The Human In The Wolf Pack
Chapter 22

Tristan and I raced through the trees, my breath coming in quick gasps. Howls sounded as wolves swiftly began trailing us, running in a group as they began to descend on Tristan and I, but a different sound made me falter: A car’s engine roaring behind us. I dared to glance back and saw three jeeps approaching. Their engines roared as they tore through the forest, and I realized that those howls were to call the rest of the search party to us. The high beams from the vehicles shined on our running figures as we struggled to escape. I quickly saw a familiar frame standing in one of the jeeps, his hand braced against the rack of the vehicle as his cold, grey eyes narrowed in on me.

The sight of him had my heart racing, and I felt the strong urge to just give in. Let him take me back.

We have a responsibility. People need us. Terran said, sensing my thoughts. I felt tears burning my vision as I ran faster, my blurry gaze scanning the area for any form of shelter or escape.

“Don’t give up, Vera! Don’t stop!” Trenton said, running at my side, his tone desperate as he begged me to keep going.

I start gasping for breath and I stumbled, tripping over a root. I twisted my ankle harshly, and let out a yelp as I went down on the forest floor.

“Vera!” Rider called out, his concerned call ringing out amongst the chaotic scene.

It was too late, that one moment was enough to end the chase. Trenton hesitated for a short second but continued running off, soon disappearing. But I wouldn’t forget what he said before his figure disappeared.

“I’ll be back for you.”

It wasn’t over. Me being caught didn’t end things. Rider not wanting to let me go wasn’t enough to make them give up. The thought was enough to make me want to sob. I felt helpless, and this all just felt like torture. The car engine died and I heard footsteps quickly approach me as wolves surrounded me, looking at me with worry, as their wet, black noses nudged me, as they checked me for injury.

“Vera, baby, are you ok?” Rider asked, panicked as he scooped me up in his arms, appearing before me in between one blink of my eyes and the next.

I let a few tears fall as I looked away from him. It felt so good to be with him, the subtle ache that grew with every step I put between us had disappeared, but knowing I would have to leave again was torture. The feeling of his arms around me almost felt painful in that desperate, hopeless moment.

“You should have let me go,” was all I whispered.

He tensed but said nothing. After a moment, he began moving stiffly as he carried me back to the car. The pack followed us back, yipping excitedly at replaceing their lost Luna, but their usual contagious happiness didn’t spread to their Alpha and Luna. Dax drove, glancing back at us with a worried look. I guess he could sense the tension between the two pack leaders, but all I could feel was a sad exhaustion as I layed limp in Rider’s arms.

….

The pack Doctor smiled as he finished wrapping my ankle.

“Just take it easy. You’ll be fine in a few weeks,” he advised, patting my leg.

I gave him a shaky smile then he left. I glanced at Rider nervously, as he sat across the room, tense and silent. He looked up, his sharp grey glaring at me. I flinched slightly and scooted away, averting my gaze.

“What haven’t you told me?” Rider gritted out.

“I have gifts,” I said, the truth pouring out easily. I was too tired to fight it.

He took in a deep breath, annoyed.

“What do you mean ‘gifts’?”

“I can read your aura. What you’re feeling. I heal faster too. Apparently there’s more, I just don’t know about everything yet. Tristan is supposed to teach me.”

“That’s not going to happen. Auras? Healing? Vera, you’re human. This is all too ridiculous to believe, unless you can prove it.” He growled harshly, his rage making his eyes change from grey to gold rapidly.

I was silent for a moment, waiting for him to collect himself before slowly glanced at his aura.

“You’re angry, and hurt. A bit jealous and you’re worried. Also there’s this weird murky green color. I think it’s suspicion. Which probably means you don’t believe me,” I stated, eyeing the multicolored space around him.

He tensed, eyeing me with an unreadable look.

“You aren’t going.”

“You don’t have a choice, Ri. And frankly, neither do I. I have to do this. This is bigger than us-“

“DON’T YOU GET IT? I CAN’T LET YOU GO! Vera…. I love you.”

My heart nearly stopped. He… Loves me. I nearly laughed. Those words both sent me flying with happiness and falling with misery. I was just a puppet, my strings being pulled this way and that. The mate bond demanded I stay, but my brain told me I had to go. I couldn’t let anything happen to Rider. If I just hid away and ignored what Tristan told me, the world as I knew it would end.

“I love you too,” I finally whispered.

It was like every muscle in his body relaxed as he rushed over to me, his long, muscular legs taking long strides across the room. He pulled me to him, holding me close before bringing our lips together. It was just as great as the first time.

Tingles shot through my body, making my toes curl. He made my misery vanish in a single moment, as my body rejoiced at his presence. I clutched close to him, nearly begging for the comfort he oozed into my being. His lips made my mind go blank, all I felt was him, how good he felt and how right he made the world. He leaned me back onto the bed and his body covered mine, his lips were frantic, desperate. They communicated how he had felt. He had been terrified.

I brought my hands into his hair, pulling him impossibly closer as I wrapped my legs around his waist. He growled slightly and I smiled against his mouth. One hand played with the hem of my shirt, then slipped in and grasped my h*p firmly. His hand was on fire and it made me gasp as I pulled back.

His eyes were like dark coals of l**t and it took my breath away. He kissed down my jaw and neck as I arched my back into him he felt like… Like heaven. I almost cried at the thought of leaving him. He started sucking one he spot above my collar bone and I let out an involuntary m**n.

He smirked victoriously against my skin as he continued to k**s and suck the spot. I knew what he wanted to do. What his wolf was driving him to do. He wanted to mark me. I was tired of fighting him, and drunk on the sparks that he sent across my skin. I wanted to press myself into his being. I wanted to force our bodies into one, so that we wouldn’t have to be seperated.

“Do it,” I whispered breathlessly.

He looked up at me with his beautiful eyes, full of something I had never thought I would have. A love so strong it knocked the breath from my lungs.He hesitated as his gaze burned into me. He was checking to make sure I was ready, even as his eyes flashed gold. His wolf was pounding at his defenses, but Rider wanted me to want this as much as him. I smiled at him before cupping his face in my hand. He leaned into my touch, his skin setting me ablaze as I shivered.

“Please,” I begged softly.

And that’s when Rider sunk his canines into the sweet spot on my neck and marked me. At first, the pain was nearly unbearable. It burned, and tore at my nerve endings. A silent scream left my mouth, as I dug my nails into his shoulder blades, trying to push away the unmoving Alpha. Then pleasure, pure and strong broke through my body. I let out a cry as the whole world seemed to narrow in on the feeling.Then, like shattering glass, it crumbled until I was left with my Rider, lapping at my fresh mark.

I shuddered at the warm, soothing feeling against the raw skin. After a moment of silence, he looked up at me when he was done. His expression was tender, and soft as he radiated satisfaction. He placed a soft k**s on the corner of my mouth as his hand moved up to pet my hair, gently.

“Are you alright, Ver?” He asked, his voice soft and sweet.

I nodded with a tired smile and he beamed at me, satisfied as he eyed his fresh mark

“You’re mine, kitten. All mine,” he said proudly, eyes gleaming.

It was odd to see such an animalistic look on his face as he leaned over me, but I knew that Rider was a werewolf. The need to mark your mate was intense, or so I heard, and now his female proudly sported proof of his bond.I curled into his side, exhaustion taking over. He chuckled and kissed my forehead.

“I love you, I love you, I love you.” He chanted quietly into my ear, almost like a prayer.

Like he was praying it would make me forget the Gift. Like he was praying I would stay. Could I leave again after this? I’m not certain the answer was yes.

I slowly felt my consciousness fade under the rhythm of Rider’s heart beat. At least I still had tonight.