Wolfless

3

I set the cat carrier down, kneeling to see my nervous Zelda curled up with eyes wide open. It was obvious she was uncertain of the new environment, the smells alarmed me so I couldn’t imagine what Zelda was feeling.

Zelda’s yellow eyes met mine, almost silently pleading for me to take her back home. I could understand how she felt being forced into new surroundings that we had no control over. If I had no one currently watching me, I’d let myself tear up. Her discomfort was almost tangible. This wasn’t fair for her.

“Come on, Zelda,” I cooed. I peered around the front hall that we had entered.

I had expected to be brought to this massive home that had a crazy number of bedrooms and washrooms and walk-in closets and tennis courts and many other unnecessary things. Rather, I was sort of pleased to see how humble this Alpha was.

He lived in a regular home, albeit larger than most, though still modest. The dark hardwood floors stretched out to expand throughout the home, the walls a darker shade of grey-ish blue with white crown molding and baseboards. A white shag rug was positioned down the hallway of which I’d have to eventually venture down to see the rest of the home.

If only Zelda would come out first, though.

Reaching into the carrier, I rubbed at Zelda’s ear, knowing that was one of her favourite spots to be massaged. She leaned into my hand, a slight purr vibrating from her throat.

Trust me, I thought.

Zelda’s white paw stepped forward out onto the wood floor. I continued petting at her ear and under her chin. Her yellow eyes gave me an intelligent stare, as though responding to my request. And with that, she exited the carrier and sniffed at the air around her. She glanced up at the Alpha standing next to me, arching her back and hissing at him.

“Oh sweetie,” I spoke softly, “It’s alright.” I gathered her in my arms.

Zelda and the Alpha had a sort of standoff, staring at each other intently. She inhaled his scent and immediately began hissing again. I let her go, ushering her to run off into the rest of the house.

I chuckled nervously, glancing towards the Wolf. “I’ll have to set her things up to help her calm down a little.”

His brow raised. “Does that include a litter box?”

I shrugged, “Well, yeah.” I turned toward my bags by the boot rack. “If I’m to live here now, Zelda is a part of the package.”

He tilted his head slightly. “What do you mean, if?” He picked up my backpack. “You are to remain here. It’s a done deal.”

I frowned. “If this whole forced arrangement is going to be you dictating what I can and cannot do, you’d best find a new mate.”

A low rumble escaped from deep within him. “You do realize that if you hadn’t turned out to be my mate, your head would be rolling around in the dirt outside by now.” He stepped forward, towering over me. “Worms would be bathing in your blood.” His fingers gripped my chin gently, his eyes boring into mine intensely. “Be grateful for your circumstances.”

I stepped back, his hand leaving my face. I knew better than to anger an Alpha. However, it never stopped me before. “Who do you—”

“Declan,” a buttery voice rang out, cutting off the offensive statement I had been formatting.

The Wolf and I turned to observe an older woman waltz into the front entry, a slight frown upon her brow. She was clothed in a dark, flowing nightgown that I would no doubt trip in, but she moved with such ease. The necklaces that still adorned her chest glistened in the surrounding light. Bangles clinked around her wrists. She was very lovely.

“Grand Luna,” was his response with a short nod.

This was his mother. Her eyes held the same hazel tones his did. Her hair used to be dark, but now was greying and all twisted into an elegant bun upon her crown.

“You’ve arrived home awfully late,” she tutted. “And you’ve brought a guest, again.” Those hazel eyes looked me up and down, taking in my appearance. “She is a lot better than your others.” She eyed behind me, glancing at my small amount of luggage. “And she appears to be staying a while.” She met his eyes. “What for?”

What did she mean, others? Did she think I was a damned p********e? I peered down at my apparel. Sure, I was still uniform-clad, but I was no Lady of the Night.

The Alpha grumbled, eyes tense. “Mother, watch your tongue.” An arm snaked around my waist, fingers pressing in. “I have found my mate.” When he finally glanced down at me, his gaze softened slightly.

The Grand Luna looked taken aback, gobsmacked. “Well, I’ll be,” her hand found her mouth, trying to stifle a gasp. “We’ll have to announce this first thing in the morning.” With a pivot, her nightgown swirled around her as she scurried away, down the hall she had initially emerged from.

I pulled myself away from the Wolf, Declan, and his arm fell to his side. I knew of only one Alpha with the name of Declan, and my father had no good things to say about him. This was the Alpha that had once visited my home two months ago.

“You’re Alpha Declan Carter.”

He eyed me curiously. “I’m well aware.”

“My father doesn’t think very highly of you,” I add quietly.

Declan stepped toward me; his height almost intimidating. I could see the muscles of his strong body constrict and contract with each movement. “I don’t care much about what one Wolf thinks about me, even if he is your kin.”

Declan gathered up my things and began walking, glancing over his large shoulder. “I’ll show you where you will be staying.”

I sighed, running a hand through my knotted hair, knowing that I’d better follow without argument.

I followed him into a grand front room that was well furnished with contemporary couches and chairs. They were decorated with plush throw pillows that seemed to have never been touched. The tan shag rug appeared to have never been walked on and I’d dare say the price tag was still attached, only tucked underneath.

We rounded a corner only to be faced with a grand staircase leading up to more expensive furnishings. Hallways were met with many doorways and large open areas. After climbing another flight of stairs, Declan finally stopped at the door that was third on the left.

“This is our room,” he swung the door open.

He stepped in and to the side, presenting the space to me.

In the middle of the room was a large bed, a black duvet neatly tucked in. A quaint fireplace was tucked into a corner with plush armchairs positioned adjacent to it. Across the room was an attached washroom, no doubt decked out in all things needed for lush living.

And this man called himself a Wolf? A creature by nature who enjoyed getting dirty and living on the bare necessities. I’d have to see it to believe it.

Declan walked over to the walk-in closet and placed my bags inside. “You can arrange the closet how you like, just make sure there is enough space for both of our things.”

I nodded, not knowing what else to say.

Declan began unbuttoning his dress shirt, exposing the hairs upon his chest. I was sure if I ran my fingers through it, we’d both revel with the touch.

I mentally shook my head, my cheeks flushing. I turned away, not knowing if I’d be able to handle seeing any more of his body and still hold myself back from the need to caress his chest. My heart was pounding enough as it was.

Declan chuckled. “Do your Virgin eyes betray you?”

I inhaled sharply. “How—"

“How do I know you’ve never been taken by a male?” His voice was right behind me, his breath tickling my ear. “I can smell that you have never been tainted.”

The heart in my chest jumped, almost sputtering out of control from his proximity. My ribcage tightened, my breathing becoming shallow. His scent was strong, his musk filling the air around us. I heard the hitch in his breath as his nose buried itself into the crook of my neck. He inhaled deeply, a gentle but deep moan emanating from him. Fingertips danced along my bare arms, softly lulling me into a sort of trance. Leaning into him, my neck was exposed in a way for a mate to make their claim.

I was becoming lightheaded from the lack of oxygen, but I couldn’t force my body to breathe any differently. I was frozen in place.

And, just as quickly Declan had approached, the beat of his heart distanced itself from me. I took the opportunity to inhale deeply, his scent still lingering around me, my pores soaking it up.

I turned about, catching the tail end of him changing into more relaxed clothing. I swore, he could make a trash bag look positively mouth-watering. The shirt’s collar sunk below his clavicle, exposing those hairs that I had previously been coveting. The sweat pants clung to him in a way that his large muscled thighs didn’t leave much to my imagination.

Again, I mentally shook my head.

“I’m filling in for patrol tonight,” he stated, pocketing his phone. “Call out for Vera, if you should need me. She’s keeping guard outside and will hear you easily.”

I nodded, remaining speechless. And with that, Declan left me in the massive bedroom and we were to share, the door clicking in place as it closed.

I shuffled toward the bed, falling into it and letting out an exasperated sigh. The duvet made a partial cocoon around me, embracing my body into its folds. The warmth was comforting, the scent of male musk from within the fabric, overwhelming.

I sighed again, now coming to terms with what was happening around me. Less than three hours ago I had been sentenced to death by the very man I had only moments after discovered was my mate. A mate I didn’t even believe I had.

A presence within my core beamed with pride, wriggling around in happiness at finding our mate. It was a new and unexpected feeling as if there was another being trapped within my body. Could this be my Wolf? Could she have just been dormant all this time?

Remembering the lessons that are taught to young Wolves, I dig deep within, searching through metaphysical curtains and pushing aside tall and daunting walls, hunting for something that should have made an appearance years prior. It would have made my life much easier.

But, much to my vexation, I found nothing waiting for me. No Wolf waiting to be claimed. So, I was forced to once again accept my fate as remaining Wolfless.

Tears began burning behind my eyes, threatening to escape in a deluge of emotion. I should know better than to hold on to useless hope, continuing to wait for something that would never come.

Scratching at the door pulled me out of my melancholy state. I’d know that pattern of scratching anywhere.

Pulling myself from the bed, I dragged myself to the door and opened it. A bounding flash of brown sprinted into the room, scurrying to hide underneath the bed.

“Where did that evil creature go?” a shrill voice sounded from down the hall.

I peeped my head out of the doorway only to see a tall blonde come stomping toward me. Her blue eyes were full of malice, eager to cause harm. The way her canines glinted in the dim hallway light would intimidate most.

When her eyes spot me, I almost wished I’d stayed safe within Declan’s room. Her initial surprise slowly morphed to confusion, which in turn morphed into the need to be territorial. It was a look that all Wolves were all too familiar with. The scrunch of the nose, nostrils flaring, eyes narrowed.

She easily towered over me, almost as tall as Declan was. She was thin, but no doubt had strong, lean muscles underneath her sun-kissed skin.

“Who are you?” she grunted.

I stepped back, finding it hard to look up at her without injuring my neck. “Uh, Farren.”

She scrutinized me, scanning my body up and down. “What sort of get-up is that?”

I knew she was criticizing my uniform. “My job requires it,” I stated simply.

She peered past me into the bedroom, no doubt looking for its owner. She turned back to me. “Look, I know you’re just another one of the Alpha’s conquests, and by the smells of it –” she inhaled – “you are just another She-Wolf looking for some action. Rest assured, I will be the Luna of this pack, I’ve been chosen.”

A growl escaped from within.

She smirked, turning to leave, but she pivoted back. “Oh, and when Declan gets back, please try to keep the moaning to a minimal volume.” She flipped her hair, “I need to get my beauty sleep.”

She sashayed away, moving her hips seductively, parading her ignorance to the situation between myself and Declan.

Slamming the door shut, I huffed over to the side of the bed, running fingers along the smooth fabric. Crouching, ducking my head down, peering underneath to see where my Zelda had gone.

In the far corner, a ball of fur with yellow eyes stared back at me, fear bubbling into me.

Zelda had been an abused cat, weary of even my presence at times. I had taken a liking to her, observing her shaking and hostile glare in the cage at the animal shelter. The first few days in her new home were met with the ripping of skin, trickling of blood, yowling at the top of her lungs. But, little by little, bit by very small bit, she allowed me into her tiny, frightened heart.

Now, only my face could bring her out of hiding.

Her brown body crawled along the underneath of the bed, her usually soft hair shedding and sticking to the fabric around her. Her stress was evident.

I could kill that blonde Wolf.

Zelda cradled into my arms, purring and gripping her claws into my flesh. Warmth spread through me, emanating where her small body was positioned. I could feel her gratitude pass into me, along with the raw terror she had experienced.

Clutching her closer into my chest, next to my heart, I became comfortable on the bed, watching as wisps of brown hair made a home on the dark duvet. I didn't care if Declan would be angered by having Zelda on his bed.

If anything, I'd only have to play nice until I could find a perfect opportunity to escape... again. I couldn't stick around a Wolf that could very well change gears at the drop of a hat, declare that my life should be forfeited. The finicky nature of Alpha's was not something to admire.

I had my life planned out; a map was drawn on. I aspired to travel, experience the culture of humans, understand the rise of such a race that honestly had no clue that supernatural creatures even existed. I wanted to understand why I was so different from the rest of my kin.

Why was I cursed to remain Wolfless?

This Alpha stated that I was his mate. I had waited so long for one. My mother had worried over my mate for a very long time. I had basically given up on finding him. I thought I'd be more joyous... but I was more confused than anything. It would be stupid to deny that the Wolf had an effect on me. His scent alone made my knees tremble. Was this the mate bond, or perhaps just lust? And what would he think about my defect? He’d reject me as soon as he knew.

I fell asleep with Zelda, the soft purr lulling me into terrifying dreams.

I had no idea what my future held for me now.

 *

The next morning, I woke up to his scent. His presence in the room hadn't been long ago, I could still sense the dampness of the used shower. Opening my eyes to see sunshine trickling in through the curtains, rays bouncing off reflective surfaces. A slight purr vibrated from Zelda’s chest, her calmness reaching out to me, caressing me with its softness.

Glancing around me, I noted that the dark duvet was covering me. I remembered falling asleep on top.

Stretching out my arms, reaching above me, I felt some joints c***k into place. Letting out a yawn, I stumbled from the bed, steadying myself at the bedside table. Looking down, I noticed a light-yellow note with writing scrawled along it in neat cursive.

Meet me for breakfast

Zelda followed me over to the walk-in closet. I tossed aside my dirty uniform into the laundry hamper and gathered my favourite t-shirt and sweatpants. I eventually found myself in the still warm shower and began washing off the grime of last night.

Last night…

Just when I thought I had some sort of direction to follow, my path had been cut short. I was now in a place where I didn’t know if I was safe enough to see the next day. I thanked Moon Mother that I didn’t meet my life’s end. Running shampoo through my hair, I inhaled the steam deeply, cleansing myself of negative thoughts. I had to remain calm and think of a way out of here. And fast.

I couldn't be the laughing stock of yet another pack. I didn't think my mental well-being could suffer through it any more than it already had.

***