MARAH POV
We are about 10 minutes out from our arrival. I’m staring out the window trying to process what Lucas replied to Larissa.
Maya, can we chat? Sure love. Did you hear what Larissa asked and what Lucas answered? Yes, and it was so sweet. I’m guessing you are confused about what to think and feel. Well, so am I. Well, great! You’re no help. Listen Marah, you deserve to feel love. We have no clue what our future holds with our arranged alpha marriage. Maya, it’s not only his heart I’m worried about. I think I’m falling for him too. What if … what if we fall in love with one another? I don’t know. All I know is that this feeling we are both having fills our souls. It’s like a crave I can’t satisfy. We’ll cross the other bridge together when it’s time, I promise I won’t abandon you.
“Hey baby, snap out of your dream!” Lucas says squeezing my thigh. “We’re turning up the dirt road now. It’s breathtaking so I want to make sure you get to see it.” I turn and smile, looking at those green eyes so full of happiness and content. “I can’t wait. You better not put another dent in my baby.” I smirk and scrunch up my nose in a snarky manner. He raises his eyebrow while pushing the gas to kick up some rocks. “Jerk!” Luckily the girls in the back didn’t hear the conversation or didn’t comment.
The drive here was beautiful, but it was mostly highway. We’re now on a dirt road and going through twist and turns, up and down steep hills, and dodging larger rocks in the road. Not going to lie, I’m starting to panic about my car. We need an ATV for this adventure. As we round the next bend, it hits me. I smell wolves. I know we must be either entering their territory or very close. The next turn opens up into a field. A little cabin probably 2-3 rooms max sits close to the hillside. It’s constructed of wood logs. It’s not fancy by no means. The grass near the cabin is tall but there is pebbles of rock making a path to the door and around the perimeter of the house. I also notice a path towards what looks like a stream.
All of us get from the car and stretch from the long journey. Lucas comes behind and places his arms around me. He pulls me in tight and nips my ear. “What do you think?” Smiling I look around, “Cozy. Please tell me there is plumbing.” He barks out a laugh, “It’s in the country not on a secluded desert. See that wire running from top of the mountain? It’s the electricity and internet service. Now for water, it’s well water instead of city supplied. You’ll sometimes get a little rusty or iron colored but it’s the purest form of water” I listen intently because he’s never been to my house. When I was smaller, I remember my grandparents talking about getting water from the well behind our house in order to cook, bathe, and do laundry. “Does that mean we have to pull up buckets of water?”
Lucas gives me a confused look before bending over laughing. Not cool dude! I can’t help but laugh too but I still want an answer. I’ve got my credit card ready to charge! There has to be a motel somewhere close. I’m not going without running water unless I’m in wolf form. Plus, where does the water go once it’s used? Like do we have to get another bucket to flush the toilet. Or, OMG do we have to use an outhouse? Even being a wolf, relieving myself into a deep dark hole is not something I wish to do. I mean, you’re vulnerable. What if a snake bites your ass?
Finally looking at me with tears rolling down his cheeks, “Baby, the well is now pumped for you. The cabin has plumbing. The drains and toilet flush into a septic system. And it even has a bathtub but no shower – I hope that isn’t a deal breaker.” He must notice he’s embarrassed me because he smirks and grabs my hand placing a small kiss on my knuckles. “Come on inside, you’ll see.”
Creaking noises sound as we walk up onto the porch. I notice a swing and it reminds me of my grandparents. I must take some time to relax there. We enter the cabin. It’s rustic with limited furnishings but very cute. The main room is about the size of my bedroom which is a little larger than average but still modest. The kitchen area has a smaller refrigerator, most likely the size in an RV, the same for the stove, a small 1 sink basin and a few cabinets. The gathering area has a two-person recliner and a couch. On the wall hangs a television. The decorations are simplistic. I’m happy there aren’t any animal heads hanging anywhere.
Lucas pulls me into the bedroom. Against one wall is a chest of drawers and a small closet. On the other wall is a nice queen-sized bed. It’s covered with a quilt that has wolves howling at the moon. I know he hasn’t a clue, but it warms my heart a little. He grabs me and throws me on the bed, “This is where I’m going to make sweet love to you all night long.” He whispers. Um ok but I say, “I’m ready now but seeing as how Kara and Larissa are out in the living room, I think we should wait.”
“So, mom stocked the fridge and brought all clean linens. I’m starving. Who’s up for grilled cheese and tomato soup?” Said Larissa. We all agreed. “Ok, I’ll do that while the rest of you get music going. Oh, and Lucas can you call Stephen to come pick up me and Kara? His house is huge and I’m sure he has a shower and an extra room we can change clothes. I’d say take us on to mom’s but she’s working and I don’t really know her new boyfriend so I’d prefer to hang out with Stephen.”
Lucas picks up his phone, “Stephen, hey buddy, you at home?” Pause. “Larissa is high maintenance. Think you can pick her and a friend up to get ready at your house for the party tonight?” Pause. “Ok, see you in a few.” He finishes. I’m guessing that means yes. Larissa jumps up and down. She says to Kara, “He’s like a big brother to me. He can’t say no when I bat my eyelashes and pout.”
Kara rolls her eyes. I’m sure she is hating life now. This whole thing with clothes, shopping, getting dolled up and partying isn’t really her thing. She likes being in the wild with her wolf or sitting around a fire pit roasting marshmallows is the extent of her partying. And the occasional being dragged out to roam the streets with me and Mylisha.
We all sit on the couch since there isn’t a table. It’s funny to see everyone trying to balance a bowl of soup and eat their sandwich. I have to admit that Larissa can cook. I know grilled cheese and tomato soup doesn’t take a certified chef, but it tastes delicious. Maybe I’m just really hungry.
I hear an ATV approaching and smell wolf. I notice Kara smells wolf as well. We both tense and await to see if there is danger. We hear footsteps at the door and then, knock knock. Lucas yells, “Stephen, what the hell, when have you ever knocked before. Come on in man.” Ok, the wolf at the door must be Stephen.
Stephen opens the door; I stand promptly and so does Kara. His wolf has come forward. This is not good. He should know humans are NOT to know about our existence unless vetted thoroughly. “Stephen, let me introduce you to everyone.” Lucas says. Without warning, Stephen walks right up to Kara, pushes her against a wall, and begins kissing her like she’s the last girl on the planet. “Ok, weirdo, leave my friend alone.” I shout in my Alpha tone hoping it just sounds authoritative to Lucas and Larissa.
At this point, he lowers his head so that he and Kara have their foreheads together. Both are smiling. I relax a bit but damnit, they have to pull their s**t together. Larissa breaks the ice, “Um Stephen, that there is Kara and I’m pretty sure you and her might get along.” We all burst out laughing.
I mind-link Kara, “What the f**k just happened?” She’s still eyeing him and the only thing in my mind I hear her say is “Mate”. My eyes about pop the hell out of my sockets. I’ve heard of mates finding one another but have never witnessed. Like I said earlier, mates are not really that common now days. “Fantastic! I’m so happy for you girly. Just remember – humans. Keep it together.” I command. “Yes Alpha.” She replies.
Stephen steps back and is bright red. He’s a tall one. 6’3 possibly. He has black hair, black eyes to match, a nice strong jawline, he’s obviously built like a brick. I smile and sigh knowing that they will be beautiful together.
“Hi, I’m Stephen Hendix, of ….. Sorry, I lost my train of thought. Anyway, I’m here to pick up Larissa and I’m guess this lovely lady is Kara. I don’t usually go around kissing unfamiliar girls” He says. I notice Kara turn her head. He notices too, “I mean not like I kiss other girls. Um, I don’t know what I mean. You just looked so kissable and I couldn’t stop myself. I’m so sorry if I offended you in any way.” She took his hand, “You have my permission to kiss me anytime you like gorgeous.” Wow! Did Kara just go all girly on us?
I clear my throat, “Stephen, would you mind if we step outside for just a moment?” He shakes his head yes and starts walking to the door. Lucas gets up to go with me. I turn around and whisper, “Let me be the big sister for Kara for like 5 minutes and then you join me.” I then peck his lips and wink at him.
Standing by his ATV that easily sits up to 4 people, he greets me with a small bow. “Alpha Marah I presume?” I shake my head wondering how he knows all this. “My father is Alpha Hendrix. I’m his youngest son. He informed us that you and Kara have permission to enter our lands and we are to make you welcome.” I shake my head now knowingly. “If I may?” he continues, “Kara and I are mates and I know I already love her. I turned 18 a week ago – I know Lucas started school earlier than normal and I started later than normal so that’s why the age difference. With your permission, I’d like to pursue a relationship with my mate. I can’t even believe this is happening. Have you heard of this recently?”
I shake my head no and follow with, “It’s very nice to meet you Stephen and please offer Alpha Hendrix my thankfulness. Now! Kara is my female beta so she won’t be moving here if I have my wishes. Since you are the youngest, what plans do you have?” He shakes his head, “Honestly, until now I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life going forward. If you will accept me into your pack, I’ll gladly go wherever she wants me to go.” I can’t help to think -whipped already. I give him a small smile, “Kara is demanding, and she will definitely let you know what you are going to do. Let’s get you and her more acquainted and make plans for your visit to my pack. Once everything is ironed out, we can make those life changing events happen. Welcome to my family.” I said giving him a hug. Lucas and Kara exit the house as I exchange this hug. Kara growls and Lucas shouts, “What the f**k Stephen?”
“Hey, hey, hey! It was a friendly hug you two. I gave him a sister hug and welcomed him to my little group.” I said in a cheeky grin moving over to put my arms around Lucas’ neck. I move in and lick his lips. He’s trying so hard to act mad. I then wiggle my core and push into him. Bam! His hands are around my waist and we are tongue deep in each other. Not caring that the others are watching, he lifts my fat ass bridal style and takes me back to the cabin. I think I might be in trouble!