《Under the Moon》


 1. Gold meets blue

    Chapter 1


    Gold meets blue


    Or


    Fate in a tumble-dryer


    Standing there, eye to eye with the very being she had tried so hard to avoid. She thought deep and hard. What had she done wrong? Why was it her? Yet it seemed the questions were drowning in the solid edge of darkness of his pupils. They demanded submission whereas the golden glowing iris¡¯ required the truth.


    A silent conversation of rushed words and emotions happened between his golden and her blue eyes. She was left overwhelmed and completely breathless.


    She had never thought herself as a meek little thing. But right there she wanted nothing more than pull her tail between her legs and run like the wolf she was. To never look back. Instinct proved to be stronger as she was rooted to the spot. All the while a force as strong and old as time itself took place. Its bittersweet whisper told all she needed to know.


    The time was upon her. No matter how undesirable.


    She barely recognized what happened around her as an undercurrent of thoughts took her back to what had led her here...


    ***


    (A situation best avoided)


    It was a bitter cold wind which stroke along Ember¡¯s legs and back. But more so was the truth carried within it. It was a daunting prospect, but an empty pocket and a hungry stomach drove her further into town. She needed this commission. It was that or she would have to find an alternative ¨C perhaps a barmaid for a time¡­ in a very far and isolated town.


    She almost cringed when she imaged the stale and heavy smell within such an establishment. When the evening became old and people had been sitting on the same stools for hours on end, sweating. Mixed with the sweet odor of nonstop flowing alcohol and it was a potent cocktail for a pounding headache.


    With renew determine she speeded up. The sidewalk was pretty much deserted. People had sought the warmth inside instead of the frozen winter weather. It was both a blessing and a curse. It was refreshing not to be surrounded by strangers, but at the same time she stood out like a sore thumb. The street was all but empty.


    The wind was taunting her as it caressed her, to turn hard handed as it ruffled her. It kept its assault, but it was not the handling that was ragging. It was what infused the air. A strong smell that made the small hairs stand on end all over her body.


    It was trouble in the purest form for one such as Ember.


    A heavy dominant odor saturated the wind. It was both sharp yet soft at the edges. The smell a masculine musk masking strength and a powerful will. For friends and family, it was a warm welcome. For strangers and disputers, it was a deadly challenge.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Ember already had an appointment. Her reputation at stake. She would have turned around the moment she recognized what that smell meant. The car had covered most of the scent. The engine had a tendency of doing that. It was only after she had retrieved her room-key. Braced against the harsh icy wind to go to her appointment, the bite of the smell hit her. And it told her exactly what she had stepped into. She had almost staggered.


    While it was an intimidating situation. Especially for one of the ¡°fairer¡± sex and her ¡°delicate¡± position. She righted her spine and walked on. It was barmy to do so. But Ember was not one who covered. To do so when nothing but the smell of a certain promise surrounded her, almost made her grind her teeth.


    As it was, Ember could take no more being in the stifling car. Having been sitting down for hours. Her very being was one were useless stillness for longer periods of time made her restless. Being trapped in the car was very much every essence of that. So, though it was a bit of a reckless decision, Ember decided to walk to her appointment. She wanted to get blood into her legs. Ergo the car was parked close to her rented room.


    Later, Ember would see the faults in this plan ¨C the whole plan. From the part where she had rented the room. To sitting down and unpacked a few of her things while eating a bit of food. To go against her better judgment and walked into town.


    She should have taken her things and gotten the heck out of there while she still had the chance. She should have.


    But she didn¡¯t.


    The longer Ember walked, the more skittish she became. She tried to tell herself to relax. To look at ease, like she belonged. Everything to make as few as possible notice her. And that was all very well, but the deepest instincts in her was telling failure was more or less imminent. It did so in the form of perspiring palms. Ears catching every loud as light sounds. Eyes searching every nook and cranny. Nevertheless, she still continued.


    But time was against her now. Ember doubted very much that she would even be able to sleep at the motel. Though she definitely needed to get some proper sleep in a bed ¨C which was why she had rented the room in the first place. But the air current was not a one-way informant. As she now knew that she had stepped onto pack land; they too would soon know that a stranger had arrived.


    And not just a stranger, but a lone female wolf. A mature female wolf ¨C with no mate. She could have simply drenched fresh blood down her front and yelled lamb for the taking. There were enough big bad wolves who would jump for that opportunity. Ember cursed herself for the situation she had put herself in, but she could blame nobody but herself.


    She stiffened for a moment. Looking over her shoulder she searched the area. Her oversensitive ears had caught a sound, but she saw nothing. She sighted deep and began walking again. This time faster.


    The smell of a stranger would alert the pack. The smell of a female wolf? Ember gulped. It would have the bachelor males come running. A swarm of bees towards fresh pollen. A whole lot of unwanted attention. Attention which surely could bring seeking eyes Ember was trying for all in the world to hide from.


    The closer she came to the inner center of the town the more people were outside. All trying to keep themselves warm. Ember¡¯s jeans was at this point clinging to her legs, the cold having taking ahold of her skin and muscles. She pulled her rather light jacket closer still and looked around. Her blue eyes lit up when she saw the sign up ahead: Corron''s Photography - Capturing the Moment. She was ready to sigh in relief but dared not to ¨C not yet anyway.


    The plan was simple; go in, get a deal, get out and then pack her stuff and get out of there. No paid money was worth the trouble that was undoubtedly soon coming her way. If she didn¡¯t act. She would have to sleep in her car¡­ again.


    She stopped in front of the glass door of the shop, took a deep calming breath and opened it. Trying to look as professional as possible with an eminent threat was difficult. Walking to the counter she saw the back of an older man bending behind the desk - and very much smelled. She grimaced a little by the odor of stale beer and cigars. Up close the smell was almost too much. Being used to humans, she fought to keep a straight face.


    Ember cleared her throat when nothing happened. It took a long moment before the middle-aged man reacted. When he finally stretched his back and turned around, he found a young lady standing at the counter in front of him. A young lady with hair like crimson flames and deep blue eyes. A gentle smile looking a little forced, greeted him.


    He coughed, smiled while wiping his hands on his trousers and made an effort to look professional. He had barely opened his mouth and Ember already knew that this was not going to go quite as she wanted.


    ***


    (And the boy yelled wolf)


    She was right; little over half an hour later and she was ready to forget whatever she had sought out to do. If it wasn¡¯t for the very fact that her laptop had decided that life was overrated. And going out with a bang was the way to end it, she wouldn¡¯t even have had to come here in the first place.


    She could have sent the remaining pictures. Talked over the phone and hope the result would be positive. But alas here she was, talking to a Steph. Who wasn''t even the one she was supposed to talk to. But a half-timer working dimwit who could not understand the simplest task of writing a note, that she had been there and deliver the USB to his employer!


    That wasn¡¯t so hard, was it?


    "Will you just take the USB and write the note?!" She nearly hissed.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, give me a moment woman, yeesh.¡± He finally gave in. Expiration radiating in his small watery eyes. Finally finding out that she was not going to let his ¡°he had an emergency. Come back later¡±-explanation push her out the door, leaving him to do who knows what.


    She huffed, taking a heavy breath and tried not grinding her teeth. She was not going to react to him being degrading.


    Finally!


    As she was about to put down the USB on the desk - something she was beginning to be apprehensive about; not trusting Steph one iota - the front door behind her opened. A little bell chimed this time too, announcing a new customer. Out the corner of her eye she saw a younger guy.


    ¡°Steph,¡± greeted the newcomer with an easy smile. Then he halted in his steps. His nostrils flared for a moment. Bewilderment widen his eyes. He stood completely still now. She knew why.


    Shit.


    Without thought her spine straightened in tension. Her lungs expanded to its full capacity as she took in his smell once more, as if she wasn¡¯t sure she was correct the first time around. Analyzing it didn¡¯t change the outcome. She knew. Dammit she knew. It was too late.


    Wolf.


    She had hoped for more time before she would stumble upon them. At least it was only one - and a young one at that. Bracing herself she gradually turned around so she could have him in her full vision.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    He was a scrawny boy with reddish brown hair and light eyes. He dressed fairly simple as werewolves tended to do - easier to get rid of the clothes when shifting to wolf-form. His hair was reaching some centimeters below his ears. He looked very much like the young wolf that he was. A growing boy, where everything was either too big or too thin for his frame.


    ¡°Why Adam, I almost thought you had forgotten about old me - not cool enough to hang out with anymore, eh?¡± Every bit of Steph¡¯s concentration was on the absentminded youngster. Even moving along the counter to get closer. Completely ignorant to the sudden tense atmosphere between the two customers.


    The youngster, Adam, had to tear his attention away from Ember before he could walk the remaining distance. He blinked a couple of times before he appeared to know what to answer. But that didn¡¯t fool Ember - she knew she had his full attention.


    With very slow movements, Ember began to distance herself from the newcomer. They needed more space between them. If she had withers in this form, they would have begun to raise to posture. The youngster didn¡¯t miss this.


    Werewolves on another''s territory could mean anything. Mostly trouble. Since this Adam didn''t know Ember, he could not know if she would jump on him and tear his throat out or not. Not that Ember wasn¡¯t in the same position. But Ember did not fear the juvenile. No, she feared something far more, and it was not her life this moment. She feared the consequences that was going to unfold now. She knew her presence in this area was to be announced as soon as this guy could get the news rolling.


    Just my luck.


    The air sizzled with tenseness to which only the two werewolves could feel. Messages were being tossed back and forth between them. Not with words. With energy and whatever little body language their stiff bodies were capable of. Which by wolf standard was a lot.


    Who the hell are you? Friend or foe? What are you doing here? This is our territory!


    She could almost hear all the questions his smell, stiff shoulders and squinting eyes spoke for him. He was alert but also curious about this female stranger. The curiosity almost being the most dreaded respond.


    Okay. Time to go!


    Ember turned towards Steph and placed the USB on the counter. "Make sure to give the note and the USB. I will be waiting for news." With that she turned around in a manner not to startle the young wolf before heading for the door. With a last glance over her shoulder before she was out the door, she saw what she had been dreading. The young guy was pulling a phone out of his pocket.


    Shit!


    Her clock was ticking now. Bullocks. What kind of luck did she have to accidently arrive to one of the few places a werewolf pack had territory? She was not sure that even if Steph - or hopefully his employer - called, she would be able to come. Working as a barmaid was looking more and more promising.


    The door had scarcely closed behind her before she busted into a sprint down the street. While it felt good, the reason behind did not. The surroundings were a blur as she kept going. Never stopping. Never looking back. Being a werewolf, travelling a lot, she was in great shape, but even then she felt how her lungs hungered for air. The frigid air burned her nose and shocked her lungs. Her muscles strained and warmed. The blood pumped through them and her feet hit the asphalt in a furious tattoo.


    It was a fight to keep steady on the glazed and icy parts of the sidewalk, but with determined Ember stayed on her feet. A few times she slipped enough to bring her so much out of balance, she thought for sure she was going to kiss the asphalt. But she didn¡¯t.


    With a red nose and cheeks, she almost cried out with relief when she finally saw that old neon sign that made out Motel. Never had her old car seemed so much like a blessing parked there all dirty and rusty. The last stretch to her door was gone in a second. Only needing her stuff and then she was out of there.


    After unlocking the door, she flung it open and slammed it behind her. She took a moment to draw a long breath. She sniffed the air and smelled no unwelcomed scents. Her bag was on a stool in the corner; her clothes mostly inside. Ember hadn''t unpacked much of her things since she knew that she was not staying long. But the small amount of clothes that were hanging on the armrest seemed too much.


    Okay Ember, think! Breathe! You have about ten minutes before they arrive. You have done this before - you can do it again.


    Ember was about to burst into action, when a sudden pull froze her to the spot. Like two equally strong forces pulling in each direction. Petrified, her mind was screaming to get a move on. Her body refused to move as much as a muscle.


    As though her body was getting overwhelmed of another. It felt like it collapsed inside itself. Then the most peculiar thing happened. Something within started sending out a call with such longing it bordered on painful. Her chest could have crumbled in on itself as a vacuum of swirling mass of everything and nothing took hold. Her throat was dry and her eyes felt bright and bothered. A light sheen of perspiration covered her brow. A tumult of feelings were battling inside her and she didn''t even know why.


    A raw gasp escaped her when she heard the unmistakable sound of a car pull up. Time was up.


    The realization made her jump. Startled, she ran to the nearest window where she looked out at the parking lot. An older, dirty, dark green Land Rover was parked outside. Three people were emerging from it. She didn''t need theirs scents to know what they were. Like the curtain was on fire she let go and looked around. In seconds they would be upon her. Her smell would lead them straight to her.


    How they had found her so quickly did not occupy her that instant. She took her car key and glanced only at her backpack in passing. She would have to leave it behind. She had yet to put all her stuff in it and she did not have the time. She grabbed her camera pulling the strap over her head, securing the camera around her neck. Trying to find a window that she could squish out of, she looked desperately around.


    A knock broke through the stillness of the room as she located her escape.


    Silently she opened the window and scrambled out. The rough outlay of the windowsill gave her soft skin a few abrasions, as she glided out and down the wall. If she was lucky, she could get a good head start and trick them. She would need to run around the building while they were in her room. Get to her car and drive the hell out of there.


    Sounded simple enough¡­


    What would be a failure before she even tried, would be to jump out and head towards the open forest behind the motel. Turn to her wolf-form and run. Not only would the snow slow her down. People might see her transform - she would rather get caught by them then risk that. They would also track her faster and reach her before she had even run a hundred meters.


    The car was her best option.


    There were three more knocks. Then some mumbling - probably to her about opening the door - and then the sad excuse for a door got kicked in. Ember was almost at the corner of the motel by then. Pressing her back against the rough wall of the building, she turned slightly around the corner to take stock of the situation. There were four motel rooms between the strangers and her. She glanced at where her car was. She would have to sprint.


    Now or never!


    A last deep breath and she kick started the run to which would lead her to escape. She made sure her key was at hand and ready to unlock the car - being of the older kind, she had to unlock it the old fashion way.


    Yelling cut through the air as she reached the car. Heavy footsteps thundered on the ground. As she was about to insert the key, a pull took over her body. Strong enough to make her double over. The air around her pressed in on her. Her lungs gasp for breath. A small voice in the back of her head whispered¡­


    Incomprehensible, the voice was more akin to a feeling. It left her with an indigestible sense she was making a big mistake. It was a shortcoming feeling though. The adrenaline rushing in her blood snapped her out of it. For some reason she found herself glancing over her shoulder for a moment.


    One guy, big bodied, black jacket, dark haired, and grey eyes. A stern expression on his face, was running towards her from the front door. Another was running from the corner of the building where she had been hiding. Their expressions told Ember of their determination to get to her before it was too late.


    A strangled sound escaped her mouth in close to fright. She fumbled further with the key.


    "HOLD!"


    Nope!


    She wrenched the door open, for it to be slammed shut. Before she knew what was up or down, she was turned around. Her back pressed up against her car. Her breath was hard, shallow and fast. Then she recalled bitterly there had been three and not two men. The third was now standing way too close for comfort and looked at her with wild eyes. Something a hunt did to most werewolves.


    Both of their chests were working a push and pull motion. Their lungs gobbled air down without feeling it. It was the only sound between them. Ember¡¯s blue eyes dilated when they clashed with those of the man in front of her. They were golden. And they were burning like molten lava. Strong and steady. They demanded submission and respect.


    Alpha.


    It was so clear. This was the Alpha who had come to see this new wolf intruding on his territory. Yet something was off. It was always a tense situation meeting a new Alpha. But this time it was not merely establishing ranks - finding out if the stranger was friend or foe.


    There was something here so much bigger than the world around them. The silence surrounding them felt fragile yet heavy. Whatever weird pull her body had been experiencing seemed to subside. Breathing was once more a thing her lungs could efficiently do.


    Because she was where she was supposed to be, a whisper purred.


    Air was minty fresh in her nose, almost to the point of burning. Every sound, sight and smell seemed intensified. The sudden connection between them was like threads flying through the air. Each sparked when joining the other. Building to a near fusion that would weld them together in the most raw and fragile place within them. She felt it prickle and tingle inside of her. The want to tie the final, everlasting knot and give him the most vulnerable piece of herself; her soul name.


    No, it couldn''t be...


    She had never really believed that she would be able to find him. But right there before her he stood. Every fiber of her being whispered bittersweetly in her ears what he was. What he meant to her. Her soulmate.


    And here she had just been trying not to be courted and mated at all, and now this.


    Her tongue was almost making knots on itself, as his soul name was beginning to form at the tip. The reactions she had earlier made more sense now. In a weird kind of way her soul had known. Sensed her soulmate was near and reaching.


    He looked as surprised, but not enough to hide the triumph swirling in the gold. His chest seemed to grow bigger as the realization settled within him. Fear and panic arose within Ember. This could not happen. She could not know his soul name nor give hers. That was not possible.


    The sun hadn''t moved an inch. The seasons hadn¡¯t changed and her death bed wasn¡¯t looming over her. Yet it felt like a lifetime had passed. Her back was pressed so hard against the car that if it could it would have swallowed her whole. She almost wished it would.


    She began to shake her head in rejection. He looked confused for a moment until he finally felt it. She was retreating within herself. Her soul getting cut away from his. The fragile bond that had yet to settle between them was being ripped apart. It was followed by pain in plentiful.


    "Don''t!" Was the only thing he got over his lips as her soul name faded. He gripped her arms in desperation. If it wasn¡¯t for the sudden pain, she would have felt the tingle and gentle warming of his touch. Alas her being was concentrating on the force of which she coerced upon them.


    Heartbrokenness etched into her features. The icy feeling of being utterly isolated swamped her as the tender threads split. Faintly she observed his arms lose strength as they moved away from her. They were now pressed against the car on each side of her. He wasn¡¯t looking at her anymore. His eyes unseeing, blank.


    Breaking something inside of her to pieces, she knew now was the time. When he barely knew how to react to the whole situation, now was the time to run.


    It had to be one of the hardest things she had ever done, but she did it. She broke loose from his arms and sprinted away while her soul was howling and crying within. Hurting from pain expressed as cold blades. It hurt. It made her breathless, and tears had fought their way to the forefront and almost slid down her cheeks. She had not given one thought to the other two werewolves who had come along. They simply stood and looked on in astonishment as two mates found each other. Then in utmost apprehension when they were not fully united as they should have been.


    How she had done it, she was not sure. She just knew that the longing souls were still seeking each other. She needed to get as far away as possible and never see him again if she was going to live on mateless. Even now she was not sure if it would even work, but she had to try. Her plan was simple in thought. The only thing was; two were in this situation and he was not so inclined to let it slide it seemed.


    Mere seconds after she had run off, he had collected his thoughts and set after her. She did not see it coming. One moment she was free, the next she was yet again in his arms. But this time in close contact as he wrapped them around her in a tight grip. His arms were strong and warm, his chest hard, but they were little more than a barrier at that point. Knowing she would never have the strength to break free. She wrestled harder against the cage of warmth and commitment.


    "No! Let me be!" She growled.


    She fought against him. She felt the pull again. Felt how the threads were fighting against her mind¡¯s desperate desire for independence. His arms didn''t lack strength this time she subconsciously thought. As though he knew her, knew that no matter what he said she would not stop fighting, he said nothing. But did something else.


    Alarmed she saw what he was thinking and reacted according.

 2. Broken bonds

    Chapter 2


    Broken bonds


    Or


    The three musketeers


    Being Alpha came with many responsibilities. Blake believed, so far, he had done an okay job. He had won the challenges coming his way and with time came either respect or fear. The outcome was something that was out of Blake''s control. It depended on the situation and the state of mind of the one challenging him.


    Since the first day as an Alpha, Blake had tried to hear all and be fair. It was a fine line he walked for it was also his job to discipline. It was with utmost importance his emotions were stable. Constant changing emotions lead to restlessness in the whole pack.


    Predators and time of tumult never went well hand in hand. Weakness was dangerous. Which meant that Blake''s situation was precarious. Restlessness had settled in his body, taking a hold of him and it was all Blake could do to rope in his emotions. While he might have been a tad unruly when young and bold. He had never had this kind of difficulty holding back. But he found himself fighting against rumbling growls. Spreading beneath his chest and through his throat at every opportunity.


    He wasn¡¯t some juvenile pup in the midst of raging hormones. This erratic turmoil of emotions and restlessness was impacting everything around him. Most of all; his pack. If only this unrest in him was due to exhausting or hunger. Then he could at least do something about that.


    The soul was a much more troubling thing to settle. And therein lay Blake¡¯s problem. For though it was his body who expressed this agitation. It was within the deepest part of him the real storm was seething.


    As another rumble vibrated in his chest, he pressed his hand against the disturbance. Trying half-heartedly to massage the tense muscle. It didn¡¯t do much. Weary he sighed and found himself pacing once more. That was another thing. He could barely sit still. He was pacing more often than not.


    He had considered whether a challenger was in the area, but this had been going on for far too long. For the last week in fact. If one was to challenge him, they would have found him by now. Besides he wouldn¡¯t have felt like this by a possible challenger. He had tried that too many times not to know how that went down.


    It wouldn¡¯t affect his soul. His wolf instincts and his emotions, sure. But soul? No, that was far too deep and secret a place for a mere challenger to affect. So, he found himself wondering once more; what the heck was happening? He wanted to snap over the smallest of things. Had in fact snapped at a few when he no longer could hold himself back.


    Fortunately ¨C if you could count it that ¨C it had primarily happened to his two Betas. Though, one time he even lost control around a lower rank wolf. The male had almost showed throat and belly right then and there. Blake almost grimaced when he remembered the fear and surprise that had been stark on the poor wolf¡¯s face. The stank of fear had permeated the air.


    Not wanting to repeat that, Blake had since secluded himself in his study. One thing was to put one in their place when it was needed. Another was snapping without reason. He would have to seek out Thomas and apologies for the unreasonable reprimand. When he was once more in control of himself that was.


    In resignation he rubbed his hands over his face. His desk was a mess, though he had done nothing but stare at whatever gibberish scribbled on the papers. Which made it all the more impressive how his desk could have turned out to be such a disaster of a chaotic mess. The messy stacks of papers and notes could for all have been taunting him of the ineffectiveness he had been executing the past week. What time he should have used on work, had been a time of pacing. Back and forth, over and again.


    He stiffened for at bit. No, he was being daft ¨C again. He shook his head and turned towards the window. Focusing. Hoping he had simply picked up a faraway sound. A very faraway sound. As all but the sound he was searching for filled his ears, he couldn¡¯t help but clench his fists.


    ¡°It¡¯s official Blake, you are going crazy¡­¡± he mumbled to himself. How else could he explain hearing muffled sounds of child-laughter and puppy barks. No pups were within hearing distance. No matter how shrill and loud they would laugh or cry. Not in his study. Not in his own bedroom. Yet, he kept picking up the sounds throughout the day over the last week or so.


    Defeated for the moment, he leaned his hip against the windowsill. To stare out at the winter day. Their little village was a wonder. He was proud of it. It had been there for centuries, and for many more to come. They had fought off the leading modernization. The bigger companies who wanted to expand the cities by chopping off every tree and killing the flora. If they could, they would probably have leveled everything to the ground.


    Not only had they fought the humans off. They had even broadened the area to which was now a nature reserve. The only thing they made sure to do was make a few small villages around the little town of Kirkwall. A town of old which had survived as they had. Though it had been modernized in a lot of ways throughout time. It would seem too suspicious to simply have one little village in the middle of the woods next to Kirkwall.


    So as not to be condemned the weird forest people, and what not humans had a tendency to nickname what they thought odd. There had been made a few other villages around Kirkwall, all in different sizes. It was also a way to make sure humans didn¡¯t get too curious and neared the pack-village. The last thing Blake needed was somebody seeing something they ought not to see.


    And people turning to wolves was definitely within the not-ought-to-see-category. It was either information which made people vanish for good or drastically changed their lives forever.


    A tuck within Blake¡¯s chest made him focus once more. Trying to make his mind as blank as the fresh fallen snow hadn¡¯t worked. He hadn¡¯t tried very hard, mind you. Perhaps he should try more diligent. Trying to seek within and find whatever little tranquility there was in his soul¡­


    Feeling foolish Blake huffed. He placed his elbow against the wall and leaned his forehead on his arm. If he wanted, he could still look out, but alas his eyes closed for the winter day. There was no placid zen to be found within. Already was one of his feet beginning to tap impatiently against the floor.


    Scarcely a minute later a knock sounded. Blake answered in a gruff voice heavy with irony.


    ¡°If you really want to, do come in¡­¡± Blake knew it would only be his Betas or his mother who would dare to disturb him. With a low chuckle the door opened. Blake knew the tone and scent well. He needn¡¯t see who walked in.


    ¡°I see you are in a fine mood as ever,¡± said a melodic voice that was not too deep, yet still not as light as a woman¡¯s. Humor was hidden in plain sight within the voice. It was not wrong to imagine that the speaker laughed more often than not.


    "Playing with fire as always, Jet," Blake said. Posturing himself so he wasn¡¯t half leaning against the wall, he turned his attention to his Beta.


    "It makes life interesting," Jet answered.


    "Says the one who has Alexia as mate¡­"


    The only answer Blake got was a warm chuckle. It didn¡¯t hide the satisfaction Jet felt about his mate. Jet moved into the study coming to a stand before the desk. When Jet said nothing, Blake raised a brow at his Beta.


    Jet cleared his throat a little and in a more concerned tone of voice asked, ¡°anyway, how are you?¡±


    Blake glanced a bit out the window as he tried to find the right words. He had no idea how to express how he felt - nor if he wanted to say them out loud. Saying them made them so final. Real. One glance at Jet settled his mind to at least give his worried Beta something.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good question - I have no idea. What I do know is that the forest has never looked better. It¡¯s all I can do to not shift and run without end. I¡¯m afraid that if I do¡­ I would not come back.¡± Blake took a heavy breath. ¡°Not for a long time.¡± He let the words sink into the silence that followed.


    ¡°When did you last shift?¡± There was a small amount of hesitancy in Jet¡¯s voice - with good reason. Blake snorted. Something within him began clawing at his insides when hearing that hesitancy. It annoyed him when it shouldn¡¯t. He was almost grinding his teeth. In an attempt to rein in his growing annoyance, he turned to the window again, looking at the snow.


    Be like the snow; clean, fresh and calm¡­


    Bullocks.


    More like a freaking snowstorm. Blake began pacing again. Jet said nothing. He kept a wary eye on Blake. An agitated wolf was a dangerous wolf. Mix that with an Alpha and you would more often than not have a ticking timebomb.


    With agitation Blake ran a hand through his messy hair, resulting in only making it messier. It was all wrong. The weighty silence was only interrupted by Blake¡¯s footsteps and heavy breathing. Their sharp hearing picked it out like a needle falling to the floor.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t shifted for the past week.¡± I dare not to almost hang in the air. But never would Blake admit to that kind of¡­ concern. Never in his life had he worried about shifting. His wolf form was simply him in another form. With more animalistic instincts and thoughts. Yet something held him back from shifting. That something worried him more than he wanted to admit.


    What he did know - or thought he knew - was that his soul was searching for something. That wasn¡¯t so weird in itself. All souls were more or less searching for their soulmates, but never had it felt like this. Never had it felt like his very soul was about to rip itself apart from him. Or try to take over his wolfish side, making him run who knew where to.


    As he kept pacing, he was not aware of Jet¡¯s keen gaze on him. The stare turning more and more worried as he saw his Alpha rubbing his eyes. The strain around his mouth. Showing perturbation in every movement and features.


    It was unsettling - even for a wolf like Jet who was a Beta. Especially because Blake had never exhibited such behavior before.


    "Okay, let''s summarize," Jet interrupted because he could watch no more. He extended a finger for each statement. "One: you feel agitated. Two: you haven¡¯t been in wolf form lately. Three: you have no clue as to what is going on... Four: Am I missing something?" He said, looking pointedly at Blake. Hoping that he would calm down a bit, if Jet recapped what they knew.


    Finally, Blake¡¯s feet seemed to be able to stay in one place as Blake thought it over. He needed to get a grip on himself. Before further ado he said the first thing that came to mind. And regretted it the next instant.


    "I hear pups... and child laughter." Blake placed one hand at his hip, the other rubbing his neck. ¡°When neither are even in hearing distance.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    By Fenris¡¯ grey hair he sounded positively ludicrous.


    Jet looked baffled for a moment. "Pups?" He asked dubiously. Blake nodded sharply, knowing exactly how it sounded. Jet¡¯s face changed under the strain of effort from trying to keep an expression from appearing. Blake narrowed his eyes. He knew Jet well enough to know what expression he was fighting. And only fighting it because of Blake¡¯s sullen temper.


    ¡°Out with it already,¡± Blake huffed.


    Immediately Jet¡¯s lips formed a lopsided smile. As soon as it appeared it made Blake wary, wondering if he had made a mistake.


    "When did you last get some?" His Beta asked, this time with an unrepentant grin. A growl rumbled in Blake''s throat as he frowned. With hands raised in surrender Jet smiled and said, not sounding sorry at all. "Just saying".


    "Right," Blake grumbled before he picked two sheets of paper from his desk, trying to look them over. All the while fighting to ignore the smile gracing Jet¡¯s face with its own secret. Blake needed no more crazy thoughts or ideas.


    The only thing that went through Jet¡¯s mind was that his Alpha¡¯s biological clock had begun ticking. Hearing pups? Yeah, it seemed like his Alpha was finally feeling the need to start a family. And why not? An Alpha at Blake¡¯s age would by now have found a mate (or attempting to find one) and trying making offspring. Blake? Nope, he hadn¡¯t felt the need. Much to the disgruntlement of his mother (and some packmates).


    "Was there something specific that you wanted or was annoying me just on your daily agenda?" Blake interrupted Jet¡¯s musing. As Jet was about to open his mouth, a knock interrupted. Withholding a deep sigh, Blake said to enter. In came Cailean; his litter brother and first Beta.


    "Cailean," acknowledged Blake with a nod and something that might resemble calm. Cailean stayed close to the door, as he did not look like one who was staying for long. This Blake knew was not because of his temper. Though he would not have faulted Cailean if it was.


    The two litter brothers resembled each other in a lot of ways. They both had dark hair, but where Blake had golden eyes, Cailean took after their mother with the grey hue. In height there were but two centimeters between them. Something they only knew because as young boys they had been quite competitive about it. In such Blake had been quite prideful as a young juvenile when he overtook his younger brother by two centimeters.


    "I just got a call from Leon," Cailean said not elaborating. Blake contemplated whether his Betas tried to get on his nerves on purpose. They certainly seemed to get a kick out of it. He lifted a brow in a silent inquire.


    "A stray has stepped into your territory." It was simple. It was straightforward. Blake felt an uncanny fury storm burn its way through his inside. An echo of a wolf snarl seemed to vibrate from his very soul. He hadn¡¯t felt this kind of anger in a long while. It almost took him by surprise. Yet within his deepest self it seemed the unrest that had been brewing suddenly began to boil. It was all he could do not to shift right then and there. And it was not because of the anger.


    "It is a female wolf, Blake - a lone female wolf. And you know that as an unmated Alpha you have first claim." Female could just as well have been the most powerful word in the world. A sudden serene dropped as a supreme bass inside him. It was a calm that remained for all of that one word. Then the restlessness bounced back with ferocity.


    "Do we know where she is headed?" He asked, straining his hands against the back of his desk chair that he stood behind.


    "I made Leon keep an eye on her. The last news I got was that she was on her way towards the center of Kirkwall."


    "Alright, let''s go. Jet?" Never one to miss a party Jet nodded and followed Blake and Cailean. They had reached the car when Blake addressed Cailean in a serious tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense such as first claim again - mother would beat you within an inch of your life if she heard you. With good reason too.¡± There was a short pause. ¡°And you know I am not looking for a mate.¡± The only outward reaction Blake got for his trouble was Cailean¡¯s eyes dancing with his own mirth. A short "aye, aye.¡± followed.


    Jet kept his grin to himself.


    It was in the car that they got two more calls; one from one of the juveniles who had seen her at the local photo-shop. The other from the tracker, Leon, who told she was running towards Manson''s motel.


    A cheap rundown place that against all odds was still up and running. They knew the shortcuts around the city, so it didn''t take them long before they saw the motel with its queer colors and faulty sign. The closer they came, the more it seemed his heart was trying to beat his chest to pieces. His hands were straining around the wheel. His knuckles white and looked about to pop. The others said nothing. Though it didn¡¯t take much time, it felt like hours had gone by when they finally arrived.


    The tracker had seen the female wolf go into room seven. Not that they needed to know. As soon as they exited the Land Rover, they could smell her in the air. The smell hit Blake like a baseball bat to the face. It halted him in his steps for all of five seconds. As the first hit abated to something akin to a caress, Blake began to find his senses. Never had anything beckoning him as much as this. His whole being was so tuned into this sensation, that he almost forgot everything around him.


    Until he had waited far too long. Agitation and need plunged into him with a fury that took his breath away. Once regained he marched with tunnel vision towards the door of seven. He was almost banging the door off its hinges with the first knock, much to the glee of Jet.


    "Easy there, tiger," the Beta snickered, but with a warning glare from Blake he was silenced. On the third knock Blake''s wolf soul was whining and growling, echoing in his being. Being no longer able to control the burst of overwhelming pressure from the unknown sources within, he kicked the door open.


    The room smelled of her. And what a scent. It was almost enchanting. The need to find this female was a firm hand of steel. He had expected her to stand in the room, and from what he could detect by her smell, she was nervous and ready to bolt. Much to his lamentation the room was empty. Jet was the first to approach the window, and it didn''t take long for them to put two and two together.


    Being bigger than the female, Jet had quite the trouble getting out. He managed it by breaking the frame of the window. The breeze wafted in through the now broken window, offering Blake a fresh scent of the female. A certain sweetness and promise saturated the smell. Alongside a strong portion of wildness - something which awoke slumbering needs. She could have turned wolf and run through the thin foliage behind the motel. But no clothes lay scattered around. Also, he would have been able to see her from here. Something wasn''t right.


    A single exchanged look with Cailean told him much the same. As the gears turned in his head, he knew. Dammit he knew. Before Cailean could ask, Blake was already running out the door.


    There! He saw her - a female with red hair and firm legs moving in a sprint. Her goal the car parked close to his own. He knew he would lose her if she got in her car. Never did he remember to have run as fast as he did then. For all he knew, the wind could have placed him right behind her. The harsh rhythm of his lungs told him a different story.


    It was when he finally stood face to face with the intruder of his territory that he began to understand. Her deep blue eyes drew him in and he was struck speechless.


    The longer he stared into her eyes, the more it seemed his body was filling with a humming vibrating energy. His body was not shaking he realized. It was something so deep and intense he was more lost than ever yet found in that moment. The humming had a certain rhythm to it. And as it spread along his veins, filling his whole body, he had never felt stronger. Peace was however upon him. Whatever it was, was pulling him apart. Then putting him back together into something new.


    Time stood ever still. Like a drop of water on the tip of a leaf. Precarious hanging on, until the last moment. Time moved on as fast as a raindrop falling to earth.


    He took a filling breath and almost choke on the strong burning sensation in his nostrils. Never had smells been so sharp, intense or clear. Never had the air been so light nor fresh that whatever he must have been breathing before had to be smoke. Cleansing his whole body and mind. In that moment he knew he had never taken a proper breath before.


    Strength ran through his veins like rivers. Spreading, warming and never stopping. He knew he would be ready for whatever might come. To protect. To fight. To do what he must. It was a shocking realization to say the least. To know his strength was as great and mighty as his determination. A dark almost satisfying voice whispered beast. With a knowing hunger rumbling in its debts.


    He would truly be an unstoppable beast should anything threaten this precious being before him.


    His soulmate.


    The fact that the unfamiliar wolf that roamed his territory happened to be his mate, was so unrealistic he stood stumped. But not even shock could stop his soul rejoicing in the discovery. He could as good as taste her soul name forming on his tongue. Knowing nothing would sound as right or as promising.


    But a broken promise it was. For no sooner had he realized who she was, an intense pain and desolation penetrated his whole being. What had been vanished and all strength left him as he saw into the blue eyes before him and understood...


    She was trying to break free from this blessed meeting.


    Fear and rejection were crystal clear in her wide eyes. It was heartrending. The warm soothing and gentle touches of souls connecting, like fine silk threads weaving into a tapestry of ancient and legendary stories, were beginning to segregate. The promise of her soul name, unfulfilled, left a bitter taste on his tongue.


    So close to letting a whine escape from his lips, Blake clenched his teeth hard. He felt weak, pathetic and weak. Just trying to prevent her retreat by gripping her arms was almost enough to bring him to his knees. He felt the threads break and he did a sharp intake of breath when the cold harsh truth glared in his face.


    His mate was rejecting him, and he felt bloody helpless as it happened.


    It was in that moment he felt her slip away. Leaving his arms. Leaving him. It woke his instincts from the torpor of disheartenment. Never being one to chase after females, he nonetheless threw caution to the wind. He ran with everything he had, closing his ears to surprised calls of his Betas.


    He caught up to her in less than five strides and she was back. Back to where everything within him was screaming she belonged; in his arms. If he had been guided by his humane morals and not his wilder instincts. He would have thought himself a brute and vulgar in the way he held her apprehended. His wild side thought it only fair. She fought hard and wild against him. He knew well it was pointless.


    She growled, kicked and tried everything in the book of dirty tricks. But his hold held firm. Instinct took over and without much thought as to why this was possible a good idea, he sought out her lips. Why, he had no clue. A touch of insanity perhaps. He would have liked to think it helped. Just a tad. But a moment of insanity or thoughtless gestures never had much success in history of well-received reactions.


    She froze as she realized what was happening. Only for a moment though. With brute force she got control of her arms and covered his mouth with both of her hands.


    "What the hell do you think you are doing?" She snarled at him while locking eyes with him. If she had been in wolf form her hackles would have raised and her teeth showing. She had spirit and it pleased him to no end. Jerking her hands away from his mouth he took ahold of her upper arms and steadied her.


    "Tell me why! Why do you fight against what is meant to be?" He could not help but ask. He felt the bond yet again try to reach out to her. It connected but it was a fight to gain a hold as she still tried to close herself off from him. How she was even doing it, he knew not, but it was baffling.


    "I don''t want a mate!" She all but screamed at him. A knife to the gut would have been just as effective as her words. With a long dull knife. He took another hard intake of breath.


    "Do you even know what you are saying?" His rapid breathing charred his throat. His eyes burned into hers. Those dark blue eyes were steadily filling with anger and pain. For pain followed the broken pieces of the bond. She knew what she was saying though. He could see it in her blue depths and it almost made him let go of her. Until he felt it click.


    As puzzle pieces meant to fit whatever way they were rotated, they clicked into place. Together they were meant to create a masterpiece. Yet whatever glow it should have emitted, it was but a tired looking thing, that fit yet did not.


    Whatever she had done to hold him at bay vanished as the bond took hold. He felt a low burn once more, alongside emotions from her. Almost overwhelming for a second. Disbelief and panic marked her and it saddened him. The fighting had made the bond fragile.


    This time no soul name was at the tip of his tongue. The lost was close to crippling.


    Reluctant he let go of her as the fight left her. The strong emotions and heartfelt connection occurring as their souls merged, began to dull. An unpleasant burn took form in the back of his throat. Whether it was a certain amount of disbelief or perhaps akin to an anger of sorts, he knew not. He just knew it was not pleasant. It was not peaceful, and it was tearing at his soul.


    All the while the female was standing still. Intensely looking at everything but him. The deep nature of the wolf couldn''t help but make Blake a bit perplexed by the whole experienced. He had gotten his mate but at what price? Blake didn''t know if he should apologize or not. Didn¡¯t even know if he could. Before he could do more, Cailean and Jet¡¯s arrival distracted him. He had completely forgotten about them in the midst of this mess.


    He could feel, if not smell, their unease. Well, he was right alongside them. On one hand he was grateful that they had his back. On the other hand, he could already feel his body tense as they neared. Every instinct warned him to make them stay the hell away from her. He swallowed the notion.


    "At least tell me your name," Blake asked. It made the whole situation so much more ridiculous when he thought about it. Finding one''s mate and bonding not even knowing each other''s names. Well, that was a sight for the Gods he thought.


    For a moment she glared piercingly at him, like she had had the very same thought.


    "Ember," she answered at last in a dead voice.

 3. On the spot

    Chapter 3


    On the spot


    Or


    Double the trouble


    ¡°Ember,¡± she answered in a dead voice.


    Ember began to rub her arms, feeling both cold and vulnerable. She could not believe what had happened. She had fought tooth and nail to get away and failed. Yet something told her even if she had indeed succeeded getting away, the bond would still have been made.


    A certain glow - though it had dulled to bare embers since she had rejected him - shone in his eyes. His lips tucked a bit. Like he wanted to make a big smile, but almost unsure how. One would think her name was a glorious secret that only he knew. Or maybe he was but satisfied over the fact that their bond had happened, and she could do jack shit about it. Trying to hide it behind an outer wall of friendliness and insecureness.


    How was she to tell? She didn¡¯t even know the freaking guy anyway.


    She wanted to dislike him. No - she wanted to hate him. But he had done nothing but holding her back when she had tried to run¡­ but perhaps that was enough for her to loathe him?


    No?


    She sighed. Ember already knew she had never been the type to loathe others without reason. And loath her mate? Her soulmate? Everything within her but her brain was fighting that particular negative emotion. Or perhaps her brain was too. With reasons and rationalities. Her own instincts had betrayed her. How was she supposed to look out for herself when so many things within her fought against her?


    There was a hollowness inside her. A place she had never thought about or acknowledged. But the sudden experience of almost getting her soul''s yearning, just for it to slip away, made her painfully aware of the emptiness. Of what she had done.


    A dark little voice whispered how she truly felt. How a certain desire hoped he would turn out to be a despicable guy; just so her rejection was rightful, and the hollowness which followed was a necessity and one of those things you sometimes had to live with.


    As Ember stood there, watching the other two werewolves joining them cautiously, she made a vow to herself. She was going to find a solution to this. She had to. She was not mate-material. Neither did she want to be a mate even if she had been.


    The two males were trying not to look pointily at her - but neither could they stare down their Alpha. It was almost comical to see them fret over what to do with themselves. No wonder they didn¡¯t know what to do. With what they had just witnessed and with an Alpha male finding a mate, he was bound to be protective and hostile towards other males.


    But perhaps them fighting was what she needed. It would have been the perfect opportunity to run away. Though she wasn¡¯t sure she would end up very far. Everything within her was in conflict over the two desires to both stay and run.


    Not knowing what else to do at this moment, she found herself looking her supposedly mate. It wasn''t that he wasn''t pleasing to look at. Because he was, no doubt. To a point where it was a bit annoying actually. But handsomeness alone was never enough of a reason to mate with someone. If there was one thing she had learned in her life, it was that appearance could be the most deceiving little shit. A pretty lie cackling right in your face.


    He could have a horrible personality and she would be stuck with him for the rest of her life. She had almost ended up in that very position before. Out of the frying pan and right into the effing blazing fire. A growl almost slipped out of her.


    Ember blinked, bringing herself back to the present to find him fretting a bit with his jacket. Like he wanted to do something as he focused intensely. At her. She looked down at her arms, up at him, then his jacket. She dropped her arms, no longer rubbing warmth into her flesh. Then she sighed. Again.


    "So, I gave you mine - what¡¯s yours?" She asked. He looked confused for a moment, but at last he stopped fretting with his jacket. "Your name,¡± she clarified.


    "Blake, my name is Blake Macbay.¡± Then, turning half around he indicated to the two others. ¡°And these are my Betas; Jet and my brother Cailean." He pointed to each of them.


    Though he sounded friendly enough, it was taunt as he introduced them. They nodded and smiled back a little uncertain. She only nodded at each introduction with a blank face.


    He turned to her again, took a step closer to which she tensed up once more, not knowing what was in his mind. His body language was not threatening in any way though. He seemed more like he was trying to make as slow and small movements as possible. Presumably trying not to frighten her. She knew she was most likely not in danger. Not physically at least. Nevertheless, he was still a stranger and their situation was fidgety in a lot of different ways.


    Taking ahold of her hands, he sought her eyes and spoke in a soft voice. His voice kept her from removing her hands from his and hiding them away.


    "I know that you would rather be without, but I would like to take you back to my pack. And then we will figure things out there - if that¡¯s alright?" She could have torn her hands free, snapped at him, anything to make him leave her alone. But the warmth that came from his touch was so damn calming and she was tired. So very tired from being on edge the whole day. Which just turned out to be bloody pointless anyway. But who would have thought that her soulmate would be here?


    She looked at their hands. A small thought of how her hands in his, looked perfect swirled around in her subconscious. Not that she was going to pay it any heed, mind you.


    He gave her a small squeeze when she didn''t react. The blue eyes looked up and found his golden ones, and she found herself nodding. Not having anything more to give, she gave in. His smile was beaming, and she thought she was in trouble. Big trouble.


    They collected her things (putting her camera inside her backpack), and Jet was to drive her old deathtrap of a car. Ember sat in the back seat of Blake''s Land Rover while he drove - Cailean sat beside him. Turning to the window, she first had the intention of lying her forehead against the glass. But the bumping and rustling of the car were more likely to give her a headache. Something she didn¡¯t need. Instead she leaned back. She looked as the surroundings passed by in a blur. Her eyes half lidded as sleep sneaked closer upon her. She turned her head a little and gazed at her supposed mate and his beta-brother.


    Definitely brothers she absentminded noticed. They looked very alike. Cailean had something to his eyes that made him seem like a rock in a stormy ocean; steadfast no matter of the powers crushing against it. Though something in her warned her not to take it likely. Fire ran below the surface. Much like his brother. The Alpha''s golden eyes were pretty much igniting when he saw her.


    The soul was a mysterious thing. If Ember didn¡¯t know better, it almost seemed like her wolf soul was growling peacefully. A steady rhythm that vibrated in her chest. Whether she wanted it or not, calm wrapped around her like a blanket. She certainly hadn''t tried that before. It was all she could do to keep yet another sigh from passing through her lips. It appeared she did nothing but sigh.


    Ember glanced one last time at Blake. No matter what he said, she knew she wanted anything but being a mate. Acknowledging the reason as to why, was something for another day. There was always a day tomorrow, or the day after that, or maybe not at all. Because why did she need to look for the reason why she wanted nothing to do with the position of mate? - and especially an Alpha-mate.


    It didn''t surprise Ember that the den of the pack was located outside the town. Hidden well within the forest. She followed the trees with her eyes as they drove past and slowly but surely the greenery began to grow denser. She knew soon she would meet his pack. A bittersweet whisper kept on and on. Her fate would be decided then. No way out. Trapped. It sent a cold shiver down her back. She didn''t feel ready to meet a whole unknown pack. A pack was a closed unit and she, a stranger, was not necessarily welcomed by the others. Even if she was their Alpha''s so-called true mate.


    The Land Rover began shaking along the road, now no longer of old asphalt. That was when she felt an intense sensation rushing through her body. Searching for the source, she found Blake''s gaze on her through the rearview mirror. She held it for a time before he needed to focus on the road again.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Just in time.


    Holding the Alpha''s gaze was never easy. It may not have been in hostility, but even so. The power behind was strong. Something she reacted to on a spiritual level. Whether she liked it or not.


    It didn''t take long before they arrived in a valley. Cottages graced the area. The further they went into the valley, the closer the cottages were built to each other. Still, with a lot of space for gardens and what seemed like a common playground in the middle. There were no fences around the grounds; werewolves knew when their territory ended and another began. Of course, the whole region had one single owner. The Alpha. But the more human part of them needed something that they could call theirs. The same with the more opinionated males. So this was one way to do it and keep everyone from each other''s throats and not get daily challengers.


    A few sorry snowmen stood by the side of the small road and waved to whoever came past with broken thin branches. One of them had a wary smile and the other was missing an eye. The carrot noses had bite marks. This pack was graced by pups, Ember concluded by the hurt carrots.


    As they passed along, Ember also noticed those who were out and about stopped whatever they were doing. They waved hello or gave respectful nods when they saw Blake. Whether she wanted or not, she could not deny the simple fact; their actions spoke louder than words. Blake was well loved and respected. While she was not happy about the situation itself, she could appreciate the peace emanating from the pack.


    It didn¡¯t take long, and Ember felt rather than saw at first, that more than one had seen her - and their eyes went huge. Talk would be all over this little community in no time. Ember almost had to bite her own cheek to stop herself from glaring at the strangers and stare at them in the eyes. Such an act was a challenge and Ember knew it.


    But the sudden stares crawled all over her skin. She had been trying for a long time to keep this part of her dormant. She needed no trouble and challenging a number of unknown wolves was a perfect way of starting trouble.


    And if there was one thing Ember was, that would be in enough trouble - without adding the new wolves and their certain displeasure. She kept her hands on her thighs, were they kept clenching and then forced to relax. Just to repeat it all over again. She swallowed as her mouth began to dry and kept a hard stare straight ahead of her. All to stop herself from sending that one mistake of a challenge.


    Calm down Ember, you can do this - you have to do this.


    Closing her eyes, Ember took a deep breath in, out, repeat. Slowly she found herself calming down. She rubbed her hands against her jeans. When she opened her eyes, she found herself eye to eye with grey. She blinked. Collecting herself she barely had time to register the small, almost nonexistent, knowing smile gracing Cailean¡¯s lips, before he turned around once more. She wasn¡¯t sure what it meant, and not feeling like asking what the heck, she kept her silence.


    As they got closer to what seemed to be a big hill, she saw what was no doubt the Alpha''s den. It was much bigger than the rest of the cottages and placed to overlook the whole area. She knew it was big because it had to be able to hold the whole pack at meetings and other gatherings. That was the way she was used to anyway. Yet it did not stand out she mused. It wasn¡¯t like it was a modern designed mansion. Screaming riches and stuck up nosed people who drank champagne in crystal glasses with their morning tea, because they could.


    The den of the Alpha simply seemed to fit into the area and the nature around it. More like an extension of what was already there. It had charm, Ember had to admit.


    Blake had hardly turned the key to shut the engine off, before somebody was already ready to meet them at the door of the den. An older woman, by the looks of it. Her hair was neat and in a delicate braid. Her dark hair had greying streaks, the flow almost like veins in marble. Her expression was stern and her eyes light grey. Cailean¡¯s grey.


    Ember hadn''t even left the car and already it reeked of Alphas. The lady before her was definitely an Alpha. But for her to have greying streaks and the touch of age, she had to be quite old - since the lifespan of a werewolf could easily be trice that of the average human being, and longer still. It rarely happened in the old times where violence often was a way to settle disputes. And fights for the scarce females were everlasting and so on.


    Females were still far inbetween. Making the search itself for one''s soulmate not very coveted. If a male indeed did come about an unmated female, he would most likely use his time trying to gain her favor. Such was the times now. Taking and (perhaps) asking later was now frowned upon.


    The car door opened and Ember jumped out. The intense stare from the woman was instant - as Ember knew it would be. Still, Ember kept her peace and stood with an air of indifference, though it required some willpower. No matter how short a time she stayed, she needed to show that she was no pushover. She needed to establish her claim of right and rank. A battle already begun the moment she got into that car.


    Jet had parked besides Blake and he took a position next to Ember. She didn''t know if it was because he tried to give her some sort of support or to keep her from running. Either way, Ember didn''t think too much about it.


    Eyeing him up, she saw he had her backpack in hand. Deciding that she would much rather carry her own stuff, she asked for it by holding out her hand and indicated towards her things. But he just smiled and kept holding onto them. And if it wasn''t because it would seem weird to break into whistling, he probably would so.


    Jerk.


    "Mother." Blake''s voice broke through Ember''s annoyance. She eyed the little family greet each other with warmth.


    "My boys," their mother said with an approving voice as she opened her arms to take each of them in a hug. It was not what Ember had expected to happen at first glance, but the stern glint in her eyes had soften upon looking at her so-called boys. She smiled at them and then simply and elegantly ignored Ember completely and looked at Jet.


    Not one to lose her composure often, Ember would probably have dropped her jaw in surprise of how smoothly this woman executed the movement. A soft glide that suggested that not even Ember¡¯s red hair stood out and she was but thin air. Ember had to give her credit. Perhaps she could learn that, she pondered.


    "Mrs. Macbay," Jet greeted the approaching woman who embraced him. Then her otherwise warm features turned stern.


    "How many times must I tell you to call me Morgana?" Jet merely shrugged with a sheepish smile.


    ¡°At least one more time I¡¯m afraid,¡± he grinned. Mrs. Macbay¡¯s was no doubting fighting a smile with how her lips pressed together. And the otherwise barely there crow¡¯s feet at her eyes were slightly more pronounced. She gave him a hard pat on his arm, then she turned.


    Ember knew it was her turn and she was not wrong when she had thought she hardly would get a warm greeting. Within good reasons of course. Ember felt how her back immediately got straighter as Mrs. Macbay locked eyes on her.


    "And who, pray tell, are you?" It wasn''t that her tone had gone cold per say, but it wasn''t exactly a warm and welcoming voice. Ember was about to answer when Blake stepped in. She glared at him when he introduced her. She had a voice, thank you very much!


    "Mother, this is Ember. She is my mate." A gasp escaped from his mother.


    "I am not your mate!" Ember interrupted with an imperative tone.


    Mrs. Macbay turned sharply to her son. "What does that mean?" she asked rather perplexed. The voice however was not to be mistaken. The quality of that scary tone only made Ember happy to not be the receiver. Blake send an admonishing glare at Ember, before trying to calm his mother down. Not that Ember much cared. He could glare all he wanted.


    "She is, mother. She is my soulmate." That was as truthful a statement as the sun was a fire star. Something Ember couldn''t deny. His mother''s sudden radiation of surprise but also delight, alarmed Ember. Mrs. Macbay''s slender hands pressed against her own cheeks. But she did not scream or jump in joy. She kept her dignity. Ember felt she completely lost the upper hand in the situation.


    "Excuse me, but I am not your son''s mate. Blake, I am not your mate and I told you this when we met!" Ember tried going for a polite but firm tone of voice, but felt how panic spread through her. This was not going her way at all.


    "I don''t understand," his mother said, while looking between the two in question. In the end she rested her gaze on Ember. "You should both know you are mates if you have experienced the recognition. I mean, knowing each other soul names is not something that happens without you knowing it." Then she lowered her voice as if talking to herself, looking at neither of them. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m even more surprised you got home so quick.¡±


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    Mrs. Macbay grey eyes turned to steel, staring down Blake. Blake held her stare for a bit. Then an inner turmoil began slowly but surely appearing on his face. His lips pressed together as a half-hearted frown tried to fasten on his face. In the end he gave up with a pronounced sigh and looked away. A snicker was heard from one of the other two males. Then Mrs. Macbay turned once more to Ember, staring inquiringly at her.


    Suddenly feeling every eye on her, Ember felt very small and put very much on the spot. Her mouth dried at least a second time that day. It was a fight to keep herself from pouring out her stress to the other wolves.


    How in the world could she know so many words and now not a single one of those occurred to her? She was but opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. Without thinking she locked eyes with Blake. In the next instant she wished she hadn''t.


    The broken and dimmed light in his eyes almost made her legs give in. Breathless by the pain in him, which she could feel in vague waves inside her through their new connection. She began to try and make a safe route of the deep water she had placed herself in. The atmosphere had turned tense and crackling around them. Ember came up with exactly zero words to say.


    "Please. Somebody explain to me what has happened," said the old female softly. Alternating looks between the two of them.


    "I will talk to you later, mother. Ember, follow me. Let me show you where you are going to stay," Blake said, no feelings leaking through. His mother looked shaken by the tone. Blake didn''t wait though and began to walk towards the front door, leaving his mother and Betas behind. Ember excused herself in a very small voice and followed.


    "By the name of Fenris, what has happened!" Mrs. Macbay asked the two Betas standing on each side of her. Watching the departing mates that had yet to happen, in distress. They knew their Alpha hurt - and there was nothing they could do about it.


    "It''s going to be okay, mother," Cailean tried to reassure her while placing a hand on her shoulder.

 4. Forbidden area number one

    Chapter 4


    Forbidden area number one


    Or


    Rules are meant to be broken


    It was almost like a walk of shame as Ember followed Blake through the hall. the air was heavy silence. Curious by nature, the environment would normal had been perused. But the spark of tension around them, made it impossible to do so.


    Unsure, she bit her bottom lip while her gaze jumped around. Everywhere but ahead. Because looking ahead meant admiring - admiring she could do. Just not when it meant the broad back of the very man she was determined to deny. Admiring him also meant allowing her head to play tricks with her. Tempt her with thoughts of how that broad - and no doubt strong back - looked like without the shirt played. Preferably naked.


    Which was definitely forbidden area number one.


    ¡°Damn, I am going mental. Fenris spare me from these thoughts,¡± she thought bitterly. Almost running into the very being she had coincidently admired and abhorred. He stood still. Very still. Before she had walked into him a deep rumble vibrated from his chest, disturbing the silence. Surprised, she looked up and found the golden, almost glowing, eyes intently staring.


    At her lips.


    Whatever was working behind that stare was definitely fare more forbidden than her number one, overhauling hers by far. It was all she could do not to take a step back. Ember pressed her lips together to a thin line, as if she could hide them that way. Without doubt making a weird face at the same time. Ember found herself not caring. She knew whatever had provoked such reaction from him, needed to be replaced by something less desirous. And if that meant by making weird expressions then so bloody be it.


    Just before the situation became too awkward, he opened the door and with a small gesture showed her to step in.


    "This will be your room. If you need anything, just call." She had barely stepped into the room for a better look before she swung around to see him leave. Just like that. Surprised was almost an understatement. For some reason - and she was not entirely sure why - she had thought, felt, that something more would happen.


    She nearly felt... disappointed?


    No, that could not be. She did not want anything to happen, she told herself sternly.


    As she reminded herself of this, something within took the breath from her. Crumbling in on itself. An ache burned. Like her chest was being pulled inward to close the hole she herself had made. The hole his soul left. Ember took a moment to get over the sudden overwhelming sickness which hit her.


    It vanished as it had appeared. Abruptly.


    Silent, she glanced around the room. It was not something grand; fit for a king or queen. It was in one word homely. While everything was foreign. She could, weirdly enough, feel a bit relaxed as she took in the appearance of the room. Pale green and light colors. A bed, two wide windows towards the valley, a soft carpet, and a dresser placed against the wall opposite the bed. Simple and yet comfortable.


    With a huff she sat down on the bed, making the bedding jump. With nothing to occupy herself with, agitation and wariness took hold. She would have curled into a ball on the mattress and sleep for a year if possible. Resigned she relaxed her back and fell down onto the bed with her feet on the floor.


    What now¡­


    The ceiling was as blank as she was of answers. Over and over, it kept swirling in her mind. Everything had changed. Even if she did not want to acknowledge it. Her breath hitched slightly as she fought back the many emotions that welled forth.


    You can do this, Ember. You are stronger than this.


    Repeating it as a mantra slowly but surely, she calmed down. But it hurt. It hurt so much in her chest that she almost whimpered, so she closed her eyes and prayed for it to be over.


    ***


    (The universal parenting rules of mothers)


    Blake sucked his breath in a painful hiss. It burned and singed. His heart felt compromised. His limbs numb. He had fled. He had not fled from anything since he was a pup. Not even at times when he should have run with his tail between his legs. This time though, he had fled from his intended mate. Standing in her presence without going mad was impossible.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Within was an ache he could not rid himself of. He wanted to get angry and use the fuel to change the situation. The feelings he felt. Yet the fire of anger was but cold ashes. Left was only a bittersweet feeling of doubt and mockery. Mockery because he could feel it. The bond. It was but a shadow of what it was supposed to be, but it was there. Taunting him of what was supposed to be beautiful and eternal. Of what was just out of reach. By the Blue Moon he wanted to rage and rid himself of these destroying feelings.


    It was too much. Even for him. And he was a bloody Alpha. Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be stronger than this? He clenched his teeth. Grimacing. Weakness was but a bird on swift wings. Following and overtook him. Alone he stood in his study, eyes closed and tenderly massaging his chest trying to chase the pain away. He barely heard the small knock on his door before it opened.


    "Blake?¡± No answer. ¡°My pup?" Low she voiced her question, worrying lacing through. Morgana walked steadily towards him. He won the battle against the hurt and was able to open his eyes through the pain.


    Used to bright burning eyes with a strong force and willpower. What met her almost made her choke. They were dark, dull, and full of doubt and anguish.


    "Aw, my pup," she whispered as she hurried the last steps. She laid her slender hands on his cheeks. Their difference in height made him look down. He gazed at her while her eyes looked over every inch of his face.


    "Speak to me, Blake." A heavy sigh left him. It made his shoulders slump and feel leaden. He closed his eyes in his exhaustion before fighting to open them once more. He folded his hands around hers.


    "It is as she said mother. She doesn''t want a mate, yet we are bound."


    His mother¡¯s features took on an aghast expression.


    "That is unheard of, my pup. A true mate bond is something precious and a once in a lifetime experience. A joy. Something not everybody has the luck of finding, as you well know. The soul name is not something to take lightly. She must know what your soul name means." With everything it took, he tried not reacting to the words. Blake was not going to kid himself into thinking that Ember did not know what the entirety of it all meant. He knew as she did what this was.


    It made everything so much more devastating. Thinking about the lost soul name was damage beyond repair. He could not deny, though he had no certainty of his knowing - he just knew, that his soul was the reason for the suffering. There was a reason why most soulmates didn¡¯t survive losing the other.


    "Mother, we... we don''t know each other''s soul names..." The truth was hard to swallow. Though it still needed out. Mrs. Macbay looked so taken back, perplexed. It would have been comical if it had been any other situation. She blinked a couple of times, took her hands from his face. Not quite knowing whether her boy was joking with her, or meant it in all seriousness.


    "Blake, my boy, I don''t need to tell you how soulmates work, do I?" He huffed and shook his head.


    "Give me some credit, mother."


    "Blake, dear, you just said -"


    "I know what I said mother. What I meant is that one way or the other, I lost her soul name. I could feel it - I almost had it but... but her rejection left me with nothing. I can feel the bond between us, I know it¡¯s there just... barely there." The more he said the more despair spread through her. She paled under his words.


    "I have never heard of this happening before my sweet, but... Blake, my son, as much as it probably is against the universal parenting rules of mothers. I will have to say that you will need to - what do you call it - woo her. The bond is only so much. It does not spark love. It is not necessarily love at first sight - while it would certainly have helped in your situation if so.


    ¡°Love comes with time, and only time I¡¯m afraid. I would know Blake, I loved your father dearly. You know I did and still do, but our feelings came with time. The bond simply helped us along. She will come around Blake, don''t worry." Morgana tried hard to reassure her oldest son, but her smile was feeble at best. Though he didn¡¯t doubt that she believed in him.


    Blake had no trust in himself of how he should proceed from here on. Just hours ago, he was talking about how he didn¡¯t need mate. Now he was wondering how he could change the very mindset he himself had had. The difference was that while Blake hadn¡¯t needed a mate, it wasn¡¯t because he didn¡¯t want one. Whereas Ember definitely neither needed nor wanted one.


    The only thing Blake decided he could do was trust in what he knew. He knew what his responsibilities were. He knew that his pack needed him. His position. Alpha. And that spoke louder than anything right now. He couldn¡¯t nor would succumb to this. He was stronger than this. Leaders didn¡¯t have time to be weak.


    And his mother needed him too.


    Morgana Macbay was strong. The strongest person he knew. He would do whatever he could to make sure of her happiness. Just as she had with Cailean and him. Having lost her soulmate years back, he knew she hurt. Probably worse than he did. He could sometimes see the sorrow in her grey eyes. Yet she would always smile when she either saw him or Cailean. Shielding them.


    If his mother could survive through her loss, he could find the strength to go through this. He had to.


    "I''m going to be fine, mom. You needn¡¯t worry." He forced some strength into the words. She didn''t look particularly convinced though. He tried a smile. While her lips undoubtedly curved it was no smile. Her brows knitted. Overall, she looked plain sad in soft lines. Then she took a deep breath and her expression changed.


    "But I am worried - I am your mother. It is my duty as your mother to fret and worry about you and your brother. Not to mention Jet, that boy! You would think that he does half the stuff he does, just to give me a puffed tail." She tsk¡¯ed perturbed whilst placing her hands on her hips. Half a laugh that was more of a low grumble sounded from Blake.


    "But I am serious Blake. Listen to me - you need to solicit her, court her. You need her and I may not know this girl, but there¡¯s always a reason for one to be a soulmate. It is fate - written in the stars if you will." He lifted a brow at her words. Written in the stars sounded so far fetched that he had a hard time believing it. But then again, nobody really knew how or why there were soulmates in their kind.


    "As you can say it, mother dearest. Fret not, for I shall court the fair maiden or as you so gracefully called it, woo her," he teased. The result was a smack on his arm.


    "You sound just like your father did!" She huffed. She turned to walk out but stopped halfway. Then she glanced over her shoulder at him. Waiting, he stood wondering what she was pondering about. He didn''t need to wait long. Fast paced she soon stood before him once more and embraced him warmly. Gave him a motherly pat on his cheek and then she left.


    Only a weak smile graced his lips as he watched her walk out. None the wiser of the plan that was brewing in the older woman¡¯s mind as she left her oldest son. For what kind of mother would she be if she didn¡¯t meddle in a situation like this?

 5. Meetings and greetings

    Chapter 5


    Meetings and greetings


    Or


    A mother¡¯s play


    A jolt spread throughout Ember¡¯s body as she woke. She hadn''t meant to fall asleep. Dazed, she fought to get up from the bed as she blinked sleep out of her eyes. Confusion riddled her mind for a moment, then everything began to fall into place. It hadn''t just been a dream - she really had met her soulmate. She pushed herself towards the side of the bed. With her feet on the floor, elbows to knees, she rubbed her hands against her face.


    How long had she even slept for? Ember glanced around the room for a clock. It was while she perused her room she remembered. Her backpack! She never got it from Jet... She had no idea what time it was. Looking outside didn¡¯t help much. It was already dark. But it was winter - it was pretty much dark around the clock.


    She was still in her clothes. Though her blouse had more or less wrinkled itself awkwardly around her body. Straightening her clothes and brushing her fingers a few times through her messy hair. She didn¡¯t think she could do much more to make herself more presentable with what little she had to work with.


    She looked around once more. No clock. Her eyes landed on the door. Peculiar how a door could seem so daunting. Though it was not the door itself, she knew. She looked over her shoulder to the window. Even with a good night vision, the darkness was an omnivorous carnivore when everything beyond was unknown. The black oppressive and ample. Pressing against the frame of the window, blackness seemed to topple over the verge of the window. Ready to swallow her up.


    She sucked in a breath. Turning around she cursed her imagination and rushed to the door. The door didn¡¯t make a sound as she opened it. Ember stuck her head out and looked to both sides. The corridor was empty for life and dark. The only other door she noticed was the one at the end, to the left. Next to hers. Having no idea of the layout of the house, she turned to the only way possible in the corridor. Gently she closed the door behind her.


    She listened and smelled the different odours that grazed the house. Blake''s smell was strongest and her very being tried instinctually to follow his smell. For a short while she did, then another smell took priority. Warm and soft and mouth-watering. Ember nearly made a sigh in pure pleasure. Walking on, a soft light blended with the dark ahead, until light triumph over the darkness. Following the smell and light, she soon came about a small three stepped staircase down.


    Her nose hadn¡¯t failed her. The kitchen before her was filled with the hearty scent of food. Fresh baked bread and melted butter. A sharper smell indicated tea and honing. While she praised her sharp nose, it seemed her hearing had failed her. And in retrospect her nose too, since it hadn''t picked up the different smells. Before her a sudden commotion happened. The kitchen was occupied. By three females to be precise.


    It could be an explosive cocktail to say the least. Was fresh bread with melted butter on, really worth it? Light bitterness spread along her tongue and her throat squished in on itself. Past experiences could be a bitch in heat - pretty much impossible to ignore.


    Ember almost snorted at the thought. Irony that.


    Her stomach gave a rumble, declaring that fresh bread and butter was indeed worth anything. Even the firstborn. Uncertain she stood rooted to the spot. Females could be envious little beasts. She had no way of knowing what these three meant about the situation with their Alpha.


    Matebonded to the Alpha. She almost gagged thinking back to the past. Covetousness was an ugly little shit. And the fact that she had to leave her pack behind as a result of her past Alpha didn¡¯t make it better. Leaving a pack? It was one of the most drastic choices. Instincts made werewolves seek out the protection and unity there was in a pack. Only a few would be willing to be a lone wolf or a dispersal in other words.


    And it just so happened that Ember was one of those few.


    In the end, the moment of contemplation made her miss the sudden stares and a single smile. Three pairs of eyes had cast their attention on her. The opportunity to retreat was gone.


    Ember didn¡¯t know what to expect, so it was easier to have no expectations. Of the three she hadn¡¯t anticipated it to be the shortest (but not the youngest) to come forth. A petite female with lush brown hair which curled around her face. Hazel eyes filled with resolution and a sweet smile showing a bit of uncertainty.


    "Ember - was it?" Even her voice was like sugar on sugar with a pinch of fresh mint. Ember¡¯s stare was blank as she gave the barest of nods.


    "Great!¡± She clapped her hands together. ¡°I''m May, and that stern, angry looking one over there is Alexia - but don''t let it fool you. On the inside she is but a big fluffy bunny with fangs."


    "Shut. it. May." Alexia responded cold. May didn''t seem to notice or care. There was a certain flow about it which told of habit, and not a little bit of immunity. All very well accomplished when faced against those light blue eyes as frosty as a glacier.


    Alexia certainly had the ice blue rocking for her. With dirty blonde hair, a thin face with prominent cheekbones. Her scowl definitely told you to piss off. She was pretty in a natural way. One that didn''t take your breath away, but one where you couldn''t avoid thinking that she was pretty when looking. Even with a scowl.


    The glower only got deeper and darker when the light blue hit resistance against deep blue. Ember kept the contact. Oh, it was asking for trouble alright and she knew. But there was no way Ember would back away from a challenge. And it had been. She kept everything but her gaze perfectly neutral.


    A flash sparked. Alexia deepened her scowl, knitting her brows in response. Dangerous territory now. The air was bristling. Hard and thin to breathe. May¡¯s eyes widen alongside the youngest sitting at the same kitchen counter as Alexia. The youngster couldn¡¯t help but whimper.


    ¡°Alriiighty, - Alexia don¡¯t be a sloth and take the cookies out of the oven.¡± May stood with her back to Ember, her hands on her hips and puffing her chest. It was probably a comical sight to behold if Ember had witnessed it in another angle. Alexia reluctantly broke the eye contact just to meet admonishing hazel. Alexia huffed. Glared once more and then she turned around to the oven.


    There was a note of resignation in the slight sigh May emitted, deflating a bit. Then she turned with a big smile plastered on her face. The change so sudden Ember hadn¡¯t been prepared for it. It was all she could do not to look surprised.


    ¡°See, just as I said - a big fluffy bunny,¡± May grinned.


    ¡°Yeah, with fangs¡± Ember thought drily. At the notion Ember couldn¡¯t help raise a single brow. Whatever it meant to May it was enough that her eyes gleamed and the bit of tension in her shoulders vanished. ¡°Now after that heartfelt greeting, this is Miriam,¡± May gestured towards the youngest.


    Everything in Miriam¡¯s body-language screamed she wanted anything but the attention of the stranger. Not that Ember could blame her after that first impression. But it was not so unnatural in the world of werewolves. Hostility was more the norm than May¡¯s approach. But for the sake of what was a pup, Ember gentled her expression.


    Gentleness was the right thing. The pup seemed to take in the friendliness as she began to unfold herself from her chair and the counter. Which she had clearly hoped would swallow her whole. She was a sweet looking girl. Fluff for hair in warm brown colours with a tint of red. A few freckles spread over her little round nose and apple cheeks. Green irises behind dusty lashes. Though, caution still played in her features.


    Ember decided not to stare too much, trying to ease the pup. May began to walk over to the counter once more as she talked. ¡°Miriam is soon to be a juvenile - gosh, growing up so fast! It feels like it was just yesterday I saw you for the first time.¡± May gave Miriam¡¯s shoulder a squeeze as she passed, with an unmistakable warm expression. It could not be described as any other than maternally.


    Miriam blushed a little, smiling before biting on her lower lip and then looked away. There was some story there, Ember contemplated.


    ¡°So, is there anything I can tempt you with?¡± May directed to Ember. A smash disturbed the scene. Every eye took in Alexia as she more or less crashed the baking tray on the counter. Some of the cookies jumped from the impact, one even cracked. She flung the miffs from her hands on the table.


    Then she scowled - again. May looked beyond miffed. She turned around and took something, which Ember saw was a rolling pin. Then she held it out towards Alexia. Who in turn wrinkled her brows and cocked her head as she scoped from the rolling pin to May.


    ¡°What are you on about now?¡± Alexia asked, disbelieving.


    ¡°Well I thought since you already thought to smash the cookies - which I have just baked - this should be easier to use.¡± Alexia didn¡¯t move. Then she did and May made it right in time to get the rolling pin out of reach. ¡°You will not by the Blue Moon ruin my cookies you goof nugget! It was a joke! A. joke!¡± May held the rolling pin to her chest, her face outraged. ¡°You may not know what a joke is, but everyone else does - now, go and sit down before I crack your cookie!¡±


    A battle was growing within Ember. She had barely stopped herself form snorting. Laughter was ready to strangle her. Of all the things she had expected, this was not it.


    Grumbling Alexia sat down on a stool, crossing her arms. All the while May kept an eye on her.


    ¡°Miriam dear, those are warm - be careful, you might burn yourself.¡± Having been trying to sneak a cookie from the tray, and being caught red handed, Miriam looked positively sheepish. Then May handed her a glass of cold milk and gave the young girl a wink.


    ¡°So, Ember, anything?¡± Slowly Ember came unstuck and walked towards the others. Keeping distance to the disapproving Alexia who kept a sharp eye on her. Enough space between her and Miriam as not to put pressure on the pup and still seem nonchalant. A part of her, though, was still wary. Analysing every movement the strangers made. Ready to get out of the way or retaliate if the situation called for it.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Ember cleared her throat a little. "Water is fine." Her stomach groused. Water? Fresh bread and butter! Ember ignored the hungry urge. Though, she couldn¡¯t quite stop her gaze from glancing towards the still steaming bread on the other counter.


    "So, she can talk! I was worried for a moment there, that a cat got your tongue," May teased followed by a little insecure giggle from Miriam. A brief glance from Ember and Miriam bit her lip and stared down at the counter once more. Colour spreading along her neck and cheeks. But she didn¡¯t seem frightened.


    "No, not yet. Just a little out of my element with everything that has happened, I guess," Ember admitted. The admission felt wrong afterward. Too personal to say. As the glass with cold water was placed before her, Ember took a sip. It cleansed the heavy feeling of wrongness somewhat.


    "I can believe that! I mean, it¡¯s not every day you find your soulmate. It must have been such a delightful experience - was it romantic?" May asked interested and excited.


    Ember was uncertain what to reply. Was it romantic? Not particularly she had to admit. Although Ember couldn¡¯t give Blake the fault for that. She had run off. Somehow managing to break the bond to a degree. Was it romantic to be chased? Well she guessed if you were into that, it could perhaps have been romantic. And what werewolf didn¡¯t like a good chase?


    Ember didn¡¯t. Not that kind of chase anyway. Having nothing to say, Ember simply drank some more water and didn¡¯t answer. But she needn¡¯t. A dreamy sigh aired. With faraway eyes May seemed absorbed in pink clouds. Playing some scenario that was guaranteed to be exact opposite of what had really occurred.


    It was most likely every little weregirl''s dream to find her soulmate. Whether the boys probably first began to think about it when they reached their juvenile years and hormones took over. Taking a hint, Ember didn''t think Alexia was one of those wee weregirls. Out of Ember¡¯s peripheral she looked at Alexia. The femast kept narrowed eyes on Ember. Yeah, she probably didn¡¯t dream about picket fences and the love of her life.


    "I hope I find my soulmate one day," Miriam sighed moonily. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to think that the background around Miriam could have sprouted flowers, sparkles and hearts if such things were possible. It was kind of sweet in a way, and it reminded Ember of a time long past. A time where she had been as na?ve and dreamt about the future. Until she saw the devastating result that a soulmate could have.


    "Oh, I hope you do, sweetie! There is nothing like it," May cooed. The words caught Ember¡¯s attention.


    "You have found your soulmate?" she asked.


    "Oh dear..." Alexia whispered, looking ready to take cover. Ember looked at her in confusion. But she was to find out that she had unlocked May, the super-duper romantic wolf. May''s eyes shone with elation and seemed twice as big as before.


    "Why, yes I have! Four years ago, I bonded with my Shane," May told. Executing the very well-practiced habit of ignoring Alexia.


    "It''s funny how recognition can work, right? I mean, I had known Shane for years, and suddenly, BANG! There we were, going out for a run like any other day. Turned out to be the turning point of my life. I mean... it just happened.¡± May placed a hand on her cheek, ¡°Oh I remember it like it was yesterday¡­ we didn¡¯t get to run much that day. Nor the days afterward actually..." A raspberry-colored blush of delightfulness span over May¡¯s cheeks. The disclosed details flushed Miriam red as a berry.


    "Yeah, yeah, and after Shane announced your union by howling, we didn''t see you two for four days," Alexia said, bored. A story retold many times it sounded like. For the first time May reacted to Alexia. A pout; as if Alexia had told the best part.


    This time Ember could not hold back her titter. It was probably not wrong to think that May and Alexia was a comedy duo. And dear friends at that. And with that titter it was like something shook itself loose in Ember. She tried to cover her laughter, but it didn¡¯t help much.


    It felt good. Relieving to a point. Yet there was unmistakably a part of her who hissed at the show of laughter. They were strangers. It could be taken as vulnerability. In the wrong crowd and it was but foreplay to certain death. As an intriguing dance with the reaper whispering sweet promises until the final swing. But even a moment of happiness was being a potent drug. Inadequate oneself to even comprehend the smallest signs of what could lie right under the surface.


    As such, Ember soon could neither hear nor feel the warnings flashing on and off like a faulty sign. And for once it felt good, to simply laugh and not overthink it. Wondering and worrying what she portrayed. Sometimes laughter was worth it to take a dance with the header of death.


    Unbeknownst to Ember, she was watched closely. May¡¯s expressive pout was replaced. Alexia¡¯s scowl wasn''t, but it did turn down a bit in its glower. And dear Miriam couldn¡¯t help but look surprised, but happily so. If this was the reward of not being able to tell the details of the story herself, May surmised it was alright.


    Drying what Ember suspiciously thought was tears from the corner of her eyes. She only just registered when a plate was placed before her. She blinked a couple of times as she stared down at the two pieces of bread and what was unmistakable butter about to melt.


    Looking up May gave her a wink, a smile and then buttered her own slice. Keeping her attention on her plate, Ember could feel a bit of heat in her cheeks. Wondering if she had been eyeing the fresh bread too much, but nevertheless she appreciated the gesture. Finally, her stomach was satisfied when she had taken the first bite.


    Heavenly.


    "My, my, you guys seem like you are enjoying yourselves." There was no mistake to who that voice belonged to. All thoughts of how satisfying the bread felt on her tongue, vanished. All eyes sought the woman who had spoken. With grace Mrs. Macbay descended the three-steps staircase like they were the red carpet. Everyone except Ember seemed pleased by Mrs. Macbay¡¯s presence.


    "Morgana, is there something I can get you?" May asked smiling, while taking a clean cup. Mrs. Macbay smiled and sat down on the chair beside Ember. In alertness Ember tensed. This was the mother of her mate - the very man she had rejected and thereby hurting. She had no idea as to what the woman''s view was on the matter - of her.


    "May, where is your darling daughter?" Mrs. Macbay asked after telling a kinnettles Gold tea would be preferred.


    "She is with her dad," May smiled. Ember took another sip of her water, trying to fade into the background. But Mrs. Macbay was not too keen on that.


    "May have a four-year-old daughter, such a sweet pup," Mrs. Macbay told Ember. Ember fought with everything she had in her, to keep her water down. Choking, she kept a hand over her mouth to be sure nothing got out.


    She nodded while trying to hold back another cough that pressed against her airpipe. The uncomfortable struggle made her eyes watery. May looked a little apologetically at Ember as she handed her a napkin.


    "I-I see, well that must be lovely," Ember said a little hoarse to May.


    "Oh, quite lovely. There is nothing like pups gracing one¡¯s home," Mrs. Macbay intercepted before May could answer. Ember blinked a few times before she narrowed her brows a bit. A pattern was beginning to form. Mrs. Macbay was playing a game, and had decided that Ember was partaking. Not on her watch Ember decided. She was not going to be a participant.


    "Speaking of homes, do you all live in the valley?" Ember asked in an attempt to change the topic.


    "Yeah, we are technically neighbours." Surprisingly, it was Alexia who answered.


    "Yeah. Shane and I live a little bit further down, but still pretty close, and Miriam-dear lives across from us." May contributed with, while Miriam nodded in confirmation.


    Normally it would have been a tell-tale of their ranks within the pack. Living near the Alpha meant a high rank, while the further away, the lower. Though families with pups lived for the most part near the Alpha, where it was safest. But Ember found herself quite unsure of Blake''s pack''s dynamic and if they would follow such an old design. Something told her he did not. There was a weakness of having the low rank wolves at the border, if an attack happened.


    "And I live with my boys here," Mrs. Macbay finished. Ember nodded - it didn''t surprise her. She herself had lived pretty damn near the Alpha in her old pack. And what a load of trouble that was, when he began to want her attention.


    "So, Ember, where do you come from?" Alexia asked. Apparently deciding no longer to just glare at her. Ember, pulled from her thoughts about pack matters, began to wonder how much she should disclose.


    "I''m not really from anywhere anymore. Just... a free wolf," she said evasively. Alexa''s glare turned ugly as her shoulders became rigid. She turned so much more observant, as she tried to stare Ember down.


    "What do you do for a living?" Miriam asked, oblivious to Alexia''s reaction. Ember smiled a little when she answered. "I''m a photographer. I take pictures of wildlife and nature and such."


    "Isn''t it quite lonely without a pack?" Whatever smile she had worn fell by Miriam¡¯s innocent question. The other adults became completely silent. Stunned, Ember didn¡¯t know what to say. She tried to come up with an answer and found that she could not. Any reasonable answer without lying was lost and a lie could be smelled.


    "Hello ladies."


    Everyone looked up. Nobody had given the new approaching presence a thought. Jet, with the never-ending smile, looked quite pleased as he came into the room.


    Saved by the bell.


    "Darling," Jet said softly as he closed an arm around Alexia''s stomach. Then he leaned down to give her a small peck on her cheek. Right before Ember''s eyes Alexia''s hard expression melted, and turned into warmth and soft lines. It was almost beautiful to watch the transformation. It made the throbbing pain from Ember¡¯s faulty matebond in her chest that much harder to dismiss.


    "Ready to go home if you are?" Jet said, holding Alexia to him. She nodded before smiling a little. A charming, crooked smile formed on his lips, before he turned his attention towards Ember.


    "Oi, redhead, your backpack." So intently watching the couple she had not seen that he was indeed holding her backpack. How in the world had she forgotten? He threw it at her and she caught it just in time. Seemingly bewitched by the couple and their interactions with each other.


    Jerk!


    "Miriam, you father called - he wants you home," Jet said as he began to turn around with an arm around Alexia¡¯s shoulders. Miriam looked deflated for a moment, but then thought better of it and jumped down from her stool. Saying goodbye, giving Mrs. Macbay a peck on the cheek to the delightfulness of the older woman, she followed the couple out of the room. Then there were only three left.


    "Thank you for the tea, May, it was delicious. Would you be a dear and show Ember around?" Mrs. Macbay asked after emptying her cup. May nodded with a smile and replied of course. Excusing herself politely, Mrs. Macbay turned to leave the room. Shortly before the door however she stopped. Turning she addressed Ember.


    "Just so you know dear, I do not blame you for whatever happened between my son and you. But that does not mean I like to see him in pain of any kind." With a small regal nod, she left them. Leaving Ember stock still, unsure. Those words would repeat themselves in her mind, as May began the tour of the big house.


    Ember found out that while the house was big, it was not cold or hostile. It was warm, homely and every feature seemed to have something of a history or meaning. May explained a little about each room. Some more interesting than others. Ember soon knew whose room it was that was beside hers, by the end of the corridor.


    It was Blake''s.


    "So, what were you all doing here?" Ember asked. May looked a little sheepish by the question.


    "Morgana asked us to come because... well, for fun I guess." Ember could smell the half-truth, but May needn''t explain further. Ember got the picture loud and clear. Apparently hearing about May, who was soulmated and a mother. Seeing Alexia with Jet, who was in a lovely relationship. Was supposed to help along her thoughts about Blake.


    "Are Alexia and Jet soulmates?" It was a simple question but May became crestfallen.


    "Sadly no. They have been together for ages, but they never recognising - and as you probably know, pups are mostly graced to true mates..." It was true. While it was not impossible to get pups, it was much more likely to conceive with a true mate - or soulmate as it was mostly called.


    It was a reminder with a punch. If she ever mated with Blake, pups would not be long in the waiting. Especially because of the stronger induced heat that would be initiated by the bonding of soulmates. If everything had gone according to nature, Ember would have been a ticking hormonal puppy bomb by now. But in their situation, she wasn¡¯t sure what was going to happen. She had never heard of it before.


    It turned her thoughts to a swirling mass that kept going and going, leaving her speechless for the rest of the tour. Until they came past a window and the darkness which still ruled.


    ¡°By the way, what time is it?¡±

 6. A deal is struck

    Chapter 6


    A deal is struck


    or


    In the midst of madness


    A bloody fire in his veins. A heartbeat like thunder and lungs working with a pace of well-oiled machines. A forced mindless enclosed him as he ran to the beat of the thunderbolts within.


    The dark fur laid smooth along his body by the wind pressure. Wind created by the speed his legs brought him forth with. Big paws prints were left behind in the piles of snow that covered the ground, or where the snow had melted and left the earth wet and sore.


    But he did not feel. He did not see. He just ran. Running from the emotions. From the cage of pain keeping him bound and the consuming helplessness. His breath colored the air white. The golden eyes stood out stark and bright in the darkness.


    And he ran.


    His steps frenzied, in battle with the very ground. A bullet through the forest. Only the rays of moonlight through the branches above him would caress him. Make him stand out from the rest of the night-shadows as they played over his coat. A bush would sway lightly when he passed. Prey had scattered from the raw energy which was the beast¡¯s only feral companion.


    This was not a hunt, yet the savageness made any flee. He was the Alpha of this land, and he made sure everything around him knew of his presence. He had run far, no goal in his mind other than getting away. Needing to get the pain out of his system, the restlessness. Barely able to be in his own body, it was all he could do not to claw at himself.


    So, he ran.


    Far enough that he was nearing the end of his territory. But instead of running across the border, towards an unforeseen future, he turned left. Over a ditch, up a hill and further up some boulders. Free of branches above him, fully submerged in moonlight he stood still. Dark against the moon as a silhouette, heaving from the exertion.


    He could feel his pulse in his paws. The pounding a song all on its own. Telling a tale of how hard he had hit the ground. How hard he had pressed his mortal body. In a speed that no living being should achieve. And still nothing in him seemed to settle, to find peace.


    Desperate, he raised his snout and howled a clear, strong sound. The edge almost to the point of pain and rawness. It vibrated through the air. Filling the black space and coiled itself around trees and over stones. Barely letting the last tone out of his throat, he jumped down and kept going. Running wild. Ease did not find him.


    He ran.


    ***


    (A way with words)


    Ember had found out that she had slept the first day and the better part of the next away. Nobody had seemed to want to disturb her, to which she was glad for. There was something about knowing she at least had her room to herself. Not having to worry about other curious wolves wanting to see the new individual. Though she doubted very much Blake would let anyone disturb her, simply to satisfy their own curiosity. Or so she hoped.


    As far as Ember understood, only a few had been let in on what was going on. Not wanting to rile up the whole pack about what had occurred, Blake had kept everything tight. Of course, here would be speculations on what was going on, and who she was. And keeping information about Ember as much as possible, was blowing to the fire of trouble if you asked her.


    Blake was probably being barraged with questions. Not that Ember cared the least, she told herself. He had brought that onto himself. And he had to be extremely busy, since she hadn''t seen him. Not once since he left her in her new room. Not until this morning that was. Though she had slept, using a lot of hours, there was an annoying pit in her. Empty and hungry. But not for food.


    She should have felt well rested, ready for most. But she found herself agitated and restless and annoyingly so, very lonely. She hadn¡¯t felt lonely in so many years. She hadn¡¯t! She had been a loner for numerous years that the notion was nonsensical. But as she looked out on the early dawn. Perfect and peaceful, she felt anything but that. Peaceful.


    Nothing seemed able to disturb this peace. The sun¡¯s rays look pale in one angle, blinding in another and had an illusion pinkish tint. A blanket of fog, thick and ghostly white, lay heavy over the grounds. Frozen dew slumbered on petals, spiderwebs and coated stones with a glaze of thin ice. Where the fog was thin, untouched snow sparkled like stars and the sound of birdsongs was light in the crisp air.


    It was beautiful. Normally a morning Ember would never have missed photographed. For once, Ember found herself detached. Or perhaps it was more a certain kind of enviousness inside her, which kept her back. It was almost mocking that everything around her could be in such harmony. Whilst she herself was anything but.


    In the end Ember shook her head. She was being ridiculous. Beyond that even. So instead, she decided to enjoy the wonder for a moment. Just a tad, and remind herself that at least everything else was as it should be.


    And why couldn¡¯t she be? She would. Not right at this moment, but in time. That at least gave her some kind of tranquility. At least until she thought why she was not under the covers, enjoying slumber and sweet dreams. Ember snorted - sweet dreams, what a joke. It had been anything but that. What she had gotten this night was but short periods of fretful rest. Now she was more tired than when she had gone to bed.


    Thinking back about the early morning didn¡¯t exactly help.


    Her thoughts had been her own personal nightmares. Yet when it was not the haunting imagines, it was her own traitorous mind against her. Thoughts circling around and around, all with one certain individual as the main subject. Torturing her in a way her body never could. But could answer.


    In the end she had given up on the ongoing fight of sleep. Deciding that an early shower was as good a start as any. If only to rid her of the strong embrace. The heat giving fire to her own fever. Of bodies sliding and gliding and dark messy hair and golden blazing eyes. Eyes who looked straight into her very soul.


    After those dreams, it was an ice-cold shower she needed. The house had been silent as she had ventured out into the corridor. That dormant hour where the quiet was the simple result of quiescence. Every instinct telling her to be soundless, so as not to disturb the time of sleep. While the house was dark and still, it was not overwhelmingly so. Still, Ember thought her breath as heavy and almost disturbing. Her skin prickled and tingled, and not in a good way as she had made her way.


    This was the morning of the third day she had been there. When she had returned to her room after her tour of the house on the second day, there had been only one time where she had been close to see Blake again.


    Even though they had not seen each other face to face, Ember had been just as alert and focused. Tense to a point. It was before she had gone to bed. Sitting and wondering what to do now. Everything in her had gone completely still as he had approached her door. It didn¡¯t help that his presence had hovered outside her door for a moment or two. Probably unsure if he should knock or not.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    He hadn¡¯t.


    Only after she heard the unmistakable sound of a door closing, did she breathe again. Then everything began to hurt. How could a person be so at odds with one¡¯s very own soul? Wasn¡¯t the person and the soul one and the same? Ember didn¡¯t know what to think. She had but known that everything within was reaching out for that one person. Only one room away.


    So there she had been. Gone in her thinking when she suddenly stood face to face with the very being she had tried to escape. Though it had been from her thoughts. The warm-blooded version wasn¡¯t much better. Actually, scratch that. It was much worse. She had stopped abruptly. If she could she would have sold her night vision to the first bidder then. Alas her fate was set. Way too many details assaulted her poor brain. After those dreams? This was not what she had wished to see. What little peace of mind she had had was in jeopardy!


    Muscular chest, heaving slightly. Sweat drops gliding down. Practically in slow-motion over every contour. His muscles were taut. Veins throbbing from whatever exertion he had been doing. And his dark hair was clinging to his neck and forehead, the rest sticking out in every direction.


    It should be illegal to have the appearance that he had and not at least have a shirt on. It almost made her mad at him. It was impossible not to notice every effing curve on that torso. She was a healthy female, thank you very much. Her brain was so close to be smoking and frying. Her poor eyes going to go blind if she looked much longer. Ember swallowed. The fever which had taken residence in her body since those dreams turned up full blaze.


    A little voice was wondering about what he had been up to in these early hours. With a sweat coated body, slight panting and holding his blouse in one hand. His jeans hanging askew on his hips...


    Right. That is as far as you go, Ember!


    His eyes seemed to be burning in the darkness. And suddenly, as if a spark flared, they had brightened when he saw her. She swallowed a lump at the sight. He had kept going until they stood close - scarcely a meter from each other. She did not move back. She couldn¡¯t. Her heartbeat drummed in her ears, taking up the fast rhythm of his. Like two drops of water, the sound merged together. Their heartbeats now in sync.


    Her gaze followed, hypnotized, a drop sliding down his neck. Making its way over his collarbone and down his chest. While she was bewitched by something so simple as a drop - something she normally could have cared less about; he had been checking her out just as much. From plump lips, sweet chin and slender neck to the heaving chest. To take in that she was only in an oversized t-shirt that stopped right above her lovely knees.


    ¡°Can¡¯t sleep?¡±


    The question was simple. Ridicules so. All the same, it could have been the deepest intellect question in the history of mankind. The moment sure had made it feel like that. Something underneath the surface, a more recondite meaning. Her gaze flew upwards, meeting his when his voice broke through the thick silence that surrounded them. She blinked a few times before finding her voice.


    ¡°¡­No.¡± A single word. But the small number was all that was needed. It made her feel like she had ripped her own chest open, delivering a soul deep secret. Still, the close proximity settled something inside her. Just a tad. She had not been able to decipher what. Only, something soothing seemed to sweep through her.


    He had appeared to be mulling over her reply, with a low hum deep in his throat. With everything going on, it almost had an effect on her. Almost.


    ¡°Ember, we need to talk.¡± She found out that she liked the way he said her name. There was something raw to the sound, yet kind and soft, but also¡­ sadness. Ember knew she had been the giver of that sadness. However, it did not mean she liked it. But sometimes you had to live with what you got.


    ¡°Hmm, we do. But I don¡¯t know if this is really the time or place.¡± Her brow rose slightly. Her voice was low and soft. She didn¡¯t even know where that kind of tone came from. A rumble - or had it been a low chuckle? - escaped him as mirth swirled in his gaze. Her stomach burned, hot and boiling then and there.


    She needed to get away. Right then. Her eyes told as much and he noticed.


    Whatever mirthfulness in his eyes had faded, and worry replaced it. His free hand sought her forearm. His hold was gentle. Nevertheless, her eyes still took in the presence of his hand as if it was a foreign being. He gave her a gentle squeeze. Took a small step closer. It was too much.


    ¡°I-I really should go,¡± she whispered, then forced her voice a little louder. Trying to forget the sensation that was growing in her arm by his touch. Sleek and warm, pleasing and it lighten her heart to a degree that caused a flashing warning in her mind. Yet, her arm could just as well have been boneless, because she couldn''t move it.


    ¡°Ember, please listen to me.¡± Deep blue meet gold. ¡°I¡¯m not going to force you, no matter how deeply I want you. But I am asking you to think this through.¡± She blinked a couple of times, moistened her lips and turned her eyes down. Once more he gave her a squeeze, but this time she didn¡¯t look at him before she knew what to say.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know me. How deeply could you possibly want me?¡± She asked, but as soon as the words had left her, she knew. She already knew that their very beings were screaming for each other. The only one holding them back was her. Blake¡¯s features fell into sad lines, but said nothing. She closed her eyes hard for a moment, then tried again in other words.


    ¡°I could be the biggest bitch in history and you would be stuck with me! Or you¡­ you could be¡­¡± She shook her head a little. Looked to one side, then the other. As if the answer to it all was to be found in the walls around them. Blake let the blouse go. It hit the floor as he took another step closer. He took her other arm in his now free hand and bent forward - trying to recapture her gaze once more.


    ¡°A terrorizing Alpha who would cage and chain you, and breed pups on you?¡± He asked, a bit of humor in his voice. She snapped her mouth open, pupils dilating, fighting for words. Though he had already taken the lead.


    ¡°I understand your worry - I mean, you¡¯re not the only one who is in an unfamiliar situation here. But I am asking you, for the both of us. Try, give me some time, let me prove to you that it¡¯s not a mistake - that there are reasons for this¡­ madness.¡±


    She said nothing. But she felt. Oh, she felt that warm touch of his. She was close to touching his chest. A chest she had more than once stared at. A certain lightness unfolded under her skin, spreading out through every vein from hence he held her arms.


    Then his hands had glided down her arms and found hers. Their fingers had begun a slow, if a bit unsure, mellow dance against each other. Feather light it had been. Leaving tender trails across their skin. His hands were so much bigger than hers. Having a little bit of calluses on the inside, and strong knuckles and veins for her touch on the outside. She glanced down at their hands, almost mesmerized by the movements. Perfect it seemed, too perfect.


    With his lips at her ear he asked quietly, but not so that it was a whisper. It gave her chills anyway.


    ¡°Give me a chance Ember. What¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡±


    Slowly she raised her head. She didn¡¯t say anything, but the silence which followed spoke for her.


    Everything.


    ¡°Please.¡± A whisper.


    This time she closed her eyes in a defeated manner. Then, giving in, she nodded.


    ¡°Fine, for a time. But then I am out of here.¡± She had agreed and no matter what she said after, it could not dampen his smile. Warm and soft. Blinding as the sun¡¯s rays. Any other situation and it would have been contagious. But her lips stayed numb.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Shock. Pure shock made its way down her body. She had never thought that she would hear the words thank you (or please for that matter) from an Alpha, but there it was. She did not know what to do with it. So, she pushed it to the side. Her brain was already frazzled as it was.


    For a moment it seemed like he was weighing what to do. But do what, she was not sure. His conclusion had been to do nothing. With a final squeeze he let her go. Took a step back and collecting his blouse from the floor, then began to walk towards his room.


    ¡°Oh, and I am not like that.¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡± Surprised and baffled she had turned half around to look at him. His hand on the doorknob ready to open his door, but he was looking at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a terrorizing man who would cage and chain you and force pups on you.¡± Though I do want pups. The words were hanging in the air, obvious to both of them, but not uttered out loud. The words were some she was yet to be ready to hear. With a final nod he vanished behind his door, leaving her to the semi dark corridor.


    She needed more than a cold bath by then. She had needed a run. A long run. Fatigue had hit her soon thereafter. Shortly after she made way to the bathroom.


    Now she was sitting on her bed, looking out as the dawn swallowed the night. With a towel at her wet hair, she was still not sure what to do. The loneliness still ruled in her chest. For some reason she found herself looking at one of her hands. As if she could see traces of his hands on hers.


    Then her cheeks heated up in a telling red.


    Had that really happened?