The Alpha Wants Everything Book 1 The King's Queen

Dax’s back started hurting more but she kept herself and everyone busy at the warehouse, she had Carter running back and forth gathering shipping material to get orders shipped out, and Lacey was helping her hunt down all the items needed for the orders, but she stole a couple moments to check her back in the mirror in the bathroom. She couldn’t see anything that would explain the pain, but when she turned a certain way it would rip down her back. Steadying herself she gripped the counter, each deep breath she brought into her lungs caused more pain to course through her. Maybe we should call mountain wolf! No, it’ll be fine, it’ll pass! Continuing to take as deep a breath as she could she waited for the pain to subside before she got back to work. She was also in the process of putting a special box together, but she wouldn’t tell Lacey what it was or who it was for. She had checked her online orders in the morning and was surprised that she had so many. She had orders to fill, lots and lots of orders, five days of orders. She felt bad that she made people wait for so long, then again this was part of Georgie’s duties but clearly that didn’t work out for her. After printing out all the orders she went in search of Lacey in the warehouse.

“Why don’t you have a physical store for these items, they would fly off the shelf?” Lacey asked.

“Can’t afford to.” Dax said shrugging her shoulder “Everything I make either gets eaten up by the rent on this space, or goes into the supplies to create it”

“Is that a future goal?” Lacey asked, she was eyeing Dax suspiciously, maybe she was after her brother’s money, and he’s a moron so he’d give it to her.

“I don’t know, never thought about it.” She shrugged again, that was a lie she did think about it, she would love to have a store that sold her things and let someone else run it so she could just make art.

“Yes you have, I can see it in your eyes” Lacey said looking at her. This stupid imp just wants his money! Lacey was more certain of it now. Camilla was in agreement with this. What did she care, as long as got what she was owed, what she deserved then the stupid imp could spend it. Her brother was loaded, eventually he’ll come to his senses, see her for who she is.

“I have thought about it, but it doesn’t matter, it’s not an obtainable goal. The more I make, the more I pay. Besides, I can’t run a store and make art. I love making art, and I don’t really like people all that well. I tried it, they’re just not my thing” Carter laughed, that was the second thing they had in common. The first was their past, his wasn’t as brutal as hers. Carter’s father used to beat him, couldn’t accept him being gay. Kane snapped his father’s neck right on the front steps of the pack house when he found out. He remembered the words that he spoke that day as his dad’s lifeless body laid at his feet. “The weakest link in this chain is the one that can’t accept everyone as equal.” It was his first act as Alpha and Carter has been loyal to Kane ever since.

“Ok, we have shirts that need to be made.” Lacey said changing the subject, she was bored, even though Dax kept everyone busy she was bored. Working was boring and it was hard. Lacey didn’t like it, she’d rather be getting her nails done or doing something fun like shopping. After today she was going to need her nails done, her polish was chipped.

“Ok that is over here. Shirts are organized by colour, youth, women’s, men’s and then by size.” Dax said.

“You really are organized,” Lacey stated. What the hell is wrong with her? She thought, maybe she had OCD or something, that would be her brother’s luck in getting a defective mate.

“You have seen my help right?” Dax asked,

“What help? She hasn’t even shown up yet” Lacey was exasperated at this, if her help showed up she wouldn’t have to work so hard.

“Shh!” Carter said, sniffing the air “Someone’s here.”

“Speak of the airhead” Lacey whispered. Carter stayed low and moved quickly to the office, sure enough Georgie was just walking into the office, when she looked up and saw Carter glaring at her.

“Who are you?” She asked.

“Who the fuck are you?” Came his reply, he was breathing hard, slightly agitated at the sudden appearance of this woman. Even more so that she was eyeing him like a piece of candy.

“Georgie, I work here” she huffed, he arched his eyebrow at her and then looked at Dax.

“Really she does, well sort of. When she bothers to show up!” Dax said. Just then the bell above the door rang again, and in walked Justine.

“Oh for the love of…..” Dax mumbled a string of curses under her breath that widened Carter’s eyes. Make that three things they have in common, his Luna had a mouth on her.

“Well hello to you as well Dax” her nasally voice made Carter wince. He didn’t honestly think people could actually sound like that.

“Get the fuck out!” Was her only reply.

“Georgie, do you really have to work today?” She whined,

“What’s the matter Justine? All dressed up with nowhere to hoe?” Lacey said. She just shot her a dirty look. Then she noticed Carter, he grimaced when she looked at him.

“Well hel-“

“Back the fuck off hoebag he’s not interested” Dax cut her off, stepping in front of him. Carter was shocked by her defensive posture, it was not something he was used to.

“Well Dax look at you, I always knew you were a little slut, what happened to your head sweetie? Get some sense knocked into you, make you realize mountains aren’t for little girls.” Dax clenched her fists, no one was prepared for when it shot out and throat punched Justine again. She was in no mood to have another verbal sparring round with the town slut and just ended the conversation before it could even start.

“No, he’s still my mountain. Georgie, you’re fired, pack your shit and get the fuck out, I don’t want to see you here ever again. Either one of you!” Dax turned on her heel and walked out of the office. Carter stood there, wide eyed mouth open before he followed her out of the office. Lacey was scowling as she stayed in the office, to make sure the two left. So much for not having to work as hard! She thought, slumping her shoulders.

“That was pretty fucking awesome!” Carter said.

“Can we not tell Kane I did that….again?” She looked at him.

“Again?” Holy Fuck! His Luna was impressive.

“Yeah, little Dax here is a total badass. Should have seen it the first time she throat punched that bitch, she hit the ground like a sack of potatoes” Lacey said as she came back from the office.

“Why the throat?” Carter asked

“It’s the most unprotected part. You protect your face, your chest and men protect their crotch, but no one remembers to protect their throat.” She explained, which was true, in training they are taught to go for the throat.

“How many people have you punched in the throat?” Carter was curious, her stance and how quick she moved told him she has done it more than twice.

“Um….5 no 6, 7 if you count her twice! But Johnny wasn’t my fault he startled me. Everyone else I lost my temper” she said,

“Johnny? As in Beta Johnny?” Carter couldn’t believe it, she took down a Beta.

“Ok let’s make some shirts, the shipping company is coming at 4:00 to pick everything up” Lacey was done talking about Dax and her flying fists of fury, she just wanted to get done and go home.

“Really?” Dax asked.

“Yeah! Wait, was I not supposed to call them” Lacey looked confused. Was that not the reason she was here?

“No, that’s amazing, thank you , ok let’s make some shirts, what’s on the list?” Dax was shocked, usually she had to deal with all that stuff. They started by pulling all the colours and sizes they needed, then moved on to the designs. Dax explained to Lacey how they make the designs, how they are printed out and then how they put them on the shirts. Feigning interest in the whole process she tried to pay attention, but she didn’t really care. She did however make one for Johnny that said ‘In the Dog House’. Carter helped with getting the shipments ready, but would wander off every once in a while.

“He wanders off a lot,” Dax commented. Lacey just shrugged, Dax had a suspicion that they were keeping something from her, but she didn’t press the subject further instead she would ask Kane about it.

“What do you keep putting in that crate?” Lacey asked, watching her roll up a shirt and place it in the crate beside her.

“Um….nothing” trying to hide her blush that was creeping up.

“Now, what kind of nothing would make you blush like that?” Lacey arched her eyebrow, and Dax’s blush deepened. “Friends tell!” Lacey added.

“Just some things” Dax tried to shrug it off, but Lacey wasn’t budging. “Ok, ok, it’s a present….for Kane.” She looked down at her feet.

“Why?” Lacey asked, she was confused it wasn’t his birthday, or Christmas. The only time anyone buys him anything or does anything for him is when he tells them to. Is this little imp trying to buy him?

“Um….because he deserves it, and I wanted to do something nice for him” she was having second thoughts now, gauging by her friend’s reaction to her gift. She bit her lip as she looked at the crate doubt seeping into her. Lacey wrapped her arms around her and gave her a not so tight, tight squeeze. Dax was caught off guard by her friend’s embrace; she just stood there unsure of what to do. Fighting the wave of pain that shot through her from the hug Dax tried not to flinch.

“Well aren’t you just the sweetest little thing ever, he’s lucky to have found you. He’s going to love whatever you put in there.” Lacey said, after she let go of Dax. She might be a pathetic impy human, but this might actually work in her favour. She’s Kane’s mate, now he can make her do his errands for him.

They had finished getting all the orders ready for shipment and Lacey was now starting to process the end of day paperwork. Carter was wandering the warehouse again and Dax needed to call Kane, she needed a measurement for the mirror she was going to bring home.

“Are you ok?” His concerned voice came when he picked up the phone.

“Yes, I”

“Do you want to come home?” he cut her off with concern rising in his tone.

“No, I ju-“

“Are you sure?” Cutting her off again.

“Kane! Would you let me finish?” She huffed into the phone.

“Sorry baby, I wa-“

“Just worried” she finished for him. She heard his deep chuckle on the other end.

“Yeah! What do you need?” He asked.

“A measurement for the bathroom mirror, from the...the... sink back thing to the bottom of the other mirror please” she replied, thankful he couldn’t see the hand gestures she was doing that accompanied her poor description.

“The sink back thing!” He laughed “The backsplash?”

“Yes, that thing!” She was tired, she knew what it was but her brain wasn’t functioning anymore and she had a headache. She heard another chuckle, but told her to give him a minute. He gave her the measurement, and she wrote it down.

“Are you sure you’re ok baby?” He asked again,

“I’m tired, and I have a bit of a headache,” she replied, rubbing her forehead. A bit? Shut up!

“Do you want to come home?” He asked, concern lacing his words once again.

“I can’t, we have a truck coming at 4 to gather some shipments that need to get out today….but if you showed up at 4:30 I wouldn’t protest.” She said into the phone.

“I will be there at 4:30” he smiled, she wanted to come home early, then he would be there to get her early.

They hung up and she got to work on the mirror. It needed to be cut down to fit the size she needed and she needed to attach the frame that she stained earlier. She wanted it to match what was already in the bathroom, so it wouldn’t look anymore out of place then it already will. Though she did add a few artistic flourishes to the frame. When that was done, she went upstairs to pack the rest of her things, she took the opportunity throughout the day to wash all her clothes, which wasn’t much and she grabbed his extra shirts. While in the bathroom grabbing her shampoo, conditioner and body wash, she checked her back again, a big reddish purple mark had formed just below her shoulder blade close to her spine. Uh oh! Fuck! There wasn’t anything she could do about it right now and she couldn’t let it stop her. She grabbed her camera, Kai, and some of the sketchbooks she had, and that was pretty much it in the loft taking one last look. Was it sad that the sum of your things could all fit into one duffle bag? Maybe a little! Her subconscious agreed. She headed back down stairs and Carter met her at the bottom and grabbed her bag. He placed it by the mirror she had packed earlier.

“You look tired Luna? Do you want me to call Alpha Kane?” Even Carter looked concerned.

“No, it’s ok. I already talked to him, he will be coming earlier than 5 to pick us up. I have a few more things to do before then. And it’s Dax.” She replied,

“If you’re sure” Carter wasn’t so sure that was a good idea, he would call his Alpha anyways. That’s the fourth thing they had in common, like him, she pushed herself too hard.

“Yes, I’m sure” she nodded, her back was hurting more now than it did earlier, it was getting harder to bite back the whimpers and fight the grimaces when pain would shoot down it. She tried to put it out of her mind and moved over to where she uses resin to make her paper weights and various other smaller items. She made some last week, but hadn’t pulled them from their molds yet.

She was in the process of removing a wolf’s head from its mold when Lacey walked up to her.

“That’s pretty!” She said. It was a bigger piece and quite heavy. It started off midnight blue, at the bottom and faded into cerulean blue close to the eyes only to finish with amethyst for the top of the head and ears. Its eyes were dark grey fading into azure blue. Dax smiled at it, it was the piece she hoped would turn out the best. She picked up a small wooden box, lined with grey velvet and gently placed the head in the box. When she closed the lid, there were stars engraved around the border and in the center was a full moon. She placed it in the crate she was making for Kane and when she looked at Lacey, there was something unreadable in her eyes.

“What?” She asked. A tinge of jealousy and hurt washed over Lacey, she hid it behind a smile, hugging her again she forced herself to cry.

“Oh Goddess! You are so good to him” she sobbed, this time Dax hugged her friend back, even though it hurt like hell she hugged her back, tightly. Her own eyes glistened with unshed tears when they pulled apart. They wiped their eyes and started laughing, when they saw each other.

“The end of the day paperwork is taken care of, for the most part just waiting on the truck. Did you finish packing your things?” Lacey asked, still wiping her eyes. Dax nodded and pointed to the bag by the mirror.

“Your whole world fits into two bags? I don’t think my makeup would fit into two bags.” Lacey was bewildered. Dax looked down at her feet. She didn’t have the money to buy things unless she needed them, and even then it was tight. She just tried not to need too much. Or she would find ways to create the things she needed, like her sketchbooks, she learned how to make them by watching a YouTube video, she learned to do a lot of things by watching YouTube videos.

When it was getting closer to four Carter opened the bay door for the truck to pull into. They organized the shipments so they would be easier to scan and load and the driver could be on his way faster. In total, there were about 50 items being sent out. She gathered up the last of the things for her crate for Kane, and Carter put it by the rest of her stuff. He admired what she did for his Alpha. It wasn’t because he wanted it, it wasn’t to make herself look better, it was a genuine act of kindness, because she could. They were waiting around for the truck to show up, and Carter was looking at some of the resin pieces she had created when a tree caught his eye, he stared at it the longest, mesmerized by the detail. It was about a foot tall with a deep brown trunk and an ombré effect in the leaves flowing from green to red to orange to yellow. She watched him looking at the tree and a smile crossed her face. She stood on the desk and carefully pulled the tree down. She picked up another small crate box that the tree would fit into and packed it up and gave it to him.

“Why?” He asked the word catching in his throat, he looked at the crate then at her.

“For Brandon,” she said.

“Why would you do that?” He was dumbfounded as he accepted the box.

“I’m not, you are. It caught your attention and you thought of him first right?” She asked.

“Yes! How did you know?” He looked at her, his brow arching,

“When art speaks to you, it speaks to your heart. Anyone else would see a tree, you saw something else, so now it must go home with you” she sat back on the desk. He just stood there staring at the box in his hands. He wasn’t sure what to do next.

“Tha….thank you” he was utterly shocked. That was the third time today his Luna has surprised him. She wasn’t like anyone he has ever met. The pull he felt towards her was only getting stronger.

“I think you broke him” Lacey whispered, Dax could only giggle as she looked at Carter and his still shocked expression. Another tinge of jealousy washed over Lacey, she looked away from Dax so she couldn’t see it. Everyone else was getting gifts and she was getting nothing. Granted art never really interested her, it was just paint on a piece of cloth to her, but still she felt left out. When she went to the art show a few months back, she wasn’t even sure why she wanted to go. It was just something to do, but it seemed Kane and Johnny enjoyed it more, they didn’t want to leave and she ended up being bored for the whole night. Johnny ooo’d and ahhh’d over all the pieces and Kane recklessly bought three and talked to every pretty girl in the place and he didn’t even want to go. Johnny dragged him.

When the truck finally showed up, they started the process of scanning and loading all the shipments. Kane and Marco showed up as well, she was shocked but happy to see him at the same time.

“Carter called, he was concerned. Said you might be pushing yourself too hard” Kane said when he pulled her into his arms. She stiffened a bit, but then melted into his touch. The small action concerned him a bit, but he would let it slide for now and ask her about it later. Right now he was just enjoying the feel of her in his arms, he missed her.

“No more than I usually do” she mumbled into his chest.

“How’s your headache?” He asked,

“Present!” She replied,

“Then let’s get you home” she just nodded. When the truck was loaded and Dax signed for everything, they packed up the SUV and started the drive back to the pack house. Lacey was talking while Dax cuddled up into Kane’s arms. She was tired, her body hurt, especially her back, and her headache was magnifying. She hurt herself more than she thought when she fell out of the bed this morning, she wasn’t going to tell Kane that though.

“I’m starving,” Lacey commented,

“We’ll eat at the house,” Kane said,

“But I’m hungry now,” Lacey whined. “Are you hungry Carter?”

“I can wait!” Carter didn’t want to go against his Alpha, though he was starving. Running all over the warehouse was harder than training, but he’d never say that out loud.

“You have to be starving, Dax had you running all over that warehouse.” Lacey commented, her tone becoming harsher,

“I’ll wait,” He repeated, more firm this time.

“I’m hungry too.” Came his little mouse’s voice as she stared up at him with her big eyes. Kane smiled down at her.

“Of course baby. Marco to Glenda’s” he kissed the top of her head. Marco smiled in the rearview mirror and nodded his head. Anyone else and they would be waiting till they got back to the pack house, but he wasn’t going to make his little mouse wait for food. He heard Lacey grumble something beside him, but he chose to ignore her. You should tell her to shut up! Why would I do that? Because she needs to shut her fucking mouth! Someone else seems hungry! I am hungry and our mate has been away all day! I missed her too!

They pulled in front of Glenda’s and all filed out of the car. Dax gasped when a surge of pain shot through her back before she could get out of the vehicle. She tensed up, her face contorting, she hissed through clenched teeth as she waited for it to pass. Kane was right behind her with his hand on her lower back, now he understood why she stiffened when he pulled her, she hurt her back.

“Just breathe baby” she tried but the breaths she was taking made it hurt more. He lifted her shirt and saw the bruise that had formed. Gently running his fingers over it, she let out a whimper and pulled away slightly.

“Shhh….I know. When did you notice it?” He asked rubbing small circles on her lower back, to help ease her pain.

“After I called you when I was packing the rest of my things, but it hurt off and on all day. I checked several times but nothing was ever there, and then it was there. You’re not mad are you?” She looked over her shoulder a little concerned that she disappointed him.

“No baby, I’m not mad” he kissed her shoulder and smiled at her. “You did exactly what you said you would, you tried and when you couldn’t take anymore you called to come home. You have no idea how happy that made me” Kane replied, continuing the motion of his hand on her back until he heard the sigh of relief and felt her body start to relax.

“But you showed up earlier?” She asked, confused.

“Carter was concerned, he saw you flinch a few times and thought you were pushing yourself too hard. I thought it best to come earlier.” Kane kissed her shoulder again. “Now, when we get home I get to play doctor, but let’s feed you first” he kissed her forehead and then her lips before he helped her out of the vehicle.

They were the last ones to walk into the diner, and it was buzzing with people talking, only to stop when they walked in. All eyes turned to look at them.

“What did you do little mouse?” Kane asked her, guiding her towards the others in the back. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes went wide.

“I can explain” she started and held up a finger looking at him.

“This should be good” Things were never good when someone started a sentence with ‘I can explain’.

“She had it coming” she said,

“This is getting better by the second” he wouldn’t let her see his amusement at this, but he was fighting to keep his expression and tone placid.

“Tell him Lacey, she had it coming” she begged her friend to defend her.

“Who Justine? Yeah that tramp deserved to be punched in the throat again, but that is not what the buzz is about. You, my dear brother, are apparently quite the animal” Lacey said, grinning at him. Dax’s eyes lit up.

“Oh!” Was all he said. He looked at Marco who was trying to hide his smile behind his menu, guess word got around about his little run in with Mrs. Morganson this morning.

“What did you do, Mr. Mountain Wolf?” Dax asked, eyes sparkling and a grin on her face.

“I had a….small conversation with Mrs. Morganson this morning,” he said. Her eyes went wider and her grin spread.

“What did you say?”

“She was being rude and pushy and I might have informed her that I am not the type who will tolerate being pushed around and that I will push back.” He said allowing Dax to sit first before he sat beside her.

“Call….her….son una viola del pensiero, a….pansy” Marco reminded him. Dax looked at him, her mouth dropped open.

“Thank you Marco. Considering the stock he comes from and the fact that he needs his mother to get him a date, his manhood might have been called into question.” He clasped his hands and placed his elbows on the table.

“I believe the word they used was animalistic,” Lacey said, her eyes bore into him.

“I may not have been polite, but I certainly did not behave like an animal” he glared back, telling her to back down through the link. When she looked away he relaxed a little.

“Pensavo che dimostrassi una grande moderazione, signore! Anche quando ti sei offerto di tagliarle la lingua (I thought you show great restraint, sir! Even when you offer to cut her tongue out)” Marco said smiling. “He….cut her….tongue out” Dax’s mouth dropped as she looked at Kane.

“Thank you Marco!” Dax’s eyes went wider. Um….did he really!

“Did you really?” Dax asked,

“No, I didn’t cut her tongue out. I might have threatened to do it, but I didn’t” Kane glared at Marco. That boy needs better English! Ky was howling in his head.

“Do we need to discuss your behaviour when we get home?” Dax said a very serious expression on her delicate face. Carter and Marco hid their laughter behind their menus.

“Do we need to discuss yours?” He narrowed his eyes on her. A guilty look on her face, she turned forward.

“No!” She said quickly,

“That’s what I thought” he said, he wouldn’t let her know how proud he was of her till later.

“Bitch had it coming though” She whispered under her breath. Being a table of werewolves they all heard her. Carter put his head down and covered his mouth trying to hold back his laughter, and Marco looked away. Kane just looked at her mouth open.

“The things that come out of your mouth sometimes” he said, she looked wide eyed at the table and pressed her lips together. They weren’t supposed to hear that, her face reddened.

Glenda stopped by to take their order and pour them coffee. She would give the other patrons a hard look if their eyes ventured in the direction of their table. It was her way of saying leave them eat in peace. They ate and talked and laughed. Kane didn’t usually converse like this with his warriors but his little mate did. If she only knew she was acting like a Luna, a natural born Luna. Both Marco and Carter felt completely at ease in her presence as they opened up about themselves and their mates. Marco even attempted the use of more English around her and when he started to grow frustrated she used a translation app on her phone. He knew she couldn’t meet the whole pack individually that would take too long, but small groups here and there to start and then word would spread. Werewolves liked to gossip as well, and once word got around that their Luna had a pension for punching people in the throat that would bring them in hordes to meet her. They paid for their meal and were getting ready to leave. Kane was standing at the table holding his hand out for Dax so he could help her out, when a hush fell over the diner. An all too familiar presence stood behind him, he felt himself tense up as he stood to his full height.

“Mrs. Morganson, what can I do for you?” He never turned to face her, his focus was Dax. It was only when she was standing beside him that he faced her.

“I demand an apology for the way you spoke to me this morning” she commanded.

“No!” He went to move and she stood in front of him. He looked at her and raised his eyebrow.

“Excuse me, you owe me an apology” she raised her voice.

“No!” The diner watched the scene unfold, no one dared to say a word. He went to move again, but again she stood in front of him.

His annoyance with this woman was rising and he felt himself ready to unleash on her until Dax entwined their fingers together and gave his hand a squeeze. He looked down at her little hand and kissed the back of it as she smiled up at him.

“Please move!” He asked, politely this time.

“Apologize first” she demanded, he breathed in deep. She wants an apology, he’ll give her an apology.

“I’m sorry YOU felt the overwhelming need to be rude this morning. I only treated YOU the way YOU were acting, it is not my fault YOU didn’t appreciate it. Maybe in the future YOU will think twice before YOU act like an uncivilized human being. Now move!” Her jaw dropped, and she made no further movements to block him as he led Dax and the others out of the diner. They waved bye to Glenda, who had a big grin on her face and her eyes shone like diamonds.

Outside on the sidewalk, Lacey spoke first.

“Did you see the look on her face?” Her eyes danced with merriment.

“Shall we” Kane said, opening the door for Dax only for Lacey to force her way in first. The fuck? Ky growled in his head. Kane didn’t miss the slight movement Carter made, but he caught himself before he did something averting his eyes to the ground. Even Marco’s face held a scowl at Lacey’s actions, his fists clenched tightly then he forced himself to relax. Kane steadied her on her feet when he felt her body tense from the sudden movement. She nodded her head letting him know she was ok, but before she could get in she felt a cold hand on her arm, something disturbing rippled through her and a cold feeling settled in the pit of her stomach, she immediately tensed up again her breath quickened and her heart beat louder.

This was an all too familiar feeling for her, but she didn’t understand why she would feel it, he wasn’t there he was locked up. She looked to Kane first who sensed her discomfort but when she turned to see who it was she was surprised to find Mrs. Morganson standing behind her.

“May I have a word with you dear” the older woman stiffly asked. Dax looked back at Kane and his brow furrowed, what was she up to now? Dax squeezed his hand but nodded to the woman. She led her a few feet down the block, so they could talk privately, but close enough that should something happen, Kane can get to her. She still didn’t understand why that feeling washed over her, but the coldness was still sitting inside of her and refused to leave.

“What you see in him, I don’t understand. That man is a brutish beast” she said. Dax smiled, if she only knew! Her subconscious uttered.

“He’s really sweet when you get to know him” she flushed a bit, but the other woman paid no attention. “What woul-“

“Donny needs the sign over the sporting goods store changed, and seeing how you have done over half the signs in town, maybe you would like the commission for this one as well.” She cut Dax off.

“Ok, what was he thinking?” She asked, she checked her pockets for something to write on but found nothing, “Excuse me! Can I have your napkin please?” She stopped a man on the sidewalk. He smiled at her, bowed his head and gave it to her. She thanked him and offered him a smile. Then she turned back to Mrs. Morganson.

“That woman, just don’t quit?” Lacey said sitting in the SUV watching the two converse.

“She is determined,” Kane said, leaning against the side trying to shake the uncomfortable cold feeling that settled over him. It happened the second she touched his mate. He kept an eye on the two conversing, every once in a while Dax would tense up when the woman touched her, she was subtle about it so as to not offend the other woman but he still caught it. They spoke a bit more and then parted ways. She walked back to the group still writing with a pen cap in her mouth.

“She wants me to redo the sign over the sporting goods store” she said before Kane could even ask. “I am having lunch with Donny on Thursday at Glenda’s to discuss it.” She added.

“Is that so?” Kane didn’t like that, he tensed up and she smiled at him.

“Carter will be there” she said looking at him for confirmation, Carter nodded his agreement. “Like I want to be alone with that cockroach, even at Glenda’s” she scrunched her nose. Kane laughed, feeling better.

“She tried for dinner, but I said I already have dinner plans Thursday night” Kane was nodding when his head snapped up and looked at her narrowing his eyes

“What dinner plans?” He asked,

“That’s for you to figure out, but it should come with dessert, preferably brownies and ice cream.” She called over her shoulder as she climbed in. He could hear Lacey laughing from the inside. Even Carter and Marco were stifling their laughter. Our sneaky little mouse, just finagled a date! Ky snickered. Yes she did! He couldn’t help but smile at that, if his little mouse wanted a date, he would take her on a date.

Arriving back at the pack house, Johnny and Kenneth met them at the top of the driveway. They were talking to a few other pack members when the vehicle came to a stop. Marco and Carter exited and opened the back passenger doors and waited for them. Johnny helped Lacey out of one side, and Kane exited the other side holding his hand out for Dax. She rounded the back of the SUV to get her stuff from the back, but came face to face with someone she never met, a small startled squeak escaped her lips and they just stared at each other for a minute. He wasn’t even standing full height, but she could tell he was tall, like fucking tall and there was something about him. Something that felt strangely familiar.

“I’m sorry did you just squeak?” He asked, his voice deep and gruff but held a note of amusement.

“No! Maybe you did!” She replied,

“I don’t squeak!” He stood tall,

“You could have,” she tried to stand taller.

“I didn’t” he tilted his head to the side.

“Are you sure?” Copying his movements.

“They really make you that….small?” He tried to contain his grin, gesturing to her size.

“They really made you that….tall” she repeated his gesture.

“But you’re really tiny,” he said,

“And you’re really giant.” The man couldn’t help but laugh. “Maybe I’m this small cause you’re that tall. Someone had to get the short end of the stick, and it clearly wasn’t you.” She offered,

“Clearly, Damon,” he grinned, offering his hand.

“Dax!” She said, accepting. As soon as she said her name his eyes shot open.

“Luna!” He bowed his head.

“Making friends?” Kane asked, coming up behind her.

“Yes! He squeaks,” she said, looking up at him with a grin on her face.

“I do not!” Damon responded, she pressed her lips together to hide her laughter. She seems to fit here! Ky mused in his head. Kane had to agree, the more wolves she met, the more she came out of her shell.

“Baby, don’t tease the warriors,” He said,

“Are they sensitive?” She asked, he could hear the laughter in her voice and couldn’t help the grin that spread on his face when he looked at Damon.

“Some more than others.” He replied, he saw the eye roll and shaking his head he guided her towards the front of the SUV.

“What about-“ she started before he cut her off.

“Damon and Carter will see to it, I have a few people I would like you to meet, then you and I made a deal this morning, remember?” He asked, looking at her with his eyebrow arched. Her face fell, when she remembered the clothes they had to discuss. Damon and Carter had already disappeared inside with her things

“I was hoping you’d forget!” She mumbled, she really didn’t want to deal with them.

“Dax this is Charles my Gamma and his mate Sabrina” Kane introduced her to his third in command, he bowed and shook her hand, Sabrina just looked her up and down giving her a look of disgust when no one else was looking. Who pissed in her Cheerios? Her subconscious asked. Not everyone is going to like me, and that’s ok! Doesn’t mean she has to be a bitch!

“And this is Edward and Martina, they are on the Elders council and Johnny’s parents.” Edward smiled warmly at her and clasped her one little hand between both of his big ones.

“So small and delicate, but strong and fierce” he had a low voice, blue eyes like Johnny, and the same hair colour and build. “You would have to be, to stand toe to toe with this one” he pointed at Kane. She smiled up at Johnny’s dad warmly, Johnny has been telling stories it seems. Martina looked at her with a warm smile and instead of extending her hand she wrapped her arms around her in a motherly hug. This action caught Dax completely by surprise, she stood there frozen in place unsure what to do, love and warmth spread through her, feeling something crack inside and the first tear slip down her cheek. No one breathed a word as they all watched, when Martina went to move away that was when Dax wrapped her arms around her not wanting her to let go just yet the smile that spread on Martina’s face was big and bright as she hugged her back.

Kane could feel the warmth spread through him as well, there was a touch of sadness to it. She was starting to feel all the things she missed out on when she was a child. A mother’s love, he knew, was one of the most important ones. Martina whispered something in Dax’s ear only she could hear and she nodded her head. Martina held her tighter, seeming to know what she needed. When they pulled apart she kissed her forehead and cupped her cheek.

“Ok pretty girl, let’s dry those tears now” Martina said, wiping her tears away. “You should have brought her home sooner.” She scolded Kane. He just looked at her and his mouth dropped open. Then Johnny started laughing behind him.

When their parents died, Martina and Edward stepped in with no questions asked. Lacey accepted them with more ease than he did. Though no one could replace his real parents, Edward and Martina were the next best thing. They always treated both Lacey and him like their own kids, even when his parents were alive. They would praise when they did something good, and discipline when they did something bad. For the first 15 years he and Johnny got into a lot of mischief, but Kane got it twice as bad, once from Johnny’s parents and then again from his own. Martina let go of Dax and Kane pulled her back into his arms, Johnny kissed Lacey’s cheek and Edward wrapped his arm around Martina’s shoulders, they looked so proud of all their children.

“Family dinner is on Sunday at 6 so be there at 5:30” Martina stated firmly, Dax watched as everyone nodded their heads. “Good!” She nodded and her and Edward said their goodbyes and left.

“Family dinner?” She asked.

“Yeah! Every Sunday, we all get together for dinner at Mama’s and Pops where Alpha, Beta, Elder rank doesn’t matter, it’s family. We are all expected to be there, and we have never missed a Sunday, except for Kane….when he had his dark time.” Lacey explained with a smile though Kane didn’t miss the slight eye roll at the ending of her explanation. Dax just nodded, she would have to find something to occupy her time while he was at family dinner.

“Are Elders higher than the Alpha?” She asked another question, truthfully she was just trying to put off the inevitable.

“No one out ranks the Alpha. Elders are like advisors, they give guidance to the Alpha. Dad was the old Beta when Odin was alive, but when Kane took over, the Beta position went to me, being I’m the son of the Beta. Dad became an Elder” Johnny did his best to explain, but unless she grew up in this world it wouldn’t make much sense to her. Dax just nodded. Fuck I hope there’s a rule book!

“Why don’t you head upstairs I will be up shortly” he whispered in her ear,

“But-“ she started

“No! We had a deal” he cut her off.

“But-“ she tried again

“Go!” He growled.

“Don’t growl at me!” She huffed and walked towards the house, she looked over her shoulder once and glared at him.

“If looks could kill brother you would be a dead man” Johnny laughed.

“Better be careful brother of mine, she has a thing for punching people in the throat” Lacey said laughing as they moved towards the house. She would kill to see that.

“I heard,” Kane said, smiling.

“How did you hear about the other 4 people?” Lacey asked, shocked.

“What other 4 people?” He asked, looking at Lacey. This was news to him. He just thought it was Johnny and the guy from the dinner that grabbed her ass and apparently the slut twice.

“That hoe beast twice and Johnny, but she punched 4 other people as well” Lacey said looking at him.

“Want a neck guard?” Johnny asked, laughing loudly. The more he learned about her, the prouder he became.