleo until well into the early hours to check if she was okay after the shock of everything that had gone on for her yesterday. She and I weren't as close as we could be, but I still considered her a good friend, and I hated to think she was struggling. And, I know right now she was struggling a lot. I still felt like I was half asleep as I moved around, and having stepped out of the bathroom in a soft, fluffy towel, a nice hot shower having done nothing to help me, I felt even worse hearing my Dad singing loudly out of tune downstairs. Tone-deaf did not even cover it...“Gabe!” Mum yelled from their bedroom across the landing. I think her poor ears were in pain too from the assault of Dad's singing. “I swear to the moon goddess, shut up! My ears cannot take that noise, especially not before coffee.”I can’t help but smile. She was so right. My Dad is weirdly che
My heart was pounding heavily in my chest and my head felt like a fuzzy mess right now, as my eyes darted across the busying space in front of me. People were arriving for this Alpha ceremony, which meant the pack was gradually filling up, only making my job harder. That scent was faint, but damn was it overwhelming.Vala was pacing so intensly now, it was becoming distracting, as I continued my search. ‘You know you could always help me look.’ I mumbled.‘If I look, I am shfting, and with all these people around and the fact my head is not thinking straight, that is not going to be for the best.’ Vala snapped, and I knew he was struggling worse than I was.My wolf had been like all wolves. He wanted his fated. He had partially, over the years, resigned himself to the fact I had not been quite so much the traditionalist and was not focusing on finding my fated. But, with that scent lingering in my nose, I cannot help but question why that was. Maybe it was the feelings I had felt for
I can't say if today was a day I was looking forward to or not. I knew it was a day I would see Cleo again, and that was something I was more than a little anxious about. I had walked from her family home having learned of her leaving, and gone to the gym to work myself hard, to the point of pain. Trying hard to cause myself more pain than I had been currently feeling hearing that Cleo had not thought to let me know she was leaving, even if it had just been a text. I knew now I was not a priority, her mate always should be, but I had thought as a friend I may be someone she would want to tell, and from what I had heard later, it seemed my sister had had a message or two, and I have to say that hit pretty hard...The arrival of the day had loomed for a whole new reason now. Knowing there was the chance of seeing the girl I did not know how I felt about right now. But, how I felt was irrelevant. The day arrived, regardless, and we had set off early to River As
I had showered, and now sat at the edge of the bed, all suited up, in my black suit pants and black shirt and tie. I was going without the jacket as I truly hated wearing them. My hair was slicked back, and I was doing my best to look as smart as I could for my pack today. I wanted to make a good impression. I mean, after all, today was the beginning of my reign as Alpha. Though the first opportunity I had, and the tie would be off, and the top few buttons of this short would be undone. Man, was I uncomfortable!Nerves were beginning to get the better of me, which was one of the reasons I had hoped for some time with Cleo before the mayehm of the day took over, but with the very little sleep we had got last night, we had both slept a little later than planned this morning, meaning we had to get up almost immediately. And, I was waiting now on my adorable mate.I could hear her singing in the bathroom that adjoined to our room, and despite the fact she
Waking up alongside Landon is beyond amazing. The last few days have been hectic, of that there is no denying. Pack is chaos, trying to ensure everything is organised for the Alpha ceremony, but being able to settle in Landon’s arms each night has been perfection. I cannot think of a better way to fall asleep. And being within his arms is my safe place. The place I already feel the most secure and most content.Even in the short time since my arrival, we are already begin to ensure we have time for one another each day. It has already become part of our routine. A part of the day I have to say is fast becoming my favourtie... as we explore one another’s bodies. Learning what the other likes. What turns the other on. It has been sheer heaven. Landon is paradise in werewolf form. And to know he was mine made me feel like the luckiest she-wolf in the world. I cannot imagine being without him now, and the struggles we went through already seem like a
Oh, Goddess, am I in trouble if my heart raced when I noticed he had walked into the room? I don’t even know the guy. I know he is sweet. I also know he has a damaged soul. A little like me. But that does not mean I am the person to heal him, or him to heal me. I cannot fix everybody who is in pain. I remind myself, as I try to discreetly observe Jorge’s interaction with his Mum.Trying not to smile, as he chatters to her, clearly teasing going off the cheeky grin upon his face, and the glint in his eyes. Their connection seems easy. So, I can only assume that Jorge’s family are close, much like the family Bella is mated into. I think family are hugely important, I just wish mine had made me more of a priority after my fated had passed…“Are you even listening to me Cami?” Bella teased, and I found myself smiling. I had kind of hoped she may not have noticed where my eyes had wandered to. Clearly I had been far from discreet!“Of course.”“Really, because from where I am sat, it seems
A much needed day off, having worked non-stop with the warrior squad, training, and then helping within the family business too. Responsibilities were not usually so high, but with some finding new mates, they had other priorities at present, which was understandable, and of course, with Daxton and Kaleb now having new roles in another pack our fathers had yet to decide how this would be managed at the business.The business had been a baby of them all. More so of Uncle Knox, but all of the friends had been involved, and their decision had been for their children to take over as they got older. We, both guys and girls had been trained from our mid-teens on various roles within the business in preparation, but in all truth, with out fathers still being in good health and considered quite young (not that I would ever say that to my Papi’s face, it is far much more fun to call him ancient!) there would be many more years with them leading the business yet.I had to
While I had been brave and had the much needed talk with Cleo, I had been far from brave since, and done all I could to avoid her. Not that there had been much opportunity to see her. She had been busy doing whatever it was she was doing… likely spending time with the man set to be her mate. While, I was busy helping at the family business. Not a role I relished, but one I was a part of, and one right now I appreciated, because it was occupying my mind. Plus, I was one of the only ones not busy with a new mate, so I was needed in the offices a lot.After a hectic day in the offices, I was returning to my place, ready to put my feet up, but Cleo was laying heavily upon my mind. She had been all day. I knew that the day of the Alpha ceremony at River Ash was fast approaching. And that meant there was a strong chance Cleo could go and be with her mate. Iknew that what was being discussed. But since then, it had not been confirmed, or at least not to me… not that ha
There had never been any denial Cleo was beautiful. She was able to catch the eye of most men, and likely women too… But here she was in front of me. Naked. My mate. And, well, I don’t think there is any other word for her other than perfect. I was blessed to know she was mine… and I had been a fool to let her go. I knew I would not be letting her go again. If anything, everything we had been through would make me appreciate my mate all the more. Worship her. And right now, worship her was what I planned to do...Seeing her eyes all but roll back in her head at my touch drove me wild with desire for her. As I pressed my lips to hers once more. My fingers sliding inside of her core over and over, making her gasp with pleasure against my lips. Knowing Cleo wanted me did things to me. I needed this girl. But knowing she needed me to turned me on immensely. Her hand suddenly teased at the head of my cock, making it stand even more to attentio
I never had Landon down as being the nervous type when it came to me, but I saw that look upon his face. He was more than a little unsure. But, this was our moment, and I was not about to let anything ruin it. I knew Landon, and I knew he would just need a little encouragement.I wasn’t even sure where that extra confidence from within me came from. Terra, I assume. I could sense how much she was wanting her mate. And from the deep growl that slipped from Landon’s lips, I think it was safe to say his wolf was wanting his mate just as much. This was our moment. Finally alone, and knowing we wanted one another. We would be foolish to waste the opportunity we had...“Oh, is that right?” he murmured, his voice laced with lust, as he gently laid me onto the bed.I smiled, a slow and sultry smile in the direction of the man who was soon to be my fully fledged mate. I truly could not wait, and decided the best way to answer him was to show him, hooking my arms around his neck, pulling his f