"Eric?"
I don't know what's happening I sing inside my head. Josh isn't tense so I know he isn't a threat but from our mate bond I'm mostly getting confusion. So after a few minutes of silence I step out from behind my mate. "Hello, I'm assuming your name is Eric. I'm Maya."
He has to be related to Josh somehow. Light brown hair and he has deep brown eyes, calculating and warm. Just like Josh's. A light hearted smile approaches his lips and I return the gesture. "I'd give you a handshake but I have a feeling you are my brother's mate." His eyes move towards my mark and I nod with a proud smile. "Congratulations brotha!" His hand is outstretched to my mate and he takes it without hesitation before pulling him into an embrace.
"What the hell are you doing here man?"
No welcome back? I need to teach my mate some manners. I stifle a laugh and avert my gaze away from the reunion of two brothers. Though, I'm surprised he's never mentioned having a brother. I knew he had a sister, and my suspicions were confirmed whenever she ran into the dining room yelling 'daddy' and 'mommy'. I had a feeling we'd become close but sadly she's going to an all-girls private school instead of a public school so she boards there, "Rachel and I came back for the initiation of your Luna." Though I've introduced myself it's considered disrespectful for the male not to introduce his female. Why that tradition exists I'll never know, probably some sort of pride thing. Again, we're kind of old fashioned as a species.
Josh's eyes widen, "Shit I'm sorry bro. Eric this is my mate Maya, and Maya this is my brother Eric." Eric looks much older than Josh and has a mischievous glint about him. Clearly he's a jokester and for that… I can't wait to see. "His mate was the future Alpha of the Red Moon pack and since I was here to take over the Alpha role, Eric went with his mate and made Rachel his Luna." Though he doesn't want it to show, I can sense some bitterness towards the situation. If Eric's mate hadn't been a future Luna, Josh wouldn't have become Alpha.
But as tradition goes, the Moon Goddess has a plan for everyone.
Every one of us has a destiny and I know Josh was made for an Alpha role.
"She's very beautiful Joshy." My mate growls, I'm assuming at the nickname 'Joshy' but whenever his arm wraps around me protectively I realize he's growling at the compliment.
'Seriously?!'
'What?' He sounds truly confused making him even more adorable. And almost… key word almost made me forget why I was flustered with him in the first place.
'He's your brother. Mated. And well really that's all I need to say to make your possessiveness seem ridiculous.'
'He's a male'
I cut him off because he's acting a fool and thank Eric with a polite nod. "Thanks for coming Eric." My mate states before gesturing towards the pack house. Josh had previously mentioned us getting our own home since we're soon to lead the pack together, but he seemed to talk himself out of his idea whenever he realized there was more protection here. His exact words were, 'more people, more floors, more protection'. When I mentioned 'privacy' he groaned and pointed out we had the whole floor and our walls are sound proof, to which he wiggled his brows. Shrugging it off, we decided to put it off till a later time, probably when we have pups. Now Amy and Allen can stay in their home longer, even though it is a family tradition to pass it down to the next Alpha. I don't mind one bit, we can argue about this and other silly stuff because in reality I am very much aware of what's going to happen in a few short days.
This is just the calm before the storm.
Josh and I waltz hand in hand back into the pack house while Eric tells stories of his little girl who is now 4 years old and he's more than obsessed with her. Another loving father doting on his pride and joy, his daughter. Jealousy courses through my veins and I try to fight the ugly green monster. It isn't anyone's fault that my father crawled out of the depths of hell just so he can make lives miserable and unlivable. I can feel my mate trying to probe into my mind to figure out why I'm jealous and saddened at the same time, but I don't let him in. I know images will start flashing through our link and I don't want him to see anything.
Either way, I think he knew as he casually changed the topic of conversation. "How's Rachel?"
I link him a polite 'thank you' and close myself off before he asks anything. "She's great. As soon as she heard about your mate she had to come see for herself." An eerie silence fell in between us, slight tension from the new male I encountered. What could have caused this? I realized that we had stopped moving, "Father informed me on the situation regarding your mate, brother."
"So you are aware no one is to know of my mate's identity?"
He courteously nods and gives me a silent promise with the intensity of his gaze. "Alpha Thomas just left our land for treaty negotiations." The goofy aura that surrounded him moments ago when he talked about being a horse for his daughter completely disappeared. The urge to ask if Thomas was mated or not never escaped my tongue, he answered before I could utter a syllable. "Still unmated. He says he's got someone in mind. But unfortunately no second-chance mate."
"If they couldn't find me after almost 7 years, why are they still trying?" Murmuring to myself, I didn't expect to say that out loud let alone have Eric and Josh hear it.
Both men laugh and I want more than anything to slap them both silly. "Baby girl, you saw how stubborn I was with you. And I'm not as stubborn as others. Alpha's don't get told no."
Wow, he just set himself up for this. "So you're saying Alpha's get what they want?" He nods along with his brother. "So Alpha Thomas is going to get me?"
"NO!" He growls and pulls me into his body. I cover up a moan with a forced laugh. "You are mine Maya!" His lips brush against the lobes of my ear and my knees buckle underneath me at the warm sparks. This mate business is serious stuff. "Or do I need to take you to the bedroom to show you that?"
I smirk and try to pull myself away from him, I want to be fully mated before the induction so there's nothing really those men can do. I can't be marked by someone else without practically dying myself after the mating process is complete. Not practically, being an Alpha wolf and obviously dramatic I would die. My wolf would slowly deteriorate and take me down with her now that we've been with our mate. The thought of being without my mate, without my Josh makes my wolf roll on her back and whimper.
I console her by saying that this is pure hypothetical and that mate is here and loves us. "Either way Maya, I brought a few extra warriors with me during this visit. Not enough to attract attention obviously but Rachel thinks it is for her travel. I got an earful about how she 'can take care of herself' the entire drive down here. So you are welcome bro."
A firm handshake shows all the respect these two have for one another. Loving brothers, strong Alpha's. I'm proud to be part of this family. "Thank you brother. Come, Rachel can meet Maya. Breakfast is served."
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Eyes burning on the back of my head make my wolf's hair stand on edge as we watch Josh make our plate of food. Eyes trailing from the top of my head down my spine. 'Someone's watching us' Amber warns and begins to pace in her cage. We're in the pack house for breakfast where a good portion of the wolves come every morning. Sitting to the left of Josh who sits at the head of the table I nonchalantly search the room. Considering there are a lot of people it could be nothing, but I won't lightly dismiss it.
I'm a rogue. Naturally I'm paranoid.
That's when I'm met with a cold, calculating stare of Katie.
Eyes boring into my face as if I'm in the wrong. As if me being with my mate is something to be frowned upon. So much bitterness at such a young age, it's truly a pity. I meet her gaze head on, truthfully I can't wait till I'm inducted into this pack. Amber emits a wave of power in her direction and Katie's fighting with her wolf, reluctant to bow into submission. "Maya?"
Worry laces through Josh's tone seeing as I'm stiff and haven't touched my food. Granted he's got my fork in his hand, trying to feed me. A small gesture to humans, but huge for wolves. Males want to make sure their females are happy and healthy, they want to provide for us. "I'm fine. Pest control problem." His eyes brush across the pack house and harden when they reach her. Sitting by herself in a corner eating her breakfast. She's not punished, she is free to eat wherever she wants. Attention is her main game, though she isn't getting it. Riley was right, a good portion of the pack despises her after the whole whipping post incident. Not that I've paid that close attention but the glares her direction aren't making it discreet.
"LUNA MAYA!" I growl lowly at the way she said that, Riley is my best friend she shouldn't have to be so formal. "Sorry, Maya." She whispers and gives me a hug. Seeing as Eric and Rachel took, the Beta and Beta female positions. Lucas and Riley took their places next to me, followed by Zay and Vanessa then Farkle and Smackle. Those two tend to keep to themselves, I don't mind. They make a great mated pair.
"Come on princess, let's take a seat. I'll make you a plate." She seems so happy. Lucas and I still playfully banter with one another on her safety. However mutual respect is found between us, we have one goal in common… Riley's protection. He's proven several times he'd keep her safe and a weight I didn't know I had was lifted off my shoulders at that notion.
Rachel-Eric's mate- was a beautiful red head, and I mean like bright red. Her pale ivory skin, flawless while gazing upon me with sheer curiosity. Seeing as she doesn't know my full story, though I gave Eric the clear to tell her tonight- I'm sure she's wondering how a rogue nabbed an Alpha for a mate. It's unusual for leadership to be with someone who isn't in some sort of leadership position.
She'll find out soon.
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Sitting in Josh's office on his lap while he works on a sunny Sunday before we go to school tomorrow is not what I'd like to be doing but apparently there's 'so much to get done for a Luna initiation'. I understood though, security would not only be stronger for the allied Alpha's and their mates but for my safety as well. Things needed to be signed off on, and a bunch of other jibber jabber that I zoned out on. I've already been studying our allies, memorizing names and small pack information. You should have seen how happy Josh was when he caught me studying in his office. Allen and Josh are both aware they could lose two neighboring allies after the Luna initiation. When I mentioned that a war could be brought upon the pack Josh said 'Our pack will defend their Luna proudly and willingly', Allen said, 'Wars have been fought for much less'. Which is true my father waged war for land that we didn't need. The thought of seeing my father again after all these years was more than nerve wracking.
Would he recognize me?
Would he make a scene? Or would he be the calm controlled Alpha he was around other leadership?
My bet would be the last one, but he'd find a way to get to me. At least to threaten me. The thought of being alone with that man sent shivers down my spine, however his threats were the least of my worries. And honestly I'm used to the vicious words, it's the truth behind them that scares me. "Baby girl, you're worried." He pecks my mark and brushes my hair away from my neck. "Do not stress my precious mate. You aren't going anywhere, you are mine forever and if Alpha Thomas wishes to challenge me for that, I will kill and I will win."
Amber howls, pride beaming from every part of her. She's so proud that our mate who once called us 'disgusting' is willing to put his life on the line for us. "There will be no challenge. There's no reason for it because I'm yours."
He purred with my words and gave me an Eskimo kiss. So sweet. "Let's go for a run. I remember you wanting to go this morning." I nod enthusiastically and practically sprint out of the office with Josh chasing after me. Pups playing to my right, fighters training up ahead, Omega's working in the garden all smiles as they plant fresh new vegetables for the pack to enjoy. I'm glad to see the Omega's here aren't treated poorly. Omegas are more or less the weaker members of the pack. In my father's pack they were treated terribly, standing up for a woman who had been worked to exhaustion got me a week without food. But here, they were happy and smiling. Genuinely relaxed which only made me happier that I was part of such a wonderful family.
Because that's what we are… a family. I hurriedly strip out of my shorts and top and transform into my wolf. I maintain control because Amber has been sending waves of dirty thoughts for days and I don't want her to do anything stupid in this form. Shaking out my fur I stretch out my front and back legs, it feels like forever since I ran last. In reality it was just a few days ago. Josh's large black wolf trots towards me and an aura of pride exudes from him. I'm larger than most she-wolves and more… decorated from the random patches of black. Though I am bigger than most she-wolves, Josh towers me. I trot underneath him, flicking my tail in his face on my way he snorts and enjoys the embrace.
As wolves our animalistic nature takes control obviously, so me rubbing against him entirely; against his side and underneath him is completely normal. I'm trying to rub my scent into him, he isn't marked yet and Amber wants our scent all over him. 'Give me control. Swear I won't do anything stupid! JAX IS OUT! Please! Please!'
Goddess.
After warning her twice to behave I relinquish control and watch her paw at his tail. He keeps flicking it around to where she can't reach, toying with her and I can't help but smile. Jax and Josh are really one in the same. Her butt goes up in the air, chest to the ground and with a playful growl she jumps for his tail. Lightly nipping at it, except not as light as she originally meant to. A small yelp from Josh results in Amber being pinned to the ground. He sends out a growl of warning as Amber squirms underneath him trying to get out. She's sure she could put up a good fight if he hadn't pinned her unexpectedly. I warned her to play nicely and she snorts.
When Amber lays down flat and whimpers he takes that as a sign of submission and licks her cheek. Once. Twice. Three times. His snout rests against her muzzle and he mixes their scents. His head rubbing all over her sides, stomach and back. You don't have to be a genius to see that Jax is completely enamored by Amber, it isn't just lust in his eyes but pure adoration and love. By the time he's finished rubbing all over her Amber rolls off the dirt and starts prancing in a circle. I told you my wolf was childish, knowing her mate is there and will keep us safe makes her more carefree.
A gust of wind blows and sends a heavenly aroma of a deer through their nostrils. Amber and Jax take off immediately to hunt. Animal instincts coming to the surface as her lust for blood takes over. Their furs brushing against one another, Jax slightly taking the lead as the Alpha male. He pulls back slightly so they're running side by side. He nips at her back paws, urging her to go faster. Scent of meat and rushing blood becomes stronger as they both slow from a sprint to a light jog. A quarter mile ahead is a deer, tall grass barely reaching its stomach. It's a good kill, big and hearty. Amber gets ready to pounce, claws digging into the earth beneath her when Jax sends out a low warning growl. Letting her know to stand down.
A male wanting to provide for his female.
He wants no help.
Jax wants to show Amber he can provide for us. Not just as a human but as a wolf as well.
Amber goes belly up and licks Jax's muzzle, showing her love for him. He returns the embrace and presses their noses together. Their first kiss. The happiness exuding from Amber makes me almost tear up. I've never seen or felt her this way before. Feelings of determination course through me and I know that's from Josh… well, Jax. She can't resist watching him hunt, rolling off the ground and sitting on her haunches she watches as his teeth latch into the deer's neck easily taking it to the ground and the snap rings through her ears, making them twitch slightly. A howl vibrates our chest, pride exuding for our mate. Jax joins in moments later as she steps towards him, cautiously. He's an Alpha wolf who just took down a deer, he's feeling territorial.
She keeps a good distance away watching as Jax feasts into the deer. The hunter eats first, sign of respect and she waits until invited over. Amber whines after a few minutes of waiting patiently and she steps forward. Jax glances up and snarls, blood coating his teeth. Amber sits back on her haunches, and lets out a little huff at his arrogance. He lifts his head at the noise and cocks it to the side. Amber eyes rush over us, studying us and seconds later he gestures his head towards the kill inviting us over. Amber leaps off the ground and dives into the meat. Blood saturating her taste buds, and sharp canines tearing into the flesh.
45 minutes later Jax is cleaning Amber's fur around her snout, ensuring there is no more blood as she did the same for Jax. Stomachs full, need for hunt satisfied and scents intermingled with one another… two happy wolves lay together in the field. Amber rests her head on his paws and he lays his head on her, his tail curling around her protectively.
A low purr vibrates her chest, loving the affection she's getting from our mate from the occasional lick of his tongue. Slight nudges of his head, burying his nose into her fur.
This is how a male should treat his female.
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Let me know what you think guys! I really loved writing about the wolves playing together. Letting Amber and Jax grow their bond as well. I know some of you may have some questions regarding that part so don't hesitate to ask. Thanks!