Chapter Thirteen

THE next morning Avery woke to birds chirping happily outside his window. It was early, so he spent most of the morning packing and going through his clothes. Around noon a servant knocked on his door, reminding him lunch was soon to be served.

When he’d finished eating, he wandered around the pack house. After tonight, he probably wouldn’t be there too often. The thought made him a little sad, but he honestly couldn’t tell if that feeling was because he was leaving what was familiar to him. He sort of thought it might be.

He ran across other pack members and nodded to them but kept going. Why had he never noticed how empty his life seemed? Everybody scurried about, taking care of their business or assigned chores. People spoke, but it was rushed.

The people around him saw him, but they didn’t really truly see him. Not one of them knew anything outside of the very basics about him or his life. Hell, outside of Mandy, he bet none of his sisters could tell him what music he liked. Or what his favorite color was.

He stopped in front of an antique curio cabinet.

Like the things in there, he was really nothing more than a fixture that was to be admired from a distance. His mother and father always asked him how his day went, but they never truly heard his answers. Unlike Warwick. Warwick didn’t pretend to pay attention—he actually listened to what Avery had to say.

Avery hadn’t wanted to leave Warwick last night. He was comfortable in Warwick’s home, more so than he’d ever been in his own. They laughed together, but it wasn’t the cool, calculated laughter he was used to from the upper hierarchy pack members. Warwick’s laugh was true and genuine.

There was none of that slight condescension he noticed whenever he interacted with pack members either. Warwick talked to him as an equal. His life had been nothing more than simply existing, and last night had opened his eyes to how exciting life with Warwick could truly be. He rode a dragon, for goddess’ sake. Best thing ever. Avery would rather take on a rogue werewolf than admit as a child he’d often dreamed about a white knight in shining armor rescuing him from the drudgery of his life. No one needed to know that in those fantasies, he saw himself living in a castle like the proverbial prince in a fairy tale. Instead of a white knight riding to his rescue, he got the dragon willing to take him flying.

Frankly, he thought he got the better end of the bargain.

White knights might be gentlemanly and chivalrous, but his dragon offered him a chance at excitement—to live a life he never thought he would honestly have—all the while tempting him with a wickedness he never knew he craved.

Warwick intrigued him, infuriated him, and made him laugh. He didn’t discount anything Avery said because he was an Omega. Warwick’s interest in his opinions was genuine.

As betrayed as he felt by his father’s actions—and how could he not?—he thought maybe this mating was a blessing in disguise. The only way he’d ever truly have freedom was to mate outside of his species. Warwick was willing to let Avery be himself, and that was a gift of untold value.

Not to mention, it was really cool riding a dragon.

What would making love with Warwick be like? His cock immediately perked up. If he continued down that path, he wasn’t going to get anything done.

He spent what was left of the day organizing his stuff and getting ready for it to be sent to Warwick’s home. The closer it got to nightfall, the more his nerves tightened. He had the advantage of knowing the woods better than Warwick. Warwick, though, definitely had experience, whereas Avery didn’t.

Still, Warwick was going to have to work for it.

He packed an overnight bag, then showered, making sure he was clean inside and out. After tonight, he could no longer claim being a virgin. He was a little nervous—not because he was actually scared, but more of facing the unknown. He trusted Warwick to make it good for him.

By the gods, he’d better make it good for him, considering all the experience Warwick had with that too. Avery growled. Avery would be the last partner Warwick had would have for a while. A long while. He frowned, remembering how lengthy Warwick’s life span was. His mind shied away from the fact that one day Warwick would be alone again.

The thought saddened him, but there wasn’t anything he could do about it. Werewolves lived a long time, but they weren’t immortal. Avery stopped as he tested the word on his tongue. No one had actually come out and said Warwick was immortal, only that he had lived a long time. Avery realized he’d never asked how long Warwick’s life span was. His knees grew weak, and he plopped down on the bed, his towel securely wrapped around his waist.

The more he thought about it, the more he realized labeling Warwick as a shifter honestly wasn’t correct. No shifter he knew was able to do the things Warwick could. The bolt of lightning that struck Warwick before he transformed was scary as hell. What else could Warwick do? He never thought to ask before now. Warwick had hinted that they needed to have a conversation in private, but that hadn’t happened. It damn sure was going to happen now.

Everybody considered dragons shifters, but what if they were wrong? What if he was something else altogether? Aside from Omega, shifters shifted, plain and simple. They turned into another animal. They didn’t control the weather, or breathe fire, or control ice, or any of that other stuff he’d heard dragons could do.

So what exactly was he? Avery stared down at his knees. Did it matter? Did he really need a name or a label to apply to Warwick? He wasn’t human, and neither was Avery.

“And that is all that matters. That, and this inescapable feeling that he’s right for me.” He wasn’t going to worry about it. Whatever Warwick was, or wasn’t, didn’t matter.

Silently his wolf nodded in agreement. Warwick was theirs and that was it.

AROUND dusk Avery walked outside. Although his nerves jumped, he tried to appear as relaxed as possible. He scanned the area, noting the backyard was filled with fellow pack members. It appeared everybody in the pack had turned out.

With a sure step, he walked over to where his father and mother stood. Off to the side was Warwick. Avery’s heart leaped happily. As excited as he was for the Chase, he wanted it over. He was more interested in what was to come.

Avery joined his parents but held his hand out to Warwick. “Warwick?”

Warwick’s powerful strides brought him next to Avery. Once they were together, he took Avery’s hand. “I missed you today.”

Avery smiled. “I missed you too.”

Alpha Montgomery cleared his throat as the sun sank below the horizon. “Sunset Creek Pack members, I bid you welcome. As many of you know, my son, the Omega Avery Montgomery, and Warwick Ehecatl are here to mate. As per our laws, I now announce Warwick has called for the Chase.”

There was mumbling among pack members, clapping, and catcalls. Avery blushed from some things he heard shouted from certain acquaintances of his. Warwick’s intense gaze hadn’t left him from the moment Avery joined them, and that wasn’t helping either.

Alpha Montgomery waited until the noise died down, his face taking on a serious look. “Now is the time for any who wish to Challenge this mating to speak. Let it be now, because once the Chase begins, no interruptions will be tolerated. So I ask, is there anybody who wishes to call for the Challenge?”

Avery held his breath. He didn’t think there would be a Challenge called, but one never knew. Several minutes passed in dead silence, and Avery breathed easier.

More time passed. When not a word was said, his father finally spoke. “So be it. There is no Challenge called. It is with extreme pleasure I announce the Chase. Warwick, since we’re unsure exactly what your abilities are as a dragon, would you be agreeable to give Avery an hour head start?”

“I have no problem with that.” Warwick bent his head in acknowledgment, then released Avery’s hand.

“Avery? Is that agreeable to you?” Alpha Montgomery asked.

“That’s fine, Father. But first, may I ask Warwick a question?”

“You may.”

Avery turned, looking Warwick fully in the face. “Do you plan to shift?”

Warwick glanced off to the right, looking at the woods that lay beyond. “I did debate it, but no. I have no wish to damage the environment, and being in my dragon form would. But….” Warwick paused. “Alpha Montgomery? I, too, have a question. May I?”

“Yes?”

“Can you guarantee your pack won’t repeat anything they should see that could be considered… out of the ordinary?” Warwick asked.

Alpha Montgomery frowned. “I’m not exactly sure what you’re asking, but I can assure you the pack guards secrets jealously.”

“I see,” Warwick said. “Will you make that announcement?”

Alpha Montgomery pursed his lips. Avery understood why his father found the request odd. Avery also didn’t understand what was behind it.

“If that’s what you need, then, yes.” Alpha Montgomery turned to the pack standing behind him. “Be it known that anything seen here tonight is to be treated with the utmost secrecy. Warwick will be part of our pack after he and Avery are mated, and, as such, he is due the same rights as any other pack member. If I find anyone has repeated what is seen here tonight, I will take appropriate measures.”

“As will I. Thank you, Alpha. I appreciate that,” Warwick said.

“So be it. Now, let’s get this Chase going. Avery! Strip and shift. Now!” The Alpha’s voice deepened, the power of his position carrying in his voice.

Avery quickly stripped out of his clothes and crouched. Seconds later he stood on four paws. He trotted up to Warwick, who held out his hand. Avery nibbled at the fingers, and Warwick laughed softly.

As soon as his father nodded, Avery yipped and dashed toward the woods. Oh gods, an hour was not nearly enough, especially when there was an apex predator who would shortly be coming for him.

There needed to be as much distance between him and Warwick as possible. Every spare minute counted, but he needed to run smart, not stupid. Leaving a trail a five-year-old pup could follow would only lead to this being over before it began.

Night blanketed the land, but with his keen eyesight, the darkness wasn’t a hindrance. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be for Warwick either. His paws pounded the hard ground, the wind a cold caress. He darted toward the forested area behind the pack house.

Quickly he traveled the land, and his muscles warmed. The chilly temperatures didn’t bother him, thanks to his thick fur. Warwick wasn’t fond of the cold, so maybe that would also be to Avery’s advantage. Oh, who was he kidding? He was sure if Warwick wanted, he could find him in under ten minutes.

The tree line came into view, and he slowed. Run smart, not dumb, he reminded himself. He sniffed the air as he weaved between the trees. The sounds of the forest echoed around him. The shrill call of some nocturnal animal screamed across the land in warning as Avery continued on his way. Whatever was out there warning about the predator in their midst had no idea what was coming. They’d learn quickly that he wasn’t the baddest hunter out there.

The bare limbs of the trees cast eerie shadows in Mother Moon’s bright light. He stepped on a limb and it snapped. Aggravated, he glanced down as he trotted along. Dead and decaying leaves hid small sticks, which made a sound when he stepped on them. Those he would have to watch for, otherwise he might as well stand there in the middle of the forest and howl until Warwick found him. He probably wouldn’t have to even do that. Carefully he picked his way across the forest floor, taking his time to avoid breaking branches off bushes as he made his way deeper into the forest.

Time passed as he put distance between himself and Warwick. His hour head start had to be about up. He’d covered quite a distance and felt good about it, but now he needed to start laying false trails to trip Warwick up.

The rippling rush of sound caught his attention first, then the smell wrapped around him. Taking a deep breath, he filled his lungs. Water was nearby. He could use a drink, and besides, water was a good way to disrupt scent trails. Ears standing at alert, he darted off toward the sound.

The cool mist on the air currents drew him to a nice-sized stream. Plant life that could survive the more frigid temperatures grew in abundance near the bank. The water was clear and sparkling. Maybe one day soon he could bring Warwick here and the two of them could play.

Avery shifted back into his human form and splashed into the stream. Cold burrowed through his thin human skin and shivers raced along his body. Gritting his teeth, he continued downstream for a distance. He drew closer to the bank. After he shifted, he leaped from the water and landed a good distance from the mossy mud near the water’s edge. That should throw Warwick off some.

Trying to ignore the cold as best as he could, he found a tree that had low-hanging limbs. With a careful leap, he climbed quickly. Fortunately the trees were closely packed together so he was able to jump from one to the other. Thankfully there were no leaves to disturb. It wasn’t the most practical way to travel, but he was hoping the switching back and forth from human to animal would delay Warwick. Staying in the trees, he made his way back to the stream and carefully hopped into the water.

Shit, that was cold. Hopefully his false trail would confuse Warwick, but he bet the momentary distraction wouldn’t last long. He leaped upon the other side of the bank, then checked to see if he accidentally left footprints. Satisfied there were none, he searched for a bush with berries. Before he approached, he raised his head and sniffed, scouting for anything that might be a threat to him—animal or paranormal. Satisfied there was nothing to worry about, he stood in front of the bush. Quickly he picked the eraser-sized berries. He crushed them in his hands, the pleasant juice squirting across his palms.

Wrinkling his nose at the mess in his hands, he spread it across his belly, up his chest, and down his arms. Damn, he hadn’t gotten enough. His legs weren’t covered in the berries’ scent, and that wouldn’t do. His shivering increased as another cool breeze tickled his dangly parts. He needed to hurry and get this done so he could shift. Circling the bush, he picked berries from all over it—the last thing he wanted was for it to appear stripped.

After he had another nice pile in the palms of his hands, he smashed those up. He spread the juice down his legs and on as much of his back as he could reach. That should be good. Hopefully the sweet odor would interfere with his natural scent.

He tossed a few of the berries in his mouth and chewed. Time to shift back into his wolf.

Once he shifted, he ran until he found a clump of trees and bushes. A little rest wouldn’t hurt, he decided, and dropped down on his belly. As carefully as he could, he crawled into the middle. It was hardly big enough for him to stretch out, but the tree limbs did a good job of camouflaging the space. After he crawled inside, he used his paws to arrange the limbs and debris around him.

Curling up, he glanced at the starry sky. What was Warwick was doing now? Was he out there, hunting? Of course he was. Had he already honed in on Avery’s trail? Was he even now close, hidden out there somewhere, watching him?

Warwick wouldn’t bring the hunt to an end this soon, so he should be okay to rest and collect his thoughts for a few moments. Closing his eyes, he tried to relax his body. He drifted, his mind clear and his body settled.

Time marched slowly until a low growl echoed across the forest. Avery popped his head up. What was that? An animal? Maybe Warwick? Avery twitched his ears as he scanned the darkness. Barely daring to breathe and careful not to make a sound, he listened.

Something moved not far away. Yes. There was something in the bush nearby. He sniffed, picking up the smell of some rodent nosing around for a meal. Avery sighed as he picked up another scent. A small animal shot across the clearing, followed closely by a bigger one.

He relaxed as it moved on, intent on what it was chasing. Only then did he realize his heart was pounding, not in fear but in excitement. And, okay, maybe he was a little bit jumpy. The role of prey was not one he was used to.

Avery sighed again as he glanced around. Looked like break time was over.

Before he moved, he listened closely. All he heard were the chirps and calls of the nighttime predators and the small sounds of prey skittering through the brush around them. Once more he sniffed the wind, seeing if he could detect the smell of chocolate. Satisfied there was nothing near him that shouldn’t be there, he crawled out of his niche.

He loped along, listening for anything that didn’t belong to the night. As he moved farther into the wooded area, he kept his eyes open. Where was Warwick now? Glancing up at the sky, he was surprised. More time had passed than he originally thought. He roughly calculated they’d been at this for at least three hours total, including Warwick’s delayed start.

Time really did seem to fly when there was fun involved, and this had been fun, even though he hadn’t seen a hint of Warwick. His thoughts turned to later tonight. After the Chase was over, Warwick would make love to him. How big was he? Would it hurt when Warwick entered him?

Images of the gay videos he’d watched flickered in his mind. The guy who bottomed didn’t seem to be in pain. Avery was sure there would be a little soreness after the act, but he wasn’t worried. He wanted to experience everything Warwick had to show him—he only hoped Warwick didn’t find him lacking.

He shook his head in annoyance. Warwick knew he didn’t have any experience, so it was up to him to show Avery what to do. Avery chuckled, the sound resembling a huff of breath. He certainly had some ideas and things he wanted to explore also.

Giving himself a little shake, he ducked under a low-hanging branch, being as careful as he could not to leave a trail. Frankly he was surprised he hadn’t seen or heard anything from Warwick yet.

He peered into the darkness. Damn dragon had to be out there somewhere. He’d bet on it. Could Warwick be close enough to see him? Smell him? Was he out there right this very minute, crouched at the top of some tree, staring down at him, waiting?

Avery shivered as a breeze caressed his neck. Was Warwick watching him now? Plotting his next move? Had he somehow missed Warwick’s presence? He looked up at the moon wondering if Warwick was looking at it too. Had the regular nighttime sounds that surrounded him suddenly stopped, or was he only now noticing how quiet it was? Did something move out there in the darkness?

Avery scanned the darkness again. Maybe Warwick was out there. The thought pleased him. Avery dropped his chest to the ground, his back end still up in the air, and wagged his tail. He thought about barking, but… yeah. That would certainly be a dead giveaway.

He jerked upright, bounced around, then dropped his chest back to the ground. Come play! Maybe if Warwick was out there, he’d know what that meant. Avery chortled in his mind. He could imagine the look on Warwick’s face if he did see Avery’s antics. He stood there, listening closely for a return snort. Avery frowned. Nothing.

Disappointed, Avery turned and trotted off. After a while, he came upon a tall group of rocks. He prowled around, making sure there was nothing hidden that might attack him, then climbed up, the moonlight falling upon him.

He lifted his head, the urge to call out for Warwick strong. Enough hours had passed, and he wanted Warwick. Avery howled, a sound of pure longing. The call echoed through the woods.

Something far away answered, a deafening roar breaking the silence that cloaked the land. He shivered, need curling through him. Only one thing he knew could possibly sound like that.

His dragon.