Raven stayed in the back of the vehicle until they reached the Pack’s compound. Alpha Jones ignored her the entire trip. She wasn’t anyone special, which is why she questioned his actions. He’d always ignored her. Alpha Jones never mentioned mates, and she’d never mentioned it. Yet he dragged her back to the compound. Why? The dare? That made no sense.
She had a feeling it had to do with her threat to leave. Did he want to keep her near, but not as his mate? He’d have said something. She had no value to him.
The vehicle parked before the Pack house. Raven hadn’t visited the Pack house in years. It hadn’t changed.
The enforcers exited the vehicle, leaving her locked in the back. She expected nothing less.
The enforcer who drove went to release her several minutes later, as he’d received orders to store the vehicle. That’s when chaos reined, Alpha Jones yelled at the enforcer. His eyes glowed in the predawn light with anger. He stormed to the vehicle, causing the enforcer to step back in haste. The enforcer bared his throat and lowered his eyes as he backpedaled from his Alpha.
“No one touches her. You are off duty leave. See your Delta for a new assignment.”
WTF? What was happening? His reaction made no sense. The enforcer was doing his job.
Alpha Jones yanked from the vehicle, and she cried out in humiliated anger as she stumbled from the vehicle. The wolves around her watching snickered didn’t lessen her humiliation.
The laughter wasn’t a surprise. They’d assume she’d broken some law. He forced her to walk into the Pack house, past everyone.
Raven overheard a wolf. “Who is she? What did she do? The Alpha’s so angry.”
“I don’t know. But I’m glad it’s not me. I’m surprised she’s alive after she dragged him out at this hour.”
Raven tried to stop and explained. Alpha Jones wouldn’t allow her that. Instead, he threw her over his shoulder and stormed into the Pack house.
The main entrance had wolves everywhere. What had the Pack house so full of wolves at five am? She’d never seen so many unless he held a pack meeting.
“Alpha Jones, I’ve done nothing? Put me down.” Raven could feel the blood rushing to her head.
His hand collided with her buttocks a second time. “Shut up and speak when you’re spoken to.”
“Where are you taking me?” Raven felt and heard his warning growl. “I can walk.” He slapped her again. The smack resounded off the walls along with her cry of pain and outrage.
Alpha Jones didn’t slow as he took the main stairs.
Raven expected to spend time in the Pack’s jail in the basement. He continued past his office and up to the third floor where the living quarters of the Alpha, Beta, and Deltas were.
Alpha Jones entered his suite. With no warning, he released her. Raven wasn’t prepared and lost her balance. She landed hard on the plush Andalusian carpet. Her glare turned to fear when she saw his expression.
“Enough. Where’s your brother?” Raven cowered as he loomed over her.
“I told you; I don’t know. If I knew, I’d have dealt with him.” He snorted in disbelief.
“That, changes nothing for you.”
“What do you want?” Raven feared this. He can do anything with her. Alpha Jones could force her to serve the pack in demeaning ways, imprison her or use her as an example. He could choose to kill her. As her brother said, ‘it’s the dealer’s choice.’
“I won’t tolerate your disrespectful behavior and insolence. I can’t trust you. So, I’ll keep you as my pet. When you aren’t in my presence you’ll stay locked up in a location of my choosing. Otherwise, your job is to please me.”
“How do you expect me to serve you?” Raven feared he expected her to do something she wouldn’t do. If he forced her to have sex, he’d learn they were mates. She couldn’t refuse because of the dare. How would he react when he realized?
“You’ll do what I want. Just keep me happy. It’s that simple. I tell you to get me a coffee. It’s your job to know how I want it. If I tell you to strip, you strip. You’ll do everything in your power to ensure I’m happy. If you give me lip, I’ll punish you. Your brother’s no longer welcome here. He’s a rogue. If I catch him, I’ll kill him. If you contact him and I’ll make you wish you hadn’t.”
“Why aren’t you forcing me to leave? I don’t understand. You never cared before if I was a part of your Pack. What’s changed?”
“Stop telling me how I feel or think. Your only concern is to please me. Be an obedient little pet, I’ll reward you. Find me something to eat, I’m starving.” Raven noticed his hungry gaze. She was unsure if he wanted more than food from her. Jones moved away from her. He seemed almost eager to avoid her.
“I’m sure the kitchen has something. Breakfast service starts in less than an hour. I’m sure someone will serve you early.”
“Raven, I said you’ll bring me something now.”
“What would you like, Alpha Jones?”
“Find something. You’re not a vapid she-wolf. Now go. Return when you have my food. Don’t waste time. I’m watching the clock. If you take too long, I’ll hunt you down.”
Raven stifled an annoyed grumble. She made only a little noise, but he swung on her. “Disrespecting me already?”
“What? No, I wish I knew this before entering the Pack house. I could have retrieved your meal and brought it up. You’d be eating right now if I’d known.”
“I don’t care, go. Or I will punish you for disobeying. So, don’t try me.”
Raven left Alpha Jones’s living quarters as fast as she could. Her feet hurt, and she felt tired after having worked all evening. The run home didn’t help her aching feet. Sensible shoes didn’t matter. Raven descended three flights of stairs. After that, she’d the impossible mission of finding something he wouldn’t throw back at her. The place was still abuzz when Raven arrived on the main floor. She tried to move toward the kitchen when someone blocked her way. “What is going on? Who are you?” A she-wolf got in Raven’s face and demanded of her. “I’m no one special and when you figure out what’s going on, please tell me. Because I’m confused, now if you’ll excuse me but the Alpha wants me to deliver him his breakfast.” “Oh no, that’s not something you’ll do. It’ll be my pleasure to do it. It’s not right that some no name bitch does it.” “If you want to go against his specific orders. That’s your decision I won’t stop you.” That stopped the she
Raven went up the stairs and approached the argument everyone listened to. When she reached the third floor, she found Hilary cowering in the corridor outside of Alpha Jones’ living quarters. “You find her and make her get her ass up here. She’s the one who should bring me my breakfast, not you. I don’t want to see you, Hilary. Can’t you understand that? You failed the first time out. I won’t waste my time with you again.” Raven stopped, surprised at hearing him berate another she-wolf like this. She thought he’d singled her out. “Alpha Jones, is there a problem?” “Yes. Where’ve you been? Why’d you send Hilary here with this slop? “Alpha, I didn’t. Your chosen mate insisted on bringing up something your refined tastes would enjoy.” Raven used her truth to put the wolf in its place. Her instincts told her the few words Alpha Jones said that Hilary manipulated the events to blame Raven for her gaff. She wouldn’t stand for that.
“What would being angry get me? Alpha, I’m tired. I haven’t slept yet. Nor have I eaten. My feet are killing me and I’m dragging. Sorry if I cannot summon the energy to curse you and those in higher power. You can assure yourself, in my head I am.” Dominic watched Raven’s back as she set down the tray and glanced out the window. The window framed the sunrise to perfection, and it framed her dark hair and slim curves. He had to swallow to ensure he didn’t drool. “What are you talking about? Why would your feet hurt? Why would you drag yourself?” Dom didn’t remember what she did for a living. He knew she refused to work for him. “When you called, I’d left work after working a twelve-hour shift at a bar waitressing. I’ve been ferrying drinks from the bar to half-drunk shifters before hauling empty glasses to the kitchen. Between patrons yelling orders at me or trying to get handsy with my butt, I tried to contact Liam because I suspected something wasn
Dominic ensured Raven’s participation despite her dislike of his dominance game. He fed every bite to her and wouldn’t allow her to leave his lap. Dom found his nose veering to her throat to catch her scent better. He needed her to change, as the beer and smoke smell diverted attention from her sweet scent. It also had to be in her hair. That thick black hair. Knowing he crossed the lines of civility, Dom still felt entitled to his pet. “Before we nap you will get rid of these clothes and shower. I can smell the bar and patrons on you. I don’t like it.” Raven nodded but did nothing about it. “Oh, no, I meant you would do something about it now, Raven. Strip now and take a shower.” “Here. In front of you?” “Yes, here and now.” He released her from his hold. Now he wanted to know why she felt such reluctance to remove her clothes. Shifting made nudity acceptable, unlike for humans. She stood up and moved to
Raven didn’t want to strip. If they had sex, he’d know they were mates. Luckily, Alpha Jones hadn’t wanted to find her until now. She lucked out again when he had shown no interest in knowing her. Her name only padded his pack roster when a census happened, and it helped him keep his seat on the Toronto Council of Alphas. Here he was now, crowding her into the enormous shower, commanding her to stand exposed before him. Alpha Jones didn’t trust her. Nor did she trust him. He’d stripped her of more than her clothes and in a few hours, he’d make it known to everyone that he’d stripped her of her personhood, too. Then, she’d be no different from a dog or cat. The pack would have no use for. He’d controlled her every move, and she couldn’t say no to him. Or anyone he gave control of her to. So far, he’d insisted only he could touch her. But she’d heard stories of pets turned into sexual party favors by other Alphas. Used by the guests to pleasure themse
Raven awoke to the Pack’s Beta standing over them. He’d crossed his arms, a stern expression rested on his face, and one eyebrow raised in question. “One hour Alpha until the meeting begins. Would you like me to find something for your pet to wear?” He knew what Alpha Jonas planned. How many others knew already? Raven cringed at this realization. “Have someone burn what’s there. She won’t wear anything like that again. So, bring something simple but decent. I want to see what she brought with her before she wears it again. I won’t have her embarrassing us with wearing garbage.” Alpha Jones pointed to the pile of clothes Raven left at the entrance. The Beta picked up the body suit and sneered at it. The look of abject disgust when he found the shorts was comical. “You want me to style her?” His Beta asked. His disbelief was clear and present. They didn’t treat pets in a fair manner. Pets were the ones who did the tasks no one else would.
Dom sat at his seat looking out through the Grand Hall. All the seats were full now. Raven, he had sat on a stool beside his foot before him. Paul sat to his right, while Dom’s left sat vacant. His Luna would one day sit there, but he hadn’t decided if he’d announce that he knew who his fated mate was. He also needed to know she’d have the knowledge, skills, and manners to be his Luna. Dom couldn’t have her questioning him before everyone or insulting him. Nor could she countermand his decrees. Her brother was a problem of epic proportions he’d deal with right now. Dom wanted to curse out Paul for making him second guess his decision to make Raven his pet. He didn’t want her disappearing on him. Nor did he want someone like Alpha Klyne to get their claws into her. Skinny as she was, Raven was still a beautiful she-wolf in every aspect. She’d be a weakness if he didn’t keep her protected now. Liam’s mistake would be Dom’s benefit. He wouldn’t drag he
Dom, with his wolf-like hearing, heard the whispers in this crowded room. The consensus was that they’re not surprised it hadn’t happened earlier. They couldn’t comprehend why Raven didn’t proceed with the sale to eliminate the final Miller wolf. That last part irked Dom and his annoyance rose. He kept his anger in check, but he was sure that everyone in the room could sense it radiating off him. If they couldn’t scent it. He stroked Raven’s hair again as he composed himself again before he continued to speak. Dom’s hand found its way under her chin and raised it so he could study her serious face. “Now it’s your turn to learn your fated for the near future.” “It’s as the Alpha wills. As you say. You bought me, and now you own me. I dared you to catch me and you did. It was my mistake to tell you that you could do as you wished with me. Now I will live with my mistakes.” Raven sounded and looked resigned about this. Hilary obeyed Dom’s every command
FOUR YEARS LATER “Dominic, where is Romini?” Raven demanded as she stormed into the Great Room of the Pack House of the Silver Lycan Pack. They’d renamed the Pack when they discovered their wolves fur all took on a silver sheen in place of the colors they had. Brigid couldn’t explain why and when nothing disturbing or negative occurred they let it stay a mystery for the time being. “Where is your son?” “Last time I saw. He made his escape up to the Lady’s fortress to see Lothe and his latest creation. Has he done something?” Dominic said to Raven with an indulgent smile. He knew exactly what was coming his way as soon as he’d seen his pup run past the Great Room doors heading for the main entrance. Romini had been clutched in his jaws as his tiny claws skittered across the hardwood floors. He shouldn’t be able to shift, but it turned out that any shifter born within the Dream Realm could shift at a much younger age. “No, and that’s the p
Raven and Dominic learned they led a more import group than they had expected. Their enforcers soon became indispensable to the army units because their wolves heightened senses, speed, and stealth made them helpful with information gathering and following scent trails. Their speed had helped save several people from sudden attacks because they were so much faster. “I’m proud to say Raven that as of today your territory is stable. There will be no more time slips there. It’s time for you to take over and learn what is on your territory.” Brigid said in an announcement to the court of Dreamers and army heads. “Stage one complete and onto stage two then. We’ll enter the territory and record what’s left in the area. Then we can clear what we can.” Raven said as she looked from Brigid out through a window that showed a few of the territory they were speaking about. “Do be mindful of the shadows. There are larger ones out there than the ones
“I can’t believe that we’ve had so many wolves who’ve changed their minds and attitudes. There’s more wolves and things that are ready to go through the portals. It’ll take weeks to take everything and everyone through even with the help of other Dreamers. Are you sure this won’t be too much for your people Raven?” Dominic asked. His concern was real and obvious over his face. He’d been worried about this point for the entire time, but he'd held it back. “Het’ Tur has promised to open a portal for us, and he’s arranged it with the mages. So, we’re hoping there’ll be no conflict between the two portal systems.” Raven told him. Het’ Tur’s portals were far older and broke through between realms rather than ran between realms like the mage portals. With the mages communicating with Brigid now, it meant they now spoke with Het’ Tur too. They were working out how their systems could work together for everyone. The problem they had were vehicles wouldn’t w
“Well, that went a better than I thought it would.” Raven settled back into the limousine and looked at Dominic. She felt exhausted from the meeting with the military and scientific specialists. Several political faces were from human and supernatural groups. Everyone was there to discuss the surprise that humans were waking up to the magic from the Dream Realm. The supernatural world had to introduce them to what was for everyone’s safety. They planned to teach those who awoke to the Dream Realm for their own safety. They needed to know the warning signs. How to avoid and protect themselves. Raven wanted to say good luck. “Really, I thought the humans were going to call bullshit every time you said anything. I wanted to snap at that general and I suspect the scientists were about to have a fit when you told them that Fae was about as strong as the creation as the universe. They looked like they were going to have a heart attack.” Dominic said as he
“So, you are aware of other realms.” Raven sat across a large table from several humans. “Yes, madam we have many who swear they see things in their sleep. But when the numbers increased, and the dynamic changed to include a group who strove to prove what they saw in their dreams. Especially after supernatural beings came forward and it became clear that there was an unknown travel network. Then the Fae were revealed and other dimensions. It’s opened sciences we have kept as theory until now.” “I’ll tell you the truth right now that most realms or dimensions are too dangerous to interact with and it’s not worth interacting with them. The reason the Dream Realm and Fae Realm work with ours is because the Fae twisted our dimension to work for them. That includes twisting humans to work for them. Humans were a generic template that they could use to alter for any need. As in creating a shifter species. Now, we are sorry you had to remove them the first
Raven stood beside Dominic as they waited for the Pack to arrive and find their places within the great room. She’d been pacing behind him for the last twenty minutes as they prepared for this meeting. They’d not told anyone what this meeting was about but had told them that this was a mandatory meeting. Raven wouldn’t tell anyone when they called her and tried to pry the information from her as if she would betray her mate.It was too hard to believe that she was so loyal to Alpha Dominic which had several wolves scratching their heads. But they were struggling even more because he seemed more devoted than even before. The Pack in general were left scratching their heads as Raven had earned the loyalty of the other Pack leadership as well.“I am glad to see you at least are smart enough to attend this meeting.” Dominic hadn’t liked hearing confirmation of the odd opinions and complaints. The wolves shouldn’t have been concerned. “I’ve had several mixed feelings these last few we
Raven had gone to the meeting with Dominic and they’d discussed the situation along with as many of the complications as they could predict. Gregory had expressed his appreciation that they’d brought this idea to him before they had put anything into play. It meant he and the Council of Alphas could make plans to counteract any negative fallout.She had to admit she wasn’t sure if they’d be welcome to bring their Pack into the Dream Realm. Or if they would leave this realm entirely. It’s too early to know how they would proceed with this plan.The Dreamers had spread out and had begun to use their training. Stabilizing the timelines, dealing with the more aggressive shadow creatures, and learning about the abandoned things within their area. They had to record everything and the state it was in. With their contact with the mages it wasn’t difficult to reach out to other species who possessed magic. Much of the lost magical items were responding to one kind of magic or another.
“Brigid says she’ll be in touch soon with scheduling so we can have a rotation of sorts. That way we can have a consistent rebuilding going on inside the Dream Realm. So, how are we going to run this place around all that? I don’t even know what anyone thinks about all of this because no one’s dared to speak to me. It’s like they think I’ll unmake them or something.” Raven said to Dominic as she returned from the Dream Realm where she’d had a meeting with Brigid and the other Dreamers. Dominic had seen the changes in her and the Pack. He’d said nothing to anyone about his idea of taking the Pack into the Dream Realm and becoming part of the enforcement powers there. He could see their Pack as a foundation of a future power.He wanted to support Raven the best way possible and he didn’t think he could do it from here.“Raven, love. Everyone is in shock because nothing is how they thought it was. They’re trying to figure out where they and you now rest in the world. People have
“Dominic, don’t worry about it. I know you don’t have to explain to me. When you disconnect your call with me I received a message from someone that explained what was happening.” Lily said as soon as they returned and she made them sit down to eat a meal.“Then can you explain it to us?” Dominic practically begged Lily to explain what they had witnessed even though she hadn’t been there to witness So, he wouldn’t stop the stow for anything and allow her to explain what she’d pieced together through some of her very odd channels, not that any of this was straight forward.“Please tell me she isn’t doing the biggest mistake of all time.” Raven stepped in now and she was practically begging to know that they weren’t letting her do something foolish. It was something they’d all been questioning since Brigid first said she was going to investigate the situation and she didn’t want anyone else going with her, because she didn’t like the idea of the risk. She had Het’ Tur and she didn’