I dropped onto my bed, knackered after my day's training. Warrior training was good for me. So much better than being back at home. Kept my mind occupied. Just shit that Daxton and Kaleb had headed home again. They were definitely something I missed when they left. Not that I would tell them that.
I felt my phone buzzing, to look down and see it was my Grandad asking me to call him when I was free. Grandad Grayson. Alpha of the hellhole I was to become Alpha to, thanks to the fucking scum, I had the pleasure of calling my Dad. Not that he ever saw me. No, he had managed to mess up his later teen years from the things I learned. Though, the version my Grandma Talia and Grandad Grayson told me were somewhat tamer than the versions I have since heard.
Leaving me confused. Scared. Unsure of how I felt for him. He was much loved in River Ash Pack, of that there was no doubt. He struggled with his past, I knew that. But I struggled with the fact perhaps some of it was self-inflicted. He chose to drink. He chose the drugs. All as a way to escape the reality he had been handed because it was not the life he had expected. Not the life everyone had predicted for him. But, instead of speaking about it, he used things to escape it.
I knew deep down that was unlikely the reason behind his mental health struggles or the multiple personality disorder, but it didn’t make it any easier to accept. It just made me fear that I could end up the same as my father. Genetics didn’t favor me when he was that way, and my mother was not even worth considering as a person. She was evil itself.
Staying away from River Ash was the best thing to do. Made it easier to forget who I was. And that is what I did from an age I was able. As soon as Grandma Talia began to allow me to start staying with some of my cousins at Lunar River Pack. This was her family’s original pack, and her sister still lived there, along with her children and their children. It was these children that were my cousins that I trained with regularly at the warrior training facility that the pack had recently developed.
I loved it in the pack. It seemed so much more freedom, though perhaps that was because I didn’t have the pressure of an upcoming Alpha there. I had no ties. No commitments. The way I wish my life was. I know my grandparents thought they were doing the right thing by me when they decided to take me in, and bring me up as their own when my Dad died, or, perhaps I should say when my Grandad killed my Dad. And my Mum was locked up. When they chose to bring me up to train me to be the upcoming Alpha, without even giving me a choice. They should have done the decent thing and given the title to the children of my Aunts. I was the result of a fucked up union of fate. One that should have been destroyed.
I sighed. I suppose I should call him. I found his contact, and let the number dial.
“Landon!” Grandad greeted me enthusiastically, almost immediately, like he had been awaiting the call, and knowing my Grandad, he would have been.
“Hi GG.” I replied. “How are you doing?”
“Everything is fine. Wanted your feedback on some work in the pack. Just wondered when you planned to come home next?”
I released the breath I had been holding. He seemed to try to find excuses for me coming back to the pack each time we spoke. Reasons for phone calls. And then each phone call asking when I thought I would be coming back. You would think by now he would have guessed I was in no real rush to return. I felt bad, I knew my Grandad has been an Alpha for over 20 years, longer than he ever expected to. But, I just didn’t feel ready. And surely leaving the pack in the hands of an Alpha that wasn’t ready was a fate worse than death for a pack, wasn’t it?
And, River Ash Pack had been through more than enough over the years. It did not need me going in there, not ready, and messed up in the head, and fucking the place up. Messing up all the hard work my Grandad and my Uncle have done over the years. I would never forgive myself. Staying away was the right thing to do, I was sure of it.
“Erm, I don’t know GG. I got a few things on at the moment, but you are good at making the right choice for pack, so I am happy with whatever you are.” I gave him my standard answer when it came to him needing a decision relating to the pack. Quickly passing on the responsibility back to him. He knew what was better for that place. This had been working since I had shifted. Only returning home on special occasions now. And even then, that was not for prolonged times. The rest of the time, Lunar River Pack was my home. Because, no matter how I looked at this, I am certain I was not cut out to be an Alpha.
“Landon, you know we need you back at the pack. We need to discuss you transitioning to the Alpha role. Time is moving quickly now. I am not getting any younger.” His voice held some emotion, and it made me feel bad, but I know that no matter how he wants to say this, I know I am right.
“I will see what I can do, GG.” I lied, knowing full well I had no intention of heading back to River Ash anytime soon. My grandparents just need to realize that I know better than they do that me being away from there is for the best.
I laid back to relax in the sunshine only for Finn to poke me in the belly button making me squeal, and I hear laughter from Wren and Dario, who were sitting close by. A group of us had decided an afternoon by the lake while the sun was shining would be a perfect way to spend some time while Kaleb and Daxton were home from training.I sat up and scowled at Finn. “You are not funny!”“Dario and Wren thought I was.” He grinned, and I found myself smiling back, as I always did when Finn smiled at me. His smile was contagious. He was one of my older brother’s closest friends, and a number of years older than me, but Finn had always been there for me. “You like me poking you really” he winked and continued to poke me, making me giggle, before Kai, who was walking back from the lake to where we were laid out on the beach area, slapped him around his head playfully.“Eww. Did you hear what you just said to her?!” Kai growled, and I could not help the smirk that was playing upon my lips. I sw
It was never fun seeing my friends flirting with my younger sister, but they were all old enough to know she was not their fated mate. All well past shifting age, and all having their wolves by now. So it was clear by now that they would not be the one she ended up with, and it wasn’t like we hadn’t heard the tale often enough from our Mum about being careful about getting into relationships before meeting our fated mate; after the struggle she had gone through before meeting my Dad. Though, I do think her situation was somewhat different…And, it was hard to have to see Jorge in more recent times suffering after being rejected by his fated mate all because she did not want to end the long-term relationship she was in to be with him, after meeting at an inter-pack sports event we had all attended. Seeing the happiness as he had realized who she was, as he introduced himself... and then the pain take over as she told him she did not want him. That he was not the one that was meant for
After very little sleep, I had done well to be able to maintain the level I needed, but I had done it. I followed on with the training session, pushing myself until every part of my body burned. Until I ached and felt sick. I knew I was pushing myself harder than I needed to, but I took pleasure in feeling myself feeling this way. I knew I was working myself, and my wolf, Dex. But this was the way I kept myself on top form. I may not want to be an Alpha, but it didn't mean I could not have the body and fitness of an Alpha wolf.“That is all for this session.” The chief warrior in training spoke loudly from the front of the room where we were training today. “Back again this afternoon for more.” And with that he was walking away, without even so much of a second glance in our direction. This guy did not ease up, he was training the toughest warriors in the country, and that was why this new Warrior Training Facility they set up was proving so popular. Within a month, the facility was f
I sleepily walked down the stairs into the kitchen, in desperate search of a coffee to wake myself up. Training would be a killer this morning with Uncle Gabe running the show... he may not be of higher rank in the pack, but that guy was one hell of a skilled fighter. He had earned his role of senior warrior, much like Uncle Manny. Both capable of giving my Dad a run for his money when it came to training. So, I knew today's training would be far from easy, so coffee would be a necessity if I was to survive...Only as I stepped into the hallway could I hear muted voices in the lounge, making me frown. It sounded like my parents. I was surprised they were up at this time of day when my Dad was not in charge of training…I still lived at home despite being well into my twenties. I could easily have moved into the Alpha suite by now, like Finn had moved to the Gamma suite, but I was happy here. My family were crazy, but I loved them, and actually enjoyed their company the majority of the
I was just returning to my room after my early morning run. Something I chose to do despite the fact my day was taken up by constant strict training regimes. The morning run was my time alone with my wolf. A time to let my thoughts go, and simply run. And my wolf, Dex, liked to run. We had cut it fine by returning so late today.I would just about have enough time for a shower before heading to breakfast in the dining hall to catch the last sitting before heading to the training field. Today would be even more punishing than normal with the heat of the sun already increasing. Not that the coaches seemed to care. They beasted us within an inch of our lives. Their focus was getting the strongest warriors possible out of the recruits. Not that I would ever become a warrior…I quickly stripped and stepped into the cool shower, knowing it would help cool me down, I was sweating profusely already from a combination of over-exertion and that crazy heat outside. Just as I did, I heard my phon
I walked down towards the dining room, many familiar faces smiling at me as I made my way through the corridors of the packhouse. I may not be an official member of this pack, but they knew my grandmother, and, of course, they knew my Aunt, Uncle and cousins, and had always treated me as if I was one of their own. I had always been made to feel I would always have a place within this pack, and at times I wished I could make this pack my home...“Running a little late this morning aren’t you, Lan?” my Uncle piped up, from the door of the dining hall.“Oh, please, don’t even ask.” I said to him with a wry smile. Not even wanting to begin to explain to him how my day was going, and this without the fact it hadn't even reached breakfast time!“Oh, I had no intention of asking.” He grinned. “I could tell from that scowl upon that ever-so handsome face of yours that I was better not to.” He winked. "But, you want to be as handsome as me son, you got to stop frowning so much."I smiled in re
I had woken a little later than usual, but in my usual sleepy daze, showered and got dressed. Wandering downstairs to grab myself a mug of tea, I was surprised to see both my Mum and my Dad still at home despite the time. They would both normally be at work, or out doing things within pack by now. The atmosphere within the house was uncomfortable, to say the least, which made me feel uneasy. This was not how things were between my Mum and Dad.‘Finn?’ I mindlinked as I grabbed my purse, rushing from the house, thinking perhaps they needed some time alone. Something did not feel right in the house, and I felt like I shouldn’t be there. Me coming downstairs when I had may have disturbed whatever was going on between them.‘What is up, beautiful?’ he almost instantly responded. And I felt my mood lighten at the sound of his voice. He always seemed to have that ability.I knew he wouldn’t be training with the others today, like he usually would, because he had mentioned a business meetin
I had paperwork I was meant to be dealing with ready for the meeting I had agreed to attend on behalf of the family business. But the moment Cleo mindlinked to see if I was free, it became inconsequential. It sounded like she needed me, and that was more important to me than any piece of paperwork could ever be. Ok, my Dad and my uncles may think otherwise, but that was how tings were…Yes, I knew, as had been frequently pointed out to me, that Cleo was not my fated mate, but I wasn’t exactly a traditionalist. I wasn’t too fussed by all of that. She was an important part of my life, and I liked the way she made me feel. Right now, that was what mattered. Fated mate or not, she was what I wanted right now, whether she knew it or not...I have heard the tales of the shit a fated matebond can cause. Yes, they are made out to be wonderful things when we learn of them. Of course, they are. They are chosen my our moon goddess. But they can be wrong too... they can cause pain and suffering t
I can't say if today was a day I was looking forward to or not. I knew it was a day I would see Cleo again, and that was something I was more than a little anxious about. I had walked from her family home having learned of her leaving, and gone to the gym to work myself hard, to the point of pain. Trying hard to cause myself more pain than I had been currently feeling hearing that Cleo had not thought to let me know she was leaving, even if it had just been a text. I knew now I was not a priority, her mate always should be, but I had thought as a friend I may be someone she would want to tell, and from what I had heard later, it seemed my sister had had a message or two, and I have to say that hit pretty hard...The arrival of the day had loomed for a whole new reason now. Knowing there was the chance of seeing the girl I did not know how I felt about right now. But, how I felt was irrelevant. The day arrived, regardless, and we had set off early to River As
I had showered, and now sat at the edge of the bed, all suited up, in my black suit pants and black shirt and tie. I was going without the jacket as I truly hated wearing them. My hair was slicked back, and I was doing my best to look as smart as I could for my pack today. I wanted to make a good impression. I mean, after all, today was the beginning of my reign as Alpha. Though the first opportunity I had, and the tie would be off, and the top few buttons of this short would be undone. Man, was I uncomfortable!Nerves were beginning to get the better of me, which was one of the reasons I had hoped for some time with Cleo before the mayehm of the day took over, but with the very little sleep we had got last night, we had both slept a little later than planned this morning, meaning we had to get up almost immediately. And, I was waiting now on my adorable mate.I could hear her singing in the bathroom that adjoined to our room, and despite the fact she
Waking up alongside Landon is beyond amazing. The last few days have been hectic, of that there is no denying. Pack is chaos, trying to ensure everything is organised for the Alpha ceremony, but being able to settle in Landon’s arms each night has been perfection. I cannot think of a better way to fall asleep. And being within his arms is my safe place. The place I already feel the most secure and most content.Even in the short time since my arrival, we are already begin to ensure we have time for one another each day. It has already become part of our routine. A part of the day I have to say is fast becoming my favourtie... as we explore one another’s bodies. Learning what the other likes. What turns the other on. It has been sheer heaven. Landon is paradise in werewolf form. And to know he was mine made me feel like the luckiest she-wolf in the world. I cannot imagine being without him now, and the struggles we went through already seem like a
Oh, Goddess, am I in trouble if my heart raced when I noticed he had walked into the room? I don’t even know the guy. I know he is sweet. I also know he has a damaged soul. A little like me. But that does not mean I am the person to heal him, or him to heal me. I cannot fix everybody who is in pain. I remind myself, as I try to discreetly observe Jorge’s interaction with his Mum.Trying not to smile, as he chatters to her, clearly teasing going off the cheeky grin upon his face, and the glint in his eyes. Their connection seems easy. So, I can only assume that Jorge’s family are close, much like the family Bella is mated into. I think family are hugely important, I just wish mine had made me more of a priority after my fated had passed…“Are you even listening to me Cami?” Bella teased, and I found myself smiling. I had kind of hoped she may not have noticed where my eyes had wandered to. Clearly I had been far from discreet!“Of course.”“Really, because from where I am sat, it seems
A much needed day off, having worked non-stop with the warrior squad, training, and then helping within the family business too. Responsibilities were not usually so high, but with some finding new mates, they had other priorities at present, which was understandable, and of course, with Daxton and Kaleb now having new roles in another pack our fathers had yet to decide how this would be managed at the business.The business had been a baby of them all. More so of Uncle Knox, but all of the friends had been involved, and their decision had been for their children to take over as they got older. We, both guys and girls had been trained from our mid-teens on various roles within the business in preparation, but in all truth, with out fathers still being in good health and considered quite young (not that I would ever say that to my Papi’s face, it is far much more fun to call him ancient!) there would be many more years with them leading the business yet.I had to
While I had been brave and had the much needed talk with Cleo, I had been far from brave since, and done all I could to avoid her. Not that there had been much opportunity to see her. She had been busy doing whatever it was she was doing… likely spending time with the man set to be her mate. While, I was busy helping at the family business. Not a role I relished, but one I was a part of, and one right now I appreciated, because it was occupying my mind. Plus, I was one of the only ones not busy with a new mate, so I was needed in the offices a lot.After a hectic day in the offices, I was returning to my place, ready to put my feet up, but Cleo was laying heavily upon my mind. She had been all day. I knew that the day of the Alpha ceremony at River Ash was fast approaching. And that meant there was a strong chance Cleo could go and be with her mate. Iknew that what was being discussed. But since then, it had not been confirmed, or at least not to me… not that ha
There had never been any denial Cleo was beautiful. She was able to catch the eye of most men, and likely women too… But here she was in front of me. Naked. My mate. And, well, I don’t think there is any other word for her other than perfect. I was blessed to know she was mine… and I had been a fool to let her go. I knew I would not be letting her go again. If anything, everything we had been through would make me appreciate my mate all the more. Worship her. And right now, worship her was what I planned to do...Seeing her eyes all but roll back in her head at my touch drove me wild with desire for her. As I pressed my lips to hers once more. My fingers sliding inside of her core over and over, making her gasp with pleasure against my lips. Knowing Cleo wanted me did things to me. I needed this girl. But knowing she needed me to turned me on immensely. Her hand suddenly teased at the head of my cock, making it stand even more to attentio
I never had Landon down as being the nervous type when it came to me, but I saw that look upon his face. He was more than a little unsure. But, this was our moment, and I was not about to let anything ruin it. I knew Landon, and I knew he would just need a little encouragement.I wasn’t even sure where that extra confidence from within me came from. Terra, I assume. I could sense how much she was wanting her mate. And from the deep growl that slipped from Landon’s lips, I think it was safe to say his wolf was wanting his mate just as much. This was our moment. Finally alone, and knowing we wanted one another. We would be foolish to waste the opportunity we had...“Oh, is that right?” he murmured, his voice laced with lust, as he gently laid me onto the bed.I smiled, a slow and sultry smile in the direction of the man who was soon to be my fully fledged mate. I truly could not wait, and decided the best way to answer him was to show him, hooking my arms around his neck, pulling his f
We walked into the Alpha suite, and a wave of nerves took over me. I could not explain why, but it did. This was the moment I had waited for. To bring my fated home. And now she was here, I felt like a nervous wreck!I had asked for the suite to be cleaned up, and prepared for the two of us, as a couple now, and I hoped to have a family home built in due course. I saw how her Dad had done things for Aunt Lilah, and knew they were a good example to follow. My parents sure as hell hadn't been, but Lilah's parents were. And, a family home we plan together could be perfect. But, for the time being, we would be making the Alpha suite our home, and I wanted it to be as perfect as it could be.I glanced briefly to Cleo to try to decipher if she, too felt as anxious as me, but her beautiful features gave nothing away. We had made polite conversation all the way home, because I felt it was necessary. I could see Cleo was struggling to fight the tears as we left her home pack&he