*Jonas*I slow from a run to a walk in a part of the woods, which is eerily silent, even for my wolf Cana’s ears.Fear knots up my stomach as I shift into my human form at the edge of the forest, breathing in the scent of pine, earth, the nearby river, and something else, something feral and dangerous.I open the backpack, which my wolf Cana has carried in his mouth, and pull out the simple clothes inside … sweatpants and a t-shirt. I really have no desire to do this naked, but I am not exactly going to a party here either.‘No, we are going to certain death.’ Cana whimpers inside my head.&
Three weeks earlier*Jonas*I slowly open my eyes as the warm light shines through the window. And like every morning, my first thought is, so this is it, this is what it's like being the future alpha. I stretch and yawn as I sit up in the giant bed. It is made from the finest oak wood and draped in blue silk.The room is big and lavish. There is nothing I really want for. Yup, life is pretty sweet."Don't go, Jonas.” A soft sleepy voice sounds from my left side, and a slim hand slides up my chest as the cute brunette leans over, tangling her legs with mine. "Stay a little longer."What was her name again ? She
One week later*Jonas*I am out running with a couple of other guys when I pick up a cry for help over the pack's mind link. And instantly know it is my father. ‘Rogues …. Anyone … help.’‘This way,’ Cana instantly tells the other wolves, and we turn, falling into formations as we speed through the forest towards the river.My heart is pumping, and cold flashes are running down our spine. As I have already pointed out, my father is not really my favorite person, but I wish no harm upon him, and I know how dangerous these rogues are. We need to get there fast.All I get from my father are incomprehe
12 days later*Jonas*The meeting with the other alphas went okay, even if I felt they were talking a bit over my head at times. It might just be that I am still young and not an experienced Alpha, and that most of them don't really know me. At least I am trying no to read too much into it. I just really wish my father would have let me participate more.But at least they want to do something about the rogues. Everyone is outraged about what they did to my father. And personally I want revenge, not that I had the biggest love for him but he was after all my dad and my Alpha. We are having another meeting next week.“Damn numbers,” I mumble.
Next day*Typhon*“Your highness ?” One of the young women asks, as she comes into the cave. She looks timid, but it’s very clearly an act, everything else about her tells me that.What was her name, something flowery I think. I breathe in, she smells faintly of roses, mint and female arousal. No it was no Rose. “What is it, Peony ?”“I was wondering if there is something I could do for you, to make sure you are kind to us,” She bites her lip, as her eyes scan over me. “Anything at all”.“Anything at all ?” I ask, giving her a cheeky smile and leaning forward in my seat. So she thinks she can sleep her way to special treatment.
*Typhon*“Jones no, you can't stay here,” His sister says, as he hugs her goodbye. She is giving me a sideways glare. “You never know what he will do to you”.“It can’t be worse than whatnhe might do to you,” He says softly, touching her cheek.‘If only he knew right,’ Cerberus chuckles with a weird wolfish sound.I smile to myself. ‘He will, but on that account we are not gonna do anything he doesn't want.’‘But he is gonna want it, right ?’ Cerberus says. ‘Cause I like his scent, and the way he looks … Oh and that perky ass too.&r
*Jonas*I breathe in, calming my anger and telling myself that I should not be too sassy, it is probably best if I stay on his good side.The man looks dangerous, and even if he had clearly felt bad about searching me against my will, I am not really doubting that he might hurt me if he feels it is needed to protect his pack.‘I bet his wolf is dangerous too … and huge,’ Cana whispers in a weird tone I can’t really read.I shake my head internally. ‘What does that even matter ?’‘Just saying,’ He chuckles like it is somehow fun, like I have time for his shenanigans.If you can call this a pack, I mean they are rogues, rejected by their own p
*Jonas*So, I cough all through the night.And when the sun starts rising, sending reddish light into my cell, I am still coughing.Dawn turns to morning and the sky turns bright blue, which I notice when I check on my water collected. It is still there on the ledge but empty, too bad my sore throat could really have used some water. On the other hand it would have soothed it, so probably better for my plan this way.Upside, it has worked just as intended. My voice is completely gone, all I can produce is tiny squeaks.So with a croak that would make any frog jealous the so called King can ask me anything he wants, in my
*Jonas* Afterwards, I can't decide which part I liked best. Was it the feeling of completeness I felt when we were joined as one when kissing? Was it the primitive rhythm of Typhon's body as he pleasured me? Certainly, I can't discount the explosive climax I'd felt. 'What a wild night, Cana,' I think, addressing my wolf. 'One to remember, Jonas,' Cana replies within my mind, his voice a comforting echo. But now, as I lay in Typhon’s strong arms, the fresh breeze from the window caressing our bodies, I think that this might be the best of all. He is so warm and close, and I can hear his heartbeat as it slows to its normal, sedate pace. I can smell the salt on his skin and the passion in the air. And there is something so right about it all, as if I've waited my whole life just for this moment. 'Can you feel this too, Cana?' I ask, sharing my feeling of rightness with my wolf. 'I feel your happiness, Jonas. It's a warm glow,' Cana responds, his presence a steady anchor within m
*Jonas* I follow Typhon down the dimly lit corridor, the smell of damp earth and moss lingering in the air. The sound of our footsteps echo off the cave walls, creating a soft harmony as we make our way to my room. My heart races in anticipation, and I can feel Cana, my wolf, stirring within me, his excitement palpable. Typhon stops in front of a heavy wooden door, his strong hand resting on the doorknob. Our eyes meet, and I can feel the heat rise in my cheeks. Cana purrs in my mind, ‘Go on, Jonas. He's just as eager as we are.’ As the door creaks open, I step inside, followed closely by Typhon. The room is simple but cozy, with a large bed covered in furs and a small fireplace casting flickering shadows on the walls. Typhon closes the door behind us, muffling the sounds of the pack outside. He walks towards me, his broad shoulders and strong arms making me feel safe and protected. I can't help but be drawn to him, and I reach out to touch his chest, feeling the warmth of his bod
*Typhon* Connor smirks, his eyes cold and calculating. "Typhon, long time no see. I came to inquire about the young Alpha, Jonas, everyone's talking about his disappearance. Rumor has it he might be dead. I thought I would come and see for myself." I clench my fists, my anger rising. "Your presence here is unwelcome, Connor. Jonas is none of your concern any longer." Connor laughs, a cruel sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Oh, but he is my concern, Typhon. You see, he's from my pack. And I have a vested interest in his well-being. Or well, in knowing if we are in need of a new Alpha." I narrow my eyes, trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind his words. Cerberus growls in my head, urging me to attack. But I know better than to let my emotions take control. I need to protect Jonas, and attacking Connor won't help me do that. "Jonas is safe and alive," I say through gritted teeth. "Now leave." Connor's smirk widens, as if he knows something I don't. "Of course, Typhon.
*Jonas* An hour later I am feeling quite refreshed … at least in the physical sense. The crisp forest air holds remarkable restorative properties for the lungs. Unfortunately, it isn't quite as effective with the heart and the head. Do I love Typhon Bloodclaw? I certainly hope so. I would like to think that I wouldn't have behaved in such a wanton manner with a man for whom I didn't feel a deep and abiding affection. I almost laugh out loud, considering how many women I have slept with before not even caring if I know their name. Why is this so different to me? I still can’t believe I had done that … not to mention what would have happened if Hunter hadn’t shown up. I smile wryly. What I ought to be considering is whether Typhon cares for me. I believe he does, at least a little bit. His concern for my welfare the night before had been obvious, and when he kissed me… well, I don’t know very much about kissing another man, but I can sense a hunger in him, and I instinctively know t
*Jonas* “Fine ! Do you want to know why I am upset? Fine. I'll tell you.” I swallow, summoning courage I do not feel. “Did you happen to notice that you compared me to the plague?” Cana huffs, ‘That wasn’t nice.’ “Oh, for the love of…” He bites his lip, presumably to keep himself from cursing in my presence, or maybe from laughing. Not, I think caustically, that that has ever stopped him before. “You must know.” He says. “That I did not mean that literally”. "It still hurts my feelings." I mumble. He stares at me intently. “I will allow that that wasn't the nicest comment I have ever made, and I do apologize for it, but I know you well enough to know that that alone wouldn't make you cry.” “I wasn't crying.” I say, quite automatically. “Almost cry then.” He corrects. “And I would like you to tell me the full story.” “Oh very well. My father used to call me pestilence and plague all the time. It was his very favorite insult.” “You mentioned that. And I will take that as yet
*Jonas* It is my fiercest desire to avoid Typhon for the next fifteen years, but as luck will have it, I quite literally bump into him the following morning. Unfortunately for the sake of my dignity, this ‘bump’ involves me spilling about a half-dozen rather thick books onto the floor, several of which hit Typhon's legs and feet on the way down. He howls in pain, and I want nothing more than to howl in embarrassment, but instead I just mumble my apologies and drop to the carpet so that I can gather my books. At least that way he won’t see the bright blush that is staining my cheeks. ‘We can’t avoid him forever,’ Cana points out. ‘I can try,’ I mumble in return. “I thought you were limiting your redecorating endeavors to the library.” He says. “What the devil are you doing with those books out here in the hall ?” I look straight up into his clear hazel eyes. Drat. If I had to see him this morning, why did I have to be on my hands and knees ? “I'm not redecorating.” I say in my ha
*Jonas* An hour or so later I follow Typhon through the front entrance to the caves. I am tired and sore and want nothing more than to crawl into bed, but before I can dash down the hallway he takes me by the elbow and steers me into his office. Or perhaps propels would be a more accurate term. ‘Hey.’ My Wolf huffs. “Can't this wait until morning?” I ask, yawning. "No.” “I'm terribly sleepy.” No response. We had spent the better of an hour releasing the creatures. Making sure they fled into the forest safely. I still have no idea why they were kept there and I am not sure I want to know. I decide to try a different tactic. “What do you suppose happened to fire moon?” She had not come back with us. “I don't particularly care.” I blink. How odd. Then I yawn again, unable to help myself. “Is it your intention to scold me?” I ask. “Because if it is, I might as well warn you that I'm really not up to it, and ...” ‘I will be happy to bite him,’ Cana mumbles. ‘Maybe in the ass
*Jonas* I take them to a side door that is partially concealed by a tall English maple. Then I crouch down and put my finger to my lips, indicating that they should remain still. They both look at me with puzzlement and interest as I heave upward, slamming my shoulder into the door. They hear a latch come undone, and I swing the door open. ‘Well done,’ Cana says approvingly. ‘That will show them we are usable here.’ “Won't the grounds keeper have heard that?" Fire moon asks, looking around nervously. I shake my head. “His cottage is too far away, and as I said, he is quite deaf. I have sneaked past his cottage many times. No one has ever caught on … It was only while he went out he was a danger”. "You might have told us this before,” Typhon says. “You'd never have gotten it right. You have to hit the door just so. It took me weeks to learn,” I explain. “The pack door of the main house has the same latch, that is how I know how to work it, from sneaking back in.” Cana huffs. ‘
*Jonas* One moment I am crawling on all fours, and the next I am as flat as a crepe, with a large, heavy, and oddly warm weight on my back. That, however, isn't nearly so disconcerting as the cold knife pressed up against my ribs. “Don't move,” A voice growls in my ear. A familiar voice. “Typhon?” I croak. ‘Damn he is heavy,’ Cana mumbles. “Jonas?” Then he utters a word so foul I have never heard of it before, and I thought I had heard them all from my friends in my own pack. “The very one,” I reply with a gulp, “And I really couldn't move, anyway. You're rather heavy.” My wolf half purr. ‘Is it bad that I rather like the feel of him? It is like ….’ ‘Shut it,’ I cut him off, ‘I do not like it.’ He rolls off me and pierces me with a stare that is one part disbelief and minty-nine parts unadulterated fury. I find myself wishing it was the other way around. Typhon Bloodclaw is definitely not a man to cross. "I am going to kill you,” He hisses. I gulp, “Don't you want to lect