WOLF TAMER (Claiming My Pack Series Book 1) by Yumoyori Wilson (16)

"I'm so excited."

My voice was filled with admiration as I squeezed Ian's hand. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into an embrace with my back pressed against his front.

Kissing my neck, he replied, "Me too. The results are mesmerizing. Funny how it went from a bare wooden house to this."

I nodded, taking in our soon to be new living room. We wouldn't get the rest of the furniture we wanted until after the holidays, but so far, it was already looking like home with the art decor and few things we'd been collecting over the months.

"Let's go check on the pack? They seem depressed today," I pointed out. Ian tightened his hold around me, stalling my intention of taking a step forward. "Ian?"

"Um...I know why they're a bit upset."

"Why?" I asked, noticing the change in his voice that gave me the impression he was sad. I turned in his embrace so that we could face one another, and he tried to avoid my gaze. "Or is this something you can't tell me?"

Seeing as Ian couldn't tell me everything about what happened with him and the pack, I'd understand if it was concerning something not involving me, but if it did involve me, I had every right to know.

"I told them we're mated," Ian admitted.

"So?"

"So...they're upset."

"Because we're mated?"

"I think so...and well, I didn't tell them until now. As a pack, we normally share important aspects of our life that happen. Like how you'd tell your family if something amazing happens. I guess they're angry that I didn't trust them enough to tell them we're mated."

"Mated is kinda like marriage, right?" I questioned.

"Basically. If you think about it in that sense."

"Did you apologize?"

"Yes, but I'm getting a bit of backlash for it."

"Because?"

"Um...I think some of them liked you." Ian met my intrigued gaze.

"But I'm human. It's not like...we'd be able to actually 'date-date' if that makes sense. I do understand why they could be upset about not knowing, and I guess if they had a crush on me..." I tried to reason my thoughts out loud, looking at it from all angles.

"It's just a hunch," Ian mumbled.

I frowned and moved out of his embrace to head to the back of the open forest backyard, which would eventually have a pool, hot tub, and the perfect patio area for BBQ's and a small section to have a fire going on to roast marshmallows. Yes, it is a necessity.

"Where are you going?" Ian was right behind me, but I didn't slow down.

"Gonna check on them instead of letting them sulk."

"They aren't sulking," Ian huffed.

I reached the clear sliding door and opened it wide enough for me to slip through. I heard Ian sigh and the door slide further to give him enough space to pass through.

My eyes scanned the area, noticing Damien, Hayden, and Heston were all chilling to my right, and Levi was playing around with Muffin. She must have tagged along with Carter when we'd left the house, which was normal.

"Meow." Muffin noticed me first and ran over to greet me. Levi paused in his chasing and just sat there, which was a bad sign to me. Oh great. Do they think they can't be near me now?

"Maybe. Like we're off limits now?" Reika sounded just as disturbed as I felt, her voice telling me she was depressed about this whole situation.

I walked over to Levi and he patiently waited till I reached him. I sat down right in front of him, crossed my legs, and looked up at him. I'd always felt like sitting down and talking to them was easier than standing and feeling "superior." Even though they were large wolves that weren't the typical size of the average wild wolf, that didn't mean I respected them less.

Levi looked hesitant at first, but he gave up keeping his distance as he moved to lick my face, which made me giggle. "See? I'm not suddenly off limits, now am I?"

I heard the others approaching us and turned my gaze to see Hayden, Heston, and Damien crowd around me. With a broad smile, I acknowledged each of them; everyone got a turn to enjoy my hugs and kisses on their foreheads. Once everyone got a bit of attention, I looked around for Carter but had no idea where he was.

"Probably in the forest," Reika suggested. I mentally nodded in approval and turned my attention back on the part of the pack that was here.

"Ian informed me that he told you guys we're mated, right?" I clarified.

They were all quiet for a long moment before Damien, who was currently resting his head in my lap, sat up. "Woof!"

"I can't speak wolf, but I'm going to assume that's a yes."

"You're correct," Ian replied. I peeked over my shoulder to see him leaning against the door. I knew he was keeping his distance to let me deal with it and not make the others feel threatened or like they couldn't state their disapproval regarding anything.

"Are you guys upset?" I asked.

"W...OOF!" Levi responded this time, and I glanced at Ian who translated.

"Yes, because they don't want to lose you."

"Why would you guys lose me? I'm not going anywhere. Just because Ian and I are mated doesn't mean I'm abandoning you all," I explained.

"WOOF!"

"WOOF!"

Hayden and Heston responded, and Ian translated again. "Hayden said that they feel like now that we're going to get this place in the new year, once the sanctuary is fixed, they won't be allowed to stay here anymore. Heston agrees and is also worried that I'll take you away from them and they'll never get to see you again."

I could tell Ian was trying to be neutral, but he didn't hide a bit of his irritation that leaked from his voice. I sighed and turned my attention to the twins.

"I'm not going anywhere. First off, Ian and I have been mated for years. If I was going to abandon you all, wouldn't I have done it back then and not now?"

I looked to each of them and noticed they were thinking about my words. 

"Also, this place is going to be ours. Meaning our pack. That includes me, Reika, Ian, Wolfie, Carter, Levi, Damien, Hayden, and Heston. All 7 of us can stay here, and I wouldn't want it any other way. The sanctuary will always be your home and base, but Ian searched for this property purposely, so it was somewhere that was in the middle of everything. This is our pack home and you can come and go as you please. Finally, Ian isn't taking me away from anyone. I'm still going to be around to take care of all of you. My pack will always be a priority," I vowed.

"Meow." Muffin climbed onto Damien and jumped right onto my chest.

"Oomph!" I huffed and looked down at her excited mismatched eyes which made me smile.

"And that includes Muffin too. You aren't going anywhere." I giggled as I gave her a little hug. She purred and snuggled against me.

I glanced back at Ian who had a small smile on his lips. "Ian. Come here for a second."

He looked a bit surprised but walked over to us. "Yes?"

"First, I want you to apologize again."

"But..." He trailed off when I gave him one of my 'no excuses' looks. With a sigh, he took a deep breath and apologized. "I'm sorry for not telling you guys about the mate thing. I was...worried and scared you guys wouldn't want to share her...and it was stupid and immature of me."

"Oh sharing. That sounds fun."

Why do I feel like I'm missing out on something? 

"It's okay if you don't get it. In time, grasshopper." 

You've been watching way too many movies when I’ve been sleeping. 

"Again. You leave them on for me because you know I'm awake when you're asleep and don't want me to be bored most of the time." 

Sure...

"Woof!" Damien moved out of my lap and practically tackled Ian to the ground, making me gawk at him. 

"Um...was that a 'we forgive you' gesture? Or..." 

Ian groaned and sat up, ignoring Damien who was now laying on his lap. "It's a 'you're a selfish jackass, but we forgive you this time because Harper is awesome' thing. He also wants to be third in line." 

"In line? For what?" I asked. 

"Uh...the line of sharing you I guess." Ian shrugged, but his cheeks grew a little red. 

"Oh, there's a line," I stated and looked at the others. "You guys have spots too?

"WOOF!" They all replied. I looked at them and stopped at the twins.

"You two are probably sharing the same spot, huh?"

"Woof!"

"Woof!"

I nodded my head and shrugged. "Why not? Whatever makes you guys happy." The group howled; the combined sound echoed around us and made me smile. Even Muffin began to meow loudly to join in.

The rest of the wolves moved over to Ian to give him their 'we forgive you, asshole' tackles, which were much lighter than Damien's. Then they were back to their normal playful selves as they began chasing after one another, and Levi went back to chasing Muffin around.

Ian finally got up and walked over to me. He outstretched his hand to help me up, and I took it while meeting his remorseful expression. "Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing to me?"

"If I'd been more honest, you wouldn't have needed to do a pep talk. I really just wanted to enjoy having you to myself for a bit," he confessed shyly as he lowered his head in shame.

I smirked and pulled him into a hug. "If you wanted only 'us' time, you just need to say so," I purred, pressing my lips to the side of his neck. He quietly moaned and hugged me back.

"I don't deserve you," he said softly.

"Says who?" I whispered. "Because it's thanks to you that I'm here and am loved by our pack."

"That was all you." Ian chuckled, placing a gentle kiss on my neck. "And...are you sure you're okay with sharing?"

I lifted my head to tilt my head in confusion. "Yes? Am I missing something? Reika totally said earlier that I'm missing something."

"Well..." He trailed off when his phone began to ring, the sound signaling that Sam was calling.

"Why is he calling? I'll go inside and answer. You want to be the one to find Carter?"

"He's not around?" I asked.

Ian frowned and took a quick look around the outer section of the forest. "No. He's probably sulking somewhere. You can go with Damien or Levi. I'll answer this and see what's up."

"Okay," I replied.

He turned around and took a few steps forward, but then turned back and walked over to me once more.

With a smooth movement, he leaned down and kissed me, ignoring the sound of his phone that began to ring again.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Ian."

He smiled and walked away, sliding his finger across the screen to pick up the call. "Hey, one second."

The words that followed were silenced when he slid the door closed and walked further into the house. I smiled and looked to the wolves who were now cuddled in a grassy spot in the backyard. I made my way over to them, and none of them even moved, looking deep in sleep.

"They looked tired before the talk."

You think they couldn't sleep? They usually have naps before twelve. It's close to four now.

"They care about you. If I found out I may lose you one day, I wouldn't want to nap." 

Aww, you're so sweet, Reika. 

"Just the truth. Don't make it all sappy and loving." 

I held back a giggle but hoped Reika knew how content and happy I was to have her in my life. Even if we didn't become a wolf shifter one day, I hoped she stuck around.

I love you too. Let's go and get Carter.

"Aren't we supposed to go with one of the wolves?" 

They're asleep. Look, even Muffin is knocked out. We're not going far. I think I have a hunch where Carter is. 

"The lake around here." 

Yup. Let's go. We won't be long.

After taking a few pictures with my cell phone of my sleeping wolves and Muffin, I headed into the forest to find our Alpha leader.

"He should be somewhere around here," I mumbled to myself.

"Sleepy and pumpkin," Reika mumbled in my mind.

You don't normally take naps though.

"True, but tired suddenly. Nap...and pumpkin. I want pumpkin spice latte." 

I think you're becoming delusional due to your lack of sleep but sure. I brought some pumpkin coffee beans. Go take a nap. 

"Night." 

Night, Reika.

As I returned to my gazing, I caught a hint of the pumpkin spice scent Reika had picked up on. I found it odd that it smelled that way, and as I continued to ponder on it while walking through the tall trees of the forest, I wondered if the pumpkin scent was from Carter.

That wouldn't make sense. Why would I only recently start smelling it? I normally didn't smell it on him when I hugged him or when we played in the grass after a good race. I'd have to try it out when I located Carter. If I could find where he is.

Walking in the forest on my own should have made me feel worried due to all the warnings regarding me coming to the forest by myself, but I felt a sense of belonging and comfort. 

It was difficult to describe and explain, but I felt safe here, but I was unsure why. This was my first time walking through these parts since Ian and I had gone on a different path when we'd received our first house tour of the property.

I reached a small clearing, spending a few minutes viewing the clear waters and admiring nature's beauty, but without my Alpha wolf around, I realized he had gone deeper into the forest then I'd expected.

"Carter?" I said at a normal volume. I knew he'd be able to hear me without shouting if he was close by. I just didn't want to shout and give my location away to "anyone" else who could be in the depths of this forest.

I walked past a tall rock that caught my interest; the mini pillar-like rock almost looked familiar, but I was confident to say I'd never been here before. After some mental debate, I turned around and approached the rock that reminded me of those sacred stones that protected the lands and brought blessing to those living around it.

Dolly talked about their significance in each forest or place with guarded land and from the scriptures and incantation carved into the grey stone, I figured this was one of them.

I reached out and touched it, the cool stone tingling my fingertips. I closed my eyes and stood there in complete silence as if the world had stopped.

I opened my eyes and glanced around, wondering where the voices had come from. "What?" I removed my hand from the stone and glanced around the forest once more. I took in every detail this time, from the musky scent to the way the grass and remaining leaves crunched beneath my feet. 

Taking a steady breath, I placed my hand once more on the stone and closed my eyes. 

I pulled my hand away and took a shaky breath. Mom? Why don't I remember any of that? Carter? Was I talking about wolf Carter? I didn’t know him though.

My eyes noticed the tremble of my hand, and I continued to stare at it with wide eyes as my inhales got faster than usual. I need to go home. 

Turning around, I began to walk the way I came, but I paused. Fuck. I need to find Carter. 

Debating on whether to turn around or not, I ended up going a different route and following the trail of pumpkin spice that began to grow stronger. I started to run to speed things up, realizing the sun was already beginning to set due to the winter shift.

I definitely didn't want to be in the woods when the sun went down, and I'd rather avoid being scolded by Ian, let alone Dolly and Sam if they heard about me being in the forest past sunset.

My legs came to a stop when I reached a section of the forest that was decorated in pink roses. They were fully bloomed, which made no sense to me seeing as it was December, and I had to take a closer look by kneeling down and stroking the delicate petal with my thumb. They're real? Wow...but how?

I took a deep inhale and closed my eyes, letting out the breath slowly as I'd done before.

I slowly opened my eyes, but I was left in confusion as I stared back into a pair of gold and turquoise eyes.

A little boy who stood at the same height as me smiled; his happy expression left me feeling calm. I couldn't help but look down at myself, realizing I, too, was but a child, appearing to be four or maybe even five.

I honestly wasn't sure because I had no recollection of any of this.

---

"They do..." I whispered, and his smile widened. He moved to grab a single pink rose.

He walked back over to face me and reached out to hold my hand.

"One day, I'll be big and strong, and together, we'll help save everyone from the evil wolves’ plans. We'll be the King and Queen of change. I vow it," he whispered.

I couldn't control the smile that formed on my little lips as I squeezed his hand and nodded. "Together. We're going to save everyone. The wolves, witches, humans. Everyone. You and me."

"Because we're mates!"

"Yes! You're mine and I'm yours. No one can stop our destiny. That's what Mommy said," I declared with pride.

"You'll marry me here, right?" He asked softly, and I glanced into his hopeful eyes.

"Yes. Pink roses everywhere and maybe a unicorn."

"Unicorns aren't real, silly."

"Maybe they are. Mommy said I should use my imagination and think really hard."

The boy laughed and moved to hug me. I hugged him back and he unexpectedly kissed me on the cheek.

"Harper Blake is my mate and these lands will always help us stay together!"

I giggled, feeling a bit shy but loved from his kiss. "Always together. No matter what. We’ll spread love to everyone and help the land grow.”

---

A loud howling sound followed by a gunshot pulled me out of my daze, and I jolted up with the rose still in my trembling hand. Shit, shit, shit! What the fuck is going on?

I wanted to panic but another gunshot rang through the forest, sounding a bit closer than before, and my mind immediately went on Carter.

Fuck! Carter!

My body darted forward, avoiding the roses as I began to follow my sense of smell and locate Carter. I had no idea if the pumpkin smell was his, but that was all I had to go with to make sure he was okay and not a victim of one of those bullets. I reached a spot between three trees where the scent was the strongest, but Carter was nowhere to be found. 

Before I could move, the sight of a person caused me to stop, and I immediately hid behind the tall bark of the trees and poked my head to watch the individual.

Huh? Rick. Oh god, he's a Hunter? No, that wouldn't make sense because he's Rogan's son. Actually, no. That would make sense. Rogan doesn't really like the wolves anymore, and Rick probably doesn't like wolves because of Rogan? I guess? Wait, this is our property though. That's trespassing. This is a part of the land we bought. I can call him out...but he has a gun. Maybe that would be a stupid idea...but it's worth a shot. Shot...ha...oh man this would have been better if Reika was awake.

I remained still, but my heart was pounding rapidly against my chest. 

"Where oh where did that female go? Fuck, I could have had a good fucking with her," Rick grumbled, stalling in his movement to lower his gun and look around. 

Fucking? Oh, no...he couldn't...no...is he the one killing the female shifters? 

I rose up, ready to confront his ass, when something embraced me from behind and a hand clamped on top of my mouth. I was prepared to react by kicking his balls, but I stopped as the strong scent of pumpkin spice wrapped around me like a soothing blanket. 

I tilted my head back to meet a pair of golden eyes. I almost forgot to breathe as my heart practically stopped for a few beats; my mind immediately recognized that the man holding me was the same one from the weird flashback I'd just had.

No way. This...this is the same boy. Wait...Carter? Is this Carter? No, Carter is a wolf. He isn't a human. What if he's a shifter? No...Ian would have told me that...maybe? He's not allowed to speak of stuff. If so...Carter could be a wolf shifter. No, hold on. Pumpkin. He smells like pumpkin... Wolf Carter doesn't really smell like pumpkin...this isn't making any sense.

My attention moved back to Rick as something began to vibrate. We both stayed utterly still as he picked up the phone. 

"Nah, I lost her. I don't fucking know. I couldn't tell who it was. Whatever, Dad. I'm not your fucking henchmen. I just came to see if Harper was around and maybe get some alone time with her. I don't give a shit about your plans. I don't care. Leave me out of it. My ass is getting out of here. You know damn well I can get arrested for being on private property, and if I get that O'Neil cop, I'm fucked. He doesn't take bribery. No, don't bring this as a "race" issue. I can't believe we're arguing right now when I'm freezing my ass off, doing shit for you. I'm leaving. You'll be near these parts tomorrow anyways. Come search for that artifact yourself!"

Artifact?

He hung up the phone and cursed. "Fucking shit. 'Because O'Neil is black he has to abide by the rules.' What fucking bull. Why the hell do I have to grow up with a racist, narcissistic piece of shit? I could have actually been a part of a community rather than some outcast shit. There are good white folks too. Ian and Harper aren't dicks, and their family doesn't take bribes. So fucking stupid."

Rick strapped the gun onto his back and began to walk away. I was trembling uncontrollably as I tried to understand what just happened.

Rick...Rogan...Hunters...what's going on? Tears pooled in my eyes, and I slowly lifted my head up to look at the man who still held me, his golden eyes lowering to my wide ones.

I didn't care that I looked helpless. I was scared shitless right now, not only from what I heard but from what I'd just experienced moments ago.

I've been here. With my family. I was here at some point in my early childhood, yet I remember nothing. I knew a boy, but I don't remember any of that. The only kid I knew when I was younger was Ian. Who is this other boy? No...who is this man staring down at me? He can't be who I'm thinking of...right? It's not...possible, right?

The man's expression softened, and my eyes grew wider when those golden orbs shifted in color; one eye retained its golden appearance while the other was a beautiful turquoise that reminded me of my Alpha tempered wolf. 

"Carter..." I whispered with trembling lips; the tears that pooled in my eyes rolled down my flushed cheeks. 

"I'm sorry, Harper," he whispered. His eyes held an intense level of sadness which only left me even more lost as to why he was apologizing. 

My mouth opened in my attempt to say something or anything that would potentially help my brain figure out this puzzle, but no words left my lips.

Not because I couldn't speak, but because a pair of smooth ones sealed them shut, making me realize that this familiar stranger was now kissing me. I didn't move, or more like I couldn't move. I was kissing a man I didn't know, and yet, I remained still.

He won't hurt me.

What could have possessed me to think that way, I'd never know, but one stupid move led to another as I closed my eyes and kissed him right back.

I kissed a sexy hot stranger with mismatched eyes in the middle of the woods during the most gorgeous sunset that I didn't even get the chance to appreciate.

I felt like I was in the perfect drama show, and that I was doing the most unrealistic yet romantic scene in fantasy land, but it felt so right.

He broke the kiss, and I opened my eyes to see the flicker of satisfaction in his while he blinked a few times. They had started to become just as glossy as mine.

"Who...how...why?" I tried desperately to find words, but I couldn't think. I was surprised I was even breathing.

My world felt like it was spinning out of control.

One second I felt like I was living a completely different life, while the next second I knew that this was reality and everything happening now was either a lie or some crazy mental break.

"In time, Harper. Just not now," he murmured. He gave me a sad smile and whispered,

My world plunged into the depths of darkness.