Hestia House Book One

Chapter Twelve

~Arynn's POV~

Stepping out of Leo's truck, I took in the site of a farmhouse style house, with 3 stories of white washed boards and black shutters. To my right and behind the big house a bit was a smaller house, painted in warm neutrals, with dark green shutters. I missed Leo walking to my side until he touched my elbow, motioning me toward the big house.

"This is the pack house, and our house is the one behind it. My parents thought it was a good idea to have a place that was just theirs as Alpha and Luna, just in case they needed a little breathing room." He smiled and continued talking as he walked me up the front steps. "They are still alive, but they moved houses to one further away. Dad said it was so I could have my own space to be Alpha. But I also know he wanted some privacy to be with Mom alone."

The thought of having your parents close by to help if needed made my heart ache, but I smiled up at Leo instead. No point in reminding him of my grief, but before I could look away again, his hand was on my cheek in a gentle caress and his eyes had turned sorrowful.

"I'm sorry Arynn. I didn't mean to sound…" Before he could finish, someone pushed between us, nearly knocking me down the stairs we had just climbed. A blur of midnight black hair and denim jeans started swinging at me the moment there was space between Leo and I, so I swung back. Though at a disadvantage with the stairs, Diego had thrown this particular curveball at me before, so I used it. As the blur took another swing at me, I stepped down the first stair, then lunged for their middle. My shoulder connected with their gut, and we both crashed on the porch roughly, their breath leaving their lungs in a whoosh. I shifted quickly, bringing my knee onto their chest, grabbing their neck with one hand while bringing my other back to the ready for a punch.

Breathing heavily as I sat on her chest, the dark haired girl stared at me with disgust. My grip tightened on her neck, and her eyes flashed a spark of fear before returning to their hate of me. With a low growl in my throat, I rose quickly, my hold on her throat tight, and tossed her down the stairs. I knew I could have tossed her in the yard, but I also knew she would challenge me again and surprise was my greatest weapon. I pitched my voice lower than normal, trying to sound intimidating.

“If you want to challenge me for Luna, you can meet me at dusk.” I turned to Leo who had a frown upon his face. “Would you show me to the training grounds when it is time? I will let her choose whether it will be human or wolf combat. Now, where should I stay for the time being?”

Leo was staring me down, but then nodded once and turned to open the front door. I felt Tom behind me, but followed my mate without turning. I knew for the moment, any deviation would be seen as a sign of weakness. Leo led me inside to the second floor, opening the third door on the right. The large windows had thick lavender curtains and the view included the house Leo and I would one day share. As I took in the purples and browns that decorated the room, I heard Leo close the door behind him and walk closer to where I stood in the middle of the room. He stopped right behind my left shoulder, and I looked up at him over my shoulder. His eyes looked pained, and I could hear the worry in his voice as he spoke.

“Why did you allow a challenge? Janine is my Beta’s sister, but she just wanted to make an impression, not challenge you.” I frowned now, his worry annoying me.

“If you can’t recognize a challenge, then you are going to lose your pack. I have been challenged a dozen times since I left, and they all have the same beginning. Someone attacks without provocation, and they won’t stop attacking until they are shown they are the weaker. So I will join you for a light dinner, then I’ll get dressed for the match. No matter if we battle as wolves or humans, I will win. I won’t passively let anyone destroy what I hold dear, so you better step up my mate. I won’t let you fall down on your responsibilities as our pack leader.” I sat on the edge of my bed, rubbing my hand over the quilt embroidery. “If she doesn’t show up tonight, I will let the matter drop. But I suspect she has harbored some feelings for you for a while. We will see.”

Leo took me in with an expressionless face, nodded once, and left the room. I heaved a heavy sigh as I fell back onto the bed. And then I sighed again as I recognized how comfortable the bed was. I would be able to really enjoy it once I finished the combat tonight, so I begrudgingly rose and started unpacking. I left my sports tank and exercise leggings on the bed while I changed into a light dress for dinner.

Dinner was a quiet affair, with Leo hardly saying anything to me and the pack subdued because of the challenge. I finished my meal in record time, excusing myself early to change. I waited in my room, doing some easy stretching to warm my muscles. Fifteen minutes before dusk, Leo knocked on my door and walked me to the training grounds. The pack was walking to surround the battle circle, and Leo pulled me in for a fierce kiss, full of his worry and desire. I returned the kiss with my passion and desire before separating and walking to the center of the circle. As I suspected, Janine was waiting in the circle for me. I relaxed my stance and waited as a male wolf I didn’t know stepped into the circle as well. I was about to enter into a battle for my spot next to Leo, and I wasn’t going to back down this time.