Thrown to the Wolves

Mates?

Chapter 2 

       ***Nite's POV*** 

     Nite stepped from the car and slammed the door shut, sending his beta a very displeased glance. He was unhappy about being asked to leave his guns outside the territory; they were his babies. His Beta, Val'kyana, smirked at this and Nite shot them another displeased glance, knowing they were amused by his discomfort at the lack of weight which his holsters once held. Val walked around the side of the car with their arms crossed as if bored. They were the perfect beta, not held up by the gender difference. They were an amazing warrior, loyal to the core, though an ass at times like himself. He shook his head grumpily, ran a hand over his dark colored beard to his jawline in frustration, and made his way to the front doors. Giant brass handles reflected the morning rays as he reached for the cold metal. Once he'd opened the doors, Volkov suddenly became on high alert and almost tried to dig his way up for control. Nite wondered what in the hell would have his wolf so on edge, but he shrugged off the feeling of curiosity and entered.  

     The walls seemed bare in this mansion, that is until you came to an indoor greenhouse area. A few small potted plants containing various colored flowers scattered all around the outer walls. Gross, he thought to himself, it was too girly for him, not enough guns. He shot Val a glance as they approached the office door he was directed to and the nod in return gave him solace that Val would wait outside somewhere for him to exit. He scowled at the nuisance of having to even be in this situation when he knocked at the door. A few moments passed before he was invited in and he rolled his eyes, shoving the door open. 

      He froze for a split second as the sweetest scent he'd ever experienced hit him. His mouth immediately began watering as he stepped inside, Volkov almost fought for control while practically purring out the word 'mate'. He scanned the room and his eyes met with the most beautiful emerald eyes he'd ever seen. He wanted to stare at them forever, his own eyes searching her face for a reason for these reactions when his eyes fell on her lips as they slowly parted. 

      A low growl sounded from beside the angel and Nite shifted his gaze to the boy. Clearly her sibling as they looked almost identical. He might be a problem, he thought to himself, sensing the rage building in Volkov. The Alpha of this pack cleared his throat and dismissed the two. As the one named Kyton stood, he almost threw Hazel from her chair. Holding back his wolf became increasingly more difficult as Nite watched the boy nearly drag his mate from the room. A deep growl escaped as his wolf almost took control at seeing Hazel tossed about, making Kyton stop dead and let her go. This boy needs to go, Volkov spat. 

      Nite turned his attention back to the Alpha as Hazel shut the door behind her. He scowled at Thade and walked over to him, placing himself in the chair Hazel had previously used, letting her scent swallow his senses.  

     "Now, we have already prepared the necessary steps for her to be ready when you return within a week," he stated almost flatly, "You will need to travel to Hybrid lands and prove you can make it back unscathed."  

      Nite nodded, half listening. He knew the rules, this wasn't his first rodeo with hybrids and alliances, though it would be his first in their territory; and the first he'd been given a woman as a bribe, but the deal intrigued him. The change in tone caught his attention as he refocused on what Thade was saying. 

    "...And with Kyton having his own battle in his head, I haven't any other way to keep our whole pack safe. I won't give her to you if you won't treat her like she should be. We know you have quite the reputation with violence towards your pack members." Nite growled immediately and stood, enraged. 

    "If she's mine, you will not tell me how to treat her, you’d know not to speak to me about MY pack if you’re aware of who I am," he grabbed Kyton's spilled can, which was still partially full, and threw it at a now surprised and drenched Thade. He watched as Thade knelt down and picked up the can, never once making eye contact with Nite. He could feel the tension rising as the other Alpha spoke. 

    "While I understand she will belong to you, do not for one second think I would not hesitate to end you if you hurt my Hazel." he crushed the can and glared at Nite when he'd spat the word 'hurt'. 

      A few moments passed as the two Alphas stared each other down. An evil smile made its way across Nite's lips as he almost teased. 

    "If you could end me so quickly, why do you need my alliance?" Thade growled lowly and shoved the papers towards him, "Just sign it and she's yours in a week," he glared. Nite picked up the pen with a triumphant nod and signed his name. Hazel was now his by law. This was going to be hell. 

      "I will have one of the maid's show you to your room, you're welcome to stay here tonight to get acquainted with Hazel before you depart...LYN." A small framed, blonde woman entered the room and bowed at her Alpha. Thade told her where to take Nite and off they headed. Once they reached the door to the room, Nite walked in and slammed the door on Lyn, receiving a gasp from her. He had some things to do and he mind-linked Val to go to the hotel without him and cancel his room. What was he supposed to do with a woman, 'mate' Volkov warned in his mind, when he got back to his territory? The thought of walking her through the pack house drove Volkov wild. They’d have to walk past the training grounds where the men trained, usually shirtless, and the thought of her looking at their muscles and drenched forms had him seething with anger. How dare she think to look at other males. Volkov snarled just at the idea. They should be the only ones she looks at. He had to shake his head clear once more, what was it with her he growled to himself. The pack knew he'd vowed to never have a mate, he was heartless; what did he have to offer a 'mate'? He needed to go for a walk, to escape these thoughts. 

***Hazel's POV*** 

     Her stomach churned again as she sat at the bar of the kitchen trying to clear her head. Lyn was called into her father's office rather quickly so she had no time to question her on why she assumed she'd found her mate. The image of Nite flashed across her vision and she suddenly couldn't breathe again. Damn, was he something to look at. Hazel laid her head against the cool countertop to ease her increasing headache at the day's events when Lyn entered through the side door and sighed. 

     "Geez, that guest of Alpha's is kind of an a**. Pretty hot though" she giggled and caused Hazel to laugh as well.  

    "I only know his name." she shrugged and Lyn tilted her head. 

    "Oh, so he's your mate?" she nudged her with her arm and Hazel's face flushed red immediately. 

    "I-what? No! Stop teasing me." Both girls burst out laughing again as Kyton entered suddenly. He aimed his sight directly for Hazel as he walked over to them. She greeted her brother with a smile and a wave, but instead of greeting in return, he snatched her wrist and took her from the kitchen. She called back to a confused Lyn. 

     "Uh, I guess I'll be back soon!" and allowed Kyton to drag her away. 

     He trailed her through the halls furiously, only stopping once they reached the greenhouse. He swung the doors open and shoved her inside, angrily turning her to face him. 

    "You mind telling me what the HELL that was, Haze? One minute you're against being in this mess and the next you're practically drooling at the fucker that bought you. BOUGHT you Hazel!" His rage flowed from him in waves and she could sense every part of it. His eyes darkened more than a few shades as he leaned down to stare into her eyes, waiting for her answer. 

      "I...I..." she couldn't form words. Not even she knew what happened to her in the office. One minute she was in tears and frightened, and the next she just wanted to be in the man's arms. Hazel knew he didn't like her answer as he grabbed her shoulders and shook her violently. 

     "He. Is. Dangerous! Why do you think his pack was chosen? Because he picks daisies in his off time? He's a monster. Stay away from him or I'll keep you away." He turned to leave, shoving her roughly away and causing her to slam her head against the glass, thankfully not shattering it. Kyton threw himself back around to make sure she hadn't been too hurt, but scoffed and walked out as she stood and brushed herself off.  

      She waited a few minutes before approaching the doors to reenter the main house when the door opened for her. She gasped and looked up to see it was Nite. Their eyes locked again and time seemed frozen until his eyes shifted to the side of her head. He growled softly and reached a hand up to touch her face, his expression twisting to anger as he stared at his bloodied fingers. 

     "Who did this." it wasn't a question. 

      "I tripped, I'm fine," she tried to brush passed him but he grasped her arm as she tried to pass and she stopped. Sparks tingled where he was touching her skin. She looked up at him again and she could see he felt them too. He let go and straightened, reaching into his back pocket and bringing out a large knife. Without a word, he handed it to her and raised a brow. She knew he'd seen Kyton; his eyes screamed to her that if she didn't take it, he'd go after her brother to ask what he'd done.  

     With a sigh, she left him staring at her as she headed back to her room to clean up for the evening. She flopped onto the bed for a few moments before leaning over and placing the jewel encrusted blade under her pillow. Her mind was racing with the day’s events, how was she going to get over this? She’d been sold to her mate and she was almost certain he didn’t buy her for her to be by his side. Who even was he, this stranger she was being forced upon? She didn’t want this, but at the same time, Azazel was almost sulking in her mind at the lack of being near Nite; the tall, masculine piece of art that he was. At the thought of him, Azazel perked up, almost giddy in her aura as Hazel went to wash her face. Looking in the mirror, she saw the effects this stranger had on her, face entirely red from picturing him. 

     She wet her face and wiped her cheeks with the nearest towel. She could still smell him on her skin where he’d grabbed her. Goosebumps appeared along her arms as she remembered the sparks, almost wishing she were still feeling them. She wanted to feel his arms wrapped around her, but she wasn’t sure why. Was this the mate bond?