Stealing the Alpha’s Heart

Lyssa and I headed into my place in great spirits, both of us rejuvenated by the great dinner we’d had with our pack.

I had been nervous about how my mate would feel surrounded by so many pack members, but she’d gotten on like the outback on fire. Seeing her banter back and forth with my sister was so lovely, and then she’d unloaded that terrible joke that was absolutely wonderful.

“That was amazing,” Lyssa said, going straight to the fridge and grabbing one of the water bottles I’d put in there earlier. I’d noticed that she always liked to walk around with cool water in her hand, so I’d secretly been putting more and more in there to chill for her.

“I’m glad you had fun.” And I really was. Although Lyssa and I were getting more comfortable around each other, there was always this underlying edge of hostility and anxiety that rested just below the surface.

And I got it, I did. I’d bitten her without consent, shoved her into a world she knew nothing about, and presented her with the idea that her parents hadn’t left her because she was a bad kid but because something greater, something magical, was at stake.

That was a lot for anyone to swallow, let alone a nineteen-year-old woman.

And there was the age gap to consider as well. Lyssa was very independent and had fought hard to survive, making her wise beyond her years. But the truth was that she was just out of high school and not even twenty while I was twenty-six. I had experienced things like college and running my own successful business. Could I blame her for wanting to go through those kinds of things too?

It was a mess, and for the millionth time, I wished it could have been different. But at the same time, I wouldn’t give it up for anything. Lyssa was meant to be in my life. I knew that as much as I needed oxygen to breathe and the moon to give thanks to.

“I did! But like, seriously, thank you. I know I’m still getting my bearings with everything, but that dinner was, like… well, it was what I needed. It let me know there’s a space I can carve out in this weird wolf world of yours.”

Although I tried not to touch her without direct permission, it was like a rope yanked me toward her. I slid my arm around her waist, looking deep into those lovely eyes of hers.

“You have no idea how happy that makes me.”

“Oh, but I think I do. And just know, I’m not ungrateful or taking it lightly. I can tell you really care about me, even if it terrifies me out of my mind.”

“I do,” I murmured, my face drawing closer to hers. God, she smelled good. So good. The perfect blend of jasmine flower, chamomile, and something else made me want to bury my nose against her skin and smell her heaven. “I care about you more than I ever thought possible.”

I could hear her heartbeat kick up a notch, an excited flush creeping up her neck and staining her cheeks. God, she looked so beautiful. Did she have any idea what a masterpiece she was? How perfectly sculpted her features were only to be brought to life by the sparking energy in her gaze.

“Mahlan…”

That was my undoing. All it took was her breathless whisper of my name, and I was crashing my l!ps to hers.

It was as devouring as it was worshipful, and I hoped she could feel how much she moved every part of me — mind, heart, inner wolf, and my very soul. I wanted to learn her, to feel every part of her like the goddess she was. I wanted to drown her in pleasure and likewise succumb myself until we were so wrapped up in each other that we were one.

Her arms wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me closer, and I went willingly. I could feel myself getting carried away, but I didn’t care. My body craved her in ways I’d denied for far too long. Not that I wouldn’t keep denying them. I would cut off my hand before I took away Lyssa’s choice again. But with her in my arms, pressing her form to me, I couldn’t help but think that perhaps, just perhaps, she was willing to complete our mating bond.

The thought made my heart leap, and my body responded instinctively. I could feel myself hardening and I knew she could too. She had to with how it was straining for her, craving her as viscerally as my wolf craved the moon.

I broke away from her l!ps practically gasping, but when I looked down at her face and saw how they were k!ss-swollen, red, and slick, it made me dive in again. My hands slid down her body, almost questioning until she ground her rear into my palms.

That was an invitation if I ever felt one, and I gripped both globes of her as*s, hauling her up. She went with the movement, her legs wrapping around my waist. She was still too thin for her frame, I could tell her body wanted to put on more weight, but she’d already come a long way with the steady meals I’d been cooking. Her body edges were smoothing out, her muscles were getting the support they needed, and most importantly, she had more energy. Which just drew me to her even more.

My inner wolf was thrilled to see its mate happy, healthy and flourishing, even if it didn’t understand why the mating wasn’t completed and why we weren’t trying to put pups in her belly.

Oh, that was certainly a mental image.

“I want you,” I growled into her mouth, feeling my canines starting to pronounce themselves. She was quite literally driving me wild, and I didn’t want it to stop.

“You have me,” she whispered, voice ragged. And oh, if that wasn’t a phrase I’d been waiting my whole life to hear.

I didn’t even think, didn’t plan; my body just propelled us down the hall as I made tiny little love bites in a line down her neck, stopping only when I reached her claiming bite.

It had healed prettily, the bruise fading from a violet purple to greens and blues until it finally reached a subtle yellow, but the raised scar was still there. My whole body yearned for her to bite me in kind, to seal the deal consensually and with joy.

Kicking the door open, I laid her out on my bed, b***d rushing so hard I was surprised I didn’t combust right then and there. Lyssa landed gracefully, her hair splaying across my dark sheets as her arms raised to me.

I wanted to ravish her. I wanted to snap her up and show her the unchecked wildness my inner wolf longed to unleash. But at the same time, I knew that I couldn’t.

Because if we kept going, it wasn’t about me. It couldn’t be. Sealing our mating bond would be all about Lyssa. Every need of hers, every desire, I would fulfill or die trying.

“You’re in control here,” I murmured, looking over her beautiful form. She was art. Living, breathing art, and she was in my bed. “We don’t go any further than you want. You say stop, we stop immediately — no questions asked.”

A look of surprise crossed her blissed-out features, and she sat up slightly. “R-really?”

Something in her voice made me pause, and the raging libido faded ever so slightly. Concerned, I knelt on the floor in front of the bed so we were face to face.

“I’m completely serious, Lyssa. I know I took away your choice in getting into all this, but I swore I’d never do that again.”

“What if I never want to have s3x?”

Ugh, that was an awful idea, but it was a reality I’d always been aware of. “It would… complicate things, but that would be your choice, and I would respect it. No matter how much my inner wolf is screaming, I’d never take you without your permission.”

Apparently, that was the right thing to say because the next thing I knew, she was the one k!ssing me.

But it was different than the previous one. It wasn’t biting, demanding, or full of fire. No, it was something else entirely. Sweet. Soft. And more than a bit tenuous. It was full of both questions and trust. My entire life could pass without another k!ss, and I would still die happy.

When we broke apart, her cheeks were practically crimson, and she muttered something even I couldn’t hear with my advanced wolf senses.

“What was that?” I murmured, brushing her hair out of her face and encouraging her to lift her chin to look at me.

“I’ve never done this before.”

“Sealing a mating bond?” I offered her a slight chuckle that I hoped was comforting. “Well, that’s understandable.”

“No, I, uh, I mean…” she trailed off, somehow turning even redder and that’s when it clicked.

A million different thoughts flew through me at once. Incredulousness. Desire. Shock. Doubt. Intrigue. They all combined in a volatile rush, and I had to fight to keep my voice steady.

“Lyssa, are you trying to say you’re a virgin?”

She nodded, her face practically a beacon, and looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor. For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. Suddenly, I was worried that I was taking advantage. But also, my wolf was very keen on the idea that we would be the only ones to ever have her. Our darling mate would know no other touch but ours — would experience pleasure at no other hands.

“We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready. I’m serious.”

“But… but I wanna,” she whispered, looking up at me through her thick lashes. “I’ll tell you if I get scared or want to stop, but right now, something in me is literally cursing me out for distracting you.”

I smiled a slow, wicked grin. That sounded like her inner wolf for sure. As if pvberty wasn’t enough, the first year or so as a shifter was always rough. Our inner beasts loved freedom, l**t, and the hunt, demanding at least one of the three daily.

“Let’s quiet that voice then.”

I gave her a soft, quick k!ss on the l!ps once before trailing down her neck, making sure to leave attention on her mating bite as I went past. Lyssa sighed dreamily, her body relaxing against mine. Once more, her arms encircled my neck, her fingers gently playing with the hair at the base of my neck.

F**k, if that didn’t send goosebumps spreading across my skin in a hedonistic wave. My b***d picked up its pace, racing through my veins, but I forced myself to go slow. We only had a first time once, and I would cherish every single second of it. Not a breath, not a single sigh, would go unaccounted for and untreasured. I could live to be centuries old, like the ancient shifters, and I wanted to make sure I could still recall this night with perfect clarity.

I k!ssed along the line of Lyssa’s shoulder, moving aside the strap so my teeth could graze against her soft, perfect skin. Her scent was even thicker this close to her, coaxing me in like a siren. Except I made no effort to ignore the call; I was a sailor more intent to crash upon the rocks of her isle and let her devour me whole.

“I can smell you are getting wet,” I growled against her skin, voice so low I was surprised she could even hear it. But she most certainly did, judging by how her heart skipped a beat and her nails bit into the back of my neck.

Oh! So close to a mating bite but not quite, and that just made the heat within me burn hotter.

“Lyssa.” Somehow, I managed to get her name out, the word delicious and scalding along my tongue.

“Yes?” she whispered. Her voice tore my attention away from her neck, and I looked at her gorgeous face only to have my breath taken away entirely.

She was a vision — there was no other word for it. Her cheeks were vibrant red with desire, those eyes of hers were half-lidded, her l!ps still bruised from our k!ssing. She looked so thoroughly debauched that I just wanted to ruin her more.

“Has anyone ever tasted you?”

She didn’t say anything for a moment, her eyes going wide, before shaking her head. “Um, no. Some making out, heavy petting outside of my underwear, some clothed grinding, but that’s it.”

I admired her ability to be so articulate when I felt like I was one ounce of l**t away from going completely nonverbal.

“I really, really would enjoy that right now,” I whispered, trying to keep my tone more human than beast. “Would you let me?”

“Are you s-s-sure?”

I straightened until our faces were barely a breath away, my l!ps almost tracing hers. “I would love nothing more to have your thighs clamp around my head until the neighbors complain about how many times they had to hear you scream your o****m.”

“O-oh!”

Yeah, that had definitely gotten my intention across.

“Okay, y-yeah. You can t-try.”

I watched her face to ensure she didn’t agree out of fear, pulling myself back from the feral edge so I could scent any ketones around her. But no, although she seemed plenty nervous, her eyes were still bright with desire, and I could sharply smell just how wet she was for me.

“Let’s get these out of the way then, shall we?” I patted at her dress. It had looked lovely on her, complementing her skin and the strength of her body, but it would look much better on my floor. Lyssa nodded, biting her l!p, and I had no idea how I didn’t tear the dress in two right then and there. But with a lot of control, I managed to wiggle it down her body, then throw it to the side.

Only to be greeted by teal, silken panties that I had not been expecting. They weren’t the most dolled-up thing on the face of the earth, with no bows and no real frills. But some cutouts were filled with black lace and attached garters that went down to her thigh-highs.

Well, I’d suddenly found a new fetish.

I’d been sure she was just wearing stockings when she’d first arrived at the restaurant, but now I saw the wonderful visual present she’d given me. Had she planned all of this? Or was it just some bleed-over from Emmaline’s style?

Ew. I was not going to think about my sister in the bedroom. Gross.

Banishing that thought, I returned to Lyssa at the center of my attention. And she deserved all of my attention, that was for certain.

I slid my hands up those legs of hers, enjoying the feel of her soft skin. My l!ps followed soon after, k!ssing a trail up one th!gh and then the other. She was trembling as I placed a k!ss right below her belly button, then slowly trailed down to the very top of her entrance.

“Ready?” I murmured, looking over her body at her. God, I wanted to burn that sight into my memories. Speechless, she nodded, and I finally pressed my l!ps down to her.

A soft gasp escaped her, urging me onwards. I started tenderly, so tenderly, with gentle pecks, before adding my tongue. That time another gasp escaped her, louder, and her fingers wound themselves through my hair.

“That’s it,” I purred, a furor building within me. “Hold on for the ride.”

I parted her legs farther before hooking one of her knees over my shoulder, giving me better access. She was just as beautiful there as she was everywhere else, a pretty pink that was shiny with her slick. The smell was outright intoxicating, and it was all I could do not to go completely feral.

But I kept myself in check. It was her first time, so I wanted to make it something memorable. So instead of losing myself to my animal, I k!ssed, l!cked, and nibbled, working her up further and further until she was practically dripping for me.

“I’m going to touch you now, baby girl. Remember, you say when this stops.”

She let out the most adorable, kitten-like mewl and I was lost to her. I sealed my l!ps around that sensitive bundle of nerves at her core, my tongue playing with it while my fingers gently slid between her folds.

“Mahlan!”

I paused for a moment, worried I’d gone too far, but one look at her blissed-out expression told me that she wasn’t objecting. No, quite the opposite. Well, that was all the encouragement I needed to keep on going.

I listened as she m0aned, writhing against my touch, dripping into my hand. She was delectable, perfect in every way. I put my everything into coaxing ounce after ounce of pleasure from her. I loved every breath, every whimper, all of it. And when I noticed the tremble of her thigh pressed against the side of my head, I lifted her other leg to join its partner over my shoulder.

I pressed further, practically bending her in half as I worked her over. Curling my fingers just so, Lyssa bucked hard into my mouth while also yanking at my hair. I gr0aned at the sensation, that must have been precisely what Lyssa needed, orgasming around my fingers.

By the moon, the first wolf, everything else holy, that was possibly the most erotic moment in my entire life. My pulse was pounding in my ears, my body crying out for her.

“Oh my God, Mahlan,” Lyssa breathed.

“I’m just getting started, darling.”

Standing, I undid my belt, my eyes never leaving her form. That pretty flush on her face had spread down to her perfect bre*asts, which were heaving from her cl!max. If it were any other time, I might have taken a picture. But it wasn’t the right time or place.

“I want you,” Lyssa breathed, reaching out to me. I was already motivated to hurry, but that was the final straw. I ripped the rest of my clothing off, kneeling on the edge of the mattress.

“You have me in every way you could possibly think of.”

I k!ssed her, our tongues sliding against each other as I arranged the rest of her body. She felt so right pressed against me. Her body was so soft, a welcoming bed I wanted to sink into.

My hands roved her body, memorizing her form. I wanted to touch every single bit of her, to map her out until I knew her better than I knew myself. My callused fingers traipsed an indulgent path along her limbs, drunk on the feel of it.

“I’m scared,” Lyssa whispered, her voice the faintest of sounds.

“Then we don’t have to go any farther than this.”

“Really? You’d be okay with that?”

I could only imagine what ridiculous stories she’d heard about blue balls and other immature things in high school. “Yes. We don’t take this a single step further than you want to. If you want to stop here, we stop here. Not a single complaint from me.”

Lyssa stared at me for a long moment, and despite my raging libido, I waited for her to speak. “I want you to k!ss me again.”

“I can do that.”

And so I did, l!ps crashing to hers, claiming her in all the ways I hoped she longed to be claimed. My senses were consumed by her, the sound of her, the smell, the taste of her. All of it. I k!ssed her longer than I’d ever k!ssed anyone else.

It was magic, pure and simple. I was loath to break away, but all k!sses — even the sweetest ones — had to end.

“How was that?” I murmured, nosing against her jaw.

“Perfect,” she breathed, making my heart sing. That was exactly what I wanted to hear. “I…”

“Yes?”

“I want to seal the mating pact. I want you to take me.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes. I am. One hundred percent.”

Her permission was the last thing I needed, my inner wolf seizing the reins and mouthing at her bite. Lyssa let out a sharp gasp, arching against me, and I used that moment to settle both of us into a better position.

Gripping myself, I lined up with her dripping entrance, watching her face. Gods, she was gorgeous. Beautiful. Everything I could ever want and more.

“Deep breath,” I warned, gently stroking her h!p, my thumbs dragging in jagged little circles.

Slowly, ever so slowly, I pushed forward. Although I wanted to thrust into her with all my wild might, I held back. She deserved tenderness and consideration. No more pain for my beautiful mate. Not unless she wanted it, that was.

But even with her o****m and all that natural slickness, she was still sinfully tight. I couldn’t hurry, couldn’t even slip for a moment — which was hard to do considering the hot, velvet squeeze of her.

“God, Lyssa,” I breathed, my other free hand going to that bundle of nerves, coaxing that in circles. My mate bucked again into me, taking in several inches in the process.

“Holy crap, Mahlan!”

But her cry wasn’t a shriek of pain or even indignation. No, it was drenched in pleasure, practically begging me for more.

And I had more to give her.

Gripping her tighter, I slid further in. Then further, until finally, I was entirely inside her, the fluttering of her walls enveloped my c0ck. I stilled, allowing her to adjust to me.

“How’s that, baby girl?” I practically snarled, forcing my h!ps not to flex into her. This was no small feat when my body was screaming out to rut into her.

But she was worth every ounce of restraint and then some, so I managed to wait until she began to wiggle against me.

“What’s the matter?” I teased, dipping my head down so I could graze my teeth over her bite mark.

“Want more,” she begged, her arms wrapping around me. “I’m ready.”

The magic words. They unleashed something in me, and my first full surge into her was nothing like anything I’d ever felt. It was paradise in motion, the burning, devouring flames of sin. It was cloud nine to the tenth power.

And it was all mine.

“Oh my God,” Lyssa breathed, clinging even more tightly to me, her nails making ten little exhilarating pinpr!cks along my back. I still kept control of my thrusts, but I established a steady, demanding rhythm. One that barely satiated my near rabid inner wolf.

But finally, finally, after so much time, we were joined together as mates should be. It was like a nagging, festering wound had been miraculously healed, leaving only desire, joy, and even love.

It was too soon, and I knew it was too soon, yet I could feel myself falling in love with her. I adored Lyssa, from the way her body reacted to mine, to her witty sense of humor, to her driven personality. She was my mate, through and through.

“Are you going to howl for me? Going to make the neighbors complain?”

“I don’t know if I can so soon….”

That was a challenge if I ever heard one.

“We’ll see about that.”

One of my hands slid between us, returning to her folds. There I teased her, feeling what kind of pressure and speed she liked as I thrust into her.

Slow, even, and deep strokes, I was lost in her. In us. Every cell of my body was lit up by the pleasure we shared, but I wanted more. I wanted her to let go again and again until she forgot what it was like to be stressed.

But for tonight, we would settle for two.

I was determined, so when I shifted my h!ps and she let out another keening mewl, I chased that sweet spot within her. Her body reacted quickly, and I could feel the change within her as she massaged my length.

“That’s it, baby girl. Chase that high. You can do it.”

“I… I… I-”

Lyssa cut herself off, her mouth going to my neck, where I felt her teeth bite into me.

Holy.

Shit.

Endorphins flooded me so hard that I was surprised I wasn’t propelled into space. It rushed through me in a deluge of ecstasy, so all I could do was hold on and ride it out.

Thankfully, my body didn’t stop while my brain quickly ascended to a new plane of reality. I kept rocking within Lyssa while she orgasmed, trying to take in every expression, breath, and hitch in her voice.

If it weren’t for the need to eat and drink, I would have kept Lyssa in bed forever just to see that over and over again. But since that wasn’t physically possible, I just let myself experience the moment.

But then Lyssa’s teeth left my neck, and the way she drug them across the wound had my pleasure spiking. The next thing I knew, my cl!max hit me with full force, adding to the rush from Lyssa’s bite. It was all so much, but I loved it, and I knew the moment would stay with me for the rest of my life.

“Mahlan…” Lyssa murmured, sounding like she didn’t know whether she wanted to laugh or cry. So naturally, I k!ssed her as softly and sweetly as possible. Sleep was quickly overtaking me, but I knew better than to drift off without making sure my beloved mate was all right.

“You are incredible,” I murmured, pressing more k!sses over her face — those cute cheeks, the tip of her nose, her forehead. I peppered her with them until she finally giggled.

“You’re just saying that because you came.”

“I’m saying that because it’s true.” I gave one last peck on her l!ps. “Do you need anything? Water? A snack?”

She giggled again, rolling onto her side, patting the mattress behind her. “I just want you to hold me for a while.”

“I can most certainly do that.” Cuddling up to her back, I draped one arm over her and pulled her flush with me. Contentment filled my brain, and I drifted into a blissful sleep while holding my mate.

---

I woke up feeling incredible;I couldn’t remember why for a moment. But the previous night came flooding back, and a very satisfied smile bloomed across my features.

Happiness bubbled through me, I reached out to cuddle with my mate only to find her side of the bed empty. Alarm cut through the thick, syrupy contentment I was feeling, but then my brain pointed out that the shower was running.

Right. Of course, Lyssa would want to clean herself after our surprise coupling.

…Wait, my mate was naked in a steaming shower! What was I doing still in bed?

That was plenty of motivation to get up and head in there, but right as I opened the door, the shower turned off. Drat.

“Oh, did you need something?” Lyssa said, peeking out from the shower looking all freshly scrubbed and red-faced. While I appreciated her adorable expression, my inner wolf was upset that she’d washed off our scent. It argued succinctly — with mental images to boot — that I should pick her up, carry her to the bed, and make her smell claimed all over again. I resisted, of course.

Somehow.

“Just wanted to check in,” I said casually like I hadn’t busted a beeline to the bathroom to catch a peek, or a handful, of her back end. Instead, I went to where I kept my toothbrush and started up my normal morning hygiene routine. “How are you?”

Lyssa stepped out of the shower and pressed a soft k!ss to my arm. Yet again, I was struck by the sheer domesticity of it, the type of comfortableness that felt so damn assuring.

“I have to go to work,” she said, sending me a wry smile.

“About that,” I started, a memory floating back to the forefront of my mind. “Emmaline texted me late last night that she was closing the shop today.”

“What? Really?”

I nodded. “Seemed like she might have had a hot date.”

“Oh, did Kaleb finally come out of his shell and take a bite of what she was offering?”

I stopped in the middle of brushing, head whipping towards her. “Did who do what now?”

“Kaleb, ya know, the one she was clearly mooning over.”

I stared at her for at least three hours and twenty-seven minutes. Or maybe just thirty seconds, it was hard to say. “My sister does not have a crush on Kaleb.” The whole idea was shocking to me. Kaleb was the second youngest of our crew and, as far as I knew, had about as much interest in romance as he did in the life cycles of Argentinian cockroaches. That is to say… about none at all.

And Emmaline was an insanely occupied woman. She was so driven by running her own business and all the charities she volunteered for that she never really had time to waste on men. I also wasn’t entirely sure she liked only men, which wouldn’t be a problem for me, but I would understand if she was nervous about our somewhat conservative parents finding out.

So yeah, the idea of the two being together in any sort of capacity sounded about as plausible as there being werewolf-alien hybrids on the moon.

“Sure, whatever you say,” Lyssa said in a way that clearly meant the opposite.

“Right, let’s table that for a moment. Instead, how about we discuss what I want to show you.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“You’ll just have to see.”

“You sure do love your mysteries, don’t you?”

“What can I say? I’m a fan of suspense.”

“All right, do I get to know what I should wear?”

“Something casual, or sportswear. Stuff you can move around in.”

Lyssa bit her l!p and goodness, that was enough to make me want to pick her up right then and there to go to the mattress. Funny how that was the second time that urge had come on since I had woken up. It was like being a horny teenager all over again.

“I dunno. I think I moved around just fine last night in nothing at all.”

She was teasing me and I loved it. Much as my inner wolf loved the thrill of the hunt, I loved the thrill of a brat. “You’re welcome to wear exactly as little as you wore last night, but I don’t guarantee I won’t be… inspired by your getup.”

“Noted,” she said, standing on tiptoes to press a k!ss to my cheek. “Athleisure it is.”

I watched her go before realizing I was still holding my toothbrush like a doof. Right, I should probably get on with that.

Regaining my sanity, I finished up my morning routine and got dressed. My stomach wasn’t ready for a full meal, but as a wolf, I knew my metabolism would punish me if I tried to go for any sort of hike with an empty stomach. So instead, I made Lyssa and myself breakfast shakes with protein powder, fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapples, then some of the supplemental powder for pregnant women that also worked surprisingly well for shifters on the go.

“Uh…” I turned, the container in hand, to find Lyssa staring at me critically as she spoke. “Is there something you wanna tell me?”

There was a beat where I didn’t get it, but then realization hit. “No, no, this isn’t a hint or anything. It’s just that it’s really easy for shifters to get malnourished, especially this close to the full moon, and this is full of stuff that helps. And, ya know, keeps our coats healthy.”

“What, are you kidding me?”

I shook my head, finishing scooping out the stuff. It didn’t smell bad as I used it, but it didn’t quite smell good either, so I usually tried to hurry through the middle process. “Folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, a bunch of other stuff. But most importantly is riboflavin.”

“Riboflavin?”

“Yeah, it’s a chemical from meat and one that our type of shifter needs a lot of. And considering how expensive meat is in the supermarket, and how hard it is to hunt around here in wolf form, we need all the extra help we can get.”

I finally hit the button on the blender, studying Lyssa as she studied the shake. I could see that she was thinking hard, but I couldn’t determine what about.

“Penny for your thoughts?” I said as I finished and started pouring it into our chilled thermoses.

“Just amused, I guess, by all the science behind this.”

I raised an eyebrow, eager to know more about how that clever mind of hers worked. “Can you elaborate?”

“Well, you turn into a wolf, and I’ve literally met a witch who did actual magic right in front of me. All of that is enchanted otherworldly stuff. But like, using prenatal vitamins because our current environment doesn’t properly provide for you guys’ diets… well, that’s all science. It’s practical.”

“You know, I’ve always said that magic is just science we don’t entirely understand yet.”

Lyssa grinned, reaching out to take the baby blue thermos over the deep purple one. Was that her favorite color? Suddenly that fact seemed very important to my brain, and it squirreled the clue away for the next time I wanted to buy her a present. “I like that.”

“I’m glad.” Grabbing my thermos, I crossed to the door to put on my shoes. “You ready to head out?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

We headed out to my car, Lyssa happily slurping away at the shake I made her. Her evident pleasure with the drink pleased me, making my inner wolf puff out its chest every time he felt he’d provided appropriately for his mate.

Our mate. I reminded it firmly.

That was the complicated part of being a shifter. I was just as much my wolf as he was me, but we were also different. My humanity ruled me while he was ruled by his bestiality. Neither of us was better or wrong, but obviously, I was more suited to integrate into society, which put me at an unfair advantage compared to my inner wolf. Part of being a responsible alpha was dealing with that complexity and knowing how to balance both properly. If I became off-kilter, I could bring my entire pack with me.

I would have to explain that to Lyssa eventually, but it wasn’t time yet. Not when she hadn’t even approached her first shift. Although I was hoping that our shared bites would help break whatever magic was locking her up inside.

The thought of the bite had me glancing in my rearview mirror, spotting the light red mark on the side of my neck.

Gorgeous.

It wasn’t something I often thought about myself, but there was no denying that the faint mark was exactly that. It wasn’t nearly as bruised or intense as mine had been on Lyssa’s neck, but that made sense considering I was an alpha and experienced shifter while her wolf was trapped somewhere in the void. Her incisors couldn’t grow like mine, nor could her canines, and she didn’t have the exaggerated strength that so many shifters had.

But it didn’t matter if it was lighter on me, and my accelerated healing was already working to erase most of the harm. What mattered was that she had done it of her own free will. I didn’t even have to ask or suggest it, which meant somewhere in her was the raw instinct that told her that was something she should do.

And that was promising. Real promising in a way that made me even more sure we would be able to help my mate become whole.

It wasn’t a long trip to where we were going, although Lyssa did seem surprised when we completely left town.

“Are we going on a road trip?”

“No, we’re almost there.”

I was pleased when she nodded and settled back in her seat, looking out the window and excitedly pointing out every cow herd and horse we passed.

It was then that I realized she probably had never left the city. As a pickpocket who traveled by foot or bus, there wasn’t exactly a plethora of targets in the suburbs or countryside. Maybe I should arrange a little road trip for us. Once things calmed down, of course.

A few moments later, I saw the usual hunting trail where plenty of pick-up trucks would go off-road and drive down it. I was well aware that my car was not the usual vehicle that took the dirt road, but it handled it fine.

“Uh, are we reenacting a horror movie or something?” Lyssa asked as I parked between two willow trees, whose branches did a good job of obscuring my car.

“No, I just wanted to show one of our pack’s favorite running areas.”

“Wait, you guys actually run around here?”

“Well, not here specifically. Too many hunters. But this is the path we take to get to the area.”

“Huh, okay. That makes sense, I guess. I suppose with everything going on, I haven’t exactly thought much about the practicalities of you guys’ situation.”

“It can be confusing, I know. Honestly, the more advanced the world becomes, the harder and harder it is to stay a secret. I wouldn’t be surprised if multiple covens are casting all sorts of hexes, spells, and blessings to keep us under wraps.”

“But why be under wraps?” Lyssa asked, following along beside me. “You’re stronger than humans, and you have incredible powers. And it’s not like we’re doing a good job taking care of the planet.”

I shrugged. “I think you underestimate just how powerful and foolish humans can be. They would probably nuke the whole planet rather than let a different species live in peace. Just look at what they’ve done to each other for being different religions or races.”

“Okay, I see your logic there.” Lyssa sighed, looking around at the trees that were quickly surrounding us, cutting us off from the hubbub and light pollution of the modern world. “I… I guess it would be nice if more places were like this.”

“Wouldn’t it?” I agreed, taking in a deep breath. I’d mostly become desensitized to the acrid smells of the city, but leaving it always reminded me of the stink of it all. The vile odor of scalding blacktop, the pungent heaviness of gasoline. Exhaust from cars. Human waste. And that was without me getting started on the brewery or tire factory. I wished I could live further out from all of that, but as an alpha, I needed to stay closer to the heart of our territory in the city. Vacating would put it at too much risk of being snatched up by another pack.

“Why are you showing me this?” Lyssa asked after a while.

“I want you to know everything there is to know about our pack. How can I expect you to want to be a part of our family if you don’t understand it?”

“I… I really appreciate that, Mahlan.”

“Of course. I know things didn’t start out the best between us, but despite that, I really do want what’s best for you.”

“I’m starting to believe that. Even though I know I probably shouldn’t, I do.”

I reached out for her hand and was delighted when she intertwined her fingers with mine. “I’m sorry about the bite, really. But I will never be sorry about you coming into my life.”

She nodded, giving me a small, sweet smile, and on we walked.

For a while, we just listened to the sounds of nature. The running water from hidden brooks, the birds calling out in their twittering languages. Wind rustling through leaves and squirrels having very heated conversations about whatever nuts they got excited about.

It was so peaceful, so serene. I really should go on the trail more than once a month, but it was challenging to find the time.

“I think I heard someone mention an alma at dinner,” Lyssa said. “What’s that?”

I was pleased she was curious and attentive enough to ask a question, not just have me lecture her. “An alma is sort of a matron or healing figure. She helps raise a lot of the pack, helps with healing, and ensures our culture is properly passed down between generations.”

“So, like Ellibie?”

I chuckled slightly. “I can see how you’d make that connection, but no. Ellibie is the gay auntie who everyone loves but never had any kids herself.”

“Oh, she’s gay?”

I shrugged. “Not that I know of, but she could be. I think she’s just not r0mantically inclined.”

“Like as3xual?”

“Maybe? Human s3xuality doesn’t always compare to wolf s3xuality.”

“How so?”

“Well, as far as I understand, almost every human has the capacity to want to reproduce. There are exceptions, like as3xuals, demis3xuals, or people with trauma, but the instinct is there in the majority.”

“But not with wolves?”

I shook my head. “Alphas, some betas, and most omegas have very strong drives to reproduce, but other designations tend not to. It’s part of what makes a pack structure healthier. If all of us were trying to procreate, it would produce too many pups and incapacitate too many members at once. I mean, the phrase ‘it takes a village’ is popular for a reason. So while I have the urge to have pups, Ellibie doesn’t. She physically can, which is a failsafe to ensure pack survival if the worst happens, but the drive just isn’t there. She’d much rather work as a nanny and back up alma while being one of the best mechanics around.”

“Wow, that’s so fascinating,” Lyssa said. “So it’s just alphas, some betas, and omegas that have s3x?”

I turned to her with wide eyes. “What? No! We’re all people, Lyssa. Plenty of us like to have s3x. And a lot of it.” After all, our inner wolves tended to lean towards the uncomplicated, hedonistic side of food, fighting, and f*****g. “It’s just that the obsession with reproduction isn’t a drive most wolves have.”

“Oh, okay. I mixed up what you meant, but I get it now.” She let out a soft chuckle. “I’ve known some dude-bros who were all obsessed with alpha-men and betas, but this doesn’t sound like any of that.”

I let out a snort that was less than gracious. “Those boys are idiots. That theory has been disproved a million times, and even its originator hates it. He realized he’d been observing captive wolves whose forced pack structures differed completely from naturally formed ones.”

“Wait, really? Why is that theory still so believed then?”

“Some men just need any excuse to treat other people like shit.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

We shared a laugh; no doubt we had our own stories. But I didn’t feel the need to tell her any then, not wanting to disrupt the lovely peace around us with all the turmoil from being a functioning member of society.

Our conversation dipped in and out from that point, but none of it was awkward. The silences were contented and natural, and it was smooth and comfortable when we did talk. Lyssa asked whatever she wanted about wolves and the history of our pack, while I did my best to answer and update her on anything important I thought she should know.

Time slipped by quickly, and our breakfast shakes were long since devoured by the time we reached the drop-off to our true destination.

“Is this safe?” Lyssa asked nervously, looking down the muddy incline.

“With me, yes. Hunters don’t go past this point, and they travel west instead to more even ground. Down at the bottom of this ravine and through a hill is where most of us prefer to shift.”

Lyssa’s eyes went as wide as saucers. “Are you going to shift?”

I could hear the trepidation in her voice, but I nodded anyway. “I thought it would be good for you to experience me as a wolf. Outside of the heated battle we met in.”

“Met is a pretty strong word for what happened. I saw an animal explode out of you and ran for dear life.”

I winced at that. She wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t the usual start of a great romance.

“Yeah, so I’d prefer that not be your only impression of my wolf side.”

“Okay, I get that, but I won’t promise I won’t be nervous.”

“That’s totally understandable. I just ask that you give me a chance.” That she trusts me.

“…All right.”

It wasn’t the most enthusiastic ‘yes’ I’d ever gotten, but it was enough. Offering my hand again, I helped her down the incline, being careful to make sure every foothold was a solid one. When we were down on the ground, I led her through the cave my pack and I had traveled through so many times, then out into a thicket of pines and spruce trees.

“Oh my God,” Lyssa murmured when we emerged. “It smells amazing here! Even better than where we started.”

“It’s the needles and sap,” I answered, unable to stop myself from smiling crookedly at her pleased expression.

“Wow, it’s incredible!”

“I think so.”

We walked to the middle of it before I let her hand go, taking a few more steps away.

“Are you ready?”

“Yeah, yeah, I am.”

“It won’t be quite like that first time. I had to shift quickly because it was an extreme situation, but that’s pretty painful, so I try to avoid it.”

I could hear her heart jump even from where I was standing. “You were hurt?”

“No, not literally. It’s just shifting that violently can be painful and leaves us a bit sore, that’s all.”

Lyssa crossed her arms, almost like she was outright pouting. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You’d gone through a lot that day. It didn’t exactly seem relevant.”

“Well, it is to me!”

I smiled toothily, giving her a wink that made her cheeks color brightly in the way that I loved. “Good to know.”

Before she could continue, I concentrated, calling out my inner wolf. He was more than happy to slide into control, and I felt my body begin to warp.

Shifting wasn’t painful when done properly and not rushed, like in some movies. At least not literally, but there was a sort of… discomfort to it. I’d long since grown used to it, but I remembered my first few had been rough. There was the skin stretching as our bones changed, then the itch of fur spreading across my body in thick waves.

Then there was the sharpening of the senses. As shifters, we all had heightened senses, but it was dialed up to eleven once we were in our complete animal forms. And it wasn’t a smooth transition either, but more like abruptly being launched into the sun. Except the sun also smelled just as much as it was bright.

But then, once the transformation was over, there was peace — a sort of rightness that I didn’t have in my human form. I stood there a moment once my shift was done, letting everything wash over me until I was reminded of Lyssa’s presence by her rapidly beating heart.

I couldn’t speak to her, not with her inner wolf barred by whatever spell she was under, so I settled down on my haunches.

“Mahlan?” she murmured. I hated that she did indeed sound nervous, but her scent wasn’t completely inundated with fear, so that would have to be enough.

I snorted, nodding as best I could, considering my current anatomy. Slowly, painfully slowly, Lyssa came closer. And closer. And closer still until she was within reaching distance.

But I stayed still, very aware that I was nearly as tall as her when I was on four legs. And I weighed at least twice as much as she did, equipped with razor claws and teeth that were plenty sharp.

“I’m gonna… I’m going to pet you.”

Well, that certainly wasn’t a phrase that I often heard, but I allowed it, tilting my head downward. Sure, I’d been licked or groomed plenty of times during pack runs and other bonding times, but it was another thing entirely being petted by a human hand.

Her touch was tentative at first, barely even a breath. But as the seconds passed, she pressed more firmly, her palm sinking into my coat.

“Oh my gosh, your coat is so thick!”

I outright preened at that, figuring she wasn’t familiar enough with wolf physical communication to call me on my c0ckiness. Who was laughing at those prenatal supplements now?

“I thought it would be rougher,” she murmured, her fingers moving away from the center of my head to behind one of my ears. If she could hear my wolf communication, I might have chided her that I wasn’t a dog. But that turned out to be a good thing because the moment she started petting that sensitive area, I was suddenly inundated with all sorts of pleasant sensations.

“Oh! Your tail is wagging!”

It most certainly was not! I was a proud alpha! A warrior and guardian to my people. I’d won battles, slain foes, and, oh, oh, if she’d just go a little to the right….

We spent a good fifteen minutes like that, her petting me all over and me turning into a gooey puddle. Eventually, however, I managed to get to my feet with a huff.

“You’re just a big puppy, aren’t you?”

That wouldn’t do at all. I huffed again before leaping into the air over her head, rebounding off a tree and vaulting over her yet again. Then I ran, and ran, then turned on a dime and raced back to Lyssa. I slid to a controlled stop and gave her a look that I was sure translated even in wolf form.

“Okay, okay, you don’t have to show off. I get that you’re a big, strong wolfie-wolf. Color me impressed.”

She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around my neck in a hug. I froze, as that was about the last thing I expected. But the moment was saccharine between us, so I didn’t budge her.

“Can we go for a walk? With you like this?”

I chuffed happily, switching from foot to foot. Lyssa seemed to get that was a positive answer and laughed.

“All right, lead the way Mr. Wolfman.”

And so, we walked together, me as a wolf and Lyssa as a human. It was surprisingly lovely, and I felt incredibly accepted by her. It also gave me plenty of hope that I was bang on the money with her being a wolf shifter. It might as well have been tattooed on her forehead.

The minutes slipped by surprisingly quickly, and before I knew it, my inner wolf was pretty concerned by how hungry it was growing. But it wasn’t until I heard Lyssa’s stomach rumble that I realized it was time to go.

I gave her a little nudge with my snout before moving ahead. Lyssa paused, shooting me a quizzical look, but let me be.

The act of going from wolf to human was not much different from its opposite, but also nothing like it at all. Instead of the itch of gaining hair, it was the sudden chill of losing hair. Bones still shifted, but skin shrank instead of stretched. Organs rearranged themselves, teeth receded, and my senses dulled.

“Oh…” Lyssa murmured once I stood.

“Was that too much?” I asked, concern lancing through me.

“No, not at all. It’s just, uh,” she blushed, and I couldn’t help but be incredibly curious. “I didn’t expect you to be wearing clothing.”

It wasn’t the strangest thing to assume, but something about her expression and how she said it had me bursting into unchecked laughter.

“What? I’m just saying… you literally transformed into a wolf. You should be nude!”

Her indignancy was golden, and I let myself ride out the mirth, thoroughly enjoying her mock-tiff. Once I was able to speak again, I looped my arm over her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze.

“How about we go get some dinner?”

That calmed her down, and she gave me a beaming smile. “I thought you’d never ask.”

---

“So,I was wondering, since you’ve had more time to understand us, and what being in a pack is like, are you more interested in finding out what’s suppressing your inner wolf?”

Perhaps that wasn’t the best thing to ask while sharing a family-style chicken and broccoli Alfredo at an Italian restaurant, but I was curious. Between the previous night and our earlier hike, it felt like something had shifted between Lyssa and me, pun thoroughly unintended.

“…Yeah. I don’t think I’m a wolf. I certainly don’t feel like anything other than a human. But if I am like you and someone’s taken away my choice by locking that up —” Ooof, and that was what it came down to, wasn’t it? Time and time again, Lyssa had her choices stolen from her without much concern about her consent or dreams. I hated that I was a part of that, but if I could help fix the original sin that started it all, maybe it would help ease what I’d done. “Well, I don’t want to leave the power in their hands. I make the choices for myself from now on. Nobody else.”

I nodded, proud of the fire and determination in her voice. Lyssa was an amazing mate for an alpha, a born leader.

“I’ll reach out to the alma and some of her witch contacts. Maybe after next week’s pack run, we can start trying. In the meantime, I’ll see if Jacobian can dig up anything about your history.”

Lyssa chuckled lightly before slurping up a noodle. “You know how hilarious it is that you have a hacker shifter, right? Like, that’s not exactly what people usually think of furry men who howl at the moon.”

“Yeah, well, we’re more than our coats and rippling physiques.”

“Pfft, whatever you say, Mr. Twelve-Pack.”

“I don’t think that’s physically possible.”

“A giant wolf literally erupts from your body whenever you want. I think the realm of physical possibility could allow for some extra abs without batting an eye.”

God, I loved her sense of humor.

“You may or may not have a point, but I’m going to eat this delicious Alfredo instead.”

“Coward,” she teased before pressing a roll against my mouth. Naturally, I bit into it, chewing while smirking, which was a fairly impressive skill when I thought about it.

But once I swallowed, I got back on track. “I’ll need you to write down everything you remember about the schools you’ve been to, the places you’ve lived, and everything else. That’ll help.”

“Sure. I’ll trust your word if you think Jacobian can do it.”

She still didn’t seem to get how much that meant to me, but that was all right. Smiling, I ordered another glass of dark wine and enjoyed my dinner with the love of my life.