The Rejected Wolf and Her Three WereMates

Chapter 13 : Demolished

HARPER

~~~

The next morning, I woke up feeling strangely refreshed, and a lingering humming sensation beneath my skin.

I sat up slowly, stretched my arms over my head, and looked down at my body. The soft silk pajamas were still neatly on, but a subtle shift thrummed through every fiber of my being.

My limbs felt lighter, and a tingling sensation danced across my nerve endings. For some strange reason, I felt vibrant, hyper-aware, and deliciously sensitive to the touch of the cool sheets.

Hazy memories from last night surfaced suddenly. Mason and his brothers had been in my room, but it had just been a heat-crazed dream, right?

I pushed the memory away and shifted on the bed, and that was when I felt it. A sharp ache between my thighs. The faint scent of my own arousal, mingled with the lingering musk of three Alpha bears, hit my nose.

The truth slammed into my mind like a tsunami. It wasn't a dream. It was entirely, wildly real.

A blush exploded across my cheeks, heating my skin to a bright crimson. I collapsed backward onto the pillows, burying my face in my hands, my chest heaving with a sudden surge of excitement and another emotion I didn't dare dwell on.

Everything came rushing back in vivid, mouth-watering detail–the possessive rasp of their voices in the dark, the scorching heat of their lips on my bare skin, the ruthless rhythm of their touch, and the utter, shameless eagerness with which I had opened up for them.

I remembered the mind-shattering orgasm that had ripped through me, and the bliss of falling asleep locked tightly in the shelter of six massive arms.

Goddess help me, I thought, biting my bottom lip as a sudden, traitorous spark flared in my lower belly. Just thinking about it was making my body burn for their touch all over again.

"No," I muttered aloud, forcibly snapping myself out of the lustful haze clouding my mind. I threw back the sheets and swung my legs over the edge of the bed.

I couldn't spend the rest of the day dwelling on last night. Just because my body had surrendered to the overwhelming pull didn't mean I was ready to open my heart to them again. My heart was still guarded.

A soft knock sounded at the bedroom door, drawing me out of my thoughts.

I cleared my throat, smoothened my shirt and settled back on the bed. "Come in."

Two young maids entered the room, carrying a pile of folded clothes, toiletries, and towels. They set everything down on the vanity and curtseyed low.

"Good morning, Miss Harper," they murmured in sync.

"Good morning," I mumble, trying to sound as casual as possible. "Where are the Alphas?"

"The Alphas left early this morning for an emergency council meeting," one of the maids replied politely. "They weren't sure when they would be back, but they left a message asking you to please wait here at the pack house until they return."

The second maid stepped forward, holding out a small silver tray. Resting on it was the original, brass key to my lodge. "They also asked us to give you this."

I collected it and smiled politely. "Thank you."

The maids bowed again and quietly withdrew. But as soon as the door clicked shut, I knew I wasn't going to sit around in their mansion like a pampered trophy, waiting for their return. I had more important things to do.

I took a quick, hot shower to wash away the lingering traces of sleep. After drying off, I sorted through the clothes the maids provided and picked out a soft, emerald gown.

It draped beautifully over my curves, hugging my waist before flowing down past my knees. I brushed my long hair out, slipped into a pair of dainty sandals, and made my way downstairs.

As I crossed the grand foyer toward the double front doors, a few of the guards and domestic staff gave me guarded, uncertain looks. I kept my chin up, ignoring their stares, and stepped out into the crisp morning air.

Since my car was at the lodge, I would either have to take a local transit bus or walk through the town square.

I thought about it for a moment. The sky was crystal clear, washed bright after the storm of last night, and the cool breeze felt incredible against my warm skin.

I decided to walk.

I strolled down the winding paved path leading into the heart of the pack, the comforting sights of Black Pine Springs bringing back bittersweet memories. Despite the tragedy that made me leave five years ago, there were still a few good memories of this place.

Halfway through the town, the rich, buttery scent of fresh pastry pulled my attention toward the local bakery. Standing on the porch, wiping down a wooden display table, was Celeste Gable.

A sudden pang of guilt pinched my chest. I remembered how harshly I had yelled at her the night she brought a crowd of nosy pack members to my lodge. I hadn't seen her since then.

Resolving to make amends, I altered my path and stepped onto the bakery porch. "Hi, Mrs. Gable."

She looked up, her eyes lighting up with surprise. "Harper! Goodness, child, it's so good to see you again."

She pulled me into a hug, and I stiffened for a moment before embracing her back.

"I wanted to apologize," I said awkwardly, pulling away. "For the other night at the lodge. I lost my temper, and I shouldn't have snapped at you the way I did."

She let out a soft laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, hush now, dear. You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. I went entirely out of line bringing all those folks to your doorstep. I should have known better."

She leaned against the table, eyeing me gently. "Have you made up your mind to settle? You're not leaving us again, are you?"

I offered a small smile. "I'm still contemplating it, honestly. It's complicated."

"Stay, Harper," she urged, her voice turning soft and sincere. "This is your home."

I swallowed back a bitter chuckle. "How can this be my home? I'm clearly an outcast here. A lone wolf living in a territory of bears."

"You were never an outcast, child," she replied firmly, taking my hand and giving it a warm squeeze. "You were meant to be in this pack for a reason. Fate doesn't make mistakes, even when the path gets messy."

I didn't agree with her, but I didn't have the energy to debate the mechanics of fate.

"Anyway, I should be going. I wouldn't want to keep you since you're busy."

She smiled, then held up her hand. "Hold on a second."

She scurried inside the shop and returned a moment later carrying a small woven basket packed with warm, steaming bread. "These are for you. They're fresh out of the oven."

"Oh, you didn't have to, Mrs. Gable," I smiled, accepting the basket. "Thank you so much."

I bade her farewell and continued down the path toward the outer edge of the pack where my lodge was. As I walked, my mind began to wander.

Memories of Ryder's lips, Dallas's firm grip, and Mason's intense golden gaze kept trying to surface, despite my best efforts to keep my mind clear.

A helpless smile suddenly bloomed across my face, my heart feeling lighter than it had in five long years. I was in a surprisingly good mood, and nothing was going to ruin it.

I rounded the final bend in the dirt road, ready to pull out the key from my bag. But the moment I raised my head, I froze.

The basket of bread slipped from my numb fingers, tumbling onto the dirt path.

"No..." I breathed, the air instantly rushing out of my lungs as I rushed forward.

The lodge, the only piece of my past I had left, was completely destroyed from the storm of last night.

A massive tree trunk lay directly across the structure like a fallen giant. It had crushed the entire roof, shattering the support beams, and obliterating more than half of the building into a jagged heap of splintered wood and broken glass.