Nathan opens the door to his parents' home. "Mom! Dad!" Nathan yelled from the living room. "Mom! Dad! Are you home?"

"What is with all the hollering?" asked his mother as she walked into the living wiping her hands on her apron.

"Mom!"

"What has you all excited?" His mother asked worriedly.

Nathan ignored his mom's question. "Where is dad?"

"He is in the kitchen. We were about to eat lunch."

Nathan grabbed his mother's hand and dragged her toward the kitchen. "I have to talk to you both," he said urgently. As he entered the kitchen, he found not only his father but his wife Nancy, sister Megan, his brother-in-law Brad, and grandfather eating their lunch. "Good, you are all here." He was relieved he would not have to repeat himself. They all stopped what they were doing to look at Nathan. They could tell he had something important to say.

"I just came from the DiBiase vineyard. I think Sherri, Mrs. DiBiase is hiding something. I think she knows what happened to Randy." Nathan said. He could see the shock on their faces and hear their gasps at his announcement.

"I thought you were going into town to find your brother." stated Bob Orton Sr.

"Nathan, why would you blurt something out like that? Are you trying to scare your mother?" Bobby Orton Jr. said annoyingly as he went to stand by his wife Eliane, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"What makes you say that, Nathan?" Megan asked, ignoring her father's outburst.

"Well, Randy has been preoccupied with thoughts of Nikki ever since he met her. And Sherri didn't seem surprised to see me or that I was asking about Randy. So I asked her if I could speak to Nikki. She made up some excuse about her being sick. I also asked her if she saw a grey wolf on her property, and she knew I was talking about Randy." Nathan said apprehensively.

"Don't you think your evidence is a bit flimsy?" asked his father.

"Look, Dad, we have been trying to get a meeting with Mrs. DiBiase for years now to discuss sharing the lake that runs through our properties. Don't you think it is a little suspicious that she suddenly ask for a meeting? And now Randy is missing? Also, it has been three weeks since we met with her, and she has yet to respond to any of the messages you have left about drawing up contracts. She never had any intention of sharing the water. For some reason, she wanted Randy to meet Nikki." Nathan felt a great weight lift off his shoulders to final voice his suspicions.

"But why would she want Randy to meet Nikki?" asked Bobby Orton Jr. He was still not convinced that Sherri DiBiase would have anything to do with Randy's disappearance.

"I don't know, dad. All I know is she was trying to get Nikki and Randy together. Remember how she insisted on Nikki fixing Randy's tie or how she tried to get them to sit together at dinner, or how she allowed Randy, a stranger, to carry her daughter to her room. But most importantly, Randy's clothes were found on the border of where our land meets the DiBiase land. His clothes were neatly folded and in plain sight like he had every intention of returning, which means he entered the DiBiase property in his wolf form."

Eliane walked over to the house phone attached to the wall, snatched it from the cradle, and started dialing.

"Mom, who are you calling?"

"The authorities."

"NO, MOM!" Nathan ran over to his mom, grabbed the phone, and hung it on the cradle.

"Why not Nathan?" said his mother in desperation and fear for her oldest son.

"Because if my theory is correct, then Randy could get in trouble for violating Charter Law for being in his wolf form on human land. It is a point that Mrs. DiBiase made when I asked her if she had seen a grey dog or wolf on her property. One more thing, when I was waiting outside on the porch to speak to Mrs. DiBiase, I smelled an omega in heat."

"Alright! Alright! Alright! But, what does all this mean, Nathan? You still haven't answered the question as to why she would want Randy.", shouted Bobby Orton Jr. in frustration.

"I don't know, dad. All I know is that everything is pointing in her direction. My instincts, my gut is telling me that Randy is in trouble, and if we don't do something, we may never see him again.", Nathan yelled back in fear and desperation for his brother.

Eliane started to cry harder and used her apron to wipe her tears away. Bobby went to his wife and wrapped his arm around her. "Sh sh now, Randy will be alright. He can take care of himself." Moments passed as everyone let Nathan's words sink in. The only sound in the room was the sound of Eliane crying. Eliane stopped crying and looked at her second eldest. "Then what do you think we should do Nathan if we can't call the authorities?"

Nathan didn't hesitate. He had already formed a plan on his way to his parent's home. "I think we need to pay a visit to the DiBiase home tonight in our wolf form."

"But son, you just got through saying it is a violation of Charter Law.", said Bob Orton Sr. in surprise.

"I know, granddad, but as a wolf, we are physically stronger and faster. Plus, our sense of smell is heightened. If Randy is there, then we will be able to pick up his scent quickly. With our speed, we can be in and out before anyone notices we are there.", replied Nathan.

"Well, it seems we will be visiting our neighbors tonight.", said Megan.

Sherri sat impatiently tapping her fingers on the arm of the chair, waiting for Dr. Guerrero in his office. She had taken some tests earlier and was waiting for the results. Sherri had been at the hospital for three hours now. It was almost 4:30 pm, and she was irritated and wanted to return home. She needed to see what had progressed between Nikki and Randy. She hoped Randy had squeezed his seed into Nikki. Sherri paused and stopped her thumping on the arm of the chair. She smiled at the thought of Nikki carrying Randy's offspring. However, her smile was short-lived as she began to frown, thinking of Nikki. What had she done? Nikki was a good daughter. She was beautiful and intelligent. She had taught Nikki how to run the vineyard, and it was her hope to leave the business to her one day. Sherri could hear Nikki's four-year-old voice saying, "Mama, Mama." Then "Mom" and "Mother" as the years passed, and she grew into a beautiful young lady. Sherri stood up and pressed the palms of her hands against the temple of her head, willing the memories to go away. Then suddenly, an image of Nikki's big brown eyes looking at Sherri loving, innocently, and trustingly. Sherri's heart ached. What had she done? Her hands came to rest on her chest as she felt a pain in her heart at what she had inflicted on Nikki.

"NO! NO! No!" Sherri sobbed and screeched. It was too late. What was done, was done and could not be undone. Suddenly she felt the locket she had started to wear again, ever since she had seen Hunter. It was a beautiful gold locket with the initials "S & T" engraved on the front. Teddy had given it to her a month before Hunter murdered him. She opened the locket to see a picture of Teddy smiling on one side and a photo of her sons on the other side. She took deep breaths calming her nerves, reminding herself why it was essential to commit the acts she was doing. She had stopped wearing the locket two years ago when she met JBL.

Sherri groaned at the thought of JBL. She covered her eyes with her right arm, and sat back down on the chair. Before coming to the hospital, she had gone to his office, hoping he would not make a scene at his place of business when she told him that things were over between them. Boy, was she wrong! She had never seen JBL so angry, so out of control. John was usually very easygoing, like his Texas drawl. Security had to be called to restrain him so she could leave his office.

Sherri walked into his office. JBL had looked up from his desk, he had been reading some business proposals. He smiled and stood up to greet her. When he reached her, he bent down to kiss her gently on the cheek. She shivered not only from his light kiss but from his powerful presence. His 6'6 frame towered over her 5'7 frame. He was dressed in a deep blue business suit that molded to his broad shoulders and trim figure.

"How's my girl doing?" he asked cheerfully. He was surprised to see her. She never came to his office, but he would take advantage and take her out to lunch. There was a new Italian restaurant that had opened a few days ago, and he had wanted to go. And who better to go with than his girl.

"We need to talk, JBL."

"Ook!" JBL said hesitantly as he frowned. He was surprised by the seriousness of her tone. He escorted her to the chair that directly faced his desk. He then took his seat behind his desk. When he reached out to hold her hand, Sherri pulled away. JBL's frown deepened. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Sherri could hear the concern in his voice and see the frown on his otherwise handsome face. She paused, thinking about how she was going to tell him. Why was this so hard to do? She thought for a moment. She then took a deep breath and blurted it out.

"I am sorry, JBL, but things are not working out between you and me. I don't want to see you anymore.", Sherri said coldly.

JBL was shocked. His facial features froze in place, and his mouth formed an "O." Then, to Sherri's surprise, he started to laugh. "You had me going there for a minute Sherri." Things between him and Sherri had started a bit rocky because she was still hung up on her first husband, but slowly she had begun to warm up to him. He had fallen hard for her the moment he met her. She was beautiful, confident, and opinionated. She had a good head for business. Not to mention she was passionate and a wildcat in bed. She was the perfect partner and the total opposite of his first wife. God rest her soul, Linda was beautiful and gentle. Unfortunately, she had also died during the Great War before they had an opportunity to have children. He been alone ever since and never thought he would find another woman to love or give him children until he met Sherri. She made him feel alive again.

"I am not kidding, JBL," Sherri said slowly but frigidly.

JBL clamped his jaw shut and stared at Sherri in disbelief. "Why?" he asked emotionally.

She wanted to tell him because she never got over Teddy, but she did not want to hurt him that way. He had been a good friend and lover. "Because I am just not feeling it anymore.", she said stoically.

JBL knew that something had been bothering Sherri for the past two months. She had started having nightmares. She even yelled out the name "Hunter" in her sleep. But, when he questioned her, she said she did not remember the dream.

"Is it because of Hunter?" JBL asked vehemently as he stood up to glare at Sherri. He loved her and he would not just let her walk out of his life, not without a fight.

Sherri also stood up and gasped, completely taken aback by JBL's question. It took her a moment to find her voice. "NO!" she said forcefully.

Her hesitation only confirmed JBL's suspicion. "LIAR!" he shouted as he swiped his arm across his desk, knocking all the items to the floor. "You are FUCKING him behind my back?! Aren't you?" JBL said accusingly. His face was red with anger at the thought of Sherri with another man.

She almost laughed at the absurdity of JBL's accusation but saw how red his face had become and his fist balled tightly at his sides. They were interrupted by his secretary who had heard the shouting and then the noise from the items crashing to the floor. She timidly opened the door and asked, "Mr. Layfield, is everything alright?" In all her years working for Mr. Layfield, she had never heard him raise his voice or seen him quite so angry.

JBL turned to his secretary and yelled. "GET OUT!" She immediately closed the door, frightened by her boss' temper. She then rushed to her phone to call security.

Sherri had never seen this side of JBL before. It did not scare her; it actually aroused her. His forcefulness, his strength. He was always so damn polite, even during their lovemaking. At times she wanted him to take control and assert himself, but he always gave in to her. JBL now stood in front of Sherri and grabbed her by her biceps. "WELL!" he yelled into her face as he shook her.

Sherri felt her own anger begin to rise at being accused of being a cheater, and with Hunter of all men, no dogs! Sherri yanked her arms out of his grasp and slapped him hard across the face. "How dare you accuse me of something so vile!" she barked.

JBL's hand went to the sting of where her hand had slapped him on his face. Her outrage convinced him that she was telling the truth. "Then why?" he asked more calmly.

"I told you, I am just not feeling it anymore, JBL," Sherri repeated her lie from earlier.

"Liar." He growled. Before Sherri knew what was happening, JBL had her backed up against his desk. He pinned her arms behind her back with one hand. Her body was now flushed against his. Sherri was utterly turned on. She could feel herself getting wet between her legs. However, she was also furious at being manhandled. She did the only thing she could do and started to spit in his face. With his one free hand, JBL threaded his fingers through her hair on the back of her head and held her still. He then descended his angry lips on hers, forcing her mouth to open for him. His tongue plunged into her mouth, feeling and searching every crevice of her. At first, she tried to squirm away from him, but his grip on her was unrelenting. She moaned as she felt the building of desire in the pit of her stomach and the wetness growing between her legs. Finally, she stopped struggling and returned the kiss with as much zeal. JBL's grip loosened, and Sherri's arms encircled his neck, drawing him closer as she deepened the kiss.

Before JBL could do anything further, security burst into the room and pulled him off Sherri. It took five security guards to forcefully restrain JBL in a chair. "Sherri, why are you doing this?!" He asked enraged by the whole situation.

"I think you should go Mrs. DiBiase and talk to him later when he has calmed down." said his secretary with concern.

Sherri said nothing as she stared at JBL wide-eyed. Then, finally, she tore her gaze away from JBL, looked at his secretary, and shook her head in agreement. She then left the room.

JBL had stopped struggling. He was confused by the look on Sherri's face. She did not look frightened, sad or even mad. It was a look he often saw on her face during their lovemaking. She looked at him with … desire?

Sherri could still feel JBL's kiss. She touched her lips, and they felt swollen from his bruising kiss.

"Hi, Mrs. DiBiase!" Dr. Eddie Guerrero chirped as he entered the room.

"Hi, Dr. Guerrero," Sherri said in the most pleasant voice, she could muster.

Dr. Guerrero sat in the only other empty chair in the room directly in front of Sherri. He flipped through the pages in the folder. "Well, you said you have been experiencing lightheadedness, and you have been vomiting?" asked Dr. Guerrero.

"Yes, Dr. Guerrero. This started happening recently." Sherri said with concern.

"Well, that explains it," said Dr. Guerrero, smiling at Sherri.

"Explains what, Doctor?", Sherri asked, confused.

Dr. Guerrero's grin widened as he said. "Sherri, you are five months pregnant."

Sherri blinked a couple of times, unsure if she had heard him correctly. "Pre..pregnant?" Dr. Guerrero shook his head yes. Sherri stood up and placed her hands on her slight bump. She thought she was just gaining weight. "That's impossible. I am too old to be pregnant.", she whispered, stunned by the news.

"Sherri, you are only 42 years old. Women nowadays are waiting later in life to have children." Dr. Guerrero continued to look at the paperwork and frowned up at Sherri. "However, I am concerned about your blood pressure. When you checked in, it was recorded as 160 over 90, which is way too high for pregnant women in their second trimester. Sherri, you must reduce your workload and stress or risk a premature birth or even the death of your unborn child. Also, your unborn child will be at risk for many health issues if you do not lower your blood pressure." Dr. Guerrero stood up and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Please sit down, Sherri. I did not mean to scare you but to emphasize the importance of taking care of yourself for your baby's sake."

"Yes, doctor. I understand," said Sherri breathlessly.

"Good." Doctor Guerrero said. "So, who is the lucky man?"

"John Bradshaw Layfield," Sherri said tensely, thinking of her fight with JBL.

"Take deep breaths, Mrs. DiBiase. Remember you must stay calm for your baby's sake." Dr. Guerrero said with concern. "Would you like to know the gender of your baby? You are far along for us to do an ultrasound to find out." Dr. Guerrero said cheerfully, trying to distract Sherri.

Sherri looked at Dr. Guerrero and smiled. "Yes, I would like that."

After Miss Elizabeth left, Nikki became inconsolable. Randy guided Nikki toward the bed. He sat down on the edge, and Nikki sat on his lap. She buried her face in the curve of his neck, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and cried. Her body shook from how hard she was crying. Randy could feel her hot tears on his skin. Randy tried to soothe Nikki by running a hand up and down her back.

Nikki sigh. She felt safe and warm in his embrace. Wait! What?! Abruptly, Nikki sat up in his lap, removed her arms from around his neck, and pushed his hands away from her. She stood up, holding the blanket tightly around her naked body. She backed up until her back made contact with the wall. Nikki could see that Randy was hurt by her actions. His intense blue eyes bore into hers as if telling her he would never hurt her and protect and love her. Nikki looked down at the ground, unable to take the intensity of his stare. "Why are you being so nice to me?", she asked softly.

"Because you are my mate.", Randy said gently.

Nikki looked up at Randy. His blue eyes were not as intense. They looked at her now softly, lovingly. His stare warmed her body from head to toe. Ignoring what he just said, she asked, "Wh..why does it call you alpha?" Nikki knew Randy understood what she meant by "it." The voice that nearly drove her to insanity. She had started to hear the voice at the same time she had her first menstrual cycle.

"Because I am your alpha, and you are my omega." Randy was glad she was asking questions about her nature, it showed she was trying to accept what she was.

"What does that even mean?" Nikki asked in frustration. She had been sheltered all her life and never felt less in control of her life as she did within the last 24 hours. Everything about her life had been a lie, and now she was expected to go with this man she hardly knew to God knows where.

"Well, if you had to compare it to human ideals. Alpha and omega are like a husband and wife so, that would make me your husband and you are my wife."

"WHAT?!", Nikki screamed. "But that's not fair. I hardly know you. Don't you werewolves date or anything like that? So what do you do just jump each other's bones because a voice says so?"

"It's more complicated than that Nikki. Werewolves believe that they have one true mate. Some will go all their lives lonely looking or waiting for their true mate. But, most usually find and will marry their true mates. Unlike humans, that shop around tasting here and there with one or several partners at a time." Randy said as he got off the bed and slowly approached her. "And when they find their true mates, they stay together until death separates them."

Nikki could see that the intensity in Randy's blue eyes had returned as she looked up at him. "How do you even know your right that you have found your true mate? You could be wrong.", Nikki asked defiantly. The idea was too ridiculous to believe, like something out of a romance novel.

"There will be many signs.", Randy said in a husky voice. He was finding it hard to be near her without touching her.

"What kind of signs?"

"For example, you said your voice called me alpha. Well, my voice called you omega. The voice is your wolf part. You know, like how humans have their subconscious, that inner voice that tells them to do or not do something. The subconscious is our wolf part. When we are pups, our parents prepare us for when we reach puberty that is when we first hear the voice. Some werewolves don't live past puberty because the voice is too overwhelming for them, and they commit suicide. Our parents also show us how to control the voice."

Nikki bit her lip and looked away from Randy, remembering the fear and sadness she felt because she thought she was losing her mind. The constant fear of being sent to a mental hospital because she heard voices. At one point, she had thought of taking her life to make the voice would not stop, but somehow, she had learned to control it.

"I am glad you did not take your life.", Randy said a matter a factly as he gently touched her chin and made her look at him again.

Nikki's eyes widen with surprise. "How do you do that? How do you know what I am thinking?", She asked in bewilderment.

"Your scent is another sign that you are my true mate. Your scent is specific to me. It tells me how you feel. For example, when you are aroused, it's sweet and overpowering; when you are sad or mad, it is sour or bitter." As he spoke, he released her chin and inhaled her scent. For a glimmer of a moment, Randy's eyes turned red with desire. Nikki gasped and pulled away from him. "It's ok, Nikki. I have my alpha under control.", Randy said in a hoarse voice.

"You didn't when I came earlier.", Nikki said anxiously.

"Neither did you.", Randy replied humorously. Nikki turned red and lowered her eyes, remembering how badly she had wanted Randy and how she relished his touch. Randy again used his fingers to lift her chin to make her meet his gaze. "It is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is our nature. I would be offended if you did not react that way. I am your alpha after all."

Randy was so close, their bodies were only an inch or so apart. She barely reached his shoulders. He towered over her, and she could see the curves and contours of his chest and waist. His thick muscled arms were covered in sleeve tattoos, which she had not noticed before. When they first met, he wore a dress shirt that concealed his arms. His skin was tanned, warm, and inviting. She wanted to touch him. No, she wanted to yell at him that this was not fair. Choices were being made for her without her consent or knowledge. He was now her husband, and she was his wife. No one asked what she wanted and now she was expected to follow this man until death separated them. She wanted to be angry at Randy. But, him being this close to her made it hard for Nikki to think. Instead, she asked in a whisper, "what do I smell like?"

Randy could sense the conflict and change in her mood. He knew she was struggling with the situation but was confident her struggle would lessen with time. He again sniffed and inhaled the air around Nikki's head. "You smell like the lavender that grows in my mother's garden, like the earth after it has rained, and of the grapes, my family used to make cabernet sauvignon. You smell like home and the promise of a family we will one day have.", Randy said softly as he brought his nose to her shoulder and then to the base of her neck, smelling her intoxicating fragrance. Nikki instinctively tilled her head to the side so that Randy could trace his nose over the curve of her neck. She shivered from his touch and grabbed onto his side. Randy's alpha wanted more, he wanted more but now was not the time. Randy grabbed her hands and stepped away from her with all his willpower. "We can't do this right now or your heat will return. We have to wait until we are somewhere safe."

Once again, Nikki's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. She nodded her head in agreement. She couldn't believe how a simple touch could affect her or how disappointed she felt by his decision. "My heat? What do you mean my heat?"

"Do you remember how you felt when you first entered this room?"

Nikki remembered, how could she forget. Her body was on fire and cramping. It was craving something she did not understand. The moment she saw Randy. She knew what she wanted. His cock in her and his semen covering her vaginal walls. She remembered her desperation. Her need and want of him. Nikki's blush now extended to her neck as she whispered, "Yes".

Randy looked at the watch Miss Elizabeth had given him. It read 5:40. "Let's get dressed, it's almost time to go."

20 minutes later

Randy and Nikki had managed to make it through the tunnel. The light was fading and they could hear the workers leaving the fields and cars being driven away. Randy held Nikki's hand and was about to run toward the trees, but Nikki yanked her hand out of his grasp and backed away from the exit of the tunnel.

Randy could smell her fear. "What's wrong, Nikki?" he asked with concern. He could see the panic in her eyes.

"I have never been outside when it is daylight. I mean, I did one time and the sun burned me." Nikki said in alarm.

"It was probably the suppressants. It made your body sensitive to the sun. We are werewolves, not vampires. How long have you stopped taking them?"

"I think for more than a month now.", she said, uncertain.

"It's more than enough time for the suppressants to be out of your system.", Randy said as he reached to grab her hand.

"No, Randy!" Nikki yelled as she backed away from him. She remembered the pain.

"Shh, Nikki, lower your voice. We don't want anyone to find us." Randy said impatiently.

"I was in bed for days, and it took weeks for my burns to heal that is the reason I never left the house or attended school like normal kids," Nikki stated timidly. Randy closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He was angry at what was done to Nikki. He could not imagine spending his whole life living indoors of not being able to run freely on his family's land and feel the sun on his skin or the wind whipping around his body. "I am sorry." Nikki could see the disgust on his face at her weakness. "You're repulsed by me."

"No!" Randy said quickly. "I am angry at what was done to you. Had I known you were here, I would have come to you sooner." Nikki looked up at him, and she believed him. "What angers me more was that you were denied your nature. That you were brought up to believe you were human. But Nikki, you must trust me now. I am your alpha and I will protect you with my life." Nikki trembled at the force of his words. "Believe him," came a whisper. She was startled by the return of her inner voice. She had wondered what had happened to it. She hadn't heard from it since she had had sex with Randy that morning. But, she did believe him and took the hand that Randy had extended to her. He walked her to the tunnel's edge, where the shadows ended and the sunlight started. With his hand that held hers, he then reached toward the sunlight. Nikki held her breath and closed her eyes, expecting the sun's stinging rays. But, instead, she felt its warmth. She opened her eyes and saw that her hand was basking in the sun. She couldn't believe it. It did not feel like a hundred little needles pricking her skin. Randy could see the surprise and wonderment on Nikki's face as she exposed more of her body to the sun. She finally stepped out of the tunnel, closed her eyes, tilted her face toward the sun, and spread her arms out. It broke Randy's heart what was done to his mate.

Nikki stood there for a few seconds, enjoying the warmth of the sun for the first time in her life. She couldn't believe how good it felt. Then, Nikki opened her eyes and looked toward Randy. "It doesn't burn." She said in disbelief. Nikki took the hand Randy offered her, and they ran toward the trees to keep their presence hidden.

"Nikki, we are on the south side of your winery, and my family's land is located to the north. So we will stay in the bushes as much as possible to cross the land. It should take us 30 or more minutes," Randy said as he looked ahead of him.

Before Nikki could reply, she was wrecked with a powerful cramp across her abdomen. She doubled over in pain moaning. "Nikki, what's wrong?" he asked with concern. Then he smelled it, her heat had returned. Oh God, he thought. He had to get them out of there. He lifted her in his arms and started to walk quickly north toward his family's land.

Nikki had her arms around Randy's shoulders and buried her face in his neck. His closeness had temporarily calmed her inner voice. Nikki was trying her best not to give in to her omega. It wanted her to stop Randy, push him to the ground, rip his clothes off, and ride him until his seed filled her. The images in Nikki's head shocked her because she had never done any of the things that flashed in her mind. She then realized it was her omega. Nikki squeezed her thighs tight together, willing herself not to have these thoughts. She was telling her omega now was not the time.

Randy was trying to hurry. Her scent was getting stronger, and he was weak from hanging on the damn wall with no food or drink for three days. His alpha was depending that Randy take Nikki, but he kept telling it that they were endanger and couldn't right now.

Randy had finally made it past the Dibiase home and into the rows and rows of grape vines. He started to make his way up a row when he heard a car approaching. He stopped, crouched down hoping their presence would go noticed by the driver and passenger of the vehicle. Nikki also listened to the car and looked to see who it was. "Mother is back," Nikki said before returning to her original position. Oh Great! Randy thought. I really have to haul ass now. Once the car was gone, he continued to walk up the hill covered by the row of grape vines.

30 minutes later

He didn't know how much time had passed, but he was getting weaker by the minute from carrying Nikki, the lack of food and rest, plus trying to keep his alpha under control. It was taking longer than the 30 minutes he had predicted it would take to reach his family's land, but at least they were now hidden by the cover of darkness. What was worse was Nikki was getting hotter with want. She had started to run her nails up and down his back. She even started to kiss his neck, then licked it, and at one point, she even tried to bite him. He had to use his alpha voice and command her to stop. Randy was proud of Nikki because she was going a great job of controlling her omega. She did it without any training or guidance from an elder.

Nikki didn't know how long she could take this burning desire between her legs or the X-rated images her omega flashed in her mind. She needed Randy, and she needed him now. She couldn't remember anymore why she was denying herself or her omega. So she jumped out of Randy's arms.

"Nikki!", Randy said. But before he could do anything, Nikki had turned around and launched herself at him. Her legs immediately went around his waist, and her lips slammed down on his. Her kiss was hungry and demanding. She forced her tongue into his mouth. She moaned from the taste of him. Her tongue gliding and caressing his tongue. Oh God, he wanted to give in but they were in danger. With all his might, he pulled Nikki off him. "Nikki, Stop this! We are still endanger." Randy shouted at her. He could see her glossy eyes and smell her want and desire.

However, she seemed to be calming down so Randy loosened his hold on her. Nikki surprised him by tripping him. He landed flat on his back with a thump. Nikki wasted no time and straddled him. She ripped his shirt off. She licked her lips at all the exposed skin. "Nik–, "His voice trailed off as Nikki attacked one of his nipples. She sucked and lightly bit down on it. Randy moaned, he couldn't get over how good it felt. Nikki then reached and tugged at his pants. Randy immediately sat up and gripped her hands. "No, Nikki, we can't do this. We have to keep going. Your mother's men could be nearby." None of his words seem to be penetrating Nikki's fog of desire. Randy hated to do this, but they had to keep going. He held his arms out to Nikki, who immediately fell into his arms. Randy found his claiming bite from earlier and pressed down hard. Nikki vibrated and moaned with desire, pain, and want. She saw stars and then darkness. Nikki had gone limp in Randy's embrace. He caressed her cheek and kissed her forehead gently.

"Sorry Nikki, but we have to get to safety."

Randy stood up with motionless Nikki in his arms. He was almost home he thought as he continued his walk that would take him and Nikki to the safety of his family's land.

15 minutes late

"Randy, is that you!"

Randy was relieved to hear the voice of his brother Nathan.

"Yes", he croaked.

"Mom, Dad, Randy is over here," Nathan shouted as he came closer to Randy. Randy fell to his knees with Nikki in his arms. Nathan was happy to see his brother but shocked to see Nikki with him. "What happened to her? Why do you have her?" He asked with concern. But Randy was too tired to answer. The last of his strength and adrenaline left his body. Randy knew he was safe as his world went black and his family would protect him and Nikki.