Knees like jelly, Dale slid to the ground, defeated as fear gripped his heart, piercing through him as he gave his imagination free rein to play scenario after scenario of him being manhandled and molested by hundreds of sex starved hungry wolves.
“Stop your foolish thoughts and get up, little wolf.” Juke was in his head. “I can’t.”
“You can…you have to.”"Kill me, Juke, please. I don't want this."“No, I won’t kill you. I'll protect you.""What if you can’t? Will you promise to kill me then?""If I promise to kill you, will you settle down, be quiet and stand up?"" Yes .""Okay, I promise, now get up and be quiet… I'm counting."
Like stars in the night sky, bright yellow eyes appeared everywhere they looked. Juke moved to stand in front of Dale as he staggered to his f
Dale’s arms wrapped themselves around Juke’s waist. “You’re so hot.” He gasped under his breath as his body reacted to Juke’s hot muscular frame pressed up against him.He felt a pull in his belly. He wanted nothing more than for Juke to ride his ass mercilessly. His face was buried in Juke’s chest—he breathed in his manly scent, mingled with the faded aroma of his cologne. It tickled Dale’s nose and played havoc on his nervous system. His cock bulged in his pants.“Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.” Juke grinned.“I didn’t mean—”Juke interrupted him with a kiss. “I know what you meant.”He caressed Dale’s cheek. “Come, little wolf, let me love you— smother you in my scent so they will not find you.” Juke’s voice was a seductive whisper as he breathed t
It wasn't long before Paul and Jazz came toward them, still in wolf form, their massive paws leaving deep impressions in the pristine snow. Two magnificent specimens towering above everything else in view, large and white except for the dark patch above Jazz's eye.Their pure color lit up the darkness, blending into the snow-covered landscape. Their steps were quiet as they sunk into the soft white crystals beneath their paws, moving with a grace that made Dale's heart skip.Watching their approach, Dale was grateful they were on his side. His enhanced vision caught every ripple of muscle under their thick fur, every gleam of intelligence in their eyes. They were no less frightening than when all three had transformed before him earlier, the memory still fresh enough to make him shiver despite the heavy coat.He was also glad he was dressed, the winter air biting at what little exposed skin he ha
All fear slipped away as he held on to Juke, their connection strong and reassuring. They reached the service station without further incidents, and Dale sighed in relief when Juke told him they were on safe ground.Juke slowed to a stroll as they approached a youngish-looking man. Having met Juke's dad, Dale had no idea if this person was younger or older than he appeared. He sat on a chair in front of a large warehouse, whittling wood with practiced precision.The sculpture in his hands was taking form as he chipped away, and Dale could see it would be a wolf in mid-leap, not unlike the leap Juke had made to get him away from the pack of wolves who had tried to attack them earlier.Seeing them approaching, he stood and placed the carving and knife on a log table that showed signs of similar use. His eyes widened as they landed on Dale riding on Juke's back, surprise and curiosity evident in his express
The shrilling of the landline woke Dale first. He struggled to move and then realized Juke was snaked around him. His hand pinned Dale's head to his chest, his steady and calming heartbeat vibrated against his ear, and his shallow breathing warmed Dale’s crown, teasing his hair—the strands moving to the rhythm of his breath. He wanted the noise from the phone to stop so they could lie like this for a little longer, but he knew it was hopeless—he’d felt Juke stir.As he waited for Juke to free him from his embrace and answer the phone, Dale’s thoughts drifted to their journey to Juke's home. His body was stiff under Dale's hands, wrapped around his waist. Juke had pushed the snowmobile at some crazy speed in his desire to get home.His mood had been solemn since Jazz passed on their father's message. Juke’s mind was racing, and although he'd unlinked Dale from continuing to see through his e
As his thoughts continued, he couldn’t stop the smile that spread, creasing the corner of his lips upwards. The memory of the mere thought of being able to block Juke had amused him a little.“I’m not blocking you. If I am, I don’t know how I’m doing it. I wasn’t thinking about anything important—just how tired I am.” Dale had cloaked his eyes with his lashes and began to remove his clothes. Juke stood looking at him with a puzzled expression on his face.He had opened his mouth to speak and must have thought better of it. He snapped it shut again and strolled past Dale to open the glass panel door of the shower—then waited for Dale to join him.“Come, as much as I like my scent on you. I prefer your smell. I will take care of you, and then we can sleep.”Juke had enveloped Dale in his arm and pressed his face into Da
Juke leaned his body into Dale, stretched across him, and opened the door to the closet he'd maneuvered him in front of. Dale’s fingers splayed against Juke's chest, relishing the feel of his muscles beneath. Juke sucked in a breath, his nipples hardened to the nails scraped over their tips.Dale gazed up at him through his lashes. Heady by his nearness, as well as the fading scent of the peach fragrant shower gel of the night before—mingled with Juke’s natural odor, fuelled his desire to have Juke's cock inside him.Although he'd wanted Juke to fuck him again when they'd showered together, sex seemed to be the furthest thing from Juke's mind. He'd bathed him, then carried him to bed. Wrapped himself around him, and within seconds, Dale was left listening to his steady breathing.He couldn’t sleep, plagued with visions of how the next day might play out. Each scenario ended with his throat torn out and gutted, blood spraying from the wound.The towel fell from his hips, waking him fro
Dale's heart pounded as he entered the huge hall within the massive building, his enhanced senses overwhelmed by the grandeur surrounding him. They had driven at least half a mile from the ornate gate to reach the family home, a journey that had given him plenty of time to grow more anxious with each passing moment.Juke explained that the two-story property was built in the Renaissance period, and its European architecture contrasted with the wild landscape beyond. High beams fashioned from large stones, the windows, and doors spoke of old money and older power.The grounds themselves could give Country Gardens a run for their money. The luscious foliage created a jarring contrast to the snowy mountain terrain of Juke's home. It was as though they'd entered an entirely different world—snow-covered hills and mountains gave way to what looked like a warm summer meadow.Dale was fascinated by the two-toned richness of this vast land, his enhanced vision picking up details that would hav
Juke's stone-faced father gasped. "Mother, that's not how things are done.""Relax, Jared. Nothing taking place today is how things are done. Have you ever seen anyone introduce a male as the bride of the next alpha? Be quiet, and let me speak to the boy. Come." She curled her finger toward Dale, the gesture somehow imperious and welcoming.Juke gave Dale a gentle push forward, his touch lingering at the small of Dale's back. The whispers of the gathered crowd followed him as he approached the grandmother, their curiosity a tangible presence in the air.Juke's grandmother stood to greet him, her height surprising Dale as she rose a few inches taller than him. She sniffed the air around him, her nostrils flaring. Excitement danced in her eyes like firelight. "Oh my, this is wondrous indeed," she chimed, clapping her hands in succession, the sound echoing in the vast hall. "Amazing, absolutely amazing."
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