Chapter Twenty-Six

Dylan

Last night was … I’m speechless. I had no idea sex could feel that good. But maybe it’s just sex with Dean that’s that good. Had I known I would’ve given it up a long time ago to be honest. I think the best part of it all is that the pain didn’t suck as badly as I thought it would. It was one of the things I dreaded most about losing my virginity and it turns out it wasn’t even that big of a deal, just a pinch. I’m sure it had something, or everything, to do with me being a werewolf but either way I’m thankful.

“Hey sexy,” Dean flirts as he comes into the bathroom.

His feet slide across the floor slowly as if he’s still tired. Thinking about it, he probably is since we’ve been wrapped around each other almost constantly since last night. I feel so close to him now. I’m ravenous for him, it’s like since that door’s been opened I can’t close it. I damn sure don’t want to, he makes me feel complete and sexy. Two things I’ve struggled to feel my entire life.

Dean stops to kiss my neck and then lick my mark. His stubble scratches my skin as he nuzzles my neck, his hands roaming my body softly. I feel him hardening against me and it makes me dampen for him.

His nostrils flare when he smells my arousal and I know brushing my teeth is going on hold, not that I mind.

*

Finally making our way into clothes and out of the house the walk to the pack house for breakfast is short. Everyone is glad to have me home and Mama Lydia refused to let a day pass without cooking a big meal in celebration. Personally I think she just wanted an excuse to serve up a lot of food. The woman lives to be in the kitchen.

Dean’s fingers intertwine with mine. His huge hand swallows my smaller one but that doesn’t stop him from lifting it to his mouth and planting kisses across my knuckles.

We share a look but neither of us speak, we don’t have to. It’s strange, ever since last night we’ve developed a greater sense of awareness when it comes to the other. Body language and looks are so much more readable. I’m not sure if it’s because we finally physically connected or what but I feel so much closer to him for it.

As soon as we walk through the doors of the dining room all eyes are on us. Smiling faces greet us but the biggest smile has to be from Connor. He genuinely looks excited to see me but more so see Karter and I together. I never thought he cared much either way but it seems he does and it makes me love him even more.

Even though I didn’t see him yesterday he was on my mind so I texted him. We’re having a Netflix marathon today so I’m excited for that. It feels like forever since we last hung out.

“You two are late,” Mama Lydia gripes but taking one look at us she smiles knowingly. “Go on and fix your plates.”

My cheeks burn and I rush into the kitchen with Dean hot on my trail laughing at my embarrassment.

“How does she know?” I whisper, spooning eggs onto my plate.

He shrugs with a laugh, “Could be the Cheshire cat grin on my face or your neck.”

My eyes widen and I grab the nearest silver spoon, taking a look at my neck. Hickeys are all over and my mark is red and inflamed. We must have low lighting at the house because I didn’t see any of this before we left. Then again I didn’t see much of anything while I was bent over the sink.

“You suck,” I fume, throwing the spoon down.

“Apparently. But so do you,” he snickers, biting into a piece of bacon.

I turn to smack him but he runs out of the room with his plate in his hand.

As embarrassed as I am, I can’t help but smile and wear our love wounds proudly. With my head held high I walk into the dining room and take my seat beside Karter who gives me the slightest smirk before diving into his food.

Everyone seems to have gotten over the revelation of our mating and things are as they normally would be. The room is loud since people are talking over one another but as I look around the room I feel a sense of peace. I feel like this is where I belong, with these people, right here in this spot.

“Hello,” a voice I recognize as Connor’s sings, “Are we still on for Netflix later?”

Realizing he must’ve been calling me for a while my cheeks burn. Zoning out when I shouldn’t happens to be a specialty of mine.

“Of course Con-Con,” I smile then pop the last of my pancakes into my mouth.

He groans at me using the nickname in public and Dean and Grey jump at the chance to make fun of him. Grey starts to call him CoCo and Dean hops right on that bandwagon until Connor’s face is so red tomatoes would be jealous.

“Would you two stop it,” Mama Lydia gripes, swatting at them both. “Let CC get his life!” She snickers at her own joke as she grabs up the dirty dishes.

I giggle at her attempt but what really gets me is the look Grey, Dean, and Connor share before all three burst into a fit of laughter.

“What the hell?” Dean laughs, shaking his head in embarrassment.

“She tried,” Grey gets out in between breaths.

“And failed,” Connor finishes wiping his eyes from his laughing tears.

I leave the boys there to go help Lydia in the kitchen. Stopping at the door I take a look back at the table. I watch them laugh, the three most important guys in my world, my surrogate brothers and the love of my life. How can one girl get so lucky?

Pushing the white swinging door in front of me I transition into the kitchen. The décor is homey, very country chic. The atmosphere inside the kitchen is the same with Lydia lighting it up. Her warm glow is infectious. Something has her over the moon happy.

“Need any help Mama Lydia?” I ask, already grabbing the large towel to dry the dishes off.

“Sure sweetie,” she smiles, handing me a plate to dry. “I’m glad you’re back. I missed our talks plus you’re the only one who helps me with this kind of thing.”

I laugh, “I’ll be sure to get onto Dean about helping out more with his lazy…butt.” I have to catch myself to not curse.

Silence stretches between us as we work like a well-oiled machine. Lydia washing and rinsing the dishes while I grab them from her and dry then put them away. In less than ten minutes we have everything used this morning spic and span.

“Did you mark him back yet?” she asks suddenly.

Her question startles me. I had completely forgotten about my end of the mating. I’ve had more than enough opportunities to do it but it slipped my mind. I just got comfortable with the idea of being marked as his I never thought about marking him as mine also.

“It slipped my mind honestly,” I laugh awkwardly, putting the towel down on the counter. “I’m going to go talk to Dean about it right now. Are you all done in here? Do you still need me?”

She shakes her head and smiles, “Go on sweetie. I can manage.”

I give her a kiss on the cheek and damn near run back into the dining room only to find it empty.

Walking through the house I have to fight the urge to call Dean’s name. We haven’t been away from each other since we made love and it’s bothering me in the wettest of places. Not to mention the desire to mark him back has become top priority to my wolf.

Dean and I connecting not only brought me closer to him but also to my wolf. I can feel her inside of me now. She’s faint but certain things that feel like instinct happen and I know it’s her doing.

On my way into Dean’s office I bump into Grey who catches me before I fall over.

“Nice save G-Man,” I acknowledge as he sets me on my feet. “Have you seen Karter?”

“You just missed him. He went to the store to grab snacks for your Netflix thing with Connor. He said something about you not being able to watch movies without popcorn and white wine,” he shrugs.

I smile to myself. I love that I didn’t even have to ask him, he just knows.

“Thanks G,” reply, patting his shoulder as I walk by. “Tell Denise I’ll be by to check on her later.”

“Will do!” he declares from behind me.

Since she’s in her last phase of her pregnancy she’s as big as a house and Gretchen has ordered her to stay in bed. I’m sure she’s been driving Grey crazy or at least crazier than usual.

I walk through the empty dining room and kitchen and straight out the back door and onto the porch. All is quiet for the most part. There are a few kids playing a game of football off in the distance closer to the pack’s houses. The birds are chirping happily in the trees and I can see the sun rising to its fullest potential above me. It’s a really beautiful day.

Walking down the path towards my house I see Zoe wandering around. I breathe in deep and let the air flow out of my mouth, trying to remain civil and calm. If I’m going to be the Luna of this pack I have to show it and take the high road.

“Hello Zoe,” I offer once she’s close enough to hear me.

Her sunglass covered eyes fall on me and a smirk forms on her lips. “Don’t think this is over,” she sneers, lifting her sunglasses slightly, “You’ll pay for this.”

Her left eye and cheek are swollen and purple. There’s a cut on her lip and she’s speaking with a slight lisp.

I instantly regret putting my hands on her. I’ve never let go like that and I never want to again. She may be a bịtch but no one’s face deserves to look that way.

“Look Zoe,” I stop to sigh, trying to find the right words, “I’m really sorry. I don’t know what came over me, I never meant to hurt you that badly.”

She throws her head back and cackles. “This,” she points to her face, “is nothing compared to what I have planned for you. Just wait.”

I open my mouth to respond but she storms before I can. A chill goes down my spine as I replay her words in my head. I’m not afraid of her but you know what they say about a woman scorned.

Shaking off her threats I continue towards the house, deciding to walk the property for a second to clear my head.

The fish swim peacefully in the pond as I watch them. A collage of colors dancing around one another gracefully in the water, it’s picturesque. I missed coming here in my time away from the pack. This is probably my favorite place on the whole property. It’s so serene and the perfect place to clear your mind of any stress.

After a while of sitting on the grass my aá¹£s is numb and the bugs are starting to attack. They can never just let people relax and be one with nature without trying to be all in the mix. I almost drop my cellphone swatting another annoying gnat as I walk to the steps of the back porch.

“Hey!” Conner yells, coming out of nowhere.

I scream and throw my phone into the air, my heart begs for a decline in speed. “What the fủck Connor! You scared me half to death!”

He laughs, pushing his hands in the pockets of his khaki cargo shorts. “My bad, I was at the front door but I heard you back here so I came around. You ready for some Netflix or what?”

I smile, my heart rate finally decelerating. “Sure Con-Con, let’s get to it. Grab my phone for me would you?”

I turn to walk up the stairs and the next thing I feel is a sharp sting to the back of my head. Then… nothing.

Karter

There’s enough popcorn here to feed an army. I found this cinnamon kind that I think Rose is going to love, making me smile as I get out of the car. I just have to take this bottle of bleach in to my dad and then it’s off to the house to keep an eye on Connor’s sneaky aṣs.

I know he has a crush on Rose and I know it’s harmless but that doesn’t matter to my wolf. Frankly I couldn’t give a shịt about it either. She bears my mark and soon I’ll bear hers, that means harmless or not I want his grubby little hands off. He’s lucky he’s like a brother to me and Rose loves him or I wouldn’t even allow him around her.

The laundry room is as loud as ever with the multiple washers and dryers here available for the pack. My dad is closing one of the dryers when I walk in.

“Hey pops, here’s the bleach you needed.” I hand him the bottle but drop it to the ground grabbing my head at the sharp pain that shoots through.

“Karter are you alright?” he asks me, worry in his voice, “Lydia!”

I try to straighten up when I hear him call for my mother. I don’t want to worry her. The pain was sudden and fierce but it’s gone now.

“What’s going on?” my mother’s eyes are wide and frantic as she barrels around the corner.

“I don’t know,” I croak, still holding the spot at the back of my head but I don’t feel anything there.

“Let me see,” my mom orders, nudging my hand with her fingers. She says nothing as she inspects my head.

Pulling my hand down to eye level I notice there isn’t any blood and then it clicks.

“Where’s Dylan?” I blurt, my chest constricting on itself as I wait for their answers.

“I’m not sure. I thought she was with you,” my mother offers.

“I haven’t seen her since this morning,” my dad responds with a shrug.

“Oh Goddess no,” I mumble grabbing my cell phone. Her phone rings and rings until the automated voicemail picks up. I call again, praying the first time was a fluke only to get the same treatment.

Just as I’m about to call again the attack alarm sounds. I haven’t heard the sirens go off since we tested them on the installation day.

“Fủck!” I swear, “Ma, dad, get to the fallout shelter. I have to go see what the hell is going on.”

“It’s probably nothing,” my father explains, “Someone more than likely just hit the switch by accident.”

With the current of nerves running through my bones I can feel it wasn’t an accident. Something’s happening and I’d bet my life it has something to do with Rose’s disappearance.

“Just to be safe, please just go. Mind link me when you get there so I know you’re safe.” I turn towards the stairs but when I see they aren’t moving I stop and plead with them again. “Please.”

My father nods once giving me an answer and the permission I need to see what all the fuss is about.

The second I burst through the door I can see the chaos unfolding outside through the wall of windows in front of me.

Houses are ablaze, bodies are laid out across the ground like welcome mats, and wolves I don’t recognize are running rampant. Free from the virtual earmuffs of the basement, I can hear the screams now. Women, children, even a few men can be heard crying out in agonizing pain and fear.

I can hear my heart rumbling in my ears drowning out any sound. I have to get to Rose.

My feet move faster than I ever thought they could. My wolf is urging me to shift but I can’t take that chance. If she needs me to carry her I’ll be wasting time if I have to shift back.

Checking the bodies on the ground as I run, I can see many of the wolves are from the Dark Wood Tribe but a few are from my own pack.

I’ve tried to link Connor but he’s not answering. The wall is up between us, the equivalent of leaving the phone off the hook.

“Jade! Gather the fighters at the rally point. I’ll be there momentarily,” I order through the link, not even waiting for a response. As one of my strongest fighters I know she’ll get the job done.

“Grey!” I shout through our mind link. I need him to be okay, I need him to be alive.

“Karter!” Grey yells back, “Thank Goddess. Where are you?”

“Get to the fallout shelter,” I shout to a passing family before directing my attention back to mind linking Grey, “I’m on my way to find Rose. You need to get Denise to the fallout shelter.”

“We’re already here. Your parents are too, they wanted me to let you know. I’m going to get Denise settled and then I’ll be out to help you find Dylan,” he explains, determination firm in his voice.

“No!” I shout, “You’re staying there with Denise. She needs you. You’re going to be a father Grey your child needs you.” I know how much he cares about Rose but he has responsibilities of his own to take care of.

He doesn’t respond for a while, I can tell he’s battling with the two strongest sides of him. Having to choose between his loyalty to his family and his loyalty to me can’t be easy.

“Karter,” he starts and then stops as if he’s still thinking his decision through, “Don’t die alright? Your niece is going to need her Uncle K around.”

Tears burn my eyes but I sniff them away. I won’t let this turn into goodbye.

“You got it,” I respond and cut the link. I have to stay focused.

As the house comes into view, I whip out my phone and call Rose again hoping this has all been one big fluke. The flutters that erupt in my chest when I hear her phone ringing stop me in my tracks.

Focusing in on the sound I find the direction it’s coming from and rush towards the back of the house only to see nothing. Her phone is still lighting up creating a beacon against the grass beneath it.

The idea pops in my head to call Andrea. She’d kill me if I didn’t let her know and if anyone can find Rose it’s her.

Her voicemail gets me the four times I call driving me to leave a fủcking message.

“Damn it!” I shout, kicking a hole through the bottom of the stairs.

I’m completely out of leads. Her scent is nowhere to be found and her phone is lying here useless on the ground. Had I insisted she mark me and complete the mating ritual we wouldn’t be in this mess. Knowing that my own gluttony for her body is what threw that out the window is eating me alive. If I can’t find her I don’t know what I’ll do.

Vibrations from my phone pull me from my pity party. The name that slides across my screen sends a line of fire down my spine.

Opening the message I’m faced with a sight I never thought I’d see.