It was late when Zayla woke in the middle of the night. She was wide awake, worrying about Keri. She'd seemed better after a good cry, and being with him like that didn't seem to affect her too badly. She was somewhat puzzled about the whole thing.
She decided to go outside for a minute to get some fresh air.
When she stepped outside, she noticed someone down by the fire pit where they ate. They must've been having trouble sleeping too.
She pulled her shawl around her shoulders and made her way over.
She'd assumed it was Asia, but it was a pleasant surprise to see Pierce. He had a small fire going and was stirring at the logs with a stick. "Hello Pierce."
The alpha looked over his shoulder at the soft voice. A smile, "hello Zayla. Could you not sleep as well?"
She sat beside him, "I've just been thinking about Keri."
"Ah. So she told you."
"She said she wasn't ready, but she was scared to tell you. So she didn't." Her hand gently brushed his, "couldn't you tell? Couldn't you have waited?"
"I did not mean to cause upset to anyone. Especially you," he started. "I asked her if she was sure, and she said yes." He took his hat off and ran a hand through his hair before putting it back on. "I felt that she was not ready, but she insisted."
"She's not ready to be a mom."
"She will not be one."
"How do you know?" She arched a brow.
"I let go of her when she screamed like that."
Relief washed over the female. He didn't get far enough for Keri to have pups. The girl had been his for only a brief moment. She sighed, "I guess this whole thing is my fault."
"How would it be your fault?"
"I never taught her anything about having a mate. None of us did. It didn't seem necessary. Then you showed up and she was quite taken with you. By then it was too late."
He touched her hand, "you are very concerned about your packmates. I admire that."
Her heart leapt into her throat at his praise. She remembered what Taja had said about him choosing her. "You are concerned about us as well, I am very thankful. We're so lucky to have an alpha like you."
His hand squeezed hers. Then he leaned to give her a soft kiss on the cheek.
She blushed, but smiled. Her insides felt hot and melty at the brief contact. If she was this flustered over a small kiss, how would she handle her turn with him?
She brushed the feeling off and nudged his shoulder gently, "what's keeping you up?"
He gave her a light smile, remembering how Lance liked messing with him like that. He hoped his brother was ok without him. "A lot of things actually," he responded when he realized she was still waiting for an answer.
"Would you like to talk about it?"
He shrugged and poked at the fire again. "I have been worried about you girls, especially Keri. I hate that she was involved in this."
She nodded.
"And my brother. He can get worked up quite easily, and now I am not there to help him."
"He is older than you right?"
"By only a few minutes."
She hummed in thought. "It seems he should learn to take care of himself."
He laughed softly, but it was more of a humorless scoff. "I do not believe he will ever learn to control his emotions. He has this bad habit of picking fights he cannot win. He almost had his face torn off not long ago."
"How did he offend someone that badly?"
"He insulted his mate who had since passed away. She had died bringing forth pups, and he said she was good for nothing since she couldn't even do that."
Zayla gasped. Not only did he insult them, he insulted everything their society stood for. "Well, he needed to be put in his place then. I assume it was his alpha he spoke to in such a way."
"Former alpha. But yes, he was still ranked higher than my brother."
She hummed thoughtfully. "Well, maybe he'll learn now that you're not there to get him out of trouble."
"Maybe."
The female leaned against his side, rubbing her fingers across his leg, "try not to worry. You do a wonderful job here. Asia is so happy to be a mother again. And for that we thank you." She nuzzled her nose under his chin, breathing in his scent.
A pleasant shiver ran through her when he rested his hand on her back and pulled her closer. "I hope to have pups for you soon," the words tumbled from her lips before she could stop them.
He pulled back, something she was not expecting. He seemed uncomfortable with her statement.
Disappointment filled her. Was she too forward in expressing her want for him? She swallowed, "I'm sorry. It was not my place to say something so forward."
He took her hands, "I like you Zayla. Very much. But I want my time with you to be special. Just for us." He smiled at the blush that rose on her cheeks. "So would you mind waiting? Would you mind being last?" He leaned forward, his breath brushing her ear, "it will be worth it."
She shivered at the thought. If waiting meant she was going to be his chosen mate, she would wait as long as she needed to. "Ok," she whispered. "Just please, don't make me wait too long."
He rested his forehead against hers, "it will be as soon as possible."
A couple weeks later, Keri and Asia were down by the creek with laundry. Asia was doing most of the work however. Keri was preoccupied by complaining.
"Why can't everyone do their own laundry?" She whined while holding a pair of underwear between two fingers. Her nose wrinkled in disgust.
Asia sighed, "you know we rotate chores. Next week, someone else will be doing laundry, and we will do something else. I haven't looked at the list yet," she muttered.
A dress fell off the pile and Asia bent to pick it up. Well, tried to anyway. She was having trouble since her large stomach was in the way. She was almost at the halfway mark in her pregnancy. Kenzi and Nona were expecting too.
Keri was distracted by a bright butterfly, so she didn't notice Asia needed help. She held her finger out for the insect to land on it. She smiled brightly as it opened its shiny blue wings.
"Keri!" Asia snapped, effectively scaring the butterfly away.
She turned to see Asia was having trouble getting back up. She hurried over to assist. "Sorry Asia."
"Stop apologizing and help me." She sounded upset.
"I said I was sorry," she muttered while snatching more fabric. "If you're this bossy to me, how bossy will you be to the babies?"
"Shut up!" She blinked back the tears threatening to spill. She was already worried about being able to take care of these, Keri wasn't helping.
"Don't tell me to shut up!" She shouted. "You're not my mom! At this rate I don't know if you should be one at all!"
The last thing she expected was for Asia to start crying. Asia didn't cry. She had sat down on the ground and sobbed as tears rolled down her face.
"I'm sorry Asia," Keri said while hurrying to her side. "I didn't mean it." She didn't want to hurt Asia's feelings. She was just annoyed. "Please don't cry."
"What is going on?"
Her ears pinned. Pierce was using his alpha voice. She turned around. He was standing there with his arms folded across his chest. His tail flicked impatiently as he waited for her to answer.
She swallowed. "It was my fault. I upset Asia by not helping and then being rude when she asked me to."
He sighed. Keri was always complaining about something. It was obvious she didn't like this life, but it was all she knew. He knelt down beside Asia, "are you all right?"
Her sobs slowed to sniffles, "I think so."
Keri sighed softly now that his attention was on Asia. Her ear twitched as she heard a stick crack. Something was out there. She turned towards the sound, listening. Her nose sniffed the air and her tail wagged slightly. Adventure was calling her name.
She looked over her shoulder. Pierce was still focused on Asia, and Asia was too upset to notice anything else. Keri rolled her eyes, then focused back on the surrounding woods.
She knew she wasn't supposed to go there. She'd been told repeatedly. But she one small jaunt wouldn't hurt. She grinned. She'd be back before supper.
Fortune trudged along behind the other two. He was tired of walking, but they were determined to keep going.
The foliage was very thick and dense. He felt somewhat nervous not knowing what was around him.
Ace and Infinite were bigger and stronger than he was, so they were not afraid. He had a smaller frame, and wasn't built for fighting.
He jumped when he heard rustling in the leaves. He stopped and looked around. Ace and Infinite kept walking, not realizing he'd stopped.
Swallowing his fear, Fortune stepped closer. He reached out and pushed the leaves back.
"Hi!" A female jackal grinned.
He jumped and stumbled back, falling over a tree root.
She leaned over him as he lay flat on his back. She giggled, "are you ok?"
He blinked. She was smiling at him, and her hair was piled in a haphazard bun on top her head. Her gold eyes sparkled with amusement.
She took his hand and helped him to his feet. "My name's Keri. What's yours?"
He assumed she didn't know sign language, but he tried to tell her anyway.
"What are you doing?" She asked while tilting her head. "Did you hurt your hand when you fell?" She took it in her hands and turned it over.
He yanked it out of her grip. He felt uncomfortable with her being so close to him. He was reminded of what had happened with Maybree.
She frowned, "are you sure you're ok?"
He nodded.
A bright grin lit up her face. She circled around him, sniffing. Her bright orange dress swished around her knees.
His heart pounded in his chest. She was so wild, and untouched. It made him nervous.
"You're cute," she said brightly.
He flushed and instinctively took a step back. His back hit a tree trunk. She stopped, not moving any closer. She realized he was uncomfortable.
"Do you not talk?" She asked after a moment.
He nodded.
"Oh." Her ears fell back in sympathy. "Did you ever talk?"
He shook his head.
"How sad. I love to talk." She gave him a sheepish grin, "you've probably already figured that out."
He gave her a small smile. His ear twitched when he heard Ace calling his name.
"Fortune." She tasted the word on her tongue. "Is that you?"
A nod.
"What a great name. Much better than mine." She smiled. "Those males you were with, are they part of your pack?"
He frowned. He didn't have a pack. She really was a wild jackal.
At that moment, Ace and Infinite entered the clearing. Keri screamed as Infinite tackled her to the ground, holding her arms behind her back. He thought she was going to hurt Fortune.
Fortune grabbed his arm, "she's not hurting me uncle," he signed.
He let her go and she got to her feet, dusting off her dress. "You've got quite a grip," she said.
He humphed, but otherwise stayed silent.
"Who are you?" Ace asked as he looked her over. She didn't seem to be a threat.
"I'm Keri. I'm just out looking for an adventure. You three look like exciting men. What are you doing out here?"
Ace blinked, processing her words. She got to the point. Her point anyway. He sighed, but explained the situation.
She gasped, "how awful. Do you need some more help? I would love to go with you."
"Don't you have a pack?" Infinite interrupted.
"Well yes, but I..."
"Do they know you're gone?"
Her ears pinned, "no."
"The last thing we need is an alpha following us because we have one of the females in his pack." He knew not all alphas cared that much, but with his luck, she would be the alpha's mate or something. Then they would be a target. "Go home," he ordered.
She sniffed, "I won't cause any trouble. Besides, Pierce isn't like that."
He raised a brow. Pierce's pack lived out here somewhere. Still, his decision remained. "No. You can't come. Go home."
She stomped her foot, "You men are all the same! Bossy, intimidating, and you can't handle anyone having a differing opinion than yours."
Fortune tapped Infinite on the shoulder, "I don't see why she can't come with us uncle. One more set of eyes would be helpful. Besides, Pierce won't kill us."
"He will be concerned when he realizes she's gone," he replied while folding his arms.
"Shouldn't she be free to make her own choices?" Fortune responded. "All of us were."
He sighed. Then turned to Keri. She gave him a hopeful smile. "All right," he relented, "Fortune has spoken up in your behalf. You can come."
She grinned and hopped up and down. "Fantastic! You won't regret having me on your team!"
He rolled his eyes and turned away, "somehow I doubt it."
Keri giggled and winked at Fortune. He flushed and looked away.
She bumped his side with her hip, effectively startling him. "You're awfully shy aren't you?"
He jumped and gave her a pleading look. But she didn't catch it. She didn't catch a lot of non-verbal cues apparently.
Ace dropped back to walk even with her and Fortune.
Keri smiled at him, "Ace right?"
He nodded. The diamond in his ear glinted in the sunlight.
"What happened to your ear?" She gasped as she reached up to touch it.
He jerked his head away, "don't you know anything about personal space?"
She blinked.
"You can't just go around touching people."
"Why not? That's what we do all the time back home. However, Asia doesn't like me too close to her belly anymore. Course she'll be having her litter soon."
Ace sighed. "Look, just don't get physical with Fortune ok. He's had a bad experience in the past."
Fortune gave him a glare. He didn't particularly want Ace telling everyone about his problems.
"Oh," she gave Fortune a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry. I didn't know. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Fortune smiled sadly and shook is head. This was something he had to do on his own.
"Well," she said, "if you need anything let me know."
Fortune's expression lightened. He liked how bright and cheery she was. Even though she wasn't anything like them, she seemed fun. If they had been able to grow up together he was sure they'd be best friends.
Keri shielded her eyes as she looked towards the sun. It was lunchtime, so they had stopped on some logs to eat something.
Ace opened his bag. "I have sandwiches," he said while handing one to Infinite and one to Fortune.
Fortune grinned. Lilly made good sandwiches. As he unwrapped the paper, Keri leaned forward slightly, sniffing the air.
"That smells really good," she remarked.
Fortune held the food towards her, offering to share.
"Oh no," she held her hands up, "I couldn't take your food." Her gold eyes surveyed the area, "I can find some berries or something."
He frowned. Then, before she could protest further, he tore his sandwich in two and gave one half of it to her.
She smiled, "thank you." It was probably the softest he'd heard her voice.
As she ate, Fortune took a good look at her. She was petite and small, like him. But she seemed like a real spit fire. Her orange dress framed her chest quite nicely, and the neckline dipped just enough to draw attention. His eyes moved to her legs as she crossed them, the skirt of her dress resting right above her knees.
Her white mane was still in that haphazard mess between her ears, and dirt streaked on her left cheek. A few stray leaves and twigs were in her bun. It was obvious she was blissfully unaware of the wild beauty she held.
Just because he was afraid of being close to women, didn't mean he couldn't appreciate her looks. Maybe, in another life, they could've been something. But now, he just couldn't risk it.
She put the last bite in her mouth and chewed happily. Her wild eyes turned to look at him. She felt his gaze upon her. But she smiled. "That was amazing," she grinned, "did you make it?"
He shook his head as a blush rose on his face. She'd caught him staring. Maybe. She didn't seem to care, or even notice.
"Well whoever did knows how to live."
Ace raised a brow, "it's just a sandwich. Lilly's are the best, but still."
"Is Lilly your mate?" She asked. "You picked a good one." Before he could answer she went on, "what animal did you kill for the filling? I've never tasted anything like that." She clasped her hands, "oh, Asia would love it."
"I didn't kill anything, it's just lunch meat." He took another bite, "roast beef. And cheese."
She hummed in thought. Then she noticed Fortune hadn't even tasted his yet. "You need to eat too." She reached for his stomach to tease about fattening him up, then pulled back when she saw him shy away from her. "Sorry," she whispered.
He gave her a small smile. She truly seemed to forget about how upset he got. But she was trying, and he appreciated it.
It was almost dark by the time they stopped again. Infinite wanted to keep going, but the rest of the group was tired.
"How long is this going to take?" Keri asked, "I don't want the others to be worried."
"You should've thought of that before joining us. It's going to be several days," Infinite said while pulling out his blanket and setting it beside the fire Ace had started. He gripped his red sword in his hand, "I'm going to find us something to eat. I'll be back." Then he headed off.
Ace gave Fortune a look, and after receiving a nod, he followed his uncle.
"So," she said resting her hands on her knees, "it's just us then."
He nodded, somewhat uncomfortable with her and him being alone. But he could handle it. Surely the others wouldn't be gone long.
"I hope they don't worry about me too much back home." She sighed heavily as she stared into the fire. "You'll probably think I'm awful, but sometimes I really hate it there."
He gave her an odd look.
"Don't get me wrong, I love my sisters. But I'm not fond of having an alpha. I feel so stifled. We have to do what he wants, he's in charge. Is it so wrong to want to be in charge of myself?"
Fortune rested his hand on her shoulder. He didn't think it was. She had every right to make her own decisions.
She gave him a smile, "you're so sweet Fortune. I wish there were more males like you." Her fingers brushed his.
He tensed a bit, then relaxed.
She laughed softly, then lay back to stare at the stars. He just watched her. Her hand rested on her stomach as she took in the beauty. She adjusted her body, trying to get comfortable. The movement pushed her dress up, leaving her thighs exposed. She didn't seem to mind though.
Fortune looked away. At least her underwear was still covered. Her ear twitched and it brushed against his leg. "Sorry," she mumbled as he moved it back.
He frowned, her position looked very uncomfortable. Despite his better judgment, he nudged her head with his knee.
She tilted her head back, looking at him upside down, "what's up."
He motioned towards her with his leg.
She smiled brightly, realizing he was inviting her to use his legs as a pillow. Shortly, she was readjusted, her head resting on him.
He was uncomfortable with this, especially because she was unaware of how awkward this was.
Her head was completely in his lap, and close to the area below his waist. He shifted as her ear brushed against him there.
"Are you sure this is ok?" She asked.
He nodded.
"Ok." She smiled again, "you're the best Fortune."
He returned the smile. Hers made it all worth it.