Visions of Wolves

New agreements

I followed Alex out the main house and across the garden to a path that weaved around flower beds. It followed the perimeter of the village. Once again I was astounded by the length and height of the wall. It went on forever.

We walked in silence for sometime but as the path became narrower we were forced to move closer, until we were so close our hands were almost touching. He reached out and grabbed my hand, giving it a little reassuring squeeze. I didn’t pull away, in fact I felt instantly at ease. Feeling finally, like it was time to talk.

Alex spoke first, “the guys told you about keepers right? Humans who keep our secret but also work with us or provide certain services?”

“Yeah, like John right?”

“Yes, John has been with us for a very long time. We make most humans who find out about us sign an NDA and do regular catch-ups to make sure they haven’t said anything to anyone. But with you, I was thinking maybe we make you a keeper? You could run the social media for a few of our village companies, it would be an excuse for you to visit often. I was thinking maybe a week every month? You know, until you find your feet in our world?” He really had been thinking about this.

“I don’t want a freebie though. What if you don’t like my work?” I appreciated the offer, I really did. It sounded as though he had considered a lot. But what if the companies don’t like my work?

“I spoke to Michael, we catch-up often. In fact I often visit the neighbouring farmers. He said your work and the company is great.” He gave me another reassuring squeeze.

“Oh, so you’ve been doing research on me?” I said mockingly, turning to raise an eyebrow at him. 

“Yeah, you know, just making sure you’re not a threat,” and with that he poked me in the ribs with his free hand causing me to jump so I poked him back. We both laughed and carried on walking.

“So? Does this sound like a good plan?” He said eventually, with a hint of concern in his voice.

“Yes! Sorry. Yes. I think this is a great idea. Look I want to get to know you. Ally and the guys made it clear this all moves very quickly for shifters and their mates, but I’m new to this world.” For a split second I could have sworn I saw him flinch when I said mate.

“Good, I’m glad. I’ve studied in various parts of the world and did a lot of exchange student programmes while in school. My father always believed it was best to learn how humans think and act. So while every impulse is telling me to just claim you right here, right now, I know it will just scare you off.” He said it so matter-of-factly I don’t think he even realised what visual he stirred in my mind. Suddenly all the questions I had lined up about where he studied and what places he had been to left my mind.

“Sorry, was that too much?” He said nudging me out of my thoughts.

“Just thinking.” I said a little too quickly.

This seemed like a great plan, why was he so nervous to tell me about it? Why did it take him days to finally say it?

“So, this all sounds great. Why were you so nervous about it?” I finally asked.

He tensed again. I definitely saw it this time. What is he hiding?

“Alex!” Came a woman’s voice from behind us. Alex dropped my hand instantly and stepped away before being greeted by a beautiful blonde woman skipping down the path. She practically jumped into his arms forcing him to catch her and slowly let her back down. Her tiny, red summer dress had ridden up slightly and she made no effort to correct it. She seemed very familiar with him. A little too familiar...was I jealous?

“Julz, I didn’t realise you were back from your trip?” He said as she slowly stepped out of his arms. Their hug lingered just that little bit too long. They were so engrossed in each other I felt like a third wheel.

“I got back yesterday, I’ve just been unpacking and getting the scoop on the recent attacks.” She then looked over at me, toying with the thin scarf around her neck. Eyed me up and down and through pursed lips asked, “and who do we have here?”

“Julz, this is Teal, she’s been staying with us for a few days. She was with Ally and Adam by the waterfall when the rogues attacked.” He mentioned nothing about me being his mate or even his girlfriend. Was he ashamed or had I just fallen for the biggest scam. All of this feels so unreal and yet all so right. I trust how I feel, but does he really feel the same. Is this a trick shifters play on humans? My head was spinning.

“It’s nice to meet you Teal,” her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. I smiled back as sweetly as I could.

Julz then turned back to Alex and put her hand lovingly on his bicep, giving it a friendly squeeze. “Come visit me later? We have so much to catch-up on.” She was flirting. Her beautiful blue eyes fluttering longingly at him.

“There’s a lot going on at the moment, but we can catch-up soon,” he said stepping back and out of her grip.

“Well, you know where I am if you need help.” She blew each of us a kiss and headed back down the path.

I didn’t say anything. I didn’t even look at him. I just picked up the pace and continued in the direction we were going before. I could tell out the corner of my eyes he was watching me, waiting for a reaction. I was jealous, angry even. Who did she think she was speaking to him like that? But then again, who am I to get so possessive over some guy I’ve known for a couple days? Why doesn’t he want her to know we’re mates? I need to get home, I need distance from these crazy feelings.

I stopped suddenly and spun around to look him dead in the eyes. The anger coursing through my veins and giving me a newfound confidence. “Is there anymore to discuss or can I sign the forms and be on my way?” I wasn’t doing a good job of hiding my emotion.

I expected to catch him off guard but he kept his cool. He took a deep breath and then continued, “there is more. I’m no ordinary shifter. I’m the Alpha of this pack and as my mate other shifters will expect…”

“Am I your mate? Because you and Julz seemed awfully close?” I couldn’t help myself. It shot out. I knew how irrational it sounded as I said it.

He didn’t flinch, in fact he stood up taller, clearly not willing to let emotion get the better of him. “Julz is an ex of mine, yes. We dated for a couple years but it didn’t work out. And yes, you are my mate. But you are also human and I am an Alpha. It complicates matters.”

He turned then and continued to walk down the path. “As Alpha I need to be the strongest of the pack. Other shifters can challenge me for the position in a fight and if I lose, they become the Alpha. Barbaric I know, but it’s tradition. It also means that my mate should become my co-leader, what we call a Luna. The Luna fights alongside the Alpha to protect the pack. You however, wouldn’t win against a shifter.” He turned then to look at me, deadly serious.

“Beyond physical strength this is a popularity game. Families can choose to join other packs if they do not approve of their Alpha’s actions. The less shifters in a pack, the less strength the pack has. Do you understand?” He wasn’t trying to scold me. This was brass tacks. But the seriousness of this conversation finally hit me. I felt the tears threatening to leave my eyes. I can’t cry now, not while he tells me he needs a strong woman by his side. All I could do was nod.

“Once it is known that you are my mate, you become a target for those who threaten to overthrow me. But more than that, you become a…a weakness in my leadership.” He looked away this time. He knew he was pushing me away but there was no easy way to have this conversation. He had wanted to get to know me first, before adding this baggage. Instead he chose to be honest. I appreciated that, even though I stood there in absolute shock.

“This is a lot. I know. But you need to know the truth. For me to announce we’re mates… it, it puts too much at risk.” He sounded sad now. His voice giving away his emotion.

“I, I..understand,” was all I could get out.

There was a long silence, both of us trying to find what words to say next. “I’d also understand, if you chose to find another mate.” I lied. The thought of leaving here was already hurting so much, I wanted him. But my heart and head were at war.

He spun around, stormed over, grabbed my face in his hands and kissed me so hard I would have fallen over if he wasn’t holding me. He then pushed me backwards until my back hit the wall behind me and kissed me harder. His body towered over mine as he broke away from our kiss to rest his forehead against mine. We both stood there struggling to get our breath back.

“Let me make this clear. You are mine. It is our destiny no matter what. We are mates, whether or not you comprehend that yet. Although, your body seems to understand just fine.” His hand left my face and travelled down my side, resting on my waist and pulling me closer to him, causing my back to arch.

He grinned down at me then slowly let go and stepped back. “I will make a plan. But for now, we lay low.”

I nodded, resting against the wall while trying to find my composure.

We walked down the path for sometime until it started to drizzle and we turned around to start walking back.

“So, is that everything?” I eventually asked. “What else do I need to know?”

He smiled but carried on looking ahead. “That’s the worst of it. That and perhaps marking.”

“What’s marking?” I asked.

“Oh, did Ally not explain? I thought she had?” He seemed embarrassed. I shook my head and he stumbled for a bit before finding the words.

“Marking is well, umm, think of it as getting married and wearing wedding rings. It signifies a couple are together, mates. But with us it’s a little more than that. We well, we sink our teeth into our mate’s neck and it causes a chemical shift in their body. Mates pick-up each other’s scents and become more in-tune.” His face was starting to go red.

“YOU HAVE TO BITE ME?” I didn’t mean to shout, it just shot out.

“Shh, shh, yes. Kind of. In way. But it's really not that bad. It’s natural, most shifters describe it as euphoric and it only happens when we decide to be official.” He was laughing at my reaction.

“I will definitely ask Ally, this sounds like you're pulling my leg.” I said back jokingly.

“I’m not, I swear,” he said playfully nudging me with his shoulder. “For shifters, mates mark each other. But seeing as you’re human well, I’ve got an advantage.”

“What? We’ll see about that!” I said while grabbing his arm and playfully biting down on it.

“Ouch, ok ok!” He laughed. Let’s get back before the rain really starts to pour.