The Whispers and The Wolf

Twenty-Four

“For f**k SAKE, Conlan! You are going to give me a heart attack!” He appeared out of nowhere, dressed only in grey jersey shorts that left little to the imagination. I’m glad I didn’t spill my coffee all down me, I had almost jumped 3 feet in the air.

He let out a low chuckle and placed his hands on my shoulders, massaging them slightly. “Sorry wee birdie. Couldn’t resist.” He bent down to give me a kiss on the cheek before sitting on the chair opposite.

“How long have you been here? I thought you weren’t coming back until lunchtime?” My heart was betraying me, I smiled broadly at him despite my anger. I hated people sneaking up on me but I loved seeing him.

“I couldn’t keep away.” He winked. “I wanted to spend more time with ye before I became yer boss.”

“Oh we ARE in a playful mood.” I rolled my eyes. “You will not be my boss, thank you. We will be collaborating.” I stood and left a kiss on his cheek, heading inside.

“Maybe I wasn’t clear about my position round here. I’m a big deal ye know.” He caught up with me and snaked his arms around my waist, nuzzling my neck.

“I was going to ask if you were a boob or bum man but I think the answer would be neck.” I teased. He really was obsessed, not that I was complaining.

“That’s where yer scent is strongest, and where ye’ll wear my mark.” He continued, licking my neck every so gently and making me shiver.

I stopped him reluctantly and stepped away to face him. “Hello, human remember? Care to explain?”

“I don’t want to scare ye.” He let out a shallow laugh and rubbed the back of his neck. It was a bit late for that… I stood my ground, looking at him expectantly with my arms across my chest.

“A mark… it’s something that seals us together. I mark you the first time we Mate. It’s a wee bite that goes here.” He stroked just above my collarbone giving me goosebumps all over. “It’ll turn into a wee scar and it allows us to connect, deeper. Hey what’s wrong?”

My face dropped, I was deflated. “I won’t get to mark you, will I?”

“Well no- only wolves can mark. But it doesn’t make the connection any weaker. I promise ye.” I was frustrated by his answer. Why was I chosen for this? I felt unworthy. Why would a human be destined to be an Alpha’s Mate. Just as I went to speak, he looked off into the hills.

“Something’s wrong…”

“What, how do you know?” I looked at him, puzzled.

“We can communicate in our minds, like we will when we Mate. I need to go, Autumn. I’ll be back.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and flew out the patio doors. Once on the grass, I watched as he stripped off his shorts. His literal bare ass was on show and as he jumped, I saw a flash of white bolt into the distance. He ran off into the hills. In wolf form.

I felt queasy. I had saw him turn before and I knew in my head what he was. But seeing it right in front of me did something else. What if I crossed him? What if I made him angry? Would he turn into a wolf and tear me to pieces. I was shaking violently, struggling to breathe.

“He will never hurt you… Mate will never hurt you… Trust…”

The Whispers really were a fan of Conlan Maxwell. I controlled my breathing and once I was steady enough, went to the kitchen to get some water. As I was sipping from my glass, I heard a knock on the door.

“I thought we were past the knocking stage?” I yelled as I walked over to answer it. I swung the door open, expecting to see my knight in furry armour, but man was I wrong.

“Oh Sadie?” Surprised, I tried to hide my disappointment. And nerves: I hadn’t saw Sadie since she left me the Werewolf Origin book. What was she doing here?

“Hi hen! Thought I’d come by and keep ye company while our Conlan was away. How ye feelin’?” She barged straight in. I suppose it wasn’t odd, given this was her nephew’s house…

“I’m good thanks Sadie. Overwhelmed but good! How are you?”

“No need for pleasantries, darlin’.” She said curtly. Plopping her bag on the island, she began to empty its contents. I didn’t know what she was looking for so I seized my opportunity.

“I’m actually glad you’re here Sadie. Conlan just popped by and mentioned something about Marking? It was quite rushed, could you tell me more about it.”

“Oh of course, of course. Get the kettle on and we’ll have a good chat. She scooped all of her scattered possessions back into her bag, leaving out a small black book. I shuffled over to the kettle, preparing our coffees. Setting the cups down, I sat opposite her.

“You’ve really done a wonder in here, Autumn. It’s bloody gorgeous. It was practically a barn before! It needed a woman’s touch.” she beamed. “I’m so glad he’s found ye.”

“Did you know?” I asked, met by Sadie’s puzzled expression. “That day in the market? Did you know I was his Mate?”

“Aye.” She looked out the windows into the hills. “He told me before ye came to the checkout, sure.” She turned back to meet my eyes. “We know at the sight of our Mate. Something happens here,” she patted her heart. “Did you know?”

“Well no, I didn’t know about Mates and wolves and goddesses then.” I laughed shallowly, talking about it as if it were a lifetime ago and not 2 weeks. “But I did feel something. I felt goosebumps. I was on alert, like someone was watching me.”

“Ahhh.” She nodded and smiled knowingly. If only ye were a wolf. This would aw be so much easier.” Sadie said, giving me a pitying look. My face must’ve told her all she needed to know as she countered: “No, no, no hen! Alls I mean is that this must be hard for ye. A massive transition into the unknown.” She got out of her seat and made her way to me, putting her hand in my arm. I couldn’t help up tense, I still wasn’t 100% comfortable around her. “We’ll all be here to answer any questions ye have. We are over the moon for ye to finally be in our Conlan’s life.” I could feel how much she loved and cared for him. It made me so happy to know he came from so much love, if not also a bit jealous.

“Remember,” she continued. “We always look after our own.”