An Unexpected Alpha

Episode 4

Lena groaned and rolled over onto her back on the bed. What had she done? She slid her hand under the covers, stroking herself gently, hoping to ease the throbbing between her thighs. It wasn't working. Her whole body ached. Where was Charlie? He'd just up and left again. And more importantly, why did she even care? Two days ago he could have fallen off the face of the earth and she wouldn't have cared. This wasn't like her.

Then it hit her... she had to leave, possibly for good. She had to be worried about her kid brother, not about where Charlie was. She had to get her head straight.

"Getup and get dressed woman". She scolded herself before finally pulling herself out of bed. She rummaged around the room looking for her clothes when Charlie came back in. "You were up early."

Charlie: "Rise and shine sunshine"

She just groaned.

Charlie: "Even the sun goes down for hours every day"

He chuckled at her flushed reaction. She was a fun one. But there was a lot of work to be done. He tossed her duffle bag on the bed. "Relax, I got your things. I'm afraid your tank top ended up like your sweater last night."

Last night... it was still a blur. She wanted to ask about her jeans but decided she didn't want to know the answer. She wanted him not to watch her like a hungry animal stalking his next meal, but she doubted he would listen. So she pulled out some granny panties and a sports bra, a pair of khaki pants and a black turtle neck. She had to keep up appearances. She pulled her hair into a low bun before she began to put on her boots.

Charlie: "We need to talk about yesterday."

"What is there to talk about? You asked for me last year, I laughed in your face, you treated me like a third-class citizen or worse, and now I'm in your bed."

Charlie: "Lena, I meant the meeting. I made my intentions clear years ago. I am not going to school you on the differences between creatures just because you are suddenly uncomfortable with the fact that you want me the same way I do you. Until recently, you were an unclaimed shifter. Now you are mine. And for the next two weeks you are going to make yourself available to me when and where I please. As you will every winter until I get bored of you. So either shut your mouth and listen, or open it wide enough for me to make good use of it."

She sat down on the bed. Trying to take in what he said. She didn't want to admit out loud he was right. But he was just a fox... she always thought she'd end up a cougar at least, or maybe even a werewolf. She felt like she should want to cry but she just sat there staring. Quietly numb. "So what happens now?"

Charlie: "Now we eat breakfast and I brief you on the mission."

"The mess hall?"

Charlie: "That's up to you. Or we can eat these croissant sandwiches and talk here. Because honestly doll, you look like you've been hit by a bus"

She smirks and takes a breakfast sandwich from the bag. "Well, It felt as much. At least it wasn't a train." She chuckled as she winked. No response.. Totally Blank expression... OMG he didn't get it.

"How old are you?"

Charlie: "Try to focus child, you need to try to remember everything you can about the cabin. If I'm going to help you I need to know everything."

"There isn't much to know," she sighed. She did remember the cabin. She remembered the garden with the butterflies and the creepy yard knome. Windchimes and sundials and rain catchers. She didn't, however, remember anything about the town. How could she be of any help? She was the furthest thing from an insider that there was...even here.

"Why me? And why not with Adam? I miss the mountains but..."

The door slams open and Ben, livid, is standing across the threshold.

Ben: "Seriously?! What is your major malfunction? Turn on comms or get a new job old man. And you better get moving, we are short staffed at the nurses station and they need the extra hands. Your brother's convoy is still unaccounted for and I want those beds cleared ASAP.