Dale showered and changed in less than ten minutes. He didn't want Juke to come at him again. What a difference from the man that held him so tenderly the night before! He had sensed Juke's struggle with his gender. But did he have to call him a bitch boy? He guessed he deserved what Juke had done to him.
To be fair, he had been resistant to believing he would turn into a werewolf on the next full moon, and if Kirk hadn't made things a lot clearer for him, he’d still be in denial—just like Juke said.
The truth was a bitter pill to swallow, but he would.
However, if Juke thought he was getting away with frightening the fuck out of him, he’d better think again. Dale didn't know when, and he didn't know how. But he wasn’t going to let this one go.
Dale checked around his room, everything was as it should be. He picked up the ski jacket Kirk had given him, and ma
Paul remained silent, his shoulders hunched as they made their way through the bustling airport. The wheeled suitcase trailed behind him, making a rhythmic clicking against the tile floor. Even as they went through check-in, Juke spoke for him, his deep voice carrying an edge of authority that made the staff snap to attention. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows under Paul's eyes, making him look even more miserable than he probably felt.Try as he might, Kirk couldn't get Paul to say anything. The usually chatty wolf only looked at him with sorrow-filled eyes, dimmed with distress, before darting a glance at Juke and lowering his gaze again. His fingers twitched at his sides as if fighting the urge to respond to Kirk's gentle prodding.The tension radiating from Paul was thick enough to choke on. Dale's wolf stirred restlessly under his skin, picking up on the distress of a packmate. He couldn't take it anymore."How long are you going to keep Paul like this?" Dale asked, tryin
Juke tilted his head, closed his eyes, and rubbed his eyelids with the heel of his palms. When he opened them again, his gaze fixed on Dale with laser focus."What is it your people say...you have yet another bug up your ass?" He rearranged his shopping bags between his legs, the plastic rustling with the movement."You're the bug in my ass." Dale hissed under his breath and slid down the seat, putting space between them. The vinyl squeaked beneath him as he moved. Juke grabbed his bags and scooted up to him, closing the gap with predatory intent."What is it I have not done this time? Did you not find Paul to be an adequate teacher while I shopped for souvenirs?""I didn't ask him anything. So I guess the answer is no. Why aren't you telling me the things I need to know?" Dale stared at Juke, willing him to understand the depth of his feelings—if the alpha wasn't already digging around in his head to hear it.His chest felt tight with all kinds of emotions, each one new and frighteni
Dale felt Juke's hand tighten on his arm as they reached the arrival lounge, the grip just shy of painful. His mate's fingers trembled slightly against his skin as they stopped short, the fluorescent lights casting harsh shadows across Juke's suddenly pale face.He'd continued to drag Dale along with him after telling Paul to collect their bags and keep Kirk with him. The words were clipped and tense. He'd prefer to face his father without Kirk in tow—that much was crystal clear from the anxiety rolling off him in waves.The smell of coffee and pastries from nearby shops mixed with the sharp scent of fear-sweat coming from Juke made Dale's sensitive nose twitch. He could hear the rapid thudding of his mate's heart, matching the frantic rhythm of his own. The bustling crowd parted around them like water around a stone, giving them a clear view of the group waiting ahead.Dale sensed Juke's turmoil and waited patiently by his side, fighting the urge to fidget under the weight of unseen
"Please refrain from calling my bride names," Juke said, drawing Dale closer and a little way behind him. The protective gesture sent warmth blooming through Dale's chest, his stomach doing a strange flip as he gazed at Juke with new eyes. Despite everything, Juke cared about him, about his feelings.Juke's father tilted his head to the side as if he didn't hear properly and wanted it repeated. "Your, what...you say?" Each word dripped with venom."You heard me, we are mated." Juke's chin lifted in defiance."I don't believe you," Juke's father snarled. He turned on Dale with frightening speed, grabbed the sleeve of the ski jacket Kirk had loaned him for the trip, and ripped it clean off. The sound of tearing fabric echoed in Dale's ears as the sleeve of the sweater and dress shirt underneath went with it.Dale's half sleeve ink was suddenly on display for everyone to see, and he he
Chapter 23Juke's brother made light work of closing the gap between them, his movements fluid and predatory despite his friendly demeanor. The fluorescent lights caught the black streak in his hair, shorter than Juke's but no less striking.He gave Juke a hug that would have crushed human bones, the scent of pine and winter air clinging to his clothes. "Well, well, well, the prodigal son returns bringing with him 'Hell and Damnation.'" His laughter echoed through the now-quiet terminal as he slapped Juke on the back hard enough to make Dale wince. "So dear brother, you have a gay wolf, unfucking believable. You do know, you have made history here today."The tension in the air softened, though Dale could still feel the lingering electricity from the earlier confrontation, making his skin prickle. His wolf stirred, uncertain how to react to this friendlier version of Juke."Dale, this is Jazz, my twin," Juke said, his voice carrying a warmth Dale hadn't heard before. The family resemb
Before they got to the car, Juke stopped at a food cart outside the airport, the smell of grilled meat and spices wafting through the crisp air. His movements were precise as he handed a foam plate and wooden fork to Dale, his fingers brushing Dale's in a way that sent tingles up his arm. "Eat. I'm sure my father has taken the yacht. We will have to hire a boat, or pay a fisherman to take us home."The cold air nipped at Dale's exposed skin where his sleeve had been torn away, making him shiver slightly. His stomach growled at the sight of the steaming food, reminding him how long it had been since he'd eaten anything."Oh, you don't live in the city?" Dale asked, watching how Juke's muscles moved under his jacket as he gestured."No. We live east of here, the backside of this vast country." Juke's voice carried a hint of pride. "Where we're going, we have to take a snow bus to a service station, then a
"But don't people notice that you don't age?" Dale asked, his food momentarily forgotten as he absorbed this new information."Of course they do, that's why we live where we live. In the isolated backside of this great nation." Pride colored Juke's voice as he continued. "We have everything we want and will ever need on our land to survive. We also have pack members strategically placed in the big cities and towns, as well as all over the world.The assigned members spend ten years or so outside the village. Then come home when they have a replacement." Juke popped the last of his food into his mouth, his movements precise and controlled.Dale's wolf preened at being trusted with such information, even as his human side tried to process the implications."So your dad is double black, and that makes him the true alpha for your pack. You and Jazz are like princes. You with the single
Juke took their empty plates and disposed of them in the trash, the scent of grilled meat lingering in the air. After removing a heavy coat from his case, he helped Paul load the luggage into the space at the back of their four-wheel drive seven-seater, the cases making solid thunks as they settled into place. Dale watched through the rear-view mirror as Leah got in the back behind him, her perfume wafting forward with the movement."Hi, we never got introduced. I'm Leah. Where's your husband stealing friend?" she asked, settling into her seat with practiced grace, her voice carrying a sharp edge beneath the casual tone."Wow." Dale sighed, discomfort crawling up his spine. The people in this country had no filter, their directness still catching him off guard. "I don't have a clue. He's still with Jazz, I guess." His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his borrowed coat."So, you're Juke's mate?" Her eyes sparkled with interest. "This is going to be very interesting when we get home. Yo
The pack house had grown quiet, the tension of preparation giving way to an eerie stillness. Dale sat near the fireplace, his eyes fixed on the dancing and flickering flames. The wood beneath crackled, sending tiny ember sparks behind the guard.Juke joined him, sitting close enough for their knees to touch. “You’ve been quiet,” he said, taking Dale’s hand and leaning his head on Dale’s shoulder, breathing in his scent.“I’m scared,” Dale said, his voice hushed. “Not just of Arif, but... of what’s happening to me. What if I can’t control it? What if my being here hurts more people? What happened at the council chamber still haunts me. I don’t want to watch your people suffer because of me. I’m a liability.”Juke’s hold on Dale’s hand tightened his grip firm and grounding. “You’re not a liability, Dale. What happened at the council chambers is all on Arif for coveting what's not his. The blame lies in his greed and selfishness—if it weren’t you, he would have some other reason to do wh
The pack house was loud with voices, each word laced with tension and worry. The air crackled with unease as wolves debated the news of Arif’s movements and Dale’s place within the pack.Juke stood at the head of the room, his arms crossed and his expression stoic. Dale lingered beside him, aware of the side glances and hushed whispers directed his way.Jared raised his hand, his deep voice cutting through the noise. “Enough. We need focus, not this chaos.”The room quieted, though the tension lingered.One wolf stepped forward, his tone cautious but firm. “With all due respect, Jared, Dale’s presence puts us at risk. Arif’s targeting him and, by extension, all of us. Can we afford that danger?”Dale felt a sharp pang in his chest, but Kirk’s voice rang out from the back of the room before he could speak.“Sure, let’s throw Dale out,” Kirk said, sauntering into the center of the room with exaggerated nonchalance. “I’m sure that Arif will call off his wolves and send y’all a fruit bask
The howl echoed through the forest, sharp and urgent. Dale and Juke sprint toward the sound. The undergrowth cracked beneath their feet as the scent of blood hit their nostrils. Dale’s chest tightened as the sound grew louder, more desperate.“There,” Juke said, pointing to a figure slumped near the base of an old oak.An injured scout, his fur matted with blood, shifted weakly into his human form. “Arif’s wolves,” the scout rasped, his voice hoarse. “Near the border... rallying.”Juke crouched beside him, his eyes narrowing. “Are they preparing to attack?”The scout nodded. “Not just attack—he wants to divide us, use our fears of the unknown to force Jared’s hand.”Juke glanced at Dale, his jaw tight. “We need to get this information to my father. Now.” He patted the scout’s shoulder. “I have mind-linked for help. Someone will be here to take care of you soon. Why did you not mind-link for help?”“At first, I was out of range—then I got hit with a poisonous dart. The drug stops me fr
Dale’s heart pounded as Arif stepped closer, his figure illuminated by slivers of moonlight. The forest was unnervingly silent—the wind stirred, and the soft rustle of leaves swirled in the faint breeze and wound through the trees. The feral glint in Arif’s eyes sent a chill racing along Dale’s spine.Juke moved, positioning himself between Dale and Arif. His stance was calm and composed but also ready for action. It was the kind of calm that spoke of malicious intent.“You’ve got nerve showing up here,” Juke said, his voice low and steady, his gaze burning into Arif. “I’d almost applaud it if it weren’t so pathetic.”Arif’s lips curled into a smirk. “I’m not here to fight, Juke. I came to talk.” his gaze bore into Dale.“Talk! Is that what you call ambushing council grounds? Or were your actions some new diplomacy trend I missed?” Juke shot back, his eyes narrowing.Arif ignored the barb, his gaze moving to Dale. “I’m here for what’s mine.”Dale stiffened, the heat in his chest stirr
Bodies were being removed from inside the chamber, and the council elders reconvened, their expressions grave. Jared stood at the center, his voice carrying authority as he addressed the group.“Arif’s actions today are a blatant disregard for the council’s authority,” Jared said, his tone sharp. “He brought violence to sacred ground. This cannot go unanswered.”Arif, standing off to the side, smirked. “The attack was not sanctioned. If some of my wolves acted out of turn, I will discipline them accordingly.”“You expect us to believe that?” Jazz interjected, his voice dripping with disbelief.Dale felt the weight of their gazes turn toward him. He straightened, forcing his voice to steady. “I don’t know why Arif wants me—he was trying to kill me. He bit me and left me for dead. My turning was incidental, not deliberate. Juke saved me. Claimed me. I don’t belong to Arif.”One of the elders, a woman, leaned forward. “Something happened out there. The wolves hesitated. They responded to
As they neared the alcove, a massive gray wolf lunged at them, its eyes gleaming with murderous intent. Dale felt that strange stirring in his chest again, but Juke intercepted the attacker mid-air before he could react. They crashed to the ground in a tangle of fur and fangs, rolling close to the edge of the corridor, where it dropped off into darkness.Dale's heart leaped into his throat as he watched Juke grapple with the larger wolf in his human form. Why hadn’t he transformed? Despite Juke's skill, the gray wolf's sheer size gave it an advantage. If Juke shifted, his wolf would be larger. They teetered on the brink, locked in a deadly embrace. Dale couldn’t let them enter the darkness.“Why aren’t you shifting?” he asked Juke through the mind-link.“Right now, I can better protect you in human form. My wolf has limitations. Besides, I’m stronger than this wolf, even as a human.”It didn’t seem that way to Dale. Without thinking, he lunged forward, grabbing a fistful of the gray w
As they entered the council chamber, hidden deep within neutral territory, Dale noticed everything about the cavernous room, from its stone walls to its high arched ceiling. Torches lined the walls, casting flickering shadows across the ancient symbols etched into the stone, giving off an eerie, medieval vibe.A long table stretched at the far end of the room, surrounded by high-backed chairs carved with intricate designs. The musty scent of dampness and age filled the air, almost suffocating in its heaviness. Underneath it lingered the faint aroma of burning lint, a reminder of the gravity of the decisions made within these walls.As he breathed in, Dale could taste the faint hint of earth and mildew, which left a gritty, unpleasant taste in his mouth. The chill of the damp air, mixed with the weight of the room’s solemn atmosphere, made him shiver.They arrived with little time to prepare. Leah briefed Dale on what to expect and a few choice phrases he should use to state his case i
The cold bit Dale's cheeks as he ran, Juke's hand gripping his. The forest blurred, growls and snapping twigs grew closer. Dale's breath came in short gasps. His legs burned as they pounded the uneven ground."Keep moving!" Juke's voice rang in his mind. His gaze flicked behind them, and his body coiled. Juke mind-linked Paul and Jazz for help, and he gave them his suspected location as they moved forward. Dale stumbled as Juke dragged him along but caught himself, the edge of his vision swimming. The forest broke into open space—a cliff loomed ahead of them."Juke," Dale panted, his voice shaking. "It's a dead end!"Juke didn't slow his pace. "Trust me."Noni mind-linked Juke. ‘Keep running, and don't get caught. I'm heading down the narrow path, leading some of them with me. I'll head back to the pack and get help. The council needs to hear about this. Your father will know what to do.’The growls behind them grew. Dale glanced over his shoulder to see dark shapes breaking through
Dale sat at the wooden table in the kitchen, his hands wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. The warmth didn’t quite reach his fingers as the chill of the early morning air seeped through the open window. A quiet reminder that the full moon was only days away. His nerves were too frayed to feel much else. The sky outside was an ink-blue, the faintest glow of dawn slowly creeping over the horizon.Juke paced back and forth, his footfalls steady but tense. Like a shield, Dale could feel the weight of Juke’s protective presence. He hadn’t said much since the night before. Dale guessed Juke’s mind was on the possible outcome from the Council later that day.He had acted like he didn’t care, but Dale could feel his unease through their bond. Noni had said she would be with them soon to take them to meet the elder.Dale shifted in his chair, his stomach knotting as he thought about the questions swirling in his mind. Why was his body changing so dramatically? How was it even possible for hi