Fang Chronicles: Emily's Story Page 13

  “You are the old man in this picture, aren’t you?” She smiled at him.

  “Yes, I’m archaic compared to you.”

  “Are we talking more than five-hundred-years-old?”

  “Yes, we are talking more than that.”

  “Cheri keeps you young?”

  “Yes, she keeps me from using a walker to make my way around.”

  “You’re teasing me.”

  “Yes, I don’t like talking about your age compared to mine.”

  “But what you’re really telling me is that in over five-hundred-years, you found no mate.” She could tell her words bothered him. His scent changed but it was neither anger nor passion, just different.

  He swept her into a deep kiss. Suddenly, she felt the vampire’s presence. Brand’s mouth released hers. “She has a need for you my queen.”

  “Thomas said he was rough on her today.” Cheri could feel Emily’s apprehension. “I’ve already tasted your blood but I’m sure Brandt has explained how it will help you heal.”

  “He did, but I’m not certain what you want me to do?”

  “I can drink from your arm until you are more comfortable. Most wolves prefer the neck for closer relationships. When offering to another clan’s vampire, always give your arm.”

  Emily took a step toward Cheri and moved the hair from her neck without saying a word.

  Cheri moved faster than a blink and her fangs entered Emily’s throat. Her eyes went amber and locked on Brandt while drinking deeply of Emily’s sweet blood. This was part of the bond all her wolves shared. She sensed Emily’s fear but the young woman was mentally and physically strong, making her perfect for Brandt. Cheri’s fangs receded and she pulled away. Emily’s eyes had drifted closed. The enzymes in vampire blood now flowed in the bloodstream of the wolf. Cheri took a step back, waiting to see what Emily’s body needed. The exchange always gave the greatest gift.

  Emily walked straight into Brandt’s arms, “Take me to bed.” Her voice oozed sex.

  Sheri left with a laugh. Brandt picked up his mate and gave her what she wished.

  ***

  The following day brought more of the same punishment at the gym, with one difference. It was time to get Emily angry.

  Thomas knew this would be tough on her. He didn’t clear out the other wolves because it would be more difficult for her to handle with them looking on. This was a test and needed to be hard. Killing a human was out of the question and she would leave wolf territory and go to the city in two days. He kept his plans for today’s workout from Brandt. His son would go ballistic. Thomas knew Brandt would sense her feelings but hoped he would keep his promise and stay away. This was a test for them both. Emily needed to be able to fight her own battles and not kill a human while doing it.

  She concentrated and worked hard to pull her strikes. Thomas taught her to use her legs to trip her opponent and put them down. He checked her speed several times. She listened and understood what he wanted from her. It felt good.

  For their human session in the boxing ring, he had her put on gloves, “If your claws don’t come through the material, you’re doing well. The gloves will help you focus.” He did not glove up. The wolves circled the ring and he began with a few jabs toward her. “Slow your evasion of my punches. You can take a punch from a human and it will feel like a bee’s sting. Use your legs and take your opponent to the floor.”

  She tried, Thomas did not go down. He pulled his punches so the few that landed were mere tickles. He had no trouble skirting away from hers and she became frustrated.

  “Has Brandt told you about his mate bond with Cheri?”

  Stunned, Emily put her arms down. Her penalty was a punishing blow to the jaw.

  “Get your guard up. He hasn’t fucked her in twenty years but I know he wanted to.”

  That was all it took. Her claws exploded through the gloves and she attacked. Her canines enlarged and Thomas didn’t have a chance. His shoulder took the first punishing bite and her nails ripped deep furrows in his side and leg. Emily momentarily saw red and she wanted that red to be his blood. Her clothing ripped and a white wolf burst completely from human skin. Thomas was down but breathing. The angry she-wolf deliberately circled his throat with her jaws.

  She spoke to the mind of every wolf present. “Brandt is mine; never forget that. It doesn’t matter who came before, it only matters who tries to take him from me now. That person dies.” Emily released her sharp teeth and gave a long lick to Thomas’ face. “I think you’re finished for today but I still need my beast workout.”

  An unclothed Brandt stepped between the ropes surrounding the ring. “My old man will never learn. There is only one wolf in this pack who can give you a run for your money sweetheart.”

  “I don’t think sweet is the word you will use in a few minutes.” With that Emily launched herself at her mate and the fight was on.

  The wolves stayed to watch. Brandt had no illusions about who they were there to see. She was his mate and his pack wanted to judge if she was truly worthy. A sharp bite to his thigh and damn close to his manhood brought his thoughts back to the fight.

  Thomas got out of the way, blood trailing from deep gouges on his shoulder and leg. He was proud of her. She lost control for a few damaging minutes but managed to contain herself and think rationally. With a few werewolf babysitters she would be safe around humans. He wasn’t so sure about his son. “Emily, it’s time to let your wolf out and teach your mate a lesson for dreaming far too long about my woman.”

  “Thanks old man. I hope your woman gives you a few hours of suffering before healing your injuries.” Brandt rolled to the side. Her teeth came within an inch of his nose. His wolf replaced the man and spun, catching her with his teeth and sinking them deep in her flank. She growled with pain and scrambled away. She turned human and grabbing his back leg, pulling it hard and propelling herself backward. Everyone heard the pop when the limb dislocated. Brandt turned human and using his greater strength brought her in close, rolled on top, and pinned her to the mat.

  Emily stopped fighting and looked at into Brandt’s pain filled eyes. Her breathing was heavy, “You’re my mate, and I don’t care to hear about past females in your life. Do I need to kick your ass a little more to remind you?”

  He couldn’t help but laugh and Cheri joined in. “It’s the middle of the night for me but I think the winner gets first choice.”

  Emily rolled Brandt beneath her without resistance. She disengaged from him and stood to walk toward Cheri. She met the vampire’s stare straight on. “He is mine and I don’t care what happened before me, but if you change your mind about his father and want him back I will fight.”

  “You will die.” The words held no humor or softness.

  “So be it, he is my mate, and I will die defending my rights if I must.”

  “Thomas is mine. You never need to worry about a challenge from me.” Cheri looked around. “I don’t think you need to worry about a challenge from anyone here.”

  Emily looked around too. Pack werewolves lowered their eyes while her gaze made its way around the gym. The internal power, which made her alpha, flowed from her skin. Electrically charged, every wolf present felt its weight.

  She let additional energy flare before speaking, “The only reason my mate didn’t win,” she glanced over her shoulder at the man in question, “was because he would not seriously hurt me. I may need to teach him a lesson a time or two before he gives me a real fight.” Emily looked back at Cheri pulling her hair to the side of her neck. “I have need of you my queen and the defeated can wait.”

  After Cheri released her, Emily walked to the changing room and got in the shower to rinse the blood from her body. No one entered the room. She left the gym on four legs, not seeing Thomas or her mate. This time, vampire enzymes didn’t cause her body to desire sex. Her wolf just needed to run.

  In front of a medium sized cabin, Kinsee played with dolls. A grown woman sat on the porch steps watchi
ng Emily approach.

  “I won’t harm her.” Emily stayed in her wolf form connecting with the woman’s mind.

  “I know that, she speaks about you often. You are the wolf who called her demon, Brandt’s mate, and an alpha in your own right.”

  “I am sorry for what I called her.” Emily’s eyes went to the child. “I am very sorry Kinsee.”

  The small child lifted her dress over her head. “You’re silly; can I run with her Mama?”

  The woman laughed, “I’m Patricia and mother to this little demon. Will you let her take a jaunt with you while I get some work done?”

  Emily was stunned but replied with a look of devotion at the child. “I will care for her and have her back shortly”

  “Take your time, if you tire her out she will go to bed early.”

  Emily looked toward the small wolf who gave a little yip. The two of them took off. Emily slowed her pace for the child and couldn’t believe she had the opportunity to be alone with her. The two of them ran for an hour. Kinsee talked nonstop and asked every question conceivable.

  “You never went outside when you were a child?”

  “No.”

  “No one loved you?” It was obvious Kinsee’s mother had devoted considerable conversation to the new pack wolf.

  “No, no one loved me until Brandt.”

  “I will love you and now you have two, like I have my mom and dad.”

  “You have a dad?”

  “Of course silly. His name is Wolfred. He says I am the most beautiful wolf ever born.”

  “I think you are too. Thank you for loving me.” Emily wanted to cry. She also remembered that Brandt told her wolves were unable to produce children together and required a fully human mother or father. She wondered how Kinsee’s parents managed. She couldn’t help but feel a pull in her heart for her own child but knew no other man would ever touch her. She would also kill any she-wolf that placed a hand on her mate.

  “Look, a rabbit. Can we get it, can we?”

  The chase was on and even though Emily mourned the outcome she could deny the child nothing. Kinsee made a quick kill and for that Emily was grateful. The child brought the rabbit to her and dropped it at her feet, nudging it closer with her nose. “It’s for you.”

  “I’ve eaten too much today, why don’t you take it home.”

  “I can eat it now; I’m hungry and can eat the whole thing.”

  Emily sat by and guarded Kinsee while she consumed her kill. She refused to think about one beautiful creature being devoured by another.

  Shortly after, the two of them trotted back to Kinsee’s home. Brandt was waiting out front when they came into sight.

  Kinsee changed back to human and pulled her dress over her head. She hugged Emily around her shaggy neck and then ran into the house. Emily took off, giving Brandt a run for his money until they reached their own cabin and shifted to human. Brandt took her hand and brought her fingers to his lips.

  “I’m so proud of you.” His gaze met hers.

  “Well, I’m not happy with you and think you have a few things to explain.”

  Chapter 19

  Emily sat on the couch watching Brandt paced back and forth. It was obvious he felt uneasy, but she was not going to help him.

  His agitation was more apparent when he finally spoke, “I thought I loved Cheri and was quite stubborn about it. We were together for a short time and then she no longer returned my affections. I was eaten with jealousy and thought her my mate. I told you before that vampires do not share the mate bond like we do. I put her rejection down to that. I was unable to accept that she loved my father. I knew for many years that they were seeing each other.”

  He stopped for a moment and gave her a beseeching look. He needed Emily to understand. His hurt and betrayal came out with his next words. “I wanted to kill him. He raised me alone, nurtured me, and supported me but I wanted him dead. I craved his blood on my hands. It made me crazy.”

  Deep, slow, steady breaths strengthened his voice. “Cheri and I slowly regained our friendship but for me it always felt like more. I couldn’t stop my jealousy and my anger began having an effect on the pack. My rage simmered slowly and my wolves became unsteady. The night I found you, my father challenged me and I was mere seconds from ending his life.” His eyes closed briefly, remembering his father’s blood.

  He didn’t look at her. A soft touch brought him back. Warmth flowed from her fingers sending small sparks along his skin.

  “Do you still love Cheri?” Her voice was soft, worried.

  He turned. No hesitation, “No.”

  Her eyes changed and she exhaled, “Do you think you would have killed your father?”

  With a look of complete anguish he took both of her hands. “Yes.” He hesitated before continuing, thinking back. “When we were tracking you, I decided to leave the pack. I knew I was destroying my wolves and I feared my friend Samson would challenge me. I didn’t want to kill him and I knew killing my father was not the answer. Finding you cemented my place again. One taste of your blood and Cheri was a distant memory. There is no comparison in my feelings. If I thought you were with anyone but me, I would not stand by in anger. He would be dead.” He grasped her hair at the base of her neck, pulling her head back and his mouth came down on hers.

  He was her world, the reason her heart beat, the reason she was alive. She matched the kiss, no softness only hunger.

  Mating pheromones rolled off their skin. Her stomach growled loudly and he pulled away, his grin chiding. Breathing in her scent he tried to get his passion under control. His voice husky, “I won’t take a hungry she-wolf to bed.” He took her hand and pulled her into the kitchen with a laugh. I smelled the rabbit on Kinsee. I take it you didn’t have a bite or two?”

  “No, but I did help her catch it and then let her do the killing. Set me down so I can get my clothes on.”

  “Oh, but I prefer you naked.”

  She laughed but her eyes grew steamy, changing color.

  The low growl started deep in his throat, rising. His eyes darkened.

  Her stomach rumbled again and they both laughed.

  “Let’s eat light and I’ll call a pack hunt tonight. It will be dark soon and in a few hours I’ll teach your wolf to stalk prey. Before that, I’ll stalk you.”

  “Call the wolves.”

  ***

  They met at the clearing. Fifteen wolves divided themselves into three separate hunting teams. Samson, Thomas and a she-wolf named Josie were in the alphas’ group. The teams split up. They would branch out, seeking a fresh scent trail, and then hone in and move the prey toward each other.

  Samson found the scent first and the rest of the team followed. Brandt relayed information to Emily while running, “Samson is my best tracker. When we get closer to the deer, we will work together. For now he has the lead.”

  Emily’s excitement took over, squeamishness forgotten, her wolf took over. The forest floor gave beneath her paws. Gangly in the past, her legs were now steady and strong. Her ears pricked at the sound of snapping branches and then she saw a large buck charging through the undergrowth.

  The wolves surrounded the large animal and attacked. There were three does on the run too. Only one escaped.

  Emily launched herself forward, instinct taking over. Her fangs sank deeply into the buck’s throat, tearing through hide and muscle. With help from her pack mates, she took the magnificent animal to the ground.

  The tangy scent of blood filled the air. Brandt’s snout rose to the moon in the age old call of the wolves and his song rang through the night. The others joined in and when the last cry echoed through the trees, they feasted.

  Brandt’s team tore into the buck while the other teams went for the does. He growled a few times at his pack. The best morsels belonged to his mate.

  When they finished, the wolves lay around in smaller groups and groomed themselves and one another. The alphas stayed apart while Brandt cleaned Emily’s muzzle with his r
ough tongue and then moved to the top of her paws and ruff of her neck.

  “I think it’s time to go home,” her sultry voice sounded in his mind.

  “I think you’re right, loser must scrub the winner’s back.” And he was off.

  Emily had no chance to catch up, but she enjoyed washing his back. She might have lost the race but the night was hers.

  ***

  The next day, she kept her appointment at the gym.

  Thomas looked away when she approached, so she gave him a brief hug. He glanced over her shoulder looking for Brandt and she laughed.

  “I value my hide and your mate will have it if he sees you hugging me.”

  “Then my mate and I will have a serious talk. You are his father and my family too. He can learn to live with it.”

  “Hmmm, if you say so.” Thomas spent the morning teaching her of human habits verses those of wolves while she dodged his fists. “No growling if a human male tries to come on to you. A polite and firm ‘no’ will work. If a human female does the same to Brand…”

  “I rip her throat out?” Her voice was eager.

  He gave her a crooked grin, “No, you place your hand firmly on her arm, soften your voice, and look her in the eye. Besides the gesture, you won’t need to say a word.”

  “What if the arm thing doesn’t work?”

  It wasn’t Thomas that answered it was another she-wolf named Maggie. She was one of the pack’s fighters and gave Emily a lot of space. Emily wondered why, but hadn’t asked anyone. “Just move Brandt behind you, look her in the eye, and ask if she wants to lose her right nipple.”

  “You’re not helping here Maggie,” said Thomas.

  Emily grinned, “I disagree, and I think she did. I’ll be sure to use that line if it’s needed.”

  Maggie walked away and began working on a speed bag.

  “I’ll pass your little talk on to Brandt so he knows he better stay away from other women.”