Disclaimer on Chapter ONE


Chapter THREE - Arrangement

Sam and I had spent some more time with the others in the pack after I was done eating. Even Jacob came back after dropping his dad to chill some more. Everyone seemed quite at ease, chuckling and making jokes and even jostling me into it quite a couple of times. I met the infamous trio consisting of Jacob, Embry and Quil. Those three were like the inseparable Three Musketeers but just as bad as the cartoon adaptations. You know, the Disney one? Apparently they got into quite the handful of trouble often.

Seth was just adorable. I could see how much he looked up to Jake and the other guys, and it was definitely a refresher to see that none of the older guys kept him out of the fun. Even in wolf form the boys still found ways to have the whole pack interacting. Shit. Even the imprints were laughing and making jokes, though none of them got close to Seth while he was phased. Curious thing.

It appeared that the other trio consisted of Sam, Jared and Paul. They were the first three to phase within the pack. I was told a bit about their histories and came to many conclusions. But these were my main three...

Conclusion one: Sam was sometimes more animal than man. He had no one there for him for that month he was off, alone and confused. I could see why he had the hardest time taming his feral parts. The man and the wolf were sometimes at odds it seemed. I don't think there was much I could do to help him there since he was technically my Alpha, or soon to be.

Conclusion two: Yeah. I'd hate being a shifter too if I was stuck to these lands with no other choice. Or more specifically, having your choices taken away from you… Actually, let me rephrase that. If I was not born into this life, I'd hate it and feel trapped too.

And conclusion three: These fuckers had no clue what to do most of the time with themselves. They weren't born to this life, so some of them really resented it. Which kind of concludes with conclusion number two. Hm. I'd have to find a way to change that somehow.

I learned about the construction company that Sam owned, and how he specifically hired most of the pack members for jobs since the stipends they were given from the Rez wasn't much. I mean, they ate like animals. Ha! Nice joke there to myself.

I heard about Jacob's enthusiastic dream job to own his own car shop and smiled when his two buddies joined in. All in all, from what I'd gathered, La Push was considered a 'poor' place but the people that lived here were rich. They had the biggest hearts and souls I've had the pleasure to meet. Everyone helped everyone, which is why they tried to keep the amount of money they did have within the reservation. It really was a family community here and the boys often got hired for odd jobs.

Sam and I walked with four bags of food as we made our way back to his place. The walk was very comfortable and quiet as I continued to look around and smell the sights. He must have caught me because he had a very serene look on his features as I marveled at my surroundings.

As we climbed up the four steps on his porch we almost got into the funniest fight about who would hold the bags and who would open the door. "It's your house, Sam. Now give me the damn bags," I chuckled as I tried snatching them from him.

He sported a smile before quickly wrapping me in his warm arm and taking hold of all the bags in one of his hands. I narrowed my eyes, trying not to smile as he then proceeded to open the door while holding it open for me.

"Fine. But I get to put it away." I spoke as I walked past him and into his home. Once the door closed, I felt him walk up behind me before slowly heading toward the kitchen. The light turned on. I took in a deep breath before following him to see him taking everything out of the bags and onto the table. I didn't even look at what the kitchen looked like! "Sam," I whined, marching over and pushing him aside with my hip. I swatted his hands away one more time before he chuckled. "Go away. I need to do something to repay you, geez."

"You don't have to repay me. And what do you expect me to do?" He crossed his arms as he leaned against the counter.

I shrugged. "I don't know. Whatever it is you do. And where am I sleeping?"

"Upstair's room."

I nodded, busying myself with properly unpacking the rest of the food while playing Tetris in his fridge. "It's kind of empty in here, Sam. Don't cook much," I asked, looking back at him. He had a mixture of a hard bad ass and a sheepish grin going on before I chuckled and got back to my task.

"I'll leave you some money for food tomorrow."

"No. I can handle that." Once everything was stored away I closed the fridge door and dusted my hands before turning toward him. "It's the least I can do. You're already letting me bunk here as it is. Say, care to explain some of the things that were mentioned tonight?"

Sam looked away then, placing his hands in his pockets before he spoke. "Not really."

"... Okay then…"

He sighed. "Don't worry about it. In time, you'll get used to the way Billy and the others talk."

I narrowed my eyes but let it drop. I didn't want to talk about my special ability and he let it go… So I guess this would be his eye for an eye. "Right. Well, mind telling me where the shower is instead? I spent the last two days running and am a bit overdue…" I made a face as I thought about going without a shower and earned a chuckle from him.

"Upstair's room."

I smiled, softly punching his arm muscle as I walked past him and began my trek up the stairs. He turned the hallway lights on for me. "Right. Next thing you tell me is that the mini fridge is in there too!"

"It is!" I laughed.

"Hey, Sam," I called for him as I made it back up to the room I had woken up in. "Could you toss me my backpacks?"

I stood in the doorway to the bedroom, waiting on him as he walked up the stairs. I noticed his eyes travel up my legs before stopping at my eyes and my breath caught. His eyes had slowly darkened, if possible, even more than I'd ever seen them do before as he handed me the two bags. This time, when his skin brushed against mine it tingled all the way up my arm and down my spine as I looked up at him.

I felt myself respond in the same way to whatever this was as my hand stayed on his. He swallowed thickly before handing me the bags and taking a step back. "Bathroom's in there," he gruffed in a very low voice, trying to not startle me I guess. I mentally shook myself and nodded before mechanically turning around and walking into the bathroom. I closed the door and slid down.

What. The. Fuck! Was I seriously this attracted to my Alpha? And I haven't even submitted completely to him yet! What the hell? I was in SO much trouble. I mean, the guy was hot. No, more than hot. He was… A lot of things! But fuck me, I just met him! Can't we at least play things by ear first instead of by… libidos? I barely know the guy! I was rambling. Internally rambling.

Taking in a much needed breath, I heard as he walked away towards some part of the house before opening and closing a door. I was assuming he went outside. Maybe to check on everyone or something? I sighed and trudged on toward the shower, the one that had my name on it.

Needless to say, the hot shower did wonders for me. A satisfied moan escaped my lips as the soothing water ran down the contours of my back and muscles. Clean. Fucking. Water… It was glorious and I really couldn't hold in all the little content whimpers and sighs that escaped me as I washed over all the tiny, almost completely healed, scrapes while I comforted the achiness in my legs and arms away.

Steam filled the air inside the spacious bathroom, enhancing my own natural aroma as I used a very delicious Axe Body Wash that made my inner kitty purr in delight. It reminded me of- Well, damn. I chuckled at myself as I lathered my skin. I'd use nothing on my hair until I could go into town. Plain old water would do for now.

Turning off the shower faucet and pulling the curtain aside, I was relaxed enough to let my gaze trail around the bathroom… Plus I needed a towel, something I should have obviously looked into first.

The bathroom sink seemed to be handmade, as did most of the things in the house. Small and intricate vines and leaves decorated the faucet handles as well as the borders of the mirror above it. Those same designed were also found on the top of the toilet.

I slowly looked around, noticing the towel rack and a slim closet next to it. I stepped out and reached for the towel, ignoring the fact that it smelled like Sam as I dried myself up. OK, no. I lied. I really couldn't ignore the fact that I was relishing in his scent as it gently mixed in with my own. Fucking pussy whipped kitten. I snorted at myself, laughing before slowly opening the door.

I peeked out and noticed that the house was still empty. Steam billowed out from behind me as a wonderful chill wafted against my exposed and heated flesh. The window in the room was open. Smiling, I walked out into the room and quickly unwrapped myself from his towel… I rummaged through my backpacks and was suddenly daunted.

Quickly, I walked across the room and leaned against the rail with my arms crossed over my chest as I leaned over. There, in the backyard, I was greeted with the magnificent sight of the largest wolf in the pack. His black fur shined beautifully in the light of the dark, and with no street lamps nearby, he shimmered under the stars. He was facing the forest, probably talking schedule and checking up on all of them. I hoped Raziel and Sev weren't causing trouble.

I saw his ears perk up and swivel before his massive head turned in my direction. I respectfully ducked my head for only a moment before I became entranced within his bright amber-yellow eyes. I gave him a sheepish smile and waved. "Say hi to my siblings. I hope they're behaving… and I have no sleepwear. Got an extra shirt for tonight?"

I swear that the human aspect of Sam peeked through as his eyes glittered with mirth before he jerked his head once. I scrambled back inside, wrapping the towel around me once more as I heard a door open and close. I sat on the bed as I heard his footsteps walk across the house and climb up the stairs. He appeared in the doorway seconds later in his, very low, cut-offs and paused. He gave me an appraising look as he crossed the room toward a dresser before handing me a plain white shirt.

I shrugged the shirt on, not at all uncomfortable with me being naked or him being in the room -even though he did look away. Aw. So cute. I guess he really wasn't used to the shifter life. I closed my eyes and discreetly inhaled his scent once more before the situation dawned on me. "Um…Sam, where am I sleeping?"

Sam turned to face me once I was dressed in only his shirt and I did not miss how his eyes darkened before he grinned. "Upstair's bedroom."

I chuckled and reciprocated the grin before turning and face planting into the bed. I felt the softness of it give in and make the thin blankets shutter around me. I quickly snatched and dragged one of the pillows toward my face, inhaling deeply. I sighed, relaxed and satisfied, as I curled myself up. A chuckle brought me out of my reverie as Sam continued to look at me. He smirked again before snatching one of the pillows next to my head, walking over toward the closet door and pulling out another thin blanket. My eyes only seemed to grow wider with each step he took until he was out the door.

Oh. My. God! "Sam?! Did I just kick you out of your own room? Is this your room?"

I heard his muffled chuckle through the walls. "Don't worry about it."

"But it's your room," I argued.

"I hadn't specified."

I stood up and slinked after him. He was just getting ready to lay down in a spare bedroom until I knelt on the floor next to him. "I can sleep here," I mumbled, crossing my arms on the bed and laying my head on it as he laid down. Our faces were inches apart.

His breath washed over my face and I involuntarily inhaled. Wow. Talk about being high! My eyes fluttered. His scent had the most calming effect a shifter has ever had on me. The hand running across my hairline brought me back to the present. When had I closed my eyes?

Sam's eyes sparkled in the dark again as he pushed a moist strand of hair away from my face. "It's fine. Go sleep on my bed. It's the best one in the house." He smiled.

I pouted. "Sam."

My body shuddered as his thumb brushed my cheekbone and down my jawline. "Don't worry about it. I'll have to go down to Port Angeles tomorrow and replace the other two beds anyway."

My eyebrow rose. "Two beds?"

"You don't expect me to leave your siblings out of a home, do you?" I was left speechless at Sam's offer -if you could call it that- and thoughtfulness as his expression became quite serious. "We're quite taken with you, Nix," his voice lowered as he continued to brushed thumb along my nose and brow as well.

"We?" As in him and the pack or him and his wolf? I swear, I'm so articulate when it comes to conversations.

He nodded before his whole hand engulfed the side of my face. I closed my eyes and leaned into his warm touch. "Go to sleep. We'll talk more in the morning."

I sighed, feeling a cold within my chest as he pulled away so I stood up. "Alright," I whispered as I bent down to his level. "Good night, Sam."

I closed my eyes as I rubbed my nose against his chin, inhaling his very powerful -and masculine- scent. His warm hand encased around the back of my neck as he responded in kind along my jaw before whispering back his own 'good night'.

I walked back to his room with a content sigh before crawling, face first, into his bed and purring myself to sleep wrapped in his scent.

-ooo-

The next morning was spent in a wild rush. I awoke at the crack of dawn to one of the most heartfelt sights. Leaves and dirt followed from the hallway to the little toes peeking out from under the covers where I lay. Both of my siblings had arrived around five in the morning, tired and sleepy, making sure that I stayed with them 'till they fell asleep. I quietly dressed, gathered my wallet and quickly jumped out the front door after sweeping the floors hastily. Breakfast had been swift as Sam and I negotiated the stay of my siblings and I until we finally came to an agreeable compromise. "You sure it's not a problem?"

Paul grinned as he leaned against his truck. He was dressed in a paint stained shirt and jeans. "Nah. Plus, I get bragging rights."

I quirked an eyebrow at him as I got into the passenger side. "Bragging rights," I repeated flatly.

Paul's grin widened, accentuating his white teeth and making his skin look darker as he got in and started the truck. "Do you know how much of a turn-on you are?"

I almost choked on my saliva, backing away from him with a bewildered look. "Excuse me?!"

Paul laughed long and loud, a hand to his stomach as he started to pull out of Sam's place. His eyes were glassed over before he tried to take on a more serious and sarcastic tone. "I'll take that as a no."

I'm sorry, but what? "What the hell does that even mean? You have the hots for me?"

"No, actually. The whole pack does." Paul couldn't contain his hoots and howls at the look on my face.

"WHAT?!" I shrieked. Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God. And they all saw me naked! Which is not a problem but they're all SO immature!

Paul snickered. "Yeah… You haven't exactly phased with us yet…"

My eyes narrowed at the implication. "So you want me to kick your asses?"

"Ha! Like you could." He grinned again.

"You know what? Shut up and just drive." I threw my hands up in defeat because the Spirits knew that I could, in fact, beat him to a pulp.

"Now, now. No need to pout. You got the hottest guy in the Rez as your tour guide. You could be a little nicer you know."

"Aren't you mated," I asked in exasperation.

He winked at me. He fucking winked at me. "Just because I can't shop doesn't mean I can't appreciate."

My head fell into my hands as I mumbled to myself, "Spirits, help me." I groaned as he chuckled at my misfortune.

"Oh, I think they're helping you enough," he smiled in my direction as we made it toward the highway.

I peeked at him from my peripheral. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

He shrugged. "Well… You're stuck with Sam." He then looked at me and smiled. "How much better can it get?"

I cocked my head at his words before smiling lightly. "Yeah… I guess."

The rest of the ride was spent in silence, thankfully, as we listened to some old tunes on the radio and jammed out to some other ones. Paul was fun to hang out with, and we really did have similar personalities… You know, when I wasn't being taken by surprise.

He showed me the sights and pointed out key points where the pack patrolled often. He was generous enough to tell me where I could find the small market within the Rez as well as on our way to Port Angeles. First and Third Beach weren't too far from the Rez either, something I would be sure to enjoy for my morning runs.

For show, Paul 'helped' me carry two brand new mattresses and an outdoor freezer to the back of his truck before we hit the grocery store, where I made sure to buy a week's worth of raw and frozen meat.

I felt Paul's eyes on me as we went back out to his truck to empty the bags into the freezer, before we went back in to finish food shopping. "Ask, Paul."

"How- I mean, it's not my business. Forget it," he cut himself off as he followed me around and pushed the cart.

I smiled, twirling to face him as I threw some condiments into the cart. "Arts and Crafts. I paint, traditionally and digitally. I sell commissions as well as some handmade stuff too. Oh, crap! I need to buy a new laptop too," I must have made a face because Paul laughed at me. I shot him a playful glare. "So..."

Paul's eyes narrowed inquisitively. "So?"

I smiled. "I'll cook for you if we drop the stuff off and then go get me a new laptop." Paul laughed. "I'll even help you sell some of your wood carvings if you want." That got his attention and he gave me a genuine smile a moment later. I was filled in pretty thoroughly on what the guys could do. Sam and Paul had a natural calling for woodwork.

"You're not half bad, Santos. Not bad at all."

"Thanks, Lahote."

Sam was at home when we arrived late in the afternoon. It appeared the kids were off running with the other members of the pack or were playing somewhere in the woods (aka the big ass backyard). He remained quiet as he helped unload all the purchases from the truck, though his eyes did widen at the sight of the full outdoor freezer. I shrugged.

My arms were quite full of bags as we passed each other. He just shook his head, a small smile coating his lips as he went to gather the remaining items.

As part of the living arrangement, the kids and I would stay with Sam so long as I took over the food expenses since he refused rent or help with the utilities. I pretty much had to fight him on any type of bill. He was adamant about calling it home too, telling me that I was welcome to add to the decor if I wished.

Sleeping arrangements were another mess. The house had three bedrooms and two and a half baths. I left the spare bedrooms for the kids, since Sev and Raziel would need their own, and I'd just bunk up on the couch. Yeah, no. We disagreed about that too. So I agreed to alternate with the kids.

Sam could keep running patrol during the mornings or overnight, since some of the pack was still in school and he worked. Thankfully, we were currently in the middle of summer and the kids could join after school or before bedtime as an option. Sam could use this time to assimilate our best strengths and weaknesses until school started again. It would also give us enough time to make a proper schedule while getting accustomed to our new environment; and, it would give me enough time to train the pack in my old ways as well as seeing how advance their training was. Which was lacking from what I could see.

We then thanked Paul for his troubles of taking me around town after which I fought with him for about five minutes until I was able to stash two twenties in his pocket before he left. Paul left grumbling, but he drove off with a silly grin.

I turned around to see Sam leaning against the front railing of his house with a serious expression. "That was very nice of you."

I smiled as I climbed the stairs on the porch and shrugged. "It was nothing. You both helped me out a lot. It's the least I can do… besides, I kind of invited him and Emily over for dinner next week. I hope that's okay."

Sam smiled at me. "That's more than okay."

"Awesome. I'ma get started on dinner then." My hand was on the door handle and I turned to face him again. "You're really okay with all of this? We're not intruding or taking over?"

He sighed, shaking his head while walking inside with me. "No, Nix. This is your home now too."

"And the council?"

"Let me handle them," he answered, his eyes flashing briefly. Sore topic for the wolf apparently.

I nodded and walked toward the door in the kitchen. "Do you have any preference for tonight," I called out as I walked toward the deep freezer that was situated right outside. Hearing no answer, I pulled out some steaks, walked inside and gathered some potatoes and other vegetables.

I heard Sam walk down the stairs as I was halfway through peeling a bag of potatoes. We shared a glance before he took a seat at the head of the table. I smiled. "Here you go." I dropped a cutting bored and some vegetables on the table before pressing my nose to the side of his head. "You can help with dinner."

He chuckled deeply, but did so without question as I poured a bottle of wine into the pot where the diced steak was in. We worked silently together, moving around the kitchen as I prepared the stew. We only bumped into each other twice, and each time I made sure to keep my eyes down or I'd end up blushing.

I felt his body heat before I felt his breath near my ear. "Smells good." I could hear the smile in his voice, each of his hands on the counter near my sides as I glanced at him from my peripheral.

"Glad you like it," I returned the smile, covering the food and turning around to face him while being trapped within his arms.

We stared at each other for a few moments, smiling before the front door slammed open. "Smells good, sis," Sevahstian yelled as Sam touched his forehead to mine before taking a step back.

Sev appeared within the kitchen hallway a moment later, my little Raziel trailing behind. I groaned. "Guys, feet!" Sam chuckled, earning a quick glare as the kids trudged back to clean off their feet. "And clean after yourselves! Broom's near the hallway. Dinner's will be ready in an hour. Raziel, go upstairs for your shower."

A chorus of 'okay' filled the house as they got to work. I helped clean up the rest of the kitchen before moving on to my little sister. Both kids enjoyed their new rooms, bouncing on the new beds and getting reprimanded as they ran back downstairs to the living room and away from me. I caught up to them a moment later, bumping into Sev who was staring at a cuddling Raziel. She latched herself onto Sam's leg, rubbing her face and laughing before giggling off.

Soon enough, we all sat down for our first dinner together. Sam sat at head of the table again as I walked around and served the food. Raziel got an insane portion of vegetables, earning an interesting look from Sam before I served the remaining left overs into separate bowls. Once they all finished eating, I went to wash the dishes but was pushed aside by a determined Alpha. He told me to go sit and eat so I smiled, grabbed two bowls and stood outside by the kitchen door. I let out a loud whistle, setting the larger bowl down near the forest edge before plopping myself down to eat.

Low and behold, it was Paul in wolf form that appeared. He trotted happily, his tongue sticking out before quickly inhaling the thick stew. I smiled, eating my own portion before Sam stepped outside as well. He nodded at Paul before the wolf took off. Sam knelt by me, making sure he caught my eye before he spoke. "I have patrol tonight. Take my bed."

"Sam."

"Nix," he gave me a small smile as he bent down and ran his hand down my hairline. "It'll make my wolf and I feel better."

I sighed, a grin on my lips before I conceded. "Fine. But if I wake up and see you on the couch, I'm kicking your ass," I bartered as I sat my bowl down.

Sam's eyes barely flashed yellow, not enough warning, before I was quickly pinned to the floor. My laughter caught in my throat as he ran his nose down my jaw. I closed my eyes, my inner kitty's engine purring as I felt his body press down on mine. "Somehow, I highly doubt that," he whispered.

I bumped his chin with my nose, a smile still coating my lips as I replied, "You would think that."

His wolf surfaced and his eyes shifted to a yellow-brown making my inner beast surface as well. His face slowly lowered some more before I felt his teeth nick the side of my neck. Immediately, an electrical current ran down my body, making my insides quiver and clench as I stilled. I held back the involuntary whimper and physical shiver as his breath ran along the rim of my ear. "Don't provoke me," his voice was low and rough before he nudged me with his nose again, his voice returning to normal afterward. "Just do it."

I looked up at his grinning face before he nudged me one last time and walked off into the forest.

I think another cold shower was needed.


Disclaimer in First Chapter. No Official Beta Still. All Errors are my own. Especially those past or present tenses.

I would like to thank Brookworm3. She's been my constant penpal here on FFnet. Lyn! Thank you for being my biggest fan and supporter. Love you sis. But DAMN did you blow up the review section. Lol. I'm also quite honored for all the attention The Hunt has received so far. Thank you.

I know the chapters are a little slow atm but we'll be getting some action soon. ;D I promise.

Please R&R. Much love~