The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled Zeke away from her body.
“Son, please, we try to keep things simple a little longer,” William said.
Helen chuckled. “It’s lovely to see you both here. When William told me you were coming I couldn’t wait to see you again.”
“What’s the matter, Dad?” Zeke asked.
She sensed him tense as he took hold of her hand.
“I need to have a word with you, Zeke. Alpha to Alpha. Helen has offered to keep your mate company.”
“Is it important?”
“Very. Otherwise I wouldn’t ask at a mate gathering for a private word,” William said.
“Okay.” He turned to her. “I’m going to go, but I promise you Mom will take care of you.”
Mary nodded. What else could she do?
“Zeke, wait,” she said, wanting him to know how she felt. “I get it.” Glancing down at the floor, she tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “I love you, too.”
He paused, and then the biggest smile she’d ever seen brightened his whole face. “You pick the worst time to make me feel like the happiest man alive.” Zeke caught her up in his arms. “I love you, baby, and I promise you I’ll make this up to you.”
His lips were hard, and she melted against him. Seconds later he wandered off, and she was alone with Helen.
The other woman wrapped her arms around her. “I’m so happy.”
Laughing, Mary hugged the older woman back.
“My boy has spent so much time talking about you and how he’d find you. I didn’t doubt his effort, but I started to think he’d been taking weed and simply imagined you into existence.” Helen chuckled. “I know he’s not a young boy anymore.”
“Zeke talked about me?” Mary asked.
“Yes. He didn’t know your name, of course. Zeke told us he knew you were the one. That boy will never back down from anything.” Helen led her toward the sofas where several couples were groping or in different stages of undress.
“I, erm, I didn’t even know his name.”
“He’s a good Alpha. Zeke knows to keep his feelings close to his chest. Like his father he has a select few people close enough to him that he can trust.” Helen handed her a glass of dark liquid. “It’s scotch, my dear. It’ll keep you warm while they’re away. Business will come first.” There was a smile on her lips.
“How can you stand for the pack to come first?” Even as she said the words Mary knew she didn’t care if the pack came first.
“I know, honey, that when my man gets me alone later tonight or even tomorrow or maybe in a week, he’ll make it up to me.” Helen closed her eyes.
Feeling like an intruder, Mary glanced away.
“Honey, I know my son, and he’ll make it up to you in his own personal way. You’ll be protected, and you’ll never want for nothing.”
Sipping at the scotch Mary tried not to cough at the strong burning taste.
“I wouldn’t want anything from him. I’m happy just being around him,” Mary said.
“You’re becoming one of my favorite people.” Helen touched her hand.
They were silent for a long time as the music picked up. She noticed several couples were already naked, and things had taken a different turn.
Not knowing where to look, she stared down into her glass.
“Wolves do not care about nakedness. Being na**d is more natural than being in clothes. I was surprised to see Zeke in clothes. He’s more comfortable in shorts or anything that leaves him exposed,” Helen said, explaining things to her.
Mary felt her cheeks heat up. “I guess I’m still new to it all.”
The collar of her shirt was starting to itch. In the corner she saw Jane was naked. Her arms were wrapped around Max’s neck as he kissed his way up to her neck before claiming her lips. The two looked oblivious to everything around them.
Her skin felt sensitive to the touch. She really wanted Zeke. Her need was growing, and her wolf was starting to wake up. Touching her fingers to her temple, she tried to take deep, calming breaths. The last thing she needed was to lose control in a room full of wolves.
“Mary, are you all right?” Helen asked. The concern got through Mary’s clouded thoughts.
“No, I need Zeke.”
We need our mate.
Shaking her head, she took several deep breaths, needing her man to calm the beast within her.
Change.
Mate.
Hunt.
“Mary, I need you to listen to me,” Helen said. When the older woman touched her over-sensitive arm, Mary jumped back hissing. “Listen, bitch, this is my territory, and you will follow me.”
The sympathy in Helen’s eyes upset her. Mary felt the power pouring out of Helen, taking control of the situation.
“Listen to me, Mary, there are too many people. You can hurt us just as much as we hurt you. You’re not pack, and you’re here as a guest. Follow me, and I can protect you.” Helen touched her, and Mary did everything she could to stop herself from screaming at the other woman.
****
“We’ve found her,” William said, sitting behind his desk. Several pack leaders were stood around the room, staring at his father. Zeke couldn’t believe he’d heard properly.
“What?” Zeke asked, stepping closer.
“Debbie, we’ve found her. She’s in perfect health, but she needs all of us to go to her.” William looked excited.
“Why are we sat here waiting? We should be there and bringing her back to us.” They’d finally found Debbie. After all this time Zeke couldn’t believe the news. His woman had just admitted she loved him, and now he knew his sister was alive. He couldn’t help but feel happy with the news. His life was getting better. The future was looking amazing.
“She has asked for us to wait. I’ve got her location, and she’s requested us to wait. Her situation is delicate, and the people she’s with will not trust us. Dani and Roger have a lot to answer for,” William said.
“I bet. Experimenting on our own kind or any kind for that matter is f**king abhorrent. I wish I was there to kill them again.” the Alpha from one of the other packs spoke from the back.
Everyone agreed.
“What situation?” Zeke asked.
“Debbie was not the only one who escaped. Several people over the years had escaped. Dani and Roger have been doing this for years. The escapees have formed a pack, but they’re, erm, they’re used to living secluded, and they don’t have a great deal of trust in our kind. Also, they tried to stay away from humans altogether. Debbie hadn’t gotten the chance to contact us, but she finally got them to see reasoning with her getting in touch now.” William ran a hand down his face. “Debbie likes them and wants us to wait so she can prove to them that they can trust us.”