A yawn escaped me as I wandered out of the store, thanking Hayden for holding the door for me.
"I'm so tired," I whined, fighting to keep my eyes open.
Heston chuckled and Hayden grinned, catching up to walk on either side of me as we ventured to the next store.
"That's because someone spent all night between the sheets with a certain Alpha male," Hayden teased.
"I'm really glad the new house has soundproof walls," Heston added.
I became flustered at their responses, darting my gaze from side to side at them. "Th-that's not true!" I stuttered.
"Nailed it." They reached out to high five each other.
"Ugh! You guys are so tricky!" I whined, falling for their attempt to make me reveal that I had been awake the majority of the night with Carter. After two more rounds of sex, I’d called it quits, the intensity far too strong for me.
I'd let go of any challenge for the sake of not being labeled in the town's paper headline: Woman Dies After Three Rounds Of The Best Sex Ever.
Carter still had some strength in him and carried me back, my body and mind too spent to care.
When I'd woken up it was way past dinner, but Damien had stayed up to cook me something in case I woke up while Carter was doing a night run after he'd taken a nap.
Ian had gone into the office to get a breakdown of everything going on and get a head start on things so he'd really get to spend Christmas day without worry. The twins went back to the sanctuary to make sure everything was in one piece, and Levi had stuck around the property, patrolling the area to make sure no south wolves were found prowling.
After I'd eaten, Carter had returned from his run and Damien had retired for the night, leaving me alone with a sweat-dripping Alpha, who invited me to enjoy a steamy shower with him.
The rest was history as we enjoyed a round of passionate sex in the shower, which led to a night of various activities. From cuddling to long chats, the time seemed to pass by with a blink of an eye.
It was as if we were enjoying a comfortable date at home and though we always had a similar connection when we had our two dates a week, it was extra comforting to be wrapped in his arms and receive his compassion for me through more intimate measures.
We got into more detailed conversations about his past, and he even told me more about his father.
"Do you still keep in contact with your family?" I asked quietly, lifting my head from his bare chest to look at him.
I was a bit hesitant to ask the intrusive question, but I burned with curiosity to know more.
"Yes. My father is among the 1st Gen Alphas and works closely with Harriet on political dilemmas involving Alpha wolves in this region and sometimes internationally if it involves a difficult Alpha. I see him once or twice a year, or in rare cases, he'll quickly check up on me in wolf form. He's double the size of me, so it's kind of scary, to be honest."
"Double?!" I exclaimed. "You're huge, though."
"I know." He winked playfully, and I groaned.
"Not in THAT way."
He chuckled and continued. "My dad's actually a single parent."
I gave him a confused look and he smirked. "You wouldn't really remember since you were so little. My dad was the Alpha of our pack and well…my mom didn't want me in the end."
"Hold on, what?! What do you mean she didn't want you? I thought you said a ceremony has to be done to ask the Moon for children with white lingerie, sex under the moonlight, the works type deal."
He grinned at my explanation and continued. "Correct."
"Then how could she say she didn’t want you? That doesn't make any sense whatsoever," I argued, feeling upset about the matter. Carter's eyes focused on me for a long moment before he inched in to give me a kiss.
I blinked but responded, pressing my lips against his. I bet he was doing it to calm my growing fury at the news and it was surprisingly working.
When he pulled back he looked pleased, his mismatched eyes reflecting a sense of admiration.
"It's nice to know my mate would get upset over something she wasn't alive to fight back against."
"I'd go back in time and talk some common sense into your mother." I huffed. He trailed his hand slowly down my back and I automatically relaxed, but gave him a moping look.
"I know you would, Harper. It's the past now. I'm over it. She at least gave birth to me and that's all that matters. He raised me single-handedly and eventually married a witch. She helps occasionally if things get rough on the wolf shifter side of things, but she's generally helping the witches and mentoring the Compass Witches."
"At least your father found love again." I smiled and settled my chin onto his chest. "Your father looks like you."
"How would you know?"
"Ian was searching some files for information about his family and I found a photo paperclipped to the one that we took during my first celebration here. It was us when we were younger. I kind of had a flashback and I remember us taking the picture with my parents and your father. The blade was on the cushion and everything."
"Hmm…I barely remember. I do recall eating cake afterwards with you and you fell asleep with cake on your face."
"I so did not!" I countered.
"How would you know? You don't remember," he teased. "If it makes you feel better, it was rainbow cake because you were so into unicorns back then."
"I still like unicorns," I grumbled.
"Some things never change. They aren't real, you know?"
"Don't go crushing other people's dreams because you don't believe." I scowled at him.
He smiled and took a calming breath, looking deep in thought.
"You know..." I began, and he lowered his gaze back to mine. "I'm happy you were born, Carter. Your father raised you well and it shows that he, too, must be a kind Alpha."
Carter’s delightful grin made his eyes sparkle. "He is. I hope to reintroduce you to him soon."
After our talk, we ended up having slow passionate sex until dawn, and Carter suggested we go for our first pack run if I was up to it. I wasn't going to back down, especially when Reika had woken up and was a ball full of energy.
Once everyone gathered, the others shifted first and went ahead, leaving Ian, Carter, and me behind. Carter explained they were giving me privacy, which was super considerate.
I was still getting used to the whole naked aspect, but Ian promised to teach me a spell to place on my clothes before I went anywhere so if there was a chance I needed to switch, they wouldn't get ruined.
The first pack run was absolutely incredible. Thrilling, empowering, and extremely fun.
When I shifted this time, it still hurt like a bitch, but I guess it was better than shifting with holes in your body. It took a few minutes for the pain to dull, but Carter and Ian waited, cuddling on either side of me to give me extra comfort.
Obviously it’s not a threesome, but it’s close enough.
When I was ready, we'd howled in the air and dashed forward, racing to catch up to the others, who'd howled in response. Being a wolf portrayed the world in a new light.
The colors were brilliant, and the feeling of my paws squishing into the cool soil and the strength that coursed through me were indescribable.
Now that I was healthy, it was easy to run faster and harder, but I didn't go my full potential. Knowing that we'd be going out in the day for Christmas shopping, I'd tried not to tire myself out, but it was tempting when I was having so much fun.
We reached a clearing and played tag, and I unlocked another capability, which was talking through the pack bond.
Apparently, there were two bond methods that worked: one through the pack bond with everyone and the other the royal bond that was specifically Carter and me.
As we played tag, we were able to talk through the pack bond and it was like telepathy. We could still communicate in howls and barks, which I was slowly translating in my mind as Levi and Damien tried having a conversation with me in Wolf. It would take a few more trials and shifts, but I was understanding a bit of it, which was exciting.
I rolled in the grass with the twins, chased butterflies with Levi, relaxed in a flowerbed with Damien, and enjoyed playful fighting with Ian.
When we decided to retreat, I raced Carter back, but we tied, which was bloody annoying. I vowed to beat him next time when I could collapse after the race.
After a shower that was extra-long thanks to a sneaky Ian taking me against the clear shower door, we had group breakfast and planned out the day.
Ian was heading back to town and Carter would reluctantly join him, needing to speak with O'Neil at the police station to get an update, since he couldn't come by until after the festival was over.
Damien was going to stay home and Levi planned to continue protecting the area while he multitasked in meditation and training, but he did mention if he was bored he’d come to the mall real quick to purchase something.
I couldn't wait to get more time with the both of them, but today I'd be enjoying my time with Hayden and Heston as we gathered a bunch of decorations and did normal clothing shopping to stock up the new house.
Carter advised me not to go back to the sanctuary until he could get another Alpha to join him and scout the area for traps or spells. I didn't mind since it meant I was being spoiled by the twins, who were treating me for the day. I obviously had my own savings, but I hadn't realized my wallet wasn't in the side purse I'd taken with me and I had yet to buy a new phone.
The one I previously had was in my pocket the night of the ambush and was now one with the forest in its shattered glory after my shift. That was where we were off to next.
"Oh! Harper, can we go here for a second? This is legit our favorite clothing store!" Hayden exclaimed.
"Didn't know they opened one in town. We usually purchase online," Heston commented, sounding excited.
"Sure. Let's check it out," I agreed.
Heston held the door for me and I walked in with Hayden trailing behind. The store was massive, and from the quality of the clothing, I could tell this was a high-end store full of brand name items.
I didn't know where to go and I stood awkwardly while taking in the first floor.
Two warm hands slipped into mine; Hayden held my right hand and Heston enveloped my left in his. "Better hold hands so Harper doesn't get lost."
"Which is the perfect excuse to hold your hand," Heston added.
I grinned and squeezed their hands. "You can hold my hand anytime, guys."
They both looked insanely happy at my words and we walked through the store. By the time we were finished viewing the first floor, the guys were carrying a stack of clothing: some for themselves that they needed to try on and another pile for the other guys.
We set them aside at the cash register and the retail worker showed us where the change room was. I waited for the two while playing angry birds on their phone.
Yes, they even shared a phone.
So far, the twins had told me that they essentially did everything together, except showering and, of course, both of their asses couldn't fit on one toilet. The only thing that was complete opposite was their color scheme; Hayden loved black clothing whereas Heston enjoyed white attire.
I was on a hard level of the game when Hayden sighed. "This set of pants is too big."
"The grey ones? Ya, they're falling off. Totally not a medium," Heston replied.
I assumed they were both trying on the same thing.
"Do you guys want me to get you a smaller size?" I asked.
"Yes, please," they said together.
"Okay, be right back," I replied, knowing which pants they were talking about. They had said the designer was actually a wolf shifter who was picked up on the street by a model agency. One photo shoot was all he needed to make it into the industry and three years later, he was famous with his own clothing line and everything.
It left me wondering about how many individuals in our world were wolf shifters. I continued thinking about it as I reached the corner section where we'd picked up the pants. After a quick flick of hangers, I found the last two pairs, pulling them off the hook with an approving grin.
"Harper, did you get them?"
I flinched at the dual sound in my head.
Uh… am I going crazy or did I just hear Hayden and Heston?
"Ya, you heard them. Pack bond, remember?" Reika replied.
Oh right!
Yes, I got them. Coming back, I sent through the bond.
Turning around, I walked right into something hard and instinctively took two steps back, my back pressed against the white cement wall next to the mirror.
Who the flying-fuck stood in my way? Ow.
"What?" Heston and Hayden asked in confusion, but I zoned them out when I opened my eyes and saw a bulky guy in jeans and a t-shirt. He wore all black and smelled of smoke, which began to irritate my sensitive nose.
Who the fuck is this guy?
Reika didn't reply and I bit my lip hard to fight the strong urge to shift when she almost crashed into the surface.
Reika?! We're in a store.
"Bad wolves. Kill," Reika growled and my body grew tense at her words.
Glancing to my left, which would have been an easy exit route, I noticed two other men who were only three steps away, their attire similar to the man in front of me, as they pretended to look through the clothes but had their eyes trained on me.
One of them licked his lips and I cringed at their obvious attraction.
So… got a game plan there, Reika?
"Kill them?"
I don't think killing them can be an option yet. Not while we're indoors and cameras are on us.
"Then neither can they."
Maybe. Depends on if they have someone working for them who’s monitoring the cameras. You know there’s always a behind-the-scenes computer person.
Inhaling slowly, I tried to talk in the pack bond.
Hayden? Heston?
There was no response and I frowned. Guess that didn't work.
"The man in front is using magic. Blocking signal," Reika instructed.
Isn't that lovely?
The man stepped forward and I pressed my body firmly against the wall behind me. My eyes tracked all possible ways I could take him out without getting myself caught by this guy’s goons.
"Good evening, pretty lady. It seems you're alone."
"Actually, I'm not, and it's not really your business. Also, just because it's winter doesn't mean it shifted the times. It's still afternoon. Get with the program, old man," I commented.
Slipping my hand into my back pocket, I lifted the phone slightly and pressed the middle button, which was where I remembered the speed dial was.
If I was going to be in a jam, at least someone was going to witness it, even if they weren't physically here.
The man frowned and took another step closer, and I growled lowly, which only made him grin.
"Why don't we do this quietly? Come with us, give us the blade, and we'll let you go."
"Sucks for you that I don't have whatever you’re implying. See, normal people come to the mall to shop and that doesn't require having weapons on you. But thanks to this interaction, I'll make sure to carry pepper spray next time," I countered.
"Harper, try Carter!" Reika ordered.
Um… how?
"Royal bond. Focus for two seconds, I'll keep up the conversation."
Oh, so you can multitask like that?
"Harper..."
Okay, okay. Being a good girl.
I did as she asked and concentrated on the mark that was on my left hand. I zoned everything out for a few seconds, only thinking about Carter and the immense love he had for me.
Carter? I need help.
A flood of emotion hit me at once and I almost flinched.
"Harper?" Carter's shocked voice tugged a smile on my lips.
I don't have any more time, Reika's distracting. I'm cornered. Need help. In the fancy werewolf brand name store and can't tell Hayden and Heston. Send them over, pretty please? Oh, and just in case this gets ugly, bail me out of jail. I love you.
I concentrated on coming back to reality and Reika retreated slightly to let me take the lead. The man in front of me looked like he was ready to knock me out. I gave him a sheepish grin.
"Uh…so, is there an option three? You know, maybe I can empty my pockets, prove I have nothing on me and be on my way? Or we can just be adults and I'll take the lovely police car ride after I kick your asses?"
The man lost his patience then, and I reached out to stop his fist that was aimed right at my face, but something caught his arm and he muffled a groan.
"If you dare touch a single strand of her hair with those filthy hands of yours, we'll tear your body to shreds and let your buddies clean up your remains."
My eyes widened and I leaned to my left to see Hayden and Heston wearing deadly expressions, both of their eyes freaking me the fuck out.
Hayden's eyes were pure black, while Heston's eyes were pure white, and their combined power had the two guys on the side trembling in fear.
They both slowly turned to their right and their eyes locked onto the two men. Next thing I knew, they were gone like the wind, leaving their leader behind.
I realized the twins were in nothing but their boxers and Heston moved to stand protectively in front of me. Hayden reached for the guy's other arm, pulling it back so he had no choice but to stand straight. Heston tilted his head to the side.
"If it wasn't for the hint of goodness in my soul, I'd rip your heart out of your chest so fast you'd have a few seconds to witness it beating before you passed away. For the sake of not scaring our girlfriend, we'll let you go, but approach her again and I'll reconsider my decision. Now scram."
Hayden let the guy go and he ran off, looking back to growl at us before he disappeared out of the store. I sighed and used the wall to support my weight before I slowly slid down and sat on the ground.
Heston and Hayden were at my side in a nanosecond and I raised my hands up and gave them a tired grin.
"Don't panic, I'm fine. Just exhausted. The sudden drop in adrenaline plus no sleep kicked in." I glanced between the two of them. "Your eyes are so cool. Scary in a haunting, I'm-about-to-destroy-the-universe kind of way, but cool nevertheless."
That made them smile and their eyes returned to their blue appearance.
A set of quick footsteps came our way and an out of breath Ian, phone in hand, came into my line of sight.
"Fuck, you guys okay?" he asked, taking a quick glance at the twins’ appearance before he locked his focus onto me.
"Perfectly fine, here," I announced. I had a feeling the twins would be overprotective and try to act like I was dying. "Just chilling on the floor with my half-naked men. Well…they're mostly naked, but that's just a minor detail. Hi, Ian."
Hayden and Heston both glanced back at me and I shot them a sheepish smile.
"I'm fine. Please?" I mouthed, really not wanting to escalate the issue.
"She's fine," they said together. "We asked her to sit down so we could make sure."
"Avoided Worried Ian, score," Reika announced.
Thanks for the help, partner. That was interesting.
"Inde- oh..."
What?
"Guess we're doomed."
What do you mean by that?
"Uh…to put you out of your misery, your overprotective, I'm-about-to-murder-everyone-in-the-universe-until-I-set-eyes-on-my-one-and-only-Eternal-Love will be here in five seconds."
Oh no.
"Guess I'll stick around."
Sure. I'll need moral support.
Within five seconds, all four of us shivered at the wave of power that hit our senses and the twins immediately helped me up and rested me against the wall.
My eyes locked onto a furious, gold-eyed Carter, who looked like he'd murder anyone with his intense glare. If he could shoot laser beams from his eyes, the whole mall would be up in flames.
"Good luck," the twins mouthed. They moved out of the way, adjusting their positions until they stood next to Ian, who practically pressed himself against the right clothing rack, staying clear of Carter's path.
I stood my ground, and as he got closer and his power tried to overwhelm my senses, I growled and narrowed my eyes at him. Reika pushed to the surface but held off just slightly so we wouldn't shift.
Carter paused and I realized his wolf must have been in control; the two of us had a stare off while our powerful auras maintained their areas.
Carter's gold eyes slowly trailed my body, and looking satisfied with what he saw, he pulled back his energy.
He still had a glaring look on his face, but it was more Carter-like than the expression he had seconds ago. The murderous intent had been far too strong for anyone to handle for long.
He closed the distance between us and took a few breaths before his eyes began to slowly lose their slight glow.
Reika pulled back then, feeling less threatened, and I gave him a shy grin.
"So. You sure got here fast, huh? See, I must have dialed the wrong bond number. Nothing to see here. Perfectly fine and healthy and totally exhausted from the lack of sleep, you know."
He didn't budge but took in the fact that I was leaning on the wall like it was a lifeline. He arched an eyebrow and I groaned.
"I'm tired. Don't lecture me," I whined and blinked my eyes, literally on the verge of tears.
My ass was so tired that I was willing to go on a full crying tangent if it meant I could sit the fuck down and avoid being lectured at the same time.
I could feel the tears begin to well in my eyes and he took a deep breath and exhaled, reaching out to brush the single tear that escaped.
"I won't lecture you," he said softly, and I swear if I could openly thank the heavens, I would have.
"Thank the heavens above. We avoided a lecture!" Reika did it for me.
I love you. Thank goodness.
He pulled me into an embrace, his arm wrapped around my lower waist, keeping me afloat as I rested against him.
"You don't want to worry Ian?" Carter questioned through our bond. I slowly nodded into his chest.
You know how freaked out he gets when I'm sick or even exhausted. I'm okay, really. Hayden and Heston got here in time. No one hurt me. I'm just really tired and wouldn't mind going home…well, I wanted a phone, but I can get one later.
"Levi already got the phone you said you wanted back at the house. He'll activate it after he's done."
He did? Wait, done with what?
"Cleaning up."
"And they're dead," Reika said in a sing-song voice. "I knew the twins wouldn't let them off the hook so easily."
I looked up at Carter. "You did not," I spoke out loud.
"I did," he replied, not a hint of denial in his voice. "If you really thought we'd let three south wolves and their remaining four men off scot-free when they were openly joking about fucking the shit out of you in their black van, think again."
My shoulders slumped at his words and a hint of fear trickled through me.
These people are so desperate for a blade they sent seven men to retrieve me. I wouldn't have stood a chance.
Reika felt my sadness and whimpered. She, too, was concerned about the situation.
Sure, we knew a number of fighting styles, but there was no way I could take on seven wolf shifters with their added strength, muscle, and experience.
I'd be gang banged so fast before they used me for ransom or something.
And that was fucking scary.
A sob escaped me then and I let my tears fall, feeling completely helpless at the mere thought.
I was a wolf shifter and we literally couldn't defend ourselves. All the enemy needed was one moment and I'd be done for. Helpless…the one thing I'd worked years on trying not to ever experience.
Yet here I was in front of my mate, feeling exactly that over the truth.
"Fuck, Harper." Carter pressed his lips against my forehead and wrapped his other arm around me, hugging me against him as I began to cry.
I heard a few footsteps and Carter mumbled, "We'll go through the back door. Tell Levi to bring the car up front. I'm taking Harper home. Stay behind with Levi and monitor. Make sure Levi gets Harper's phone tracked."
"Got it," Hayden and Heston said together.
Carter kept holding me, but I felt a presence behind me and Carter lowered his arm that was wrapped around the top part of my back.
A soothing hand began to rub my back and I knew from the cinnamon scent that it was Ian.
"Don't cry, Harper. It's all right," Ian soothed.
After another minute, Carter spoke.
"I'll take her home. Tell O'Neil the update will have to wait till after Christmas. Don't work too late, and Damien and Levi will pick you from the station."
"Understood. Drive safe," Ian replied.
I pulled back slightly and looked to my right to see Ian's sad silver eyes. Once glance and he bit his lip, reaching out to hug me while I was still in Carter's hold.
"Listen, baby. I get it. I know what you're feeling. This isn't because you're weak or helpless. We didn't take into consideration how soon this would happen or we would have focused on training you harder. Don't cry. Take a deep breath and realize you're safe. We won't let anyone harm you and soon you'll be far stronger and capable of defending yourself against multiple shifters, understood?"
I nodded and he gave me a tender kiss on my lips.
"When you get home, take a nap," he instructed. I nodded again.
He rubbed my back one last time and exchanged farewells with Carter, leaving us alone in the corner. I rested my head against his chest and he kissed me lightly on the neck.
"Can you walk?" Carter asked.
A part of me wanted to say yes, but my legs felt shaky and I didn't know if I'd last five steps. He took my silence as my answer and easily scooped me up bridal-style. I laid my head on his shoulder, not caring if we went through the front or back.
I just want to go home.
It wasn't long before I was lowered onto the leather passenger seat of a Range Rover and Levi was putting on my seat belt.
I hesitantly looked up to meet his calm gaze and he carefully pressed his hands against my wet cheeks.
"You're okay. No one is going to hurt you now. All right?" he whispered.
I slowly nodded and he very softly pressed his lips against mine, giving me my first kiss between the two us.
The touch sent a wave of relaxation through me, and my eyes grew heavy.
He pulled his lips from mine, and I fought to keep my eyes open, but there was no use. Leaning back into the seat, I felt something press lightly on my forehead.
"Make sure she sleeps. Her magic is all riled up from the black magic that leader dude was using. That's why she feels weak."
"Got it. Make sure you activate the tracker," Carter replied. "Also, a unicorn case."
"On it, Carter. Drive safe."
"Will do," he replied.
It wasn't long till the soothing sound of the road was contributing to my urge to sleep, but a hint of me was scared. Something brushed against my face, and after a few seconds, a warm hand wrapped around my left one.
My hand grew warm and a wave of calm went through me, like a sign telling me everything was okay and this was what needed to happen for me to grow stronger.
"I'm right here, Harper. Go to sleep." Carter's comforting voice took away the last bits of hesitation and I let myself give in to the growing darkness. The last thought I had was a silent vow.
I won't be left feeling that way ever again. I'll learn to be strong enough so no one can corner me like that.
Never again.