Wolf Untamed by Alexis Calder

8

“You need some rest,” Kyle said as he started walking. “First shift takes a lot out of you. I’ll show you where they set us up.”

“Technically, it won’t be my first shift,” I admitted.

Kyle’s brow furrowed. “Alec mentioned that the curse wasn’t an issue anymore but I didn’t know you’d shifted.”

“Well, since I’ve decided to trust you and all, I guess you should know.” I matched his pace and walked alongside him, hoping his sense of direction was better than mine. “After you and your friends threw me in that cave to die, I fell through a hole and thought I did die.”

“Not my friends,” he cut in.

“Fine. Your former alpha.” It sounded both strange and comforting to say those words. The unsaid was that I was his current alpha. It was a bizarre feeling. Especially since our pack was currently at two members.

“What happened?” he pressed.

“I honestly don’t remember, but my wolf forced the shift and got me out of there. Alec found me and brought me here.” I winced when I said that part. Another reminder of the fact that Alec had saved my life.

“I had no idea that was how you got out. Or how you met Alec.” Kyle was quiet for a moment as he continued forward, toward the woods and the lake. I wasn’t sure we were going the right direction, but there was a little part of me hoping he would get lost. Then it wouldn’t just me be who sucked at keeping my bearings here.

“He said I was in my wolf form when he found me,” I added. “I do owe him for that.”

“At least you know you can shift,” he said.

“I haven’t since but it’s good to know the curse was a sham. For a while, I wasn’t sure I could repeat it. Now, I think I’m finally ready,” I said.

“So you were never cursed?” he asked.

“Nope. Neither was my mom if you can believe it,” I said.

“That makes sense,” he said.

I stopped walking. “What do you mean?”

He stood next to me. “My mom used to talk about your mom from time to time. They were friends when they were younger. I thought maybe she was mixing people up, but I know I heard her talking about your mom shifting.”

“Maybe it was before my grandfather was cursed?” I offered.

“Maybe,” he said. “I don’t know the timeline. But why would a shifter who knew how to shift and had been shifting suddenly stop unless they were forced?”

“I don’t know. Why would she return to Wolf Creek and keep me from my dad?” I asked. “Why did she quit parenting me and decide to earn her money on her back?” I shook my head. “I had to stop asking so many questions about my mom.”

“Do you want to know who he is?” Kyle asked.

“I can’t believe Alec told you. Or that he’s known pretty much since he met me and didn’t bother to say a word.” I shook my head. “He just keeps showing me how much worse he can get, doesn’t he?”

“I don’t think he meant to hurt you,” Kyle said.

“Are you kidding me? I told him everything. He knew how bad my life was and he still handed me over to them,” I said.

“You know how silver-tongued Ace can be,” Kyle said.

“You’re seriously defending him?” My jaw dropped open. “You know, if you’re going to be on my team, it’s not going to work well if you’re taking the side of the man I can’t stand.”

“And you and I aren’t going to work well if you don’t take my advice seriously. You don’t have to accept it, but my job is to protect you. If you can’t trust my judgement enough to consider my suggestions, I can’t keep you safe. We have to listen to each other. For now, it’s just the two of us. We’re going to have to do our best to navigate the limited resources we have. And Alec is a resource.”

I scowled. “Fine. I will take your comments into consideration.”

“That’s all I’m asking,” he said.

“Did he tell you how he made me fall for him?” I asked.

“I got a few details. He also told me how sorry he was and how much he still wanted you. It was kind of pathetic actually.” He elbowed me playfully. “You can do better.”

“Not helping,” I said.

“I tried,” he said with a smirk.

“Okay, where is this tent you’re taking us to?” We were in the woods, away from the others. “We’re lost, aren’t we?”

“Not a tent,” he said. “They’re letting us use this little cabin out here.”

“The cabin?” I had to make sure I’d heard correctly.

“Yeah, it’s supposed to have a shower. And not to be rude, but you could use one.”

I had to smile at that. “Right back at you.”

“I’ll let you go first, then I’m definitely taking a turn,” he said.

“The cabin is Alec’s house. Did he tell you that?” I asked.

“No, but he told me you might refuse to stay there.” Kyle led us down the little path in the woods and I could already see the cabin. We were nearly there.

“The thought crossed my mind,” I admitted. “But as long as he’s not there, I’ll accept the space. And the shower.”

I knew we weren’t in a position to be picky. Plus, the cabin had the added benefit of being rather secluded. I wasn’t in the mood to interact with the rest of the camp. Especially since I had no idea what I was going to do when I saw Sheila or Malcom. Sheila had been my first real friend ever. So I thought. And Malcom had tried to warn me about Alec. What else did he know that he hadn’t shared? I wondered if he’d be someone I could add as an ally.

I followed Kyle up the steps that led to the front door. He opened it and we walked into a cozy, bright, welcoming space. A worn couch covered in blankets sat on one side of the room, on the other was a double bed with a patchwork quilt. A lamp on the bedside table was on, giving the space a warm glow. On the right was a little alcove with a window. It held a small table with three wood chairs around it. To the left was a single door. My guess was that it was the bathroom.

No kitchen or other rooms, but it was enough space for the two of us. The cabin was homey and peaceful. Despite the fact it had been Alec’s home, I felt at ease here. It didn’t look like it had even the slightest bit of Alec’s personality. I knew the cabin had once been Greta’s and it looked exactly as I’d imagine a space she’d decorated should look.

I walked to the door and opened it to reveal a tiny bathroom complete with sink, toilet, and shower. It sure beat peeing in the woods. “Not bad.”

“You sure Alec lived here? It looks like it belongs to a grandmother,” Kyle said.

“It did,” I said. “I guess Alec never updated it.”

“Well, guess it’s ours for a few days while we figure out our next steps,” he said. “Why don’t you shower. I’ll see about some food.”

“Thanks.” I stepped into the bathroom. Fast shower, then food. It was exactly what I needed. Well, and some sleep. But at this point, I might as well wait till evening and just sleep all night.

The water pressure was non-existent, but I managed to get washed up with the surprisingly nice smelling soap. After drying off, I put back on the same weird borrowed clothes. I frowned down at the ill-fitting, dirty garments. One of these days, I’d have my own clothes again. And more than one pair so I could wear things that were clean.

My hair was a soaking wet tangled mess hanging down my back. I looked around the bathroom in the hopes of finding a hair tie. Under the sink was a pack of toilet paper but nothing else. Not a single sign of a woman ever staying over. Somehow, that surprised me. Had he cleaned the space out or was Alec not having women over? When we hooked up, it had been in my tent. Maybe he was a no sleepovers kind of guy.

The sound of a door closing made me jump. Then I remembered that Kyle was bringing food and I quickly left the bathroom.

Kyle was in the room, and he did have food, but he wasn’t alone. I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for Alec to say something.

“Might as well give him five minutes, Lola,” Kyle said. “That’s all.”

After our earlier conversation, I felt like I owed it to him to be supportive. Kyle and I hadn’t said it, but it felt like we’d started over. Clean slate and all that shit. Besides, as much as I hated to admit it, Alec was helping us. It was probably out of guilt, but we could use the assistance for now.

“Five minutes,” I said.

“Can we go for a walk?” Alec asked.

I glanced at Kyle. He held up a sandwich. “It’s portable.”

“I hate you right now,” I said.

He handed me the sandwich. “I know.”

Annoyed, I walked to the door, knowing that Alec would follow me out. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with him, but the sooner I got his over with, the better. I quickly moved down the steps and started walking.

“Slow down,” Alec called.

I stopped and turned, prepared to say something snarky. Instead, I noticed his limp. My shoulders dropped and my brow creased in concern. How could I forget? If they gave him the toxin, he couldn’t rapid heal. If it wasn’t out of his system yet, he was basically human.

“Are you okay?” I asked, not masking my concern.

“You were right about that pack of yours,” he said. “They like to hurt people who can’t fight back.”

He had dark circles under his eyes, but none of the usual visual damage on his face that I would typically carry. They hadn’t hurt him the same way they usually hurt me. “What did they do to you?”

“Did you know your mate is into whips? Like old school torture shit.” He turned and lifted his shirt, revealing the marks crisscrossing his back.

I dropped the sandwich and walked over to him. Alec lowered his shirt, and turned to face me. We were the closest we’d been since he’d prevented me from running from my old pack. It felt too intimate, but I let myself linger there, inches from him.

My heart raced, my breathing quickened. All my senses felt like they were on overdrive. I could feel Alec’s body heat, I could smell his scent. I wanted to help him, to comfort him, but I held back, unable to let myself follow through on the desires. Once, he was comfort and support. Now, he was a reminder that I had to protect my heart.

I took a step back. “Did he see your mark?”

“I don’t think so. He enjoyed ripping my clothes to shreds with his whip. Fucking sadist. Kyle brought things for me to wear when he got me out,” he said.

“Does Kyle know about your mark?” I was suddenly nervous that I’d lose my only ally to Alec. Surely, Kyle would offer to follow him instead. As much as he’d been begging me to hear Alec out, I started to wonder if that was the plan.

“He doesn’t know. And I’m not going to tell him.” Alec studied my face, his gorgeous, two-tone eyes felt like they might penetrate my soul.

I tore my gaze away. Everything about this felt too personal.

“You’re the only one who knows about it,” he said.

I looked back at him. “That’s impossible. Sheila?”

He shook his head. “I’ve never told her. After what she went through, I couldn’t face her knowing I had a mark that I never acted on. And yes, I know I’m a hypocrite.”

“I wasn’t going to say it, but I was thinking it,” I admitted.

He smirked. “I know.”

“What about the other girls you’ve been with?” There was obvious jealously in my tone. “There’s no way I was the only one.” I tried to cover my slip up by pretending I wasn’t hurt. I got the sense he saw right through me.

“I told you, I had a mate once. There was her. Then there was nobody until you,” he said.

My heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces. Desire coursed through my veins. I still wanted him, even after all he’d done to me. I was broken. Something was seriously wrong with me. I deserved to be with someone who had my back, no matter what. Someone who wouldn’t turn on me when it got difficult. I would rather be alone than worry that I couldn’t trust my partner.

“I can’t,” I broke eye contact and looked down at my hands, “I can’t do this with you.”

“Do what, exactly?” Alec asked.

“Pretend to be something we’re not.” I forced myself to meet his gaze. My wolf was reacting, clawing and restless. She was just as stressed and confused as I was. Alec hurt me. I couldn’t let anyone hurt me again.

He ran a hand through his hair. “Fine. We keep it all business.”

“Fine,” I agreed, but my heart was protesting. I hated this. Why did he still have a piece of my heart? And why had he ruined everything between us? We were just getting to know each other. What if we could have had something amazing?

I swallowed hard, trying to push all the what ifs from my mind. It was too late for any of that.

“Are you going to try to shift tomorrow?” he asked.

“Greta can’t keep anything to herself, can she?” I asked.

“I didn’t hear it from her. It’s a full moon. It makes sense. As long as the toxin is out of your system,” he said.

“I felt my wolf today.”

“That’s good, you should be ready. You’re going to love running in the woods. It’ll change everything once you connect with your wolf.”

Flutters of anticipation swirled in my gut. I was excited for the shift, and nervous about what would come next. “What about you? Is the toxin gone? Can you feel your wolf?”

“Not yet, but I’m hoping the full moon helps him fight back against the toxin.”

“They must have given you a lot,” I said.

“Maybe,” he said. “I wasn’t fully conscious for most of it. Or I blocked it out.”

“I get that,” I said.

We stood in awkward silence for a few moments. Things used to be easy between us. I hadn’t known him long, but we’d had something special. Now, it was long gone.

“Now what?” I finally caved, the silence was too much. “Is there anything else you want to say?”

“It can wait,” he said. “After you shift, we can talk. Then you can decide about your next steps.”

I didn’t want to press today. Exhaustion was kicking in and the sun was dipping low in the horizon. “Alright.”

He turned and walked away, leaving me standing outside his cabin feeling uncomfortable and anxious. There was a part of me that wanted to chase after him and beg him to let us go back to where things were before we went to Wolf Creek. I cursed myself under my breath and turned back to the cabin. There was no changing the past.

All I could do now was try to make the best of my future.