Emily's Story (17 page)

“You will die.” The words held no humor or softness.

“So be it, he is my mate, and I will die defending my rights if I must.”

“Thomas is mine. You never need to worry about a challenge from me.” Cheri looked around. “I don’t think you need to worry about a challenge from anyone here.”

Emily looked around too. Pack werewolves lowered their eyes while her gaze made its way around the gym. The internal power, which made her alpha, flowed from her skin. Electrically charged, every wolf present felt its weight.

She let additional energy flare before speaking, “The only reason my mate didn’t win,” she glanced over her shoulder at the man in question, “was because he would not seriously hurt me. I may need to teach him a lesson a time or two before he gives me a real fight.” Emily looked back at Cheri pulling her hair to the side of her neck. “I have need of you my queen and the defeated can wait.”

After Cheri released her, Emily walked to the changing room and got in the shower to rinse the blood from her body. No one entered the room. She left the gym on four legs, not seeing Thomas or her mate. This time, vampire enzymes didn’t cause her body to desire sex. Her wolf just needed to run.

In front of a medium sized cabin, Kinsee played with dolls. A grown woman sat on the porch steps watching Emily approach.

“I won’t harm her.” Emily stayed in her wolf form connecting with the woman’s mind.

“I know that, she speaks about you often. You are the wolf who called her demon, Brandt’s mate, and an alpha in your own right.”

“I am sorry for what I called her.” Emily’s eyes went to the child. “I am very sorry Kinsee.”

The small child lifted her dress over her head. “You’re silly; can I run with her Mama?”

The woman laughed, “I’m Patricia and mother to this little demon. Will you let her take a jaunt with you while I get some work done?”

Emily was stunned but replied with a look of devotion at the child. “I will care for her and have her back shortly”

“Take your time, if you tire her out she will go to bed early.”

Emily looked toward the small wolf who gave a little yip. The two of them took off. Emily slowed her pace for the child and couldn’t believe she had the opportunity to be alone with her. The two of them ran for an hour. Kinsee talked nonstop and asked every question conceivable.

“You never went outside when you were a child?”

“No.”

“No one loved you?” It was obvious Kinsee’s mother had devoted considerable conversation to the new pack wolf.

“No, no one loved me until Brandt.”

“I will love you and now you have two, like I have my mom and dad.”

“You have a dad?”

“Of course silly. His name is Wolfred. He says I am the most beautiful wolf ever born.”

“I think you are too. Thank you for loving me.” Emily wanted to cry. She also remembered that Brandt told her wolves were unable to produce children together and required a fully human mother or father. She wondered how Kinsee’s parents managed. She couldn’t help but feel a pull in her heart for her own child but knew no other man would ever touch her. She would also kill any she-wolf that placed a hand on her mate.

“Look, a rabbit. Can we get it, can we?”

The chase was on and even though Emily mourned the outcome she could deny the child nothing. Kinsee made a quick kill and for that Emily was grateful. The child brought the rabbit to her and dropped it at her feet, nudging it closer with her nose. “It’s for you.”

“I’ve eaten too much today, why don’t you take it home.”

“I can eat it now; I’m hungry and can eat the whole thing.”

Emily sat by and guarded Kinsee while she consumed her kill. She refused to think about one beautiful creature being devoured by another.

Shortly after, the two of them trotted back to Kinsee’s home. Brandt was waiting out front when they came into sight.

Kinsee changed back to human and pulled her dress over her head. She hugged Emily around her shaggy neck and then ran into the house. Emily took off, giving Brandt a run for his money until they reached their own cabin and shifted to human. Brandt took her hand and brought her fingers to his lips.

“I’m so proud of you.” His gaze met hers.

“Well, I’m not happy with you and think you have a few things to explain.”

Chapter 19

Emily sat on the couch watching Brandt paced back and forth. It was obvious he felt uneasy, but she was not going to help him.

His agitation was more apparent when he finally spoke, “I thought I loved Cheri and was quite stubborn about it. We were together for a short time and then she no longer returned my affections. I was eaten with jealousy and thought her my mate. I told you before that vampires do not share the mate bond like we do. I put her rejection down to that. I was unable to accept that she loved my father. I knew for many years that they were seeing each other.”

He stopped for a moment and gave her a beseeching look. He needed Emily to understand. His hurt and betrayal came out with his next words. “I wanted to kill him. He raised me alone, nurtured me, and supported me but I wanted him dead. I craved his blood on my hands. It made me crazy.”

Deep, slow, steady breaths strengthened his voice. “Cheri and I slowly regained our friendship but for me it always felt like more. I couldn’t stop my jealousy and my anger began having an effect on the pack. My rage simmered slowly and my wolves became unsteady. The night I found you, my father challenged me and I was mere seconds from ending his life.” His eyes closed briefly, remembering his father’s blood.

He didn’t look at her. A soft touch brought him back. Warmth flowed from her fingers sending small sparks along his skin.

“Do you still love Cheri?” Her voice was soft, worried.

He turned. No hesitation, “No.”

Her eyes changed and she exhaled, “Do you think you would have killed your father?”

With a look of complete anguish he took both of her hands. “Yes.” He hesitated before continuing, thinking back. “When we were tracking you, I decided to leave the pack. I knew I was destroying my wolves and I feared my friend Samson would challenge me. I didn’t want to kill him and I knew killing my father was not the answer. Finding you cemented my place again. One taste of your blood and Cheri was a distant memory. There is no comparison in my feelings. If I thought you were with anyone but me, I would not stand by in anger. He would be dead.” He grasped her hair at the base of her neck, pulling her head back he brought his mouth down on hers.

He was her world, the reason her heart beat, the reason she was alive. She matched the kiss, no softness only hunger.

Mating pheromones rolled off their skin. Her stomach growled loudly and he pulled away, his grin chiding. Breathing in her scent he tried to get his passion under control. His voice husky, “I won’t take a hungry she-wolf to bed.” He took her hand and pulled her into the kitchen with a laugh. I smelled the rabbit on Kinsee. I take it you didn’t have a bite or two?”

“No, but I did help her catch it and then let her do the killing. Set me down so I can get my clothes on.”

“Oh, but I prefer you naked.”

She laughed but her eyes grew steamy, changing color.

The low growl started deep in his throat, rising up. His eyes darkened.

Her stomach rumbled again and they both laughed.

“Let’s eat light and I’ll call a pack hunt tonight. It will be dark soon and in a few hours I’ll teach your wolf to stalk prey. Before that, I’ll stalk you.”

“Call the wolves.”

***

They met at the clearing. Fifteen wolves divided themselves into three separate hunting teams. Samson, Thomas and a she-wolf named Josie were in the alphas’ group. The teams split up. They would branch out, seeking a fresh scent trail, and then hone in and move the prey toward each other.

Samson found the scent first and the rest of the team followed. Brandt relayed information to Emily while running, “Samson is my best tracker. When we get closer to the deer, we will work together. For now he has the lead.”

Emily’s excitement escalated, squeamishness forgotten, her wolf took over. The forest floor gave beneath her paws. Gangly in the past, her legs were now steady and strong. Her ears pricked at the sound of snapping branches and then she saw a large buck charging through the undergrowth.

The wolves surrounded the enormous animal and attacked. There were three does on the run too. Only one escaped.

Emily launched herself forward, instinct taking over. Her fangs sank deeply into the buck’s throat, tearing through hide and muscle. With help from her pack mates, she took the magnificent animal to the ground.

The tangy scent of blood filled the air. Brandt’s snout rose to the moon in the age old call of the wolves and his song rang through the night. The others joined in and when the last cry echoed through the trees, they feasted.

Brandt’s team tore into the buck while the other teams went for the does. He growled a few times at his pack. The best morsels belonged to his mate. 

When they finished, the wolves lay around in smaller groups and groomed themselves and one another. The alphas stayed apart while Brandt cleaned Emily’s muzzle with his rough tongue and then moved to the top of her paws and ruff of her neck.

“I think it’s time to go home,” her sultry voice sounded in his mind.

“I think you’re right, loser must scrub the winner’s back.” And he was off.

Emily had no chance to catch up, but she enjoyed washing his back. She might have lost the race but the night was hers.

***

The next day, she kept her appointment at the gym.

Thomas looked away when she approached, so she gave him a brief hug. He glanced over her shoulder looking for Brandt and she laughed.

“I value my hide and your mate will have it if he sees you hugging me.”

“Then my mate and I will have a serious talk. You are his father and my family too. He can learn to live with it.”

 “Hmmm, if you say so.” Thomas spent the morning teaching her of human habits verses those of wolves while she dodged his fists. “No growling if a human male tries to come on to you. A polite and firm ‘no’ will work. If a human female does the same to Brand…”

“I rip her throat out?” Her voice was eager.

He gave her a crooked grin, “No, you place your hand firmly on her arm, soften your voice, and look her in the eye. Besides the gesture, you won’t need to say a word.”

“What if the arm thing doesn’t work?”

It wasn’t Thomas that answered it was another she-wolf named Maggie. She was one of the pack’s fighters and gave Emily a lot of space. Emily wondered why, but hadn’t asked anyone. “Just move Brandt behind you, look her in the eye, and ask if she wants to lose her right nipple.”

“You’re not helping here Maggie,” said Thomas.

Emily grinned, “I disagree, and I think she did. I’ll be sure to use that line if it’s needed.”

Maggie walked away and began working on a speed bag.

“I’ll pass your little talk on to Brandt so he knows he better stay away from other women.”

“I think that would be smart. He’s too beautiful. Now, let’s see if I can spill your butt on the mat.”

“I’m at your mercy, my alpha.” Thomas dipped his head and then twisted away. Emily attacked.

***

Departure day arrived. Samson and Maggie were to be Emily’s babysitters. Maggie would even enter bathrooms with the recently tamed werewolf.

Brandt explained things would eventually be easier but they were taking no chances with her first time in the city. “If you’re good, I have a special treat planned.” He teased to get her mind off her first airplane flight. He could hear her accelerated heartbeat and smell her apprehension. He wanted excitement to overcome any worry she had.

“More than the couple of hours in the whirling hot bath you promised me?”

“The Jacuzzi, and yes a bigger surprise.”

“What is it?”

“If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise.”

Emily leaned over and nibbled the side of his jaw. “Could I kiss the secret from you?”

“No, but go ahead and try.”

She didn’t notice the plane take off until they broke apart and she looked out the window. “It’s beautiful.”

“Not more beautiful than you.” His eyes met hers.

Emily could see over his shoulder. Maggie made a gagging gesture to Samson. Emily’s voice carried to the two wolves, her eyes drilling into Maggie’s. “Which nipple would you like to lose?” Her tone held a challenge.

Maggie looked down, “I’m sorry my alpha.”

Brandt chuckled, “It’s your own fault Maggie. My father told me you were trying to teach Emily a thing or two.”

Samson snorted. “Oh Mags, you’ve more than met your match with Brandt’s mate and I like you with both nipples.”

The tension eased. Brandt took Emily’s hand and held it during the two-hour flight. Denver’s population was just over five million and had museums, art walks, shopping, and just about anything a city dweller could wish for. Brandt wanted Emily to see some of the wonders she missed in her childhood. The three days would be jam packed but he would bring her back to the city soon and let her explore.

Emily’s nervousness increased after they landed and the smell of humans became overpowering. Her slightly shaking hand sought Brandt’s and she was grateful when he sent a soothing vibration through his touch. People stared and watched their every move. They traveled by limousine and the buzz began again when they entered the luxurious hotel. It put Emily even more on edge and her tension escalated. Two bellhops took them to their suite. Once the door closed, strong comforting arms came around her shoulders and a gentle kiss landed on her nose. She took a deep breath and her body relaxed. Another breath and she was back in control. Pulling away she looked around the suite.

A large living room with several couches and chairs took up the front area. A dining table for eight separated the room from a luxurious kitchen. Emily made her way through each room and finally walked into the master bedroom. An extra-large bed was the centerpiece with a grouping of plush chairs next to bay windows in the shape of a wide “U” setting off the beauty of downtown Portland. Emily looked out over the skyline completely amazed with the city. Eventually her eyes traveled back into the room and she spotted the walk in Jacuzzi in the corner. It was easily eight feet wide and five feet across. White marble with gold streaks and gold fixtures made it a work of art.