Sierra
When I opened my eyes, they hurt. It was dark, I couldn’t see anything, I couldn’t hear anything, and I had no idea where I was. The last thing I remembered was the vampires, one had been about to rape me, he’d torn off my skirt. I reached down to feel my legs and felt a softness surrounding me. My heartbeat slowed, my fear receding slightly. If those vampires still had me, they wouldn’t have left me alone in a bed, especially not one as soft and as comfortable as this. My eyes started to grow accustomed to the dark, and I peered around without lifting my throbbing head. It was what I could only describe as a man cave, with dark colours, dark furniture, and a smell so delightful, I couldn’t stop inhaling. It was familiar to me and then I remembered him, Jaxon. He had been there; I can remember the feel of his arms wrapped around me. The door opened letting light shine in and I lurched up pulling the blanket with me. A figure stood in the doorway, blocking the light.
“Sierra,” a voice said quietly.
“Jaxon,” I whispered.
“You know my name,” he said as he came closer towards me.
I watched him warily, but I wasn’t afraid of him, if anything, I wanted him to hold me again. I frowned. “How do I know your name?” I asked him.
“It’s our connection.”
I frowned, “Our connection?”
He sat beside me on the bed careful not to touch me. His striking green eyes met mine, and he smiled. “How are you feeling?”
“Like something has run me over.” I grimaced.
“It’s the blood loss. Our doctor said you will feel better after a few meals of iron rich food.”
“It wasn’t a dream?” I asked him half hoping he would tell me it was, but I already knew the answer.
“I wish I could tell you it was, to help you forget it ever happened, but I can’t. I can promise you that they won’t ever hurt you or anyone else again though. I made sure of it.”
“I saw.” I whispered.
He grimaced. “I’m sorry you did.”
“I’m not.” I admitted. “I don’t think I could ever sleep again if I knew they were still out there.”
He lifted a hand and brushed his fingers across my cheek. I leaned into his touch with a small sigh. “You’re safe now,” he said as he dropped his hand.
“Thank you.” I told him and I meant it sincerely. Getting on my hands and knees, I leaned towards him until our faces were inches apart. He froze. “Sierra?” he questioned.
“How do I know you?”
“We are mates.”
“Humans don’t have mates. What are you?”
“I’m a shifter.”
I moved away to stare into his green eyes that were right at this moment looking anxious. “What’s wrong?” I asked him.
“You’re taking it so well. I’m waiting for you to try to run from me.”
“I would if I didn’t feel like I already know you.”
“I feel the same. It’s normal.”
“It might be normal for a shifter, but it’s not for me. I read romances about shifters all the time, but they are fairy tales. They aren’t real.”
He stood and slapped a hand against his chest. “I’m real; do you want me to show you?”
Did he mean he was going to shift right here? Was I ready for that? I hesitated before looking at him. His eyes were kind. “If you don’t want to see the other side of me, you just have to say no. I can show you another day.”
His words helped me decide. It was the other side of him, but it was still him. “Ok, show me.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
He nodded, stepping further away from the bed. I felt the air turn warm. He seemed to blur in front of my eyes and then he stood there no more, in his place sat a huge shaggy wolf. The same green eyes shined out of the pointy-nosed face, but they were darker. The wolf whined, and I hesitated before dropping the blanket I’d been clutching and climbing off the abnormally large bed. He didn’t take his eyes from me and when I got close enough to touch, he seemed to freeze to the spot. I reached a hand out, my fingertips brushing his head. His fur was so soft; it slid like silk through my hands. Sat on his hind legs his head reached to my neck, he was huge, he was fierce, and he was gorgeous.
“Jaxon,” I whispered in awe. He flicked his tongue over my fingers as I pulled my hand away from him making me giggle. As I stepped back, the air shimmered and then Jaxon stood there once again.
“You’re not scared?”
“No, you’re beautiful.”
“You are, Sierra.”
I blushed at his compliment and he grinned at me.
“You’re shy. I like that.”
I bit my lip. “That man...” I trailed off.
“Vampire,” Jaxon corrected gently.
I nodded. “Why did he attack me?”
“Because you smell so good I expect.”
“Oh.”
“Some vampires are bad news.”
I frowned, “Only some?”
“I know a few who wouldn’t hurt a human, but unfortunately like any species there are bad apples.”
“I understand. Will you be in trouble for killing them?”
“No. As alpha of my pack I have the authority to dispose of anyone who threatens my territory especially if they attack my mate.”
I swallowed harshly. Shit. “You’re an alpha?”
“Yes. Why does that frighten you?”
“Because you’re in charge of an entire pack and as your mate I would be by your side.”
“Yeah,” he drawled. He clearly didn’t see the problem.
“I’m human.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Won't your pack want you to mate with one of your own kind?”
“You have been reading too many romance books,” he laughed. “I have a pack meeting planned. I’d like for you to come with me.”
“But…” I trailed off.
“But what?”
“What if they don’t like me?”
“They will.”
“You know this how?” I asked sarcastically.
“Because I like you.”
“How can you like me when you don’t know me?”
His hand brushed against my temple. “I know everything about you. You know me too.”
“Yes.” I admitted. “It’s so surreal.”
“It’s perfect.”
“I… ok, I’ll come with you.” I looked down at myself and blushed. In my haste to see Jaxon’s wolf close up I had forgotten I wasn’t fully dressed. “I need to borrow some clothes.”
“You definitely do. I have something for you to wear.” He grinned.
He walked to his chest of drawers and pulled out two items. “These will be far too big for you, but you have no idea of the pleasure it will bring me seeing you wear my clothes.” His eyes darkened.
“Can I have a minute please?” I asked him. I wasn’t comfortable taking off what little clothes I still wore in front of him.
He smiled sweetly letting me know he wasn’t offended. “I’ll wait outside the door, just come out when you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” I said grateful I didn’t have to explain myself.
“Anything for you, Sierra,” he said giving me a smile as he opened and closed the door behind him.
“Holy crap,” I muttered. I pinched myself and it hurt. I wasn’t dreaming then. Shaking my head, I picked up the clothes he'd left for me. They were going to swamp me. I held them against me breathing in his incredible scent. It was hard to explain, but he smelt like all my favourite things combined. I slipped my top over my head careful of the bandage on my neck. Pain shot through me when I stretched the wound. I pulled the joggers up my legs and laughed. I had to roll them up a few times until the waistband was sitting under my breasts. It was a good job the t-shirt was baggy and covered it up. Luckily, the legs had cuffs so I wouldn’t trip over them. I looked around for a mirror, but I couldn’t see one. That probably wasn’t a bad thing though. I imagine I looked a mess. Gripping the handle, I opened the door.