The Reedemed Alpha

Accepted

Johnathan

He stood there. He saw the broken look in her eyes when he tried to paint the picture in her mind of a new future for her. He needed her. This woman was infuriating, stubborn, and angry. But he could see she wanted to be loved. She wanted to be safe but she was afraid as well. Her past hindered her from trusting, that was obvious. The kiss they just experienced went beyond passion. It was more like their bodies needed each other to survive.

He wanted her. Badly. From the moment he caught her scent. She wanted him to. He felt her flesh as it pebbled and heated with desire. He heard her heartbeat speed in anticipation. Her mouth fed on his as his did hers. Maybe a change of tactic was in order. He'd still wouldn't let her leave. But kindness just wasn't going to persuade her.

He now needed to show her he wasn’t just here for her physically. But he was here in every way. Show her what she could have. A title, status, privilege, a home, and a family who loved her for her, not just for what she could give them. She wanted space, so he could give her that. With him and his wolf still wanting her, maybe a cool off in the river and a run should remedy that for now.

'Alright, Vena.'

Her eyes widened. 'A-alright?'

'It's very clear you need some time to think. So, I'm going to go for a run. The house is all yours until I come back.'

She raised a brow skeptically. '

'You're not afraid I'll run?'

He shrugged.

'I don't think you'll get far on that foot.'

She rolled her eyes before turning and storming inside the cabin.

'Just holler if you need help. I won't be far.' He called after her.

She didn't respond. Not that he expected her too.

Turning, he stripped off his clothes and shifted. Leaping off the porch he ran on all fours into the forest. Stopping only to grab a hunting knife with his teeth that was lodged in a tree.

His wolf was reluctant to leave Vena. But Johnathan forced him to keep going. Spotting a herd of deer by the lake. He crouched and dropped the knife. Now letting his wolf be in control he began the hunt. In his and his wolf's frustration they managed to take down the buck.

It kicked and thrashed as his jaws closed around the neck while bringing it to the ground. The rest scattered.

When they were finished he realized just how much he missed this. No angry spirits were plaguing him. For the first time in so long it was just him and his wolf.

But hearing his wolf whimper in sorrow for Vena did ruin it.

After urging his wolf to feed on most of the carcass he shifted back.

'What do you want me to do?'

He asked angrily.

In response he felt his wolf urging him to turn around and go back to her.

'No. Mate needs space. If we keep crowding her she will hate us more.

His wolf just growled then whimpered.

Ignoring him, he turned and cleaned up in the lake.

Starting a fire he then retrieved the knife and began to skin the animal.

Spit Roasting the meat that was left over the fire he found himself smiling. His wolf did too. The thought of feeding their mate with their kill brought them both excitement.

Barbaric maybe but an old custom of his ancestors.

He could feel his wolf listening for her voice.

Sighing he helped him. Focusing on the cabin that was now about a mile away.

They both heard the tub being filled in the bathroom then being switched off.

The water splashed softly as Vena stepped in. Her small moan of pleasure as she must have submerged completely.

His wolf panted at the sound.

Her heartbeat was slow. Calm.

'Our mate likes baths. It seems they calm her.' Johnathan observed out loud to his wolf.

At this his wolf whimpered. He could feel that he desired them to be a remedy to her nerves. To go and comfort her.

'She doesn't like us.' He said as he began washing the pelt.

His wolf nudged him inside his mind.

Sighing he turned the meat over the fire.

'She hates me and is terrified of you. We have to be patient with her.'

His wolf huffed and became still.

Hours passed in a calm silence. Occasionally they'd both listen in on her. They'd hear her shuffle around the cabin and sometimes curse to herself.

What made them finally leave was when they heard her crying to herself softly. Even if he wanted to let her be alone his wolf became adamant to go and try and comfort her.

'Let's go. Grab the meat.'

Putting out the fire he shifted. His wolf secured an end of the stick that held a good portion of the cooked venison in his teeth and ran. His wolf hoping that mate would like what they caught.

Padding softly to the cabin his wolf placed the meat on the porch table before letting Johnathan take back over.

Dressing quickly back in his clothes he picked up the food and went inside.

What he saw made his heart lurch.

Vena was at the table hugging her knees and sobbing quietly into them.

He could feel the confliction and sadness seep from her.

Setting the food down on the table he touched her shoulders gently.

'Vena…'

She stiffened and stood up. Her cheeks were wet and the tears sparkled under the lights. Turning her head she dashed her tears away.

'Vena.' Grabbing her hand he pulled herself into his arms.

She was like a statue at first. Then to his surprise she relaxed into his arms.

He picked her up and sat in her chair with her on his lap. Tucking her head under his chin he rocked her gently as if she was a child.

'All will be well. I won't let anything happen to you. I swear.' He spoke softly.

Stroking her damp hair he let her cry on his chest.

Finally she lifted her head.

'I'll do it.'

His eyes widened.

'Do what exactly?'

'I'll marry you. I need my family back.'

His heart lifted when she accepted. But knowing that this would be the only reason she'd be with him deflated it. He knew the ultimatum he gave her but yet he had hoped they would share something more.

In time. He assured himself.

Nodding he cupped her face and kissed her lips gently.

'You will not regret this Vena. Thank you.'

She looked down and stood.

'I need a drink.'

Standing he went to the cabinet and brought out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.

Pouring them both he handed one to her.

'What is that?' She asked, pointing to the meat still on the table.

Smiling sheepishly he downed his drink.

'We hunted.'

'We?'

'My wolf and I. I…he-we…would like it if you ate from it too. It's an old custom that a wolf brings back the kill to their mate so they could be provided for as well.'

She poured another glass.

'Okay.'

The rest of the evening went pleasantly well. It wasn't so awkward anymore. Vena tried the smoked meat and enjoyed it. Much to his and his wolf pleasure. But he wasn't sure if she really did or it was the four drinks she had.

By the end of the night she was glassy eyed and laughing at the stories he told of him and his brother as children.

It was almost midnight when he decided it was time for them to sleep.

He grabbed one of his shirts and guided her to the bathroom so she could change. He listened, scared she fall in her drunken state but surprisingly she managed. When she came out the buttons down flannel she was wearing were crooked.

'Let me help.' He undid the first two and righted them.

As he got lower he noticed her cheeks became more flushed. Her breathing became more rapid.

'Take ya' shirt off.' She slurred

His eyes shot to her gaze. It had a new focus to it now. Hunger.

'Vena, you're drunk. You'll regret this come morning.'

She shook her head. 'I want to see you.'

After a moment of hesitation he pulled his shirt over his head.

Reaching out a hand she pressed it to his chest.

She gave a girlish giggle. 'Yummy!'

Chuckling he grabbed her hand. 'Okay, Vixen. Bed time.'

She pouted. 'I want to see mo'.'

'You have.'

She shook her head.

'A peek. You.' She poked his chest. 'Have seen me neked.'

Sitting her on the bed he went to turn to fill a glass of water for her when he was snagged by her hands on his jeans.

'If were to be married, shouldn't I get to know more about you? That means your body too?'

She popped open the zipper and yanked his pants down.

He gritted his teeth and grabbed her hands.

'Vena. No. I-'

'Oh.' She said smiling.

Looking down he saw his c**k hanging out and fully erect.

'Stop it, Vena. You'll hate me and yourself tomorrow.'

'I won't 'member a thing. '

'Exactly.'

Letting her go he readjusted himself.

'Party pooper.' She pouted.

Scooping her up he tucked her in. Turning to fill the glass she stopped him again.

'Stay.'

Turning he saw her staring up at him with half closed lids.

'What?'

'Stay with me. No…nightmares when yur' here.'

'Vena…-'

'Just til' I fall aseep'.'

Sighing he got behind her.

'You could make a saint sin.' He said spooning her from behind.

'You're not a saint. ' she chuckled.

Smiling he pulled her close. 'Can't say I am.'

'Tell me a story again.'

Stroking her hair he asked,

'What kind?'

'Yur' favorite.'

Thinking back he remembered the tale his father would tell him and his brother about the origin of the shifters.

'In the beginning…'