FOUR YEARS LATER...
"Left, right, upper punch, lower punch, right jab, right jab, left jab, uppercut."
I controlled my breathing as my eyes were locked on the black punching bag that absorbed every hit I delivered.
"Break."
I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as I hopped lightly on my toes. I was enjoying the quiet time in this section of the gym and was on my final five minutes of my training session.
O'Neil was supposed to be here coaching me, but he got called in for yet another murder case that happened in the next town down from here.
The past few years had been a little hectic in these parts. I didn't know if there was something in the air or people just stopped using communication as their way of resolving issues, but the crime rate, in general, had gone up significantly, especially in the last six months.
Even though a law had been passed regarding Hunters and higher consequences when it came to murder, it appeared as if nothing was helping. People were dying, and living anywhere near the town seemed more dangerous to anyone. Human or wolf shifter.
Reika was helping me finish up my drills, and I really needed to blow off some steam anyways.
I'd requested for some documents about my family's murder case and I'd yet to receive them even though I was twenty and officially entitled to them. I was getting impatient and taking my frustration out on this punching bag in front of me rather than on poor Sam and Dolly, who must be tired of my snappy attitude.
I didn't want to appear as an ungrateful child. I loved them as a family, but I needed to know my background. Specifically, my wolf background.
The last couple of months had been a little weird, especially when I turned twenty. I'd have strange dreams of me holding my dagger and fighting pitch black figures who would try to harm the pack.
It wasn't like I could see who these individuals or things were, but I was certain they were after my pack of wolves. I could see all of them behind me, including Ian, yet it was as if they couldn't do anything to fight against these things. I was their protector, and no matter how many times I had that same dream, I wouldn't dare let them be harmed.
There were some nights Ian would have to keep an eye on me. I'd get up as if I'd be heading to the washroom, but next thing I knew, I'd be out in the forest, barefoot and alone in my pajamas. Wasn't a good idea when winter was almost here, but I wouldn't be aware of anything until I was already out there.
After the first three incidents, Ian or Wolfie always kept a watchful eye when I slept. It made me feel a little bad because Ian had been working long hours as of late due to the crime increase and it wasn't fair for him to miss sleep because of me.
Sam would sleep in the living room if Ian ended up working late, being the second line preventing me from leaving if Dolly didn't hear me exiting my room from her bedroom.
Ian termed it the Calling of the Moon, and it normally happened to wolf shifters who'd yet to shift. Now that he was 22, he'd gotten full access to wolf archives and he was slowly collecting more information on past individuals who shifted later on in their adulthood.
Obviously, I'd just turned 20 two and a half months ago, so we didn't need to be concerned, but I was beginning to lose my patience with the secrecy regarding everything.
Sam and Dolly had yet to confront me about the whole wolf thing, and Ian and I were still hiding the fact we were dating. Dolly had noticed the mark on my left lower waist, but I brushed it off, saying I got a tattoo after I dared Ian and lost.
If it weren’t for O'Neil backing up the story, I knew she would have figured it out, and I was thankful O'Neil was as cool and laid back, even after finding out we were dating. He was the only one who we ended up confessing to.
Not like we had much of a choice since he found us making out here in the gym when he returned a bit early from a case. I thought he'd tell Dolly and Sam or make a big deal as other adults would normally do, but he just shrugged his shoulders and told Ian to use protection. Coolest parent ever.
Even though O'Neil wasn't registered as my dad like Sam, I had a closer bond with him. I didn't know exactly why, but he was just one of those people I could connect with and know he wouldn’t judge me. I could even send him to get tampons and he'd be chill and grab a box of chocolate too.
Ian and I determined once we moved out together at the end of the year, we'd reveal to O'Neil what we knew and ask for his assistance. I didn't know if O'Neil was a wolf shifter or not since Ian still couldn't tell me the details, but Reika and I had a hunch he was, making me wonder what pack he even belonged to.
As for the pack, my five wolves were still fun to be around and take care of. Everyone knew I was a Wolf Tamer, some of the locals even using that as my nickname. They also knew I didn't play around with my wolves either.
Some of the teens and even college boys would try to come around the forest during the day where my pack of wolves where I would go out for runs, or supervise the wolves as they went deeper into the forest parts for hunts.
Let's just say when those teens and strangers were in my territory, all bets were off, and they would go back to town either with broken teeth, black eyes, fractured bones, or completely unconscious.
It honestly depended on what mood I was in. If I was on my period though, that was a whole different matter. They would be lucky to live and tell the tale.
I didn't care if the boys were scared of me or talked shit about how tomboyish I'd apparently become. They didn't see me when I dressed up or wore sexy clothes because I reserved that for Ian.
My purpose of coming down to town was either for kickboxing, Ian, or O'Neil. There was occasional shopping when Dolly and Sam ran low on something, but again, that was "rare."
With a sigh, I pulled off the straps of my gloves and threw them to where my pink gym bag was resting against the wall. I fixed the back of my shorts that had rolled up just slightly and began to fix my ponytail.
"I didn't know you were training tonight, Wolf Lover."
"Ugh. Can we kick his balls this time?"
A smile formed on my lips before I took a deep breath to keep my patience in check. Sadly no. Not yet anyway.
I felt a hand land on my lower back. My body moved before a thought could register in my brain, and the owner of the greeting was pressed against the blue mat beneath me with his hand behind his back while he groaned painfully.
"Harper?"
"What have I told you every single time you lay a hand on me without permission, Rick?"
"I'll get my ass kicked or a broken limb if you're on your period?"
I rolled my eyes at the second part. "Neither is wrong, but I think the second part is what I told Bob before I broke his leg and nose."
"I'm sorry, I forgot. Don't break anything. I have four weeks before the Christmas festival," Rick begged.
I sighed, and Reika didn't bother sitting from her curled up position that I envisioned in my mind. She knew I didn't need her to cheer me on when it came to Rick Dawson. He was Rogan's youngest son and, boy, was he a pain in my ass.
He'd been trying to get in my pants since he saw me last summer in a bikini and thought my body was a work of art. I think he bet his boys that he'd win my heart, and even though it had been a year and a half since then, he'd yet to give up on his dream.
Even though all the college and university kids knew I was with dreamy Ian.
Letting go of him, I moved away, and he rolled over to his back and gave me a sad look. "You're so rough."
"Again, you're not wrong," I replied.
"Totally hot. I can imagine you in bed." He winked, and I wished I could vomit.
"This man needs an ass whooping."
More like he needs to get laid. I heard he hasn't had sex with anyone in months. Probably making him crazy.
"He can fuck someone else. We're taken."
A smirk formed on my lips at Reika's statement and I watched Rick slowly rise up. Turning around, I walked over to my gym bag, bending down to grab my pink water bottle. I didn't need to turn back around to know Rick was checking me out. It was something he always did whenever I had my back turned.
How did I know? Every single time there was always a mirror or type of glass that helped me see Rick's reflection. Even now, one of the mirrors to my right was angled perfectly on Rick's frame and I could tell his gaze was on me.
My ears picked up on his approaching footsteps, but I continued drinking my water. Quenching my thirst was much more important than spending even more energy on Rick.
"You really have to let that guard of yours down, Harper. We know you love those wolves you take care of, but you need a real man to take care of you."
"If I had the ability to puke right now, it would have been all over him."
Maybe the gag reflex will kick in any moment and my aim will be right for his face. Too bad my vomit can't be acid.
"A shifter can dream."
"My pack of wolves are ten times more tolerable, and last time I checked, I had a man that takes 'very' good care of me," I replied, emphasizing on the "very." A dumbass would get what I meant in every department of caring for a woman.
I'd already heard the rumors that Rick was terrible in bed. One of the town girls exposed his ass and how he couldn't even make her cum before he was out for the count. Such stories in a small town like this spread like wildfire and even if, with my infrequent visits, I'd heard about it.
"If you're referring to Ian, I doubt he can take care of you. I'm ten times stronger, sexier, and I'm working on that six pack."
I lowered my water bottle and cracked my neck on both sides. "Last time I remembered, Ian has a lovely six pack that recently looked like it gained another two sections. Eight packs are the new trend, right? Add the fact he works at the station, won an award last month for the most influential worker at station 194 because of his assistance in closing a huge murder case, and he's really good in bed," I praised before closing my water bottle. "And I mean REALLY good in bed. Trust me on this one."
Reika looked beyond amused with my savage ways; she moved back and forth rapidly as she watched me in delight. I crouched down to put my water bottle in my bag and closed it up.
"Harper, give me one chance," Rick whined. "I'm the better option."
"I think I'm the better option, Rick."
My eyes widened, and I froze, not even sure if I wanted to turn around to see what sounded like a very pissed off Ian Chestwood.
Reika wasn't going to let me miss out on the action though, pushing me to turn around so she could witness the drama and hopefully a manly face off. Manly as in OUR man putting Rick in his place.
My heart practically stopped when my gaze landed on Ian's perfectly sculpted chest drenched in sweat. His long green to silver hair was up in the perfect bun that only gave him bonus points on the 'This Man Is Hot and Mine' chart, and when those gorgeous silver eyes met mine, it felt like electricity ran down my skin in heated anticipation.
I knew December was approaching, but I wasn't in a heat phase. Maybe it was the fact I'd barely seen Ian the last couple of days with everything going on, and seeing him half-naked, sweaty, and with the dangerous predatory look in those silver eyes, it had the opposite effect of intimidating me. It is a big turn on.
Rick swallowed and took a hesitant look at me, which must have proven how head over heels I was for Ian because he groaned and faced Ian.
"Hey, Chestwood. Didn't think you'd be out of that little office cubicle you sit at all day every day."
"Cubicle? Ah, I guess you didn't hear. I got promoted today. Have a nice fancy office with my name displayed on the door in the perfect gold shade. It makes me wonder if it really is gold. Who knows? Since I got promoted, I was let off early and decided to come get in some ab workouts while my girlfriend was hard at work punching the shit out of that bag over there. I only came by to check if she wanted to ditch this place and go on a dinner date with me. Didn't think you'd be around."
A smile formed on my lips as I leaned back against the wall and crossed my arms over my chest. Ian glanced my way, just as I licked my bottom lip.
Rick let out a breath, ruffling his short blond locks and cleared his throat. "My boys are calling me. I'll see you around, Wolf Lover," Rick huffed, and we watched him walk across the room to the other section of the gym, disappearing from sight.
Ian chuckled, and a sinful grin morphed on those smooth lips that I mentally begged to kiss. He approached me slowly, sliding his hands into the pockets of his very low riding grey sweatpants.
"Wolf Lover?"
"It's apparently my nickname around here. You know, I can't help but love my pack so much that it offends human beings left and right. The love is just TOO strong," I teased, lowering my arms just as he stopped before me.
He placed his right arm against the wall just above my head as he stared down at me. I loved his 6'5 frame to my 6'0 height and boy, did he look sexy up close. Ian was the ultimate goal for any male who hit puberty. A work of art that any woman of any race would fight to be the last one standing, just to enjoy all of him.
I'm telling you. He was shaped by the angels in heaven. They didn't even take a rest day.
"Do you see me arguing?" Reika replied, sounding just as transfixed with our man candy as I felt.
A hint of lust flickered in those silver jewels that dropped to stare at my lips. His eyes began as inched closer and closer to my face. "Wolf Tamer is better. I like that...for now," he whispered. "Though, my mate always wins." And with that, those lips claimed mine.
This kiss held a longing emotion to it, neither of us in a rush to show our passionate and yearning desire for each other's company. I missed him, a lot more than I expected. If it weren’t for my kickboxing class, training, and new dance classes I'd added to the schedule this week, I would have mentally gone crazy without seeing him every evening like we used to.
He was an addiction, and I was the addict who was in no rush for a cure. Scratch that. I didn't need a cure to save me from Ian. He was all I needed.
I smiled against his lips breaking the spell we were under, and I opened my eyes to gaze into his loving ones. "Hey, Mr. Promoted."
"Hey, Ms. I'm Sexy And I Know It." His teasing had me giggling, and I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Damn, I missed you. You've been here, and you didn't tell me?"
"I missed you too, and I was, but I wouldn't dare disturb my wonderful girlfriend who was teaching that punching bag who's boss. Good thing you work out in here since you're turning on half the gym with your workout gear," he noted with a low growl before he tugged at my bottom lip with his teeth and kissed me.
I kissed him back with a small peck before I looked down at my pink sports bra and grey booty shorts. "Oops? I thought men around here didn't like women who can kick ass. I do agree that I look hella attractive in these booty shorts and sports bra that my boyfriend bought me." I shot him a sly grin after my reply.
"You're so dangerous." Ian chuckled and kissed me once more. I pressed my lips more forcefully against his, fighting for dominance as we deepened the kiss.
"You're one to talk with those looks. You're lucky the cheering squad isn't in today or my ears would be ringing from the squeals and shrieks that would echo these walls. I'd bet we'd have to get the paramedics to come to carry out the girls who faint." I arched a brow out him and smirked.
"Oh, that would be chaotic. Too bad they don't realize my eyes are only on one woman in this entire gym and she's a gorgeous brunette with the most majestic teal blue eyes I've ever been blessed to see, and I enjoy every chance I get."
"Oh honey, you are working hard to get some today," I whispered, biting my bottom lip in a seductive manner that I knew turned him on.
"If we weren't in a public place right now, you'd be doing a lot less talking and a lot more moaning," he teased back and tugged at my bottom lip with his teeth before we kissed again.
He broke the kiss suddenly and leaned away from me, putting his hands in his pocket. I knew that was his signal for someone was coming and I bent down to pick up my bag and placed the strap on my shoulder.
One of the staff walked in just as we turned and moved away from the wall. Even though she had a scrunched look on her face, she couldn't say anything as we passed her and made our way to the change room.
I took a glance at the boys who once had amused expressions on their faces; their amusement fell short as they noticed we weren't yelled at for making out in the gym. Even with their obvious disappointment, they still took a second to check me out, and I made sure to walk with extra sass to prove they were missing out.
We reached the change room doors and I leaned over to give Ian a quick kiss before I headed inside.
"I'm glad Ian didn't turn out to be like them."
Thankfully not. Maybe being a wolf shifter and being raised around wolves benefitted him a ton. The men down here are toxic and care more about pleasing themselves.
"You think the other sanctuary has wolf shifters? Seeing as Ian is the only one in ours?"
Maybe? I mean, he's been going there often lately. I guess he could be getting wolf training? If that's even a thing.
I stripped out of my clothes and used my spare outfit, which was a black pair of leggings and a crop top. Seeing the sexual tension between Ian and me, I figured showering now would be rather useless. At least my current outfit was faster to take off than my jeans, t-shirt, and black leather jacket.
I closed my locker and, once again, lifted my bag to put it on my shoulder. As I made my way towards the door, my gaze landed on the mirror and I stopped to take a good look at myself. My teal blue eyes stared back at me and lowered to the left side of my leggings to look at the replica of Ian's mark on his neck.
My eyes followed the lines that reminded me of little trees and the infinity symbol with a wolf sitting on top, howling at the moon. The mark always intrigued me, even when it wasn't fully developed when I'd met Ian. Now that I knew its significance and the impact it had on me, I treasured it. Even though it reminded me of the dilemma at hand. Reika and my inability to shift. Our inability to be a wolf shifter like the man we loved and the race we wished to be a part of.
"I wish we could go too." Reika’s gentle voice made my heartache. I knew just how much she wanted to be a part of the wolf community and train with Ian and Wolfie.
With a sigh, I fixed my legs, secured my bag on my shoulder, and headed for the door.
Me too, Reika...