Chapter 1: Welcome to America

The Present

Kayleigh, Age Seventeen

Fort Woods, Missouri

“What are you doing here, Kill?

 “You know what I’m here for…” A low, possessive growl comes from him. And it makes the center of my womanhood quiver.

 “You should go…” I whisper, staring at his glowing wolf eyes. They’re melting my insides and making me feel like I want him to mark me.

 “Why? Why are you fighting this? You know we’re meant to be.” He’s too close. His scent is doing things to my body that I can’t describe. 

 “I don’t know…This doesn’t feel real…This is not real…” I close my eyes. I’m plagued with emotions that I am having a hard time reining in.

He presses his forehead to mine. 

“You’re mine, baby girl.” He brushes my lips with his. 

 “You’re just saying that.” My heart leaps with the things that comes out of his sweet mouth. 

 “Let me show you then…” He winds his arms around me.

“What are you doing?” I hate how my body reacts to his. I’m putty to his words and touches.

“This…” He crashes his lips against mine. Tasting me slowly. Compelling me to take whatever he gives me. Desire invades my senses. The walls I built between us collapse. I succumb to my body’s need, which is being owned by him.

Breathlessly, I try to push him off me, only to pull him back to deepen our kiss when I let my heart take over. I shove away all doubts and hesitations. I welcome his touches. Because no matter how many times I deny it, my body knows it… I am his. 

His lips travel down to the spot between my shoulder and jaw. Going down to the valley between my breasts. My nipples pucker with excitement and anticipation. I’ve never been touched this way before, let alone kissed. 

He pulls a cup of my bra down and catches the nipple with his mouth. He suckles on it with precision. Slow and hard. He sucks and bites, and it makes me moan like never before. 

“Do you like that, baby?” Cillian murmurs. He stops suckling but does not let go of my nipple that’s still between his teeth. 

“Yeah… It feels so good, Kill.” His wolf eyes briefly flicker as he gazes up at me. I don’t hesitate for even a second, guiding his head back down to feed my breast deeper into his mouth. 

“Mmmm…” His chuckle is accompanied by a low growl that reverberates from my nipple to the pit of my stomach, all the way to my untouched virgin cradle of lust and desire. 

I hold his head tightly, closer to my chest. But I’m startled. I can’t feel him anymore. Where is Cillian? What the—. 

Bloody hell. Not again! 

“Miss… Miss… Are you okay? Having a bad dream?” the chauffer asks. 

“Um. Yeah.” Embarrassed by the thought that he might have witnessed me writhing and mewling, I fake a cough and grab the bottled water from the cup holder. 

“We’re almost there. Less than an hour to go.”

“Okay, thanks.” I keep my answers short in hopes that he’ll understand that I’m not really in the mood for short talks. I still feel hot and bothered from my dream… my recurring wet dream. 

I’ve been dreaming about the same thing for almost a year now. After that night, when Cillian stole what was supposed to be my first kiss with Andrei, I haven’t stopped thinking about him. Or rather he hasn’t stopped invading my mind, whether I’m awake or sleeping.

Before the ball ended that night I confronted the Seer, much to the embarrassment of my parents. I accused her of lying and being a phony. That she prophesized the wrong person and the wrong time. I demanded another reading of my future. But she just laughed at me and said that she never makes mistakes. Several wolf blood adults agreed that the Seer’s words are always definite. The Seer even said that my first kiss will be, someday, with the most important alpha in my life. 

That can’t be. I have plans. I want Andrei to be the most important alpha in my life. I can tell that Andrei cares about me, too. I don’t know what’s holding him back. But if he doesn’t make the move soon, well, I will. I want Andrei to be the alpha heir the Seer was talking about.

Not Cillian. Not anymore, by the way. There was a time when I wished for him to have all my firsts. But he’s such a player. He pays too much attention to other girls. And he’s always busy doing alpha trainings. He really only started noticing me in the last two years. Before that, he’d just been a menace. My nemesis. 

But Cillian stole my first kiss. 

Now, what does that mean?  

I don’t know. I guess I have to put those things aside and focus on finishing this summit, for now. 

                          ~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

 I remember reading from Shakespeare that said something like, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown…” 

 I can’t help but think today is one of those days when I feel the hefty weight of my crown.

And my head spins and bends sideways just to carry it. 

I’ve been staring at this fancy invitation card in my hand, black paper with gold printing, sealed with a red wax showing the crest of the Blue Blood Pack.

                                     WOLF BLOOD SUMMIT

                                            Official Attendee

                                   Kayleigh Quinn Donnelly

                      Representative of Fola Rioga Pack, Ireland

 Fola Rioga. Its meaning, “Royal Blood,” echoes in my head. Instantly, I am reminded of the responsibility bestowed upon me as a legacy-bearer. And just like that, I feel my crown get a tad bit heavier. 

I sigh as I put the card back inside my leather cross body bag and look out the car window. I’m thankful that it was a car service that picked me up from the airport. I’d feel awkward if it was someone from the host pack. I’ll run away if it was a certain pack member with hazel eyes. 

Anyway, I’m not really ready to be all friendly and social right now. I’m reserving all that interaction for tonight’s pack welcome dinner bonfire. Apparently, it’s how they want to start the summit—with drinking, dancing, I’m sure some boisterous heckling, and a wolf run to end the night. Just the thought of all that makes me sick to my stomach. But hey, no turning back now. 

We pass a line of luscious trees, rolling blue-green hills, zig-zag roads, and acres of lands as far as the eye can see. Everything looks beautiful. 

From the ranch houses surrounded by white picket fences, to the manicured gardens, man-made lakes within the properties, and the people—waving and smiling—are they really this friendly in the Midwest?

 The billboard on the side of the road comes into view: “Welcome to Fort Woods.” My heart feels even heavier than when I was on the airplane mere hours ago. Even with the picturesque scenery around me, I don’t feel any excitement. This isn’t really a walk in the park for me. But as a wolf blood, and especially the Alpha King’s daughter, it is my duty to be here.

 Wolf Blood Summit. A rite of passage for every wolf blood kind. For the next three months, about a hundred young family members from different wolf packs, ages 17 to 20, will be here. We will undergo intense training to learn fighting skills, politics, navigating life with humans while being discreet about being werewolves, and adapt simple life skills both in the woods and the urban cities. Of course, we are expected to meet with other wolf blood members and develop lasting friendships and business, and even romantic connections. 

It all sounds well and good and beneficial for my pack, but again, not my cup of tea.

 Three reasons I dread being here: 

First, my wolf is still nonexistent. My dad said I should remain positive since I have two more weeks till I turn 18. But what happens if no wolf emerges by then? I don’t know. 

My options are: Run away and never show my face again just to save my dad’s kingdom from crumbling in case other wolf bloods find out his bloodline produces wolf-less offspring. 

Or get Andrei to impregnate me and just be a stay-home-mommy-and-doting-Luna to him and our adorable pups. I’ll just have to get ready for the bitter cold Russian winters. Eh, at least I know for sure that Andrei will shower me with luxurious coats and high-end purses to match them with. 

I think the latter sounds better. 

Second, I’m reluctant about spending the whole three months here without my family and close friends. I’ll have to spend my birthday, Moon Festival, and Thanksgiving Day without them. Irish people in Ireland do not particularly celebrate the American Thanksgiving Day, but because our pack are allies with American werewolves, we’ve included it as a part of our holidays.

And third, which in all honesty should be the first reason I’m terrified being here: Cillian O’Ryan. Golden child. Most adored alpha heir. Stealer of my first kiss. Invader of my wet dreams.

His pack, the Blue Blood Pack, is the host of the summit. This is his pack’s territory, which means my efforts to avoid him for the rest of my life are futile. 

“We’re here, Miss. I’ll drop you off right at the entryway. We’ll just wait in line a little bit.” The driver cuts into my daydreaming.

“That’s fine. I’m not in a hurry.” I smile at the driver. 

I really am not in a hurry. I’m in dire need of a shower and a good night’s sleep on an actual bed. But I’m in no hurry to meet and greet everyone else. Call me anti-social or whatever. I’m just not feeling it. 

My insecurities are growing by the minute. I don’t want to hear questions like, “Have you felt your wolf yet?” Or another pitiful look when they feel bad and worry about me when I shake my head.

The worse thing is the look they give me when they realize I have no wolf at almost 18 years old. Werewolves can feel each other. Having a wolf instantly connects a werewolf to another wolf blood. That fact makes me insecure. 

Being wolf-less sucks. There’s nothing that connects me to anyone here. Sometimes I feel like wolf bloods my age are only nice to me because I’m the daughter of an Alpha King. 

Peering out the window, I’m impressed with the manor I’ll be staying in. The house is magnificent. Red brick walls with the contrast of green ivy leaves creeping all over it. Well-kept flowers in the huge front lawn. 

I look straight ahead and see four more cars in front of us unloading other attendees. At the entryway is a group of guys and two ladies, smiling and greeting the guests. They’re probably the welcoming committee. My heart starts beating fast instantaneously. Out of instinct, I look around the front yard and the very big driveway. I see no reason to be nervous. Just my nerves, I guess.

“Let me help you with your luggage, Ms. Donnelly.” The car pulled over and the driver walked around to open my door.

“Welcome to the O’Ryan manor. This is alpha Patrick O’Ryan’s home. I am Kinsley.” I had to do a double take. This girl is gorgeous. Like a younger and taller version of Victoria Justice. Long raven hair, brown eyes, tan skin, and legs for days. 

“Hi. I’m Kayleigh Donnelly.” I smile and reach out to shake her hand.

“Kayleigh Donnelly from the Fola Rioga Pack. Whoa! Look at you. I’ve heard so much about you. We’ve never been formally introduced but we’ve been in same places a few times in the past.” The tone of her voice suddenly changes. I’m not sure if I’m detecting sarcasm or mere interest. 

“You heard about me? From who? And all good things, I hope.” I don’t tear my gaze from her.

She might be taller than me but I’m not backing down. 

Something magnetic pulled me to look at the guy in my right periphery. I already knew who I’d see before I even saw him. 

Not just a guy, but a handsome man. Tall, broad shoulders, sharp jaw, straight nose, and eyes that are sharply holding my stare… piercing deep in my heart.

“Cillian. You’re here.” I knew I was going to see him but not this soon. 

“Miss Donnelly. Yes, I’m here. This is my home. Welcome.” No warm reaction on his face.

Acting like he was not interested, he sounded annoyed as he said, “I’ll have my guys carry your stuff. I apologize if our humble home is not up to par with your mansion in Ireland. Please bear with us.” 

What the heck is he doing? Why is he acting so formal? Why is he acting like he doesn’t know me—like he didn’t kiss me and leave me thinking about that kiss for a year now? 

What is wrong with him? 

“Cillian, I was just welcoming Kayleigh.” Kinsley approaches Cillian and wraps her hand around his arm. I did not miss the slight flinch from Cillian. He tries to pull his arm away but what’s her face here entangles another hand to lock him on her side. “Is there anything we can do for you, Kayleigh? We have another hour to help everyone settle in their rooms then we can start the bonfire. I can’t wait for tonight’s pack run. It will be fun to meet everyone in their wolf forms. Oh, I’m sorry, I heard your wolf hasn’t come forward yet. You can hang out with the human girlfriends that stay behind and wait for their mates.” 

There’s a smirk on her lips. Way to hit me right in my soft spot, Kinsley. She was slowly turning very ugly in front of me. Very, very ugly. I want to claw her so bad. But no wolf, no claws. Bummer. 

Wait, why am I being this nasty? She can do whatever she wants. She can even wrap her long legs around Cillian. Well, not like that. 

Ugh! Stop, Kayleigh! 

Regroup, behave! 

Before I could answer. I hear someone call my name. A familiar voice!

“Kayleigh-cakes!” Walking towards me is one of the most handsome men I know. 

“Andrei!” My smile can’t be contained. I didn’t know if he was coming for sure. “So you made it! I thought you weren’t going to be here.”

“Of course. I wasn’t going to pass this chance to be with you. I wanted to surprise you. I’ve been here for a week now, met up with some family on my mom’s side. I can show you around after you drop off your stuff in your room.” He opens his arms, inviting me for a hug. I willingly jump into his embrace. 

With my cheeks pressed to Andrei’s chest, I have a straight view of Cillian and see him clutch his chest and wince like he’s in pain. Kinsley rubs his arm and asks if he’s okay. He nods and pulls away from her and walks towards me. 

“That’s enough pleasantries. We have more attendees to welcome. You’re creating traffic here.” His brow furrows and he gives me a begrudging look. 

I ignore him and ask Andrei, “Are you staying here, too?” 

“No, I’m staying with my cousins nearby, at Hunter’s Point compound.”

“Can I come stay with you?”

 Before Andrei could give an answer, Cillian grips my elbow and swivels me towards the door. “You’re staying here, Ireland. Everyone under 18 must stay with the alpha’s family. My family.”

 “What the heck are you doing? Let me go, Cillian!” Even with putting my whole weight to hold myself back, he still manages to tug me with him. 

 “Cillian, let her go,” Andrei says in a stern voice. He does not look pleased. It was only then that I realize Andrei has three other guys with him. I can’t sense their wolves but I can tell they are werewolves, too. They look like they are about to pounce. 

 “When are you going to realize you can’t tell me what to do, Andrei?” Cillian’s eyes turn to a shiny gold. His voice sounds huskier. Is this his wolf talking? As soon as those words leave his mouth the men behind Kinsley move near me and Cillian, looking like they are getting ready for a fight against Andrei and his guys. 

Kinsley approaches Cillian and tries to calm him. “Guys, you’re drawing attention to yourselves. We’re supposed to make friends, not war!” Cillian pushes her to the side, still not letting go of my arm. 

“Kayleigh, come inside with me right now or so help me, Moon Goddess, I will carry you all the way to your room.”

 “Why don’t you try? Let’s see how far you can go,” I snark. 

Please don’t call my bluff. Please don’t call my bluff. 

 He lets go of my hand and is about to squat down to pick me up. He’s going to carry me like a sack of a potatoes!!! Hell no! 

“Okay, okay, I’m coming. I’ll walk!” I cross my arms in front of my chest, roll my eyes, and stride past him as fast as I can. 

 Before I step inside the door, I look back to where the welcoming committee was. They are all watching me and Cillian. Waving at Andrei, I motion for him to call me on my phone. He purses his lips but nods. 

I thought Cillian was also going to wave at Kinsley but he directs his gaze to Andrei. 

He flips him off. 

 “Real mature, Kill. What a warm welcome for your guests.”

 “Just for you, Kayles, a warm welcome just for you. Welcome to America. I will definitely have fun making your stay memorable.” He strides ahead of me, not giving me time for a spiteful comeback. 

 We climb the grand wooden stairs in silence. On the way up to the second floor, I can’t help but notice how beautiful this manor is. It may look a little outdated, but that only adds a more rustic feel to it. More soul, if I may say so. I look ahead as we pass by three rooms. Cillian opens the last door to the left and brings my luggage inside without so much as saying a word to me. 

 I follow him inside the room and stare at him with contempt, hands on my hips. If looks could only pierce the back of his head, my eyes would have done so, ten times over. He turns around and ambles slowly towards me. I panic. 

 “Cat’s got your tongue, Cillian?” I say, just to say something. He’s still not saying a peep but continues to saunter to where I’m standing. 

Then, still with no words from him, he brings his hands to my face, holds both sides of my head, and brings our lips together. 

He kisses me. Again. With so much desire. More passion than our first kiss. Just like the first time, I feel the world is spinning. 

Is this how kissing feels all the time? 

 I’m lost in our kiss. I feel his hands caressing my back, going up and down. Without thinking, I held on to his shoulders, then clasp my fingers behind his neck, deepening our kiss even more. I feel his tongue invading me. Of course, I welcome that sweet flesh and playfully push it around inside my mouth, sucking it back in every time I feel that he is about to pull out. 

 At this point, I’m so gone. I’m drowning in our kiss. Never mind that I spent a whole year forgetting about our first one. Never mind that I’ve spent months planning how I’m going to avoid him at this summit. Right now, all I care is that I’m in his arms and his lips are on mine. 

 With eyes closed, I couldn’t see his facial reaction but felt the loss of his warmth when he finally yanks himself away. 

 “No, just a little wolf … who got my tongue…” What a smartass! Warming up to the idea of him, I was going to smile and say something nice, but without saying goodbye he darts out of the room. 

 Just like that. 

 Leaving me stunned and baffled. 

 Just like he did a year ago on the night of our first kiss.

 Just like every single time I pick up his phone calls but he remains quiet on the other end of the line.

 Just like when he leaves me hanging every time I’m on the verge of a climax whenever he’s in my dreams, exploring my body, and waking every sensual part of me. 

 Cillian spells out TROUBLE in capital letters! 

 I hate that I like the way he kisses me. 

 I hate the way he makes me feel.

I hate that I like him. 

 Admitting to all of these now is making things more real. 

 Things that I’ve been keeping, hiding, and avoiding… for the longest time now.

 Ugh! Moon Goddess! Help me! How am I going to survive Cillian—I mean, this summit?

******HEADS UP: There's a swoony and angsty love triangle ahead in the chapters. I promise you'll be giddy and giggly going in. Of course, there will also be hot and steamy chapters. If you want to see more photos and trailer videos of Cillian and Andrei, come find me at KT Valentine - Author at the site that Mark Zuckerberg created. We're also having a lot of fun at KT Valentine's Baby Dolls. Hope to meet you soon!