Just One Drop (The Grey Wolves #3) by Quinn Loftis (2)

"What's this we crap? You're mated, you can go hole up with your woman. I, on the other hand, get to be smack in the middle of the festivities," Decebel said the word as if it were a disease.

Fane laughed and patted Decebel on the back. "However I can help, Beta, I will. But I don't envy you when it comes to being responsible for Jen."

Just as they reached the door from which all the noise was coming, they heard – for the first time – male laughter. Decebel snarled as he grabbed the doorknob and threw the door open. Fane was right behind him, immediately searching the room for Jacque. He wasn't as angry as Decebel because he'd been able to feel Jacquelyn, and knew there was no danger.

Of course, danger isn't entirely what Decebel is worried about, Fane thought.

 

 

Jen nearly rolled off the bed as she laughed. The two guys who had lead them to their rooms were hilarious, though it wasn't completely them. They didn't understand a lot of American sayings and when they repeated them or tried to use American slang, it came out really funny.

"So are you liking Romania?" the wolf called Damion asked her.

"Well, it's cold," Jen started, "but it's alright. We got to go out to one of the dives and dance. Costin over there," Jen pointed to Costin who was standing in a corner with his arms folded across his chest, looking way to close to being mini-me Decebel, "hooked us up with drinks. He even let me dance on the bar."

"Forgive me, but what is a dive? And how do you hook a drink?"

Jen, Sally, and Jacque couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up at his innocent question.

"Sorry, Damion. We aren't laughing at you," Sally explained when he began to look even more confused. "It's just we don't really think about how our words must sound to someone who doesn't use the same slang."

Damion waved her off, obviously not offended.

"So a dive is like a bar or club, you know, somewhere to hang out. When I said hooked up I mean like helped us out, or provided us with something."

Damion grinned and looked at his pack mate Adrian. "I think I like this term 'hook up'. What do you think?"

Adrian nodded. "So would it be correct for me to say I want hooked up you?"

That did it – even Costin's stoic façade fell apart. The entire room erupted into laughter. This time Jen did fall off the bed and landed next to Damion, who helped steady her just as the door flew open.

Jen looked up and the first word that came to her mind flew right out of her mouth, "Shit!" She slapped her hands over her mouth, which only made her lose her balance more and she fell forward, across Damion's lap. So not good.

Jen watched in complete horror as several things happened at once. Decebel lunged for Damion as Fane, Costin, and Sorin, who had appeared out of nowhere, all lunged for Decebel. Jen felt herself be pulled back and she tumbled onto her butt.

"We haven't been here thirty minutes," Jacque said, sitting down next to her.

Sally pulled up some carpet on Jen's other side. "Wow, that's impressive."

Crina and Mariana, who had been sitting close to Costin, came over. "I guess I know where I need to be if I want free entertainment," Crina teased.

"Yyyep," Jen said with a pop on the "p." "Just call me prime time, because if this kind of crap follows me all week, my ratings are bound to soar."

Jacque snorted. "Lucy, esplain this mess." she used her best Ricky Ricardo voice.

"Ahh, Ricky, I just wanted to surprise you." Jen tossed back.

Sally laughed with them. Then the collective group of five cringed as Decebel got one good punch across Damion's face before the other males finally pulled him back.

Dang, he's strong, Jen thought.

Decebel's eyes fell on Jen, which made her squirm, only she didn't know why because she hadn't done anything wrong. Jen continued to meet his stare and the longer she held it the angrier she got. Finally she stood up, causing Jacque and Sally to scramble to their feet, not wanting to be the only ones on the floor. Fane walked over to Jacque and took her hand.

"We need to go," he told her gently.

"Do you think it wise to leave just now?" Jacque asked through their bond.

"Most definitely," Fane answered as he tugged her towards the door.

When no one else made to follow Fane and Jacque, Decebel growled, "Everyone out!"

Suddenly everyone was in motion. Jen grinned to herself as she began to head to the door with everyone else. She heard Crina chuckle behind her, obviously having caught on to what she was trying to do.

"JENNIFER." Decebel's voice wrapped around her, pulling her to a halt.

Damn Beta, she thought.

"What part of 'don't touch another male' didn't make it through that thick skull, Jennifer?" Decebel's voice was deep and low.

Oh, hell no, Jen thought. He did not just imply what I think he did. She whipped around and pinned him with ice blue eyes. "You know what, Decebel? I think this whole thing," she motioned between them, "is a conflict of interest. Yeah, the more I think about it the more I think it's detrimental to your health for you to be on my security detail."

"A conflict of interest?" he repeated sarcastically.

"Exactly. Your interest in me has caused your good sense to become conflicted, or impaired, actually. Wait, I'll do you one better than that – your good sense has kissed your ass goodbye on its way out the door, waving and smiling with well wishes."

Decebel stood dumbfounded at the anger in her voice. Why is she angry? he wondered. He was the one who had found her in another wolf's lap. Oh, that was not a good thing for him to dwell on. He felt his canines trying to lengthen and took a deep breath, pulling his wolf back.

"All I know is we are apart for five minutes and you're cuddled up next to some pup."

"Cu-cud- cuddled," Jen was so angry that she couldn't even get her words out. "If you would open your freaky glowing eyes and quit jumping to conclusions, you would have seen that I wasn't cuddled in his lap. I fell off the bed and landed next to him. You barging in surprised me and I lost my balance, that's when I ended up in his lap."

"He's interested in you," Decebel bit out.

"Of course he's interested in me, flea bag. There is all kinds of interest to be had up in here." Jen couldn't help but goad him on, it was just too stinking easy. She could almost see steam rising from his head at her words.

"You aren't helping, you know."

"You didn't ask for my help, B. You barged in here thinking the worst of me and then acted like a barbarian. Then you accused me of purposely throwing myself at some guy I don't even bloody know." Jen was to the point that she just really wanted Decebel out of her room. Her emotions were raw. She had been having fun, laughing and, sure, flirting a little. But much to her chagrin, no matter how hot Damion and Adrian were – who, by the way, were mega hot – she wasn't interested. Then Decebel has to come in and be all, well, all Decebel.

Yeah, well, that's what you get for being something that rhymes with stick, Jen thought angrily. "Can you not get that through your thick skull?" She threw his words back in his face.

Decebel felt like she had slapped him, and realized how his words must have made her feel.

"Jennifer..." He took a step towards her, his voice much gentler.

Jen held her hand up to hold him off. "Save it. I'm not ready to hear how you didn't mean to hurt me and blah blah, boo hoo. Okay? I just want to chill out before this thing tonight."

Jen walked to the door, pulled it open, and waited.

Decebel stood there for a moment, still completely shocked that she was kicking him out. Finally he shook his head and made to leave. As he walked through the door he heard her mutter, "It'd be nice if you could try not to pee around my door." Then she slammed it shut. Decebel heard the lock click in place.

 

Jen leaned her back against the door and slid to the floor. She drew her knees up and looked around the room. It was very elegantly done in candlelight and sage. It had a calming effect – well, when there wasn't a raging werewolf standing in the middle of it.

She closed her eyes as she leaned her head back. "Well, this has started out splendidly. Fall in one little lap and all goes to hell in a hand basket" she said to no one.

Jen jumped when there was a knock at her door. She rolled her eyes and growled, "Go away, fur ball. I told you I'm done."

"Jen, it's Cynthia. I think we need to talk."

Jen's eyes popped open and she stood up. "I think you read my mind."

 

 

Chapter 13

 

"I've decided that if someone spots us I will simply lead them to believe there might be a bond going on between us. That will explain any rendezvous." She shut the door behind her. "Now, Jen is under Decebel's protection and it's serious. Jen claims there are no mating signs but Decebel acts as if she is his mate."

"Well, you will just have to make sure to earn the Americans trust. That way when you finally lead them to their demise no one will be suspicious of them being with you. Does your sidekick suspect anything?"

"No."

"Good," Thad walked over to the wet bar and poured himself a drink. He didn't offer one to his guest. "I have a plan to get Vasile alone. I can't take the chance of Fane or Alina being there. I'm thinking that once the girls are out of the picture and Fane's mate is dead, I will give the appearance of wanting to help Vasile, gain more of his trust. Then it should be easy enough to take him out. It would make things easier if Jen and Decebel were bonded – take out one, the other falls. Got to love how the fates worked that one out."

Thad took a sip of his drink and, with a nod, dismissed the contact. "You know what I want you to do. Don't disappoint me."

"Hmm. Well, he might be easy enough to deal with. If Jen is suddenly missing, Decebel would probably remove himself from the equation," Thad thought out loud.

"What would you like me to do, Alpha?"

"Unfortunately you are going to, as the American's say, take one for the team. Continue to pursue Jen. Let's shake Vasile's Beta up a bit and keep him distracted."

"As you say," Damion responded and ended the call.

Thad checked his watch for the time and saw that it was getting close to the first gathering. He still needed to shower and dress.

"Planning the downfall of a pack is more time consuming than one might think." He chuckled to himself as he headed for the shower.

 

 

Fane laid down on his side next to her and propped himself up on one arm. He continued to rub her back, unable to keep from touching her at any opportunity. If anyone had told him being mated would be so indescribable, he would have said they were exaggerating, but truth be told Jacquelyn amazed him. Every day he felt more and more blessed at having her in his life.

"I don't see how he can deny anymore that she is his mate," Fane admitted. "A male would only respond that strongly to his mate being touched by another."

"I don’t get it," Jacquelyn told him as she turned to look at him. "Why do y'all freak? It was an accident that she even landed in the dude's lap. Are wolves that insecure?"

Fane chuckled. "You forget, Luna, we are not human. I know it is hard to truly grasp but an animal lives in us, is a part of who and what we are. That part of us will always respond in its own nature. Natural wolves are very territorial. I think because we add our human emotions it just amplifies our wolf's traits. I wouldn't call it insecurity when we respond to another male touching our mate, more an issue of protection. You've seen the depths to which I will go to protect you."

"Very familiar, yes," she agreed with a grin.

"Well, for me it just makes sense that it's better to avoid the possibility of something happening to you. You can effectively do that by avoiding situations that open doors to those possibilities. If a male doesn't touch you, he doesn't have the opportunity to harm you."

Jacquelyn laughed at him. "I think that's a little overboard, wolf-man."

"You may, but that's why I'm Alpha."

Jacque's eyes widened. "Did you seriously just say that?" She sat up abruptly and pushed at his chest, putting him flat on his back. Jacque leaned over him. "Take it back," she growled, but still there was a hint of humor dancing in her emerald eyes.

"But I am Alpha," Fane told her, his brow drawn together.

"Maybe, but you implied that because of that you get to boss me around."

Fane ran the back of his fingers across her cheek. Jacque closed her eyes at the feel of his skin against hers. "As Alpha, I do get to give you orders,"

"Is that so?" she challenged, her eyes still closed, savoring the closeness between them.

"That's so." Fane switched to the more intimate way of communicating between them. "And right now I'm ordering you to kiss your mate."

Jacque's eyes popped open and, grinning wickedly, started to get up. Fane quickly wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her down to his chest. "Where are you going?"

"You told me to kiss my mate," she answered. "I have to go find him, cuz my mate wouldn't be such a bossy butt."

Fane stared into her eyes, a silent challenge, daring her to do as he ordered. She moved closer and leaned down as if to kiss him, but nipped him instead and tried to squirm away before he could retaliate. But his werewolf reflexes were faster. He flipped her on her back and quickly pressed his lips to hers. When he pulled back, Jacque was grinning.

"What?" His eyes narrowed.

"You kissed me, oh great Alpha." Jacque laughed. "I win."

Fane groaned. "Why do I have this sense of dread that this is a foreshadowing of our very long life to come?"

"And you will love every minute of it."

Fane stood and pulled her up as well. "I will more than love it, Luna," he agreed impenitently. "Now, we must get ready and then go gather up Sally and Jen."

 

 

 

"So, let me see if I'm catching what you're throwing." Jen sat up a little straighter as she faced Cynthia and tried to wrap her brain around what the good doctor was telling her. "According to this Alpha from way back, in order for the mating signs to become apparent there has to be some sort of catalyst?"

"Well, if by talk you mean cornered me in the hall and tactfully told me he couldn't kiss me because, and I quote, 'it's not that simple, Jen,' then sure, he talked to me." Jen rolled her eyes at the memory of Decebel's words.

"It's painful, but necessary." Jen winked at her. "Well, I don't really know what I can do about the B-man. I'm not saying I don't want to look into it because there is obviously something there – it's practically beating us both over the head. At the same time I can't make him do anything. Freaking stubborn flea infested punk."

Cynthia stood up from where she had been perched on Jen's bed. "You better get ready for tonight. All your bags have already been put in your closet, and the pack paid for some extra nice clothes for you to wear as well."

"How'd they know my size?"

"That's what nosy friends are for, Jen." Cynthia grinned as she headed for the door. "My advice to you, dormant – when a dominant won't do the necessary thing because other things in his life have made him leery, it may be necessary to force his hand."

Jen cocked her head to the side. "That has potential for disaster written all over it, doc." Jen smiled. "I like it!"

Cynthia laughed as she pulled the door closed behind her.

Jen headed for the closet and she started humming. She realized as she stepped into the closet that she was humming Katy Perry's “ET”. She shook her head, trying to dislodge the song. "Yaaaa, no, don't need to go there." And even alone she blushed at the memory of the pictures Sally had showed her from that utterly embarrassing morning. Thankfully Decebel had yet to bring it up, and Jen definitely would not be opening that particular can of “what the hell was I thinking.”

She started flipping through the clothes that had been hung by whoever had drawn that particular straw. She had to smile. Jacque and Sally had definitely had their grubby little paws all up in this little endeavor. It was apparent that they were dressing her to either make Decebel pant like the wolf he was, or to drive him insane with jealousy. This was going to be fun indeed…probably the understatement of the century as far as Jen was concerned. She grabbed an outfit and headed towards the bathroom. This time she was humming Natasha Bedingfield's “Strip Me”.

"I'm so messed up in the head." Jen laughed out loud.

 

 

Dillon Jacobs stood with his pack on the far left side of the large gathering room. He had yet to talk with Jacque because he wanted to let her get settled in. Then word had gotten around that Decebel had attacked Thad's Beta, so he had gone and talked with Vasile, who assured him things were most certainly out of control. Not the answer Dillon had been hoping for, but Vasile said it was a necessary evil. Dillon responded by saying the Americans were rubbing their pension for drama off on his pack. Vasile had simply laughed him off.

Dillon had decided that he better warn his wolves to be on alert for any retaliation from Thad's pack. His next warning had been for the unmated males of his pack, and had gone something like, "And for goodness' sakes, stay the hell away from Jennifer Adams. She's the blonde flirty one. If she heads your way, I had better see you running for the hills like your life depends on it. Because, frankly, it does." Of course, his more dominant wolves had seen this as a challenge and asked why, if Decebel and Jen weren't mated, did they not get to see if she was a potential mate for one of them? Dillon had calmly but firmly explained that Decebel was, in his own right, strong enough and dominant enough to be an Alpha of his own pack. Out of loyalty to Vasile he served him. In other words, he would wipe the floor with their hides if he felt challenged. Dillon did not come all the way to Romania to witness a bloodbath, and he certainly hadn't brought his mate to put her in harm's way.

Back in the present, Dillon felt arms slip around him from behind, bringing a smile to his face. He turned to look into his mate's eyes.

Tanya laughed at her mate's teasing, thankful that he was beginning to loosen up a bit. She suddenly stiffened in his arms and Dillon turned his head to see what had caught her attention. The Romanian Pack had arrived and Jacque had just spotted them. He watched as she smiled and waved. He read her lips as she mouthed, "I'll come visit shortly." Dillon nodded and turned back to his mate.

"She said she will be over shortly, so you have a small reprieve to fret and worry some more, my love." Dillon grunted when Tanya retaliated by poking him in his ribs.

"There you go again, ever the optimist." Tanya took the seat he pulled out for her and watched as the rest of their pack followed suit, ready to hear what the night's activities would be.

 

Chapter 14

 

Victor, Alpha of the Bulgaria pack, stood at the front of the room. Raising his voice so everyone could hear, he announced, "If everyone would please take their seats so we can get started. The quicker we get the business over with the sooner we eat."

A group of males at a table to his left all beat on the table and gave loud whoops at the mention of food.

Victor motioned for them to quiet down and waited a few more moments to allow everyone to get seated.

Jen went to reach for her chair at the table that had a sign in the center with elegant script that said Romanian Grey Wolves Pack. Before she could pull it, another hand reached past her and quickly slid the chair out.

Well, Jen thought, let's not be shy then. She knew what he saw. The black top she picked out was off the shoulder on one side, so one arm and half her back was left completely bare. It was encrusted with crystal rhinestones, which began at the top and continued on down, growing sparser as they went. The other arm was sleeved and came to her hand at a point and had a loophole for her middle finger to slip in. Her hair was up in a twist, beset by crystal rhinestone dangly earrings. She wore her, and her best friends', signature low-rise Lucky Brand jeans and there was a hint of flesh revealed when she moved. Black, high heel boots completed her ensemble.

"You look stunning," he told her as he took her by the hand and lifted it to turn her in a circle. "Let me get the whole effect."

Jen couldn't stop the blush that she knew was rising clear from her bare shoulder to the tips of her ears. When she was facing him again Damion grinned, and it was one of those easygoing grins that you can't help but smile back at. So she did.

Then, as if just remembering what he was doing, he motioned to her chair,."Please, have a seat. I just wanted to come by and make sure you were okay after this afternoon's -" he paused, and Jen beat him to it.

Damion grinned and pushed her chair in as she sat down. He leaned over her shoulder, too close for her comfort. "Save me a dance tonight, won't you?"

Jen was so tense at his nearness that she finally just nodded to get him to move back. He straightened up and walked away just as Decebel arrived.

"What did he want?" he asked Jen, then looked at her for the first time. His eyes glowed immediately. Score one for the little man, Jen thought. Decebel recovered quickly. "What are you wearing?"

"Let's deal with both of these absurd questions one at a time, fur ball, because they each deserve equal amounts of grief. First, Damion asked me to marry him and have his babies. Lots and lots of babies," Jen told him with a completely straight face.

Sally nearly choked on the gum she'd been chewing and Costin, who was standing next to Decebel, began to cough.

Decebel growled.

"I'm considering it," Jen addressed Sally. "I mean, what do you think, Sal? It's not like I've had any other offers and who knows if I will ever find my true mate. Gosh, if I can even have a true mate, that is."

Sally was trying desperately to keep a straight face. "Well, you don't want to rush these things, Jen. After all, you are only eighteen."

Jen tapped her chin as if to really think about it. "That is true. But if I hook up with Damion now, just think of all the little flea catchers we could make together. Think about how some would have my blonde hair and his – OWWWW!" Jen yelled.

Her head snapped around to look at who had pinched her. To her utter surprise it was Alina, and there was a gleam in her eyes Jen had never seen.

"Jen, tone it down just a little, okay?" Jen knew this was her Luna speaking, not Fane's mother. It was her first glimpse at Alina really putting her foot down.

Jen nodded and turned to look at Decebel. The smug look on his face erased all chance of toning it down. "And second, I'm wearing what was hung in my closet. Which was bought and paid for by this pack, and I look awesome. So unless the words that are fixing to come out of your mouth are, Jen, you look awesome, or Daaang girl, you are hot – I would even accept, I like your shirt, Jen – unless it's along those lines, I strongly suggest you just keep that muzzle of yours closed."

She turned back towards the table, looking anywhere but at Decebel, who had taken a seat next to her. She could feel the anger pulsing from him; it was nearly tangible. She wondered if anyone else was picking up his vibes as strongly. Whatever, she thought, I'm done dealing with him for today. Jen decided right then that she was going to have fun tonight, and that was that.

Jen maneuvered to look at the front of the room along with everyone else, when a tall, lean man began to speak.

"On behalf of the other Alphas who helped arrange this historic meeting, I want to say thank you to everyone for coming. My name is Victor. I am Alpha to the Bulgaria Pack. My mate is Adrianna." He indicated a tall slender woman who stood briefly from her seat and gave a small wave.

"As your Alphas have told you, the purpose of this Gathering is to allow unmated Canis lupis the opportunity to meet others whom they otherwise might have never met. Let's face it, the odds are stacked against us when it comes to finding our true mates. Some have been looking for centuries, to no avail. It is our sincerest hope that many of you will indeed find your true mates among those here." Victor paused as another man walked up to the front. "I want to introduce you to Thad. He is the Alpha to the Serbia Pack, and the mastermind behind The Gathering."

Thad thanked Victor and turned to address the room.

"We understand that we took a risk in bringing so many unmated males and putting them in such a confined area with females. Rest assured we have taken measures to protect everyone and those who do fight will request a proper challenge. The challenges made will not be to the death, but to submission. We did not come here to lose pack members. Make no mistake, there will be severe consequences for those who do not control themselves and their wolf." Thad looked over to Victor's mate and motioned for her to join him. "Now I will turn it over to our event coordinator, Adrianna."

The tall she-wolf made her way to the front and Jen noticed how graceful she was as she walked, so feminine. She was very pretty with long, dark chocolate hair, thin lips, and big brown eyes.

Jen realized she was able to see Adrianna way too well for the distance at which she was sitting. This is getting weirder and weirder, she thought. Going to have to have another chat with Cynthia.

"Tonight will be one of three nights that we meet as a complete group. On the other nights, each pack will have its own meal in a designated location. If you are so blessed and meet your true mate and want to have a dinner alone, you may request one via the drop box at the entrance to this room. Simply write your request, the time you wish to eat, and where. It will be arranged.

Now, your Alphas have each been given an itinerary with your specific schedule on it. Please follow the schedule. We have arranged it so that every female and male will have a chance to meet in one of the group settings. If this seems a little too planned for you, I will tell you there is a method to our madness. You see, an idle, unmated male werewolf is a potential problem. So we have attempted to avoid the problem altogether by ensuring there is something for you all to do at all times. If you are not having a group activity then you will be with your pack.

Tonight's festivities are simple – we will dine together as one big family. Then the room will be cleared for dancing and mingling.

Those are all the announcements for now, so without further adieu, dinner is served." As she announced dinner, women and men carrying trays of food were suddenly bustling about the room, setting down dishes and drinks on tables.

Jen looked over at Sally. "I'm having serious Hogwarts deja vu."

"I'm so with you."

The room settled down into quiet murmurs as people began filling their plates with food. As Jen reached for the salad bowl at the same time Decebel did, their hands touched. Jen jerked hers away so fast that she dropped the bowl. Thanks to werewolf reflexes, Decebel caught it before it spilled all over the table. Jen never even looked his direction. She was angry. So angry, in fact, that she didn't understand why she was sitting next to him.

She looked at Sally and waited until she caught her eye. Then she motioned between them with a small hand movement. Sally knew Jen very well and understood instantly what she wanted.

Sally nodded “okay,” because she also knew that Jen was a major hothead. She might do something she would regret if she continued to sit next to Decebel while obviously angry with him.

Jen stood up and grabbed her plate. Decebel started to say something, but Alina once again stepped in. She placed a hand on Decebel, drawing his attention, and simply shook her head. Decebel growled but let Jen pass without engaging her.

 

The rest of the meal was carried out in near silence with only minute amounts of small talk here and there. When the plates were cleared from the tables they were all directed to stand on the edges of the room while most of the tables were folded up and removed with most of the chairs.

"Easy, love. You don’t have to be besties," Fane soothed through their bond.

"Did you just say besties?" she asked incredulously.

"Luna, I'm surrounded by three teenage girls. What do you really expect?"

"Huh, guess I shouldn't be surprised." She shrugged inwardly.

"Well, it looks like they're going to have some dancing so we won't keep you, but I hope that we can get to know one another," Tanya told her.

"Well, that wasn't as bad as you thought, was it?" Fane asked as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

 

Once the room had been arranged so that there was room to dance, they watched as a new table was rolled in with stereo equipment on it.

"We're fixing to jam." Crina smiled.

"What exactly do you think they are going to let us jam to?" Sally asked.

Jen caught Costin's eye and waved him over. She wasn't taking chances with the music. "Hey, see if they will let you provide the music," she told him.

"I didn't bring any music, Jen."

Jen held up her iPhone, shaking it from side to side. "Gotcha covered, my furry friend."

Costin winced at the nickname, but smiled as he took her phone. "I'll hook us up." They both laughed at him using the slang she had taught them earlier that day, when all hell broke loose. Who knew teaching slang to foreign werewolves could be detrimental to your health? Jen shrugged to herself.

"So, ladies." Jen turned towards the group of girls spreading her arms wide, and in one of those amazing moments when things line up perfectly, she said, "Let's dance," just as the music started pounding through the subs. Jen grinned. "Yeah, I'm that good."

Sally and Crina were the first to step up. Crina took off onto the open floor, arms in the air, body moving to the beat as Jason Derulo's voice blasted through the speakers. Sally squealed, "I love this song!" and headed to the dance floor, swinging her hips. Jen gave a short nod to Jacque, who kissed Fane and then headed towards her.

They all danced and laughed and danced some more. Jen couldn't remember when she'd had so much fun. Costin turned out to be an amazing dancer and was nearly always in the middle of the bunch, breaking it down.

The next song came on and Jen froze. Sally and Jacque's heads snapped around as Katy Perry's voice filled the room – to be specific, Katy Perry's “ET” filled the room. Jen's two best friends looked at her as they, too, stopped moving. Everyone else was still swaying with the beat like a sea tossing with the wind. Jen watched as Sally and Jacque's eyes got wider and wider.

"Damn," Jen muttered under her breath just as strong arms came around her and she felt warm breath against her neck.

"I believe this is our song," Decebel purred in her ear. Jen swore at any moment she was going to be a puddle on the floor and Jacque would have to sop her up with some Bounty paper towels. Why she thought specifically of Bounty paper towels, she had no idea. She was trying really hard to focus on anything but Decebel's warmth against her. To her complete mortification he began to move…with the beat. Sally and Jacque's jaws dropped.

Jen mouthed, "Save me," to her two best friends, but evil traitors that they were, they both started dancing and completely ignored her plea. Oh, those two heifers are going down, she promised herself.

After a few moments, Jen decided she could either look goofy standing stiff while Decebel danced or she could throw caution to the wind and bring it.

Mind made up, Jen turned in his arms and began to sway with the music. She smiled to herself; she always liked throwing caution to the wind. She raised her arms in the air as she swayed and moved. Decebel had his hands on her hips, moving with her, and being the gentleman that he was, he left room between their bodies. Which, Jen kept telling herself, she was glad about it…until she looked over and saw the wolf-princess and her fur ball dancing close, very close. Stupid mated, married ginger, she thought, but chuckled all the same at how happy Jacque and Fane were. When the song ended Decebel stopped, but didn't let go of her.

They stood like that, looking at each other. Jen had no idea how long they would have continued it but Damion showed up, requesting that dance he had asked her to save. As Decebel reluctantly stepped away Jen thought, Well, if we just sort of dance together but not touch, it should be okay. Yeah, that idea flew out the door, nearly smacking her in the face on its way, when a slow song came on. She groaned inwardly, and groaned again when she realized what song it was. “Fall for You,” by Second Hand Serenade.

Jen smiled, hoping it looked genuine. "Thanks. I love to dance. To just let go and lose yourself in the music," she was rambling. Well, anyone would ramble if they were in the arms of a werewolf while the werewolf you wanted to be with stared daggers at you. Who am I kidding? Jen thought. No one else is dealing with wanting a werewolf. Nope, other girls my age are swooning after the jocks, or the artsy guys who play in bands, normal guys.

She looked over at Decebel again when Damion turned them. She watched his strong jaw tense and his chest flex as he crossed his arms. But who wants normal when you can have that? She grinned at her thoughts. That smile was wiped off her face quickly as Jen watched another female walk up to Decebel. She was standing much too close for Jen's liking. Just then, Damion turned them again and she lost them briefly. When she had them in her sights again she watched as Decebel led the girl by the hand to the dance floor. Jen was beginning to see red. She hadn't realized she'd stopped dancing until Damion spoke.

"Jen, are you alright?

Jen couldn't take her eyes off of Decebel as she watched him take the brunette in his arms. She felt like she had been punched in the stomach. She was trying to breathe but she couldn't seem to get any air in.

"Jen?" Damion's voice was beginning to sound worried.

"Damion, what's wrong?" Jen heard Sally's voice but still could not respond. Decebel must have felt her stare because his head snapped up and their eyes locked. Jen didn't want him to see her jealousy or the hurt inside at seeing another in his arms. She knew she didn't have a right to be mad. She had been dancing with a guy, after all, but that didn't matter at the moment. Her better judgment was out on a coffee break.

"I'm not, Jac, really. I'm just tired." Jen's excuse was weak at best, but there was no way she could stay here and watch Decebel dance with other girls. Nope, not happening, she told herself. Before her friends or Damion could stop her, she turned and quickly left the dance floor, making a beeline for the exit.

 

Chapter 15

 

Decebel watched as Jennifer left the dance floor at a brisk walk. It was obvious to him that she really wanted to sprint but was trying to be inconspicuous, and failing miserably. He stepped away from Sasha, the female who had asked him to dance.

"I'm sorry, Sasha, but I need to be excused." Decebel turned before she could say anything in return.

He was cut off from following Jennifer when Sally and Jacque stepped in front of him, hands on their hips and eyes narrowed. They were not happy with him.

"I need to speak with her," he told them, knowing they'd watched the whole scene on the dance floor.

"Why?" Sally challenged, and it made Decebel's wolf perk up. "So you can tell her how you don't want to pursue these feelings between you? So you can flirt with her only to tell her you aren't interested? So you can tell her not to look elsewhere even though you don’t want her!" Sally was fuming by the end of her speech.

"I WANT HER!" Decebel growled. Everyone around them got quiet and Decebel realized his canines had lowered. He took several deep breaths and pulled himself together.

Fane walked up and looked at Decebel and then the girls. "I think we should step out." He motioned towards the door and all of them filed out.

Once in the entry way Decebel turned to Sally. "I apologize for raising my voice at you, I just -" Decebel didn't want to bare his soul to Sally or Jacque or Fane. He wanted Jennifer. He wanted to tell her that she nearly ripped his heart out when she looked at him like he had betrayed her when he took Sasha in his arms. He wanted to tell her that his skin crawled at the contact of another and it took everything in him not to push Sasha away. He wanted to make her understand that he was going mad seeing her touching other males. But there were no mating signs. The Alphas would consider them unmated and that made them both fair game.

Most Alphas did not allow pack members to fraternize with someone who was not a true mate. They saw it as purposeless. So their argument would be that if he and Jen pursued each other with no signs that they were true mates then they might be keeping the other from meeting their mate.

Decebel hadn't been at The Gathering for twelve hours and already he knew he wouldn't be able to do this.

"Decebel, maybe you should just give her some time," Jacque was telling him, pulling him from his thoughts. But he knew that if he left Jennifer to think on this all night she would not cool off. No, he had to talk to her. Now.

"I'm sorry, Jacque, but I have to disagree. She needs to hear what I have to say." Decebel walked around the baffled Jacque, and past Fane and Sally. He took the stairs two at a time, moving silently towards Jennifer's room.

He didn't really know what he was going to say to her. All he knew was that somehow he had to smooth this over. He arrived at her door and didn't bother knocking, he figured she was used to it by now and loved to see the spark in her eyes when she got irritated with him about it.

However, when Decebel stepped into her room Jennifer was nowhere to be seen. He walked over to her closet and gently knocked on it, there was no response. He pulled the door open to find it full of clothes, ones that even at first glance he could tell he wasn't going to like her wearing out in public, but Jennifer was not there. He stepped back and debated on whether he should wait or go looking for her. He decided he was going to go look for her when her door opened and in she walked.

"Please." Decebel took a step towards her. He thought it a good sign that she didn't take a step back, so he continued to move towards her.

When he reached her side he gently took her arm and tucked it into his.

 

They walked in silence, neither really knowing where to begin. Decebel led her to the indoor garden room that he was sure she didn't know anything about, but felt she would really like. He opened the door and gestured for her to enter. He wasn't disappointed by her response.

 

Jen stepped into the room as Decebel held the door for her. She didn't know why she had accepted his invitation to walk with him. Yeah, Jen. Just keep lying to yourself if it helps you sleep better at night, she chided herself.

Jen couldn't help the breath that escaped her lungs as she entered what felt like a whole other world. There were plants everywhere – tall plants full of big leaves, small plants with delicate flowers blooming in every color you could imagine. There was even grass, thick, plush dark green grass. There was a pebbled path that wound through the indoor garden and she lost sight of it as the vegetation swallowed it up. She continued on down the path, curious as to where it would lead. She could feel Decebel's eyes on her from behind as he followed her but she didn't bother to look back at him. Jen felt like a kid in a candy store. Her head turned from side to side, trying to absorb every little thing. She saw that along the right side of the garden a small brook bubbled and water flowed gently down over rocks and plants. She came around a curve and there in the center was a gazebo with a swing hanging in the center of it. There were deep green vines growing all around the gazebo, holding it like a lover's embrace.

She followed the path to the steps of the gazebo and climbed them. Finally she turned and faced Decebel as she sat down on the swing. Decebel slowly climbed the stairs and the look in his eyes made Jen feel like prey. She shivered and noticed his lips quirk up ever so slightly. Cocky fur-ball, she growled inwardly.

He sat down on the swing and the next words out of his mouth took her breath away.

"I want you."

Jen stopped breathing. Not by choice, she just couldn't. It was like his words had flipped a switch in her and everything that required her brain to run just shut off.

"I don't have any right to be hurt." Jen tried to act like she didn't care but then decided she wasn't going to do this. She wasn't going to play games, not with Decebel. "Okay, it hurt." She angled her body so that she was more fully facing him. "In my mind I know that it shouldn't matter who you dance with. In my mind I get that I have no claim on you, okay? Honestly, I do. But damn if my heart could care less what my mind is telling it." Jen knew she was running the risk of sounding like a needy girl, but it was day one of hell week and if they were going to make it to day seven in one piece, then it was time to lay it on the line. She started to continue but Decebel stopped her with a finger to her lips.

"I need you to know this because when you see me touching, dancing, or talking to another girl, I need you to remind yourself that I've told you – I want you." Decebel paused and took a breath. He had decided during the walk from her room to the garden that he was just going to be honest, no more holding back, no more trying to deal. He was too old to leave things to chance and regardless of his fears he knew that he wouldn't leave Jennifer's safety in the hands of another, "Despite how we feel towards one another, the Alphas are looking for mating signs. The closest thing we have to that is the strong pull we both feel and the way you smell."

Decebel leaned towards her and pressed his nose to the flesh of her neck and took a deep breath. Chill bumps broke out all over Jen's skin and she was trying, mildly unsuccessfully, not to hyperventilate at his close proximity.

"You're scent is intoxicating to me," Decebel growled as he drew away from her reluctantly. "Mates have a certain scent that they only smell on one another. I only just noticed that your scent changed, became stronger. Do I have a scent to you?" Decebel asked curiously.

"So you're saying the Alphas won't allow us to opt out of The Gathering just because of our attraction to one another?" She asked.

"Right." Decebel leaned back against the swing and draped his arm over the edge. His eyes were drawn to Jennifer's bare back and his mind couldn't help but imagine his markings on her beautiful, pale skin. Before he knew what he was doing he was tracing a pattern on her back gently with the tip of his finger.

Jen froze as she felt Decebel's warm finger tip on her back. He's trying to kill me, she decided. He figures if he just tortures me to death then I'll be out of the picture and poof, problem solved…although death by Decebel doesn't sound too bad at the moment. Jen snorted at her thoughts, but thankfully Decebel didn't stop the swirling stroke of his finger.

"So what I'm telling you, Jennifer," Decebel's voice was deep and raspy, "is that I want to see where this goes between us. I want to get to know you better and spend time with you. But we are both going to have to endure the other being in the company of more than one suitor. As it is, we have both demonstrated that it is more than difficult for us."

Jen closed her eyes. The combination of his deep voice and finger making swirly patterns on her back was pure torture. Exquisite, perfect, wonderful torture. She heard his words but couldn't bring herself to acknowledge them at the moment.

"Jennifer?" Her name was nearly a whisper on his lips.

"Hmm?" Her head lulled around on her neck until she had swung it around to look back at him. "If you want me to be able to hold any semblance of an intelligent conversation with you then you are going to have to quit that."

Decebel's smile was as wicked as any she herself had dished out to him. "Quit what, micul meu lup?" he asked as he continued to touch her.

Jen growled and jumped up. She turned to look at him, but she wasn't angry. "So what do we do?"

"I think you Americans call it hooking up." Decebel raised one eyebrow at Jennifer.

"Do you really want to go there again?" she teased. "It would be more like hanging out, B. Hooking up tends to imply a more physical involvement, if you catch my meaning."

"Consider it caught." He winked, which only succeeded in causing her heart to nearly stop.

I have got it bad, Jen thought to herself.

"So we just hang, talk, and see what happens?" she asked him as she leaned back against a post on the gazebo.

"Sounds about right." Decebel stood and walked up to her. He left a little space in between them. A little more would have been better for Jen's comfort but she tried to act as if it didn't bother her.

"I'm going to ask something of you, Jennifer," he told her seriously.

"I'm listening." Jen tilted her chin up and gave him her full attention.

"My wolf is not coping well with the idea of others near you, touching you. I realize that there is no getting around it, but he doesn't. For all intents and purposes he has claimed you, mating signs be damned,"

Jen's breath caught at his declaration.

"So what I'm asking is, for lack of a better term, reassurance in your -" Decebel searched for the right word. Jennifer beat him to it, as she often did.

"Intentions, interest, attraction?" Jen grinned, she tended to go overboard on the vocabulary when she was nervous, which she was. Nervous, that is.

"All of the above."

"Okay. So I scratch your back, you scratch mine, right?"

Decebel's head cocked to the side as he drew even closer. Jen realized that she had unleashed a monster with her unabashed flirting. The question was no longer could he handle what she dished, but would she survive what he poured out on her? If she were honest with herself she would say she didn't yet know the answer to that question. But where's the fun in being honest with myself?

"I take that this saying means that you will need the same reassurance from me." Decebel placed his hands on her hips and pulled her away from the post and close to him. Jen gasped as her hands came up to his chest. Her breathing quickened and she watched his eyes follow her movement as she licked her lips.

Is he going to kiss me? Am I ready for him to kiss me? Jen laughed at that question. Has Joan Rivers had enough plastic surgery to qualify as a plastic figurine? Enough said.

"I wish the answer to that was no," she told him. "I don't like being the clingy, insecure chick."

Decebel chuckled and she felt the rumble vibrate through her hands clear to her soul.

"You are anything but clingy and insecure, Jennifer. Mysterious, confident, playful, beautiful, too sexy for your own good? Definitely. But never clingy or insecure."

He squeezed her hips one time with his strong hands and looked into her eyes. "You will not doubt at any moment my intentions or interest in you. Are we clear?"

"Crystal," she said absently as she watched his amber eyes begin to glow. It took everything in her not to grab the front of his shirt and pull his lips to hers. Decebel must have seen it written all over her face. He lifted one eyebrow in a silent challenge. She wouldn't be the one to make the first move, not with her wolf. Decebel chuckled, and much to her disappointment dropped his hands and stepped back.

"I suppose I should escort you back to your room," he told her as he once again tucked her hand into his arm and began walking down the steps.

Jen grinned. "You don't want to go back and dance?"

Decebel looked at her from the corner of his eye. "I think we've both endured enough for the night. Don't you, micul meu lup?"

"Oh, come on, B. Surely you aren't one to run away from a little excitement?" she taunted.

"Being close to you is quite enough excitement for me, I assure you."

Jen blushed. Okay, that is just going to have to stop. I am not some fainting violet, she growled in her mind.

Decebel chuckled as if he could hear her inner monologue. The crazy thing was that she wanted him to hear her inner dialogue as bad as she wanted him to finally pull her to him and kiss her senseless. Oh, how the mighty have fallen, Jen laughed at herself.

Decebel dropped her off at her door, but before he left he pulled her to him, wrapping her up in a snug embrace. He tucked his head into her neck and took a deep breath. She let out a contented sigh. If this was what Jacque experienced when Fane held her, she didn't know how she ever let him let her go.

"Remember, we aren't human, Jennifer. When I touch you, because there is a certain amount of attraction between us, and because my wolf has claimed you, I leave my scent on you. It's kind of like a calling card to other males. I hugged you that close to put as much of my scent on you as possible without," he cleared his throat before finishing, "getting more physical."

"I really would like to," she admitted reluctantly, because truth be told she liked the idea of having Decebel's scent surrounding her.

Decebel released her. He placed two fingers under her chin and lifted her face to look at him. "Then I will come see you early before we go down for breakfast. We can't be seen as being overly interested in one another. Although Vasile understands, the other Alphas do not."

"Gotchya. So I'll see you in the morning, then?"

Decebel nodded. "Sleep well, Jennifer," he told her as he raised his hand and gently ran his thumb across her lips, almost as if he were imagining what they would feel like if he kissed her. She wanted to dare him to find out but instead she smirked. Fat chance, that.

Decebel smiled as he left her staring after him like a love struck teenager. "That's what you are, dummy," she muttered as she turned and went into her room.

Sally and Jacque were lounging on her bed. No surprise there.

"Spill the goods, Jen. Where have you been and why do you have that goofy ass grin nearly splitting your face open?" Jacque quipped.

 

Chapter 16

 

This time it was Jacque who sat up abruptly. "Just like that? No 'hey, want to see a movie?' or 'I'm thinking we might have some intense mojo going on'? Just bam," Jacque smacked her hands together, "you're my mate?"

Jen grabbed a pair of boxers and t-shirt. She figured she wasn't going to get a shower until she spilled every detail to these two – not that she hadn't once demanded the same of Jacque.

"I think we both just don't want to play any games. Well, not ones that are going to hurt us. You know I'm still going to make him work for it, but at least we both know where we stand."

"No," Jen's face fell, " he put his hands on my hips and pulled me close. And bloody hell, Jacque, you could have helped a sister out and prepared me."

Jacque grinned. "It's good, isn't it?"

Jen smiled wistfully. "Better than eating Godiva chocolate and watching Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt while taking a hot bubble bath. Which, yes, I have done…all of the above…at the same time."

"Don't you know it." Jen stood up from the chair she had been occupying while she recapped her evening. "Oh, one more thing," she added absently as she headed towards her bathroom to shower, "He told me he wanted his scent on me. So he's coming by in the morning early before breakfast."

"Shut. Up," Jacque sputtered.

"And how exactly is he going to accomplish this, Jennifer Adams?" Sally's motherly tone was sharp. Jen found it quite amusing when Sally got all protective.

"Why Sally, how dare you." Jen laid on the thickest southern belle accent she could. "You imply that I would allow that wolf to put his paws on me."

"Oh chillax, Polly Prude. All he's going to do is hug me. Geez, here I thought my mind was the only one that lived in the gutter. I didn't realize you were looking for real estate, Sal."

Jacque jumped up off the bed. "Alright. Well, don’t do anything I would do." Jacque winked. "Of course, I'm licensed to,"

"Well, maybe it's time you got your hands full of something else," Jen yelled through the door. They heard the rush of the shower starting.

Jacque cackled. "Nice."

Sally followed Jacque out of the room, and Jacque laughed more as she heard Sally mutter under her breath, "I'll show you need a man. Puuuhlease, you two need your mouths washed out with soap, or better yet bleach. No, no, actually. Bleach and soap."

 

Jen emerged from the bathroom, clean and completely de-Decebeled, to a knock at her door. She told the little part in her that hoped it was said wolf to pipe down.

"So we were thinking, you know how tomorrow we're supposed to go to the gym to learn self defense from the Serbia pack males?"

"Yeah," Jen said, already interested in a possible scheme – oh, how she loved schemes.

"There will be another group of females there as well, so I figure they'll probably introduce our packs. I – well, we," Crina said, looking at Marianna, who just snorted at her, "were thinking how funny it would be if when they introduce our pack we did some sort of cheer or dance or something. Like what you Americans do for your sports teams."

 

The girls made it to the gym without encountering anyone, for which they were grateful.

"So Jen, were you a cheerleader in school?" Marianna asked.

"No, I was usually one of the ones making fun of the cheerleaders. But I'm really good at rhyming and songs, so I'll come up with the cheer. Crina, I saw your moves on the dance floor. You and Marianna put together some moves, okay?"

They nodded and got to work.

 

 

 

Careful boys don't get too near,

It's not our Alphas you should fear.

 

 

Sorry but, we're not that easy.

Turn around, if you want sleazy.

 

 

We may be fine, and smokin' hot,

But gentle she-wolves we are not.

 

 

We told you once, now that's twice,

We don't play fair, we don't do nice.

 

 

You can look, maybe even touch,

We promise not to hurt you much.

 

 

We know you each, have a plan,

Catch us, catch us, if you can.”

 

The girls were panting by the time they finished. They actually all had a pretty hard time keeping a straight face as they pulled off the moves. Jen was cracking herself up with her lyrics.

As the girls continued to practice, changing up different moves to make it flow better, they were completely clueless to the gathering audience outside the gym doors. A couple males from the Serbia pack had been coming to work out in the gym when they heard the girls' cheer. They stopped to look in before they entered and were surprised to see three of the unmated females from the Romanian pack.

 

 

Decebel lay in his bed after reluctantly taking a shower. He hadn't wanted to wash Jennifer's scent from his skin. But he took solace in knowing that he would see her, touch her again in the morning.

After he dropped her off at her room he had gone to the workout room and ran off some of the adrenaline flowing through his veins after having been in such close proximity to Jennifer. He had to admit that he felt lighter, more in control now that they had talked and put all their cards on the table. He was relieved to hear that Jennifer felt as strongly towards him as he did her. Sometimes he wasn't sure. It felt so strange to him to feel insecure and worried that a female wouldn't like him. He grinned to himself. She did like him. A lot.

The issue hadn't really changed. He was still going to have to deal with other wolves showing interest in her. But it made him feel better knowing that she wasn't interested in them. That in her heart, it was him. He figured maybe he should be worried that she would indeed find her true mate among the other packs, but truthfully, regardless of the lack of mating signs, Decebel would bet his life that Jennifer Adams was his true mate.

There it is, he thought. I'm admitting it and accepting it – better than that, I'm embracing it. Decebel felt his wolf settle down for the first time in months. Finally, man and wolf were in harmony again.

Just as he began to close his eyes and drift off there was pounding on his door. Urgent pounding, not just an average knock. Decebel was at the door in one bound.

Decebel might have appreciated the little joke, but Costin was referring to Jennifer, and implying she wasn't where he had left her.

"Tell me." Decebel's voice was a knife.

Costin's eyes widened and he started talking very fast. "I was going to the gym to work out and when I got down there I saw a bunch of the males from other packs looking in the gym windows. I heard voices, cheering female voices. When I got close enough to see...well, there was Jen, Crina, and Marianna."

Decebel pushed past Costin and was trying hard not to run. He needed to calm himself before he got there.

"What exactly are they doing?" he asked as Costin tried to keep up with his Beta.

Costin hesitated, but the cutting look Decebel sent him loosened his tongue. "They're doing some sort of cheer and dance," he said vaguely.

Decebel heard snickers and male voices as he rounded the same corner Costin had only minutes before. He walked right up and the wolves parted like the red sea.

They all stared at Decebel, waiting for him to come unglued. Instead he plucked the phone from the nearest wolf, then looked at them all with glowing eyes.

"If you have been recording this you have five seconds to delete it."

There was sudden movement all around as buttons were pushed on phones.

"If I hear that any of you have not deleted it and are showing it to others, I will call you out, I will challenge you, and you will lose."

Decebel met the eyes of the wolves and each dropped theirs quickly.

"Are we clear?"

"Yes, Beta," they said in unison. The power coming off Decebel was raw and strong. It took even the more dominant wolves effort to not collapse under it.

"Good. Now go before I decide that I don't care about keeping the peace between our packs."

The wolves were nearly all gone before he had even finished speaking. Smart wolves, he thought.

Before Decebel opened the gym door, he looked at the phone he had taken and pushed the play button on the video. Decebel's eyes grew wider with every word, every hip gyration, every bend, every come hither look he watched his mate perform. After standing in shock for a moment, he pressed the delete button and handed Costin the phone.

"When I open this door, Costin, I want you to escort Marianna and Crina to their rooms. You are to stay outside their doors the remainder of the night."

"Yes, Beta," Costin complied.

Decebel reached for the gym door. He took a deep breath and told his wolf to cool it, but he knew his eyes still glowed.

 

 

"Okay, this will be the last time," Jen panted, it had been a while since she'd gotten this much exercise. "Then I think we can call it a night."

"Crina, Marianna." Decebel's voice was not harsh, but firm. He meant business. "Costin will escort you to your room. Do not leave it until it's time for breakfast in the morning."

The look in his eyes said that wasn't going to work. One thing Jen was quickly learning about Decebel – his emotions very rarely ruled him. With her, they occasionally broke free of their cage. And in times like this, when he'd decided he was right and that she was going to obey, nothing could sway him.

"I distinctly remember dropping you off at your room, Jennifer,"

"Well...I wasn't really tired and Crina and Marianna said they wanted to get some exercise, so -"

"Why is it that you did not procure an escort to the gym? Why exactly did you think it a good idea to prance around in your sleep attire without any sort of protection in a mansion full of unmated male wolves?" Decebel took slow, measured steps towards her as he spoke. "Please tell me, because I know there has to be an earth-shattering reason for why you did something so haphazard and dangerous."

"Did you just use the word procure?" Jen asked incredulously, the hint of a smirk across her lips.

"Jennifer." Decebel's voice was deathly low.

Jen unconsciously took a step back at the glowing eyes boring into hers. "It's not a big deal, B. Nobody came in while we were in here. I don't see why you're giving me grief."

Decebel chuckled. It was not a good sound.

"Not a big deal. Right. Well, maybe you can explain why I just had to run twenty wolves away from those doors. Who, I might add, were recording your little performance on their phones. So tell me again how it's not a big deal." Decebel was once again moving towards her.

Jen continued to back up until the backs of her legs hit the foldaway bleachers. She nearly fell back on her butt, but caught herself with one hand. Irritated with her clumsiness and the slight fear she felt at being stalked by Decebel and his eerie calm, she reverted back to the “gives a rats ass” Jen. Call it a defense mechanism, but it helped her keep her cool.

"Only twenty?" she asked as she cocked her hip to the side and propped her hand on it. "I would've thought that little dance would pull in quite a bit more." She made a show of looking thoughtful, tapping her chin with her finger. "Hmm, maybe we needed a bit more hip action. Although, I don't think we were giving it our best. It'll definitely be better when we do it for real."

Decebel growled and took a final step closer. They were less than a foot apart. Jen still had her hand propped on her hip, but now she was having to lean back a bit to look up at his nearly painfully gorgeous face.

"I hate to be the one to break it to you, baby, but you will not be performing that little number for anyone. Ever."

Jen's eyes narrowed. "I have a feeling one day I'll change your mind about that. By the way, don't think that calling me baby will help you get away with being a pushy, furry dictator."

"Look, I know girls don't understand how guys' brains work." He actually looked bashful as he continued. "I'm over a century old and my brain still works that way. Guys don't just see hot chicks doing a hot dance."

"What else could they possibly see?" Jen asked, revealing just how innocent she was despite all her big talk.

"When you dance like that, and look at them like you were...they – we," he corrected, "see it as an invitation."

Jen couldn't stop the disbelieving laugh that emerged. "Man, you guys really are messed up in the head if that’s what you get from a dance and cheer that's actually insulting towards unmated males. Which, if they listened to the words, they would understand."

Decebel grabbed her hand and tugged her to him. He wrapped his arms around her and inhaled her scent deep into his lungs.

"You already stand out with your beautiful blonde hair, long legs, and stunning eyes. Could you please not draw more attention to yourself?" he pleaded.

Decebel walked her back to her room. Right before she went inside, he stopped her with a hand on her arm. He leaned in close and Jen's breathing quickened. He skimmed his nose against her neck, causing a shudder to ripple through Jen's body. He pulled back and said the last thing Jen ever expected.

"As much as I hate for you to take another shower now that you bear my scent, it would be best. Apparently your little dance made you hot."

Jen grinned wickedly. "If it got me hot, it most certainly got you -"

Decebel laid a finger against her lips. He shook his head, letting her know he knew exactly what she'd been about to say.

"Keeping your words in check is becoming a full time job," he teased. She stuck her tongue out in response, bringing a chuckle from him. "Sleep well," he told her as he turned to go.

Jen blushed heatedly as she began to push the door to her room open, but before he got too far she muttered, "Wouldn't be such a hard job if my mouth were busy with other things." She knew with his wolf hearing he would hear her.

Decebel didn't turn around. "Look forward to scenting – I mean seeing you in the morning, Jennifer."

Jen quickly closed the door. Grinning as she leaned back, she said out loud, "You are seriously poking the beast, Jen. And if I were a betting girl I would say you want to get bit." She laughed breathlessly. "That about sums it up, Sherlock." She shook her head and once again headed for the shower.

 

 

 

Cynthia's head rose at the sudden knocking on her door. She looked at her watch and wondered who would visit her at midnight. She got up and opened the door to find Sally on the other side.

"Sally." Cynthia didn't hide the surprise in her voice. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Sally said initially, but quickly recanted. "Well, honestly, I don't know. Can I talk to you for a minute? I realize it's late." She couldn't stop wringing her hands and shifting from one foot to the other.

The girl's behavior did not go unnoticed by the doctor.

"Sure. Come on in." Sally scuttled through the door and Cynthia shut it softly. "So, what brings you here at this hour?" she asked, though not unkindly.

Sally nodded. "Yeah, there was no funny business. Contrary to her appearance and big talk, Jen actually has high standards when it comes to being physical in a relationship."

Cynthia had to admit she was surprised. Jen's mouth often suggested otherwise.

"When Jen came back to her room, Jacque and I were waiting for her. We wanted to make sure she was okay, ya know?" Sally continued to fidget with her hands as she spoke. "Jen said that Decebel just came out with everything."

Cynthia sat up abruptly. "What do you mean 'everything'?"

"He told her he wanted her and that his wolf had claimed her as his mate. Of course, we all saw it a mile away, but I'm just wondering what would've made him change his mind about pursuing it so quickly."

Cynthia crossed her legs as she leaned back and watched Sally. It was obvious that the girl really cared for Jen, and even Decebel. How good it must be to have that kind of friendship, she thought. "Well, there could be a couple of reasons for his abrupt change of heart. I know that Alina and Vasile have tried to impress upon you all the differences between Canis lupis males and human males, as well as dominant Canis lupis males from non-dominant."

Sally nodded.

"Because of that, I will try not to be too redundant. So the dominant male is controlling, obsessive, protective, fiercely loyal, extremely intense, and very, very possessive. Sometimes these traits are an absolute inconvenience and frankly, a pain in the – well, you get my drift. There are other times, however, that these are necessary traits in our world. These qualities can be the difference between life and death in some situations." Cynthia paused, gathering her thoughts. "I will tell you that, at times, a dominant male might seem a bit bipolar in personality because they can switch at the drop of a hat. They are conditioned to think quickly and under pressure, to make snap decisions for the good of the pack and those they love. So what they think might be the right thing to do one minute can be nullified in the next by a change in circumstances or players on the field. With me so far?" she asked.

"Yeah. I'm beginning to see how those things could have made Decebel decide he needed to get over this fear of not being able to protect Jen."

"Exactly," Cynthia agreed. "Tonight Decebel saw how the game was going to play out, so to speak. I think he realized even more how intensely he feels towards Jen. He hasn't had to compete for her attention until now. Decebel is intelligent, he is very strong, and at his core an Alpha. Being an Alpha takes all the traits I mentioned to the extreme. Personality also can make them react more strongly. Decebel's personality is much more intense than Fane's. He is an observer, not a talker. Tonight I would bet that he realized what his limit was in regards to not pursuing Jen, and he reached it. When he saw another wolf show considerable interest in her whatever was holding him back snapped."

Sally rubbed her face, obviously tired, but she wouldn't leave just yet. She wanted to try to understand the dynamics between Jen and Decebel. Something in her felt compelled to watch out for them.

"I know that was a long explanation, and I think probably the correct one. But there is a second possibility as to why Decebel changed his mind about his relationship with Jen. Decebel came to me today and told me Jen's scent has changed to him. He said he was sure it was the mating scent."

Sally's brow furrowed. "Oh, yeah. I remember Fane explaining the different mating signs – scent was one of them."

"Her scent might have finally pushed his wolf over the edge, allowing him to take control from Decebel, even if briefly. I really think that because Jen's a dormant the mating signs are just going to require an increase in emotional attachment and, even more annoying, patience. Simply being patient to let nature do its thing. It's almost as if her wolf needs to be awoken."

"Good analogy, doc." Sally smiled tiredly. "Okay. Well, I just wanted to get your take on the situation. But one more thing – do you think Decebel will change his mind?" Sally's voice took on a sharp, serious tone. "Cynthia, Jen – strong, capable Jen – would not handle it well if Decebel walked away from her. Not after his declaration tonight."

"There is one thing a wolf cannot change – his feelings towards his mate. If Decebel has accepted that his wolf has claimed Jen, if he has accepted that sometimes the wolf in us is much more perceptive than we are, and he is choosing to trust that, then there is no going back. Decebel couldn’t walk away from Jen even if, by some miracle beyond miracles, he wanted to. Not only that, but it goes against every fiber of his being to cause Jen such pain, physically or emotionally. His wolf would never stand for it. Decebel is over a century old, Sally. He knew all that when he decided to really pursue Jen. I can assure you he did not go into this lightly."

Sally nodded and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Okay, that makes me feel better. Jen is one of those people who, once she commits, once she declares that you are hers, she goes all in with her whole heart. Jen would take a bullet for Jacque and me without a thought. She dragged Jacque out of that burning car, not caring if she made it out alive. So I just wanted to make sure Decebel understood that since he's given Jen the green light to claim him, he needs to be prepared to accept the consequences. Those consequences just happen to be called one very bossy, but also severely loyal, Jennifer Adams."

 

Once Sally left, Cynthia sat back on her bed and recapped their conversation. She wasn't really surprised that Decebel had made his move. Not after what she and everyone else had witnessed tonight. Cynthia decided it would be important that she try and keep up with any changes they experienced, especially Jen since she wasn't full Canis lupis. She knew Decebel wouldn't like the idea. He would consider it as prying on something very private, but this was important and could help future dormant relationships.

 

 

Chapter 17

 

Jen sat on her bed as she slipped on shoes. She'd decided on a comfortable, yet flattering outfit. It definitely had to be comfortable since self defense class was today. So she donned black yoga pants, a blue long sleeved tee, and her Nikes. Standing in front of the mirror, she examined the result and grinned. Not too shabby.

Jen wasn't really vain, but she did appreciate the attributes God had given her. Long, shapely legs, a small waist, and a large bust. Admittedly she was glad for being ample in that area, but there was the annoying problem of guys often talking to her chest instead of her face. Sometimes she thought they really expected them to respond, seriously. She had long, thick blonde hair – although blonde wouldn't have been her first pick – and bright blue eyes. She was often mistaken for a dumb blonde, but sometimes it was better to let people underestimate her.

Jen glanced at the clock on her phone and took a deep breath. Decebel would be here any minute, or at least he should be. Unfortunately there was that tiny voice – that most of the time she was able to tell, “bite me” – trying to tell her that he'd probably changed his mind. He'd probably lain in bed last night cursing himself for reacting in the heat of the moment and making a commitment that was beyond what he wanted.

He wouldn't do that, she told the voice.

Are you positive? it responded.

Jen shook her head. What the – I'm arguing with my subconscious. Stop, Jennifer. Just stop. She took a couple deep breaths and felt a little more grounded. "Okay, I got this. No problem," she said to the empty room…then nearly jumped out of her skin when there was a knock at the door. "Yeah, you are all over it, Wonder Woman," she muttered sarcastically as she went to open the door.

She held her breath as she pulled it open. No matter how she tried to prepare herself, she was always affected by his presence – the sheer size of him, the level of intensity always in his amber eyes when he looked at her. Okay, so “affected” was putting it mildly.

They both stood there looking at each other. Jen got the distinct feeling that he too had expected her to bail. Decebel was going to learn that Jen didn't bail. Once she was in, she was in for the long haul.

"Yes. No. I mean, it just caught me off guard," she finally admitted. Although she had given Decebel a hard time about the knocking, she found now that she'd felt special. Yes, you heard right, she thought. Ridiculous as it sounded, him barging in made her feel like he just couldn’t wait to see her, or check on her. The urgency in him every time he just waltzed in uninvited was a rush of adrenaline to her. She hoped he couldn't see through the poker face she had perfected – not.

"I don't like knocking," Decebel told her, sounding like the dominant he was. "I shouldn't have to knock on your door."

Jen felt a smile threatening to morph her face. "You shouldn't have to?" It didn't go unnoticed by her that he'd just given her a way to maintain her pride but still get what she wanted. Smart wolf. "If that's how you feel, then why did you?" she challenged.

"I thought I would try it out, see if I liked the fit." He cocked an eyebrow at her.

"You were test driving the knocking concept." Jen kept a straight face as she spoke. She felt very proud of herself for that.

"That's a good way to put it," he agreed. "I'm returning it to the dealership. I wasn't impressed with the outcome."

Jen laughed. "The outcome? So you didn't like how I answered the door?"

Decebel chuckled with her. "I prefer the annoyed look you give me when I come in uninvited."

"Well, I suppose on your next entrance you will get full compensation for having wasted your time on an unsuccessful test drive. I will be sure to be doubly annoyed."

Decebel grinned at her playfulness. It was that grin that made Jen realize that only with her did he ever look like that. Only with her did he let down the hard outer exterior.

"You're the only one who makes me feel like this," Decebel told her, having once again guessed correctly at the direction of her thoughts.

"Tell me again why we need to have that mental connection thing, because you already know what I'm thinking most of the time."

"Your face is very expressive. I would never choose you as a poker partner." Decebel laughed at the glare she sent his way. But his wolf was pacing inside, tired of the bantering, ready to move onto the scent marking. His eyes must have started to glow because she swallowed hard.

"I'm sure your partners in crime will be arriving any minute. Come here, Jennifer," Decebel's voice was a growl. He was trying to tone down the possessive gleam in his eyes, but judging how she looked like she was ready to bolt, he was unsuccessful.

"I would never hurt you," he tried to reassure her.

Jen mentally slapped herself at her reaction to Decebel's possessive demeanor. It's Decebel, dimwit, she admonished. He would die before he hurt you. Sufficiently scolded, she pulled her shoulders back confidently and walked over to stand in front of him.

Jen knew this was probably the only time he would touch her today, and she was going to savor it and burn it into her memory. Once they were out of her room, under the scrutiny of the Alphas, they wouldn't be able to show serious interest in one another. It was bad enough that they'd already brought attention to themselves to the extent at which they had in less than twenty four hours. You would never be able to accuse Jen or Decebel of being subtle – it definitely wasn't either one's middle name.

He gently wrapped his large hand around the nape of Jennifer's neck. He watched in fascination as her eyes fluttered closed, as if she relished the feel of his skin on hers. He pulled her close. Her arms wrapped around him and she laid her head on his chest as if she had done it a thousand times. Decebel growled deeply, his wolf was basking in his mate's touch.

Mate, Decebel thought. Every fiber in him said she was, and yet a small part of him still worried that the lack of mating signs was confirmation that she did not belong to him. He felt a howl of rage welling up in his throat at the thought of her being another's. He had to get a leash on his wolf.

He laid his cheek against the top of her head and blew gently into her hair. Jennifer shuddered in his arms, making him pull her tighter. After standing that way for what felt like seconds, although he knew it was longer, he pulled back enough to lean down and placed his nose on her neck, the sensitive place where it met her shoulder. He took a deep breath and again blew out gently. This time Jennifer's knee's nearly buckled and had his arms not been around her, she probably would've fallen to the floor.

Decebel smiled to himself as he continued to breathe close to her neck. It was taking every ounce of control left in him to keep from biting her, even just nipping her. Showing her where she would wear his mark. He kissed her neck gently and when he heard a breathy moan come from her, he quickly stepped away. He kept his hands on her arms until he knew she was steady on her feet.

Jen stood there, dazed as Decebel abruptly stepped away from her. Did I do something wrong? she wondered. She looked at Decebel and saw that his breathing had quickened. His jaw was tense and his eyes were brighter than she had ever seen them.

"Are you okay?" she asked him tentatively, afraid she'd startle him.

"I just need a moment." His voice was rough.

"Did – did I do something wrong?" Jen stammered out her worry. She suddenly couldn’t stop rubbing her hands down her jeans. They weren't clammy or sweaty, but she felt like she needed to do something with them.

"No, beautiful. You didn't do anything wrong. You did, however, do something right. Very, very right." Decebel let out a deep breath as he ran his hands through his hair.

"Then what's wrong?" she asked, cocking her head to the side and folding her arms across her chest, effectively drawing Decebel's eyes to her now pushed up breasts.

Decebel's head snapped away just as quickly as his eyes had landed on her. He cleared his throat, unmistakably uncomfortable and embarrassed by his actions. Jen couldn't help the smile she felt inside at his obvious attraction to her. Well, a girl likes to know, she thought defensively.

"It's not that there is something wrong. It's just...well, you see..." Decebel was seriously flustered.

That's a first.

"The moan," he said matter of factly. "Baby, you can't make sounds like that. It's like handing a man an invitation to a banquet made just for him."

Although Jen heard all his words, she was stuck on the “baby” endearment.

Jen shook her head. "No, I kinda like it," she admitted shamelessly. "I just never pinned you for the baby type."

"I have a feeling there's quite a bit about me that will change because of you," he confessed.

"Huh. Well, I like it. Don't stop." She winked at him.

Decebel chuckled and shook his head, once again running his hands through his hair. "You're going to be the death of me, Jennifer Adams."

Jen didn't respond and he walked back over to her. Reaching up, he stroked her cheek and promised, "I will try to keep it together."

They both heard giggles on the other side. Jen rolled her eyes and pulled the door open. Jacque, Sally, Crina, and Marianna all stopped and wiped the grins off their faces.

"Ladies." Jen eyeballed them sternly.

"Jen, I would like it noted that I did not participate in the giggling." Fane spoke from behind the pack of hyenas at Jen's door.

"Noted, fur ball," Jen acknowledged.

Jacque smiled sweetly. "We came to see if you were ready to go down for breakfast."

"Yeah, sure ya did." Jen felt Decebel's hand on her lower back and she relaxed, allowing her annoyance to fade. "Let's do this," she relented with a smile.

 

The room they were to eat in was much smaller than the large ballroom they had been in the night before, but it was every bit as nice.

They all took their seats and Jacque sat on Jen's left side and Sally on her right. When Jacque noticed that Decebel sat across from Jen, not beside her, she looked at Jen, brow furrowed. Her eyes plainly said, “What gives?”

Jen leaned over and whispered close to Jacque's ear. "We have to keep things on the DL."

"Got it."

 

Vasile and Alina soon arrived and the other pack members slowly ambled in. Jen nodded at Cynthia when she showed up. She'd apparently arrived late last night after all the drama. Jen guessed that she and Decebel were going to have to fill her in on what they'd decided last night.

Dorin and Cami arrived and smiled at Jen. She returned with a smile of her own and watched as Anton and Delia acknowledged her. Once the entire pack was present, Vasile motioned for the meal to be served.

Breakfast consisted of ham, bacon, some sort of bread that was supposed to be a biscuit, eggs, and pancakes if you wanted them. Most of it was spent in silence as everyone concentrated on eating.

Vasile finally addressed them. "Each of you knows what you are to do today. Represent us well." His eyes landed on Decebel and Jen tried really hard not to snicker. Jacque, Sally, Crina, and Marianna weren't so successful. Decebel glowered at them and they immediately shut up.

"I don’t really understand the point of these activities," Crina said, adding quotations when to activities. "I mean come on, Alpha. The TFFs are going to be working on self defense with the males from the Serbia pack. What is that?"

"The TFFs?" Vasile asked before addressing her question.

"Yeah, as in The Fabulous Five." She motioned to herself, Sally, Jen, Jacque, and Marianna.

Decebel, Fane, Costin, and even Sorin coughed their laughs into their hands. Crina shot them a look that promised retribution if they didn't cease and desist.

Vasile smiled at the name she'd derived for the group, and at the friendship that had grown. It meant that there was camaraderie, which was vital to a healthy pack. He knew that a pack with vehement females carrying petty jealousies could be ripped apart.

"Crina, as silly or ridiculous as it seems, these activities are designed to keep from having idle wolves with nothing to focus on but beating the competition for a mate. We can't very well stick you all in a room and allow the males free reign."

Decebel shook his head at the young wolf. Was I ever that goofy? he asked himself, then answered his own question. No, definitely not.

Vasile continued, ignoring the banter among them. "The point today is that you will get to meet other males but your time will also be put to good use. You all need to learn self defense and we've killed two birds with one stone."

When no one else objected, he went on. "If you are so blessed to find your true mate, I would ask that you come speak with Alina and I immediately. This setting is quite different from ours, and the pair will be required to prove their mate status."

"What kind of proof?" Decebel asked, an undercurrent of something very dangerous in his tone.

"The most obvious would be the markings." At Vasile's words, several of the unmated males – including Costin and Decebel – spoke up.

"You can't be serious," Decebel growled. "How dare the Alphas ask us to parade our mate in front of them like she's a piece of meat. And to ask to see what should be for her mate's eyes only – they cross the line, Alpha."

Alina touched her mate's arm and Vasile looked over. "You would never have allowed them to see my marks."

Vasile was silent as he observed the faces of his pack. The males were all tense, ready to react at a moment's notice. Even the mated males were appalled at the idea of anyone seeing a female's markings. He took a deep breath. This gathering was truly going to test his leadership and the loyalty of his pack.

"I'm not saying I agree with it, nor am I saying I would force you to comply. That is why I ask that you come to Alina and I first."

"Why can't they just have one tell what the other is thinking?" Marianna asked.

"Because they claim that the pair could simply plan beforehand what they would say, therefore making it appear that they have a mental connection when they do not," Vasile explained.

Sally raised her hand to speak. Vasile smiled at her warmly. "Sally, you have a question?"

"Um, yeah. Why would someone pretend to be true mates?"

"You know of our longevity. You have seen the extent some males would go to have a mate through what Jacque experienced." Vasile paused and Sally nodded her agreement.

"There are females who are just as desperate for a mate. There are some who think that if they both consent then they should be allowed to be together, regardless of the consequences. What they don't understand, or don't remember because they have been alone for so long, is that no one on this earth, human or Canis lupis can fill the hole inside them. No one, no matter how you may love them, can give you the other half of your soul. And should you choose to take one who is not your true mate and your true mate comes along, there is nothing that can stop you from going to them. You will walk away from any life you have built, children you have sired, and person you have married without so much as a glance back. It is our job as Alphas to protect our pack. As a parent guides his child, so an Alpha guides his pack. The Alphas that have brought us all together want to make sure that no one makes the mistake of thinking they can find what they are looking for in someone who does not truly belong to them. That is why they insist on proof."

The room was quiet when he finished speaking. Vasile knew that understanding the why of it didn't necessarily make it any easier to accept. His pack would just have to trust him.

Decebel looked across the table at Jennifer, imagining her with his markings. Then the thought of another seeing them. Quite simply that just wasn't going to happen. He would be dead before anyone saw Jennifer's back.

Feeling his eyes on her, Jen looked up and saw the intensity of Decebel's stare. She figured he was contemplating the idea of her bearing his marks and the possibility of someone else seeing them. She wasn't completely sure but she guessed that Decebel's answer was a big, fat “when hell freezes over.” His eyes were glowing, his jaw tense. He'd crossed his arms across his chest and she could see his muscles flexing. Yep, pretty sure pigs would have to fly, hell would have to freeze, and George would have to sell his oceanfront property before another person saw her markings.

If they ever come, she thought solemnly.

"If no one else has anything to say..." Vasile waited. When no one spoke up he dismissed them.

 

 

Chapter 18

 

Jen sat in the gym with the rest of the TFF – she had to admit she loved Crina's designation of their little group. Dorin and Cami were on one side of the room and Anton and Delia were on the other. Their eyes roamed the gym constantly, waiting to see if any of the wolves would become a problem.

Jen had the feeling some of the mated males were itching for a fight and wouldn't mind if taking down a wolf or two. To the far right sat another group of unmated females. Some looked eager, eyes wide, scoping out the males on the floor. Others looked as if they'd just found out they were headed to the taxidermist.

Decebel and Fane were sitting a couple rows behind the TFF on the bleachers, scanning the crowd with equal concentration. Even with his eyes roaming over the room, Jen knew Decebel was acutely aware of her. He would know if she moved an inch from where she sat now. He would know if her breathing changed at all, or her heart rate increased. She smiled to herself, thinking how nice it was to have the one she had been pining for, how nice it was to have accepted this thing between them.

Marianna, who sat on Jen's left, nudged her and nodded in the direction of the doors. They watched as a man, a very large man, walked into the gym. He stopped in the very center and his presence immediately brought the room to silence. Jen looked closer and realized it was Skender. It was then that she realized she hadn't seen him or Boain since arriving at The Gathering.

That's odd, she thought.

"Did you notice Skender and Boain have been MIA since we arrived?" she asked, leaning over to Jacque.

Jacque nodded. "I hadn't thought about it 'til seeing him just now."

Jen watched as Jacque's face took on that weirdness it got when she talked to Fane through their bond. She thought, Note to self: practice using bond while looking in the mirror. That way she could make sure she kept a normal face when and if Decebel and she ever got to that.

"Fane says that Vasile has both of them leading a couple of the activities to help minimize the risk of Decebel getting in a situation where he could offend the other pack females."

"How could he offend them?" Jen asked.

"If he flat out refuses to participate with a female in a solo or group activity, it's considered a slap in the face."

Jen nodded as she turned and glanced up at the one who occupied her every thought. He was looking at her, as he often was when she looked at him. She smiled and the slight upward curve of his lips would not have been caught by just anybody. But Jen was learning his subtle expressions. In their current situation, he was trying to keep from holding up a sign that said: “I'm after Jennifer Adams,” but at the same time he didn't want her to forget what he'd said.

He wanted her.

"Welcome Serbia pack," Skender announced. "My name is Skender and I'm a member of the Romanian pack. I will be leading today's lessons." Then, turning to the bleachers where the two female groups sat, he pointed to the right. "We welcome the females from the Bulgaria pack."

"That would have been the perfect entrance," Crina muttered, referring to the cheer that had been thoroughly shut down my Decebel.

Spoil sport, Jen growled inwardly at him.

"Today the males will be teaching self defense and some combat moves. The Alphas feel it is important that all members of the pack know how to defend themselves. Those of you who have already been training will be paired up with an advanced instructor." Skender looked past the TFFs and pointed again. "Decebel, why don't you and Crina come down and demonstrate some of the moves we will learn today."

As Decebel made his way down the bleachers, he walked right behind Jen and the other girls. As he passed her he ran a finger lightly on the nape of her neck, so quickly that nobody picked up on it. She smiled.

I want you. She heard his voice in her mind and wished it wasn't just a memory.

It was then that Jen really understood why Skender had been made leader. He knew that Jen would feel less threatened if Decebel sparred with one of the females from their pack. She was thankful for that, but knew it was only a brief reprieve because he was majorly advanced at fighting. He would be placed with a non-pack member at some point, but definitely never with Jen as she had as much self defense skill as she did in basket weaving. That would be a gigantic none.

The girls watched as Decebel and Crina made some impressive combat moves and then demonstrated some basic – what Jen considered “get the hell out of dodge” – moves. These were moves designed to disable an attacker long enough to book it to safety.

 

When the demonstration was done Skender started calling out names, announcing the pairs. He explained that every twenty minutes the females would rotate clockwise to spar with a different male.

Great, Jen thought. It'sKarate Kid speed dating.

She heard Decebel's and some girl's names called. She didn't even look to see who it was. She couldn't. Instead she started muttering, "I want you. I want you. I want you."

Jacque looked at Jen, shaking her head at her best friend's weird tactics. "Well, if you insist," Jacque responded. "Although, Fane might get a little jealous."

Jen shot her the finger.

"Why are you muttering that? You've gone from 'not an option' to 'I want you.' What gives?"

Jen looked at Jacque and Sally, who watched her questioningly. "He told me to remember, when he has to be with the other girls, that he wants me. I can't look at him with another girl. I wish it wasn't such a big deal but I've never been so screwed up over a guy."

Jen nodded and her head snapped up as her name was called. She looked over to the mat Skender had indicated, where a tall guy was standing. He grinned at her and the look in his eyes made her feel like he was trying to see her soul. It made her feel naked and vulnerable, and there was only one wolf she was okay with making her feel like that.

 

 

Decebel watched as Jennifer walked over to the wolf she'd been paired with. He nearly snarled when he realized it was the guy he had taken the phone from last night. That pup had been recording the girls' dance. He ripped his eyes away, trying to get his wolf under control.

It didn't escape his notice that Jennifer hadn't looked at him a single time since he'd been paired with the short brunette in front of him. The girl smiled tentatively and Decebel had to force his lips to turn up. By the look on her face it didn't quite make it to a smile.

"Let's get this over with," he muttered as he stepped towards her. She looked ready to run, and as Decebel began to walk her through basic self defense moves he could feel her trembling. He wished he could bring himself to care enough to at least try to put her at ease, but it was taking every ounce of willpower for him to not go throw Jennifer over his shoulder and carry her off to perform the Bonding Ceremony.

His eyes kept straying towards her, and when Skender finally announced it was time to switch, he let out a slow breath. At least she was getting away from the wolf who'd been drooling over her last night. But as Decebel looked to see who was next in Jennifer's row, he realized they had almost all been there last night. They'd watched his mate sway her hips suggestively, things moving that would only lead a guy's mind in the wrong direction. The flirty, come hither look that had been plastered on her beautiful face... Bloody hell, it's going to be a long day, he thought as he turned to face the next female he didn't want to be near.

 

An hour and a half into the self defense training, Jen was feeling slightly encouraged. She'd finally allowed her eyes to land on Decebel. Each time he had been working with a girl it was painfully obvious he was trying to touch her as little as possible.

Jen wished she could say the same about the guys she had been working with. She felt like she was constantly having to steer clear of an accidental – yeah, right – grope or grab. She was just glad Decebel hadn't seen.

The guy she was now training with turned her around to teach a move that would disable an attacker pinning her from behind. Jen stood still as he wrapped an arm around what she thought was going to be her neck. He stepped even closer so that their bodies touched from his chest to her calves. But instead of her neck his arm wrapped over her chest, his hand not quite making under her arm. He basically had a handful of boob. So not good.

Jen would've overlooked it if the idiot hadn't squeezed. She gasped in shock and instantly heard a growl somewhere beyond her. She knew that growl.

The wolf who held her tightened his grip painfully and Jen tried pulling away from him, which only caused what felt like his claws to descend.

That’s going to leave a mark, she thought.

The growl, Decebel's growl, turned into a snarl. Her head snapped up as she tried desperately to get out of the wolf's groping hands. She saw Decebel look at her, then at the hand that was planted on her chest.

Decebel phased, faster than she had ever seen a wolf phase, and launched himself across the room. Suddenly everything a flurry of movement. Jen was pulled from the offending wolf's arms and into Dorin's.

"Get her out of here now.," he told Cami. "And get the Alpha. He's the only one who can call Decebel down.”

Cami nodded and turned to Delia. "Go get Sally and Jacque. Fane and the other guys are going to have to try to pull Decebel off the idiot."

Jen and Cami turned when she heard bodies slamming together. They froze. To their horror, the other guy had phased into a motley grey wolf and he and Decebel were circling each other. Decebel was much, much larger with a shiny grey pelt and one white paw.

They watched as Decebel snarled and snapped at the other wolf, trying to slip him up. Decebel got his chance when the wolf stumbled back just a little. Decebel took advantage of the mistake and launched himself forward. His teeth sunk into the smaller wolf's neck and in an amazing show of strength, Decebel raised the wolf upward and slammed him onto his side.

The other wolf struggled briefly before submitting. Decebel stepped back, releasing him. Had Jen not been scared witless, she would have laughed when he slapped the other wolf across the head, effectively knocking him unconscious.

Decebel raised his head and howled, and as if beyond their control, the other Romanian pack males howled with him.

Suddenly Jen felt a pressure fill the air that nearly drove her to her knees. The howls cut off. She watched as the full blooded wolves all knelt and a very, very pissed off Vasile thundered through the gym doors.

When Jen looked back at Decebel, she could see him struggling under the weight of his Alpha's power. A couple of times he stumbled, but continued. Stupid barbarian. She rolled her eyes and closed the rest of the distance between them.

She shook her head. "What were you thinking?" He snarled at her but she knew it wasn't at her. "Do you want them to separate us? Because that's what they're going to do if you can't keep it together."

She stopped talking when Vasile came up beside her. His eyes were glowing a deep blue. He snapped a hand out and someone placed a pair of sweat pants in it.

"Phase back." His voice was low, but no less commanding than a shout would have been. Decebel phased back and Jen quickly turned. When she no longer heard the ruffle of clothes, she turned back around to see Decebel's eyes on her, not Vasile.

"Are you all right?" he asked her.

Jen hesitated as she thought about how the wolf had grabbed her – violated her, even. She'd felt his claws pierce her skin... Deciding it was probably best for every person in the vicinity if she didn't mention that little tidbit, she lied – only a little. "I'm fine."

Vasile turned to Skender. "Please give the Alphas my apologies and let them know I will discipline my pack accordingly. We will take our leave until tonight's events."

 

One by one the pack members filed into the breakfast room. The tables and chairs had been put away. In their place were lounging chairs. Vasile didn't sit. Alina joined him and looked just as angry. Jen watched as all the males eyeballed each other. None would concede and sit until Vasile commanded it. Once everyone was inside, Dorin pulled the door closed with an ominous click.

"At first his hand just landed on my chest, that I would've overlooked. The clincher was that he squeezed and didn't let go.” She shrugged uncomfortably. “So, it wasn't an 'oops, my bad' or a passing 'hello,' it was more like 'I'd like a room for the night, please,' kind of gesture."

Before Vasile could comment Decebel was at her side, turning her to face him. Although he was very gentle with her, his touch was firm, determined.

His hand, now steady, came up and stroked her face.

"The truth, Jennifer. Did that mongrel leave any marks on you?" Decebel's words were so soft. She could tell he didn't want to have this conversation in front of everyone.

Alina walked over to Jen and pulled her to the side. Decebel looked back at every male in the room and growled. They instantly all turned their backs. He glanced back at Jen. Alina was helping her lift her shirt. When Jen noticed him, she stopped her shirt from going any higher.

She cleared her throat. "Wolf, you haven't earned any special privileges. So unless you're handing out Benjamins, you don't get to watch the show."

At the moment his thoughts about her were far from inappropriate, no matter what part he saw. But he understood she didn't feel comfortable with him seeing her unclothed. He relented and turned around.

The other girls walked over to form a semi-circle around her while he waited impatiently. He nearly spun when he heard Sally's gasp.

"Your play by play is really helping keep everyone calm, guys," Jen said sarcastically. "Just chill out. It's not like I'll have his marks on me forever."

She realized the mistake of her words a second after they were out of her mouth. Decebel's wolf would consider that as the other wolf marking her, claiming her. Jen knew he hadn't been – he was just a perverted guy.

Decebel pushed all the girls out of his way and was standing in front of her faster than Jen could blink. She froze as she looked up at his face, his dark features accentuated by anger. She felt him pull her shirt down to cover her. She still couldn't move.

"Once again, Jennifer, you make light of something that is serious." Decebel's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Why?"

"I'm not saying what he did was okay, but I could have handled it. He was just being a guy. He saw an opportunity to get some free action and took it. I'm perfectly capable of kicking a guy in the balls, B. I didn't need you to go all fangs and claws on him."

Every guy in the room cringed at Jen's words except Decebel. He was unmovable at this point.

"He was just being a guy? He was just BEING A GUY?" Decebel roared. "He touched you! He had his hands on you, on your -"

"Girly bits?" Jen offered oh so helpfully.

Decebel's mouth tightened. "Yes, Jennifer. He had his hand on your girly bits. That is not 'just being a guy,' that's being an ass."

Jen should have just shut up and cut her losses, but backing down had never been her strong suit.

 

Jacque watched, fascinated by the argument ensuing in front of her. She didn't think either of them truly realized how passionate they were about each other. Though, she wasn't sure they were going to survive their mating without one of them strangling the other. The words that Jen was spewing at the moment were seriously taking the odds of survival out of her corner.

 

"Are you mad because he got there first, wolf? 'Cause if that's the case I feel it necessary to remind you that your opportunity is coming."

The sputters, coughs, and curses that rippled through the room were punctuated by Sally surprising everyone with a loud, "What the HELL, JEN? Shut up."

Jen didn't take her eyes off of Decebel as she answered what was certainly rhetorical. "What? I'm just reminding him that, ultimately, I'm his."

"Yeah, well, emphasizing that another wolf had his hands on you at all, not just that it happened in front of your mate, is not really helping matters," Sally shot back.

Everyone was in motion except Jen and Decebel. Vasile was the last to leave the room. Before he closed the door he looked back at Decebel, who didn't look away from Jen. "I understand why you did it, Beta. It may be that because he left marks on her skin you won't be punished for your impudence."

 

Decebel watched Jennifer return his stare without flinching. He couldn't remember a time in his long life that he had been this angry. He started to shake with the urge to phase, remembering the wolf's hand on his mate.

Jennifer took a step towards him, completely undaunted by his lack of control. She placed her hands on either side of his face and before he even realized it, stood up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.

Decebel wished he could say that he hesitated to consider the consequences of their actions, but in that moment nothing could have calmed his wolf the way that intimate touch did. His arms went around her small waist, pulling her closer. As her body met his Decebel tilted his head to deepen the kiss. He heard her moan and growled in response. When their tongues met he nearly smiled. She hadn't hesitantly tried to slip it in his mouth, not his woman. She plunged confidently, daring him to respond.

He felt her wince when he pulled her closer, her chest tightly pressed to him. That brought his thoughts back to her injury. Possessiveness surged forward, muddling his brain, and his kiss turned desperate. He lifted her by the waist and pressed her against a wall, never once taking his lips from hers.

Jen wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself up, then wrapped her legs around his waist. This bold move allowed him to push through the fog. He gentled the kiss and after a few small lingering ones, pulled back.

Decebel noticed how beautiful she looked, her lips red and swollen from his kiss, her eyes half closed as she tried to catch her breath. Slowly she unwrapped her legs and lowered herself to the ground. He couldn’t deny the attraction he felt at her confidence. She didn't blush or apologize for having become so passionate, she didn't try to hide the desire that filled her eyes, and she didn't drop her arms to grant them some space. She held on tight and sultrily smiled.

"That was yummy."

Decebel chuckled. "Of all the things you could say: passionate, amazing, incredible, unbelievable, and you come up with yummy?"

"Which part? Your taste? The feel of your lips on mine? Having your body pressed so close to me? What would you have me describe, baby?"

"Somewhat." His smile faded, replaced by a clenched jaw and furrowed brow. "I just need some time with you. Just you."

 

Jen watched as Decebel allowed the wall he always erected in front of others to come down. She took his hand and led him over to one of the love seats. Kicking off her shoes, she pulled her legs up on the couch and leaned into his side as his arms came around her. She closed her eyes and she felt him lay his cheek against her hair. There was a low rumble in his chest as she snuggled closer.

 

 

Decebel closed his eyes as he held Jennifer. This was what his wolf needed. He was beginning to realize why Fane touched Jacque all the time. It was like he couldn't not touch her. The reassurance, comfort, and peace that came from Jennifer's touch was a drug. A drug that he was fast becoming addicted to.

Gladly, he thought.

"Let's just stay here for a little while, okay?" Jen asked him sleepily.

"Ten thousand could not pull you from my side."

 

 

Chapter 19

 

"You are asking me to allow you to retaliate against the Romanian Beta?" Thad asked the wolf who stood before him, the same wolf who had grabbed Jen.

Thad was quiet for a few moments while he considered his options. This situation could actually work in his favor – if he played it just right. He turned back to Dragos. "Why not attack the one who allows Decebel such liberties?” The other wolf peered up at him, betraying his interest. Thad went on, “Why not take out the one who controls Decebel?"

Dragos couldn't deny that taking out the most powerful Alpha in a century appealed to him. "How could I take him out? He's too strong and protected."