It's Dark Within

Heading To The Dance

        I felt slightly bad for what I was doing at this point. I was washing Jack’s scent off me if I could, if it wasn’t too late. There was a reason I was doing this. The main reason, Jack didn’t know he was doing it and I didn’t want him to do something like that without his knowledge. It wasn’t fair to him for me to take advantage and keep his scent when he didn’t give it to me with consent. It was like stealing a kiss from someone you liked when they were passed out drunk, not right. I want him to scent me when he wants to, and knows what he is doing. Though, I was sure I wasn’t going to be able to wash all of him away.

                As I shut the water off, I heard a knock at the door. Quickly, I wrapped myself in a towel and came out into the room right as Jack opened the door.

                Callum went to step inside, but recoiled quickly. “Christelle Carter…what the hell has been happening in this room?”

                I hurried forward and pushed him out. Smiling at Jack before shutting the door behind me. “That’s not important right now. Callum, I have something we need to talk about.”

                He raised an eyebrow. “Ell, if it’s about you two’s s*x life I don’t want to-“

                “Jack went into a wolf-lust.” I blurted out, catching Callum completely off guard. “Yeah.”

                His eyes narrowed at me. “Are you messing with me, Ell? If so it’s not funny.”

                I rolled my eyes. “Not joking. His eyes went black and fangs popped out. Callum, he even scented me a few minutes ago without even knowing what he was doing.”

                “That asshole tried to scent you already? You haven’t even found out if you two are really mates yet?!” Callum huffed.

                “Really? Is that what you got out of this conversation?” I shook my head. “Callum, you are the only one in our pack that’s supposed to be able to have a wolf-lust, because you’re an Alpha!”

                He thought for a moment, and then got what I was saying. “You think he’s an Alpha?”

                I nodded. “Yeah, I do. It would explain a lot. Like why the male wolves are always on edge with him, why you and our brothers felt so threatened by him, and why he so dominant. He’s an Alpha. He is adopted by a human family, it would explain why he doesn’t know he’s an Alpha.”

                “Have you told him yet?” Callum asked as he leaned back against the back wall.

                “No. I just figured it out when we…yeah.” I blushed and looked down the hall.

                He sighed. “You’re going to have to be the one to tell him. I don’t know if he will believe it from anyone else.”

                “Seriously? You’re an Alpha, Callum. Why can’t you do it? I don’t know as much as you.” I whined.

                Callum pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine. I’ll tell him, go get him for me. I really don’t want to be near this room again.”

                I rolled my eyes at him. “We didn’t do that, Callum.”

                He put his hands to his ears dramatically. “Nope, don’t care. I don’t want to hear anything s*x related.”

                “Child.” I scoffed as I went back in the room.

                Jack was getting a drink of water when I came back in and shut the door. He raised an eyebrow at me as he set the bottle down on the top of the mini-fridge.

                “That look, your about to tell me something bad.” He said moving to me.

                I shook my head. “No, it’s not bad and it’s Callum that’s going to tell you. He wants to talk to you now. Come find me when you two are done.”

                He leaned down to press his warm lips to mine, when he straightened he let out a yawn. “I will. I love you.”

                “I love you too.” I said before he slipped out of the room. “Please take the news okay…”

                With time to kill, I let the towel fall to my feet and crawled back into bed.

                Third P.O.V.

                Callum took Jack out to the area where the bonfire was for privacy. Neither of them said a word until both were seated. Callum was nervous, and Jack could tell. It was another minute or two before Jack raised an eyebrow.

                “Did you want to talk to me about Ell? If your worried I didn’t take her vir-“

                “Nope.” Callum said as he groaned. “I don’t want to know. She’s not the reason I needed to talk to you.”

                 Jack nodded. “Okay, well can we get on with this then, yeah? I really want to enjoy some time with Ell before we have to get ready for that dance thing.”

                Callum let out a deep breath. “I don’t really know how to begin, but it’s been brought to my attention that you…may be…an Alpha.”

                Silence. Jack’s eyes narrowed a little as he leaned forward in his seat. “What?”

                “Yeah. Ell is the one that noticed it. She said you went into a wolf-lust, and then you scented her without realizing it. That among other things prove that you are indeed an Alpha.” Callum said rubbing the back of his neck.

                Jack shook his head. “How can we be sure?”

                Callum shrugged. “I’m not too sure since we don’t know your pedigree. I think when Ell comes of age is going to trigger you into being a full Alpha though. Having a mate makes any Wulfkin stronger, and an Alpha’s pheromones become more prominent when exposed to their mate. We already think that’s been happening. The way the other guys are acting out with your presence, the reason why me and my brothers were so against you from the beginning, and why even the adult males feel threatened by you.”

                After a minute or two Jack sighed. “If you’re worried I’m going to challenge you, then don’t. I have no intention of doing that.”

                “Not worried about that.” Callum said quickly. “Ell is worried that you don’t know how to be an Alpha, and what all you can do. She said you accidentally scented her, which means you don’t know what you’re doing. She wants me to teach you all the little ticks to being an Alpha.”

                Jack raised an eyebrow. “Is it really going to be that different?”

                Callum nodded. “Yeah, it is. Alpha’s can do a lot of different things that regular male Wulfkin cannot do. Like the wolf-lust you experienced earlier. That one’s a b***h. If you don’t release when phased like that, you will physically be in pain for a long time. Another thing only Alpha’s can do with their mate is knotting, it’s…nice.”

                “Your messing with me, yeah? Dogs do that.” Jack said as he rolled his eyes.

                Callum shook his head. “Not even in the slightest.”

Christelle’s P.O.V.

                I opened my eyes feeling like they had been glued shut. With a groan, I slipped out of bed and looked at the clock. It was about two hours before the dance. I had slept through everything, and Jack still wasn’t back yet. So, I went to the fridge and got out a cold water, chugging it down within a minute. Then I went to my bag and got out a pair of black lace thongs, slipping my legs into each respective hole and sliding them onto my waist. With a huff, I pulled my long hair back and tied it up into a high ponytail to finish getting ready.

                Right at that moment, the door opened and Jack slipped inside. I froze as I glanced over to him. His eyes ran over every inch of my exposed body, and I couldn’t help the light blush on my cheeks.

                “I didn’t think you were going to be back soon.” I said making up an excuse.

                He raised an eyebrow. “I’ve been gone for three hours, rain. How long did you expect Callum to keep me?”

                “Pretty much till tomorrow.” I scooped up a shirt that was laying half on my bag half on the floor and pulled it over my head. “What happened? How are you feeling?”

                Jack closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. “Feeling like I’m about to have a blood clot seeing you in my shirt with nothing on underneath.”

                I glanced down and huffed. If course I happened to grab his shirt. “I’m sorry, Jack. Here I’ll take it off.”

                “No, don’t.” He said before looking away. “I did it again. Callum said my need for you to carry my scent around other males is part of this whole Alpha thing. I do it without even realizing it.”

                I smiled, going over to hold his hand. “It is, but I find it kind of flattering. You’re not offending me any. Jack, being an Alpha is something you’re going to have to get used to and work at. Callum had been raised since his birth that he was an Alpha, so for him controlling that side of him comes natural, but you didn’t know. I’m sorry for that. Have you been feeling strange for a while now?”

                He nodded. “Yeah, pretty much since I arrived in your territory. Which Callum said is due to his presence. He thinks being around another Alpha brought it back to the surface in me. Your brother explained a lot in the past three hours.”

                “That’s good. I wanted you to know those things, that way you didn’t feel left in the dark about anything.” I said with a smile.

                Jack caressed my face. “I’m sorry I scented you earlier. I didn’t mean too, and it wasn’t right for me to do that to you yet.”

                “Well, if were being honest.” I slyly said, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I really didn’t mind. I would have loved to carry your scent with mine, but I didn’t want you to do it without your knowledge of what was happening. It wasn’t fair to you. I want you to want to scent me, on purpose, right as you place your mark on me. Do you have a spot picked out yet?”

                Jack snacked his arms around my waist as his eyes traced over the flesh on my shoulders and neck. “I do, but I’m not going to show you where just yet. Maybe I’ll show you tonight at the dance. A least being an Alpha explains why everyone here hates me.”

                “That’s because you’re a very strong Alpha, everything about you makes you powerful in our world. Knowing how to fight is a major part of being an Alpha, and babe, you do that really well. So, for other males you are very threatening. Also makes since why Lexana couldn’t keep from touching you. All females are considered Omega’s and respond to males more primal and in different ways. For example, if a stronger Omega was to be commanded by a weak Alpha, she could be resistant to his command. If a strong Alpha like you were to command any Omega, she would be forced to obey. It usually doesn’t happen unless in the same pack though, like Callum doesn’t go around ordering around Omega’s from different packs. Being an Alpha like yourself usually commands his own pack. Is it bothering you that you aren’t?” I asked, studying his face for his answer.

                He shrugged. “Nope, maybe because I’m already a part of the pack of the girl, or Omega, that I want. It feels weird calling you that.”

                I giggled. “It’s old fashioned. We just call ourselves she-wolves, only the old wolves call us Omega’s. It’s kind of demining in an endearing way. I don’t know how to explain it, but I’ll be your Omega anytime.”

                “That was corny, rain.” He said before kissing my lips. “Cute, but corny.”

                It was ten minutes before the ball, and I was ready. Standing in front of the mirror I let out a little sigh. I wanted to make sure I looked perfect. I was excited oddly, excited about being with Jack all night and seeing if the guy could dance as well as he fought. My long hair was braided on both sides with the top teased a little and slicked back, going for a more primal Viking style to adorn my dress. It was black silk so long it kissed the ground, with a slit high enough to nearly reach the top of my hip. The only downside to that, it didn’t allow me to be able to wear any underwear or you would see it. The sleeveless turtleneck style top was tight against my c-cupped chest, with a slit down the middle to expose half my breasts and everything in between. I wore a pair of black hoops that shimmered in the light, and a nice black, wedge style heel. My eyes were smoky and lips a stunning neutral shade, with just a tiny hint of blush on my cheeks. All in all, I was pleased with my outcome. Now, just to see if my Jack was as pleased as I was.

                When I got down to the lobby Callum, Senan, and Jack were waiting for me. Them, and every other wolf in the room turned to look at me as I descended the stairs. My cheeks heated up as I watched Jack lick his lips, a sexy smile on them. I giggled at Callum reaching over and slap Jack’s chest to get him back to reality.

                “Well? Do I look nice?” I asked as none of them said anything.

                “You look great, sis.” Senan said while Callum agreed.

                Jack held out his hand, and the moment I gave it to him he pulled me in close. “You look breathtaking, and I’m going to go insane trying to ignore all the guys that will stare at you.”

                I pulled at my bottom lip. Now I know that his aura I’ve felt from the beginning was actually his Alpha dominance radiating against me. It was skin tingling. “You’ll just have to stay close to me then. Make sure all of them know I belong to you.”

                “Alright, enough you two. Let’s go meet up with Troy.” Callum said with a huff.

                “And Lexana? Did you forget about her?” I asked while Jack wrapped his arm around my waist, nuzzling close to take in my scent.

                Senan raised an eyebrow while Callum glanced back with a confused look on his face. “Why would Lexana be with him? Especially after that s**t her and her mother pulled the past two days?”

                “Um…maybe you should ask Troy that when we see him.” I said nervously, glancing over to Jack.

                We got to the banquet hall and saw Troy and Lexana waiting for us. Troy was in a lovely grey suit, while Lexana had on a knee length crimson red lace dress that was strapless. Her hair was left pretty much alone, it was just straightened and her lips were a stunning ruby red.

                Senan huffed. “Who the hell invited her?”

                I glanced up to Jack as my eyebrows furrowed. “This isn’t how I expected them to react. Jack…”

                “Everything will be fine, they are brother’s, yeah?” Jack said reassuringly. “Plus, if you and I forgave Lexana for what she did, then they should get over it too.”

                I smiled. “Your right. I love you.”

                “Love you too, rain.” He said, kissing the top of my head.

                “Hey guys!” Troy called out as he waved to us.

                “What the hell, Troy? Why is the spawn of she-wolf Satan with you?” Senan asked with a disgusted look on his handsome face.

                 Lexana let out a sigh, adverting her eyes to the ground. I took the moment to slip from Jack and go over to Lexana. All four guys watched as I stopped in front of her. I held out my arms with a slight smile on my face. She glanced up to see me there and returned the smile, opening her arms so we could embrace.

                “Okay, now I’m really freaked out.” Callum scoffed.

                “Don’t be afraid. Jack and I also have your back. Does your mother know about Troy yet?” I whispered in her ear low enough for only her to hear me.

                Lexana shook her head. “No. I haven’t seen her since she wanted to claim your mate for me. Which, was not my idea, I swear to you. I want us to go back to the way it was when we were kids. We used to be friends, and I promise I will not touch your mate like that again.”

                I giggled a little. “I know you won’t, but Jack’s not officially my mate yet. We will cross that bridge when we get there. I’m more worried about your mother and what she has been up too.”

                “Uh, can you two let us in on what the hell is going on?” Callum demanded as we separated.

                Jack held out his hand for me while Troy did the same for Lexana.

                “Well, brothers. I would like you to meet my mate, Lexana.” Troy said hesitantly, watching their faces change.

                Senan shook his head. “You’re not serious, are you?”

                “Is this another one of her mother’s tricks?” Callum asked.

                “Stop it you two!” I snapped. They both looked over to me confused. “Troy and Lexana are not joking, nor is it a plot. She is his true mate, and you will get over what happened and accept her. If me and Jack can do it, so can you.”

                Jack leaned down to nuzzle into the crook of my neck. “Your beautiful when your being demanding.”

                I giggled, being swept up by Jack. The others shook their heads and slightly ignored us.

                Callum put a hand on Troy’s shoulder. “Are you sure?”

                Troy gave his brother a look that said, ‘stop it’. “It doesn’t matter. What any of you think about her. What’s done is done.”

                Lexana moved her hair to her right side to expose her mark that was nearly all healed up. I pulled away from Jack again to congratulate her, while Senan and Callum had heart attacks. Inside I was slightly jealous of her mark, I really didn’t want to be, but I couldn’t help it. My soul wanted to connect with Jack’s and my insides wanted to accommodate him. Waiting until my birthday was going to be hell.

                “What does Fredina have to say about your union?” Callum asked with a raised eyebrow.

                Lexana shrugged. “We haven’t been able to find her.”

                Senan nodded. “That’s oddly convenient.”

                “If this is what you want then we’ll just have to get over it like Ell said. Congratulations my brother. We’ll dead with Fredina when she shows up.” Callum said as he shook Troy’s hand.

                I smiled, looking up to Jack. “Right again.”

                “Yep, now if only your two other brothers will find their mates, maybe they will leave us alone.” He said with a wink.

                I rolled my eyes teasingly. “Not likely, but a nice thought.”

                “Hmm.” He mumbled, losing himself in my scent again as we made our way inside.