Black Mountain Mates

Etana

        I woke up the next morning inhaling the sweetly intoxicating scent of clovers and freshly cleaned clothes right out of the dryer. My eyes opened to see I was staring at a sleeping Daejon. Cheeky bastard.

                He was on his back, shirtless, with his arm draped over his eyes. I tried to not memorize every curve of his full lean muscles, or the way his chest moved with each slow breath he took. His short umber colored hair looked even darker, and his full-face facial hair was a thicker stubble that faded into his hairline. That’s when I noticed a few stray grey hairs in it and nearly laughed out loud.

                Okay, enough staring. I pushed myself up to go to the bathroom, but suddenly I was yanked back by my hair that was still in it’s braid. I grunted landing down against the stupid chest I was staring at a second ago.

                “Where are you going?” Daejon nearly growled into my ear.

                I rolled my eyes. “Bathroom, and why the hell am I in your bed?”

                “It’s where you belong.” He said with a shrug.

                “Daejon! You’re an asshole, because I can’t tell if that was a joke or not. You know what, don’t even answer that.” I huffed out, as he started nuzzling into the back of my neck.

                He didn’t say anything for a moment.

                I was starting to worry.

                (Can you hear me, E?)

                If I had my wolf ears they would have perked up. (I can! You just accepted me into your pack?)

                He nodded, still against my neck. (Don’t be freaked out when you see the pack mark on your back.)

                I was nearly too busy in my head knowing he was inhaling those pheromones the twins told me about. “Wait, what?”

                “You need to get up before I mark you, E.” He now was growling, and I shot out of bed.

                Then I realized, he pulled me back into bed to do that. Oh, I thought he…hmm. Change the subject. “You gave me a pet name already, Daejon?”

                He relaxed back down on the bed, and I just noticed he was completely naked. Again. “It’s easier to say.”

                “How sweet.” I said sarcastically before shutting the bathroom door.

                “How was the rest of your night, Etana?”

                I glanced over to see Serena coming over to me. “Why?”

                She chuckled. “It wasn’t an interrogation. Calm down, little bit. I was just curious.”

                “Oh, then fine. I’m now a part of your pack, and trying to slowly accept the bond with Daejon. So, there’s that.” I said trying to see where Deva and Hinda went off too.

                Serena went wide eyed and pulled me into a hug. “Oh, that’s so awesome, little bit! So, you decided to stay with us?”

                I nodded. “Yes, but I still have to go back to my pack at the four-day mark. That way my parents can receive the benefits of me winning the Lottery and then I can come back here.”

                She shook her head. “Alpha Daejon is not going to let you go out of the village let alone the forest. Not without him for sure.”

                “What? No, he’s…yeah, your right. He took me out of his sister’s bed last night and brought me to his. For what, he didn’t tell me.” I said with a shrug.

                Serena snorted her amusement. “He wanted you near while he slept? You don’t know what that means, little bit? You realize Alpha Daejon to the rest of us is absolutely terrifying? You make him sound like a cuddly bear.”

                I laughed at that, before wanting to ask her something. “Serena? Do you think I’m doing the right thing? Abandoning my parents and making it work with…”

                She watched me stop and look off the porch, eyes finding their target without trouble. The struggle right there for anyone to see.

                “Is it what your instincts are telling you to do?” She asked me.

                I wanted to say no, but I would have been lying. Nothing in me even wanted to go back besides knowing my parents were probably worried sick. Even then, I wouldn’t want to stay away with them. It would be nice if they could live here under Daejon’s rule instead of the Elders.

                I sighed. “My wolf wants him. I’m skeptical.”

                “Is it because he’s much older than you?” Serena asked raising an eyebrow.

                I rolled my eyes. “Not you too. Seven years isn’t really a big age gap.”

                She shrugged. “But it is. He can’t control his instincts, no Dire can. We have beasts within us that have to be listened too. Your wolf is you. Be cautious, but also be open. That good man we all remember is somewhere in that mind and body. I think only you can find him though.”

                “Your wise, Serena.” I said with a smirk.

                She giggled. “It’s what I would want to hear if I was in your position. Do you want to come with me to help set up for the Gris Pack?”

                I raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

                Serena nodded. “You don’t know, okay, the seven Dire packs names are based on their territorial traits. I’ll explain. Escuro Pack- Dark. Neve Pack- Snow. Luz Pack- Light. Terra Pack- Earth. Lume Pack- Fire. Vermella Pack- Red. Gris Pack- Grey.”

                “Oh, Escuro. That’s us right? Dark, I can tell you this one. Is it because all if your eyes are dark?” I guessed, hoping I was right and impress her.

                Shocked she nodded. “Well, yeah. Good guess. The other packs have something similar…like you. You’re a Neve Dire, or translated to Snow Dire’s. It’s the only pack that has white fur.”

                I let out a deep breath. “I wonder which of my parents is a Dire.”

                Serena smiled warmly. “You’ll be able to ask them one day. For now, come help me prepare for the arrival of the Grey Dire’s.”