Rage and Love - What Became of Her

Actually...

XIOMARA

I watched Prudy, feeling my face pale. "Oh my god..." I said, cowering and laying my head in my hands. This is just absolutely great. "God, he was right in our grasp, Xo!" Prudence exclaimed, knocking a display off the shelf. I stood, a little surprised at her reaction, "It was a mistake, Prudy. I didn't know he would be my mate." She eyed me, taking a deep breath. "I... I get it. Okay, you're not familiar with Lycan habits, okay." Prudence looked at the apple fritters, "Actually... This might work out." She rounded the counter and sat beside me, grabbing my shoulders to face her. "We're a team, right?" I nodded. Prudence smiled her magnificent smile and continued, "You hate Jon and everyone who played part in ruing your pack, father... Yours and Stella's innocence..." I felt my heart squeeze at the thought, nodding at her. "Well, this could be golden, honey! You hate all that is Jon. That means you hate Tyson!..." As she went on her tangent, I felt the question pang, 'Why would I hate Tyson?' I mean, sure, his dad imprisoned me and let his guards do the Goddess knows exactly what... But He'd never done anything to me. "... Tyson is just another lycaon male who would hurt you all over again..." I nodded. "Even if he just gets me close to Jon..." She started, "That's enough too." I smiled at her consideration to let Jon be the only target. "Come on. We got to get planning."

TYSON

I sped through the forest. Taking in every square inch I could of it, hoping to spot or smell her. She was so close. So beautiful... And different. My lycan was remembering, the butterflies giving us a head high and more anxious to find her. When the bond snapped in like a tight elastic band, my whole heart laid at my feet for her, I'd give her anything. But she looked so afraid. confused. I caught Darius' scent as I neared the mountain's entry that we'd used on the run. "Alpha!" He hollered, covering himself again, as he was naked from shifting.

I shifted back, stopping and stumbling a bit. I grabbed my pants on the bench they were on, hurriedly getting dressed. Looking around for any inkling of her. "Hey, man. You alright?" He asked, trying to cut into my line of vision. Darius finally caught my attention, "Hey, it's me, Tyson. At ease!" I took a deep breath, pulling my wolf back, "Mate. We found her!" Darius smiled so big, "Dude! Yes, that's amazing!... Where is she?" I pulled on my shirt, not even worrying about my shoes and Alpha's wrap. 'Guards!' I mind-linked my Gamma and warriors. They met me at the lobby's entrance. I got up the stairs, looking upon my men. "Men, I have pleasure that my mate has found me. However, she is among the land. Possibly an omega. Bring any stranger to me first and as soon as possible. And handle with care. Harm her, I'll kill you myself," I finished, looking among my men. Hector ascended a few steps to me, "We're on it, Alpha." I nodded, turning to enter the pack house. Darius and his fiance in tow.

"Here, have some." Ophelia offered me some tea. I took the cup, forcing a smile. "Ty, what do you mean?" I sighed, "D, it's simple. I found her, encountered her. I shifted out so she would know I wasn't going to hurt her. It sounded - smelled like there was someone near us. I got distracted and she was gone after that. She's fast." I kind of gushed at that. My Luna was a fast one. Warrior like. I loved it. "Goodness," Ophelia sighed, grasping Darius' arm. The affection made me sick - lovesick. I'd been nose to nose with my mate and she ran off from me. Leaf whimpered and ruffed in frustration at that. We were enduring a yearning that was never felt before. I'd dated and fooled around with women... Liked some even. But never had I felt like my world would collapse if I didn't get my hands on her. My scent and mark on her.

"You're steaming." Darius said, offering me a cold towel that Ophelia brought out earlier. "Thank you both for your support. The midnight run has commenced and I think you both should go home together," I stood, "I'll get through this...." I gestured in general space around me. Darius hesitated, but nothing was going to help this ache I had but her. We said 'goodnight' and they exited my suite I had in the Pack house. I tore off my clothes, the heat of frustration causing my wolf to seethe and get hot flashes. I entered my room and laid on the daybed that was across from my bed. The window was open, the cool air easing me the slightest. I thought about my mate's er- uh- her 'lycan? She had a particular look about her Lycan, sure, but she did look like a different type of lycan even. The more I thought of her, the more agonizing it all became. I felt my lycaon, Leaf, try to pull forward to be in control. I fought back. We cannot just sit here. He growled, taking full control.

I felt and watched from behind the scenes, almost, as Leaf rose and smashed through our room door. He growled viciously, howling out at and to our mate. We bounded down the stairwell knocking into a few others and scaring people out of the way. We rolled out of the Pack house, a roar escaping Leaf. That's when the scent picked up. "Go!" I exclaimed, my own adrenaline spiking Leaf's. About 200 yards from where it was coming from. I ran as hard as I could. I suddenly realized she was walking up the gravel walkway... with Prudence? I tried to regain control of Leaf but he was lost in it all. The excitement, anticipation and determination she wasn't getting away again. I saw Prudence's face curl up in fear as she hid behind a smaller female. My mate.

Leaf skidded to a stop. We landed on our knees in front of the female. Eyes locked on one another. She was about 5'3. Long, dark hair. She was wearing a longer, baggy dress and cardigan with flats. She smelled like my heaven. I shifted back into my regular form, a little groggy. She watched me, blushing in her cheeks. "Sir!" A familiar voice sounded from behind me. Hector. "Here is a robe for you sir and some slippers. We'd heard the commotion. I thought to come ready." Hector said, stopping short as he caught a glimpse of my mate. I covered myself and looked at my mate. She was looking down now, breathing hard. I looked from her to Hector, who now suddenly was smiling at me, "You're dismissed."

The exchange from him to her unsettled me. Once he'd disappeared behind me, her eyes were on me again but glossier. "Please excuse me for startling you. I am Tyson." She smiled at me, "I am Xiomara." Her name rang in my ear like a pretty melody. "Ain't she a sight!" Prudence rang in, flustering me a bit. "I literally invited her into my joint, she was looking for a job. Mentioned she may have met her mate tonight. Little Philly described you to a tee!" I crooked my brow, "Thank you, Prudence, for being available like you were. It means a lot." I looked to Xiomara, about to speak, "She asked if she could stay with me, funny enough." Prudence interjected. I looked at her, than to Xiomara, "Though, I understand we are just strangers. But I would prefer you were near me. I can set a room up for you all your own, until you're ready." Her eyes widened. I felt awkward for even mildly insinuating so soon we'd share a bedroom. "Well," Prudence began, "You're not goin' to make her are ya?" I took a deep breath, "Again, Prudence, I am very happy you ran into her, and I don't wish to make her do anything she does not want. However, I would like if you stayed in the pack house." I finished my sentence, meeting Xiomara's eyes. She looked between me and Prudence. "I'll - I can stay, Prudence. Really, I appreciate you being, -erm- there for me." Prudence looked at Xiomara in shock, then smiled at us both, "Then I guess my work here is done." She nodded at us both and stomped off. "I tugged my robe tighter, embarrassed. Xiomara watched me. "Please, come with me?" She hesitated, then grabbed my arm. And we walked back in an awkwardly too comfortable silence.

XIOMARA

I let the hot water from the shower run over me. The water pressure was so much better than Prudence's shower at the cottage. I turned off the water, freshly washed and scrubbed. Moisterized the best I'd ever been, I'd say. When I came out of the bathroom, a sweat shirt and sweatpants with big socks were waiting for me on the plushy bed comforter. A small note on the socks;

Xiomara,

Please make yourself at home. I'll be in the dining hall with a warm meal waiting for you. Feel free to join or don't. I imagine it's been an exciting day... I look forward to making time with you.

Yours,

Ty.

My heart leaped a bit. I felt the warmth spread through me. 'Really nonchalant. Like he won't bust down the door if I don't go.' I looked at the note now, with anger. Or he is genuinely giving you your choice, my beast suggested, defending her mate. I slipped on the slippers they'd left for me too, and exited the room. I hadn't been on this level of this pack house. I was always kept in the basement or only as far as the 3rd and 4th floors. That's where the warriors resided, those who chose to live in the pack house anyway. I had taken the stairwell - old habit - and traveled down. I was looking for exits, possible run-ins with Jon. As I got back into the stairwell from snooping on the 2nd, I slammed in a bulky chest. When I looked up I saw him. Hector. "Pardon me, ma'am..." He started to say when he smiled warmly at me, "You are just stunning. You remind me of -," I panicked. "I'm sure I remind you of plenty of young girls you've defiled." I said quickly, too slow to retract now. He craned his neck, his smile disappearing. I watched him react to my comment, and I walked off and down the rest of the stairs. I was hurrying, as my run in with Hector made me feel as if he'd chase after me... assault me until I apologized.

"Xiomara." I jumped at the call of my name, startled and a fuss. While a devilishly handsome Tyson stood, leaning out of a doorway. "Oh, uh- what." I babbled, taking a deep breath to not. His smile beamed at me, making me cower into myself a bit, "Are you hungry?" I nodded and he motioned for me to come, and I followed. He lead me through the big dining hall. The ceiling was redone. It was all glass and looked like a glimpse into heaven. He watched me admire the ceiling, disappearing behind the kitchen door. I scurried and entered with caution. When I entered, it smelled like I'd walked into a cafe, fresh food being made. But to my surprise, fresh food was being made... by Tyson. He looked back to me and I stood at the little counter that was behind him. And a large wood chop, with multiple chef's knives was sitting dead center of it. I looked at them, remembering that I was avenging myself and loved ones....

"I love breakfast for dinner," Tyson suddenly shared, tearing my attention from the knives, "I don't know what your favorite food is yet, but I figure they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day." He placed a plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs and some bacon and sausage. The food made my mouth water. I didn't eat much as is. I was either training, working or just ate small portions normally. There wasn't much to eat with Prudence since she was a vampire. She fed on live animals around the cottage. Tyson pulled up a stool for me and pulled one up for himself. I smiled at the plate. His scrambles were a bit toasted, the pancakes were anything but circles and the bacon was actually cooked perfectly. I took a small bite, letting a gratifying moan escape. A low growl rose in Tyson's throat. He cleared it, in hopes I missed that. So I pretended to. We ate in silence. I kept my face in my food, not wanting to look up at his waiting eyes. I heard him take a deep breath, "Xiomara, I don't mean to press... but are you feeling the mate bond?" He asked, a little disappointment hitching in his voice. I didn't know what to say... I felt myself catch a wave of confidence. "I..." His eyes were wide, at me speaking, "I have been alone for a long while... I lost my family young to a very... evil group of people and have only intermingled so much..." He seemed so intrigued. "I feel a pull to you. I just... don't know what to do with that." Tyson's face softened, he scooted closer to me. "Can I hold you hands?" He asked, placing his out to me. I reluctantly put my hands in his. It wasn't like I didn't want to. He looked at me, his eyes a caramel wonder. " Xiomara, I am happy you shared that detail with me. I don't want you to feel rushed. I can imagine being a lone wolf all this time..." Whoa! Was he trying to empathize? "... you just have to let me know what your comfort pace is. Communicate. I'd love to teach you about being a lycaon in a pack and strong community." I was in awe at this guy because he sounded nothing like Jon and Hector. The few weeks I'd spent here when I was young, I heard nothing but talk of take-over, power, money, and only the best - scandal. Hell, I'd never even knew that Jon had a son. He never interacted with them and they never seemed to be around. "... Does that sound okay?" I snapped back to him, "Yes. That does. Thank you." Tyson was less than a foot from my face. His eyes glided down my face and to my hands, he lifted them to his mouth. Placing a kiss on each hand with his full, soft lips.

I stood suddenly. The sensation of his lips making my beast purr and me physically react. "I'm sorry," Tyson stood, slowly, backing up. "It's okay. I'm just not okay with touching just yet." He nodded, "Cool. We can ease up on that." I smiled, feeling a bit silly for startling. Tyson pulled the stool back under him, "So where are you from other than the 'open road'?" I looked at him. "I was apart of a pack." He nodded, surprised, "Wow. What pack?" I shook my head, "I can't remember right now." I lied, "After my pack was taken over I just... Migrated. Mainly around here." It was hard not to mention my time with Prudence. "That's so cool. I was pretty much brought up here, only traveled for dad's work or Future Alphas camp." I arched my brow, "That's a thing?" He exaggerated his nods slowly, "Uh-huh. Such a mood kills. Other than when we got to spar or had free time to roam and shift, since none of us had before. I was usually with my mom in the north." I listened while he told me some about his family.

We'd been talking for an hour and a half. "I'm sorry, are you sleepy?" I yawned right on cue, "I am a bit tired." Tyson then stretched big. His long arms were extending straight up. That motion lifted his shirt slightly and I could see the deep V. I felt myself blush, as my beast was drooling and panting. He sighed in relief, pushing his wavy hair back from his face, "Can I walk you to your room?" I agreed.

We stood across from one another in the elevator. He wa staring, stifling a smile. "What?" "Nothing... Okay... Your eyes are wild. And I mean that in the nicest way." He smiled, chuckling a bit. I rolled my eyes, "It doesn't sound nice." I felt like a brat for rolling my eyes and I didn't want him to tease me. I weirdly wanted him to hug me. Hold me until I let sleep consume me. We reached our floor - he had me two doors down from him on the 7th floor. I walked to my door and looked back at him. "Thank you," I know this is all so - sudden." I awkwardly stuffed my hands in my pockets. "Anything for you, dollface." He licked his lips, eyeing mine. Kiss him. My demon uttered in a whisper. I fought at her urging. Shaking his hand in a rush and disappearing behind the room door. I slid down against the door, my heart beating out of my chest....