The Child

Chapter 15

Marie

I am snuggling close to Joey, enjoying his warmth when out of no where a loud howl came out of the darkness. I look at Joey, trying to keep calm. It was really close. Before we know it more howls were heard. I sit up and look around trying to figure out what is going on. Joey looks calm, cool, and collected so I shouldn’t be nervous, but I am. I look out into the forest, seeing a pair of eyes staring at us. More and more glowing eyes pop up. 12 massive wolves come into the open. I didn’t think they got that big. Brutus is going wild in the house, barking like he was going to attack the intruders. Joey gets up from the swing and walks down the steps facing the wolves, with a sly smirk on his face. Right before my eyes, the front wolf turns into a man. He is standing there in all his glory. I get a better look at him as he moves into the light. He is tall, with tan perfect muscles. His messy short black hair moves in the wind. His bright grey eyes land on me. He gives me a handsome smirk.

Joey pulls me to him, guiding me to the man.

“Put on some damn pants on, Kane. I don’t want my mate exposed to your primitive nature,” Joey says with a chuckle. I blush as I sneak a peek at his immaculate body. I look over where the other wolves were and see that 11 men replaced them. One of them walks up, handing Kane a pair of shorts which he quickly puts on.

“Sorry about that, Joey. You know Jasper is an exhibitionist,” a man with shaggy brown hair and warm brown eyes to Joey. Kane chuckles as he walks closer to us.

“This must be your beautiful mate. I am Jasper Kane, but everyone just calls me Kane since I can’t stand my first name.” He reaches his hand out to me. I grab his hand in mine, and he gives it a firm shake. I look into his grey eyes, giving him a warm smile, he smiles back. I can feel his strength and power as our hands touch. This man screams leader.

“I’m Marie. Can you give me one second to get my dog. I am scared he is going to wake Ollie with all his barking.”

Kane nods his head and turns to Joey, giving him a bro hug, while I walk to retrieve Brutus. I open the front door, watching Brutus bound down the steps and skidding to a stop in front of Kane growling loudly. But my jaw drops when I see Brutus. It isn’t my cute pup in front of the werewolf. It is a beast at least double the size of Brutus with spikes all down it’s back. It’s claws are almost like a lion’s and it’s canines are bigger, shaper, dripping with drool. I shutter at the sight. It takes me a second to realize this is my companion. I snap out of it quickly, trying to avoid him from attacking the people who are trying to help us. The other guys take a step back, waiting to see if they need to stop the beast from attacking their leader.

“Brutus, stop it! Come here and sit down!” I shout at him with authority. At first he ignores my instruction.

“Brutus,” I command with a little less confidence. The growling beast turned its head at me with dangerous, wild eyes. We lock eyes and his gaze softens. Joey seems to have lost his patience with the animal.

“Brutus! Come here! NOW!” Joey roars at the beast, shaking the ground beneath us. The beast slicks his ears back, dips his head down, whimpering. He slowly walks up to Joey with his tail between his legs, still whimpering. He lays down at Joey’s and shows his stomach in submission. I glance to the guys, and they are all showing their necks to Joey in submission as well. I was surprised to see Kane standing there with his neck exposed. From what I remember, they are showing Joey that he is in charge. Interesting… I will ask Joey about that when I get a chance.

“Stay!” Joey says in a stern voice. Brutus rolls back over, laying his head on his massive clawed paws.

“I am so sorry, Kane! He is usually really obedient and responds to me without question. Are you okay?” I rush up to them, worried that Brutus actions angered the werewolves.

Kane starts laughing. He laughs and laughs until there are tears at the corner of his eyes. He walks up to Brutus and bends down to inspect the animal. By now Bru has turned back to looking like his normal German Shepherd self. Bru sniffs his hand, then licks it gently to apologize for his rudeness.

“That was the craziest thing I have experienced in a while. I almost s**t my pants. I thought we were going to have to fight him. Man, this thing is intimidating. He is clearly not a regular dog. What is he?”

“He is a King Shepherd. From what Joey and I were told, he is supposed to be a wonderful protector and force to be reckoned with. He is still a puppy, and is still growing. I was told by my dads friend Gabriel he will be around 450 to 500 pounds when he is full grown. I have never seen him look like that. Again, I am so sorry.” I explain.

Joey walks up to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder, bring me closer to him. His scent calms me down. I barely even noticed I am shaking like a leaf.

“Now that the excitement is over, let’s start with introductions,” Kane says with a grin. Just as he says that, Ollie starts screaming.

Kane

I hang up the phone after talking to Joey. I finish up my paperwork for the day and grab a quick dinner.

Josh, can you please round up 10 the best warriors we have. Meet me in front of the pack house.I have an important task for them. I mind link my Beta.

Right away, Alpha. My Beta response without question. Josh was like a brother to me. I never doubted his loyalty to me and the pack. He always carried out orders without a doubt. I knew he would get everyone gathered up quickly.

About 10 minutes later my warriors, Beta and Gamma are standing at attention awaiting my instructions.

“Gentlemen, I have a very important assignment for you. Joey called and asked if we could help in protecting his mate from her psycho ex. He didn’t give me all the details, but I will fill you in once I know exactly what is going on. We will figure out shift rotation after I get all the information. We are headed to the Johnson’s old cabin. Let’s move out!”

I take my clothes off and shift into my wolf, Zeus. He shakes his black fur then bends down to stretch. Zeus takes off running as fast as he can. I get a feeling this isn’t going to be a simple task, but Joey is one of my best friends. He has helped keep our home safe multiple times. He has never asked for anything in return, it felt right to help him when he needed it.

We make it to the Johnson’s in record time. I catch the most heavenly scent as I get close. I try to concentrate on why I am here. Before I know it, Zeus let’s out a long howl. As always, my warriors howl back.

We all gather in the woods in front of the cabin, one alert in case there is any danger. We walk out to Joey walking down the steps with his arm around the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I was in love the second I saw her. Then a wave of guilt hit me. Did I just fall for my best friends mate?