Chapter 4

"Then one night as I walked

I heard your body talk

I saw a shooting star

In some magnetic trance

Our beating hearts would dance

And crash down from afar

Oh how strange fate is

Never dreamed of this"

Fever by Judas Priest

"You have to claim her in your wolf form." Malakai narrowed his eyes; waiting for the explosion he knew was coming and Cassandra did not disappoint.

"WHAT?" she screeched; backing away from the Alpha, and almost jumped to the ceiling when Dean grabbed her shoulders. Malakai was speaking again but all she could hear was her heart pounding in her ears; her breath flooding and vacating her lungs rapidly. Her blurred vision took in the smiles on the Shifters' faces while she paced aimlessly around the room. She vaguely saw the concerned look on Roman's face before a wave of dizziness overtook her and her legs buckled, falling towards the floor only to be caught by a set of strong arms before she hit the ground. "Spike," she whispered before losing consciousness.

"Easy, woman," Seth mumbled, sweeping her up in his arms and handing her over to Dean.

"This is huge, little brother," Roman said in a hushed tone, moving to stand behind the couch Dean settled on with Cassandra cradled on his lap. "You and one of the first generation Hunters, taking our species to the next level of evolution is just the biggest step ever made. Who would have thought the pup I found all those years ago would be in this position?" he smiled, ruffling Dean's unruly hair.

"She's freaking out though, Rome. It isn't everyday a newly deflowered virgin is told she has to be taken by a wolf to see her true potential realized," he said softly, rubbing his cheek against the top of her head.

"Maybe she can talk to AJ so she'll know what to expect," Roman offered; glancing over at the young wolf sitting on her mate's lap on the floor.

"Phil has never taken me in wolf form while I was in human form, Rome," AJ chewed her bottom lip. "I'd be happy to help though," she shrugged with a smile to Dean.

"I don't give a shit about realizing my true potential," Cass mumbled into Dean's chest before she shifted her head to look around the den, "and I don't need to talk to anyone about it. I care about my intended mate and if that is the way we're supposed to bond then so be it. I just need to breathe," she rolled off his lap, taking her feet and wandered down the hall.

Seth watched her veer into the library and followed her; watching from the doorway. "Do you know what it is you'll become?" he asked after she pulled a particular volume off a shelf and flipped through pages. His chocolate eyes drifted down to the book when she turned it towards him, crossed the distance to the table and read the passage she pointed to. "Perfection of both species," Seth read aloud before he skipped down a few paragraphs. "Your children will be exquisite and; since you chose a wolf to mate, they will be able to mate with wolves as well. I guess our kind is lucky you fell for Dean. Wolf Shifters will evolve into something beyond imagination. You're frightened though; I can smell it on you," he stated simply, observing her tense countenance.

"I've been this for centuries, Seth. It is a little scary to think of becoming something more," she ducked her head, moving to sit on the sofa near her favorite window. "It feels like a huge responsibility on top of my already huge responsibility," she whispered. "Our numbers were astronomical once upon a time. I shared this responsibility with them and now I'm all alone. I am the last protector; the only protector of your race against Humans, Hunters, and your own troublemakers. Now I'm expected to fulfill an ancient prophecy that will alter your species' and my futures. It goes without saying that I'm overwhelmed," she swiped a stray tear from her cheek with a swift finger, averting her face away from him.

"I get that; I don't know what I'd do or feel if I was you. I'd probably feel like I was choking," he nodded while he thought on it. "The thing you said about being an effective killer," he said cautiously while hesitantly taking a seat beside her, "does that bother you?"

"The war began a long time ago," she began and turned her gaze out the window, flashing back in time for a moment. "I was heavily involved in the war because I was a good killer then and only got better at it as time passed. I killed hundreds upon hundreds; thousands even, but it didn't impact me then. There was too much going on to realize how much blood I had on my hands," she rubbed her fingers over her left palm while resting her forehead in her right, elbow on the arm of the sofa. "I don't know if it matters to you but the moment I branded myself a killer was during the trip I took off the property where I ran into the prick that messed with you."

"I was under the impression you killed him here since you don't leave this land," Seth ran his fingers along the hem of his shorts; uncomfortable discussing the man that tortured him years ago.

"I lost my mind a while back. Hell, I've lost it a few times," she gave a humorless laugh. "One of Xavier's pack showed up here asking for help. He said they were under attack by Hunters and begged me to go to their aid. I don't like to leave my charges here unprotected so driving out of the front gate wasn't an option or I'd come back to a bloodbath. It took some serious speed out of my legs but I bailed along the ocean side and got there in time to spare most of them. I was so close to being too late," her eyes widened and Seth could swear he saw the memories flash within them. "I slaughtered them, up close and personal. I was so fucking angry that they betrayed the oath which is ridiculous since every single one I've come across for centuries betrayed it, but I took it so fucking personal. I went beyond heart shots; I butchered them, your devil was among them, and then I led Xavier's people back here. I think I freaked them out something fierce; I don't know why they followed me considering I was covered head-to-toe in blood but they did," she rubbed for forehead again, darting her eyes to his face for an instant before settling on the fireplace. "They didn't say a word to me; worried because I was still gripped by bloodlust. It has been a long time since I've lost myself to the moment; I almost didn't pull back from that one," she shook her head of the memories.

"I saw you out there when we were coming in," he said softly, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "You moved so effortlessly, so fluidly, taking down everything in your path. I didn't know what you were then but it dawns on me now how hard that must be, killing your kind."

"You'd think so, huh? It isn't as hard as you think. I might be conflicted if I were to knowingly kill one of my generation but I kill them all as if they were one of my generation, so I guess it all comes down to me not caring because they turned against our purpose. They are the ones that broke our oath, started a civil war with those of us that still believed and deserved the death delivered to them," she leveled him with sharp eyes and he believed every word she spoke. "Part of a Hunter's job is to dispense justice; it just so happens I'm doing it to my own instead of yours and have been for a very long time," she shrugged, looking indifferent about the whole thing except Seth knew better.

"So you're okay with handing out justice to your people for violating your destined path," Roman spoke up from the doorway, entering slowly while his gray eyes held her black. "According to Malakai, most of the ones that rebelled did so because they didn't want to mate with a Shifter. Dean tells me you're spooked about this whole thing too and I don't blame you, it is unsettling having sex with a wolf when you're in uh, woman form. I can't say Human no matter how much I feel like it since you are far from a human woman," he shook his head while sitting between her and Seth. "So my question is does it freak you out enough that you won't go through with it? And are you feeling why your people turned against us to begin with?"

"That was two questions," she grumbled before breaking down into laughter. "You look scared, Roman. Are you asking if I plan on turning darkside just because I'm literally on the verge of doing it doggie-style? As awkward and nervous as I feel about it right now, there is no chance in hell I'm joining Team Evil just because my pup is about to…you know. Is it getting hotter in here?" she fanned herself, feeling a wave of heat move through her.

"Nope, it feels the same to me," Seth glanced at the fire, seeing it was lower than it was before. "Are you okay?" he asked when he noticed the woman swipe a hand across her forehead while fanning her body with the front of her robe.

"It's Dean; I can feel him," she answered in a low moan. "Holy fuck," she whispered; her mouth falling open when a wave of need settled in her pussy.

"You couldn't before?" Roman asked with an arched brow.

"No, I could only read his thoughts before but I can feel him now. When I read any of you, I pick up your thoughts only but if you're injured or feel strongly about whatever is dominating your thoughts, I can pick that up too; the pain and emotions," she darted her eyes to Seth and he nodded in understanding about their interaction over his memories earlier. "This is the first time I've actually physically felt one of you," she let her eyes fall closed; her head resting on the back of the couch while her lover swept through her.

"Uh, Cass, are you going into heat?" Roman asked when her pheromones assaulted his senses.

"Don't ever ask me that again!" she said completely horrified. "I cannot begin to tell you how uncomfortable that word makes me, Roman," her obsidian eyes narrowed on him, scowling when the two of them smirked at her. "Shit, I can feel Dean moving through my system; bonding with me already after our one time together. He's outside right now, showing your pack to the nearest land with cabins," she closed her eyes, tilting her head while she sensed her man. "I can feel the slight twinge in his leg from the bullet wound. I can feel the muscles move in his arm while he opens the door for Antonio and the others," she reached out an open hand and closed it over the envisioned doorknob. "I can feel his breath, his blood, his heartbeat," she growled softly; her head lulling to the side.

"She's in heat," Roman leaned forward to look at Seth with a grin.

"Shut it, mutt," she swatted his thigh only to take a deep breath when it hit her again. "Dean," she whispered in a breathy moan.

"Oh shit, she's getting horny and we all know how cranky she gets without her dick," Seth groaned before a smirk tugged at his mouth.

"You'll be able to feel everything once you've fully mated, Cassandra. Imagine being so in tune with your mate that you're aware of each other on every level," Malakai snapped her out of her thoughts, smiling when her limbs kept moving with Dean's. "Are you ready to take your mate?" he asked with a tilt to his head.

"Take; yes," she whimpered with need. "He needs to take me now. Tell Dean to meet me in my room," she nodded, standing and slowly made her way to the door.

"She's flipping the fuck out," Seth exhaled loudly, running a hand back through his hair.

"Yeah, she is. I can feel it coming off of her in waves but luckily she's in heat. Go relay her message to Dean," Roman lightly smacked the back of his hand into Seth's thigh. "I assume she's sending a messenger instead of calling out to him to give herself more time to come to grips with this," he leaned back into the sofa, staring up at the ceiling.

"So what should we do until the deed is done?" Erik asked, flopping down on the sofa beside Roman.

"Erik, you aren't suggesting we hang out here while they…" Xavier made vague movements with his hands before waving them off with a disgusted look.

"We're Shifters! There's nowhere we can go that we won't pick up what they're doing," Erik elbowed Roman with a grin.

"Get out of my house, you perverts!" Cassandra yelled from upstairs, startling the four Alphas before they chuckled.

"Damn Hunter and her reading ability," Erik huffed while they walked out of the library and filed out of the house. "Good luck in there, Pup," he patted Dean on his back when they passed him on the porch.

"Make us proud," Xavier ruffled his hair with a smile.

"Fuck, you guys suck," Dean rolled his eyes at the four Alphas before slamming the door behind him. His mate's scent hit his senses instantly, making him dizzy for a moment. That delicious scent crawled beneath his skin, through his veins; calling to his inner animal until he fought it down and retook control. It drew him up the stairs and to her door in a daze. He could barely make out his hand pushing open her door while he dragged deep breaths of her into his nose. She was standing there in that short silk robe, staring at him with her chest heaving just like his was. "You smell amazing," he gasped; biting his bottom lip while his eyes trailed down her body.

"I can feel every muscle of your body move, the breath moving in and out of your lungs, the feeling of excitement itching under your skin; it all has me needing you very badly," she whispered in a rush; lungs heaving with the effort of restraint. "I was attracted to you from the start but this connection; if our mating is the cause, why is it kicking my ass now and not right after we did it?"

"Maybe there's a delay since it is essentially changing our genetic makeup. I don't know but your scent has driven me mad since the tent. Even bleeding from a gunshot wound, I still wanted to be buried inside of you," he stalked forward; his eyes studying her face while his hands pulled the belt loose on her robe and then watched it part, trailing his gaze down her cleavage to her bare pussy. "So fucking beautiful," he growled low in his throat, using a hand on her nape to pull her into his chest. "Smell so fucking good; so fucking mine," he buried his face in her neck, inhaling deeply while his hands pushed her robe off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor.

"They said I was in heat," she frowned; a slight pout forming that made Dean smile. "I really dislike that term but I want you so badly right now that it might be accurate," her fingers found the waistband of his shorts and with a slight push, they slid over his ass and hit the floor. "So silky," she said dreamily while grasping his hard cock in a firm hand. "Please put it in me now," her wide onyx eyes pleaded with him and nothing could stop Dean from granting her wish.

He took her face between his palms and claimed her mouth; his tongue pulling first her upper lip and then her bottom lip between his before delving into her mouth. Still engaged in a searing kiss, his hands moved to the backs of her knees, lifting her legs to his hips and walked them to her bed. They fell in a tangle of limbs on to the sheets; hands exploring flesh, lips fused together while tongues were at battle.

"Are you sure you're healed up enough for this?" Dean gasped out of heaving lungs, rolling them to pin her beneath him. "I don't want to hurt you, darlin," he purred; pinching her nipples between his forefingers and thumbs, growling in approval when she cried out and arched her back.

"Fuck! I need you inside of me so bad," she pressed her pubic bone up against his hard cock and rolled her hips. It had the desired effect. "Dean," she screamed when he pulled back and thrust his length into her wet heat.

"Oh fuck, Cass, you're so damn tight," he groaned; closing his eyes and savoring the feel of her wrapped around him. "This pussy is so hot, it is burning my dick, baby," he grasped her hips and pulled her into his deep, hard thrusts.

"Am I really in heat? That is so…just no," she growled; reaching up to grasp the hair on the back of his head and pulled his mouth into a bruising kiss.

"Fuck, I hope not. Females only go into heat twice a year and I want to feel like this all the damn time. I mean, Phil and AJ have sex whenever they want but it always seems more intense when she's in heat. I want this intensity," he unlocked her legs from around his waist and pushed her knees to her chest. "Your pussy looks amazing swallowing my cock," his eyes darted from their joined bodies to her face. The new angle had his dick beating a steady rhythm on her g-spot and it was driving his lady absolutely insane. "I'm not hurting you, am I, darlin? I keep forgetting it's just your second time," he situated her legs over his shoulders and leaned forward to kiss her gasping mouth.

"No, baby, need you too much," she panted into his mouth; running her hands through his hair with an occasional tug when their bodies clapped together. "You feel amazing," she groaned when he picked up his pace, relentlessly pounding into her.

Dean's passion was fueled heavily by her scent but in the small thinking portion of his brain, he knew he had to get her ready for what was coming. His plan; plain and simple, was to loosen her up with an orgasm that would leave her compliant and relaxed. It didn't hurt at all that her 'heat' was working in his favor.

'Don't cum in her in human form, Dean. You have to be in wolf,' Roman chuckled within his mind.

'Shit, Rome, will you get the fuck out of my head? I'm kind of fucking busy here!' he shot back; shaking his Alpha out of his thoughts and focusing on his mate. They had only been together the one time but Dean could sense the change within her already. Her head lulled back, her grip on his hair tightened, her body began to stiffen up and her pussy began to flutter along his length. "Cum for me, darlin!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, she shattered around him and it took every ounce of will power he possessed not to let go with her. He lowered her legs off of his shoulders and kept his hard length buried within her while he cupped her face between his palms. She was riding the throes of her heat-filled passion and reveling in her explosive climax. The timing was perfect but he had to ask before he moved on.

"Are you ready for this, darlin?" he rasped against her mouth, placing sipping kisses on her parted lips. She nodded in a daze and Dean held on to his need. "I have to hear you say the words, Cass. Open your eyes and tell me you're ready," he stared into gold-flecked obsidian orbs, seeing the focus return and held his breath.

"I'm ready for you, Dean; I'm ready for you to take me as your mate," she slid a hand down to his cheek and he nuzzled into her touch.

"I'm gonna need you on your hands and knees, darlin," he said softly, giving her a loving smile while he eased out of her body.

"I kind of figured," she blushed; running her eyes down his naked form when he backed off the bed. He gave her a tentative smile, took a deep breath and fell to all fours while he shifted. Cass lifted her chin, trying to see over the edge of the bed and startled back an instant later when Dean stood. Her breath slammed in and out of her lungs when he jumped up on to the end of the bed; standing between her spread legs. "You're beautiful, Pup," she rose up on her knees and ran both hands over his head, ears and to the back of his neck. "I'm scared to death though," she whispered into his ear, hugging him tightly.

'Just remember it's me and I won't hurt you,' he panted before running his tongue from her chin to her forehead; laughing when she squealed. He picked up a big paw, planted it on her chest and watched the uncertainty enter her eyes when she flopped on to her back with him hovering over her. 'Easy, baby, just calm down,' he shushed her in a soothing tone; leaning down and flicking his tongue over her wet lips. Her hips rose off the bed, following his tongue while he reveled in the taste of her. 'Roll over on to your stomach for a moment,' he lifted his nose as if to direct her and waited until she was settled before he stood over her. 'You see, I can kiss you, love on your body in this form,' he purred into her mind as he ran his tongue oh-so-slowly up her spine from her tailbone to her neck, enjoying how her body arched. 'You smell so good, baby,' he growled, taking in the scent of her hair before backing up. 'Up on your hands and knees, Cass,' he said softly, reining in his urges when she trembled once she was in position; her cute little ass quivering in the air. 'It's me, darlin; just remember that,' he repeated to her while moving up behind her, hooking her hips with his front paws and drove into her.

She tossed her head back; her long black hair fanning over her back, and screamed his name.

"Holy shit! Is he hurting her?" Erik jumped to his feet and turned to Xavier with wide eyes.

"Just the initial penetration," he waved off his friend with a thin smile. "She's forgotten it already," he bit his lips to keep from laughing when Cass cried out at a steady pace.

…...

The four Alphas and Seth exchanged grins when they heard the change in Cassandra's moans and Dean's grunts. They could hear the wolf claim his mate and worried for a moment that he was being too rough with her but her hitched gasps and murmured words of endearment allayed any fears they had. She was a Hunter; strong in body, mind and spirit, and she could handle the vigorous mating with the wolf. She was destined to do this, after all.

…...

They waited; some sitting, some pacing for what felt like forever. A few jokes were made about Dean's stamina and incredible endurance. A few more were made about Cassandra possibly neutering him once this was done.

…...

They waited until Erik asked how many times he'd made her cum and he got a resounding "five; and once in human form!" from his companions. Roman; sitting back on the porch swing, added "so much for having him neutered," with a cocky smile.

"Are they mated yet?" Erik asked the old bear, who smiled and shook his head no.

…...

"Are they mated yet?" the grizzly asked forty-five minutes later.

"No," Malakai answered; his eyes closed and his smile still in place.

"How long do you bloody wolves go for? They've been at it for a while now; she's cum more times than I can keep up with. Will she be alive when he's through?" Erik ranted out while he paced the porch.

"They wouldn't know, Erik," Xavier chimed in with a smile. "We mate for life and these two haven't found their mates yet. To answer your question, we can go for quite a long time depending on our mate. Her scent is what drives us to keep going; her endurance sets the pace. He won't stop until her body tells him it's taken and she can't take anymore."

"You mean he was a virgin too before they did it yesterday?" Erik pointed up to the bedroom window and received four nods. "Ugh, Cassandra, you're too strong for your own good! He'll pound you through the mattress unless you throw in the towel! Save yourself and tap out," he yelled up at the window.

"I think we should be more concerned if he'll be alive by the time she's through," Malakai smirked with his eyes closed while he and Roman slowly kicked the swing into motion.

…...

'Holy shit,' Dean's eyes rolled back into his head when Cass' scent intensified. He inhaled deeply, taking her in and a low growl rumbled in his throat. 'No, Dean, don't do this,' he cursed himself even as his paws dug into her hips a little tighter. He felt his animal rear its head within his consciousness; it scented its mate and was clawing its way out to claim her. There was always a part of their inner self that was all animal and until now, he had always mentally stood side-by-side with it. He knew his mate was uncomfortable with this already and the last thing he wanted to do was unleash his feral side on her. 'Ro!' he yelled out to his Alpha.

Roman shot to his feet and growled at the wolf that was fighting Dean for control of their body. 'Dean, no,' he tried but the connection cut off between them. "Malakai?"

"Let it go, son. Whatever happens is meant to happen," he patted Roman's arm; his calmness setting the big man at ease enough to sit back down.

The edges of his vision began to blur. His mind was just as fuzzy. He was losing this battle and feared for his woman. 'I love you, baby,' he groaned. 'I'm sorry,' he hissed, losing the last of his control.

Cassandra arched her back when his thrusts picked up in strength and speed. Her eyes clenched shut when she felt his powerful jaws close over her neck, holding her head down on the mattress while he took her. She screamed when an orgasm ripped through her.

…...

Roman exchanged a nervous glance with Seth when they heard their brother's growls and Cass' muffled but sharp cries. A look at the calm Malakai did little to settle their nerves.

…...

Cassandra had collapsed forward on to her upper body about five minutes ago; her arms useless and shaking beside her head. Dean was holding her up by her hips, driving his cock into her at a brutally fast pace. He could feel her pussy begin to tighten around him again, leaned forward and bit into her shoulder.

'I love you too,' Cass whimpered to her wolf.

Dean growled low in his throat, pulled her flush to him by her hips and released into her body. His climax set her off one last time; screaming as she came before passing out from exhaustion.

The five men outside grinned ear-to-ear when Dean's howl split the silence of the night.

"Yes, Erik, they're mated now," Malakai cut off his fellow bear's question the instant he opened his mouth.

"Thank you! Now maybe some of us can get some sleep on the property tonight," he rolled his eyes; a smirk tugging at his mouth.

"Speaking of, I think I'll head back home since I know they'll be busy with each other for a while," Malakai took his feet, shook Seth's hand before taking Roman's. "Do tell the happy couple congratulations and that I'll make my way down with my cub in a few days."

"I will," Roman nodded. "Thank you, for everything."

"You're quite welcome, Pup."

"Cass, darlin, are you okay?" Dean whispered; drawing small circles on Cass' back. He had watched her sleep after their mating; couldn't stop worrying about her enough to sleep himself, and it was the first thing he thought of when her eyes fluttered open.

"I'm okay," she stretched her body before focusing on his worried face. "What's wrong?"

"I feel like shit that I let him loose on you. I mean, I didn't let him out, he kicked my ass out of the driver's seat and took you," he ran his hand nervously over the back of his neck until she reached out and took his hand.

"What happened that made him want out?"

"Your scent changed; became overpowering actually, and I lost control. The instant we came, uh okay, maybe a few minutes later, I was in control again and shifted back, but you were out and I got worried," he palmed her cheek with his free hand.

"I guess all we can do is trust our instincts when it comes to this. If my scent drew your inner wolf out then he was supposed to emerge," she smiled, pulling him in for a quick peck on the lips.

"Did you talk into my head? I mean, I think I heard you in my head earlier."

'I think I did,' she answered while she yawned. "Did it work?" she smiled softly, still tired from their lengthy mating.

"I heard you," he chuckled; his fingers still tracing over her skin. "Are you sure you're okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked, biting his bottom lip in concern.

"I'm okay, and no, you didn't hurt me. Come here and sleep with me. You wore me out and I don't think I can walk to save my life unless I get some more shut eye," she patted the mattress beside her; sighing softly when he sprawled out on his side and pulled her back to his chest. "You sure are making yourself comfortable back there," she grinned over her shoulder; tossing her head back a second later when he ground his hardening length between her cheeks.

"If you didn't collapse on me earlier, I'd be inside of you right now," he wagged his brows and kissed her cheek. "Rest, baby," he whispered, pulling her close.

"Dean?" she said softly, squirming back into his body.

"Yeah, baby?"

"Are you worried about what we're going to become?"

He rose up on his elbow, pulled her back to hover over her and palmed her cheek. "I'm not worried at all, darlin. All I know is I'll become an immortal; like my mate, and spend the rest of my life beside you. All the other stuff doesn't matter to me," he kissed her forehead, her nose and her lips before lying beside her and pulling her on to his chest. "As you know, we wolves mate for life and we live a long time but we aren't immortal. If we lose our mate to death, it doesn't take long before we die of a broken heart. I don't have to worry about losing you. I get you forever," he whispered against the bite mark he left on her shoulder during their mating; licking the reddened flesh.

"You're a very special man, my love," she rose up on her elbows, darting her eyes over his content face. "I can't help but be amazed at how quickly our feelings; our hearts engaged once we decided to mate. I feel like I've loved you forever," she looked deep into his blue eyes; tears building in hers before taking his mouth in a deep kiss. "I need you now, and I can feel you need me," she smiled; taking his hard length in her hand, lifting her hips and lowering back down until he was firmly seated within her.

"Oh fuck, I love you, woman," he hissed; grabbing her hips and meeting her downward motions with his thrusts.