Big chapter, but splitting it would be 1150 words per chapter, so instead, you get one big one. Not the app's optimal chapter length, but too bad. :) If you are enjoying the story, please help me get the word out by sharing it and dropping gems. Thank you.
A week had passed, my exams were complete, and college was on winter break. Two weeks of freedom that I envisioned spending in the embrace of my attractive professor at a quaint mountain cottage, enjoying woodland runs in the moonlight. Alternatively, lounging on a Mexican beach, working on my tan, and admiring my scarcely clad, sexy companion. Or maybe even setting sail on a cruise….Admiring our half naked man, Maya hummed in approval. Funny how every one of my – our- daydreams ended with Kelton partially or fully naked.But no, instead of those delicious visions, I’d be slapped in the middle of some epic family drama. Mine as well as his. With far fewer naked opportunities than I’d like.We can create those opportunities, Maya sighs, as visions of our sexy mate fill my head.Nerves skittered within me as we drove to the airport. My father had spoken to me just once in the past week and, much to my dismay, he’d refused to elaborate on whatever was so important that he insisted he co
A leadership role?Nope.We were just talking about why his son doesn’t like me and we haven’t even met yet. I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about all this. I did enjoy having a mate... so much enjoyment… It really was like I’d found the other half of my soul. This is just so much more than I imagined… having someone who cares deeply for you, who would do anything to protect you. And this particular mate.. he’s better than anyone I ever could have dreamed up. So much better.I understood his reasoning and appreciated his desire to protect me, yet at the same time. I was not used to people making decisions for me. I wasn’t used to having to consult anyone either. In the past, no matter what I wanted, I just did it or I arranged it. I informed my father as necessary, but I never sought permission. Now, I was potentially stepping on my future Alpha’s toes with my mere existence. Then there’s whatever crap my brother has told him, AND now, on top of everything else, I was expected to ta
Had I not been feeling nauseous, I would have cheered surviving my first airplane flight. The dreadful sensation of my stomach dropping during the rapid descent, and the jarring impact as the plane’s wheels struck the tarmac at what seemed like unnatural speeds, felt entirely unsettling. I was told that the plane had landed at the small airfield nearest to the pack. It wasn’t until I stepped through the doors onto the plane’s steps and took a deep breath of fresh air, that I truly felt we had landed.Kilani talked animatedly about her pack and her friends as we made our way to the waiting car. I understood she was trying to stave off the creeping fear, doubt, and that terrible sense of foreboding. Her efforts were not lost on me. It was also a relief that no one expected much conversation from me just then. Smile and nod, I told myself as I twiddled my ring.Smile and nod.Had I been raised in a normal household with a loving family, I suspect I wouldn’t naturally be shy. Before my nin
“Prairie dogs,” I blush in explanation for the ridiculous little squeal of excitement I just emitted.Grinning to myself as I visualize when that county fair came where you have a mallet and you have to whack the moles down. In real life the little guys pop up and down just like that. So freaking cute. I sense Maya taking notice in my mind. The puppy-like drive to chase and play surging.The drive actually doesn’t take too long, probably less than twenty five minutes. Soon, I spot the pack village in the distance. The open prairies give way to orderly streets, playgrounds, a school, a main street with cute shops: florist, cafe, library, butcher, baker, and so on.Curious onlookers glance, some wave as our large SUV drives by. The windows are tinted. So they can’t see in. I’m not sure if the entire pack knows we are coming. Do they all know Kelton has a mate now? A flare of panic invades my thoughts. But I smash it down and tell myself to smile like I mean it.Smile and nod.This isn’t
*** Kelton ***I will never tire of seeing the beautiful rose-blush on my mate’s face when I kiss her. Even the simplest tender moments of affection visibly flame in a way that sets my heart soaring and causes my cock to swell. She’s unaware of her own beauty and its impact on me. Her transparent expression, my favorite trait, always reveals her thoughts and emotions. A trait I deeply appreciate since it helps me identify her worries so I can set her mind at ease.Leaning back and taking her hand, I observe the emotions dancing in her eyes: fear, worry, and then, a settling on determination. She doesn’t view herself clearly; she is far stronger than she believes. It’s now my mission in life to show her how wonderful she is.I won’t be long, I link her. You will be fine. Kilani, Hattie, and Charlie will gut anyone that offends you.Her resulting smile makes my day.See you soon, she links me back. Hearing the humor in her tone relaxes me a little.It strikes me that even though we’re s
Because, what?… You can protect her.… She’s your problem now.Bodie swears this shadow monster thing, as my Lara likes to call it, has never bothered her before.“He stressed to keep her close, help her feel safe, said he’ll explain it when he gets here,” I answered.“I always knew he was hiding something where she was concerned. Never made sense why they turned on her like they did. Could never figure it out though.” Keith mused, likely thinking of the few times he, Hattie, and Charlie visited them. “What are you thinking?” Keith demands, his gaze boring into mine.Damn, he knows me too well.“I think,” I pause a second, unsure how best to word this, “it seems there might be something within her that she’s unaware of. It’s as if she possesses some dormant witchcraft abilities herself, yet I sense there’s something deeper. Otherwise, Bodie would have simply informed me over the phone—no need for such secretive measures including a personal visit here with his whole family.”Curiously
*** Lara ***One moment I was laughing at Charlie’s stories, and the next, a man dashed towards me and swept me into his arms. He moved so swiftly it was almost as if he teleported. Following an embarrassing involuntary squeal, I found myself breathless, and utterly bewildered.“You came back?” His voice sounded breathless and pleased, his gray eyes sparkled. People weren’t usually glad to see me, at least not until recently. Why was he glad to see me? That alone was hella suspicious.It took a moment for the shock to subside enough to realize that this was not my perfect, amazing Kelton. The hands gripping my upper arms were not his possessive, sexy as sin, ones. My Kelton could be rough, in a way that I enjoyed, but this was not the kind of toe curling domination that my mate was an expert in. Nope. This was completely wrong. This was someone else. Not just anyone though. This was my first mate.He was also holding on to my upper arms as if I might flee. Why was he touching me? Maya
Suddenly, two strong arms whipped around my waist and yanked me off the man I was still straddling, cowgirl style . Way to layer on that guilt. I squealed a little at the shock - yes, again - all flailing limbs, until I registered the tingles of the mate bond.Kelton.Sighing, I relaxed into his arms. His presence helped to cool my firing nerves and racing thoughts.“Darling. Love, are you alright?” His breathing rapid, his eyes quickly scanned my body for nonexistent injuries.“What the hell happened?” He growled that last bit to the room at large, but to no-one in particular, giving me a glimpse of the deadly alpha of legend. I’d never seen that side of him before. Frankly, scary Kelton was just as much a turn on as sweet Kelton.It’s poor timing, but it’s not wrong that you want to tear his clothes off, Maya hummed.I ignored that.For what felt like a few long minutes, no one spoke.“Love? Darling? What the hell are you talking about. Get your fucking hands off my mate! Dad.”“I’m
Kelton stands frozen, but his eyes betray him. They speak volumes—regret, shame, and, strangely enough, fear. That can’t be right, can it? Fear. Shame. Regret. None of it fits the man I know.Reach into the bond. Maya’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts, sharp with irritation. My head throbs faintly from the force of her emotion, but I sense her frustration isn’t aimed at Kelton. It’s me. What did I do? The knot in my chest tightens, confusion twisting into hurt. Relationships are hard.Still, I obey. I close my eyes and focus, reaching inward for the bond that connects us. It’s difficult to describe—like chasing a glowing thread, spun from golden, wispy light. It’s intangible, impossible to truly grasp, but in my mind, I see it clearly. This thread, delicate yet unbreakable, ties our souls together. Pure magic. When I find it, I feel it, and somehow, I follow it.Outwardly, Kelton remains a picture of perfect composure: calm, controlled, and utterly unreadable. Usually. But th
And just like that the spell I’d been under for the last few months broke. It felt like all the self-confidence I’d built crumbled like a house of cards.He was just like my dad, my brother, and my mother: fickle, casually cruel.Before I even realized I was moving, I’d slammed the door behind me. The sound echoed in the quiet hallway, louder than expected. I didn’t stop to see if Kelton had followed— I couldn’t. My chest felt tight, my thoughts a chaotic mess of disbelief and hurt.How could he say that?Give him a chance, Maya stated.You’re supposed to be on my side! Maya had always been more adventurous and more extroverted than me, but we were still a pair. Our souls were joined. Not in the same way as the mate bond.My breath hitched in my throat as I wandered. It felt like I was choking on his words, on Maya’s betrayal, on my lack of oxygen. Everything.Lara, Maya’s voice was both scolding and hurt. I couldn’t deal with her emotional blackmail. I blocked her out, just like I bl
*** Lara ***Finally, everyone filed out of Tony’s office. “Hattie, would you lead Lara to our room for me, please?”My heart rate kicked up. Kelton usually called me darling. Was he distancing himself from me for his son’s sake? I mean, that made sense, we didn’t want to rub our bond in his face, but it still hurt.No, stop it, Lara. You are letting your ingrained insecurities rule you again.Kelton pulled me close and dropped a sweet kiss on my forehead, “I'll be right behind you, Darling.” Oh good, I was darling again. “I just want a quick word with my boy.”Awww, his boy. This man was so sweet. Even if said boy was a grown up man.“Of course.” Some time and space to set my head straight was a good idea anyway. I couldn’t keep reading into things and panicking like I had been all day today. I’d give myself a damn aneurysm.With the way you grew up, it’s understandable that you’re worried, Lara. Things have been going so wonderfully with Kelton that you’re paranoid something will go
Once I’d apologized to Tony for how I treated him, though not quite as many times as he’d apologized to me, the awkward tension in the room began to abate – slightly. There was still so much to unpack but it definitely felt like the worst was over. I no longer felt like I was single handedly responsible for destroying every one of Tony’s relationships.Finally, Kelton, who had been quiet for most of the meeting, spoke again. I had to give the man credit for his self control. Most mates would have interjected if their mate was facing off with an alpha, especially a perceived rival.Maturity for the win, Maya happily sighed.“I think we’ve accomplished a lot here tonight. It was hard for all of us, I’m sure. Anthony, I’m sorry Tony, I am still getting used to your name change. You’ve always been Anthony to me. I’m trying to respect your wishes. Old habits are hard to break. I wish we could have figured this mess out somewhere neutral, so we could have avoided the incident in the rec roo
*** Lara ***“Who would like to speak first?” Kelton asked, his voice a mask of calm. Yet, I could feel a palpable tension vibrating through our bond—a tension he surely felt from me as well.After a brief pause, it was evident that no one would voluntarily answer his question as the silence persisted. Every word I had uttered in the past half-hour seemed so incorrect, overly confrontational, overly defensive. I was determined to remain silent for now. In fact, I avoided even making eye contact with anyone, which explained my intense interest in the wood grain patterns of his desk. I doubted I could bear seeing any disapproval in any one of their expressions.“You said your mate was a slut and an omega,” Kilani growled, as if she just remembered it.Oh, hell no!“That’s how you described me?” I snapped, anger blazing in my eyes, finally looking straight at him. What a mega bastard. Damn it, so much for keeping my mouth shut.“I was angry and embarrassed about the rejection. I know tha
*** Tony ***F@ck, it’s her. A few months ago I would not have thought it possible to die from anxiety and happiness simultaneously, but for the second time in less than six months I thought my heart might literally explode.She found me.My mate.For the last few months, I’d fallen asleep every night swamped with chaotic mixed feelings. Prominent among them was regret. The mental image of that goddess as she moved on the dance floor, completely content to be alone, was burned into my brain. Unlike every other woman I’ve ever come across, she wasn’t trying to capture my attention, the alpha’s attention. I knew I was decent looking. I was also the strongest in my pack. But I wasn’t naive enough to think it was those qualities women wanted me for. In my experience, it was about my money and position rather than me. No, my goddess of a mate was effortlessly appealing. And since I'd never seen her before and she hadn’t even spotted me yet, she had no idea who I was. She wasn’t here lookin
Suddenly, two strong arms whipped around my waist and yanked me off the man I was still straddling, cowgirl style . Way to layer on that guilt. I squealed a little at the shock - yes, again - all flailing limbs, until I registered the tingles of the mate bond.Kelton.Sighing, I relaxed into his arms. His presence helped to cool my firing nerves and racing thoughts.“Darling. Love, are you alright?” His breathing rapid, his eyes quickly scanned my body for nonexistent injuries.“What the hell happened?” He growled that last bit to the room at large, but to no-one in particular, giving me a glimpse of the deadly alpha of legend. I’d never seen that side of him before. Frankly, scary Kelton was just as much a turn on as sweet Kelton.It’s poor timing, but it’s not wrong that you want to tear his clothes off, Maya hummed.I ignored that.For what felt like a few long minutes, no one spoke.“Love? Darling? What the hell are you talking about. Get your fucking hands off my mate! Dad.”“I’m
*** Lara ***One moment I was laughing at Charlie’s stories, and the next, a man dashed towards me and swept me into his arms. He moved so swiftly it was almost as if he teleported. Following an embarrassing involuntary squeal, I found myself breathless, and utterly bewildered.“You came back?” His voice sounded breathless and pleased, his gray eyes sparkled. People weren’t usually glad to see me, at least not until recently. Why was he glad to see me? That alone was hella suspicious.It took a moment for the shock to subside enough to realize that this was not my perfect, amazing Kelton. The hands gripping my upper arms were not his possessive, sexy as sin, ones. My Kelton could be rough, in a way that I enjoyed, but this was not the kind of toe curling domination that my mate was an expert in. Nope. This was completely wrong. This was someone else. Not just anyone though. This was my first mate.He was also holding on to my upper arms as if I might flee. Why was he touching me? Maya
Because, what?… You can protect her.… She’s your problem now.Bodie swears this shadow monster thing, as my Lara likes to call it, has never bothered her before.“He stressed to keep her close, help her feel safe, said he’ll explain it when he gets here,” I answered.“I always knew he was hiding something where she was concerned. Never made sense why they turned on her like they did. Could never figure it out though.” Keith mused, likely thinking of the few times he, Hattie, and Charlie visited them. “What are you thinking?” Keith demands, his gaze boring into mine.Damn, he knows me too well.“I think,” I pause a second, unsure how best to word this, “it seems there might be something within her that she’s unaware of. It’s as if she possesses some dormant witchcraft abilities herself, yet I sense there’s something deeper. Otherwise, Bodie would have simply informed me over the phone—no need for such secretive measures including a personal visit here with his whole family.”Curiously