Gentle Scars Page 2

  “You will wait.” Devin’s command rings loud in my mind.

  My wolf whines, but settles. “It hurts.” My teeth grit as another wave of stinging heat rolls over my body, punishing me for disregarding her. My neck arches, straining against all reason. With my muscles coiled, I fight my instincts. I have no intention of going against my Alpha, but this is fucking torture.

  “I’m trying.”

  Our telepathic conversation pauses as the young women hesitantly walk across the stage. They reek of fear and anxiety, and the awful stench is a slap in the face. The reverberation of their shoes clicking against the metal stage continues to get faster and faster as more of them scuttle past us. The Authority demands the humans be deathly afraid of the paranormal species. Given my urge to howl in utter agony at this moment, I imagine I could reduce them all to nightmares and lasting trauma if I openly struggled to control myself.

  Containing this visceral reaction is brutal. The fear it creates will be rewarded by the Authority, so perhaps there’s a silver lining. The humans’ fear is good for us; not so good for the Alpha’s mate, though. I can smell her dread from here. They call her Grace. Although I can barely focus on her, I’m proud to welcome her into our pack. If she knew more about why these treaties exist and what it means to be chosen, I’m sure she wouldn’t be so damn terrified. But then again, neither would any of the other humans.

  A smirk pulls my lips up; I can faintly hear Dom and Caleb’s mate telling Grace something about us having sticks up our asses. The humor relieves the agony for a moment.

  “She must’ve met Dom.” I stifle my chuckle at Lev’s comment. Grace’s friend, Liz, isn’t as scared as she should be. Either that or she’s putting on a front. I barely resist the urge to turn my head toward Dom to gauge his reaction.

  Caleb snickers and says, “Our mate’s a little firecracker, isn’t she?” I can practically feel his grin. Ever since the two of them felt their pull to her, Caleb’s excitement has been radiating through all of us and his wolf won’t stop panting for her. If he were in wolf form, he’d be drooling with his tongue hanging out of his jaws. Dom’s enthusiasm is dampened by his reluctance to share his mate. I’m sure as hell not jealous of those fuckers. Especially not now that I’ve found my own mate.

  Goosebumps spread along my skin. My mate.

  “Which one is she?” Jude’s excited so many of us are finding our mates. Perhaps all of our mates are human. It would be a rarity, but then again, so is the continued existence of our pack.

  I search the crowd in the direction of the intense pull I’ve been denying. My eyes lock on my mate and travel down her body, appreciating every inch. She’s wearing a black, pleated leather skirt that ends mid-thigh, making her long legs appear even longer, along with her sheer thigh highs. Her high heels add even more to her height. Still, she’s got to be a few inches shorter than me. My gaze longs to strip away each button on her sheer white blouse. Her tanned skin and long black hair, along with her large dark eyes, inform me she’s new to the area. We come to this town for the offering every year, and I’ve never seen her or anyone like her; she must’ve moved here recently. A few strands of iridescent black pearls are settled over her cleavage. Filipino, maybe? I’ve yet to hear her speak. She drips of sex appeal … the only thing I’m certain of is that she’s mine.

  “Mine,” my wolf echoes with a growl.

  It’s evident she was made for me. Her black hair is pulled into a simple bun, exposing her slender neck that’s tempting me to bite her. To sink my fangs into the tender flesh and claim her. I stifle my groan as my dick twitches. My hands flex once again before fisting, my blunt nails digging into my skin.

  My mate’s dark brown eyes are focused on the far right of the stage, then they wander, studying every inch of the stadium and failing to follow my direction. A low growl forms in my chest, scaring the fuck out of the poor girl in front of me.

  Shit, I didn’t mean that. I’m too damn desperate for her attention. The need for her to see me nearly overrides my logical side. I need her to watch me like I’m watching her. Just the thought of her locking her eyes on mine makes my cock harden. I can’t wait for this damn offering to be over.

  My eyes narrow as I continue to stare at her gorgeous body. There’s no way she’s younger than nineteen. It’s not that she looks older; it’s something about her poise and the confidence she exudes. She’s a woman in every way. My mate should be up here. She should be in line, waiting to offer herself to me so I can take her. Even if she’s only just moved here, the terms of the treaty are clear. My heart speeds up with angst pumping through my veins.

  What if she’ll never be offered because she’s older than twenty-one? What if she doesn’t live in Shadow Falls at all and she’s only visiting? The thought of never seeing my mate again sends a pulse of panicked heat through my body with a force that almost brings me to my knees.

  “Calm down, Vince.” Devin’s stern voice grounds me and I place my hands behind my back.

  “I cannot. I cannot lose her, Alpha.” Even in my mind, his title is emphasized, both pleading with him and warning.

  There’s a second of hesitation. Only one, that’s tense and severe, before he answers.

  “You may stay behind only to find out why she wasn’t offered.”

  “Yes, Alpha.” My heartbeat slowly stops hammering in my chest as I continue to watch my mate. As soon as Grace and Liz are collected and safe in the cars, I’m hunting down those sexy, long legs. “Thank you.”

  “Shut the fuck up; our mates are here.” Dom’s threateningly low voice makes my lips kick up into a smirk.

  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were pissed.” I can practically feel his rumbling growl.

  “Knock it off. Dom, you handle your mate; I’ll handle mine. Grace is last, so we won’t have to wait. Any questions?”

  “No, Alpha.” We answer Devin in unison. This should be easy enough. Then I can track down my mate. I’ve never been so eager for an event to be over in my entire existence. My skin heats with anticipation as Grace walks past me. I can hear her breath steadying as she walks toward Devin. The presence of her mate is already soothing her nerves. Good. This will be over soon and then I can stalk my sexy little vixen.

  As I walk down the steps, knowing their mates are in place, chaos ensues on stage. It happens far too fast and unexpectedly. With rigid discipline, I don’t hesitate; I react. Moving to my position as ordered, I’m calm on the outside, but inwardly there’s an equal amount of chaos as there is on stage. Dom’s mate is screaming. Her cries are hysterical and they elicit a knee-jerk, involuntary reaction from the onlookers. Her fists pound with violent thuds against his hard body and it feels like a damn bullet to my chest. She’s fighting him. She’s resisting her mate. It’s shocking; it’s soul crushing. It takes everything in me to keep my expression neutral and not react.

  I can’t even imagine how he must feel.

  It’s not supposed to be like this. I’ve seen offerings before in my old pack. The women are meant to be calm and go willingly. The bond, even if they don’t know a damn thing about it, is strong. It’s unbreakable. It’s captivating. The touch of a mate is comforting. The only times there are problems at the offerings is when some asshole wolves take what doesn’t belong to them. That doesn’t happen much now that the Authority has taken over inter- and intraspecies relations.

  She doesn’t stop. Their mate fights for her life against them.

  “Are you sure she’s your mate?” Several growls vibrate through me in response. “I didn’t mean that. Shit, I apologize.”

  Caleb’s voice reaches me through the deafening snarl still coming from Dom. “Don’t worry about it. She’ll be all right. She’ll be fine.” Even though his words are laced with positivity and confidence, I can feel his apprehension. Those poor fuckers, Dom and Caleb. Their pain permeates through us. The cries of outrage pick up now that the crowd is no longer shocked and other emotions are surfacing. Double fuck. If
we don’t act fast, things are going to get messy.

  I’m vaguely aware of Devin’s aura pushing down on my shoulders, steadying me. Holding all of us in place and settling our nerves. I’m grateful for it.

  Devin’s mate fights against his hold as she screams her friend’s name, the trance broken. She pushes off of him in a futile attempt to free herself, but in her struggle against him, she’s radiating dominance. I flinch at the Alpha waves overwhelming me and look to Devin. He’s calmer than still waters, not even affected by her innate influence. I know he felt it, though. We all felt it.

  Our Alpha mate.

  “Calm her down.” Devin finally gives the command to Grace, the words spoken low, gently and she immediately composes herself as if they were a balm she needed. A soothing wind pacifies my nerves, even though Dom’s mate is still battering her fists against him. The effect of our Alpha mate’s emotions is overwhelming. It’s clear she was made for Devin. Together, the two of them exude power. I’ve been told that an Alpha finding his mate makes him stronger and his pack closer, but to feel it, to be a part of such a strong union—it’s all-consuming.

  As Grace holds Liz, Dom’s sadness and anger creep in. But typical of the beast he is, on the surface he’s furious. Grace’s powerful force is weakened when she sees his scowl. She’s terrified, gripping Liz tighter, protecting her small pack of two.

  The air is bitter with their fear.

  Devin’s hands settle on Grace’s shoulders; it does little to assuage the anxiousness rolling off her in waves. It’s so strong it’s practically choking me. But in an instant, the surges cease and my breath returns. I turn just in time to see Devin catch his mate as she faints. The crowd erupts in outrage and screams of terror. The Authority requires the humans’ submission and for us to reinforce it. This is not how I envisioned the day’s events. Every second is more somber than the last. My brow furrows in anger, but Devin continues to hold us in place. A fierce growl bursts forth from his throat, carrying through the stadium and silencing the humans.

  “Move.” He snarls his command and we all walk forward in unison. Devin cradles his unconscious mate in his arms while Liz cries helplessly, weaker by the second, flailing her fists against Dom’s back as he carries her over his shoulder like a caveman. The tension pours from him. I can’t help but to wonder what’s wrong with her. Something is very wrong. Dom’s grief ricochets through me as he releases a shaky breath; it’s the only indication he’s anything other than furious.

  “She’ll be better once we’re back.” Caleb’s words almost sound like a hopeful question. His panting wolf is whining in agony. I feel nothing but pity for all three of them.

  As I lead our pack to the parked cars, my gaze roams the stadium for my mate. But she’s gone. The hammering in my chest speeds up as I frantically search for her.

  Before panic takes over, I’m given my leave.

  “Go, Vince. Do not approach her. You have two hours.”

  Two hours.

  I don’t waste a second once Devin grants me permission. My limbs push forward with determination and my wolf claws at my chest to get to her. I must find my mate.

  Veronica

  A moment before the chaos that is the offering at Shadow Falls

  * * *

  My lips purse in annoyance listening to these foolish mutts snickering as they formulate a shit plan of retribution. I’ve never felt such a snarl of distaste overwhelm me. My eyes narrow and I bet these wolfish pricks waiting behind the stadium can’t even spell the word they chant in unison: retribution.

  Bitter cold envelops me at feeling the depths of my desire to rip them apart. It’s sudden and not welcome. Lifting my chin, I shut out their conversation. It takes more effort than it should, though.

  With an uneasy exhale, I return my attention to the stage. My intention was to discuss a proposition with the Alpha on behalf of the coven, but that’s not going to happen.

  I didn’t anticipate his pack finding mates. From what I’ve heard of Shadow Falls, it hasn’t happened in quite a while. So color me surprised by the change of plans. My nails tap impatiently on the metal seat in front of me as I watch both girls struggle against the massive beasts. Fear permeates the air around me and it reminds me of my youth.

  For some reason I have a soft spot for the petite blond wolf. Lizzie, if I heard her friend right. I don’t know how they can’t hear her wolf whining. Someone needs to let it out of its cage. My nose scrunches and my tongue clucks. If they’d calm the hell down, I may still have a chance to speak with Devin. That’s all right, though. I’m sure I’ll be meeting him soon when my big bad wolf comes to fetch me.

  My smirk is at odds with the screams around me, with the humans who cower in terror in their seats. Yet all I can focus on is the beast of a man who dares to stare me down as if I’m his. As if it’s his right to take me.

  He’s so obvious. A small smile plays at my lips while my heart beats with lust. He’s fucking adorable. Well, maybe adorable isn’t the right word. Sexy as fuck. Yes, that’s a better description. I could feel his eyes on me ever since he got here, willing me to stare back at him. My smile morphs into a wicked grin. He’s going to have to learn that it’s not so easy to earn my submission. Hell, I’m used to being the one giving the orders.

  “Let’s run them off the road,” one wolf murmurs beneath his breath just outside the stadium, grabbing my attention once again. Three are certainly werewolves, and one must be something else. Otherwise they wouldn’t have needed to speak aloud. Irritation runs through me.

  This time I’m even more displeased; they’ve interrupted the little fantasy I was concocting of my strong, handsome wolf on his knees for me with his tongue between my thighs. Holy hell, I can’t wait to enjoy him, play with him. I may even allow him to toy with me.

  The four assholes have finally gotten out of their cars to witness the spectacle on stage. It’s far too easy to hear the doors shut. They’re so fucking reckless. If we weren’t bathed in chaos, every soul in Devin’s pack would hear them with how loud they rush around the stadium’s perimeter. I’ve been listening to them rant incessantly about taking back this town for the past half hour. Their voices picked up with excitement when they realized Devin and the hulking doom-and-gloom were taking mates. That’s when I went from bored to pissed.

  With what they joked about doing … I’ll enjoy making them suffer.

  “You two go in the first car and we’ll follow. As soon as we get a chance, we’ll grab whichever one we can. We only need one to bring to Alpha.” My eyes roll at their piss-poor plan. Haven’t they seen the size of the werewolves they’re so desperate to fuck with? They truly are idiots.

  I don’t know much about the pack of Shadow Falls, but I know enough. Devin, the current Alpha, has always belonged here. A few years ago, he left before returning with a new pack to reclaim this territory as his. He had the backing of the Authority, and he’s the one the coven wants to deal with. So the “rightful pack” can piss off.

  The wolf girl shrieks yet again and it pierces my eardrums, making me wince. She needs to get her shit together. I look to the stage to see the Alpha mate passed out in Devin’s arms. My perfectly plucked eyebrows arch in surprise. I didn’t take her to be one to faint.

  “I hope we get the blond one; she looks like fun.” My attention is drawn back to these four dumb fucks. Devin doesn’t need to deal with this.

  As I right from my seat, I imagine he’ll be thanking me if I intervene and our negotiations will start out with the coven having the upper hand. He’ll owe us greatly for ensuring the safety of his mate and her friend. His pack will be more willing to hear the wishes of my coven.

  And from the way these dogs have been talking, it’ll be my pleasure to handle this minor mess for Devin. My lips curl up into a fiendish smile. Pride flows through me as I stride toward the parking lot to take care of this little problem. Taking one last glance over my shoulder, I’m certain my wolf will search for me. He’s eager and if
I’m honest with myself, so am I.

  Vince

  Tossing the cloak in the trash, I’m clad in dark washed jeans and a gray hoodie as I stalk around the back of the stadium. It’s mostly empty now so I can move around without being seen more easily. At the entrance to the stadium, I catch my mate’s sweet scent. My chest rises and falls with a slow beat, inhaling the soft fragrance. A heat spreads along my skin and my hands flex … fuck, my mouth waters even more.

  I walk slowly to the gate, my boots crunching over small rocks on the pavement, and inhale deeply, taking in the faint aroma of jasmine. Relief floods through me. The gnawing pit in my stomach subsides and my skin tingles with excitement. A wolfish grin graces my lips; the hunt is on. Unfortunately, the relief is fleeting as I follow the floral breeze to the parking lot. My heartbeat picks up once again. The thought of her getting into her car and leaving me forever is a real possibility. With my inner wolf howling in protest, my pace quickens. Staying quiet and crouched in the shadows of the building, I need to stay inconspicuous. There aren’t many people lingering, but I don’t want to draw any attention.

  I’m already too tall, my eyes not quite right. I don’t fit in but I don’t stand out too much either. Still, I’m careful to stick to the shadows and remain quiet.

  The scent trail takes me to a few parked cars, but then it continues past the lot and toward campus. Her sweet smell cuts off to the right down a sidewalk between two dorms. My head tilts as I eye the large brick buildings. Maybe she’s a student. My lips kick up into an asymmetric grin. Stalking past campus and toward Main Street, I’m eager to learn more about my mate. There are a few shops just now closing down, but there’s a bar and a nightclub at the end of the street. I follow my tantalizing mate and that’s when I go on high alert. Scenting the air, I fight the urge to growl.

  Wolves are here. And they sure as fuck aren’t from my pack. Adrenaline floods my veins knowing the trail to my mate and the trail to the unknown werewolves lead in the same direction. Both panic and anger consume me.