WOLF TAMER (Claiming My Pack Series Book 1) by Yumoyori Wilson (19)

I just have to breathe and think logically. Just think and ask him...but where do I begin? What do I say? Will he shift for me? Will he even tell me what's going on?

"Just say what comes to your mind, Harper," Reika coached.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked up at the starry sky. My vision was blurry thanks to the pooling of tears that threatened to fall, but I couldn't cry.

Even though it felt like I was suffocating with all the information that came to light, I had to be strong. It only made sense to. If I broke down right now, I wouldn't have anyone to pick up the pieces.

"Carter...if...if you're a wolf shifter and only if you won't get in trouble...would you shift for me?" My voice was low, and it was hard not to choke on my words.

I didn't know if he'd complete my request, but I could only hope. I waited in the cool night with my back turned towards Carter. The silence did nothing to calm my racing heart that beat so loudly it was as if my ears were going to pop.

I was shivering yet my body wasn't in the least cold. It was hot like a volcano that was ready to erupt any second. The only thing keeping me sane was when I lowered my gaze back to the pink roses that glittered in the moonlight that shone down on us--the full moon high above the sky.

I closed my eyes and it seemed like everything hit me at once--what had just occurred flashing before my eyes before my memory of what happened last night returned with force. Searching for Carter, the memories that played in my mind when I touched the rock, seeing Rick, realizing he was a Hunter working for Rogan, and the man with beautiful mismatched eyes that I knew all about.

He was my friend. No, more than just a friend. I'd known him for as long as I could remember, yet why did it change? What happened that made us part and led me to live with my parents, or should I say Aunt and Uncle, and why couldn't I remember past the incident. Even with my obvious amnesia, why couldn't I remember anything else? Why can't I remember Carter? He's...he's my mate...right? Why am I finding out now? Why?

I clenched my fists and a whimper escaped me. I let my tears fall, feeling exhausted in fighting them any longer.

"Why is my world crashing down?" My shoulders lifted and quiet sobs escaped me. "I'm a wolf shifter who can't shift. I suffered years of PTSD symptoms because I witnessed deaths that inevitably weren't my parents. I almost died and was rescued by Ian thanks to my hidden knowledge of being here. I became some 'orphan' who really wasn't an orphan and lived the rest of my childhood, teens, and now early adulthood with a woman who apparently worked for the CSIS and a man who she's been working for years to try to take down. I'm finding out that my life was basically a lie, and I can't even remember what life was before all of that shit."

I pulled at the hair tie in my hair, letting my hair down, and ruffled it in frustration. "Pathetic. So fucking pathetic. I can't believe I was this clueless. Imagine...I didn't think you guys were wolf shifters. No...I just ignored it thinking it was just Ian. So silly of me." I cried harder, lifting my hands up to press against my face.

"I'm so stupid..." I mumbled and continued to cry. "Does that mean the love everyone had for me was fake? Does....does that mean Ian doesn't like me? I know he's not really involved, but...but...my life is a fucking lie."

Arms enveloped me, bringing a comforting warmth that reminded me of a blanket wrapping around my body. I lifted my head up to see those same mismatched eyes from last night, looking just as mesmerizing as before.

"Does that mean you...don't like me, Carter? Does the pack not want me? Am I nothing but a tool for everyone to use to catch Sam? If so...could you at least say it to my face? Can you just tell me, so I know where I stand? Cause this...this hurts so much more," I begged.

The pain that morphed on his face as his eyes filled with tears made me want to hug him, but I was in so much pain that I didn't know if I had anything else of me to give.

"You're our girl, Harper. Our female and my mate. I'm sorry...I couldn't...I was spelled not to say. There's so much. So fucking much," he whispered, and I didn't let him finish; I lifted up to press my lips against his.

My body reacted faster than my flooded mind, filled with confused thoughts and fragmented memories. Deep within, I knew just with one simple glimpse into those gold and turquoise eyes that whatever love and compassion he had for me was still present and unwavering.

He kissed me back, tender, slow, and filled with emotion. He pulled back just slightly, and I opened my eyes just as a tear left his face and fell onto my cheek.

"Harper. Don't you dare think you are not loved. From the moment we met...not in the sanctuary, but before everything happened, I knew we were destined to be, and I loved everything about you. Nothing changed when we met again and you didn't remember me. There's so much to explain, but you just need to know that you are loved. The pack loves you, and as annoying as it is for me to say this, Ian loves you with all his heart. I'm sorry."

I nodded slightly and looked down to the ground as I continued to cry. He turned me around and cradled me in his warm hold as I wept into his bare chest. I didn't even care that he was naked. I just needed to cry and let my frustration, anxieties, fears, and overwhelming sadness out. Especially in the arms of someone who would listen.

My tears eventually stopped, and I pulled away to face Carter. "Thanks, Carter. You...didn't have to come out here or show yourself to me."

He closed the distance between us and placed his hand under my chin, directing me to meet his loving gaze. "I've wanted to show you the real me for years, Harper. You've done me more of a favor than me simply comforting my mate," he whispered.

"I'm your mate...huh," I said softly, and my eyes trailed down his naked body. "Hmm." 

He nodded with a grin, appearing pleased with my obvious 'checking out' moment. "Do I at least fit your standards?" he teased with confidence. 

"Standards? You've surpassed them with just your eyes. Anything else is a splendid bonus," I replied earnestly before I blushed and met his wide smile. "Uh...I should have filtered that."

"Don't you dare." He pressed his forehead against mine as our lips brushed. "Tomorrow, I'll explain ever-"

A howl broke through the quietness of the forest, the sound almost like a shrill that sent shivers through me and made my stomach drop. What? Something's wrong.

I immediately noticed smoke beginning to rise into the starry sky and my eyes grew wide. "Fire? Oh, no....the pack!" I exclaimed. 

Carter cursed and slipped his hand into mine and we both started running back towards the house.

"Carter! Shift and go make sure everyone’s okay!" I ordered. He looked over his shoulder for three seconds, his worry evident in his eyes, but I shook my head at him. "I'll be fine! GO!" 

I watched in amazement as his body shifted; his bones cracked as his white fur split through his flesh. He went on all fours without missing a step and he dashed towards the house, his speed twice as fast as normal.

"I knew he was always holding back," Reika grumbled. 

Even with the panic that settled inside me due to the situation, I couldn't help but smile at the remark. We'll have a rematch after this.

As we approached the house, I decided to go to the renovated site first. The smoke was so thick it was hard to see its exact location, but that was the place my gut was telling me to rush over to.

The sound of a loud gunshot rang through the air and I flinched; my body skidded to a stop as I looked over my shoulder to see where the gunshot had come from. My heart was racing, and I patted my chest. "The shot didn't hit you. I'm okay," I talked to myself out loud. 

Just the sound of the shot was making it hard for me to breathe, bringing with it the memories of that fateful night where I ran for my life.

"Meowwwww."

My head swiftly turned to face forward, and I pushed onward. MUFFIN! I heard her tiny cries for help, and I immediately noticed the familiar person crumpled on the ground in the newly made caged area that led to a deeper part of the forest.

"IAN!" I screamed and didn't think as I sprinted right to his side. I dropped to the ground and Muffin moved off Ian who was laying on his left side. I turned him onto his back. Without thinking, I put my ear against his chest to make sure he was breathing.

A sigh escaped me when I heard his rather slow heartbeat, and I began checking his body for wounds. "Muffin! Go find help! Anyone from the pack."

"Meow!" She dashed off and I tried shaking Ian awake. 

"Ian?! Baby, wake up," I urged, trying not to cry. I was strong, but there was no way I, or even Reika, would be able to get him to safety. I didn't know where the fire was coming from, but the smoke was making it hard to breathe.

He groaned, but he looked like he was struggling to get out of whatever dark fog he was in. Shit...

"Magic? Knocked him out," Reika declared.

That's what I think, but shit. How did he get here and where's everyone else?

"MEOW!" 

I lifted my head up to see Muffin return with two very naked men who were practically identical to one another. Even with the current situations, my eyes wouldn't dare ignore such fine beauty, especially in double. I'm going to hell.

"I'll come with you if we get to take both of them," Reika commented. 

Deal. 

"Hayden and Heston?" I inquired though I knew just from their blue eyes that they were my twin wolves. My...great, I'm claiming them already.

"Good evening, Wolf Tamer." Heston winked. 

"Nice to meet you in human form, Harper." Hayden smiled. 

I slowly nodded and had to shake my head out of my daze. "Hey, guys. I need a hand."

Hayden and Heston nodded in unison and rushed to where I was with Ian. Heston frowned, and Hayden bit his bottom lip. "Magic," they said in unison.

"That's what Reika thought. Will he be knocked out for long?" I asked.

"No. Ian has magic abilities, so he should be able to recover somewhat more quickly than the average shifter. He needs a few minutes," Hayden explained.

"Which we may not have. Damien and Levi are taming the flames right now with O'Neil," Heston revealed.

"What's going on? What happened to Sam? Is this his doing?" I asked. Hayden picked Ian up with ease, and Heston and I rose to our feet.

"No. Sam's being transported to the North Sanctuary for trial," Hayden divulged.

"But a little birdy told Rogan, and now he's causing shit," Heston added.

"Alright, let's go." I ushered them to move forward.

"Meow..." Muffin called out, and I turned to see her moving the opposite direction. Oh, for goodness sakes, Muffin.

I turned back to chase after her before she got too far ahead and completely lost. "Muffin!" I snapped, and she stopped in her tracks, her eyes meeting mine.

"Meow?"

"We need to go. No adventure right no-" I scolded, but she jumped at me, which caught me by surprise and caused me to fall back onto my ass. 

"Omph! Jeez, Muffin so rando-"

A large shadow lunged past me right before my eyes, which shut me right up. Muffin hopped out of my lap and began to hiss at the large beast that started to growl in the shadows.

Fuck!

"RUN HARPER!" Reika shouted. 

I didn't even think twice; I scooped Muffin into my hands and dashed forward. Shit, shit, shit! Where are we going to run to?

"Anywhere?! There's two of them! Run faster!" Reika advised, and her image got a lot bigger as she moved closer. I didn't know how to describe it, but it was like seeing her in a dark space and watching her approach me closer and closer. When she did that, I always got a boost of energy in scary situations like these.

Muffin was still hissing away, and I realized I'd have to place her somewhere or she'd get hurt. I almost tripped when the sound of gunshots rang out, seeming way too close to me. FUCK!

My eyes caught onto the small campfire place the pack and I used to come around and relax in during the early evenings. My gaze locked onto the bundle of blankets I must have forgotten to bring back from the last time we were here. 

I steered left and ran towards it and got Muffin prepared.

"Sorry, Muffin! GO GET HELP AND BE SAFE!" I declared and tossed her right onto the blankets without missing a beat. 

She cried out, but it was lost in the loud growl that came from behind me. Another gunshot rang out, which came from my right, and I cursed when my gaze landed on a pistol aimed at me held by Rick.

I skidded to a stop and gritted my teeth; the sound of the gun being shot made me close my eyes. A muffled scream escaped me when something went into my thigh, and I fell back to the ground.

My eyes flashed open in time to see the large wolf glide above me in a missed attempt to try and tackle me. I peered back to see the upside-down image of a second wolf coming my way. Reika...

"WOOF!" Something huge stood above me in time to catch the approaching wolf off guard. Its massive head intercepted the approaching wolf and, with ease, threw the enemy wolf to my right.

"Fuck!" I heard Rick swear as he tried to avoid the flying wolf, but he took a direct hit that sent him soaring. My eyes widened when his scream turned hysterical as his body completely disappeared. OH SHIT! There's a cliff here!

I hadn't even realized I'd run that fast, and now this was more dangerous than I thought. Looking up, I realized Carter was the one who protected me, and he lowered his head to meet my frightened gaze.

"There's one more," I reminded, and he nodded his head before he turned to face the other wolf who was half Carter's size.

Both of them didn't wait as they launched towards each other. I struggled to get up as my thigh throbbed in pain, and warm, dark red liquid began to pool onto the ground.

Don't panic. Don't panic.

I reached out for my blade and quickly scanned around me for the other wolf or Rick, staring in the direction where they had fallen. After a full minute, I turned my attention to Carter and the mini wolf who was losing the battle fast as Carter picked it up with ease and smashed it onto the ground a few times, like a rag doll.

It whimpered before Carter tossed him as far he could until his body was gone. Finally getting up, I used my free hand to press against my wound as I tried to keep my fast exhales at bay, while my eyes darted around to see if anyone else was coming.

There was a long howl from a distance and Carter responded with his own.

What did they say?

"Safe. The others are safe," Reika replied. 

Wait, you understood that?!

"I guess?" Reika sounded unsure, but I was having trouble staying standing. 

I moaned and fell to one knee as I blinked my eyes over and over again to try and clear up my blurring vision.

My eyes lingered on the blade of my dagger, noticing the slight teal glow that surrounded the silver metal.

"We need help," Reika noted. 

Won't argue with you on that.

Carter walked over to me and pressed his forehead against mine as he began to whimper and lick my face. 

"I'm fine, big guy. Don't get all sad. I've survived bullet wounds before, but I don't think I can walk back," I admitted. 

He continued to whimper and lick my cheek before he paused and turned his head to growl and move protectively in front of me. 

I watched in shock as Rick slowly climbed onto the ledge and pulled himself onto the flat ground. He groaned and coughed out some blood before his glowing eyes locked onto us. He growled loudly and was running towards us on all fours, his body beginning to shift as dark brown fur began to spread across his skin.

Carter growled and dashed forward to intercept Rick, when three gunshots rang out. The two of them skidded to a stop, and Rick's body began to shift back as he fell to the ground. He lifted his head, and his wild, wide eyes locked onto me, just like Carter's.

A howl escaped Carter, and even Rick looked hurt. 

"Harper..."

I slowly lowered my gaze to notice the blood that was pouring out of my chest and stomach like an open faucet. I didn't know if it was due to the acknowledgment that I'd just been shot or my body having a slow reaction, but the pain hit me like a truck and my knees buckled.

I hit the ground hard, hearing something crack before I fell forward onto the dirt. I gripped the blade tightly in my hand, knowing it would be the first thing taken from me. Whoever just shot me would have to pry it out of my dead hand.

"DAD!" Rick screamed, and I realized Rogan was the one who'd shot me. "Are you fucking crazy!"

Carter's growl was close, but there was another noise that sounded like the reload of the gun. "Move any further mutt, and I'll shoot the brains out of your mate."

I growled, which sounded more like a groan as I moved the blade as close to me as I physically could. My body felt like it was floating, and I was getting cold. It was either due to the blood that continued to leave my body or because of the chill of the night and coolness of the soil beneath me.

I struggled to breathe, and I moved my head slightly to try and see Carter. Even without the best vision, I could see his rage as he growled at Rogan, whose slow footsteps got closer and closer until he stood in front of me.

He knelt down and made sure I saw the pleased smile on his face. "How badly I've wanted to kill you and take what should have been rightfully mine. I guess all that praying worked."

He reached out to touch the blade, but I growled loudly, which was enough to make Rogan flinch back. When he realized I wasn't going to do shit, he chuckled to himself.

"Oh right. You can't shift. Must suck to be the child of an Alpha and a Wizard. If only they could be here to witness the end of such a child."

He reached out for it again, but his body was picked up and swung in the opposite direction. I heard Rick curse before a crash sounded.

I smiled weakly. "You...don't listen to threats, do you?" I mumbled, as my labored breathing slowed.

Carter lowered to the ground to snuggle next to me before he howled long and hard into the air. I heard a few sets of howls in the distance, but I was fading fast.

"Harper?! I want to help. How can I help? Don't go...don't die."

Reika was saying something, but it wasn't making sense. All I could do was focus on gripping the blade and trying to breathe. 

---

"Mommy?" 

"Yes, Harper." 

"I'm going to have a pack like you, right? That means I must protect them!"

"Yes, my dear. You, too, will claim a pack of your own and protect them just like I protect you and the others." 

"I need a weapon! Like in the fairytales!" 

"Do you?" 

"Yes. I'll fight them and defend my kingdom and pack! No one will hurt them."

"Then I'll give you something precious that will protect them when the time is right." 

"Really?"

"Really. It will be the key to the power inside you." 

---

The sound of growling and whimpering woke me, prompting me to make sure the hilt of the dagger was still in my grasp. I mentally sighed and lifted my eyes to see what was happening, Rogan was now in front of me and his gun was pointing at Carter, whose white fur coat was drenched in blood.

I knew right away it wasn't his, and the blurry sight of something brown in front of him made me realize Rick was no longer alive.

My ears picked up on an approaching sound and I realized the others were closing in. It was just Carter and Rogan in a face-off, and after I focused my vision enough to get a clear view of Carter's eyes, I understood right away that he'd die from not thinking logically due to the rage that cloaked his gold eyes.

Reika. I don't care how much it will hurt. Push as hard as you can to come out.

"But."

Reika...I'm going to die. I won't wake up if I sleep again. I feel it...please. Rogan will kill Carter with his gun. He can't die. The pack will be lost if we both die. At least if he survives, they can move on. Please...please Reika. 

I stared into her teal eyes that glowed brightly. She understood, and I knew this was our only shot to try and shift. If we were meant to be a shifter, this was our chance to shine.

The click of the reload brought me out of my thoughts and I used everything in me to lift my head off the ground to look up at the back of Rogan's head. He raised his gun to aim at Carter who began to charge towards me. 

"Farwell, Prince Moonshine." 

Reika raced forward, and this time when she pushed, she went right into gear. The pain that shot through me was ten times worse than the bullet wounds, but I had no chance to scream or even whimper as my now large mouth clamped down on Rogan's head and, like a chew toy, I shook my head from side to side rapidly before his lower portion went flying and only his head remained, which I spat out of my mouth.

Carter skidded to a stop, and I backed away and growled at him. He stared at me in awe, but I was in so much pain, I just wanted to sleep. I backed up a few more steps, and my eyes grew heavy as a whimper escaped me.

I lowered to the ground and soon fell onto my side. I saw Carter run towards me, and I closed my eyes for a few seconds. Reika? We did it.

"We're a wolf! We're not a Wolf Tamer anymore," Reika cried. 

Ya...

My body felt like it was getting smaller, and I couldn't feel if any of my bones were cracking back into place. When I opened my eyes again, I realized I was human once more, and turquoise eyes filled with tears were looking down at me.

"Ca...r...ter," The smile I tried to put on my lips was but a little lift to the left side of my lips, and my eyes began to close.

"Hang on, Harper. Please," Carter begged. I wanted to listen to him, but this was so hard. I'd protected him as I should have. He could protect the pack without me.

"Harper!" Ian's frantic calls seemed to grab my attention for a moment. I didn't even realize he'd been there, or maybe I'd blacked out for a moment.

"She won't make it," a voice said.

"She has to make it, Damien!" Ian snapped.

"We can't bring her back. She'll bleed to death."

"Levi, there has to be something." Carter sobbed. "We can't let her die. I'm not ready to lose her."

There was a long silence before Ian whispered. "Everyone, cut your wrists."

"What?" Hayden and Heston said together.

"Just trust me! Where's the dagger?" Ian requested.

"Here," Damien announced. "Don't tell me you're thinking-"

"She's part of the pack. OUR pack! She can't die. There's no other way to save her. If we do it this way, we have a chance that she'll survive us reaching North Sanctuary. If you don't want to bond with her, stay out of it, but the more blood we can give, the higher the chances of her survival. She helped and loved all of us. She was willing to share her love with us, even when she didn't know the truth. Her love and compassion were absolute. This is the least we can do. Please," Ian begged.

"Stop talking, cut your wrist, and pass it here," Carter snapped.

"That means a yes from the rest of us," Damien commented.

There were a few hissed and gasps, but in seconds, I felt something being poured onto my chest. Or into my chest.

"Carter. You need to initiate it." 

"The mate does."

"You're the stronger mate and magic user." 

"Fine," Carter grumbled but took a deep breath. 

My body grew hot, especially where the liquid continued to pour into me, but I had no energy to scream or cry at the pain. That's when I heard a voice, almost like a hymn from the scriptures of the church, respond.

"Magic at the price of love. I come to your call and ask you this. Is it worth this sacrifice to save this Wolf Tamer who ignores thy calls when she most likely won't survive?"

I couldn't tell who this new female voice was, but even though her words were bitter, they held a sense of sympathy.

"She ignored your calls because of our interference. She WILL survive this, and she's no longer a Wolf Tamer," Carter declared as my mind began to be dragged deeper into the hole of darkness. 

I gave up trying to fight the sleep any longer, and I was able to catch the last set of words before I lost consciousness, which I assumed would last forever.

"She will be a Wolf Seeker, and together as a pack, we'll seek those who dare try to take her away from you, the Moon, these lands of her heritage...and..."

---