#rrpg

Scarlett: *shoots a nerf gun at @BloodMoonFirst because… well, I don’t know, I just did it*

Cole: *Looks around as it bounces off my back and calmly says* It's probably not the best idea to shoot your alpha with one of those things when you can still barely stand.

Scarlett: A playful smirk lifts my lips and I aim, shooting again this time hitting you between the eyes.

“Oh yeah?”

Cole: *My head jerks slightly in an involuntary reflex as the spongy dart hits me between the eyes. Capturing her eyes with mine, I turn completely around to face her, while making a mental note to see if that facility with a nerf gun extends to actual weaponry. It might be handy. Slowly walking towards her with our eyes still locked*

Maybe someone should take that away from you before you get hurt.

Scarlett: I gulp, loudly as he walks closer, each step widens my eyes. While our eyes are connected my wolf whines and I bare my neck slightly. My breathing hitches as our eyes are locked- it’s like I can’t look away from you. My mind races with all the meanings of that simple phrase. I offer the nerf gun up to you.

“I’m sorry Alpha Cole.” my voice trembles slightly but I don’t fear you actually hurting me, I just felt the urge to say it too, “I don’t believe you will hurt me.”

Cole: *Goddess damn it, who has hurt this woman so badly that she reacts this way? Her father, yes, and he's going to pay, but if there are others, they just made my hit list. In other circumstances it would please me for her to offer me her submission but I don't want it because she fears me. What's necessary to keep order with unruly pups feeling the first stirrings of adulthood should /never/ be what my mate feels for me. Carefully, I take the offered toy and lay it down on the table beside her. My finger traces down her tilted neck, and if there's wistfulness to it, well, hell, even Alphas are allowed to have feelings for their mate. And she /will/be my mate.*

You're right in that Scar. I won't ever harm you. You're mine to protect, not to hurt. You need to get used to that idea. And, *looking at the toy gun and smirking* maybe we need to get you out of here a little bit. Fresh air on the balcony's good, but I know some pups that would really enjoy that nerf gun.

Scarlett: Turning my head to meet his touch when he caresses my neck it feels exhilarating yet comforting. It was a change from my father and his usual acts. A hint of desire filled my veins- but it was undetectable to my nostrils or my brain. I leaned my head in his hand and looked up

I was still unable to read the emotion behind his eyes. It was a product of not having true friends, being near wolves basically at all- I had been too sheltered over the years. When Cole mentions the pups. I smile.

“You mean I’m allowed to go see them?”

I had thought I would not have been allowed due to not being an official part of the pack, and the alphas I had known, the ones my father promised me to many times over didn’t want me around many others to reduce the chance of finding my mate, but Cole was my mate- or would be. If he didn’t reject me for the sins of my father.

“I would really like to meet them and play.... may I shift?”

She meant the question as an eventual occurrence. She had never been “allowed” to shift it had only happened on accident and her punishments were severe.

Cole: "May you shift?"*My eyebrows raise incredulously.* You don't have to ask that. We all need to let our wolf run, let it hunt regularly. I only ask two things of the pack -- don't do it where humans can see, and don't play lone wolf. There's a reason wolves live in packs. We're safer together than apart. So if you feel the urge to take a moonlight run, I'd ask you to do it with me. Maybe when you're stronger, when you've made some friends in the pack, with someone else, but never alone.

*Unable to resist the urge to touch her, I tuck a lock of hair behind her ear.*

Got it? For now, the same goes if you want to get some air outside this room. You're not strong enough to get much past your door without help.

*Then there's the issue of other packs attempting to reacquire her. Not happening. But I know if I mention it, she's going to shut down on me again. Her fucking father has screwed with her head to the point she'd feel she was being a burden and she might try to slip away because of it. She has no sense that this is what packs exist for. To protect one another, care for one another, provide for one another, regardless of the who's or where's or why's. Pack is all.*

Scarlett: I stammer for a moment. “I wasn’t allowed. My father would punish me if I did.” I looked down at my hands- I was insecure about shifting and my wolf. Could I even do it on command? Maybe, I never had before. Would it still hurt? Definitely, my wolf and I fought each time. She didn’t like that we didn’t play more. I close my eyes for a moment when Cole toys with my hair, it’s comforting and I don’t shy away. My trust is slowly building with him.

“I would like to try to shift sometime soon. I know you’re busy though.” I chewed on my lip nervously, “I just mean, I don’t want to disturb your work or be a burden.” I gulp. “I can wait whenever you would have a little free time.”

I turned to face him, studying his face. The kindness in his eyes pulled me in. Taking a shaky breath I leaned into his side. Pack life as an adult was new to me. I didn’t quite understand the importance of it. However, the conviction in his voice, the shine of his eyes when he spoke of them it was pride, belonging. I wanted that, but would they accept me? My insecurity screamed NO in my head and I fought to ignore it.

“Do you think any of the pack will be willing to become my friend and run when you can’t?”

Would he let others run with me? What if they were males? Shudder. I wanted to pull my question out of his ears and back to my mouth, and swallow it but too late, he heard.

Cole: *Fucking hells! That explains what Doc told me. No wonder she and her wolf aren't on good terms. I want to go rip her father's arms off, but if she senses my anger she's going to misinterpret it completely. My arm slips around her as she leans into my side and she feels so fucking good there...like I've been missing a piece of myself and just found it.*

Ok, let's get a couple of things straight here. First, you are not and never will be a burden. Second, work is always there. It's not going anywhere if I take some time do something I want to do. I have trusted lieutenants that can keep things going on an even keel and even make decisions that can't wait if necessary. And third, *tilting her head up to look her in the eyes again* I am always going to make time for you. But there will probably be times you want to spend with friends and that's ok, too. You'll make a lot of friends here. Just let me know where you going and who you're with if you leave the compound. That's SOP. Anyone going out, whether for business or pleasure, always lets security know they're going and when they expect to return. *sighs* I won't lie to you Scar. It probably seems over the top for someone who's spent so much time in the human world, but I pack life is different. We take care of each other.

Scarlett: I wrapped my arms around him, thoroughly comforted by him saying that I could shift - maybe I could convince my wolf to fully return to me. Plus, she wanted to be close to Cole too. His scent tickled my nose. Having someone be willing to put things aside for me was new and very different. The pack rules were strange- but he insisted they are for safety. I nodded causing me to nuzzle deeper into his embrace. I could do it. I believed him. I was shocked at first he was so willing to care and give me his time. It was precious. I looked at him and offered a smile. His kindness was encouraging.

“So I’m allowed to shift, I can leave so long as I tell people, and I can tour the grounds? Will the pack accept me on the pack lands even though I’m not a member?”

She wanted to belong- and father told me stories of packs. I lick my lips and swallow before I speak not knowing how he would react to the thought I had been unfairly forced to believe.

“My father told me packs attack outsiders just for being on the pack land. It scared me. When we had to move because I shifted he said it was my fault.”

Cole: *A growl rumbles in my throat. I can't help it. I'm just so pissed she's been lied to and abused her entire life. Made to believe her abuser was her only hope. Tilting her chin up to look in my eyes...*

From this moment forward I want you to disregard everything your father has ever told you about anything. It's all been either an entire lie or manipulation of facts to scare you. No one is going to attack you for roaming the territory outside the compound in either wolf or animal form. If we're under alert, and someone unknown is found by patrols then they're brought here to determine their intentions unless they choose to fight. Then my wolves will do what they need to in order to survive, but they all know information is king and dead wolves or humans have none to give so they'll still try to bring them to me. Under no circumstances will they attack someone without direct provocation. We communicate with the local grey wolf pack and they recognize us as allies in keeping the territory preserved for natural use, so if someone is found by them that doesn't belong, we'll know even if they evade the patrols. *Smiling at her* Don't look so surprised. Wolves are smart. They find ways to let us know what they need us to. And you aren't an outsider. Scar....

*dammit, I want to kiss her into next Tuesday right now but she won't welcome it yet. She might accept it out of fear but I want her to want it. Instead I settle for dropping my face into her hair and inhaling her scent, letting my wolf revel in finding her again, before speaking again.*

Scar, you are part of this pack now. This doesn't have go to council. They're an advisory body, not lawmakers. I /am/ the law here. With your permission, it will be announced at council meeting tomorrow night.

*And they'll all be fucking glad of it. I've been under pressure to take a mate for succession purposes the last five years but I've know she was my true mate since the day we met 12 years ago and haven't been shy about letting everyone know it. Everyone but her.*

But not your father. By rights I should kill him for the trouble he's caused.

Scarlett: The growl did scare me. I burrowed close- hoping to calm him and myself in the process. He was upset and I had done it. Cole was right. My father had lied to me, constantly and abused me. It was an eye opener to hear someone else say it. I decided to come forth with another truth, it would make him angry but I couldn’t hide it from him.

“I went to see my father at the other pack, he is the one who did this.” I lifted my hair and showed the bruised side of my neck from where he choked me, and the healing bruises from hitting the cell bars.

“I’m sorry I let it happen. I just wanted to ask him why he took me and lied so much.”

Seeking comfort I held tighter. When we returned to the conversation I was shocked. He wanted to announce me! I nearly squeaked in excitement. I attempted to compose myself before I spoke.

“I would like that... it would mean I get to meet them all right?” My smile widens as I think of making friends and becoming a true part of a pack.

Cole: *pushing her hair further back from her neck to clearly see the bruise, my eyes go flat*

I'll kill him for that alone.

*Pulling her in tightly, I can no longer resist the impulse to kiss her. But I'm measured and gentle with her...this time.*

Yes, you will meet all of them. Only those on security patrols will not be there and I will see you introduced to security separately anyway. You'll need to be issued a cell phone and gate pass. But, *sighing, because she needs to know this* I want you to understand something. I want you for my mate Scar, but becoming part of the pack is absolutely /not/ contingent upon your agreement to that. I don't want you that way. I want you to want it. To want me. And you don't know me well enough to decide that yet. Some people are going to make assumptions. They may congratulate you or do some other asinine thing that makes you uncomfortable. I'm asking you not to let it spook you, but also not to disabuse them yet. Only to say we are still getting to know one another. They'll understand that. In my pack it's always the female’s choice as to who she mates. That's how good relationships are formed and how packs are successfully run over centuries. By giving our females the respect they deserve. That I'm the alpha changes nothing with regard to that. I won't force anything or allow you, or any female, to be forced. *smiling softly* I'm just asking you not to freak out and to give us that time to get to know each other before you decide.

Scarlett: He wanted to kill my dad, and shame crossed my mind because I didn’t care. I should have run from my dad ages ago-maybe I wouldn’t be such a mess now. My voice is a whisper.

“I can’t protect him. He broke laws and abused me. He deserves his fate.”

I look down, my resolution becoming stronger. I was seeking comfort in Cole. His chaste and gentle kiss made me make a soft noise sound in my throat, almost like a purr. I was comfortable and trusted him. As he spoke I watched him. He wanted to mate me, which was a surprise, I thought he may want to reject me for the royal mess I was. I took his hand with mine, noting how big it was compared to my own, hell he nearly had a foot on me.

“I won’t run, you have given me no reason.” I chuckle softly at an idea. “So they may ask awkward questions? Like ceremony and pup stuff?”

It may be funny to me now but in the moment I knew I would be speechless.

“Thank you for your kindness. I didn’t realize how much it would mean to me. I want to get to know you Cole, know why our souls have been paired together. And why you didn’t reject me for my issues.”

Cole: *stifling a laugh* Questions about the ceremony and pups are only part of it. I have it on pretty good authority that the females do some razzing to other females about the mating night. I've heard they're worse than the guys.

*Growing more serious, enfolding her small hand in mine.*

Your 'issues' aren't your fault. I see you Scarlett Mitchell. I see who you are inside. I saw your soul the first time I met you. There's strength in you, determination and honor. You're a true alpha female. We just have to let her come out.

*Clearing my throat of the emotion that seemed to be clogging it...*

Now, let me see about getting you something to wear besides a nightgown and a bathrobe so I can take you to see the pups. I don't think you're up to walking that far, though. I can carry you, or, if you don't think that's appropriate, I'll find a wheelchair.

*And I'm really hoping she lets me carry her. Besides just wanting her in my arms, it makes a statement. To me, and to everyone else.*

Scarlett: “I’ll let them know we’re working on it...and leave it at that.”

I laughed heartily. It felt good to laugh, to be cherished by him. That’s what it was. I was cherished and I knew it. That’s why I felt at ease. He had plenty of opportunities to influence me or force me to do something or anything and he never did. I was free to be myself and he liked that.

“Clothes would be nice. And I agree I can’t walk that far and why bother with a wheel chair? If you are comfortable and able to carry me I don’t mind. I trust you not to drop me.”

I offer a lopsided smile. It would feel nice to wear clothes again other than the pajamas I had been wearing.

“Can I use the kitchen some time? I uhm I like to bake and would really like to make something to meet everyone.” It would calm me and I knew it- nervous about meeting others. I had one more question.

“Do you have any exes or sexual partners that may try to make me jealous or demean me?” I was used to being called names- I just wanted to expect it if I had to.

Cole: *Ah shit, now we get to a sticky part. Hedging at first...*

I'm sure we can arrange for you to use the pack kitchens. *Smiling a little* Magda is like a grandmother to me. She runs the kitchens. A little bonding time over flour and vanilla would probably be a good thing. She'll like it that you want to. As for exes... *running my hand through my hair* I'm no angel Scar. You were only a kid when I met you but I wasn't. At 18 I'd had a girlfriend for a couple of years. She assumed she was in line to be the next alpha's mate. She was wrong. I broke up with her the day after I first saw you. But we hadn't exactly waited for the mating ceremony and she thinks that gives her rights. It doesn't. Recently I've been under pressure to take a mate and have pups to ensure the succession but I blew it off. I knew there was nobody else I could be tied to for the rest of this life and into the next except you. Anya has made noises that she should be that mate. She won't be even if you reject our mating. As for anyone else, *shrugs sheepishly* I won't pretend to have ignored sex after you were gone. But I kept it the occasional one-night hook ups outside the pack. No phone numbers exchanged, no expectations and I always used protection, so no repercussions. And I /never/ stopped looking for you.

Scarlett: “I look forward to meeting Magda then. Maybe she can tell me stories of when you were an unruly pup.”

I laughed and caught something- was he nervous? As the words tumbled from his mouth part of me was hurt he didn’t wait. It started the voice of insecurity- was I worth it? Ignoring the voice the best I could I continued to listen. It must have been hard on him to have known, and me not- and still wait. At least he didn’t have a bunch of pups with others. That would terrify me. I had 0 motherly instinct and the little things were too fragile for me to hold. Yep I’m terrified of babies. I rested my head against Cole’s shoulder to show him I wasn’t angry. Sad, a little, but not angry.

“I’m a Virgin. I know you didn’t ask but I wanted to share. I never stayed anywhere long enough to develop deep romantic feelings.”

I coughed and blushed- might as well get the awkward out of the way.

“I nearly had sex with a boy when I was fifteen, my dad caught us and beat me so bad the doctors believed I was in a car crash- we moved before questions could be raised. And some alphas and their sons tried.”

Sensing his anger, I placed a soft kiss on Cole’s shoulder. “They didn’t succeed. And I forgot their names.” I added the last quickly knowing that you would want to most likely growl or do something. “I don’t know if you would ask for it but I forgive you for not waiting.”

Cole: *A growl rumbles in my throat, but not at the thought she almost had sex with someone as a teenage kid but at the idea that she'd been beaten for it and attempts to force her had been made. Enfolding her in my arms, I hold her close to me.*

I want you to make an effort to remember those packs. There's a beat down coming to their alphas. Mostly for you, but also because any pack with an alpha that would allow that let alone participate in it needs a new alpha. Blood Moon won't trade with them.

*Tilting her face up to look at me, I look into her eyes and can't remember for the life of me why I'd ever been with another. The idea that she hadn't made parts of me swell that needed to stay calm right now, thank you very much. Ok, I believe females have the same rights and needs as males, but that I'll be her first fills me with a ridiculous amount of pride. And also makes me realize how my thoughtless pursuit of occasional tail hurts her now.*

I'm sorry about the others. Thank you for forgiving me. If you'd been with someone, it wouldn't have mattered to me...well, I'd want to kill them, but that would be on him, not you. But I'm glad you weren't. As far as Anya...I didn't know what real love was. As soon as I saw you, I knew what I had with Anya wasn't it and I stopped it. And for the record, I have a feeling you are going to take me into uncharted territory, both emotionally and physically. And *smiling at her a little* I can't wait.

*Leaning down and kissing her again, still careful not to scare her with the hunger she stirs in me, but more deeply than before, letting my hand run down her back to her waist and pulling her into me, murmuring against her lips*

Now that I understand, they'll never be anyone else. Even if you don't choose me.

Scarlett: I wanted to say I choose him, but he was right. We both needed to learn of each other before our full mating would occur. I wanted to reassure Cole in a way I could. My lips moved timidly against his. The moment was brief but ignited a desire that pooled in my stomach. When I pulled back I resisted the urge to look down at his lap. Instead I looked up into his eyes and would forever remember the look on his face.

“Cole. I....” I started, and had to steady my breath. “I choose you now. I want to try to be the female you deserve and need.” So much progress was made, but oceans more had to be done. “Can we date? And figure us out?” He was sweet and I liked his scent, it was strong but not overpowering.

Cole:*My heart just tried to make an escape from my chest. She chose me. Of her own free will, she chose me....*

Baby, I already have it figured out. But we can date as long as you need us to until you catch up. It'll be fun for both of us and it'll give you time to understand pack life and what being the mate of an alpha is all about. But if you're sure, I want you to do something for me for now.

*Loosening my hold on her I step back and reach under the neck of my tee shirt, I pull out a simple gold band strung on a cord of leather.*

This is my grandmother's wedding ring. It's not common for shifters to wear rings because they can get lost in transition, or worse, get embedded when you shift. She wore it like this. She told me once she liked the symbolism of a ring, no end, no beginning, just endless love. *lifting it over my head, I lower it over hers* It would make me happy if you'd wear it. You can keep it under your shirt.

Scarlet: Shocked when you place the ring over my neck. I toy with it for a moment. Knowing it was your grandmother’s has me choked up with emotion. I clear my throat several times as I look at the beautiful gold band.

“Why would I ever hide it?”

I loved the ring, it was perfect to me. I made sure it was visible on my chest as I looked up at him. I wanted him to have his claim as I wanted to have my own. “It is an honor to be given such a tremendous heirloom. I appreciate it so much.”

Tears brim my eyes as I move closer to Cole and press my lips to his. I knew it would cause a stir when seen, but it was just as much for me as it was for him. Reaching over to take his hand I bring it to my cheek.

“I just wanted to date to be sure you knew you wanted me too. What if I’m not good enough? Or the right alpha female for the pack?”

Cole: *Laying my handover hers* Stop. Right Now. I never want to hear the words "I'm not good enough" out of your mouth again. You're the right mate for me and the right female alpha for this pack. *Smiles* I won't pretend you don't have things to get past, to learn. But everybody's got baggage. If yours is pretty heavy right now, we'll lighten it. If you've got to learn how to be part of a pack, how to be the apex female, you'll do that too. You just be you. Go at it in your own time. I've got your back, and others will too. So no worries baby. We'll get there. *kissing the palm of your hand* I've waited this long for the love of my life to come to me. You're worth waiting a little longer for.

Scarlett: I grin and tackle him backwards onto the bed, peppering playful kisses along his cheeks, lips, and jawline. He was incredible. Patient. Kind, loving. And he was here for me.

“Would you wear one for me as well?” An idea percolated behind my eyes. He was willing to wait and that made me feel even better. I was basically in his lap, yet he wasn’t pushing nor expecting more. I could see myself with a future here and a future with him. I could see us leading together. Cole was incredible- she couldn’t blame the she-wolves around about wanting him she wanted him, and was glad he would be her first eventually. A thought caused her to pause, freezing.

“You said you were being pressured for pups. Will they do that more now?” Chewing my lip.

Cole: *A groan escapes me as she lands on top of me and my body goes rock hard*

Damn baby...

*Swallowing hard, because I love this and hell, yes, I want more, but this isn't about that. It's because she's happy and fuck, yes, that makes me happier than I ever though something could. Still, I can't help rolling her over and kissing her until we're both breathless. Finally, ending it, I settle down to her side and hold her against me*

Yes, I'll wear one for you baby. I'm glad you want me to. I like the idea of being marked by you. As for pups

I think the council elders will just be glad when I've officially taken my mate and they'll see this is a first step. Pups will come when we're ready. Now, no promises about Magda though. She wants my kids to spoil.

Scarlett: I giggle and blush softly as I realize the effect I have on you. I nestle against you to the side to make sure you’re comfortable.

“I just got too excited I’m sorry if I caused too many issues.”

Hoping you get what I am referring to. The moment was nearly perfect. It would be if I didn’t have to deal with the bullshit that had been put upon me. Looking at the male who was my mate. He was in control of himself- and my hormones were raging. I would have to learn that control otherwise.... yeah not going there. I traced your hand with my fingers.

“I’ll watch out for Magda trying to give me fertility tea or stuff.” I laughed, it seemed I would learn quickly what it was like to have a family again. “Will I be allowed to visit family? My father had kidnapped me from my mother and brother. They’re at Francis’ pack.”

Cole: Excitement is a good thing. Please...*it comes out a little more strangled than I would like, but ...* Keep causing all the "issues" you want. I can handle them now and it’s a great promise for the future.

*Intertwining our fingers as we lay there, I sigh* That might be a problem until we're officially mated. Francis wants you and he's not going to give you up easily. I'm going to trust that he's honorable enough not to go after you once you're my female alpha, but until then, he's going think you're fair game. We can invite them here, to visit or stay, but what he lets them do is questionable so long as he sees them as an avenue to you.

*What I didn't say is that if Francis is like his old man he's likely to try to kill me once we do mate. But one thing at a time.*

Scarlett: Looking at you, a million thoughts in my eyes.

“Well... what if we start the mating process and just hold off on sex until we’re ready? Is that even possible?”

I truly didn’t want to cause Cole any pause or have any question about which pack I was going to belong to. And if necessary I could wait to see my family. I only wanted to let them know I was okay- and happy, and treated so well.

“I can wait.” I offer a smile. There was so much for me to do to work on myself to truly prepare to see them, and become the alpha female. Thank goddess he would be there. To support and guide. I suddenly stood up. And pulled Cole with me.

“Can I borrow one of your shirts?”

I mash my lip again and wait for a response- it was going to be a male pride thing she knew. Males loved their scent on their female. For the first time in a long time I felt very happy- it was warming my heart. And I heard my wolf in my head- not angrily, she was purring almost again.

“Mate” she said. Talking out loud to her without meaning to. “I know he is.”

Cole: *I swear to the gods my already hard body grew another two inches at her wanting to wear my shirt. Puffing up a little, I pull off the one I'm wearing now, completely forgetting about the tattoo beneath and offer it to her and look at her with a sexy smirk.*

I want my scent on you to be fresh. So it's clear to everyone whose you are.

*Licking my lips, trying to frame an answer...*

Francis will know when he sees you whether or not we've mated. After we've consummated our mating, our scents will change. You won't just have my scent on you, it will blend with yours and become part of it. Just like yours will blend with mine. He'll know when he gets close enough to scent either of us. So, no, I think we have to wait before you see your family anywhere but here. But, *loathe to keep this from her* I'll still formally invite them to visit. Francis will have to be included in the invitation, and I don't doubt he'll come if he allows them to, but I can control the environment here. And if he won't, I have a back channel we can use to get a letter to your mother.

Scarlett: I pulled the t-shirt over my head and stopped to look at him, who wouldn’t? Wow. He was an Adonis. He towered over me and that smile made my knees feel weak. “Do you think he honestly will?” I questioned feeling a little uneasy. “I’ll write the letter just in case.”

But something else bagged at me. I never knew but was dying to.

“What is my scent? Do you like it?”

I look up and bend my neck so if he needs to he can take a big inhale. I knew Cole would never force me to do anything-again plenty of opportunity and he hadn’t touched me outside of what I initiated. Safe.

“My wolf wants you... just so you know.”

I stared now at the tattoo that looked like me. All rationality stopped.

“Did you get my face tattooed on you?” Shocked and honored. Without asking I reached out and touched it, trailing my gentle fingers along each intricate line and detail utterly blown away, “wow.”

Cole: I drop my head to inhale her deeply, and if I lick that luscious neck a little, well, hell, I'm full-blooded male in total love and lust with his mate*

My wolf has wanted you since he first caught your scent, the forest fresh after a rain with wildflowers mixed in.

*Pausing as she notices the tattoo and flushing a little because damn, now she's going to know I was tracking her, and answering quietly,*

I had it done a few years ago. A man of mine got a photo on his phone when we were tracking you. You moved on too quickly for me to get to you in time, but I had the pic. *smiling a little* I had the tat done so you'd always be with me.

Scarlett: Overwhelmed with emotion as I take in the gravity of the situation and the depth of his devotion. “Thank you.” I stretch onto my tip-toes and softly press my lips to his, moving and building. My arms wrap around his neck and tickle his back. It was an incredible likeness and flattered her greatly to be added to his body in such a way before she even knew.

“You looked for me.” I grinned- more flattery. “I always wondered if anyone cared and this just made me know... for sure that someone was always there loving me despite my flaws and despite my kidnapping.”

My father always made me feel like less and after a few years I believed him. I stay close to Cole, enjoying his warmth.

“Knowing you looked for me, I just. I am so thankful for you Cole.”

Cole: *I breathe a sigh of relief as I hold her in my arms. I'd worried she'd think I was invading her privacy by having operatives out running down leads, looking for her, but she understood.*

I'm the one that's thankful. After all the dead ends, after all the near misses, you're

finally here. And, despite everything, you've been through, you chose me. So yeah, I'm the thankful one. You're here. You're safe. And you're mine.

Scarlett: “I was wondering- who all was looking for me? My father only had one friend. Raphael. I think. He helped hide me. And was one of the inappropriate males I met.”

I shuddered at the memory of him trying to make me sit on his lap. I shove that away and burrow closer to Cole. His warmth keeping me sane.

“I mean he would con alphas and promise me to them if they harbored us.” I recalled my first visit to this pack. It was scary because my father had already promised me to another- but we ran away after he received the money from the alpha. My father would have a lot of packs to answer to, hopefully after I was mated so none could try to claim and take me away from Cole. I lean in and kiss the tattoo.

“I really like the tattoo.” With your shirt covering me I pull you toward the door. “I want to see my new home.”

Cole: *Raphael's name just got added to my hit list.*

Every pack your father conned is probably looking for him, and by extension, you. It doesn't matter. None of them wanted you for who you were. I did then and do now. If I have to, I'll pay back your old man's debts. After that I’ll take it out of his hide. But this is your home now and no one is changing that.

Scarlett: “Well if we’re mates then he sold something that wasn’t his and couldn’t we say he’s responsible for his deceit?”

I wasn’t quite sure of the laws but it seemed like a possibility.

Cole: He’s responsible for more than that. And he’ll pay for it. *Mentally I make a note to have our cybersecurity section look for bank and investment accounts the old man might have. Repossessing them would cover some of the cost of repaying those debts. The other packs don't have the talent available that I have for that type of investigation but it’s no sweat for my tech people. Smiling as she kisses my tattoo, I allow her to pull me to the door.*

#TBC

*That old saying ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’ is such bullshit. What happens when life gives you a damn kick in the balls? Not that I have any mind you … but you get my drift. It has been a long line of unfortunate events year after year … it's enough to make a vampire voluntarily go out into the sun. 

I don’t mean to complain but shit … it’s difficult not to just so fuck it to the world. I was once born into the world of the Glymera, though we were ranked towards the bottom of the infamous totem pole of rankings. But my parents had once been able to attend the race’s lavish parties and hobnobbed with the members of the founding families. I had just transitioned and was supposed to have my presentation to society but fate had other plans.

Somehow we lost all of our fortunes and were ruined by Montrag, son of Rehm. My father was going to start a business with him, but instead, Montrag swindled him out of the partnership and he had to sign over all his properties. Members of the Glymera were supposed to observe rigid codes of behavior but apparently money and power always trumped justice. But that was the Glymera for you. Double standards abounded. That’s not even the worst part. My poor mahmen I felt died of embarrassment and humiliation, though the doctors would state it was a heart attack. As there was nothing that the aristocrats loved more than a scandal, what could be more fun than watching another family’s downfall? The entire family had to hear the hushed backstabbing comments from various members and endless rejections due to our new humble status. Soon after, my father’s health deteriorated under all the stress and loss of his mate. Leaving my brother and me alone. We were basically homeless after spending our last few remaining dollars on the burial of my parents. 

I remained incensed to the point of rage about them and their standards, but it wasn’t like I could line up that judgmental bunch of bullshit aristocrats and yell at them. Living independently from all that had been a far more healthy and successful strategy so we moved to Charleston, South Carolina to the other civilian community where we had a distant cousin with whom we could stay and start fresh.

It had been a struggle having to start over, no friends, no money. I had to learn to cook, clean, go grocery shopping, everything I had taken for granted in the past because we had doggen to do all of that. Though it has been about twenty years since we lost our fortune and parents, it still stings today when I think about it.

Since then, my brother found a dangerous but lucrative way to make enough money for us to get our own two-bedroom apartment. He found a private vampire club that had an underground fighting ring where civilians are conscripted to beat the shit out of each other while the Glymera make money on bets. We even found out that they had caged Wolfen species on-premise as well. Think Brad Pitt with fangs or claws and the human movie Fight Club … but sometimes to the death. My brother found a position for me as the assistant to the special events coordinator that handled everything to do with their high spending “whales”. 

I learned how to communicate with the whales, book their rooms or reservations, and obtain whatever they needed. Anything from expensive cigars and liquors, flying in special foods or fruits from different countries to finding females for feeding or sex. I learned the ropes pretty quickly and the whales began to prefer me to handle them instead of my boss, probably because I was a female with a pretty face. Eventually, last year I became the coordinator when my predecessor suddenly disappeared.

I kept my ears open for tidbits of information that may be useful to my brother and me. As a female, I apparently didn’t pose any threat and faded into the background so I overheard tons of stuff from the flunkies to the whales to the bosses. Growing up in the Glymera, I knew secrets were a currency that I could take advantage of to regain our status and raise it even higher than it had been before our fall from grace. The females were especially gossipy and tended to disregard me when I handled their requests. They were a rich resource that also dealt in secrets and couldn’t keep their mouths shut about their hellren’s affairs - intimate or business. It was surprising that both the females and their males paid me extra to keep my own mouth shut about their bouts of ring around the bed-chamber.