Important question in authors note!

Chapter 15

"I'll kill whoever did this to you," Annie muttered as she pressed a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol against one of Clay's many burns. He hissed at the stinging sensation, and Annie hated that she had to cause him more pain in order to help him heal.

"What happened to your neck?" Clay asked, noticing the raw mark on the side of Annie's neck when he attempted to focus on something other than the pain.

"You have electrical burns covering your torso and you're worried about me?" Annie attempted to deflect Clay's question, moving her hair to cover the mark. Just the thought of Clay, or any of the pack for that matter, finding out how it had gotten there had her cheeks blazing.

Annie's reaction to his question had Clay narrowing his eyes in suspicion. On instinct he leaned in close to the mark and inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring as Annie's scent met him. But it wasn't just hers, it was permeated heavily with Nick's. Nick had marked her in human form. She was wearing his clothes. Putting it together had him flopping back on the bed, his face scrunched up as he tried to erase the thought from his mind.

"You slept together. Fantastic. I can't even properly threaten to murder him if he hurts you because I can't even sit without being in pain," Clay growled, setting Annie's face on fire.

"Stop stressing about Nick. Not only is it unnecessary, it will inhibit your healing." Annie cursed their superior senses at that moment. It had revealed an intimate detail she hadn't wanted Clay to know. She would definitely need a shower before she spent any extended time around the rest of the pack.

"I know," Clay sighed, easing himself back on the bed. "He'd never do anything to hurt you. He loves you."

"We haven't said—"Annie started, but Clay interrupted her.

"Nick has been in love with you since you were seventeen. He knew Jeremy would never go for it when you were so young, so he waited. You should have seen him when Pete and him came to visit me at University. He tried to play his part, but he didn't look at a single girl that weekend. There was only one girl he wanted. Trust me, he loves you." Back then Clay couldn't reconcile Nick and Annie ever being anything but pack mates. Annie was his baby sister, and Nick was only a few years younger than Clay. Now, four years later, they were practically mated.

Annie finished cleaning Clay's injuries in silence, not knowing what to say after that. According to Clay, she'd misread Nick for four years. She hadn't even realized he was interested in her until he kissed her in that bar during Christmas break. If he waited that long just to tell her he liked her to make sure she wouldn't shoot him down, would he wait just as long to say he loved her for the same reason?

When Jeremy came to check on Clay, Annie scurried out after bringing him up to speed. The last thing she needed was for Jeremy to piece together what Clay had. Lucky for her, Jeremy was more focused on Clay than her at the moment. Retreating down the hall she found herself leaning against Nick's door and watching as he cleaned up the scraps of her clothes from her earlier shift. When he realized she was there, Nick ushered her in, asking her how Clay was.

"Alive, but badly hurt, He's at least stable." Annie answered truthfully. "Can I turn in my raincheck now?"

It took Nick a second to realize what Annie had asked. He had been busy analyzing Annie's expression. She looked exhausted. Which was to be expected. She'd performed a minor surgical procedure on Logan that morning, shifted while still injured, and had taken care of Clay. Add on their afternoon activity and it was a wonder she hadn't collapsed from the stress of the day. Leading her to his bed that still smelled strongly of them, he pulled her close until her face was pressed against his chest. It was moments like that, when he was holding her close, he realized how small Annie really was. It had his protective nature flare.

Annie tried to relax into Nick's embrace, but she couldn't. She kept thinking about her conversation with Clay. How much time they'd missed out on because Nick had been afraid to tell her how he felt. Now there were mutts and God only knew who else after her, after the pack. Annie didn't want to waste any more moments with Nick.

"Nick," Annie murmured, her cheek still pressed against the soft cotton of his shirt. She could hear his heartbeat pulsing against her ear, strong and steady. When he hummed his acknowledgement, Annie had to take a settling breath before pushing forward. "I love you."

His heartbeat sped up, beating faster against her ear. Annie's own heart matched his beat for beat, scared for the response her words would get. When Nick pulled back from their embrace Annie felt her heart momentarily falter before feeling as though it was sinking down to her stomach. It was too soon. Braving a glance up at his face, Annie found Nick beaming down at her.

"I love you too, Principessa." Nick had waited years to tell Annie that. Now that it was out there between them, he felt lighter. Tracing Annie's lips with his thumb, he leaned down to press a searing kiss against them. When he pulled back, he tucked her head under his chin. They fell asleep like that, wrapped up together and breathing in each other's scent.

…

Jeremy knocking on the door early the next morning startled Annie and Nick awake. When the knocking didn't stop, Nick groaned in Annie's ear before called out for him to just come in. They'd barely had one night of peace together, and by Jeremy's incessant knocking that peace was obviously not going to continue for the rest of the day.

"Annie?" Jeremy took in the sight of his surrogate daughter in bed with Nick. He did not need to see that.

"Don't look so traumatized Jeremy, it's not like we're naked," Nick retorted, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

"Don't push me Nick," Jeremy warned. "I need your help. Annie, get up and get dressed in something you own, please. We need to prepare."

"Prepare? Prepare for what?" Annie murmured sleepily once Jeremy had left them. Nick was already moving around the room getting dressed.

"For war," Nick responded as he buttoned up his shirt. Despite him trying to keep a cool demeanor, Annie could tell he was unsettled.

"You want me to stay here while you guys fight," Annie murmured, sitting up on the bed. That's why he was unsettled. He didn't want Annie in the fight. Not that she could blame him. She'd never been the best fighter. Her size alone put her at a disadvantage.

"Yes and no. I want you to stay alive. I just don't know where that would be." The last time they left her alone to fight off an enemy she'd almost died. As much as having her in the fray terrified him, it might be best if he could keep his eye on her. Protecting her was easier when he was with her.

"We're both stronger together. So wherever this thing goes, I'm with you. You're not leaving me behind this time. If Clay gets to fight, so do I. I'm definitely in better shape injury wise than him," Annie insisted, not giving Nick a chance to refute her as she left to change into her own clothes. If she was going to fight she would fare better in clothes that actually fit.

Swapping Nick's tee and sweatpants for dark jeans and a white tank of her own, Annie pulled her hair up into a messy bun. Though her high heeled boots made her feel tougher, she knew her sneakers were more practical. Something still didn't feel right when she was done. It took her a bit to realize she couldn't smell Nick over her own scent. She was so accustomed to their scents mixing, having spent more time in his clothes than her own the past month. Annie made a pit stop in Nick's room before she went downstairs, grabbing one of his flannel shirts and slipping it on over her tank. Much better.

…

"Hey, anything on the GPS?" Nick asked when he ran into Elena on the way up to check on Annie.

"My phone was planted in Santos' car and it hasn't moved. This could all be a bust if they're using another vehicle." Elena responded, sounding frustrated.

"How's Clay?" Nick asked, hoping that changing the subject might keep Elena from going into full freak out mode about the mutts.

"They did a number on him Nick," Elena whispered, noticing the way Nick's face darkened. "He's not the only one."

"Who, me?" Nick questioned when he noticed the pointed look Elena was sending him. "I'm fine."

"You're angry. I can see it. And you have every right to be. They tried to kill your father. They tried to take Annie and almost killed her in the process. We're going to make them pay." Elena insisted. "How is Annie?"

"Not as freaked out as she should be. At least it will help her stay focused when fighting." Nick responded, running a hand through his hair. Annie had a good point when she said they were stronger together, but that didn't mean he was thrilled at the idea of her fighting.

"Are you sure her fighting is a good idea?" Annie was the youngest and smallest of them, had very few experiences with real violence, and the thought of her fighting mutts twice her size had Elena uneasy.

"Better than leaving her alone. I'll keep an eye on her. It might even increase my kill rate. Nothing fuels a fight like protectiveness," Nick responded. It was the first time he'd verbally admitted his protective nature when it came to Annie. The truth was, he'd tear anyone apart who tried to hurt or take Annie.

…

"Just got word from my guys. Everything's clean in Toronto," Jorge reported to Jeremy.

"Good. What about Philip?" Jeremy responded, keeping it short so he could get all the information he needed as fast as possible.

"Tracked him to the airport. He's on a flight to France." Jorge hadn't actually seen him get on the plane, but he went through security.

"What were you able to find out about James Willams?" Philips boss was the one who wanted the video of the wolves. He was tied into this. Maybe even behind it all.

"Not much. Fake website run by some guy named Nate Parker." Jorge responded, being a little less than helpful.

"Did you track him down?" Jeremy pressed.

"Yeah he's gone missing. Last address Toronto. Before that Churchill." Jorge admitted, knowing how it would sound to Jeremy.

"Churchill? That's where Malcolm was killed." Jeremy had an uneasy feeling about all this. It couldn't be a coincidence that the man they've been searching for originated where his father died.

"You know your father didn't go down lightly. And what you're up against here, you need a show of force Jeremy. I think Joey and I should be on the next flight out there." The pack needed backup. Clay was injured, Logan was MIA, which only left Jeremy, Nick, Elena and Annie.

"No. No they want to kill us and take Annie. Maybe even Elena. And I need to know that if things go sideways here there's another wave of pack members that will fight to get them back." Jeremy needed to know that, no matter what, the girls would be okay. He'd kept Annie safe from the mutts for this long, he'd be damned if they got her now.

"Look if you're worried about Annie send her to me in Vancouver," Jorge suggested. He knew Elena could take care of herself. Annie, on the other hand. She was the pack princess for a reason. She wasn't a killer. She was a healer.

"Jorge, I have tried all manner of protecting her. But when she is separated from us things fall apart. Nick falls apart. The pack is at its strongest when both Elena and Annie are with us. I know Annie isn't exactly a fighter, but she is safer here." He would never ship Annie away from the pack.

…

"Here let me help," Nick insisted, dropping the bag of traps on the kitchen floor as he grabbed the oil Annie was reaching for.

"Thanks," Annie murmured as she settled back onto the balls of her feet. Taking the oil from Nick, she tugged on the flannel shirt to try and steady her nerves. Until Nick pulled her into him.

"It's going to be okay. You're going to be okay," Nick murmured into her hair. "I won't let them take you."

"I'm not just worried about me. I'm worried about the pack. I'm worried about you. I can't lose anyone else I love." The threat seemed all the more real when it was planning on breaking through their front door.

"You won't," Nick assured her with a final kiss to her forehead before hefting the bag back on his shoulder and continuing into the front living room.

Annie was just finishing up heating up the oil when Logan returned. A wave of relief flooded through her when she realized he was staying to help them fight. The more support they had, the better. They had the place boarded up and traps set everywhere, all they had left to do was wait. She took a seat beside Nick on the couch, hooking her arm with his as he sat stoic, mentally preparing. But they were out of time. The mutts had arrived.

Jeremy led their way outside to 'greet' them. Nick kept his hand entwined with Annie's as long as he could, only letting go when they were out in the open. Annie kept her eyes moving around the edges of the woods. When she finally saw movement it wasn't a mutt, it was Rachel. Elena's phone was duct taped to her chest as she ran towards them. Logan took off after her the second he saw her, and Annie really couldn't blame him. It was obviously a set-up, but that didn't matter when the person you loved was in danger.

Thankfully, Jeremy ended the threat before it could reach Logan or Rachel. They were forced to retreat back into the house after that. Rachel couldn't stay outside while they fought. They needed to hide her, keep her out of the fray. Nick almost wished he could send Annie with her, but even Annie wouldn't believe the excuse that she needed to protect Rachel.

"We're going to have to fight as humans. We don't have time to change," Elena stated as they crowded around Jeremy in the entrance hall, waiting for orders. Annie's heart sunk at the realization she wouldn't be able to fight in wolf form. It was her stronger form. Nick must have realized it too because he sent her a nervous look.

"We stay in pairs. Nobody fights alone. Stay in each other's eye lines," Jeremy commanded, sparing a glance at Annie. He knew Nick would insist on pairing up with Annie, but Jeremy was just as anxious as Nick at the idea of letting Annie out of his sight. Of course, before they could decide on pairs the sound of something crashing through a back window reverberated through the house. Taking the moment to ensure both Nick and him could stay with Annie, Jeremy barked out an order for Annie and Nick to follow him to the kitchen. Until Logan returned to the fray the only even pairing would be three and three. Antonio with Clay and Elena, Jeremy and Nick with Annie.

Both Nick and Jeremy told Annie to wait in the hall while they followed the mutts into two separate rooms. Which made both of them hypocrites. Hadn't they just said to keep someone in their eye line at all time? What, did they figure they could take care of the two threats before more came? Regardless of their blatant effort to keep her out of the fight, Annie listened to them. As much as she wanted to help them, she knew her presence would do nothing but draw their focus momentarily from the fight. And that could result in them getting killed.

When there was a second explosion downstairs, Annie figured she'd be more help down there with the others than upstairs. And she'd technically still be in a pair once she got down there, so she wouldn't be going against Jeremy's first order. Taking the back stairs two at a time, Annie found Elena fighting off two mutts alone. Without thinking Annie grabbed a vase off the table and smashed it over the closest one's head. As though it was nothing more than a pillow, the mutt turned his attention on Annie, unfazed by the shattered glass on his shoulders.

Annie was smarter than to try to attack the guy without a weapon. If the vase hadn't done anything to him, her fists would stand even less of a chance of inflicting injury. Keeping her eyes on his, Annie retreated back down the hall slowly. When he started chasing her, she turned and sprinted full speed, searching for something that might hurt the mountain of a mutt. That's when she headed to the kitchen.

"Annie?" Nick murmured when he found the hall empty. His heart slammed into overdrive as he rushed towards the front stairs. She was supposed to stay put until he dealt with the mutt. She either didn't listen, or she'd been taken. Nick prayed it was the former.

Annie tried to grab a knife from the block in the kitchen, but the mutt caught up to her before she could reach it. Picking her up as though she was nothing, he slammed her against the kitchen table. He was definitely stronger than her. But being smaller meant she was faster. Rolling off the table she kept running not sure where she was running to. Anywhere the mutt wasn't.

Making a rush decision, Annie flung open the basement door and headed down the stairs. If she could reach the cage before the mutt caught her, she could lock herself in there. At least he wouldn't be able to get to her there. By the grace of good Annie made it to the second landing before the mutt came crashing down behind her. Literally, he was thrown into the wall behind her. Jumping down the rest of the stairs, Annie turned to find Elena had followed them and was currently beating the crap out of the mutt.

…

"You're wasting your time with Elena. You know you're not allowed to kill her," Marsten stated once they'd both climbed through the kitchen window.

"Who says I want to kill her?" La Blanc retorted.

"You do, time and time again," Marsten responded dryly. He never stopped wishing Santos had never turned La Blanc. He was a loose cannon with no morals.

"You're right, I do. But since his royal highness says otherwise, I'm thinking I'll go after the next best thing. The brunette," La Blanc smirked before turning to leave the kitchen.

Hey," Marsten pulled on La Blanc's arm to make him stop. "You want to kill, we find Jeremy. Leave the girl alone."

"Santos says no Elena. You say no Annie. What's the fun in being a wolf if you can't kill red riding hood?" La Blanc muttered as he skulked away. Not for the first time, Marsten wondered what he'd gotten himself into. Everything was going way too far.

…

Annie could only watch as they fought, until they both had each other's throats in their hands. Grabbing a piece of firewood, Annie swung it at the mutt's head, forcing him to let go of Elena as he fell to the floor from the unexpected momentum. Before Annie could move, Elena was on him, trying to suffocate him with her hand. Annie couldn't look away from the struggle. Not until she was grabbed from behind, a knife pressed to her throat.

"Hello Princess. We came to take your castle," La Blanc muttered in Annie's ear, making her flinch. Before Annie knew it was happening, she was yanked out of La Blanc's arm and into Marsten's.

"Thomas, you know the conditions of our respective deals. Neither Elena nor Annie are to be hurt," Marsten reminded him.

"I am getting sick of being told I'm not to hurt the girls. Because all I want to do is watch them drown in their own blood. But, the princess is special, he needs her. The thing is, I don't need her." La Blanc taunted, lunging at Annie with his knife. Closing her eyes so she wouldn't see death coming, Annie found herself pushed out of the way by Marsten. When she opened her eyes again it was to find La Blanc soaring through the glass map.

"It's not because she's needed," Marsten insisted. "It's because she's a lady."

Elena wasted no time in slamming the glass down on him after that, forcing Annie to look away. It didn't help much as she could hear La Blanc gurgling on his own blood. Just like he had said he'd wanted her to do.

"You have no reason to trust me except for my word," Marsten started when Elena turned to him.

"What's your word?" Elena spat out, not exactly convinced Marsten was on their side. True, he'd saved Annie. But that didn't mean he was with the pack.

"Mutiny," he responded, before turning to Annie, who was still avoiding looking towards La Blanc. "Are you all right?"

Annie could only nod, glancing up at him with hesitance. She didn't know why he saved her, but she was thankful. Without him, she'd be dead. Or being tortured by La Blanc before he killed her.

"Thank you," Annie murmured, making Karl smile.

They ran into Clay and Antonio first, and Clay immediately lunged for Marsten before Elena stopped him. He didn't seem to trust Marsten even after Elena told him Karl had saved Annie's life. That did not wipe Marsten's slate clean. Not to Clay. Annie was about to jump in and defend Karl until she heard Nick on the front stairs, calling out for her. She hadn't had time to even think about how he fared in his fight, and she wanted to make sure he was okay. She ran into him in the hall and wrapped her arms around him before he could say anything.

"You scared the hell out of me." Nick exclaimed as he held Annie tighter than he ever had before.

"I'm sorry. I went to help Elena. Jeremy did say to stay in pairs." Annie defended, feeling guilty for leaving.

"Marsten," Nick growled out instead of responding to Annie. Releasing his grip on Annie, Nick went to step around her, but Annie stopped him.

"Nick he saved my life," Annie attempted to reason with him.

"That doesn't prove anything. Just because he'd save you doesn't mean he'd help us." Of course Marsten would save a 'damsel in distress.' Nick remembered the way Karl had looked at Annie when they first met. Honestly, Nick didn't care if Marsten was on their side now. He still owed him a punch to the jaw for what he'd said to Annie back in his club.

"Nicky, let it go," Antonio intercepted his son once he'd made it around Annie. Somehow he managed to herd Nick out the back door, Annie hot on their trail.

"We have no reason to trust him," Nick muttered once his father had him on the back lawn.

"You have me. I told you Nick, he saved me. And helped Elena kill La Blanc. He didn't have to do either." Even if he had flirted with her at Nick's club, that didn't mean he'd save her life. Besides, Annie was pretty sure Karl had only flirted to get under Nick's skin.

Nick didn't want Annie to think he didn't trust her. It wasn't that at all. Annie had always been oblivious to guy's feelings towards her. So she might overestimate exactly how sincere Marsten was with his loyalty to the pack, thinking him loyal when he was really only trying to get to her.. He'd need to word his contempt carefully so as not to instigate Annie's anger. He was about to take a shot at it when Logan came running outside, frantic. Rachel was gone.

"Go with him," Annie urged when Jeremy, who had joined them on the patio, insisted Logan couldn't go alone. "He'd go with you if it was me. I'll be fine here with the pack."

Pressing a short kiss to Annie's lips, Nick whispered "I will always trust you," in her ear before he took off after Logan.

…

"Mr. Marsten. I hear you've had a change of heart," Jeremy addressed Karl, choosing to ignore the sniveling Santos for a little longer. He had a hard time believing Karl was actually loyal to the pack. Most likely he saw his best chance at surviving as siding with the pack at the moment. Although, Jeremy had to question his analysis when he noticed Marsten's glance flit to Annie.

"That is correct. But I understand I bring with me a recent history of wrong doing," Karl admitted, avoiding Annie's glance at the last part.

"Wrong doing," Santos sneered. "Three innocent people from Bear Valley. One was ten years old. He bit in Scott Brandon. He is responsible for those deaths," Santos insisted.

"How do I know that this awakening of consciousness isn't just a momentary lapse?" Jeremy demanded of Marsten.

"You don't," Santos answered with satisfaction. Marsten simply hung his head when he repeated Santos' answer.

"Jeremy, he," Annie started in Karl's defense. Karl simply held up a hand to stop her. He hadn't saved her so the pack would trust him. He saved her because he couldn't stand to see her slaughtered.

"I never chose sides prior to this. I lived a solitary life. Never pledging allegiance to anything but the long con." Marsten started before once again being interrupted by Santos.

"And this is just another long con," Santos spat out.

"No," Karl responded defiantly. "All I ask, is for a swift death."

Annie wanted to interrupt again. He might have done a lot of terrible things, but he'd saved her. His heart wasn't into killing the innocent. For all they knew he only followed Santos' orders so he could stay alive. Before she could say anything she was held back again. That time by Jeremy raising his hand to stop her.

"I think you would be of more use to the pack if you were alive," Jeremy finally answered him, causing Annie to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Well if you think that's best, then I am at your beck and call," Marsten responded, his shock evident in his voice. He hadn't been expecting mercy. And to Annie's ears, his pledge of allegiance sounded sincere. Of course, Jeremy's approval of Marsten set Santos off. The guy really was crazy. Having heard enough, Annie retreated from the room, Antonio hot on her heals. She didn't want to see another bloody death. She knew Santos deserved it as much as La Blanc had, but that didn't mean Annie wanted to witness it.

"How about I make us some tea, Principessa," he offered, wrapping an arm around Annie as he led her to the kitchen.

…

Jeremy released the others, telling them to gather the bodies for burning, that he'd take care of Santos' body. It was as he was moving the body that he saw someone that should have been a ghost.

"I had hoped that the rumors of your death were true," Jeremy spoke first, trying to keep his voice even.

"Hope is for high school girls with crushes and hospital cancer wards," Malcolm retorted.

"What are you doing in this house?" There was really only one reason Jeremy could think of Malcolm being there, but he wanted to hear it from Malcolm himself.

"Nostalgic tour. You turned my bedroom into your craft space. Still painting thunderstorms, how dramatic. You always were such a serious child," Malcolm mocked.

"You wanted me dead from the day I was born. I never wanted a son. Especially one like you. If you didn't hide behind your grandfather's coattails I would have killed you years ago. Now I'm just enjoying the ride." All Malcolm had wanted was a daughter. It took him a while to produce one, but the fruits of his labor were rewarded spectacularly. The witches had been right. His daughter had sparked the future of their kind.

"You're responsible for all of this," Jeremy stated what he hadn't been able to put together until that moment.

"The inception, yes. And the victories." It had been almost too easy to rattle the pack. Now they were broken and fragile.

"What victories? All I see is your failure," Jeremy spat out with satisfaction. He hadn't taken the house, he hadn't killed any more pack members. Today was not a victory.

"Failure. I've only just begun boy," Malcolm retorted with confidence.

"You want to challenge me for alpha? You will lose, again." Malcolm couldn't beat Jeremy before, and he couldn't beat him now. Jeremy had too much at stake to lose to his father.

"I don't care about alpha. I don't want Stonehaven. It's just another trinket." Malcolm had long since gotten over his desire for Stonehaven. He just wanted what belonged to him.

"What is it you really want, father?" Jeremy snarled, tired of Malcolm's run around with his words. He wanted to know what Malcolm wanted.

"The future. Her," Wasn't that obvious? Whoever had the girl had power.

"You want Elena?" God his son was even thicker than Malcolm thought. Elena was special, and she could help the future of their kind. But a female born of their kind, having inherited the genes and not needing the catalyst of the bite to incite her change was the true treasure.

"No, that was Santos. I want Annie. You're a fool. You had her for years and never used her to her full potential. She's the only female born a wolf. You don't even know what her potential is. Your weakness is that you care about her." Jeremy had taken her in, raised her as his own, and never once tried to tap into Annie's potential. He only saw her as a daughter.

"If you want Annie, you will have to come through me," Jeremy made sure to punctuate each word. The only way Malcolm would get to Annie, was if Jeremy was dead.

"And the infatuated pup. Though he won't be much of a challenge. No, going through you both is exactly what I intend to do. My best is yet to come." Malcolm threatened before walking out the front door as if he'd been invited for a visit.

…

"Did he find her?" Annie asked, rising from her seat at the kitchen table when Nick walked through the back door without Logan or Rachel.

"No, but he will," Nick assured her, thinking of the look of determination in Logan's eyes when they parted. There was no doubt that Logan would stop at nothing to get Rachel back. "Is it wrong of me to be happy I have you here with me, safe?"

"No, it makes you human," Annie responded with a soft smile. Nick was still stuck on the thought that he could be in Logan's shoes, chasing after Annie. It had Nick pulling Annie into him. He needed to feel her against him, to remind himself that she was safe.

"Have I mentioned you look good in my shirts?" Nick whispered in her ear, tugging on the end of his red flannel she was wearing.

"Maybe once before," Annie chuckled.

"You look even better wearing them in my bed," Nick added, causing Annie's face to redden to a pretty shade of pink. She pinched him in the side for that comment, sending a pointed look at Antonio who was still sipping his tea at the table pretending as though he wasn't hearing their entire conversation.

"You're mine. I don't mind who knows that. In fact, I want everyone to know it," Nick responded, ducking his head and pushing the flannel to the side so that he could press a kiss to the bite mark he'd made last night. It was already starting to fade.

Annie had to work hard not to let out a moan when Nick's lips pressed against the mark. That would be mortifying in front of anyone, but especially so in front of his dad. The only way it would be more uncomfortable was in front of Jeremy.

"My tea's getting cold," Annie finally murmured, pulling back from Nick. He only winked at her before taking the empty seat on the other side of hers. Needing something to distract her form the shivers Nick had sent down her spine, Annie moved to the stove to pour Nick some tea. When Elena's scream rattled the walls from upstairs, Annie's grip slipped and she spilled hot water over her hand. Ignoring the pain, Annie just wiped away the scalding water with a dish towel before dashing upstairs. Nick followed closely behind her, calling out for her to slow down. If there was a threat they had missed, he didn't want Annie running headfirst into it.

A/N: Hey everyone! I know it's been a long time, and I apologize. A lot has happened. I got a new job in South Dakota so I moved from Maryland to South Dakota. Anyways enough excuses. This chapter ends Season 1. I have yet to watch season 2 or 3 thought they are on Netflix. I'm not sure how I'm going continue this story since SPOILER SPOILER I am aware Nick starts a relationship in season 2 with a witch. I guess I will have to write around that part. For those who have seen all three seasons, would you be comfortable with me/would it be feasible in your opinion for me to continue this story with Nick and Annie into season two when he does end up having a relationship? I'd love your feedback on that so please let me know!

Rach

xoxo

Guest Reader Review Responses

Ally: I'm so glad you're loving the fanfic. It means so much that you like Annie's dynamic within the pack and that you think she fits well into the plot! I worked hard on that. I hated when Antonio died on the show so I had to keep him alive. I am always happy to hear people agree with my decision to do so. And yay for loving Annie and Nick's relationship. I will try to fit in more protective/possessive Nick in the future. Hope you enjoyed this update. I'd love to hear your opinion on the above question.

Rusty14: random note, 14 is my lucky number! Anyways, hope you enjoyed the little bit of Annie/Nick moments I sprinkled in here. More will definitely be coming.