I run my fingers through Freddy’s black fur as I sit in the back of Jaxson large jeep. To say Jaxson isn’t a good driver, would be an understatement, I’m hoping the drive doesn’t last too much longer. At least I can let go of my seat now we are out-of-town and there aren’t that many turns. Jaxson drives us straight towards the large mountain to the left of the town and into the massive forest that lies before it. We hit the start of the trees and then the roads all look the same for around half an hour. So far it’s taken at least an hour to get to this point.
"Why do I need to come back to your house?" I ask the now silent wolfman, who is driving slowly down the empty road. There are tall trees lining the sides of the road and they hang above us, enough that it could be mistaken for the night instead of early morning. I don’t think he will reply but he does in a gruff voice,
"The alpha can make you a pack member and then Freddy will chill out. Freddy is blood bound to him, so he will feel connected to you then.” He tells me.
"What's an alpha? And blood bound means what?" I ask a little nervous as my palms start sweating, I’m hoping they don’t mean the literal sense of using blood to bind people.
He sighs like I'm wasting his time before answering,
"The alpha is the leader of our pack, lass. He is one of the strongest wolves, so he became alpha when it was needed.” He says.
"Right, so why are you the guardian of Freddy?" I ask wondering because he looks around twenty-five and that's young to be looking after an eight-year-old.
"When my sister died, she made me promise to keep him safe. So I do." He mutters, showing the pain on his face before he turns away from me. Freddy whines slowly next to me and I see Jaxson look back with a look of pure sorrow for his lost sister. I couldn’t imagine losing Alex, she is like a sister to me and I would be lost.
"I'm sorry for your loss." I stroke Freddy’s head, when he whines gently again and puts his head on my lap. Jaxson watches with Freddy with a strange expression before commenting,
"I can't believe his wolf lets you so near. Wolves hate human’s, even ones they are protecting." He looks back at me in the mirror, trying to find a reason.
"Animals become calm around me, they always have. That’s one of the reasons why I want to be a vet." I tell him before looking away at the passing trees; I swear I see a few glimpses of animals watching us as we pass. We don't say anything more but I’m aware every time Jaxson watches me in his mirror like he is trying to work something out about me. We take too many turns for me to remember until we come to a line of trees.
“It will feel weird for you to pass but hold onto Freddy and don’t let go,” Jaxson warns me, I go to reply but stop as Jaxson drives through the trees, that part for him as he gets close. A warm sensation covers my body and my grip on Freddy tightens as I fight a wave of sickness. When I finally open my eyes, I see we are driving up on a long road with many cabins on each side. There are several people walking around and I see around twenty cabins but there are small dirt roads leading off the main one to other cabins in the distance. We eventually pull up to one of the larger cabins that stand out from the rest due to its size. It looks around three stories, with old style wooden windows. The cabin itself has a wraparound porch on the lower level and many potted plants line the ground near the house. There’s a large garage at the side with enough room for at least five cars and there’s a few parked outside. I look back at the large wooden door that has two large wolves facing each carved into the wood, I can’t miss it even from the car. I also notice the two real large wolves’ standing by the front door, one is a cream colour with brown patches and the other is a light brown. I'm guessing this is the alpha house.
I climb out the car, with Freddy following close behind me.
Jaxson doesn't wait for us and barges passed the wolves, not even looking at them, before opening the large front door like it’s made of paper and not solid wood. The wolves growls at me as I walk past but Freddie growls louder and they both stop. I stop in fear as the one wolf moves closer to me, blocking the door.
"Let the lass past Joe, unless you want to try that shit with me." Jaxson’s voice comes from inside the house, and as if a button is pressed, the wolf called Joe backs away. They both go back to staring behind me at the road like I’m not here and a nudge from Freddy on my back legs reminds me to keep moving.
I walk in the cabin, straight into a massive open planned living room. It has hardwood floors that match the wooden walls giving the place a cosy feel. In the centre of the room is a square fireplace that goes up through the ceiling with a middle part that’s open with surrounding glass. There’s a fire going on in it and it lights the room up as well as the open windows. There are four brown leather sofas around the fireplace and a bar on the one wall. There are a few pictures on the walls but mainly of seaside’s and I'm guessing some family but I don’t move closer to have a look.
"Take a seat," Jaxson says while he leans against the wall by the door, I try not to jump at his voice but I fail and he chuckles. I huff at him and take a seat on one of the sofa’s, with Freddy sitting by feet.
"Someone's got a lot to explain to me. Including why there is a human here." A deep voice, much like Jaxson’s says from right behind me. I turn on the sofa to see an impressive guy walking in the room. I would guess he is in his early twenty’s but something about him makes me think he could older than me. The man looks like Jaxson, with the same dark nearly black hair but his is longer, tied in a band at the back of his head. His dark brown eyes pierce through me and I look away before I start a staring contest like I did with Jaxson. The one thing that is clear is that this man is powerful, and even I can sense that. Dressed in only denim jeans with no shirt, he is showing off a large muscled chest that would make any girl swoon, surprisingly my eyes flutter back to Jaxson, I bet his chest is nicer. The stares at me for second before shifting his gaze to Freddy with a massive frown.
"Shift back pup," he shouts at Freddy, his tone down right scares me but the change is almost instant for Freddy. I look away as he grabs a blanket off the sofa wrapping it around himself.
"Explain Jax," The man asks, never taking his eyes off me as he sits on the edge of another sofa.
"This is Winter, and Winter this is my brother, Fergus," Jaxson says as he leans against the wall.
"I didn't mean names," Fergus says with a dirty look in Jaxson’s direction. I notice he doesn't have a Scottish accent like Jaxson but they are brothers. I can see there are a lot of differences between them, including the fact Jaxson has bright green eyes and Fergus doesn’t.
Jaxson goes on to explain everything that happens while Freddy goes to get some clothes on. The whole time Fergus watches me as Jaxson talks and I can see he seems shocked by everything.
“That boy is going to be in training every day, before and after school, for a month for this. He is lucky he is my nephew or it would be worse for punishment.” Fergus growls out loudly and I know it’s so Freddy can hear, I’m guessing the wolves have sensitive hearing.
"Right, well, I guess I owe you a thank you for saving one of my wolves’ lives," Fergus says to me without a hint of a smile. I have a feeling he doesn't like me.
"No need to thank me but I should be leaving," I say, getting to my feet.
“Hold on, I’m taking you into the pack. It’s an old law but one that cannot be ignored. Not many humans would save an animal these days, so the likelihood of this happening is rare.” Fergus tells me and Jaxson nods his agreement.
“Humans aren’t all bad, I know several people who would have tried to help,” I tell him; well maybe they would have called a vet instead.
“I doubt it; humans have hunted us many times over the years. We now have to keep our pack hidden from your kind, but enough about that.” Fergus cuts off my argument and turns to Jaxson.
“You will bind her to you and I will bind her to the pack, she is your responsibility when she is away from the pack.” He tells Jaxson, his firm and strong.
“No, I’m not doing that with her,” Jaxson growls.
“I’m not asking Jax, you wanted custody of Freddy and I let you have him so this is our problem. I would do it myself or make one of my beta’s do it but I can’t leave to help her. None of my beta’s would take her seriously because they hate humans more than you.” He says.
Jaxson stares at me for a second before he nods,
“Good, Winter, being brought into the pack is simple. Usually, we would share blood and you would feel a link to us but as your human, you only have to link to one wolf in the pack to feel the link. Jaxson will be the best option for you. Jaxson is the only wolf who works outside the pack and therefore can check up on you.” Fergus tells me, getting my attention.
“Right, what if I don’t want this?” I ask.
“Then Freddy will keep coming to you. Being part of this pack is just for protection purposes, we could teach how to protect yourself from our kind who have gone rogue, and other supernatural beings that could be a danger to you.” He tells me firmly. I don’t want to even know in this moment what other kinds of beings there are but I don’t want Freddy to suffer because of some link between us.
“Why would they be a danger to me?” I finally say after thinking quietly for a while
“The whole town is full of them, you don’t have to learn, just an offer,” Fergus says like he couldn’t give a damn if I do or don’t.
“She wouldn’t be able to protect herself, even if I taught her myself,” Jaxson scoffs.
“You’re a real asshole, you know that?” I tell him and he just shrugs.
“Jax, you’ll need to check on her often anyway, so why don’t you teach her?” Fergus says with a small smile. I have a feeling he is testing Jaxson in some way and I have no idea why.
“Fine, let’s get this done” Jaxson growls out and stomps over to me. I watch as Jaxson slides out a silver dagger from his boot. The dagger is small but looks like one of those throwing daggers I’ve seen in movies.
“Your finger.” He holds out his hand and I slide my hand into his. I watch as he carefully hands the knife to Fergus with a nod. Jaxson holds my finger up to Fergus who makes a small cut and I hold back a squeak of pain. I watch as Fergus cuts Jaxson’s finger, and then pushes it into mine. For a second all I see is Jaxson’s green eyes as they glow, looking straight through me before he pulls away and walks back to the wall where he was standing.
“All done, welcome to the pack,” Fergus says and I hold my finger with my other hand to stop the bleeding. I don’t feel any different but I feel a warm sensation on the back of my neck.
“I should go; I’ve had a long night,” I tell Fergus who nods and Jaxson turns to me, from his spot near the wall.
"You’re under my protection now lass, so you'll have to come here sometimes to please my wolf," he tells me, I can’t make out his expression but I’m sure it’s not happy.
"Who says I want to please you?" I glare at him.
"You sure you don't?" He winks at me, making me blush a bright shade of red and look away at the fireplace.
"Jaxy, I heard all about Freddy, I'm glad he is ok," says a very pretty dark-haired girl, about my age, as she comes into the room. She stops at Jaxson’s side taking his hand and he doesn’t even respond to her as he watches me. I can't help but notice how she looks like a supermodel with long legs, perfect figure, a baby face and shiny hair.
"Aye, he is fine now Esta." Jaxson finally responds, breaking the tense silence. I notice he looks at me for second before turning away from Esta and me, to stare out a window.
"I would say it’s nice to meet you but you’re a human, I’m Esta." The girl says smiling at me in a tone that suggests she feels sorry for me.
"What’s wrong with being human, you know what I don’t care what your answer is,” I tell Esta before turning to face Jaxson
“Can you take me home now?" I ask again and he doesn’t reply. I grit my teeth together just as Esta goes to talk, Fergus says,
"Take the girl home Jax but I want a word first, alone."
Jaxson nods leaving the room. Esta looks me up and down before coming to stand in front of me.
"Keep those dirty human eyes and hands to yourself, little human. Jaxson is mine," she growls at me. I raise one eyebrow. I don’t know what comes over me but I move closer, we are nearly the same height and for some reason, I can’t back down.
"I don't like being threatened," I say calmly and then back away when her dark green eyes start flowing.
"He is my mate." she says but it comes out more of a growl.
"No my uncle isn't yet. Just because your parent set the mating up, doesn’t mean he is yours, Esta. Winter Is under Jaxson’s protection, I don’t think he would take it well if you tried to hurt her.” Freddy says coming into the room. I smirk at the Harry Potter top he is wearing and I want to tell him I have one just like it at home.
"Back off Freddy," Esta growls but it’s lost its dangerous tone. So much for caring if Freddy is ok, she could have asked him by now. It’s clear she is only interested in Jaxson and for some reason I’m finding myself protective of them both.
"Make me," Freddy growls seeming more than the sweet eight-year old I have gotten to know. I really feel the wave of power he admits before Esta whines, I watch as she shows Freddy her neck, and then she stomps out the room.
"Sorry, it's a wolf thing," he mutters with a grin.
"Freddy, where have you been? You’re a giant pain in the ass but I want to see you’re ok," A voice I recognise comes from the doorway a minute before Katy appears. She looks at Freddy with a big grin before seeing me and running over to give me a hug.
"What are you doing here Winter?" She smiles and pulls away. Katy looks much better tonight in casual clothes and no intense makeup.
"How do you know each other?" Jaxson says walking back in the room, his voice dripping with suspicion.
"She's my brother’s girlfriend," Katy says with a grin at my shocked face. I go to respond but Jaxson beats me to it.
"What?" Jaxson growls and Katy looks as confused as I am at his anger.
"Girl- friend as in a girl he knows from uni," she says as she rolls her eyes and I notice Jaxson seems to relax. I narrow my eyes at him, which seems to have the effect of making him smirk.
"Right lass, I’ll take you home but a few days a week, your here for an hour, to please my wolf and we will be doing self-defence classes, so I can put up with you." He mutters the end part to himself but doesn’t make his voice quiet enough that I don’t hear. I kind of think that’s the point.
"We, as in both of us?" I laugh at the idea of him needing self-defence. I have a feeling he doesn’t need to learn anything about fighting from anyone else.
"Yes, I will be teaching you. It will help please me, and my wolf, to know you can defend yourself." He tells me and Katy’s jaw drops open as she stares between us.
"Hold on, can someone tell me what's going on?" Katy finally asks with a small voice.
"Freddy, find Anna to escort Katy back to her cabin.” He tells Freddy.
“Why can’t I take her?” he asks crossing his arms and standing taller.
“Don’t you think you’re going to be busy? I know Fergus has some training for you, I’m sure I can persuade Anna to find something for you to clean as well if you have the time.” Jaxson says and Freddy deflates with a grumble.
“Katy, I believe you’re grounded and your parents aren’t going to be happy your here. Tell Harris to come and see me." Jaxson tells her and she rolls her eyes at him.
"Why?" she responds.
"Just do it, Katy." Jaxson exhales, looking beyond frustrated at all the questions.
"Well, I will see you soon." Katy hugs me once more, before dragging a waving Freddy out the door.
"She is a little nut’s," I mumble, which makes Jaxson smile at me. It takes my breath away how handsome he is when he smiles, that I nearly do the whole swoon thing that I’ve heard girls do. I’ve never been that kind of girl who was overly interested in guys, I mean I had boyfriends but they were all average and quite boring guys. Jaxson is not the type of guy I would have even looked at before today, he is beyond hot and his voice sends shivers through me. No, I would have run in the opposite direction because a guy like Jaxson could break me.
"My cousin is like that," he laughs, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Oh, so do all your all close family live in this pack?" I ask trying to get an understanding of what it’s like around here.
"Not exactly but this pack is family to us and you have our protection lass," He says not looking happy about it.
"Oh well thanks and I already know a lot of self-defence. My mum made me go to a local class two times a week for years, until I left for uni," I tell him crossing my arms.
"Great, at least you know the basics. Let's go," he smirks at me before walking out.
"Doesn't anyone say ladies first anymore?" I shout at his back and I hear his laugh. Freddy comes through the door that Jaxson opens and leaves to shut behind him.
"Jackass," I mutter to myself.
"I guess I will see you around Freddy." I smile at the boy who looks worried, as he runs up to me in the lounge.
"This is my entire fault, and I'm sorry I got you into this." He says looking down and I walk over to him, and I put my hand on his shoulder.
"I wouldn't change a thing. Well, maybe you getting hurt in the first place.” I say and he finally looks up at me.
“You’re ok and that's all that matters," I tell him, holding eye contact and I know I mean that. I may not be happy with being stuck with a grumpy wolf as a guardian and learning all about werewolf’s/shifters but I am happy that Freddy is safe. Honestly, I'm surprised I'm not more freaked out right now, but I know there isn’t much point in freaking out.
"Hurry up Winter, or he will only get worse," Freddy laughs as he smiles at me before walking off.
I hear the horn beeped from the car three times before I walk out, huffing to myself. I walk past the wolves, who don't growl at me this time, but I still move quickly back to Jaxson’s car just in case.
"You took your time." He grumbles at me the minute I get in. I don’t even want to tell him I know that he could have heard my conversation with Freddy, so he knows why I was delayed.
"I'm sorry but have I done something to piss you off? I get the feeling you don't like me." I ask him as I pull my seatbelt on.
Jaxson looks at me for a while and I get the feeling he is trying to come up with an answer but he shakes his head and just starts driving.
"Right, no answer," I murmur under my breath but I know he heard me by the twitch of his lips.
"I can pick you up on Monday at four, give me your phone," he asks holding out his hand.
"No," I say.
"No?" He questions with a quick glare at me before looking back at the road.
"You do know what no means right? You’re not having my number unless you ask nicely because so far all you have done is demand stuff." I tell him and cross my arms staring him down as he drives.
"You are unbelievable lass. I don't ask anything nicely but fine." he groans before saying tensely.
"Please may I have your number?" He asks with his hands clenching the steering wheel so tight I’m afraid he might break it. I can't help but laugh my head off at how tense he sounds, which even makes him smile then eventually laugh with me.
"Sure," I say wiping my tears away and smiling back at him.
"You should smile more lass; you look lovely when you do." I blush under his gaze before turning to look at the window. I watch as he puts his number on my phone while still driving like a crazy person down thankfully empty roads. We don’t talk for the rest of the drive and I find myself drifting off to sleep as we pass lots of trees.
"We're here." Jaxson’s voice drifts through my mind and a large hand is shaking me gently by my shoulder to wake me up, I open my eyes to see his close to mine. He has really bright eyes that draw you in; I find it hard to look away as I wake up.
"I don't have to go over the whole 'you can't tell anyone about us' thing right?" He says with a small grin at me as he hands my phone. I notice how it really suits him, looking less angry and happier for once.
"Yeah I get it, plus anyone would think I'm mad." I laugh and hop out the car before I shut the door I say,
"You look nice when you smile too Jaxson."
I see his shocked face before I turn and walk back to my apartment that seems really empty without that annoying wolf around.