The Prophesied Claim

The Claim

"In the name of Finn, Owen." Alec curses, his body shuddering with unfulfilled passion as he rolls onto his back and readjusts his pants.

"That's the word, man. Finn."

I see Alec close his eyes, whispering, "Shit." before bounding to his feet, pulling me up with him. He quickly adjusts my clothing, brushing various leaves and twigs from my hair before tugging me along behind him.

"You know, I'd really like it if you'd stop yanking me around all over. First Owen drags me down the road, now you drag me through the forest." I pull at my hand unsuccessfully, "I am perfectly capable of walking all on my own."

A low warning growl rumbles in his chest, "What do you mean Owen dragged you down the road? I'll beat the s**t out of that fucker if he laid a hand on you."

"Seriously? Apparently I was going all wolfey in the car. I think you'd better thank him for getting me here, not beat him up like a tantrum throwing teenager."

I hear Owen snicker, but the sound is interrupted by the sound of other cars pulling onto the gravel lot. Like a lot of other cars. Alec tenses as we exit the tree line to a gathering of twenty or so men all grouped around one distinguished looking gentleman. He's oddly familiar, but I can't decide where I've seen him before.

When Alec places his hand over his heart and bows like we're entering some Renaissance court, I decide I've really seen it all. He tugs me to him, tucking me under his shoulder protectively as we face the group of men.

"Alec," the gentleman begins, "We felt the change, but I see she still hasn't been marked. You're walking a fine line with your failure to do so. Each man here..." he gestures to the group surrounding him, "knows she is yours, but an unclaimed mate will create a dangerous situation. Others will not understand. They will see her and desire her to be theirs."

The arm around me tightens, and I look up to see Alec's jaw is clenched, "Father. She knows nothing of our ways. In fairness, I cannot make such a decision until she understands what it means. This is new. She was unaware of what she had inside of her. Though I tried to explain, even showed her myself, she did not believe she was capable of such things."

I'm being completely ignored, talked about like I don't exist, and while I don't have a lot of information, I feel like I should at least be included in the conversation, "Hello." I wave wildly between the two men, "right here. Not a small child. I may not know a ton about your whole hairy wolfey gang mafia business, but I actually have a ridiculously high IQ."

Alec snorts, clapping a hand over my mouth. I glare up at him biting the edge of his hand in reprimand.

His father's eyebrows shoot up at my words, and there is a distinctive aura of amusement that ripples through the gathering of men.

"Forgive me, Sirena. I am Finn." mimicking Alec's initial gesture, he places his hand over his heart and bows in my direction, "and my son was taught better. While he's always been a stubborn ass, a mate's safety is paramount and his idiocy places you at risk."

While I might like to kick Alec in the shin every once in a while, there's something about a public insult from someone else that really pisses me off. The growl rumbling from my throat is definitely threatening, but the men burst into laughter at my expense. Good natured jibes ensue as they begin harassing Alec that he's got his hands full. Even Finn cracks a small smile.

Finn nods at Alec, "I understand your desire to gain her consent, Alec, but you must do it quickly. There are already rumors about her circulating outside the family. Donald won't be the first to challenge your claim, especially if she goes unmarked for much longer."

"Great." I mutter, "more people talking about the delicious way I smell."

"It isn't quite as simple as your smell, Sirena. There hasn't been a born female wolf in quite some time. My men have lived without their true mates for over one hundred years, choosing humans with whom to mate. And while such things offer tepid satisfaction, our blood has diluted and our race is dying. The promise of a true mate, a linking of souls, the promise of a future, will be cause for both celebration and violence."

I look up at Alec, stunned that there's even more about our situation that I don't understand, a million questions form in my mind, but Finn comes forward and takes my hand, "You are the one of whom the prophecy spoke. I have only to look upon you to know," with those Harry Potter words, he places a kiss on my hand.

The remaining men of the group bow as one in our direction before breaking off to their separate cars. As quickly as they appeared, they are gone, racing off into the falling light. Leaving only Alec and me.