Wolf

Ella was like a whirlwind with the way she went to town on the clubhouse. Wolf loved seeing her fervor as she made her design come to life. Ella worked Vick and Tony like the dogs they were, and the mongrels loved it. They also loved demolition. Who doesn’t? The kitchen and flooring were gutted and stripped in no time.

However, the betas didn’t like shelling out for the contractors Ella hired. They shouldn’t complain. Wolf watched the diminutive woman haggle with the plumber like a pro. Wolf laughed as he recalled the man’s look of exacerbation, after Ella talked him down a half-grand. The way her shrewd mind quickly added up her own estimate and countered the man, was a thing of beauty. Capable and gorgeous was a lethal combination.

Wolf resisted going after Ella, as much as he wanted to. The other night, in the woods he nearly pushed her down in the grass, stripped her bare, then possessed every luscious inch of her.

The things Ella inspired, went beyond carnal. He wanted her in a way he’d not felt with other women. Her touch was filled with an innocence that drove him wild. Anyplace her fingers lingered or her mouth touched was instantly aflame. The sensations that ripped through Wolf, sent his inner beast surging to the forefront demanding he claim Ella.

She was too sweet to withstand the primal urges that lashed at him. Ella had no clue about the beast that lurked within. So, despite his whiney inner wolf, he pulled back. Wolf would take things slow, and romance Ella. Then hopefully in time he could reveal his true nature to her. Wolf had a feeling, she’d be able to accept him. With that in mind Wolf organized a little surprise in the wooded clearing, where they first kissed.

Wolf walked into the clubhouse, smiling like the cat that ate the canary, then stopped dead at the sight that greeted him.

Ella was bent over a table saw, as she lined up a piece of lumber. This was not the Ella he’d come to know. This was as far from refined and sophisticated as you could get. Where had rough and tumble construction worker Ella been hiding?

Ella’s black boots looked completely out of character on her small feet, along with the ratty, white t-shirt that hugged her breasts. Her ass looked stunning, as usual, in a pair of jeans. The way it stuck out, in Ella’s current position, gave Wolf indecent ideas.

Fuck, she’s hot! Wolf adjusted his crotch. His fly was cutting into his flesh.

Wolf stayed quiet, so he didn’t startle Ella, while she cut the piece of wood. She handled the saw like a pro. Ella hefted the long piece onto her shoulder, then carried it over to the wall.

Wolf shook loose of his admiration, when he realized she might need some help attaching it to the wall.

“Hey, Princess, need a hand?”

“Wolf. Sure,” Ella beamed at him.

Hell, even the safety glasses look hot on her.

“Where are Vick and Tony? They should be helping you,” Wolf inquired as he held the far end of the lumber.

“They were going to grab some sandwiches,” Ella said as she countersank a screw.

“You need to let them do some of this.”

“I will, but I wanted to start the first row. Most people would start at the floor, then wonder why the paneling looked off level once they got halfway up the wall. Plus, I want to make sure they see the clearance needed between the boards, so when things swell naturally, nothing bows or cracks.”

“Damn, woman, its super sexy when you talk like that, holding a drill.”

Ella gave him a coy smile.

“You mean this drill.” She stroked it. “I picked it out myself. It’s small enough I can wrap my fingers around the grip, but it’s still powerful enough to do the job,” Ella demurred with a wicked glint in her eyes.

Wolf staggered back.

“You’re an evil tease. You better watch it or I’m going to wrestle you to the floor and show you a powerful tool.”

“There’s sawdust. That would be itchy.” Ella scrunched up her nose.

“So, that’s your only objection.” Wolf cast her a wicked grin, as he stalked forward, ready to make good on his promise.

“Dinner has arrived,” Tony bellowed as he entered the club house.

Wolf stopped his forward advance.

“Hey, Cotton Tail, we got a ham and cheese for you. Hey, Wolf.” Vick followed Tony into the room.

“You’re going to have to eat that sandwich. I’ve got plans for Ella.”

“You do?” Ella brushed the sawdust out of her hair, and patted off her jeans. “I’m a wreck.”

“A beautiful mess,” Wolf countered, loving her disheveled appearance.

“Hey, Cotton Tail, you do all this while we were gone?”

“Yep. Do you think you can handle finishing this wall? Don’t forget to stagger the seams and the corners like we discussed.”

“Yes Mam.”

“Oh, and remember to cut holes for the electrical,” Ella added.

“I’ll just make them redo it if you’re not happy,” Wolf threatened as he pulled Ella from the room.

“Hey!” Tony hollered down the hallway after them.

“What do you have planned?” Ella bounced with barely restrained excitement, making Wolf grin.

“You’ll see. It’s nothing big. I’m not half as creative as you are.”

“Are we going back into the woods?” Ella asked, as Wolf led.

“Don’t get ahead of me now.”

Wolf started to worry Ella would be disappointed as they wound through the woods. He didn’t have a lot of practice intentionally trying to impress ladies.

They walked to the far end of the clearing, where Wolf resurrected something from his youth. Ella stopped as they reached the giant oak near the stream. Her scent changed, no longer airy and light. Wolf looked at the scene, to make sure a raccoon or squirrel hadn’t attacked the picnic while he was getting Ella. Everything was intact.

Ella studied the spread. Wolf had a bottle of wine, a squat candle he hadn’t lit yet, and a basket full of food. Ella walked over and took hold of the rope swing, that swung out over the creek.

“My grandfather put a swing out here for us kids,” Wolf explained.

“This looks new,” Ella commented as she ran her hand over the seat, giving it a gentle push.

“I decided to replace it.”

“When?”

“Today.”

Ella turned to Wolf with tears in her eyes. Wolf started to panic.

“Princess, what’s wrong?”

“Wolf…” Her hand fluttered as she pointed to everything. “The picnic, the swing.”

“It’s not as awesome as the sketch you did for me, but I hoped you’d like it.”

“It’s wonderful!” Ella held the swing as she spun around. “No one’s ever done anything like this for me.”

“Hop on.”

Ella sat on the swing and Wolf gave her a push, sending her soaring. Ella giggled as she flew through the air. The melodic sound filled Wolf with delight. Maybe he hadn’t done so bad after all.

“I want to jump off. Would you believe me, if I told you I could fly?” Ella trilled on the upswing.

“Don’t do that, Supergirl,” Wolf laughed at her excitement.

“I wanted a swing set.” Ella grew quiet for a moment. Wolf had a horrible feeling there was a sad story behind that simple sentence. “I probably would’ve broken my neck.” Ella shook off the memory, laughing in glee as he pushed her again.

“We used to swing, and then jump off into the stream. My mother had a fit the first time she saw me do it.”

“You gave your mother fits? I can’t picture it at all,” Ella teased.

“I was usually an absolute angel,” Wolf said with a straight face.

“Uh huh.” She eyed him with a playful, but incredulous smile.

“You want to keep swinging or eat? Wait I have an idea.”

Wolf wandered over and popped the cork on the wine, then grabbed several things from the basket. When Ella swung back, Wolf handed her the bottle.

“I brought glasses but this looks like more fun,” he suggested.

Ella took a swig from the bottle, then handed it back when she swung toward him again.

“Open up,” he called out.

Wolf popped a blueberry into her mouth when she came close. The strawberry he tried to feed Ella, didn’t go nearly as smoothly. Most of it ended up smeared on her chin.

Ella snorted as she stopped the swing. Wolf grabbed her hand, when she moved to wipe the strawberry juice off her chin. He leaned in and licked the sweet nectar from her even sweeter skin. Ella grabbed Wolf’s biceps, as he followed the dribble of juice down her throat.

“Wolf,” Ella panted when he reached the neck of her t-shirt.

“Yes?” He glanced up at her flushed cheeks.

“If you keep it up, that picnic’s going to go to waste.”

“You’re probably right.”

Wolf forced himself to back off and led Ella over to the blanket. She peered into the basket.

“You’ve got all sorts of stuff here; fruit, cheese, veggies, chicken.”

Ella pulled out a carrot and held it out to Wolf. He took it, nipping her fingers in the process. They ate like that for several minutes, forgoing the plates and silverware he packed.

“You hear that? It’s a woodpecker.” Wolf pointed out the red crested bird.

“I’m not that good with identifying birds. I’ve got limited experience in nature. You might have heard,” Ella laughed.

“I did,” Wolf grinned, recalling her story.

“I’m amazed by it though. I wonder how so many wondrous creatures are possible. I’m sure there’s a scientific reason, but I’m still amazed a woodpecker isn’t knocked silly, every time it slams its face into a tree.”

“Creation has come up with some pretty interesting things,” Wolf commented, amused by the image Ella conjured.

Wolf was enjoying the direction things were going with Ella. He was learning that there was more to her than meets the eye. The more Wolf discovered, the more he wanted to know about her. She was guarded and innocent, but also strong and talented. She’d taken care of herself for way too long. The way Ella reacted to simple things, like loaning her the truck, and the picnic, made him want to lavish her with everything her heart ever desired and then some.

Wolf could easily see himself sharing the pack’s secret with Ella; a thing he swore he’d never do with an Outsider. The only fear was how she’d react to the news, if he didn’t do things right. He’d grown up with horror stories of Shifters sharing their secret with disastrous results; lynchings, mental hospitals, suicides and broken hearts. Worse, were the tales of Shifters who rejected their nature and tried to live life as an Outsider.

“So, you played here as a child?” Ella drew Wolf out of his thoughts. “Your family seems close knit.”

“Yeah, sometimes we’re too close. How about you?”

“I’ve got more family overseas than here. It’s just my mother and sister, since dad passed.”

“Sorry.” Wolf recalled hearing her mention it before.

“No, it’s okay. My dad, taught me most of what you saw in the clubhouse. I loved helping him. It was good quality time.”

“I was a little surprised to see you in there. Since I met you, you’ve been dressed like you came off the cover of a magazine.”

“That’s my mother’s influence,” Ella laughed. “She’s the one with the fashion sense. Enough about me. What about your parents?”

“I’m ashamed to admit they moved to northern Florida several years ago. We have a bunch of old timers that retired near the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. Although they come back for weeks at a time to harass me.”

“I bet it keeps you humble,” she said with a grin.

“You think?”

“No,” Ella laughed.

“So, tell me more about Sabine. Does she make you nuts, like Char does me?” Wolf asked.

“Sabine and I are Irish twins. We were born eleven months apart, the same year even.”

“You mean there’s another one of you walking around? God help the world.”

“Real funny. We’re not actual twins, smart alec.” Ella shoved Wolf. “Yes, she makes me crazy. Sabine sometimes pretends her mind is failing, but it’s a bunch of garbage. She is so rowdy. She’d give you all a run for your money. Her favorite pastime is trying to shock me.”

“Hey what a coincidence, that’s my favorite pastime too. What’s wrong with her?”

“Nice,” Ella replied to his smartass comment. “It’s some form of ALS. That’s the best the doctors can categorize it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. They’re making progress with the disease, and she’s been doing well.” Ella crossed her fingers.

“Is she in the hospital now?”

“Yep. She’s on this experimental drug regimen, that seems to be working.”

Ella looked upbeat about her sister’s condition. Wolf couldn’t imagine it. Shifters didn’t get sick like Outsiders. It had to be an unbelievable strain on Ella and her sister.

“Well maybe I can take her for a spin on the bike some time, if she’s up for it.”

“Sabine would love that, but enough about her.”

Wolf’s phone rang and he glanced over on the blanket to see it was his friend Cain.

“You can answer it, I don’t mind,” Ella said, then gleefully jumped up and ran back over to the swing.

Wolf smiled at her, as he picked up the phone.

“Hey, Cain.”

“Hey, man. How’s it going?” Cain sounded strained.

Whatever had the president of the Reapers sounding like he did, had to be important. It eased some of the annoyance Wolf was feeling from the interruption. The sight of Ella happily swinging, also helped.

“Doing good,” Wolf honestly replied. “What’s up brother?”

“I hate to bother you so soon, but I need your help, if you’re up for it,” Cain said through the phone.

“Lay it on me.” Wolf pulled his attention from the sight of Ella kicking her legs as she swung.

“I got a girl at the stripclub, who’s boyfriend ran off with her kid. The fucker says she owes him for drugs, but the girl’s not into anything more than a little weed.”

“Do I need to head over there now?”

Wolf looked at Ella with a disappointed smirk. He’d go, since a kid was in danger. But if he had to cut his evening with Ella short, he’d be taking it out on the piece of shit kidnapper.

“Not quite yet. We’re waiting for the shithead to call back. Trip’s going to trace the call.”

“Are they Others, or one of us? Not that it matters.”

“Others, but she’s been a steady girl. Been loyal to the club.”

“I got you. Well give me a call when Trip’s got a location for me.”

“Will do. Thanks, man,” Cain replied sincerely.

“No problem.”

Wolf hung up the phone, and looked over at Ella still contentedly swinging away.

“That sounded like work,” she called out.

“Sort of.”

“I know you own the apartment, and seem to be the ring leader of this band of miscreants, but what else do you do?”

“I’m a private investigator.”

“Sounds exciting.” Ella swung as high as she could manage while chatting with him.

“It’s not really, but I’m good at it. I’ve got a nose for hunting people down.” Wolf tapped his nose.

“So, someone needs you?”

“Yeah. A kid was taken. They’re waiting on a call so they can trace the number.”

“That’s awful. Anyone who messes with kids should be shot.”

Ella wasn’t the violent type. Hearing that coming from her mouth was amusing.

“The asshole might get shot before this is through.”

“Is that what you were up to when I moved in?”

“Sort of. A friend went missing in Mexico.”

“Oh no.”

“Don’t worry we found him. The rotten SOB came back with a brand new old lady and her grandma.”

“Old lady? That’s not the most flattering phrase. It ranks right up there with ball and chain.”

Ella scrunched up her nose. She looked damn cute when she did that. Wolf got up and stalked toward the swing. Ella’s eyes widened. She squealed when he plucked her off the wood seat.

“Are you saying you wouldn’t be my old lady if I asked.”

Wolf tickled Ella’s ribs, making her squirm as he deposited her on the blanket.

“Wolf, stop. I’m going to pee,” Ella begged breathlessly, as he leaned over her.

“What’ll you give me, if I relent?” Wolf paused his tickle attack.

“How about a kiss.” Ella bit her lip nervously.

“Accepted.” Wolf rolled onto his back next to Ella.

“What are you doing?” Ella leaned up on one elbow and looked at him curiously.

“You said YOU’d give ME a kiss.” Wolf grinned up at her.

“So, I did.” She smiled shyly.

Ella placed her hand on his chest, smoothing it back and forth over his pecs. Her touch incited a frenzied tempest. Nothing roused him the way she did. The only thing that came close was when his beast surfaced, or he let the throttle out on his bike.

As Ella’s lips gingerly pressed against his, Wolf was almost certain the tumult he felt within had spilled out all around him. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Ella pulling her close, as he devoured her mouth.

Her kiss was hesitant at first, as it had been the last time. But Ella quickly found her courage, and when she did, it took his breath away. Ella drank from his lips, as her hands roamed his chest, in eager exploration. What he wouldn’t give to watch her fall apart in his arms.

Wolf found himself poised over Ella, her stunned expression quickly turned to want. Her pupils grew large, swallowing up the hazel green of her irises. Her long dark lashes fluttered as she stared up at him. Wolf watched Ella run her tongue over her swollen red lips. The sight of it drove him nearly insane.

“Oh, Princess, if you only knew what I was thinking,” he rumbled.

Wolf didn’t wait for a reply. The passionate expression on Ella’s face, full of want, and need unresolved, was enough. He descended and kissed her lips, then moved to tease her neck and ears, before returning to her mouth. Wolf couldn’t seem to get enough of her.

His arms caged Ella beneath him. Her full thighs cradled his hips. Wolf couldn’t help the rocking motion he made, grinding his aching cock against her heated valley. Ella gasped as his cock hit her clit, hidden beneath too many layers of clothes. Ella’s mouthwatering scent increased tenfold. It burrowed into Wolf, turning him near feral. His beast snarled, begging to be buried in the source of her delectable musk.

Wolf leaned on one forearm, and let his other hand caress Ella’s neck. She clung to him, as his palm travelled over her breast. Her nipple was a tight bead, poking through her thin bra and t-shirt. Wolf pinched the turgid nub as he rolled his hips, striking that spot that made her gasp.

The panting mewls Ella made, spurred him on. Wolf knew she was wet, but he was desperate to feel her desire, to taste her need. Wolf drifted lower, caressing the skin above Ella’s waistband.

“Wolf?” His name came out part question, part needful plea.

Wolf captured her lips as he flicked open the catch on her jeans. Ella held him tight, pulling him closer. His fingers descended past her lacey panties, past the narrow strip of hair, to the top of her cleft. Her clit was so swollen, the bead of flesh was straining from her slick folds.

The instant Wolf grazed her aching flesh, Ella cried into his mouth, and bucked beneath him. A powerful surge rocked him. It was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. It was like pure lust given a life of its own. His inner beast surged forth to take control. It was a battle of wills to keep himself in check.

He wasn’t entirely in control, because he found his fingers moving of their own free will. Exploring, stroking Ella’s swollen, drenched cleft. His fingers dipped into the well of her pussy as his thumb rolled her clit.

“Wolf, please. I can’t hold it.”

Wolf heard her frantic cry over the thundering roar in his ears.

“Let it go,” Wolf growled, the deep rumble of his beast consuming his voice.

His canines had extended. Worried he’d nick her lips, Wolf placed closed mouth kisses along the line of Ella’s neck, from her ear to her shoulder. Ella’s panted cries rose to a sweet symphony, as Wolf curled his finger inside her tight channel, stroking her hidden bundle of nerves.

Suddenly Ella went stiff in his arms. The look of tortured rapture on her face was a sight that would carry him for a lifetime. Ella’s sweet pussy clamped down on his seeking fingers, then erupted in a hailstorm of spasms. Her cry nearly pierced his ears as a burst of energy struck him. Wolf’s eyes widened as he was shoved back.

What the fuck?

Ella’s eyes flew wide, reflecting his surprise, then filled with horror.

“I’m sorry, Wolf. Oh my god,” Ella cried as she scrambled to her feet. “I shouldn’t have. I knew something bad was going to happen.”

“Ella what is going on? What’s wrong.” Wolf jumped to his feet.

“I can’t. I’m going to hurt you.”

Ella started sprinting toward the clubhouse. She didn’t even bother to straighten her clothes.

Wolf was hot on her heels, but Ella was faster than he expected, which was saying a lot since he was a Shifter. It was like she sprouted wings, as she ran past the clubhouse to the parking lot. Wolf slowed when she got in the truck and started it up. The look Ella gave him, as she pulled out of the parking lot, was filled with such sadness and pain, it leveled him.

He refused to let her just run off. As distraught as Ella was, she was liable to have an accident. Wolf hopped on his Harley and followed.

What in the hell happened?

Everything kept swirling in his mind, but nothing made sense. Wolf pulled up in time to see Ella barricade herself into her apartment. Wolf swung off his bike and his phone rang.

“Dammit, Cain, you have shitty timing,” Wolf barked into his cell as he stalked toward the apartment.

“Well it’s nice to hear from you too,” Iris replied.

Wolf froze in the middle of the sidewalk. Iris, Cain’s old lady, had the disturbing ability to see things. If she was calling, there was a reason. The last time she called him, it had been to tell him a premonition. Then she sacrificed herself to save Cain’s sister and niece.

Iris wasn’t a Shifter, but Wolf couldn’t exactly call her an Outsider either. Iris and Marisol were in a category all by themselves.

“Is everything alright?” Wolf couldn’t handle any more shit tonight.

“I was calling to ask you the same question, but from the sound of your voice, I think you already answered it for me.”

Wolf scrubbed his hand over his face.

“Iris is there any way you can tell me whatever it is you sensed, without all the convoluted riddles?” Wolf tried not to growl but he was at his wits end.

“Be nice, Wolf. Cain’s standing next to me making that snarly sound, and I don’t mean the sexy one.”

“I can hear him. Tell the kitty not to get his panties in a bunch,” Wolf knew his buddy could hear him. “Things are a little screwed up in my world. I don’t know what’s going on, and somehow I fucked up with this girl I’ve been seeing.”

“No, you didn’t fuck up. She’s the one with the problem,” Iris replied.

“What are you talking about?”

“Your friend isn’t comfortable in her own skin. She has to move past that somehow. The best way you can help her is by being yourself.”

“Thanks, Amazing Kreskin. You realize that could apply to almost anyone and any situation, right?”

“Yes, smartass. I know you think I see everything, but I don’t. Sometimes what pops into my head and comes out of my mouth, doesn’t make immediate sense. Try being me. All I know is, I was compelled to call you. I’m not sure what your girl’s issue is. I get the impression she’s had a hard time being herself her whole life, and since she met you it’s all come to a head. Just be yourself and you can help her move past this.”

“Thanks, Iris.”

“I’m sorry, Wolf. If something else comes to me, I’ll call.”

Wolf hung up the phone. His conversation with Iris left him more confused than before. Wolf still wasn’t sure what happened in the clearing, but it certainly wasn’t normal.

Wolf walked up to Ella’s door then halted.

Dammit, not another fucking quake. The apartment windows were rattling. The plant in the hall had dumped over, and the letters were dancing in the mailbox. I wouldn’t be surprised if a sinkhole swallowed me up next. That would be an awesome end to this night.

Several thoughts came rushing at Wolf all at once. Wolf turned and looked at the parking lot and the houses across the street. Everything there was still and quiet, but not here. Iris said Ella needed to MOVE past her issue. Wolf shook his head at his luck, and the unusual woman who’d ensnared him.

Ah, Princess, is this what you’ve been hiding?