A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 13

*Stella*

I heard another deep growl, and soon I found myself falling to the ground. Yelling erupted all around me, chaos consuming my eardrums. When I looked up, I found the hazel eyes I had thought about after the gunshot. He was standing in front of me, bowing his head, and I knew what to do without asking. I climbed on his back, turning to watch the horrific scene unfold behind me.

Another wolf took a bullet for Jace, and is screaming on the ground in pain. My heart hurt for this man, but hurt even worse when I heard a howl coming from inside the house. A light gray wolf came bursting through the doors, pain engulfing her rage-filled eyes, and headed straight for the front yard. That was her mate, I know it, and I can't begin to explain the agony that's devouring my heart. A sharp pain emits within my chest, and I'm breathless, clinging desperately to Jace's fur.

It's not long before he catches up with another group of wolves, three of them, and he shakes me off his back. Immediately, he turns around, and I'm screaming behind him. I started running in his direction, but he was too fast, and I lost him within minutes. Stammering through the dense forest, I stumble and fall onto the ground. Tears are streaming down my face, as I sit there hopelessly waiting for my mate to return.

The three wolves stood around me, protectively, waiting for me. I stood and watched as a wolf that reminded me of a fox approached, nuzzling her head against my leg. I smiled, you must be Sienna. I pet the side of her face, before climbing onto her back. The minute I did, they all started running again. I wasn't sure where we were headed, but I hoped we'd get there soon. I just remembered that I'm in nothing but a white towel...

After about fifteen minutes, we reached our destination. Sienna slowed her speed to a trot for me to hop off and walked beside them. As we were walking, I heard bones cracking and immediately turned my attention. I watched Sienna, Adam, and the man with black spiky hair transform from wolves back into humans. All of them were naked, but immediately started putting clothes on that they had attached to their waist.

I closed my eyes, giving them privacy, which only made them laugh. I scrunched my nose, and gazed around at our surroundings. There was a large house in the distance, which I'm guessing is where we were headed. I thought Jace's house was hidden, but this one is really buried deep.

We reached the front door, and it opened with a woman standing behind it. She had long straight gray hair, hazel eyes, and a faint smile. We walked inside, as Sienna lead me into the kitchen. There was a large oval wooden table with plenty of chairs decorating the edge. The kitchen was massive, with something cooking on the stove that smelled amazing.

"Where's Jace?" She asked, her voice withered and raspy, but soft.

"He stayed behind with the pack." Adam informed her, and everyone's eyes shifted to me.

"This is Stella, his mate." Sienna proudly announced, as the woman smiled widely at me.

"Hello." I said, smiling, but it soon faltered at the thought of Jace fighting those crazy assholes.

"She's human..." The woman said, harshly, bringing me back to reality.

"Stella, this is Zara, Jace's mom." Sienna awkwardly noted.

"Go easy on her, Zara, she's been through a lot." Adam whispered, loud enough for me to hear.

I smiled to show my appreciation, while Sienna led me upstairs, away from Zara. The stairs fed off to a long corridor, with tons of doors on either side. Sienna walked down about a third of the way, before turning and opening a random door. She motioned for me to walk in first. I was hesitant, but nodded and did so anyway.

She flicked the light on, and I gazed around the elegant room. The bed looked like royalty, with white comforter and maroon lace. There were elaborate decorations all around, and I was overwhelmed with curiosity to look at every single thing. The paintings were extraordinary, some of them even look like the real deal!

"We'll stay here, until Jace locates a new base." Sienna stated, shutting the door behind her, and sitting on the edge of the bed.

"What's wrong with the last house?" I asked, remembering the war that's currently taking place.

"They know where it is, we have to relocate." She murmured, shaking her head in disbelief.

"What do you mean, they?" I asked, feeling goosebumps trail across my skin.

"Your little friend is part of a group that hunts werewolves, they're called The Silbermen." She informed me, and my gut hardened.

"That's why he had a crossbow, huh?" I asked, wanting to vomit.

"Yeah, loaded with silver arrows." Sienna growled, and I felt tears prick the back of my eyes.

"Is Jace going to be okay?" I asked, fearfully.

"Jace is the strongest among all of us, he will be fine." Sienna smirked, "He's not the type to leave his pack behind."

I faintly smiled, while worry consumed me. I didn't know what to do with myself, so I stood there with my arms wrapped around myself, waiting. Waiting for Jace to return, waiting to apologize to everyone, because I'm pretty sure this is all my fault. I didn't know Tex was involved with such a despicable gang. I would never have supported it.

Tex was acting like he was rescuing me, when he was the real villain behind the act. It makes me never want to see him again! Does he not realize these are people with emotions, just like him and me?!

I remembered Edgar, the look on his face was sheer disgust, and he was leading the way. I never thought I would see either of them in this light, but I am and I don't like it. They're the ones that are disgusting, and I'll see to it that Tex knows I want nothing to do with him. I want him to leave these people alone... my people.

While I was stuck in my thoughts, Sienna brought over a pile of spare clothes to change into. I smiled, entering the bathroom that was off to the right. A pair of jeans that fit snug, and a flannel button-down shirt. It was comfortable, and I was thankful for the clothes. Running around in nothing but a towel isn't really my thing, especially meeting Jace's mom looking like that. No wonder she thinks I'm a ditz.

"They're back!" Sienna shrieked, scurrying downstairs, and I was fast behind her.

Jace pushed through the front door, followed by Adam and several others. Everyone was sweaty, scratches covering their faces and bodies. Jace stared at me, stopped in the doorway, wearing nothing but gym shorts. I stared at his bare chest, studied the tattoos that edged around his collar and neck. They cascaded delicately towards his shoulder, where the tattoo became thicker and darker as it wrapped around his arm. I wasn't sure what the design was, so I'd have to look harder.

He slowly walked towards me, while I stared at him wordlessly. I had so much to say, but my lips were frozen, and all I could do was gaze into his breathtaking hazel eyes. The heat from his body was steaming off of his skin, warming the area around me the closer he got. Until he was standing directly in front of me, I had to tilt my head back to remain in eye contact.

His eyes trailed from the top of my head down to my toes, scanning for any injuries which I had none. When his eyes met mine again, there was the slightest twinkle, but it quickly vanished. He smirked, taking my hand in his and pulling me towards the kitchen again. Great, round two with Zara. I wonder if I should tell him that I already met his mom, and she doesn't like me very much. I'm afraid that will affect his decision, make him change his mind... I mean, most people want their parents' blessings.